Variable stretch composites and methods of making the composite

Abstract

Variable stretch composites having one or more first elastomeric members disposed on a first region of an extensible substrate, and one or more second elastomeric members disposed on a second region of the extensible substrate which different from the first elastomeric members to provide variable properties to said regions of the composite. The composite has been incrementally stretched to at least partially break up the structure of the substrate in order to reduce its resistance to stretch. The variable stretch composites are useful for disposable and durable articles, such as disposable absorbent articles including diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, catamenial garments, baby bibs, and the like, and durable articles like garments including sportswear, outerwear and the like. The present invention also relates to methods of forming such variable stretch composites.

1 . An absorbent article, said absorbent article comprising an elastic component, said elastic component comprising a first substrate having an elastomeric composition disposed thereon in a predetermined geometric pattern such that said elastomeric composition partially penetrates said first substrate.  
     
     
         2 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said elastic component has an elasticity of between about 5 N/m and about 400 N/m.  
     
     
         3 . An absorbent article according to  claim 2  wherein said elasticity is between about 25 N/m and about 300 N/m.  
     
     
         4 . An absorbent article according to  claim 3  wherein said elasticity is between about 75 N/m and about 300 N/m.  
     
     
         5 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said elastic component is selected from the group consisting of a topsheet, a backsheet, an ear, a side panel, a waist member, a leg elastomeric member, a chassis member, a fastener and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         6 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said predetermined geometric pattern is selected from the group consisting of continuous patterns and intermittent patterns.  
     
     
         7 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said pattern comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting or rectilinear stripes, curvilinear stripes, spirals, dots, geometric figures and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . An absorbent article according to  claim 7  wherein said element has a width dimension of at least about 0.2 mm.  
     
     
         9 . An absorbent article according to  claim 7  wherein said element has a thickness dimension of at least about 0.1 mm.  
     
     
         10 . An absorbent article according to  claim 10  wherein said pattern has a spacing between said elements and said spacing is selected from the group consisting of uniform spacing and non-uniform spacing.  
     
     
         11 . An absorbent article according to  claim 5  wherein said elastic component comprises at least one additional elastomeric composition disposed on said substrate.  
     
     
         12 . An absorbent article according to  claim 11  wherein said elastic component comprises first and second elastomeric compositions and said second composition is disposed on said substrate in a pattern different than said first composition.  
     
     
         13 . An absorbent article according to  claim 5  wherein said absorbent article comprises at least two differing elastic components.  
     
     
         14 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said substrate is selected from the group consisting of nonwoven fibrous webs and woven fibrous webs.  
     
     
         15 . An absorbent composite according to  claim 14  where said fibers comprise a polyolefin material.  
     
     
         16 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said elastic component has been incrementally stretched.  
     
     
         17 . An absorbent article according to  claim 1  wherein said elastic component further comprises a second substrate joined to said first substrate to form a laminate, wherein said elastomeric composition is disposed between said first and second substrates.  
     
     
         18 . An absorbent article according to  claim 17  wherein said second substrate comprises a film.