Elastomeric ear construction for disposable absorbent article

Abstract

The use of a drawstring-like design for the elastomeric member in an absorbent article is disclosed. The elastomeric member is attached to the longitudinal axis of the article near its center and covers the back portion of the article forming ear-like structures that have fasteners attached to them so as to fix them to the front portion of the article.

1 . A disposable absorbent article, said article comprising: 
 a main body having a longitudinal axis with front and rear portions, the front and rear portions being connected by a crotch portion, and    an elastomeric member attached to the front and/or rear portions of said article, near the longitudinal axis of said main body, in such a manner that said member projects radially outwards from the longitudinal axis to either side of the article.    
     
     
         2 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises: 
 a liquid impervious outer sheet,    a liquid permeable body liner, and    an absorbent core disposed between said outer sheet and said body liner, said absorbent core lying predominantly in the crotch region and being substantially rectangular in shape, and said front and rear portions of said main body being broader and spread out in a wing-like manner from the sides of the crotch portion.    
     
     
         3 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elastomeric member is attached at its center near the longitudinal axis of the article, and is interposed between the body liner and the outer sheet.  
     
     
         4 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elastomeric material is attached at its center near the longitudinal axis of the article on the outer sheet of the article.  
     
     
         5 . The article as claimed in claims  1  or  3 , wherein said elastomeric member projects outwardly so as to form ear-like structures.  
     
     
         6 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said article is a diaper having fasteners attached to either edge of the elastomeric material so as to affix the elastomeric material to the outer cover of the article.  
     
     
         7 . The article as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said fasteners include buttons, adhesive tapes, hooks and loops, snaps and latches.  
     
     
         8 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said article has a pant-like structure wherein said front and rear portions of the main body are permanently joined at their respective left and right edges.  
     
     
         9 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elastomeric member has two symmetrical portions that are attached near the longitudinal axis of the article and project radially outward.  
     
     
         10 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment is by the use of adhesive substance, heat fusion, or stitching.  
     
     
         11 . The article as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elastomeric material has low elasticity.  
     
     
         12 . The article as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said elastomeric material includes spandex elastic strands and elastic strands.