Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
l~lS4~1
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DISPOSABLE DIAPER WITH ~IDE ELASTIC GATHERING
MEANS FOR IMPROVED COMFORT
Backeround of tha Invention
The present invention relates to improvements
in disposable diapers which enable the diaper to closely
conform to the torso of the wearer without applying
undue pressure upon the skin of the wearer.
Recently, disposable diapers have been
introduced into the marketplace which have a narrow
but relatively thick strip of elastic at each side
thereof~ so as to gather the side margins of the
diaper in a manner similar to that of conventional
moisture-impermeable panties. Such diapers are made
generally in accordance with the teachings of U.S.
~Patent No. 3,860,003. In order for the elastic members
to be effective in such diapers, it is necessary that
the elastic members be spaced relatively far from the
15~ side marginal edges of the absorbent panel of the
diaper, and for the elastic members to be associated
with thin, highly flexible facing and backing layersO
As a result, when such diapers are placed upon a baby~
the narrow but relatively thick elastic members cause
a narrow band of the facing layer to bear against the
baby's skin~ This results in a high degree of stress
concentration that may cause pinching and irritation
of the baby's skin.
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2- JBP 120
In U.S. Patent NoO 4,050,462, a disposable
diaper is disclosed having elastically e~tendable means
which longitudinally contract the crotch section of the
diaper. The elastically extendable means are located
suf~iciently close to the edge of the absorbent batt
in the crotch region to form a plurality of gross
rugosities along the length of the crotch region, meant
to reduce the constriction force applied to the skinO
However, excessive pressure may be applied to the skin
of the wearer due to the high modulus elastic necessary
to gather the panel across the entire width of the crotch
region.
The problems attributable to the unduly high
compressive force caused by such narrow but relatively
thick elastic strips of the prior art diapers mentioned
above are particularly acute when the baby has voided
and the diaper is wet. ~ecause the backing and facing
laye~s are so highly flexible, when the diaper is wet
and conditions are present tending to cause hydration
of the baby's skin, the narrow elastic members often
cause the facing layer to press agàinst the skin with
suf~icient force to injure the skin.
Summary of the Invention
The disposable diapers of the present
invention include gathering means adjacent at least one
edge of the absorbent panel of the diaper. In one
embodiment, gathering means are located ad~acent the two
side edges of the diaper. In addition, gathering means
may be located ad~acent one or both end edges of the
diaperO The gathering means o~ the present invention
provide im-proved body conformity of the diaper without
undue applica-tion of pressure upon the skin of the
wearer.
Diapers constructed in accordance with the
present invention have several unexpected advantages
over the prior art and in particular, over the diapers
4gl~
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of the type disclosed in U~S~ Patent No. 3,860,003~ By the use
of the improved gathering means in accordance with the present
invention, the force applied to gather the leg opening of the
diaper, pressing against the skin of the wearer through the faciny
layer, is distributed over a larger area, resulting in improved
comfort for the wearer. In addition, because of the relatively
large area of facing material engaging the wearer's skin, improved
gasketing around the thighs of the wearer is achieved thereby
minimizing fluid leakage from the diaper.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the gathering means have a width of at least about 3/8",
preferably a width~of at least 1/2", and more preferably a width
of from about 3/4" to about 1 1/4". The wi~th-to-thickness ratio
should be at least ahout 100 and preferably about 500 to about
1000.
The elastic members may be secured to the facing layer
and/or the backing layer, and may be secured ~y two or more spaced
lines of attachment cooperating with one another to provide
visibly distinct separate lines of simulated stitching, providing
further improved gasketing about the leg of the weaxer, as well
as a pleasing appearance.
The elastic members of the present invention also
improve the ease of manufacture of the disposable diapers. The
wider elastic members are easier to manipulate and control during
the manufacturing process. In addition, alignment of the elastic
securing means to the elastic member becomes less critical because
of the increased width dimension of the elastic member and because
the securing means may contact the elastic member at any location
across its width.
According to a still further hroad aspect of the present
invention there is provided a disposable diaper comprising a
first outer layer in the form of a moisture-impervious backing.
An absorhent panel is positioned in superposed relationship with
respect to the backing. The panel is smaller than the backing
I
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and spaced inwardly from the sides and ends thereof. A second
outer layer in the form of a moisture-pervious facing is positioned
in superposed relationship with respect to the panel. The facing
is larger than the panel and has marginal portions thereof secured
to the backing. Gathering means is provided in the side margin
of the diaper. Means is provided securing the gathering means to
at least one of the layers~ The gathering means is defined by an
elastic member having a width dimensioned in excess of 3/8" and
having a width-to-thickness ratio of at least about 100, whereby
the gathering means provides imposed body conformity without
undue application of pressure upon the skin of the wearer.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs
In the drawings,
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating
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a disposable diaper embodying the present invention
with a portion broken away to show interior detail;
FIGURE 2 is an exploded perspectlve view
showing relative positioning of diaper elements during
manufacture o~ the diaper depicted in Fig. l;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the diaper
of Fig. 1 illustrating diaper configuration when applied
about a baby;
FIGU~E ~ is a perspective view showing another
embodiment of the disposable diaper of this in~ention;
FIGURE 5 is a plan view of yet another em-
bodiment of a disposable diaper o~ this invention with
a portion broken away to show interior detail;
FIGUR~ 6 is an enlarged partial cross-section
~ Fig. 5 taken along lines 6-6;
FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a still further
embodiment o~ a disposable diaper o~ this invention with
a portion broken away to show interior detail;
FIGURE 8 is a plan view o~ an additional
embodiment of a disposable diaper of this invention with
a portion broken away to show interior detail;
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the
diaper of Figo 8 taken along lines 9-9, in which the
spacing o~ the backing layer, facing layer and panel
have been exaggerated to clarify the illustration o~
the glue lines;
FIGURE 10 is a plan view of another embodiment
of the disposable diaper of the present invention;
FIGUR~ 11 is an exploded perspecti~e view of
the elements of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 10; and
FIGURE 12 is an enlarged perspective view
showing the embodiment of Fig. 8 and in the configuration
it assumes when applied to a baby.
Descri tion of the Pre~erred Embodiments
For a disposable diaper of the present inven-
tion the gathering means is a readily stretchable, elastic,preferably thermoplastic member of substantial width that
possesses a cer~lain m~nimum elastic recovery.
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The term 7'elastic", as used herein, re~ers
to sheets, films, ribbons and the like which have a
recovery of at least 90 percent, when elongated at least
10 percent of their yield point and measured in accor-
5 dance with the ~ollowing formula:
Percent retraction - Le _ Lt X 100
where e _ Lo
Lo ~ original length of sample
Le ~ fully extended length
Lt = length of sample measured
3 seconds after released
from extended lengthO
The thickness of the elastic members is
generally 10 mils or less, and pref'erably about 0O5 to
about 5 mlls. The elastic members have an extensibility
to rupture of at least about 300 percent, preferably
about 400 to about 1000 percent and a recovery at 50
percent elongation o~ at least about 75 percent, and
preferably at least about 80 percentO For ease o~ 20 stretchability, the modulus of elasticity of the elastic
member at 50 percent elongation should not exceed about
2000 pounds per s~uare inch~ and preferably is about 100
to about 200 pounds per s~uare inchO
Referring to Figure 1, disposable diaper
10 illustrating one embodiment of the present invention
is provided with marginal longitudinal gathering means
in opposite side margins 11 and 12 adapted to provide
enhanced fit and ~asketi.ng about the baby's thighSo
~dditionally~ optional transverse gathering means are
provided in end margins 13 and 14 for enhanced fit about
the baby's waist. The gathering means in each side
margin comprises an elastic member, such as elastic
member 15 in side margin 11 having a width of 3/8" and
a width-to-thickness ratio of at least 100. The
optional transverse gathering means in the end margins
of diaper 10 can be a similar elastic member such as
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member 16 in end margin 14. Diaper 10 additionally
includes first outer layer or backing 17 made o~ a
moisture-impervious web, a generally rectangular
absorbent panel 18 positioned in superposed relationship
with respect to the backing, and second outer layer or
~acing 19 made o~ a moisture-pervious or permeable web
and positioned in superposed relationship with respect
to absorbent panel 180 For securement about a baby,
diaper 10 is provided with pressure-sensitive adhesive
tape tabs 20 and 21. The longitudinal gathering means
are generally parallel to the longitudinal side margins
o~ panel 18, and when the gathering means are in a
relaxed state, diaper 10 assumes a boat-like con~iguration
as shown in Figure 1, with side margins 11 and 12 having
a reduced length.
The individual components of disposable
diaper 10 are illustrated in Figure 2. Absorbent panel
18 is superposed over backing 17 and is secured thereto
by a series o~ glue lines 23 deposited on backing 17.
~bsorbent panel 18 is o~ smaller area than backing 17,
and, when substantially centered on backing 17, is
spaced from longitudinal sides 24 and 25 as well as
transverse sides or ends 26 and 27 and thereby de~ines
the side and end marginal portions o~ diaper 10.
Absorbent panel 18 is flanked on all four sides thereo~
by elastic ~ilm members 15, 16, 21 and 22 which, in an
extended state, are secured to backing 17 by means of
an elastic or inelastic adhesive, heat seallng, sonic seal-
ing described below, or in any other convenient manner.
3 Moisture-pervious facing 19 is superposed over absorbent
panel 18, is larger in area than panel 18, and is
secured to backing 1~, usually by means of the exposed
end portions o~ glue lines 230 However, other secure-
ment means can be utilized, if desired. Facing 19 may
also be secured to elastic film members 15, 16, 21 and 22
i~ a manner similar to the securement thereo~ to backing
17.
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As sta-ted above, the elastic ~ilm members may
be conveniently secured in place ultrasonically, such as
by the use of apparatus of the type that is commercially
available from Branson Instruments~ Inc. of Stanford,
Connecticut. Such apparatus conventionally includes an
anvil and a horn that are positioned in ~uxtaposed
relationship to one another, and the parts to be joined
are inserted therebe~weenO The horn is energized to
transmit vibrations in the ultrasonic ~requency range
into the parts to be joinedO In the present instance,
the elastic film members are elongated between backing
layer 17 and facing layer l9, and the layers placed
between a horn which coacts with an anvil which moves
in registration with the product to provide a plurality
f spaced rows of simuiated stitching. In this regard,
the anvil of the ultrasonic sealing apparatus pre~erably
is provided with a plurality of spaced land areas so that
the stretch elastic film members are secured in place by
a plurality of spaced securement zonesc Spaced secure-
ment zones are also provided when the method of secu~ement
is heat sealing or inelastic adhesive. When elastic
- adhesive is used, lines of attachment may be continuousO
The configuration that disposable diaper 10
assu~es when applied to a baby is illustrated in Figc 3.
Partially-extended diaper side margins ll and 12 provide
a comfortable yet positive seal about the baby's thighs
that readily accommodates leg movements of the baby,
whil~ optional elastic members in diaper end margins 13
and 14 assure good fit about the baby's waist~
Figure 4 shows disposable diaper 30 that is
similar to disposable diaper lO but lacks the optional
elastic member in diaper end margin 33. In the embodi-
ment exe~lplified by Fig. ~ the elastic member in diaper
end margin 34 is similar to elastic member 16 in Fig. l
and per~orms in the same manner. The construction of
diaper side ~argins 31 and 32 is substantially the same
as in diaper side margins 11 and 12.
Xn the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 5,
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dîsposable diaper 60 is provided with absorbent panel
68 having curvilinear side cut-outs 71 and 72 and
sandwiched between facing 69 and backing 67. Glue lines
65 serve to secure panel 68 and facing 69 to backing 67.
Elastic members 63 and 64 are si-tuated in generally
rectilinear diaper side margins 62 and 610 Elastic
members 63 and 64 extend substantially the entire length
of diaper side margins 62 and 61, respectively, and are
secured to backing 67 b~ spaced outer glue lines 77 and
lo 78. Glue lines 77 are illustrated in cross-section in
Figure 6. The glue lines 77 and 78 provide separate
lines of attachment and gathering or simulated gathered
stitching which in turn create separate lines of
gasketing of the puckered facing against the legs of the
wearer. Protruding ears 73, 7~, 75 and 76 of absorbent
panel 68 overlap substantiall~ the entire width of the
respective elastic members 63 and 64 and provide
additional absorbent capacit~ which can be readily
utilized by building into absorbe'nt panel 68 appropriate
capillary transport means. Adhesive tape tab means 66
and 70 provide means for securing diaper 60 about a baby.
In the embodiment of Figure 7~ disposable
diaper 80 is provided with substantially rectangular
absorbent panel 88 having generaIly rectilinear sides,
25 sandwîched between backing 87 and facing 89, and together
with backing 87 and facing 89 defining diaper side
margins 81 and 82. Curvilinear cut-outs 97 and 98 are
provided in the respective central portions of margins
81 and 82 for further fit e~hancementO Prestretched
elastic members 83 and 84 are positioned in respective
margins 82 and 81 and are secured to backing 87 and/or
facing 89 along the longitudinal sides of absorbent
panel 88. Glue lines 85 secure facing 89 and absorbent
panel 88 to backing 87, and adhesive tape tabs 86 and
35 90 provide diaper securement means.
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Yet another embodiment of a disposable diaper
according to the present invention is shown in Figs. 8
and 9 where disposable diaper 100 is provided with
shaped absorbent panel 108 having cur~ilinear cut-outs
111 and 112 and centrally ~uxtaposed between backing 107
and facing 109. Both panel 108 and ~acing 109 are
secured to backing 107 by a plurality of longi-tudinally
extending glue lines 105~ Curvilinear cut-outs 117 and
118, similar in con~iguration but of maller size than
cut-outs 111 and 112, are provided in the side portions
of facing 109 and backing 107 that form diaper side
marginal portions 101 and 102, respectively, so that
margin cut~out 117 subtends panel cut-out 111 and margin
cut-out 118 subtends panel cut-out 112. Elastic member
103 is positioned in diaper side marginal portions 102
between protruding ears 113 and 114 of absorbent panel
108 and is secured to facing 109 and backing 107. In a
similar manner, elastic member 104 is positioned in
diaper side marginal portion 101 between protruding ears
115 and 116 o~ absorbent panel 108 and is secured to
facing 109 and backing 107 by spaced lines of attachment
119. Facing 109 and backing 107 are not secured to each
other in the side marginal portion-between the gathering
means and the longitudinal side edge of the diaper,
creating a soft, ruffly side edge of the diaper, illustrat-
ed in Fig. 12. Diaper securement means are provided by
adhesive tape tabs 106 and llOo
Diaper 100 is illustrated in Fig. 12 in the
configuration it assumes when applied to a baby~ The
elastic member 103, as well as the ~acing 109 and backing
107 layers, extend outboard of the lines of attachment
and all three assume ~ gathered formations,
creating the soft, ruffly side edges 154 and 155 of the
diaper.
The spaced lines of attachment of the
elastic member to the facing layer create plural
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lines o~ sealing about the leg o~ the wearer aided by
the puckering or gathering o~ the facing layer adjacent
each line of attachment securing the elastic member to
the ~acing layer, thereby providing improved li~uid
containment at the leg opening~
Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, a still
further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
its entirety at 120, and includes a first outer layer
121 in the form of a moisture-pervious facing, a second
outer layer 122 in the form of a ~oisture-impervious
backing, a third layer 123 in the form of an absorbent
panel sandwiched therebetween, and adhesive tape tabs
140. Outer layers 121 and 122 have the same outer
dimensions and are coterminous with one anotherO Panel
123 has an external configuration similar to layers 121
and 122, and is smaller than and centered relative to
layers 121 and 122. Parallel glue lines 124 on backing
122 secure the panel to the backing, and the outermost
glue lines (and the ends of the intermediate glue lines)
secure the portions of layers 121 and 122 that extend
beyond panel 123 to one another.
The end portions 125 and 126 of pa~el 123 are
generally equal in width and are wider than the panel
mid-portion 127~ For improved fit, the narrowest part
128 of the panel mid-portion is of~set toward panel
end portion 126, the portion that is adapted to be
placed in front o~ the infant. Panel portion 128 is
o~ relatively short length and is ~ormed between
parallel side edges 128a and 128b. Panel side edges
3 129, 130g 131 and 132 ~lare outwardly from ~he ends of
edges 128a and 128b and terminate in end portion 129a
parallel with end portion 131a and end portion 130a
parallel with end portion 132a. In a most pre~erred
embodiment of the invention, edges 129 and 131 are
disposed at an angle o~ 25 and edges 130 and 132 are
disposed at an angle of 35, so that the included
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angle between edges 129 and 130 and edges 131 and 132
is 120o
As with the previously described embodiments,
diaper 120 includes gathering means 134 and 135 at
opposite sides o~ the diaper, and optional gathering means
136 and 137 at opposite ends o~ the diaper. The illus-
trated gathering means are in the ~orm of elongated elastic
members that are secured in a stretched condition to
layers 121 and/or 122. The securement means may take the
~orm of spaced lines of attac~ment 1380 Adhesive tape
tabs 140 are provided to SeGUre the diaper 120 about the
torso of a baby,
Elastic film members suitable as gathering
means ~or the diapers contemplated herein can be extruded
to the desired thickness utilizing unvulcanized, thermo-
plastic compositions which are made up of an elastomeric
component and an optional compatible modifier which is
a thermoplastic polymer of a relatively low molecular
weight but solid at ambient temperature.
Illustrative of the elastomeric components
suitable for present purposes are block copolymers which
comprise terminal thermoplastic polymer blocks and at
least one non-terminal or intermediate elastomeric polymer
blockO Block copolymers of this general type may be
prepared using a step-wise polymerization initiator~ eOgO,
arl organolithium campound. Such block polymerization
techniques are well known in the art.
The elastomeric component can be linear or
radial Al-B-A2 block copolymers or mixtures thereo~ with
simple Al-B block copolymers where Al and A2 can be
alike or di~ferent and represent a thermoplastic polymer
block, such as poly(vinyl arene) block, and B represents
an elastomeric polymer block such as a conjugated diene
or a lower (i.e~, Cl-C4) alkene. The modifier component
is a low molecular weight thermoplastic polymer having
an average molecular weight of about 500 to about 7,500
and is present in the composition in an amount o~ about
zero to about 200 parts by weight per 100 parts by
0~
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weight of the elastomeric componentq
A preferred thermoplastic film composition
for the elastic film members comprises an elastomeric
component which contains, as a major constituent there-
of, an unvulcanized linear block copolymer o~ the general
configuration Al - B - A2 wherein Al, A2 and B have
the same meaning as hereinabove. In these block
copolymers the A-blocks are derived from styrene or
styrene homologues, and the B-blocks are derived ~rom
conjugated dienes or lower alkenes. The thermoplastic
polymer modifier is compatible with the elastomeric
component and associates`principally with the thermo-
plastic terminal blocks of the aforesaid unvulcanized
block copolymer. The thermoplastic polymer modifier
preferably has an average molecular weight of about
1000 to about 3000, and is present in the ~ilm composi-
tion in an amount of about 80 to about 200 parts by
weight per 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric
component.
The preferred Al B - A2 block copolymers have
A-blocks derived, i.e., polymerized or copolymerized,
from styrene or styrene homologues, and B-blocks derived
from conjugated dienes, such as isoprene or butadiene,
or from lower alkenes, such as ethylene and butylene.
Small proportions of other monomers also may enter into
the block copolymers themselves. The individual A-
blocks can have an average molecular weight of at least
about 6,ooo, preferably in the range of about 8,ooo -
30,000, and the A-blocks constitute about 5~50 percent,
preferably about 10-30 percent, by weight of the block
copolymer. The average molecular weight of the B-
blocks for linear Al-B-A2 block copolymers preferably
is in the range of about 45,000 - 180,000 and that of
the linear copolymer itself, preferably is in the
range of about 75,000 - 200,000. The average molecular
weight of the radial Al-B-A2 block copolymers preferably
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is in the range of about 125,000 - 400,0000 The term
"linear block copolymer" (or copolymers) includes
branched ~l~B-A2 copolymerS as well as unbranched
Al-B-A2 c op olymers,
The radial Al-B-A2 copolymers useful ~or
manufacture of elastic members for diapers of this
invention are of the type described in United States
Letters Patent No. 3,281,383 to Zelinski et al and
conform to the following general formula: (A-B-)nX,
wherein ~ is a ther~oplastic block polymerized ~rom
styrene or styrene homologues, B is an elastomeric
block derived ~rom conjugated dienes or lower alkenes,
as indicated abo~e, X is an organic or inorganic
connecting molecule, with a ~unctionality of about 2
to 4 as described in Patent N~. 3,281,383, or possibly
with a higher functionality as described in the article
entitled "New Rubber is ~acked by Stars" appearing on
Page 35 of the June 11, 1975 issue of Chemical ~eek.
As used hereinabove, "n~ has a value corresponding to
the ~unctionality of X.
The pre~erred elastic film members are highly
thermoplastic and, though elastomeric, are unlike
rubber in that the film exhibits a relatively sharp
melting point and is capable of being heat shaped.
Also, the elastic members can ~orm permanent heat seals
to substrates such as non-woven ~abrics, or the like,
at relatively low heat sealing peak temperatures,
generally not above about 350F. The members are highly
elastic and has a relatively low rubber modulus, i.e.,
they exhibit in at least one direction an elastic
recovery from 50 percent stretch to at least 75 percent,
preferably at least about 80 percent, and a 50 percent
rubber modulus of not above about 2000 pounds per
square inch, preferably not above 1000 pounds per
square inch at 50 percent elongation. The film members
also are very flexible, extensible and so~t and normally
.
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exhibits a Gurley stif~ness of about one or less at a
film thickness of one mil, and an elongation to break
of at least about 300 percent, preferably at least
about 400 percent, in at least one direction at ambient
temperatures.
Several dif~erent types of facing materials
may be used for diaper facing. For example, the facing
may be a non-woven web made up of a mixture of fibers
consisting predominantly of inexpensive short cellulosic
fibers such as wood pulp fibers or cotton linters, in
amounts of about 75 percent to about 98 percent, the
balance being textile length fibers such as rayon as
described in U.S. Patent ~oO 3,633~348 to ~iloia et al~
Non-woven facing materials suitable ~or use
in disposable diapers of this invention can have ~abric
weights in the range of about .5 to 5 oz./yd.2 and
densities of less than 0.15 g./cc., generally in the
range of about 0.05 to about 0.1 g./cc. The dry strength
of the facing sheet for a fabric having a weight of
about 1.5 oz./ydO2 is at least 0.15 lbs./in. of width in
the machine direction and at least 0.1 lbs./inO of
width in the cross direction. Such ~abrics have un-
usually good elongation, lo~t, softness, and drape
characteristics.
Facings may also be made of an apertured,
non-woven fabric which is formed, for example, in
accordance with the teachings of commonly assigned U.S.
Patent Nos. 2,862,251; 3,081,514 and 3,081,515. Brie~ly,
such ~abrics are foraminous structures wherein groups or
groupings of ~ibers have been rearranged from a ~ibrous
non-woven starting web into positions surrounding less
dense fabric portions by passage of a fluid through -the
starting materialO The ~ibers within the groupings
are mechanically interlocked~ and may be arranged into
various patterns, as is well known by those skilled in
the art. A suitable binder may be utilized to help
~490~
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retain the ~ibers in their rearranged locations, as is
also well known by those skilled in the art. The fabric
can be made of naturally occurring fibers~ synthetic
~ibers, or blends thereof. Typical facing sheets made
of'a ~ibrous polyester type material can have a weight
of about 0.75 oz./yd.2.
In addition, facings can be formed of a non-
apertured material, such as a non-woven isotropic web,
or of an apertured polyole~in or polyester film having
the desired moisture permeability. In all o~ the
aforementioned facings the material should be relatively
hydrophobic so as to retard wicking within the f'acing.
The moisture-absorbent batt or panel of a
desired shape but smaller than the facing and the
backing, can be formed in accordance with the teachings
o~ U.S. Patent No. 3g612,055 to Mesek et al.
A suitable backing material for the diapers
em~odying the present invention can be an opaque
polyolefin, e.g.,'polyethylene, web about 0.001 inch
thick. Another suitable material for this purpose is
a polyethylene terephthalate web having a thickness of
about 0.0005 inch.
In use, the disposable diaper is applied to
the baby by laying out the diaper on a suitable flat
surface and placing the baby thereon so that the waist-
underlying end of the diaper is that having the fastener
means. The other end of the diaper then extends down-
wardly between the infant's legs. ~ext~ the downwardly
extending end of the diaper is brought up between the
baby~s legs to a position covering the perineum and con-
tiguous with the front portion of the baby's waist. The
diaper is therea~ter secured to the baby by placing the
corners o~ the waist portion o~ the abdomen-covering end
as far around the baby's waist as they will go and by
bringing the corners of the underlying end of the diaper
into an overlapping relationship with the aforementioned
.
5~9 0~
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corners so that the diaper snugly encircles the baby's
waist and provides a custom fit. The adhesive tab
fasteners are then prepared for use and the diaper is
secured in the desired position by simply urging the
pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of the tape tab in
contact with the ad~acent outer surface of the opposite
corner of the diaper. The applied diaper assumes a
configuration such as shown in Figure 3,
The foregoing description and the drawings
are illustrative and are not to be taken as limiting.
Still other variations and modifications are possible
without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
