Elastic laminate

Abstract

An elasticized panel for a training pant or other absorbent article is disclosed. The panel is of a laminated structure and includes first and second non-woven layers. An elastomeric film is positioned between the first and second non-woven layers. A plurality of elastic strands is positioned between the first and the second non-woven layer. The panel provides improved fit, comfort, and leak resistance for the absorbent article.

1 . An elasticized panel comprising: 
 a first nonwoven layer;    a second nonwoven layer;    an elastomeric film layer positioned between the first and second nonwoven layers; and    a plurality of elastic strands positioned between the first and the second nonwoven layers.    
     
     
         2 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , further including a plurality of elastomeric films.  
     
     
         3 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first nonwoven layer defines a first outer surface of the panel, and the second nonwoven layer is parallel to the first nonwoven layer and defines a second outer surface of the panel.  
     
     
         4 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the strands are between the elastomeric film layer and one of the first and second nonwoven layers.  
     
     
         5 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the strands exert a retractive force greater than the elastomeric film layer.  
     
     
         6 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a percentage of elongation of the elastomeric film layer and a percentage of elongation of the strands are not equal during lamination.  
     
     
         7 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the elastic strands have a percentage of elongation that is greater than a percentage of elongation of the elastomeric film layer during lamination.  
     
     
         8 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric film layer includes a plurality of spaced apart elasticized film strips.  
     
     
         9 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the spaced apart film strips are parallel.  
     
     
         10 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the elastomeric film layer further includes elastic strands positioned in spaces adjacent the film strips.  
     
     
         11 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the elastomeric film layer includes at least one elastic strand positioned directly on at least one of the film strips.  
     
     
         12 . An elasticized panel comprising: 
 a first nonwoven outer layer;    a second nonwoven outer layer;    a first elastic film layer adjacent the first nonwoven outer layer;    a second elastic film layer adjacent the second nonwoven outer layer; and    a layer of elastic strands positioned between the first and the second elastic film layers.    
     
     
         13 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 12 , wherein bonding between the layers of the panel is accomplished by one or more of pressure bonds, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, or adhesives.  
     
     
         14 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the adhesive is applied in one of a solid coat or in a pattern.  
     
     
         15 . (canceled)  
     
     
         16 . (canceled)  
     
     
         17 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the strands are attached to the film in a continuous manner.  
     
     
         18 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the strands are attached to the film in an intermittent manner.  
     
     
         19 . An elasticized panel comprising: 
 a first nonwoven outer layer;    a second nonwoven outer layer;    a first elastic strand layer adjacent the first nonwoven outer layer;    a second elastic strand layer adjacent the second nonwoven outer layer; and    a layer of elastic film positioned between the first and the second elastic strand layers.    
     
     
         20 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 19 , wherein at least some strands are placed within unglued channels formed in either the nonwoven layers or the film layer.  
     
     
         21 . An elasticized panel comprising: 
 a first layer;    a second layer;    an elastomeric film layer positioned between the first and second layers; and    a plurality of elastic strands positioned between the first and the second layers.    
     
     
         22 . The elasticized panel as recited in  claim 10 , wherein an aspect ratio of less than 3:1 defines a strand, and an aspect ratio of greater than or equal to 3:1 defines a film.  
     
     
         23 . A method of producing an absorbent article comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a plurality of elastic strands adjacent a surface of an elastomeric film layer; and    interposing the elastic strands and elastomeric film layer between first and second nonwoven layers.    
     
     
         24 . An absorbent article comprising: 
 a body portion; and    an elasticized panel associated with the body portion, the elasticized panel having: 
 a first nonwoven layer;  
 a second nonwoven layer;  
 an elastomeric film layer positioned between the first and second nonwoven layers; and  
   a plurality of elastic strands positioned adjacent a surface of the elastomeric film layer and between the first and the second nonwoven layers.