Composite elastic laminate
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsJose Augusto Vidal De Siqueira, Michael R. Vaughan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of making a composite elastic laminate is provided where an elastic layer is stretched in the machine-direction and while in a stretched state is fed into a grooved-roll assembly, together with outer facing layers, for imparting simultaneous cross-direction stretching forces to the superposed layers. The bi-directional stretching forces causes the elastic layer to tear and/or rupture allowing the laminate to be bonded in areas where the elastic layer has been displaced. Upon relaxation, a composite elastic laminate is provided having excellent breathability and elastic properties.
Claims12
A method of making an elastic laminate comprising:
- stretching an elastic sheet in a first direction so as to be in a stretched state, said elastic sheet having first and second sides and comprising a thermoplastic elastomer;
- superposing a first fabric with the elastic sheet wherein the first fabric lies adjacent the first side of the elastic sheet, said first fabric comprising thermoplastic polymer fibers;
- superposing a second fabric with the elastic sheet wherein the second fabric lies adjacent the second side of the elastic sheet, said second fabric comprising thermoplastic polymer fibers;
- heating at least one of the elastic sheet, first fabric or second fabric;
- while the elastic sheet is in a stretched state relative to the first direction, engaging the elastic sheet superposed with the first fabric and the second fabric with an inter-meshing first and second set of ridges wherein the inter-meshing first and second set of ridges (i) stretch discrete segments of the superposed elastic film, first fabric and second fabric in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, (ii) rupture and displace the elastic sheet in columnar regions extending substantially in the first direction and (iii) forms inter-layer bonds between the first and second fabrics in areas where the elastic sheet has been ruptured and displaced at a same time when the elastic sheet has been ruptured and displaced, thereby forming a laminate;
- allowing the laminate to retract in the machine direction wherein the first fabric and second fabric form gathers and thereby forming the elastic laminate.
The method of 11 further comprising heating the elastic sheet immediately prior to and/or during engagement with the ridges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.