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 laminate capable of being rolled for storage and unwound from a roll when needed for use, includes an elastic layer of an array of continuous filament strands with meltblown deposited on the continuous filament strands, and a facing layer bonded to only one side of the elastic layer. The meltblown layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%. The laminate suitably has an inter-layer peel strength of less than about 70 grams per 3 inches cross-directional width at a strain rate of 300 mm/min. Alternatively or additionally, the continuous filament strands and/or the facing layer may include an elastic polyolefin-based meltblown polymer having a degree of crystallinity between about 3% and about 40%.

Abstract: An elastic-powered shrink laminate includes a shrinkable layer and an elastic layer bonded together while the elastic layer is in a dimensionally unstable, stretched state. The elastic layer remains substantially in the stretched state prior to shrinkage of the shrinkable layer. When the shrinkable layer is activated, the laminate retracts, and the retraction is aided (i.e. powered) by the elastic layer. The elastic-powered shrink laminate is useful in personal care absorbent articles where latent, post-assembly retraction of a waistband region is desired.

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: 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 multilayer composite includes a pattern unbonded elastic layer attached to at least one extensible facing layer. A method for forming an elastic multilayer composite includes the steps of providing an elastic material; bonding the elastic material to form a pattern unbonded elastic material; and attaching the pattern unbonded elastic material to at least one facing material.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic strand layer laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic strand layer through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic strand layer may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic strand layer may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic strand layer and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminate material includes the steps of providing a first flexible sheet material; providing a second flexible sheet material having a first surface and a second surface, and also having a first width of 1×; stretching the second flexible sheet material in a cross-machine direction to a second width of between about 1.2× and 3× when in a flattened state; necking the second flexible sheet material to produce an accordion shape, thereby reducing the second width of the sheet material to a third width, less than the width of the first width, such that the third width is between 0.65× to 0.975× when in an accordion shape; applying adhesive to the first surface of the second flexible sheet material with a slot coat adhesive process; and joining the first flexible sheet material to the first surface of the second flexible sheet material.

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 the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. 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. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable therapeutic article including an ultrasound transducer having a first electrode, a second electrode and a piezoelectric material disposed therebetween, the ultrasound transducer being positioned within a pocket so that, as the user moves, the ultrasound transducer moves to a different position in the pocket.

Abstract: A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.

Abstract: An elastic composite formed from a lightweight nonwoven facing that has a low degree of strength in the cross-machine direction (“CD”) is provided. Through selective control over certain parameters of the materials employed in the composite and the formation process, the present inventors have discovered that such low strength and lightweight facings may be readily laminated to an elastic film without significantly damaging their integrity. For example, in one embodiment, the elastic film may possess a multi-layered construction that includes an elastomeric elastic layer positioned adjacent to a strength-enhancing thermoplastic layer. The polymer content and thickness of the thermoplastic layer are generally selected to impart additional strength and integrity to the film. Likewise, the polymer content of the elastic layer may also be selected so that the film possesses a sufficient tack for adhering to the facing.

Abstract: An elastic multilayer composite includes a pattern unbonded elastic layer attached to at least one extensible facing layer. A method for forming an elastic multilayer composite includes the steps of providing an elastic material; bonding the elastic material to form a pattern unbonded elastic material; and attaching the pattern unbonded elastic material to at least one facing material.

Abstract: An elastic laminate capable of being rolled for storage and unwound from a roll when needed for use, includes an elastic layer selected from the group consisting of an array of continuous filament strands, an array of continuous filament strands with meltblown deposited on the continuous filament strands, and a film; a gatherable facing layer bonded to only one side of the elastic layer; and either an adhesive that demonstrates a relatively short open time deposited between the elastic layer and facing layer, or such adhesive and a postbonding adhesive or nonblocking agent, or a nonblocking agent layer deposited on the elastic layer on a side opposite to the facing layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic film through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the amorphous elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic film may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic film and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

Abstract: Various garments are disclosed which include a body adhesive for attaching the garment to the skin of a wearer. More particularly, the garment can include at least one extensible portion. An adhesive member comprising an adhesive layer and a cover member may be positioned over the extensible portion. The cover member may completely cover the adhesive layer when the extensible portion is in a relaxed condition. When the extensible portion is stretched, however, the cover member may define openings that expose the adhesive layer for adhering the adhesive to a wearer. The garment may comprise, for instance, a diaper, a training pant, a swim pant, a hospital gown, an industrial garment, a glove, a feminine hygiene product, an adult incontinence product, and the like. The adhesive member can be positioned over any suitable extensible portion on the garment.

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 the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. 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. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic film through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the amorphous elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic film may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic film and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from an elastic strand layer laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity may be imparted to the elastic strand layer through the combination of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin capable of forming semi-crystalline domains among the elastomeric chains. More specifically, the elastic strand layer may be stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the polyolefin. The stretched elastic strand layer may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated) to shrink the elastic strand layer and provide it with “latent” stretchability.

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 the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. 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. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.