Abstract: The present invention provides for an elastic film comprising a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) wherein a first MD orientated zone comprises a first polymer composition which comprises of a first melt strength and a first width dimension. The film also comprises a second MD orientated zone disposed immediately adjacent to the first MD orientated zone in the CD and comprises a second polymer composition which comprises of a second melt strength with a second width dimension. The first polymer composition and first melt strength are different in comparison with the second polymer composition and second melt strength.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to apply a first and second polymer composition that have different melt flow indexes in a zoned fashion onto an elastic film wherein the first polymer composition in the first zone is nonbonded to a nonwoven material and the second polymer composition in the second zone is bonded to the nonwoven material.

Abstract: An elastic laminate is provided including at least one gathered outer facing layer of a fabric and an apertured elastic film attached thereto. The aperture film includes a series of alternating first and second segments that extend continuously along the direction of elasticity. The first segments of the film are substantially devoid of any apertures and the second segments are strewn with apertures of irregular size and shape. The regionally limited and irregular apertures are formed by the controlled rupturing of the film within those segments. The elastic laminate has excellent air-permeability and elastic properties.

Abstract: A method of making a composite elastic laminate is provided where an elastic layer is stretched in the machine-direction and while in a stretched state is fed into a grooved-roll assembly, together with outer facing layers, for imparting simultaneous cross-direction stretching forces to the superposed layers. The bi-directional stretching forces causes the elastic layer to tear and/or rupture allowing the laminate to be bonded in areas where the elastic layer has been displaced. Upon relaxation, a composite elastic laminate is provided having excellent breathability and elastic properties.

Abstract: An elastic laminate is provided including outer facing layers of a fabric and, located between the outer facing layers, a series of individual, spaced apart strips of elastic film extending continuously along the direction of elasticity. The film strips are formed by a controlled tearing of a continuous film while the film is biaxially stretched and bonded to the fabric facings. The fabric facings have gathers formed therein that allow the elastic laminate to stretch at least to the extent that the gathers can be pulled flat.

Abstract: An elastic laminate is provided including at least one gathered outer facing layer of a fabric and an apertured elastic film attached thereto. The aperture film includes a series of alternating first and second segments that extend continuously along the direction of elasticity. The first segments of the film are substantially devoid of any apertures and the second segments are strewn with apertures of irregular size and shape. The regionally limited and irregular apertures are formed by the controlled rupturing of the film within those segments. The elastic laminate has excellent air-permeability and elastic properties.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second film segments are joined at an interface, wherein at the interface a tip of the second segment overlaps the first segment in the cross-direction of the film. The film has a thickness “T” at the tip of the second segment, and the second segment has a thickness “t” at a distance T in the cross direction from the tip of the second segment. The ratio T/t is suitably greater than about 3. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: As described herein, an extensible sheet material includes a first and a second zone that is separate from the first zone. The first zone exposes a first color or pattern when the extensible sheet material is stretched beyond a first percentage. The second zone exposes a second color or pattern when the extensible sheet material is stretched beyond a second percentage greater than the first percentage. Absorbent articles that include the extensible sheet material are capable of indicating to a wearer when the extensible sheet material has been stretched too little, too much, or just the right amount.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second film segments are joined at an interface, wherein at the interface a tip of the second segment overlaps the first segment in the cross-direction of the film. The film has a thickness “T” at the tip of the second segment, and the second segment has a thickness “t” at a distance T in the cross direction from the tip of the second segment. The ratio T/t is suitably greater than about 3. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second film segments are joined at an interface, wherein at the interface a tip of the second segment overlaps the first segment in the cross-direction of the film. The film has a thickness “T” at the tip of the second segment, and the second segment has a thickness “t” at a distance T in the cross direction from the tip of the second segment. The ratio T/t is suitably greater than about 3. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The multi-segment films include a pattern of surface embossments on a surface of the first film segment and a pattern of apertures extending through the second film segment. The first and second segments have different compositions whereby the unitary film includes distinct segments having varied physical properties such as, for example, varied levels of breathability and/or elasticity. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second film segments are joined at an interface, wherein at the interface a tip of the second segment overlaps the first segment in the cross-direction of the film. The film has a thickness “T” at the tip of the second segment, and the second segment has a thickness “t” at a distance T in the cross direction from the tip of the second segment. The ratio T/t is suitably greater than about 3. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: Films and film laminates include a blend of polymers, the blend including an elastomeric block copolymer in an amount from about 51% to about 95% by weight of the blend; and a polystyrenic polymer in an amount from about 1% to about 25% of the weight of the blend, wherein the polystyrenic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polystyrenic homopolymers and polystyrenic random interpolymers. The films and laminates are elastic in the cross machine direction and have a relatively high modulus, or stiffness, in the machine-direction.

Abstract: As described herein, an extensible sheet material includes a first and a second zone that is separate from the first zone. The first zone exposes a first color or pattern when the extensible sheet material is stretched beyond a first percentage. The second zone exposes a second color or pattern when the extensible sheet material is stretched beyond a second percentage greater than the first percentage. Absorbent articles that include the extensible sheet material are capable of indicating to a wearer when the extensible sheet material has been stretched too little, too much, or just the right amount.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second film segments are joined at an interface, wherein at the interface a tip of the second segment overlaps the first segment in the cross-direction of the film. The film has a thickness “T” at the tip of the second segment, and the second segment has a thickness “t” at a distance T in the cross direction from the tip of the second segment. The ratio T/t is suitably greater than about 3. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The composite is formed by passing an extrusion-coated film/nonwoven laminate through a nip to create apertures through both the film and the nonwoven. The apertures are of a size sufficient to provide a desired level of texture, softness, hand feel, and/or aesthetic appeal to the composite without having a significant adverse effect on its elastic properties. Apertures are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, element pattern, degree of film tension, temperature and pressure conditions, and so forth.

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The composite is formed by passing an extrusion-coated film/nonwoven laminate through a nip to create apertures through both the film and the nonwoven. The apertures are of a size sufficient to provide a desired level of texture, softness, hand feel, and/or aesthetic appeal to the composite without having a significant adverse effect on its elastic properties. Apertures are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, element pattern, degree of film tension, temperature and pressure conditions, and so forth.

Abstract: Unitary films and laminates thereof are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The multi-segment films include a pattern of surface embossments on a surface of the first film segment and a pattern of apertures extending through the second film segment. The first and second segments have different compositions whereby the unitary film includes distinct segments having varied physical properties such as, for example, varied levels of breathability and/or elasticity. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited, for example, for use as outer covers in personal care articles.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastic composite formed from a laminate that contains a cross-linked elastic film and a nonwoven facing is provided.

Abstract: Films and film laminates include a blend of polymers, the blend including an elastomeric block copolymer in an amount from about 51% to about 95% by weight of the blend; and a polystyrenic polymer in an amount from about 1% to about 25% of the weight of the blend, wherein the polystyrenic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polystyrenic homopolymers and polystyrenic random interpolymers. The films and laminates are elastic in the cross-direction and have a relatively high modulus, or stiffness, in the machine-direction.