Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, and the like, that provide dynamic fit about the wearer by the use of extensible, outwardly extending side panels. The side panel includes at least one discontinuity for dividing the tensile force extending the side panel into a waist-directing force and a leg-directing force. The waist-directing force is transmitted by the side panel to the waist area of the article to maintain the waist area in a snug, but comfortable, fit against the waist of the wearer. The leg-directing force is transmitted by the side panel to the leg cuff area of the article to prevent leakage between the leg cuff and the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elasticized composite material including a multiplicity of elastic strips for use in garments, particularly in disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the first substrate around the mandrel to form a tube while moving the tube longitudinally at a first velocity, and simultaneously winding at least one elastic strip around an outer surface of the tube at a second velocity to form a helical path. The elastic strip can be joined to the outer surface of the tube along the helical path to form a first composite tube. The method further includes the step of folding a second substrate around the first composite tube to cover the elastic strip and to form a second composite tube, which then can be slit longitudinally to form a planar composite material. Finally, the planar composite material can be activated to form the elasticized composite material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elasticized composite material including a multiplicity of elastic strips for use in garments, particularly in disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the first substrate around the mandrel to form a tube while moving the tube longitudinally at a first velocity, and simultaneously winding at least one elastic strip around an outer surface of the tube at a second velocity to form a helical path. The elastic strip can be joined to the outer surface of the tube along the helical path to form a first composite tube. The method further includes the step of folding a second substrate around the first composite tube to cover the elastic strip and to form a second composite tube, which then can be slit longitudinally to form a planar composite material. Finally, the planar composite material can be activated to form the elasticized composite material.

Abstract: A flangeless seam especially useful in disposable articles, such as training pants, incontinence articles and the like. The first member preferably has a first proximal portion and a first distal portion. The first distal portion is preferably folded upon at least a portion of the first proximal portion to provide a common interface between the first distal portion and the first proximal portion when the seam is in the seaming configuration. The first proximal portion preferably has a first melting point and the first distal portion preferably has a second melting point which is relatively lower than the first melting point. The seam also includes a second member preferably having a second proximal portion and a second distal portion. The second member preferably has a third melting point which is lower than the first melting point.

Abstract: A method of making a flangeless seam for a disposable article including the following steps: A first member of the disposable article is provided. A conductive member is provided on the first member. The first member is folded about the conductive member providing opposing first proximal and first distal portions of the first member, the conductive member being disposed at least partially between the opposing first proximal and first distal portions. A second member of the disposable article is provided in a folded configuration juxtaposed at least a portion of the first member to form a laminate including the first member and the second member. An electromagnetic field is applied across at least a portion of the laminate to heat the conductive member to a temperature which joins at least a portion of the first member and at least a portion of the second member. The resulting seam can be opened to provide the article with a flangeless seam.

Abstract: A flangeless seam especially useful in disposable articles, such as training pants, incontinence articles and the like. The flangeless seam preferably comprises a first member and a second member; at least a portion of the second member overlaps at least a portion of the first member. The flangeless seam preferably further comprises a barrier member disposed between at least a portion of the overlapping portions of the first member and the second member forming a laminate having a seam area. A joining means is preferably disposed in at least a portion of the seam area joining at least a portion of the first member to at least a portion of the second member, the barrier member preventing at least a portion of the first member from becoming joined with at least a portion of the second member.