Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/ m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A sheet material made from a substrate having an adhesive on its surface and a plurality of fibers extending outward from the adhesive surface, to stand-off the adhesive from a target surface until an activation force is applied that exceeds the stand-off force, whereupon the fibers collapse and the sheet material adheres to the target surface. The fibers have a base and a distant fiber tip. Preferred is a tubular film of the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a porous, macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional, elastomeric web suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles such as bandages, diapers and pull-up diaper training pants, as well as a method for making the web. In a preferred embodiment the web has a continuous first surface and a discontinuous second surface remote front first surface. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric web exhibits a multiplicity of primary apertures in the first surface of the web, the primary apertures being defined in the plane of the first surface by a continuous network of interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member exhibits an upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length. The interconnecting members terminate substantially concurrently with one another to form a secondary aperture in the plane of the second surface of the web.

Abstract: An economical method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a nonwoven fibrous web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has advantageous elongation, extensibility and strength properties, as well as other desirable characteristics. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for forming a composite material by combining a modified nonwoven web with a polymeric film, or an elastic member, which may be liquid impervious yet breathable. In yet other aspect, a method is disclosed for forming a composite material by combining a modified web with a polymeric film which is rendered liquid-impervious yet breathable while the method is performed.

Abstract: An economical method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a nonwoven fibrous web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has advantageous elongation, extensibility and strength properties, as well as other desirable characteristics. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for forming a composite material by combining a modified nonwoven web with a polymeric film, or an elastic member, which may be liquid impervious yet breathable. In yet other aspect, a method is disclosed for forming a composite material by combining a modified web with a polymeric film which is rendered liquid-impervious yet breathable while the method is performed.

Abstract: A process for forming a sheet material having a fibrous surface and the sheet material produced thereby; the fibers are produced by deposition of a heated, thermally sensitive material on to a substrate, which is transported at a velocity approximately equal to the velocity of the material being deposited, by manipulating the fiber density and denier, the sheet material can be made to be either softer or rougher to the touch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles which provide improved protection against skin overhydration. A particularly preferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention comprises a body contacting surface having a skin care composition thereon that, when at least a portion of the composition is transferred to a wearer's skin by normal body motion or body heat, the material is effective in providing a skin condition benefit and a liquid impermeable, breathable backsheet having a mass vapor transmission rate value (MVTR) of at least about 1300 g/m.sup.2 /24 hr and an absorbent core having a post acquisition collagen rewet method value (PACORM) with a PACORM:MVTR ratio is less than 0.05 mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 hr).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable laminate backsheet. The absorbent article has a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region positioned between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of opposed side edges, a first end edge and a second end edge. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, a garment-facing side and a body-facing side, and a breathable laminate backsheet disposed adjacent to the garment-facing side of the absorbent core. The breathable laminate backsheet has an inner layer and an outer layer joined to one another. The inner layer is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer layer. The outer layer is relatively vapor pervious. The inner layer is substantially liquid, vapor and air impermeable.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent articles having breathable side panels. The disposable absorbent article preferably comprises a containment assembly including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface. The backsheet has a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a central region and an outer region. The backsheet preferably further includes at least three distinct zones, a pair of apertured zones comprising apertures and a non-apertured zone. The apertured zones preferably include at least a portion of the outer region of the backsheet and extend laterally outwardly form each of the longitudinal edges. The non-apertured zone preferably comprises the central region and is juxtaposed the outer surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite elastic material. A thermoplastic film is extruded from an extruder. The thermoplastic film is fed while still in a molten condition onto a rotating forming structure exhibiting a multiplicity of apertures therein. A pneumatic vacuum is applied to the thermoplastic film to produce apertures in the thermoplastic film. An elastic member having at least one elastic strand is placed against a surface of the thermoplastic film while the thermoplastic film is still in a molten condition.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable laminate backsheet. The absorbent article has a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region positioned between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of opposed side edges, a first end edge and a second end edge. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, a garment-facing side and a body-facing side, and a breathable laminate backsheet disposed adjacent to the garment-facing side of the absorbent core. The breathable laminate backsheet has an inner layer and an outer layer joined to one another. The inner layer is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer layer. The outer layer is relatively vapor pervious. The inner layer is substantially liquid impermeable and substantially vapor pervious.