Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments and the like, that have a unique waist feature that improves the dynamic fit as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles comprise a chassis assembly preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; an extensible waist belt; and a closure system for maintaining the absorbent article on the wearer. The extensible waist belt provides an extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this fit. While each extensible waist belt may be constructed from a number of extensible materials, the extensible waist belt preferably comprises a structural elastic-like film web.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments and the like, that have a unique waist feature that improves the dynamic fit as well as the containment characteristics of the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles comprise a chassis assembly preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; an extensible waist belt; and a closure system for maintaining the absorbent article on the wearer. The extensible waist belt provides an extensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contorting fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this fit. While each extensible waist belt may be constructed from a number of extensible materials, the extensible waist belt preferably comprises a structural elastic-like film web.

Abstract: A method for assembling a multi-piece absorbent article. A chassis is fed to a first assembly station at a first velocity. An ear web is fed to a second assembly station at a second velocity which is less than the first velocity. An adhesive tape substrate is fed to the second assembly station at a third velocity which is less than the second velocity. The adhesive tape substrate is cut into individual tape tabs. The individual tape tabs are bonded to the ear web at the second assembly station. The ear web having the individual tape tabs bonded thereto is then fed to the first assembly station where it is cut into individual ear pieces which are then bonded to the chassis to form a multi-piece absorbent article.

Abstract: Reduced cost absorbent articles comprising improved tape tabs. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a one-piece tape tab joined to each of the ear flaps of the absorbent article. At least a portion of the absorbent article adjacent the end of the tape tab which is permanently joined to the ear flap is mechanically manipulated so as to provide a release surface for storing the fastening end of the tape tab. This embodiment eliminates the need for an added release agent or material, and thus, reduces the overall cost of manufacturing the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet joined with said topsheet; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet; and a two-piece tape tab comprising: a backing substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge and a second edge; a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on said first surface of said backing substrate; a construction adhesive disposed on said first surface of said backing substrate spaced inwardly from said second edge of said backing substrate a distance greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, said construction adhesive joining said backing substrate with said backsheet; a release substrate having a release surface, an adhesive surface, a first end and a second end; and a permanent adhesive disposed between said adhesive surface of said release substrate and said topsheet, said permanent adhesive joining said release substrate to said topsheet.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of tape tab stock that may be used to produce tape tabs for use with disposable absorbent articles, as well as a method for the on-line manufacture of tape tabs that may be manufactured concurrently with the chassis of the absorbent article to which the tape tabs will be attached. The first step is to provide a backing substrate upon which the adhesives of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, a pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. (The pressure-sensitive adhesive preferably functions as the adhesive used to fasten an element of the absorbent article, such as a front waist region, to another element of the absorbent article, such as a rear waist region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having an improved internal reinforcement strip comprising a paper (i.e., cellulosic) material. The disposable absorbent article has an adhesive tape fastening system preferably comprising tape tabs disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge and a landing member for refastenably adhering to the tape tabs. The landing member consists of a portion of the external surface of the backsheet. An internal reinforcement strip comprising a paper material is positioned so as to correspond with at least the landing zone. The reinforcement strip is joined to the internal surface of the backsheet. The use of paper for the material of the reinforcement strip provides a low cost yet effective reinforcement of the landing zone and an excellent substrate for printing of indicia that will aid in proper positioning of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tape tab stock that may be used to produce tape tabs for use with disposable absorbent articles, as well as a method for manufacturing tape tab stock that can be produced on-line and concurrently with the disposable absorbent article to which the tape tabs are joined. The first step in the process is to provide a backing substrate upon which the adhesives of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, a pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. The backing substrate is then slit in a direction parallel to the machine direction and the release surface of a release substrate is placed in contact with the pressure sensitive adhesive, forming a laminate comprising the backing substrate and the release substrate. The release substrate preferably covers the entire surface of the backing substrate upon which pressure sensitive adhesive has been applied.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of one-piece tape tabs to be used with disposable absorbent articles. The first step is to provide a backing substrate upon which the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. The backing substrate is then slit in a direction parallel to the machine direction forming tape tab stock that is preferably fed directly to the taper unit of the absorbent article manufacturing line. The taper unit cuts the tape tab stock comprising the pressure-sensitive adhesive into individual tape tabs, each having a fixed end and releasable end. The fixed end of each tape tab is joined to the chassis of an absorbent article by means of mechanically bonding the fixed end to the absorbent article.