WO2002053003A2 - Stretchable composite sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for increasing the thickness of a fibrous sheet including stretching the sheet beyond its relaxed length and returning the sheet to about the relaxed length, causing the sheet to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The sheet can be a wet-wipe. The wet-wipe includes an elastic layer and a fibrous layer, which increases in thickness when stretched then relaxed. The wet-wipe can be stored in a container, which causes the wet-wipe to stretch as it is removed from the container.

Description

STRETCHABLE COMPOSITE SHEET

Background ofthe Invention Fibrous materials and fibrous composite materials are widely used as products, or as components of products, such as wet- wipes because they can be manufactured inexpensively and made to have specific characteristics. These products can be manufactured so inexpensively that they can be viewed as disposable, as opposed to reusable.

One approach to making fibrous composite materials for wet-wipes the use of homogeneous mixtures of materials such as air laid, non- woven webs of fibers mixed with cellulosic fibers or another absorbent material. Other wet-wipes have been prepared by joining different types of non- oven materials in a laminate or formed as a layered structure. These products can be prepared from plastic materials such as plastic sheets, films and non-woven webs, prepared by extrusion processes such as, for example, slot film extrusion, blown bubble film extrusion, meltblowing of non- woven webs and spinbonding.

The materials that are useful for consumer products should meet minimum product standards for strength, moisture level, size, flexibility, thickness, softness and texture. However, if one of these parameters is changed this can affect another ofthe parameters. Thus, a goal for these laminates is to produce a product that can mimic a soft cloth-like feel or at least get closer to a soft cloth-like feel than has been previously possible while still maintaining acceptable strength.

Such a soft cloth-like feel is often characterized by, among other things, one or more ofthe following: thickness, bulk density, flexibility, texture, softness, density, and durability ofthe non- woven materials. These materials are suitable for disposable products such as, for example, disposable diapers, disposable tissues and disposable wipes, for example, disposable wet-wipes.

Unfortunately, manufacturing and distribution processes reduce the thickness of wet- wipes. This reduces the softness and cloth-like feel, which is desired by the consumer. Accordingly, there is a need to improve the softness and cloth-like texture of a wet- wipe. Definitions For the purposes ofthe present application, the following terms shall have the following meanings: The term "elastic", as used herein, means any material which, upon application of a biasing force, is stretchable, that is, elongatable at least about 5 to about 30 percent (i.e., to a stretched, biased length which is at least about 105 to about 130 percent of its relaxed unbiased length), and which, will recover at least 55 percent of its elongation upon release ofthe stretching, elongating force. A hypothetical example would be a one (1) cm sample of a material which is elongatable to at least 1.30 cm and which, upon being elongated to 1.30 cm and released, will recover to a length of not more than 1.135 cm. Many elastic materials can be elongated by much more than 30 percent (i.e., much more than 130 percent of their relaxed length), for example, elongated 60 percent, 100 percent or more, and many of these will recover to substantially their initial relaxed length, for example, to within 105 percent of their original relaxed length, upon release ofthe stretching force.

As used herein, the term "non-elastic" means any material which does not fall within the definition of "elastic," above. As used herein, the tenn "non-woven web" means a structure or a web of material which has been formed without use of weaving processes to produce a structure of individual fibers or threads which are intermeshed or interlaid, but not in an identifiable, repeating manner. Non- woven webs have been, in the past, formed by a variety of conventional processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinbonding processes, film apertuiing processes and staple fiber carding processes.

The terms "recover" and "recovery", as used herein, mean a contraction of a stretched material upon termination of a biasing force following stretching ofthe material by application ofthe biasing force. For example, if a material having a relaxed, unbiased length of one (1) cm is elongated 50 percent by stretching to a length of one and one half (1.5) cm the material would be elongated 50 percent (0.5 cm) and would have a stretched length that is 150 percent of its relaxed length. If this exemplary stretched material contracted, that is, recovered to a length of one and one tenth (1.1) cm after release ofthe biasing and stretching force, the material would have recovered 80 percent (0.4 cm) of its one-half (0.5) cm elongation. Recovery can be expressed as [(maximum stretch length—final sample length)/(maximum stretch length— initial sample length)] times 100.

As used herein, the term "meltblown fibers" means fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into a high velocity gas (e.g. air) stream which attenuates the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which can be to microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly disbursed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,849,241 to Butin. As used herein, the term "spunbonded fibers" means small diameter fibers which are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinnerette with the diameter ofthe extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced as by, for example, eductive drawing or other well-known spun-bonding mechanisms. The production of spun-bonded non-woven webs is illustrated in patents such as, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., and U.S. Patent No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al.

As used herein, the term "coform" means a non-woven composite material of air-formed matrix material including thermoplastic polymer microfibers having an average fiber diameter of less than about 10 microns, and a multiplicity of individualized absorbent fibers such as, for example, wood pulp fibers disposed throughout the matrix of polymer microfibers and engaging at least some ofthe microfibers to space the microfibers apart from each other. The absorbent fibers are interconnected by and held captive within the matrix of microfibers by mechanical entanglement ofthe microfibers with the absorbent fibers, the mechanical entanglement and interconnection ofthe microfibers and absorbent fibers alone forming a coherent integrated fibrous structure. These materials are prepared according to the descriptions in U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324 to Anderson et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,508,102 to Georger et al. and U.S. Patent No. 5,385,775 to Wright.

As used herein, the term "microfibers" means small diameter fibers having an average diameter not greater than about 100 microns, for example, having an average diameter of from about 0.5 microns to about 50 microns, or more particularly, microfibers may have an average diameter of from about 4 microns to about 40 microns.

As used herein, the term "autogenous bonding" means bonding provided by fusion and/or self-adhesion of fibers and/or filaments without an applied external adhesive or bonding agent. Autogenous bonding can be provided by contact between fibers and/or filaments while at least a portion ofthe fibers and/or filaments are semi-molten or tacky. Autogenous bonding may also be provided by blending a tackifying resin with the thermoplastic polymers used to form the fibers and/or filaments. Fibers and/or filaments formed from such a blend can be adapted to self- bond with or without the application of pressure and/or heat. Solvents may also be used to cause fusion of fibers and filaments which remains after the solvent is removed.

As used herein, the term "machine direction (MD)" is the direction of travel ofthe fonning surface onto which fibers are deposited during formation of a non- woven fibrous web.

As used herein, the term "cross-machine direction (CD)" is the direction that is essentially perpendicular to the machine direction defined above.

As used herein, the tenn " tensile strength" is the maximum load or force (i.e., peak load) encountered while elongating the sample to break. Measurements of peak load are made in the machine and cross-machine directions using wet samples. As used herein, the term "wet-wipe" means a fibrous sheet which, during its manufacture, has a liquid applied thereto so that the liquid will be retained on or within the fibrous sheet until its utilization by a consumer. The liquid may include a fragrance and/or an emollient and may serve to aid the sheet in retention of materials which are to be wiped up during its utilization. As used herein, the terms "stretch-bonded laminate" or "composite elastic material" means a non- woven fabric material having at least one ofthe layer of material being elastic and at least one layer ofthe material being non-elastic, e.g., a gatherable layer. The elastic web layer(s) are joined or bonded to at least at least two locations to the non-elastic web layer(s). Preferably, the bonding is at intermittent bonding points or areas while the non- woven web layer(s) are in juxtaposed configuration and while the elastic non- woven web layer(s) have a tensioning force applied thereto in order to bring the elastic non- woven web to a stretched state. Upon removal ofthe tensioning force after joining ofthe web layers, an elastic non- woven web layer will attempt to recover to its unstretched condition and will thereby gather the non-elastic non-woven web layer between the points or areas of joining ofthe two layers. The composite material is elastic in the direction of stretching ofthe elastic layer during joining ofthe layers and can be stretched until the gathers ofthe non-elastic layer have been removed. A stretch- bonded laminate may include more than two layers. For example, the elastic layer may have a non-elastic web layer joined to both of its sides while it is in a stretched condition so that a three layer non- woven web composite is fonned having the structure of gathered non-elastic (non- oven web or film) /elastic (non- woven web or film)/gathered non-elastic (non- woven web or film). Yet other combinations of elastic and non-elastic layers can also be utilized. Such composite elastic materials are disclosed, for example, by U.S. Patent No. 4,720,415 to Vander Wielen et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,385,775 to Wright.

As used herein, "thermal point bonding" involves passing a material such as two or more webs of fibers to be bonded between a heated calendar roll and an anvil roll. The calender roll is usually, though not always, patterned in some way so that the entire fabric is not bonded across its entire surface, and the anvil roll is usually flat. As a result, various patterns for calender rolls have been developed for functional as well as aesthetic reasons. In one embodiment of this invention the bond pattern allows void spaces in the machine direction to allow a gatherable layer to gather when the stretched elastic web retracts. As used herein, the term "superabsorbent" refers to a water swellable, substantially insoluble organic or inorganic material capable of absorbing at least 10 times its weight of an aqueous solution containing 0.9 wt % of sodium chloride. As used herein, the tenn "palindromic" means a multilayer laminate, for example a stretch-bonded laminate, which is substantially symmetrical. Examples of palindromic laminates could have layer configurations of A/B/A, A/B/B/A, A/A/B/B/A/A, A/B/C/B/A, and the like. Examples of nbn-palindromic layer configurations would include A/B/C, A/B/C/A, A/B/C/D, etc.

As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof. Furthennore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible geometrical configurations ofthe material. These configurations ^■ include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

Summary ofthe Invention The problem of lack of softness or cloth-like feel associated with previous composite elastic materials has been addressed by the composite elastic material of the present invention, which is adapted to provide a more cloth-like feel than otherwise available. This can be accomplished by providing a non- woven composite material having a first thickness and a second thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness and, thus, provides a softer, more clothlike feeling composite elastic material.

The composite elastic material of one embodiment contains at least one elastic layer including an elastic layer having embedded elastic fibers and at least one gatherable layer joined at spaced apart locations to the elastic layer so that the gatherable layer is gathered between the spaced-apart locations.

The gatherable layer can be a non- woven web of fibers, such as, for example, a web of spunbonded fibers, a web of meltblown fibers, a bonded carded web of fibers, a multilayer material including at least one ofthe webs of spunbonded fibers, meltblown fibers, or a bonded carded web of fibers. The gatherable layer may also be a mixture of fibers and one or more other materials such as, for example, wood pulp, staple-length fibers, particulates and super- absorbent materials. Such mixtures may be formed by adding fibers and/or particulates to the gas stream in which meltblown fibers are carried so that an intimate entangled commingling of meltblown fibers and other materials, e.g., wood pulp, staple fibers and particulates such as, for example, hydrocolloid (hydrogel) particulates commonly referred to as superabsorbent materials, occurs prior to collection ofthe meltblown fibers upon a collecting device to form a coherent web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers and other materials such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4, 100,324, to Anderson et al.

In another aspect ofthe invention, the elastic composite is formed into a wet- wipe, which is removably stored in a container. The wet- wipe has a non-woven laminate of an elastic layer and at least one gathered layer, the gathered layer being bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points and being gathered between the at least two points, the non- woven laminate having a first thickness within the container and a second thickness outside the container, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness. The second thickness provides the user ofthe wet- wipe with a softer feeling wet-wipe than the thinner wet-wipe having the first thickness. Another aspect ofthe invention is a method for increasing the thickness of a wet-wipe, the wet-wipe in a first mode having a relaxed length and a first thickness, including stretching the wet- wipe in a second mode beyond its relaxed length to an extended length, and recovering the wet- wipe in a third mode to about the relaxed length, causing the wet- wipe to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The thicker, second mode wet-wipe provides a softer wet-wipe, which is desired by consumers.

Brief Description ofthe Figures Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary process for forming a composite elastic material of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary process for forming an elastic fibrous web, which is a component ofthe composite elastic material ofthe present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary process for preparing a gatherable layer.

Figure 3 A is an enlarged view ofthe pulp generator of Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary process for the heat treatment ofthe composite elastic material ofthe present invention activated by treatment in a heat activator. Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process for the preparation ofthe composite elastic material ofthe present invention.

Figure 6 is a chart of wet density of several commercially available wet- wipes and the wet density ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention.

Figure 7 is a chart of cup crush of several commercially available wet- wipes and the cup crush ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention.

Figure 8 is a chart of cup crash to density ratio of several commercially available wet- wipes and the cup crush ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention.

Figure 9 is a chart of CD tensile strength of several commercially available wet- wipes and the CD tensile strength wet- wipes ofthe present invention. Figure 10 is a representative plan view of a bonding pattern suitable for bonding the layers ofthe composite elastic material.

Figure 11 is a view of a load testing apparatus for testing a composite according to the present invention.

Figure 12 is an exploded view ofthe load testing apparatus of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wet- wipe container with the lid open, illustrating the placement ofthe dispenser within a removable inner cover.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wet- wipe container, with the lid open, wherein a wet-wipe dispenser is recessed within a rigid top ofthe container. Figure 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wet- wipe container, wherein a wet- ipe dispenser is attached to a flexible container package.

Figures 16A and 16B are schematic views of non-interleaved stacks ofthe composite elastic material. Figures 17A and 17B are schematic views of interleaved stacks ofthe composite elastic material.

Figure 18 is a schematic view of a roll of wet- wipes according to the present invention.

Figure 19 is a graph ofthe effect of dispensing wet- wipes according to the present invention.

Detailed Description The present invention provides a composite elastic material such as, for example, a stretch-bonded laminate, which is adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel. This can be accomplished by providing, a non- woven composite material having a low cup crush and a low density, while maintaining a desired level of strength and tear resistance. This composite elastic material can include an elastic fibrous web that can be a composite of elastomeric fiber and elastomeric meltblown fibers. The softness and cloth-like texture (feel) is further enhanced by stretching the stretch-bonded laminate prior to use, and allowing the laminate to return (recover) to about its relaxed state or mode. The stretching and recovery causes the thickness ofthe laminate to increase; thereby, increasing the softness and cloth-like texture ofthe laminate. One use ofthe laminate is a disposable wet- wipe. The wet- wipes ofthe present invention provide improved softness and clothlike feel because they have a combination of properties, such as low cup crush (i.e., increased flexibility) and a low density (i.e., maximum bulk per unit mass), while maintaining a desired level of strength and tear resistance (i.e., sufficient tensile strength in both MD and CD) that were not previously available in wet-wipes. The wet- ipes ofthe invention include a non- woven composite elastic material having at least one elastic layer and at least one gatherable layer. The gatherable layer is bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points; and is gathered between the bonded points. The elastic layer includes a non-woven web having embedded elastic fibers, arranged in a substantially parallel configuration. Moreover, softness and cloth-like texture are further enhanced by stretching and relaxing the wet-wipe; thereby, causing the at least one non-woven gatherable layer to increase in thickness. An increase in thickness lowers the density and increases the softness ofthe wet- wipe.

The feel of a wet- wipe is often characterized by one or more ofthe following attributes ofthe materials that comprise them: thickness, bulk density, flexibility, texture, softness, and durability. In preparing a wet-wipe having a soft cloth-like feel, it is important to balance the properties ofthe composite elastic material, e.g., cup crush, density, and tensile strength. However, this is a difficult task because these properties can be interdependent, i.e., changing one property can adversely affect another property ofthe wet- wipe (and the overall feel ofthe wet-wipe). Typically, when the basis weight is decreased, the cup-crush is decreased, and tensile strength is decreased. When the basis weight is decreased then the reverse changes occur. Thus, when a property is varied, to enhance the softness, careful attention should be paid to the results obtained to avoid a resultant product having less desirable overall properties.

The composite elastic material has a density less than about 0.085 g per cubic cm, in its initial (non-stretched and recovered) state and a CD tensile strength of greater than about 0.68 pounds per inch. The composite material can have a cup crash less than about 120 g per cm and can have a cup crush to density ratio of less than about 1579 cm² and greater than about 950 cm². Preferably, the cup crush to density ratio can be less than about 1500 cm and greater than about 1000 cm . More preferably, the cup crash to density ratio can be less than about 1400 cm² and greater than about 1100 cm . Most preferably, the cup crush to density ratio can be less than about 1300 cm² and greater than about 1100 cm².

The composite elastic material can have a CD tensile strength of greater than about 308.4 gm (0.68 lbs.). A preferred CD tensile strength is of greater than about 317.5 gm (0.70 lbs.). A more preferred CD tensile strength is of greater than about 340.2 gm (0.75 lbs.) A slightly more prefened CD tensile strength is of greater than about 362.9 gm (0.80 lbs.) A yet more preferred CD tensile strength is of greater than about 385.6 gm (0.85 lbs.). A much more preferred CD tensile strength is of greater than about 408.2 gm (0.90 lbs.) A very much more preferred CD tensile strength is of greater than about 430.9 gm (0.95 lbs.). The most preferred CD tensile strength is of greater than about 453.6 gm (1.0 lbs.). Accordingly, it is desired to have the highest tensile strength without adversely effecting the other properties ofthe composite to such an extent that the composite becomes undesirable in the marketplace due to a lack of softness and cloth-like feel,

The basis weight (in grams per square meter, g/m or gsm) is calculated by dividing the dry weight by the area (in square meters). The density ofthe wet- wipe, as used herein, is a "wet density" and is calculated as the basis weight (in grams per square meter, g/m² or gsm) divided by the thickness ofthe wet- ipe after wetting with the solution.

The wet- wipes ofthe present invention include a basesheet ofthe composite elastic material and a liquid. The liquid can be any solution that can be absorbed into the wet-wipe basesheet and may include any suitable components that provide the desired wiping properties. For example, the components may include water, emollients, surfactants, fragrances, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers or combinations thereof as are known to those skilled in the art. The liquid may also contain lotions and/or medicaments.

The amount of liquid contained within each wet- wipe may vary depending upon the type of material being used to provide the wet- wipe, the type of liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the wet- wipes, and the desired end use ofthe wet- wipe. Generally, each wet- wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600 weight percent and preferably from about 250 to about 450 weight percent liquid based on the dry weight ofthe wipe for improved wiping. In a more preferred embodiment, the amount of liquid contained within the wet- wipe is from about 300 to about 400 weight percent and desirably about 330 weight percent based on the dry weight ofthe wet- wipe. If the amount of liquid is less than the above-identified ranges, the wet-wipe can be too dry and may not adequately perform. If the amount of liquid is greater than the above-identified ranges, the wet- wipe can be oversaturated and soggy and the liquid may undesirably pool in the bottom ofthe container.

Each wet-wipe is generally rectangular in shape and may have any suitable unfolded width and length. For example, the wet- wipe may have an unfolded length of from about 2.0 to about 80.0 centimeters and desirably from about 10.0 to about 27.0 centimeters, and an unfolded width of from about 2.0 to about 80.0 centimeters and desirably from about 10.0 to about 25.0 centimeters. Preferably, each individual wet- wipe is arranged in an interfolded configuration and stacked one on top ofthe other to provide a stack of wet- wipes suitable for pop-up type dispensing. Such folded configurations are known to those skilled in the art and include c-folded, z-folded, quarter- folded configurations and the like. The stack of folded wet- wipes are typically placed in an interior of a container, such as a plastic tub or flexible bag, to provide a package of wet- wipes for eventual sale to the consumer. Alternatively, the wet- wipes may include a continuous strip of material, which has perforations separating individual wet- wipes and which may be arranged in a stack or wound into a roll for individual dispensing.

The layered basesheet ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention includes at least two layers of material having different physical properties. The different physical properties which a layer may be configured to provide by selecting the appropriate materials include softness, resiliency, strength, flexibility, integrity, toughness, absorbency, liquid retention, thickness, tear resistance, surface texture, drapability, hand, wettability, wicking ability and the like, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the materials used for the layered basesheet are configured to provide softness and flexibility while maintaining adequate strength, integrity and resiliency, particularly when wetted. For example, the wet- wipes may include at least one layer of material which is configured to provide strength and resilience to the wet- wipe and at least one other layer which is configured to provide a soft, gentle wiping surface to the wet-wipe. Preferably, the wet-wipes include a soft layer on each side of a strong and resilient layer such that both exposed surfaces of the wipe provide a soft, gentle surface for contact with the skin. Elements in the drawings which are the same or similar in more than one view may be designated by the same reference number for clarity of description.

Figure 1 illustrates a process, 10, for forming a stretch-bonded laminate that includes an elastic fibrous web 12. The elastic fibrous web 12 is prepared in a web forming machine 100 (illustrated in detail in Figure 2) and travels in the direction indicated by the arrows associated therewith. The elastic fibrous web layer 12 passes through an S-roller arrangement 16 before entering the horizontal calender having a patterned calender roller 20 and an anvil roller 22. Calender roller 20 can have from 1 to about 30% embossing pin bond area with the preferred area being from about 12 to about 14%. Both the anvil and pattern rollers can be heated to provide thermal point bonding as described above. The temperature and nip forces required to achieve adequate bonding are dependent on the material being laminated. It should be noted that the positions ofthe calender roller 20 and an anvil roller 22 in Figure 1 are illustrative only and can be reversed. A first gatherable layer 24 and a second gatherable layer 28 are prepared in the coform banks 2 and 4 (illustrated in detail in Figure 3) and are guided and\or tensioned by rollers 9. Figure 1 shows numerous rollers for guiding and\or tensioning the gatherable layers 24 or 28. For clarity of illustration not all rollers are labeled with reference number 9. It will be understood that all schematic depictions of rollers 9, e.g. circles in contact with a layer 24 or 28, as well as composite 40, in Figure 1 are guiding and\or tensioning rollers. The gatherable layers 24 and 28 further pass through the horizontal calender arrangement 20, 22 with elastic layer 12. The layers are bonded by the calender roller 20 and the anvil roller 22 to form composite 40. The gatherable layers can be formed using one or more sets of exfruders for providing the microfibers. The microfibers can be formed by extrusion processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes or spunbonding.

The coherent integrated fibrous snτιcture of layers 24 and 28 may be formed by the microfibers and wood pulp fibers without any adhesive, molecular or hydrogen bonds between the two different types of fibers. The absorbent fibers are preferably distributed uniformly throughout the matrix of microfibers to provide a homogeneous material. The material is formed by initially forming a primary air sfream containing the melt blown microfibers, forming a secondary air stream containing the wood pulp fibers, merging the primary and secondary streams under turbulent conditions to form an integrated air stream containing a thorough mixture ofthe microfibers and wood pulp fibers, and then directing the integrated air stream onto a forming surface to air form the fabric-like material. The microfibers are in a soft nascent condition at an elevated temperature when they are turbulently mixed with the wood pulp fibers in air.

The coform layer(s), layers 24 and 28 in the illustrated embodiment, can have from 20-50 wt. % of polymer fibers and 80-50 wt. % of pulp fibers. The preferred ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers can be from 25-40 wt. % of polymer fibers and 75-60 wt. % of pulp fibers. A more prefereed ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers can be from 30-40 wt. % of polymer fibers and 70-60 wt. % of pulp fibers. The most preferred ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers can be from 35 wt. % of polymer fibers and 65 wt. % of pulp fibers.

Non-limiting examples ofthe polymers suitable for practicing the invention are polyolefin materials such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutylene, including ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers and butylene copolymers thereof. A particularly useful polypropylene is Basel PF-105. Additional polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,775.

Fibers of diverse natural origin are applicable to the invention. Digested cellulose fibers from softwood (derived from coniferous trees), hardwood (derived from deciduous trees) or cotton linters may be utilized. Fibers from Esparto grass, bagasse, kemp, flax, and other lignaceous and cellulose fiber sources may also be ^' utilized as raw material in the invention. For reasons of cost, ease of manufacture and disposability, preferred fibers are those derived from wood pulp (i.e., cellulose fibers). A commercial example of such a wood pulp material is available from Weyerhaeuser as CF-405. Generally wood pulps will be utilized. Applicable wood pulps include chemical pulps, such as Kraft (i.e., sulfate) and sulfite pulps, as well as mechanical pulps including, for example, ground wood pulp, thermomechanical pulp (i.e., TMP) and chemithermomechanical pulp (i.e., CTMP). Completely bleached, partially bleached and unbleached fibers are useful herein. It may frequently be desired to utilize bleached pulp for its superior brightness and consumer appeal.

Also useful in the present invention are fibers derived from recycled paper, which can contain any or all ofthe above categories as well as other non-fibrous materials such as fillers and adhesives used to facilitate the original paper making process.

The elastic fibrous web 12 passes through S-rollers 16 in a reverse- S path as viewed in Figure 1. From the S-roll arrangement, the elastic fibrous web 12 passes through pressure nip 32 formed in the horizontal calender 20, 22 by a bonding roller arrangement. Additional S-roll arrangements (not shown) can be introduced between the illustrated S-roller arrangement and the calender roller arrangement to stabilize the stretched material and to control the amount of sfretching. Because the peripheral linear speed ofthe rollers ofthe S-roll arrangement is controlled to be less than the peripheral linear speed of the rollers of the calender roller arcangement, the elastic fibrous web 12 is tensioned between the S-roll arrangement and the pressure nip 32 formed in the horizontal calender roller arrangement. The filaments ofthe elastic fibrous web 12 typically run along the direction that the web is stretched so that they can provide the desired sfretch properties in the finished composite material. By adjusting the difference in the speeds ofthe rollers, the elastic fibrous web is tensioned so that it stretches a desired amount and is maintained in a stretched condition while the gatherable layers 24 and 28 are joined to the elastic fibrous web 12 during their pass through the calender roller arrangement to form a composite elastic material 40. The elastic fibrous web can be stretched in the range from about 25 % (i.e., a 1 cm length can be stretched to 1.25 cm) to about 300 % (i.e., a 1 cm length can be stretched to 4 cm) of its relaxed length. Preferably, the web can be stretched to from about 30 % to about 150 % of its relaxed length. More preferably, the web can be stretched to from about 75 % to about 100 % of its relaxed length. The composite elastic material, 40, can be relaxed upon release ofthe tensioning force provided by the S-roll arrangement and the calender rollers. The gatherable layers are gathered in the composite elastic material 40. The composite elastic material 40 is then wound up on a winder roll 42. Optionally, composite elastic material 40 is activated by heat freatment in a heat activation unit 44. Processes of making composite elastic materials of this type are described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,720,415 to Vander Wielen et al. and U.S. Patent No. 5,385,775 to Wright.

In an alternative embodiment the gatherable layer(s) can be supplied from a supply roll(s) (not shown) in place ofthe coform banks 2 and 4. When a second gatherable layer 28 is employed, this would be supplied from a supply roll separate from the supply roll for layer 24.

Gatherable layers 24 and 28 can be non- woven materials such as, for example, spunbonded webs, meltblown webs, air laid layer webs, bonded carded webs, hydroentangled webs, wet-formed webs or any combination thereof. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, one or both of gatherable layers 24 and 28 is a multilayer material having, for example, at least one layer of spunbonded web joined to at least one layer of meltblown web, bonded carded web or other suitable material.

One or both ofthe gatherable layers 24 and 28 can be a composite material made of a mixture of two or more different fibers or a mixture of fibers and particulates. Such mixtures can be formed by adding fibers and/or particulates to the gas stream in which meltblown fibers are carried so that an intimate entangled commingling of meltblown fibers and other materials, e.g., wood pulp, staple fibers and particulates such as, for example, hydrocolloid (hydrogel) particulates commonly referred to as superabsorbent materials, occurs prior to collection ofthe meltblown fibers upon a collecting device to form a coherent web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers and other materials such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324, to Anderson et al.

A coherent integrated fibrous structure can be formed by the microfibers and absorbent fibers without any adhesive, molecular or hydrogen bonds between the two different types of fibers. The absorbent fibers are preferably distributed uniformly throughout the matrix of microfibers to provide a homogeneous material. The material is formed by initially forming a primary air stream containing the melt blown microfibers, forming a secondary air stream containing the wood pulp fibers, merging the primary and secondary streams under turbulent conditions to form an integrated air stream containing a thorough mixture ofthe microfibers and wood pulp fibers, and then directing the integrated air stream onto a forming surface to air fonn the fabric-like material. The microfibers are in a soft nascent condition at an elevated temperature when they are turbulently mixed with the wood pulp fibers in air.

In one embodiment, gatherable layers 24 and 28 are coform layers having from 20-50 wt. % of polymer fibers and 80-50 wt. % of pulp fibers. The prefeired ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers can be from 25-40 wt. % of polymer fibers and 75-60 wt. % of pulp fibers. A more preferred ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers can be from 30-40 wt. % of polymer fibers and 70-60 wt. % of pulp fibers. The most preferred ratio of polymer fibers to pulp fibers can be from 35 wt. % of polymer fibers and 65 wt. % of pulp fibers.

One or both ofthe gatherable layers 24 and 28 can be made of pulp fibers, including wood pulp fibers, to form a material such as, for example, a tissue layer. Additionally, the gatherable layers can be layers of hydraulically entangled fibers such as, for example, hydraulically entangled mixtures of wood pulp and staple fibers such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,781,966, to Taylor.

The gatherable layers 24 and 28 can be joined to the elastic fibrous web 12 at least at two places by any suitable means such as, for example, thermal bonding or ultrasonic welding which softens at least portions of at least one ofthe materials, usually the elastic fibrous web because the elastomeric materials used for forming the elastic fibrous web 12 have a lower softening point than the components ofthe gatherable layers 24 and 28. Joining can be produced by applying heat and/or pressure to the overlaid elastic fibrous web 12 and the gatherable layers 24 and 28 by heating these portions (or the overlaid layer) to at least the softening temperature ofthe material with the lowest softening temperature to form a reasonably strong and permanent bond between the re-solidified softened portions of elastic fibrous web 12 and gatherable layers 24 and 28. The calender (bonding) roller arrangement includes a smooth anvil roller 22 and a patterned calendar roller 20, such as, for example, a pin embossing roller arranged with a smooth anvil roller. One or both ofthe smooth anvil roller and the calendar roller can be heated and the pressure between these two rollers can be adjusted by well-known structures to provide the desired temperature, if any, and bonding pressure to join the gatherable layers to the elastic fibrous web. As can be appreciated, the bonding between the gatherable layers and the elastic sheet is a point bonding. Various bonding patterns can be used, depending upon the desired tactile properties ofthe final composite laminate material. The bonding points are preferably evenly distributed over the bonding area ofthe composite material. One embodiment ofthe bonding ofthe gatherable layer(s) and the elastic layer is explained below in conjunction with Figure 10.

With regard to thermal bonding, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the temperature to which the materials, or at least the bond sites thereof, are heated for heat-bonding will depend not only on the temperature o the heated roller(s) or other heat sources but on the residence time ofthe materials on the heated surfaces, the compositions ofthe materials, the basis weights ofthe materials and their specific heats and thermal conductivities. Typically, the bonding can be conducted at a temperature of from about 40° to about 80° C. Preferably, the bonding can be conducted at a temperature of from about 55° to about 75° C. More preferably, the bonding can be conducted at a temperature of from about 60° to about 70° C. The typical pressure range, on the rollers, can be from about 18 to about 56.8 Kg per linear cm (KLC). The preferred pressure range, on the rollers, can be from about 18 to about 24 Kg per linear cm (KLC) However, for a given combination of materials, and in view ofthe herein contained disclosure, the processing conditions necessary to achieve satisfactory bonding can be readily determined by one of skill in the art.

The elastic fibrous web 12 can also be preformed and unwound from a supply roll (not shown) and passed directly through the S-roll arrangement 16 before being bonded to at least one gatherable layer 24 or 28 at nip 32. Gatherable layers 24 and 28 can be preformed and unwound from supply rolls (not shown) and passed directly through the horizontal calender arrangement 20, 22.

Conventional drive means, e.g. electric motors, and other conventional devices which can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus of Figure 1 are well known and, for purposes of clarity, have not been illustrated.

One component ofthe composite elastic material 40 is the elastic fibrous web 12. The elastic web can be a web including meltblown fibers or the web can contain two or more layers of materials; where at least one layer can be a layer of elastomeric meltblown fibers and at least one layer can contain substantially parallel rows of elastomeric fibers autogenously bonded to at least a portion ofthe elastomeric meltblown fibers. The elastomeric fibers can have an average diameter ranging from about 40 to about 750 microns and extend along length (i.e. machine direction) ofthe fibrous web. The elastomeric fibers can have an average diameter in the range from about 50 to about 500 microns, for example, from about 100 to about 200 microns.

The elastic fibers extending along the length (i.e., MD) ofthe fibrous web increases the tensile modulus about 10% more than the increase in the tensile modulus ofthe fibrous web in the width (i.e. CD). For example, the tensile modulus of an elastic fibrous web can be about 20 % to about 90 % greater in the MD than the tensile modulus of a substantially isotropic non-woven web having about the same basis weight containing only elastomeric meltblown fibers. This increased MD tensile modulus increases the amount of retraction that can be obtained for a given basis weight ofthe composite elastic material.

The elastic fibrous web can contain at least about 20 percent, by weight, of elastomeric fibers. For example, the elastic fibrous web can contain from about 20 percent to about 100 percent, by weight, ofthe elastomeric fibers. Preferably, the elastomeric fibers can constitute from about 20 to about 60 percent, by weight, of the elastic fibrous web. More preferably, the elastomeric fibers can constitute from about 20 to about 40 percent, by weight, ofthe elastic fibrous web. Figure 2 is a schematic view of system 100 for forming an elastic fibrous web, which can be used as a component ofthe composite elastic material ofthe present invention, hi forming the fibers which are used in the elastic fibrous web, pellets or chips, etc. (not shown) of an extradable elastomeric polymer are introduced into pellet hoppers 102 and 104 of extruders 106 and 108.

Each extruder has an extrusion screw (not shown) which is driven by a conventional drive motor (not shown). As the polymer advances through the extruder, due to rotation ofthe extrusion screw by the drive motor, it is progressively heated to a molten state. Heating the polymer to the molten state can be accomplished in a plurality of discrete steps with its temperature being gradually elevated as it advances through discrete heating zones ofthe extruder 106 toward a meltblowing die 110 and extruder 108 toward a continuous filament forming unit 112. The meltblowing die 110 and the continuous filament forming unit 112 can be yet another heating zone where the temperature ofthe thermoplastic resin is maintained at an elevated level for extrusion. Heating ofthe various zones ofthe extruders 106 and 108 and the meltblowing die 110 and the continuous filament forming unit 112 can be achieved by any of a variety of conventional heating arrangements (not shown).

The elastomeric filament component ofthe elastic fibrous web can be fonned utilizing a variety of extrusion techniques. For example, the elastic fibers can be formed utilizing one or more conventional meltblowing die units which have been modified to remove the heated gas stream (i.e., the primary air stream) which flows generally in the same direction as that ofthe extruded threads to attenuate the extruded threads. This modified meltblowing die unit 112 usually extends across a foraminous collecting surface 114 in a direction which is substantially transverse to the direction of movement ofthe collecting surface 114. The modified die unit 112 includes a linear array 116 of small diameter capillaries aligned along the transverse extent ofthe die with the fransverse extent ofthe die being approximately as long as the desired width ofthe parallel rows of elastomeric fibers which is to be produced. That is, the transverse dimension ofthe die is the dimension which is defined by the linear array of die capillaries. Typically, the diameter ofthe capillaries can be on the order of from about 0.025 cm (0.01 in) to about 0.076 cm (0.03 in). Preferably, the diameter ofthe capillaries can be from about 0.0368 cm (0.0145 in) to about 0.0711 cm (0.028 in). More preferably, the diameter ofthe capillaries can be from about 0.06 cm (0.023 in) to about 0.07 cm (0.028 in). From about 5 to about 50 such capillaries can be provided per linear inch of die face. Typically, the length of the capillaries can be from about 0.127 cm (0.05 in) to about 0.508 cm (0.20 in). Typically, the length ofthe capillaries can be about 0.287 cm (0.H3 in) to about 0.356 cm (0.14 in) long. A meltblowing die can extend from about 51 cm (20 in) to about 185 or more cm (about 72 in) in length in the transverse direction. One familiar with the art would realize that the capillaries could be a shape other than circular, such as, for example, triangular, rectangular, and the like; and that the spacing or density ofthe capillaries can vary across the length ofthe die.

Since the heated gas stream (i.e., the primary air stream) which flows past the die tip is greatly reduced or absent, it is desirable to insulate the die tip or provide heating elements to ensure that the extruded polymer remains molten and flowable while in the die tip. Polymer is extruded from the array 116 of capillaries in the modified die unit 112 to create extruded elastomeric fibers 118.

The extruded elastomeric fibers 118 have an initial velocity as they leave the array 116 of capillaries in the modified die unit 112. These fibers 118 are deposited upon a foraminous surface 114, which should be moving at least at the same velocity as the initial velocity ofthe elastic fibers 118. This foraminous surface 114 is an endless belt conventionally driven by rollers 120. The fibers 118 are deposited in substantially parallel alignment on the surface ofthe endless belt 114 which is rotating as indicated by the arrow 122 in Figure 2. Vacuum boxes (not shown) can be used to assist in retention ofthe matrix on the surface ofthe belt 114. The tip of the die unit 112 is positioned as close as practical to the surface ofthe foraminous belt 114 upon which the continuous elastic fibers 118 are collected. For example, this forming distance can be from about 2 inches to about 10 inches. Desirably, this distance is from about 2 inches to about 8 inches.

It may be desirable to have the foraminous surface 114 moving at a speed that is much greater than the initial velocity ofthe elastic fibers 118 in order to enhance the alignment of the fibers 118 into substantially parallel rows and/or elongate the fibers 118 so they achieve a desired diameter. For example, alignment of the elastomeric fibers 118 can be enhanced by having the foraminous surface 114 move at a velocity from about 2 to about 10 times greater than the initial velocity of the elastomeric fibers 118. Even greater speed differentials can be used if desired. While different factors will affect the particular choice of velocity for the foraminous surface 114, it will typically be from about four to about eight times faster than the initial velocity ofthe elastomeric fibers 118.

Desirably, the continuous elastomeric fibers are formed at a density per inch of width of material which corresponds generally to the density of capillaries on the die face. For example, the filament density per inch of width of material may range from about 10 to about 120 such fibers per inch width of material. Typically, lower densities of fibers (e.g., 10-35 fibers per inch of width) can be achieved with only one filament forming die. Higher densities (e.g., 35-120 fibers per inch of width) can be achieved with multiple banks of filament forming equipment.

The meltblown fiber component ofthe elastic fibrous web is formed utilizing a conventional meltblowing device 124. Meltblowing devices 124 generally extrude a thermoplastic polymer resin through a plurality of small diameter capillaries of a meltblowing die as molten threads into a heated gas stream (the primary air stream) which is flowing generally in the same direction as that of the extruded threads so that the extruded threads are attenuated, i.e., drawn or extended, to reduce their diameter. Such meltblowing techi iques, and apparatus therefor, are discussed fully in U.S. Patent No. 4,663,220 to Wisneski et al.

In the meltblown die arrangement 110, the position of air plates which, in conjunction with a die portion define chambers and gaps, can be adjusted relative to the die portion to increase or decrease the width ofthe attenuating gas passageways so that the volume of attenuating gas passing through the air passageways during a given time period can be varied without varying the velocity ofthe attenuating gas. Generally speaking, lower attenuating gas velocities and wider air passageway gaps are generally preferred if substantially continuous meltblown fibers or microfibers are to be produced. The two streams of attenuating gas converge to fonn a stream of gas which entrains and attenuates the molten threads, as they exit the orifices, into fibers depending upon the degree of attenuation, microfibers, of a small diameter which is usually less than the diameter ofthe orifices. The gas-borne fibers or microfibers 126 are blown, by the action ofthe attenuating gas, onto a collecting arrangement which, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, is the foraminous endless belt 114 which carries the elastomeric filaments in substantially parallel alignment. The fibers or microfibers 126 are collected as a coherent matrix of fibers on the surface ofthe elastomeric fibers 118 and foraminous endless belt 114 which is rotating as indicated by the arrow 122 in Figure 2. If desired, the meltblown fibers or microfibers 126 can be collected on the foraminous endless belt 114 at numerous impingement angles. Vacuum boxes (not shown) can be used to assist in retention of the matrix on the surface ofthe belt 114. Typically the tip 128 ofthe die 110 is from about 6 inches to about 14 inches from the surface ofthe foraminous belt 114 upon which the fibers are collected. The entangled fibers or microfibers 124 autogenously bond to at least a portion ofthe elastic continuous fibers 118 because the fibers or microfibers 124 are still somewhat tacky or molten while they are deposited on the elastic continuous fibers 118, thereby forming the elastic fibrous web 130. The fibers are quenched by allowing the fibers to cool to a temperature below about 38° C.

As discussed above, the elastomeric fibers and elastomeric meltblown fibers can be deposited upon a moving foraminous surface. In one embodiment ofthe invention, meltblown fibers can be formed directly on top ofthe extruded elastomeric fibers. This is achieved by passing the fibers and the foraminous surface under equipment which produces meltblown fibers. Alternatively, a layer of elastomeric meltblown fibers can be deposited on a foraminous surface and substantially parallel rows of elastomeric fibers can be formed directly upon the elastomeric meltblown fibers. Various combinations of filament forming and fiber forming equipment can be set up to produce different types of elastic fibrous webs. For example, the elastic fibrous web may contain alternating layers of elastomeric fibers and elastomeric meltblown fibers. Several dies for forming meltblown fibers or creating elastomeric fibers may also be arcanged in series to provide superposed layers of fibers. The elastomeric meltblown fibers and elastomeric fibers can be made from any material that can be manufactured into such fibers such as natural polymers or synthetic polymers. Generally, any suitable elastomeric fiber forming resins or blends containing the same can be utilized for the elastomeric meltblown fibers and any suitable elastomeric filament forming resins or blends containing the same can be utilized for the elastomeric fibers. The fibers can be formed from the same or different elastomeric resin.

For example, the elastomeric meltblown fibers and/or the elastomeric fibers can be made from block copolymers having the general formula A-B-A' where A and A' are each a thermoplastic polymer endblock which can contain a styrenic moiety such as a poly (vinyl arene) and where B is an elastomeric polymer midblock such as a conjugated diene or a lower alkene polymer. The block copolymers can be, for example, (polystyrene/poly(ethylene-butylene)/polystyrene) block copolymers available from the Shell Chemical Company under the trademark KRATON. One such block copolymer can be, for example, KRATON ™ G-1657. Other exemplary elastomeric materials which can be used include polyurethane elastomeric materials such as, for example, those available under the trademark ESTANE from B. F. Goodrich & Co., polyamide elastomeric materials such as, for example, those available under the trademark PEBAX from the Rilsan Company, and polyester elastomeric materials such as, for example, those available under the trade designation Hytrel from E. I. DuPont De Nemours & Company. Formation of elastomeric meltblown fibers from polyester elastic materials is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,741,949.

Useful elastomeric polymers also include, for example, elastic copolymers of ethylene and at least one vinyl monomer such as, for example, vinyl acetates, unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, and esters of such monocarboxylic acids. The elastic copolymers and formation of elastomeric meltblown fibers from those elastic copolymers are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,803,117 to Daponte. Also, suitable elastomeric polymers are those prepared using metallocene catalysts such as those disclosed in International Application WO 00/48834. Processing aids can be added to the elastomeric polymer. For example, a polyolefin can be blended with the elastomeric polymer (e.g., the A-B-A elastomeric block copolymer) to improve the processability ofthe composition. The polyolefin must be one which, when so blended and subjected to an appropriate combination elevated pressure and elevated temperature conditions, extradable, in blended form, with the elastomeric polymer. Useful blending polyolefin materials include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutylene, including ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers and butylene copolymers. A particularly useful polyethylene can be obtained from the U.S.I. Chemical Company under the trade designation Betrothing NA 601 (also referred to herein as PE NA 601 or polyethylene NA 601). Two or more ofthe polyolefins can be utilized. Extradable blends of elastomeric polymers and polyolefins are disclosed in, for example, previously referenced U.S. Patent No. 4,663,220.

The elastomeric meltblown fibers and/or the elastomeric fibers can have some tackiness adhesiveness to enhance autogenous bonding. For example, the elastomeric polymer itself can be tacky when formed into fibers and, optionally, a compatible tackifying resin can be added to the extradable elastomeric compositions described above to provide tackified elastomeric fibers and/or fibers that autogenously bond. In regard to the tackifying resins and tackified extradable elastomeric compositions, note the resins and compositions as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,787,699, to Moulin.

Any tackifier resin can be used which is compatible with the elastomeric polymer and can withstand the high processing (e.g., extrusion) temperatures. If the elastomeric polymer (e.g., A-B-A elastomeric block copolymer) is blended with processing aids such as, for example, polyolefins or extending oils, the tackifier resin should also be compatible with those processing aids. Generally, hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins are preferred tackifying resins, because of their better temperature stability. REGALREZ™ and ARKON™ series tackifiers are examples of hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins. ZONATAK™ 501 lite is an example of a terpene hydrocarbon. REGALREZ™ hydrocarbon resins are available from Hercules incorporated. ARKON™ series resins are available from Arakawa Chemical (U.S.A.) Inc. The present invention is not limited to use of these tackifying resins, and other tackifying resins which are compatible with the other components ofthe composition and can withstand the high processing temperatures, can also be used. Typically, the blend used to form the elastomeric fibers include, for example, from about 40 to about 95 percent by weight elastomeric polymer, from about 5 to about 40 percent polyolefin and from about 5 to about 40 percent resin tackifier. For example, a particularly useful composition included, by weight, about 61 to about 65 percent KRATON™ G-1657, about 17 to about 23 percent polyethylene polymer, and about 15 to about 20 percent REGALREZ™ 1126. The preferred polymers are metallocene catalyzed polyethylene polymers, such as, for example Affinity^® polymers, available from Dow^® Chemical Company as Affinity XUS59400.03L.

The elastomeric meltblown fiber component ofthe present invention can be a mixture of elastic and nonelastic fibers or particulates. For example, such a mixture, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,209,563 to Sisson, where elastomeric and non-elastomeric fibers are commingled to form a single coherent web of randomly dispersed fibers. Another example of such an elastic composite web could be made by a technique disclosed in previously cited U.S. Patent No. 4,141,949 to Morman et al. This patent discloses an elastic non-woven material which includes a mixture of meltblown thermoplastic fibers and other materials. The fibers and other materials are combined in the gas stream in which the meltblown fibers are borne so that an intimate entangled commingling of meltblown fibers and other materials, e.g., wood pulp, staple fibers or particulates such as, for example, activated charcoal, clays, starches, or hydrocoUoid (hydrogel) particulates commonly referred to as super-absorbents occurs prior to collection ofthe fibers upon a collecting device to form a coherent web of randomly dispersed fibers.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary process for forming a gatherable web or layer 24 and 28 such as coform, which can be used as a component ofthe composite elastic material ofthe invention. The matrix material comprising thermoplastic polymer microfibers from the extruder banks 201 and 201 A (201 A is an optional additional extruder bank) ofthe meltblowing extruders 202, are blended with the individualized absorbent fibers from the pulp generator 206. The non- woven web 208 is carried along the forming wire 210 to the calender or wound on a roll. If desired, the composite elastic material ofthe invention can be heat activated. Heat activation can provide dimensional stability in the web by increasing the retraction that occurs in the manufacturing process. Elevating the temperature ofthe web and imparting energy to the elastomer can cause it to retract beyond the range achievable at ambient conditions. There are numerous heat activation methods including, but not limited to, through-air heating, surface heating, infrared, microwave, and liquid transfer. The heat activation step can also be executed in multiple locations such as the in-line manufacturing process, after material winding, or during converting. In-line through-air heat activation is the method illustrated because it provides good heat transfer. In the embodiment of this invention illustrated in Figure 4, the composite elastic web 40 is allowed to retract as much as possible at ambient temperatures and fed into the heat activation unit 44. Web 40 is stretched, heated to about 57° C and allowed to retract. This retraction occurs after the web travels from a vacuum dram in the heating section to a vacuum dram in the quenching section. After this additional retraction has occureed the web is cooled on the quench vacuum roll(s) to preserve this retracted state as the web is processed further. More particularly, a transfer roller 402 feeds web into heat activation unit 44. The vacuum rolls 403 (two shown) provide the necessary residence time for heat activation to occur. Heated air is supplied to the chamber 405 containing the vacuum rolls and evacuated through the center ofthe vacuum rolls. If multiple rollers are employed they can be operated at the same speed or at different speeds. One or more vacuum rollers 404 is provided to allow residence time in the quenching/cooling chamber 406 to reduce the fabric temperature to ambient conditions. If multiple rollers are employed they can be operated at the same speed or at different speeds. The quenching vacuum roller(s) can be ran at a slower speed than the vacuum roller(s) in the heating section to allow retraction to occur prior to cooling the web. The quenching roll/rolls can run from about 6% to about 10% slower than the rolls in the heating section.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart representing steps for producing a composite or laminate according to the present invention. It is believed that these steps are described herein and further description in not necessary.

Various properties ofthe composite ofthe present invention were detemiined during laboratory tests. The laboratory conditions under which testing was performed generally adhere to ASTM E 171, "Standard Atmospheres for Conditioning and Testing Materials", as well as 21 CFR 58.61-63, "Good laboratory practices for nonclinical laboratory studies" and CFR 211.160(b)(4), "Current Good Manufacturing Practices for Finished Pharmaceuticals".

Figures 11 and 12 show a cup-crush testing system 1100, which includes a cup fonning assembly 1102 and force testing unit 1103. The force testing unit 1103 includes a force sensor 1104 to which is cantilevered a rigid rod 1105. A hemispherical foot 1108 is positioned at the free end of rod 1105. Force sensor

1104 includes electronics and mechanics for measuring the force experienced at foot 1108 and transferred through rigid rod 1105. The assembly 1102 includes mating, top-hat shaped former cups 1110 and 1112, which grip a sheet 1202 (such as wet- wipe 1000, see Figure 10), at at least four points. The four corners 1106 of sheet 1202 extend outside ofthe assembly 1102. The cup 1112 is removed after forming sheet 1202 into a cup. A gripping ring 1114 holds the formed sheet 1202 in cup 1110 during testing.

One measure ofthe softness of a non-woven fabric sheet 1202 is determined according to the "cup crush" test by system 1100. The cup crush test evaluates fabric stiffness by measuring the peak load (also called the "cup crush load" or just "cup crash") required for a 4.5 cm diameter hemispherically shaped foot 1108 to crush a 17.8 cm by 17.8 cm piece of fabric 1202 shaped into an approximately 6.5 cm diameter by 6.5 cm tall cup shape, while the now cup shaped fabric is surrounded by an approximately 6.5 cm diameter cylinder cup 1110 to maintain a uniform deformation ofthe cup shaped fabric 1102. There can be gaps between the ring 1114 and forming cup 1110, but at least four comers 1106 must be fixedly pinched therebetween. The foot 1108 and cylinder cup 1110 are aligned to avoid contract between the cup walls and the foot that could affect the readings. The load is measured in grams, and recorded a minimum of twenty times per second while the foot is descending at a rate of about 406 mm per minute. The cup crash test provides a value for the total energy required to crash a sample (the "cup crush energy") which is the energy over a 4.5 cm range beginning 0.5 cm below the top of the fabric cup, i.e., the area under the curve formed by the load in grams on one axis and the distance the foot travels in millimeters on the other. Cup crash energy is reported in gm-mm (or inch-pounds). A lower cup crash value indicates a softer material. A suitable device for measuring cup crush is a model FTD-G-500 load cell (500 gram range) available from the Schaevitz Company, Pennsauken, N.J.

The peak load tensile test is a measure of breaking strength and elongation or strain of a fabric when subjected to unidirectional stress. This test is known in the art and is similar to ASTM-1117-80, section seven, which uses a 12-inch per minute strain rate. The results are expressed in grams to break and percent stretch before breakage. Higher numbers indicate a stronger, more stretchable fabric. The term "load" means the maximum load or force, expressed in units of weight, required to break or rapture the specimen in a tensile test. The term "sfrain" or "total energy" means the total energy under a load versus elongation curve as expressed in weight-length units. The term "elongation" means the increase in length of a specimen during a tensile test and is given in percent. Values for tensile strength and elongation are obtained using a specified width of fabric, in this case 1 inch (25.4 mm), clamp width and a constant rate of extension. The test is conducted using wet product as would be representative of consumer use. Fabric testing can be conducted in both the machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CD) which can be determined by one familiar with non-woven materials by the orientation ofthe fibers. It is important that the samples be either parallel or perpendicular to the machine direction to insure accuracy. The test is conducted using a 2 inch (50.8 mm) wide clamp with one smooth face and one 0.25 inch round horizontal rod comprising each clamp mechanism. The specimen is clamped in, for example, an histron Model™, available from the Instron Corporation, 2500 Washington St., Canton, Mass. 02021, or a Thwing- Albert Model INTELLECT II available from the Thwing- Albert Instrument Co., 10960 Dutton Rd., Phil., Pa. 19154, which have 3 inch (76 mm) long parallel clamps. This closely simulates fabric stress conditions in actual use. The caliper ofthe composite elastic materials ofthe invention is a measure of thickness. The thickness is measured at 0.05 psi with a Starret-type bulk tester, in units of millimeters using a 7.62 cm (3 in) diameter platen. This test is conducted on the finished wet-wipe product and care must be taken to insure the platen does not fall on a fold or wrinkle that has resulted from packaging. The density of the wet- wipe, as used herein, is a wet-density calculated as the basis weight divided by the caliper (measured wet). The wet thickness is employed so as to represent the product as obtained by a consumer. The commercially available wet- wipes that were used for comparison testing are usually only available in the form of a wet finished product. Dry basis weight is used to accurately assess the wet-density by elimination of variability caused by the amount of solution on the various brands of wet- wipes.

The wet-wipes are removed from their container and randomly selected. Each wipe is unfolded, numbered and measured (length and width). The wipes are stacked and compressed to about 15-20 metric tons in a press for about 10 seconds. This step is repeated until a steady stream of solution is no longer observed. The wipes are draped over a rod and placed in a drying oven at 105 ± 2 degrees C for about 2 hours. The dry wipes are allowed to cool for about 14-15 minutes and weighed to ± 0.01 g.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1

Wet wipes were made as described in the present application. Each wet wipe contained a three-layer laminate composite elastic material, which included two gatherable outer coform layers and an inner elastomeric core. Elastomeric Core

The elastomeric layer in this example is produced using a two bank meltblown process and a single continuous speed foraminous belt. The first bank of the meltblown process was setup to extrude elastomeric filaments/fibers directly onto the foraminous belt in a substantially parallel configuration without the use of heated primary air to draw the filaments. A metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene resin available from DOW Chemical Company, under the trade designation of Dow Affinity™ XUS59400.03L, were used to produce the fibers at a nominal melt temperature of 220 degrees C. The substantially parallel fibers were extruded through a spin beam with a nominal hole size of 0.07 cm and a density of 7 holes per cm. The velocity ofthe polymer through the spin beam and speed ofthe foraminous belt were adjusted to produce a web of fibers with a basis weight of 21 grams per square meter. The fiber web basis weight, the density ofthe capillaries in the spin beam, and the capillary size dictates the drawing ratio ofthe elastomeric filaments.

The second bank in the meltblown process/system operates as a conventional meltblown head. The molten thennoplastic is extruded through fine die capillaries converging into a hot air stream, which attenuates the filaments of molten material reducing their diameter. The high velocity air stream carries these meltblown fibers to the constant speed foraminous surface. Such a process is disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin. The meltblown head used here utilizes 0.0368 cm diameter capillaries at a density of 12 capillaries per cm, and operates at a melt temperature of 250 degrees C. The elastomeric polymer used to produce the meltblown fibers is a dry blended resin in the following proportions: 80% Dow Affinity XUS59400.03L, 15% Regalrez 1126, and 5% Dow 6806. As the meltblown fibers are deposited on the foraminous surface carrying the previously formed, substantially parallel, filament autogeneous bonding occurs and discrete points where the still molten fibers cross over the filaments. The basis weight ofthe web prepared is about 9 grams per square meter. The web is then cooled to a temperature less than about 35 degrees C by drawing ambient air through the foraminous belt as the web travels over a vacuum box. This cooling is required prior to removing the web from the foraminous surface.

Sfretching The web is transported to an S-wrap roll arrangement by a series of idler rollers. The S-wrap rollers are driven to control their speed, and this combined with the large surface contact serve as a nip. The speed ofthe foraminous meltblown forming belt and S-wrap rollers travel at about the same speed and this speed is 50% ofthe speed ofthe calender rolls. This speed difference results in a 100% elongation ofthe elastic web between the S-wrap rolls and the calender roll. This stretching effect reduces the basis weight by about 50% and imparts significant stored energy to the elastomeric web as it is presented to be joined with the gatherable layers.

Gatherable coform layers

The gatherable coform layers were comprised of intermingled polypropylene meltblown fibers and fiberized softwood pulp. The polypropylene comprised 35 weight percent ofthe gatherable layer with the softwood pulp comprising the remaining 65 weight percent. Each coform layer is an air formed matrix produced utilizing a coform process with two forming stations. At each forming station an air stream containing fiberized softwood pulp (available under the trade designation CF-405 from Weyerhaeuser Coiporation) is merged with two heated primary air streams containing polypropylene (available from BASELL under the trade designation PF-105) meltblown fibers. The two polypropylene meltblown streams oppose each other at an angle of 90 degrees and the pulp air stream is contained between these streams at an angle of 45 degrees to each. The air streams merge under turbulent conditions at a distance of approximately 20 cm above a constant speed foraminous surface. This first coform layer then travels on the foraminous surface under a second forming station producing a second layer of equal portions and basis weight. The second coform layer is bonded through mechanical entanglement to the first layer by virtue ofthe high velocity forming air common to coform processes. The second gatherable layer is formed in a similar fashion to the first.

The first and second gatherable layers are formed simultaneously by different forming stations on separate foraminous belting surfaces, which rotate in opposite directions conveying the coform layers toward each other. The cofonn layers are then removed from the foraminous surfaces and conveyed by conventional means to the vertical calender.

Combining After leaving the foraminous surfaces the first and second gatherable layers enter the vertical embossing calender from opposite directions as shown in Figure 1. (Alternatively, the gatherable layers could be fraveling from a foraminous surface in the same direction into a calender, and in yet in another embodiment these gatherable layers may be transferred from a wound roll rather than foraminous surface.)

The elastomeric web enters the calender between the two gatherable layers in an elongated state (about twice the formed length, or 100% elongation), and could come from a separate foraminous surface as it does in the example, or from a wound roll. The smooth anvil roll and patterned calender roll bond the layers together at a plurality of discrete points in the configuration shown in Figure 10. The heated bond rolls and high pressure cause additional mechanical entanglement and thermal bonding ofthe polymers in the fabric. A temperature of 65 degrees C and an embossing pressure of 21 kg per linear centimeter are used here.

Retracting

As the composite web leaves the calender the stored energy in the elastomer is released as the web is conveyed at a decreasing linear speed through the process and the elastomeric core gathers the exterior layers. With the components described the retraction occurs over a period of about 4 seconds and dictates an appropriate free web span for the given calender roll speed. For example if the calender roll has a linear speed of 5 meters per second then the web must be free to retract and decelerate over a distance of 20 meters. The exemplary composite web described herein retracts about 25% during this gathering step. This results in an increase in the basis weight ofthe web, corresponding to about 25%.

Heat Activation

In order to obtain further retraction and increase the dimensional stability of the composite, same is transferred to a foraminous dram where it is held at a fixed dimension by vacuum. While held on the rotating, foraminous drum, or similar surface, the temperature ofthe web is elevated near the glass transition temperamre of the elastomeric center layer by drawing a heated air stream through the web. Monitoring the temperature ofthe elastomeric portion ofthe composite is not possible as it is located between the gatherable layers and therefore the temperature ofthe external gatherable layers is used to monitor the process and is measured as it exits transitions off the foraminous drum. This is a reasonable approximation as the heat transfer with the through-air process. The external web temperamre required for this example is about 55 degrees C. Once heated the web is transferred to another vacuum drum, or similar surface, through space. This second drum is traveling slower than the heated drum (approximately 5% for this example) and additional retraction occurs between the two surfaces. Again an increase in basis weight ofthe web occurs. The second drum draws ambient air through the web reducing the temperature back to ambient following this retraction step.

The fabric can then be converted into individual wet wipes using numerous cutting, folding, wetting, and stacking methods known in the art. The wet wipes included a solution similar to that currently being used with Kleenex™ Huggies™ Supreme Care Scented baby wipes, which were commercially available from

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a business having offices located in Neenah, Wis. The wet wipes included about 330 weight percent ofthe solution based on the dry weight ofthe wipe. Example 2

Following the procedure of Example 1, a composite elastic material is prepared using an elastomeric web containing 100% elastomeric meltblown fibers at a basis weight of 25 grams per square meter.

Example 3

A particularly suitable solution for the wet wipes ofthe present invention was prepared according to the following formulation:

Ingredient CTFA Designation wt. %

Water 98.52

Potassium Laureth mono alkyl phosphate 0.6

Glycerin 0.29

Polysorbate-20 0.30 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 0.20

Propylparaben 0.1

Fragrance 0.05

The potassium laureth mono alkyl phosphate was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation RHODAFAC. The Polysorbate-20 was commercially available from Rhone Poulenc under the trade designation ALKAMULS PSML-20. The sodium hydroxymethylglycinate was commercially available from Sutton Labs, a business having offices located in Catham, New Jersey, under the trade designation SUTTOCIDE A. Malic acid was then added to the solution to bring the pH level to 5.5. The solution exhibited a silky, lubricious feel and was relatively nonirritating to the skin.

Example 4

A suitable solution for the wet wipes ofthe present invention was prepared according to the following formulation: Ingredient CTFA Designation wt. %

Water 97.02

Potassium Coco mono alkyl phosphate 0.4

Propylene Glycol 0.5

Polysorbate-20 0.30

Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 0.15

Fragrance 0.03

The potassium coco mono alkyl phosphate was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation RHODAFAC. The Polysorbate-20 was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation ALKAMULS PSML-20. The sodium hydroxymethylglycinate was commercially available from Sutton Labs, a business having offices located in Chatham, New Jersey, under the trade designation SUTTOCIDE A. Malic acid was then added to the solution to bring the pH level to 5.5. The solution was cloudy, exhibited a slight silky after feel and precipitated.

Example 5

Composite elastic materials, prepared according to Example 1, is formed into sheets and moistened, using a solution prepared according to Example 3, to provide wet-wipes. These wet-wipes were compared to commercially available wet- wipes obtained from about September 1996 through about January 2000 as recited in Table I.

The cup crush, density, thickness, tensile strength, bulk and basis weight for the wet- wipes were determined. The results are summarized in Table II. The wet density of several commercially available wet- wipes and the wet density ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention are compared in Figure 6. The cup crash of several commercially available wet- wipes and the cup crash ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention are compared in Figure 7. The cup crash to density ratio of several commercially available wet- wipes and the cup crush to density ratio ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention are compared in Figure 8. The CD tensile strength of several commercially available wet- wipes and the CD tensile strength ofthe wet- wipes ofthe present invention are compared in Figure 9.

Table 1

Table 2

Title: Wipe With Improved Clothlike Properties

Attribute Product Basis Wet Cup Absorption CD Peak CD TEA MD Peak MD TEA Density Cup Crush / Wt Bulk Crush Capacity Density g/m² mm g*cm gram/gram gram N*m/cm² gram/cm N*m/cm² Density Cup Crush/ (g/cm^Λ3) Density

Sample 1 82 1.14 69.2 6.88 335.66 **# 233.94 % % 0.072 965

Sample 2 82 1.07 87.5 5.87 358.34 *** 364.30 *** 0.077 1138

Sample 3 86 1.15 92 6.12 350.99 30.448 320.83 71.201 0.075 1227

Sensitive Skin 84 0.75 106.2 8.99 263.08 *** 196.44 *** 0.112 950

Sample 4 85 1.35 115 5.74 389.09 34.813 388.94 77.323 0.063 1828

Luvs 57 0.76 122.4 8.99 232.51 7.860 167.11 6.702 0.076 1609 82229 Supreme Care 78 1.08 139 8.88 553.38 40.411 487.52 53.269 0.072 1923 Pure N Gentle 66 0.70 150.1 7.18 1987.22 56.876 788.05 22.839 0.095 1579

Premium

7366 Supreme Care 11 1.30 163.7 1.11 581.87 44.352 487.77 59.042 0.059 2753

Natural Care-prince 75 0.83 165.7 10.38 363.51 25.142 309.69 28.127 0.090 1831

Pamper Rash Care 62 0.73 168.7 7.51 242.31 6.922 180.36 7.316 0.085 1977

Equate 62 0.57 174.6 6.53 408.19 12.141 322.35 15.027 0.110 1594

Supreme Care 80 1.25 180.9 8.41 613.21 43.747 426.89 47.978 0.064 2815

Baby Fresh Natural 64 0.71 188.6 6.97 301.00 8.037 193.58 7.881 0.091 2068

Aloe

Original 79 0.78 198.6 8.57 315.61 21.353 331.80 22.357 0.101 1961

Baby Fresh -Moisture 64 0.73 199 7.03 294.83 *** 205.37 *** 0.088 2265

Pillows

Pampers Premium 69 ^• 0.72 226.2 7.49 346.59 9.172 247.69 9.588 0.096 2354

Euro Pampers 82 0.84 255.7 9.24 403.70 *** 405.37 *** 0.097 2632

Chubs 65 0.51 256.3 3.41 374.03 8.492462 486.6270 16.87733 0.129 1981

*** Not Measured

Figure 10 shows a plan view of a wet- wipe 1000 created according to the processes described herein. As discussed above, elastic fibers 1010, schematically depicted in Figure 10 as dashed lines, extend in the machine direction (MD). Wet- wipe 1000 includes a plurality of bonding points 1020 arranged in non-linear waves which are not orthogonal to the either the machine direction (MD) indicated by arrow 1005 or the cross direction (CD) indicated by arrow 1006. For clarity of illustration, only a few bonding points 1020 are labeled with reference numerals. The bonding points 1020 are created by the bonding roller arrangement 20, 22 as the elastic layer 12 and gatherable layer(s) 24 andVor 28 pass through the bonding roller arrangement. The wet- wipe 1000 further has decorative outlines, here shown as various forms of teddy bears, forming additional bonding areas 1030 joining at least one gatherable layer 24 or 28 to elastic layer 12. The calender roller 20, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of pins corresponding to each bonding point 1020 and bosses corresponding to outlines forming bonding areas 1030. While the illustrated embodiment has numerous bonding points 1020 and bonding areas 1030, it is understood that one embodiment requires fewer bonding points than illustrated in Figure 10, such as only two bonding points 1020 or bonding areas 1030. Further, wet- wipe 1000 does not require both bonding points 1020 and bonding areas 1030. For example, only a plurality bonding points 1020 join the gatherable layer 24 to elastic layer 12. That is, the wet-wipe does not have bonding areas 1030. In another embodiment, only a plurality of bonding areas 1030 are provided.

Figure 13 shows a rigid plastic wet- wipe container having a lid 1301 hingedly attached to a base 1302 and a removable inner cover 1303. The removable inner cover contains a pop-up style wet- wipe dispenser including a rigid port 1305 which surrounds a flexible, rubber-like material or sheet 1306 having a dispensing opening 1307. The dispensing opening 1307 is illustrated as several slits through which individual wet wipes are removed from the container. It will be understood that the opening can have other configurations, such as a polygon, oval, circle, etc, which provide the yieldable resistance required to stretch the wet-wipe to increase its thickness as it is removed from the container.

The removable inner cover shown is somewhat dome-shaped with a slight pitch toward the front ofthe container. The cover is removably secured to the sidewalls ofthe base by a small lip around the periphery ofthe inner cover that engages with notches within several protruding ribs on the inner surface ofthe sidewalls (not shown). It also rests on a small support surface in each ofthe four corners ofthe base, which is outwardly visible by discontinuities 1308 in the rounded corners ofthe base. The lid is secured in a closed position by a suitable latching mechanism, in which a protrusion 1309 in the front lip ofthe base is engaged by an opening 1311 in the front lip ofthe lid.

The shape ofthe rigid port in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 is oval, but can be any shape and size large enough to enable the user to reach into the container with their fingers to grasp the next available wet wipe in the event of a dispensing failure. Other suitable shapes include, without limitation, polygons, such as square, rectangular, and triangular; circular and irregular. The area ofthe oval illustrated in the container of Figure 13 is about 6 square inches. Dispensing opening 1307 includes slits in the flexible, rubber-like sheet, which, as shown, are star-shaped and cross essentially at one point on the sheet. The longest slit is about 1.75 inches and the smaller slits are about 0.25 inch. However, many other slit configurations are also suitable including, without limitation, X-shaped slits, straight slits and curvilinear slits. The length ofthe individual slits can be about 0.25 inch to about 3 inches, more specifically from about 0.25 inch to about 2 inches. The length ofthe slits will in part depend upon the slit configuration and the number of slits. The sum total length for all ofthe slits in the sheet or material can be about 2.5 inches or greater. It is preferred to have at least one slit with a length of about 1 inch which, in combination with the elasticity ofthe rubber-like sheet or material, will allow the user to reach into the container with at least two fingers as necessary. For very- tall containers, it may be necessary to lengthen at least one ofthe slits so that the user can still reach the bottom ofthe container. For such a container, at least one ofthe slits may need to be between 2 and 6 inches in length, more specifically between 3 and 4 inches in length. This will allow the user to insert one or more fingers as well as part ofthe hand into the container to retrieve a wipe.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of another rigid plastic container in accordance with this invention, in which the pop-up style dispenser is recessed within the lid ofthe container. Elements which are similar to those described above are designated by the same reference numbers. Shown is a removable lid 1301, a base 1302, a rigid port 1305 which surrounds a flexible, rubber-like sheet 1306 having a dispensing opening 1307 through which the wet wipes are dispensed. This container also has a pop-up lid 1420, which can be closed to seal the container when not in use.

Figure 15 shows another container, in which the container is a flexible package 1505, such as a plastic film-wrapped package, having a flip-top style dispensing opening structure. The flexible plastic film package 1505 contains a stack of wet- wipes. A dispenser 1510 is provided on the top of the package, which dispenser includes a rigid port 1511 surrounding a flexible, rubber-like sheet 1306 having dispensing opening 1307, for example formed of one or more slits, through which the wet wipes are removed from the package 1505. The flip-top lid 1516 can be closed over the rigid port to seal off the container when not being used. Any suitable closure design can be used to effect a proper seal. While the dispenser useful for purposes of this invention has been specifically illustrated in three different styles of container, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different container designs are possible, including canister style containers, without departing from the scope ofthe invention. The flexible, rubber-like sheet 1306 forms dispensing opening 1307, wherein the dispensing opening has a Penetration Index of from about 50 to about 600 grams. More specifically, the Shore A hardness (as measured by ASTM D2240) ofthe flexible, rubber-like sheet or material 1306 is about 100 or less, more specifically from about 20 to about 70, and still more specifically from about 30 to about 60. The Gurley stiffness ofthe flexible, rubber-like sheet or material (as measured by ASTM D 6125-97 "Standard Test Method for Bending Resistance of Paper and Paperboard") is about 10,000 milligrams of force (mgf) or less, more specifically from about 100 to about 8000 mgf, more specifically from about 200 to about 6500 mgf, and still more specifically from about 300 to about 1500 mgf. The thickness ofthe flexible, rubber-like sheet

1306 is about 0.1 millimeter or greater, more specifically from about 0.1 to about 2 millimeters, and still more specifically from about 0.8 to about 1.5 millimeters. The elasticity ofthe flexible rubber-like material or sheet 1306, as characterized by the tensile stress at 100 percent elongation and measured in accordance with ASTM D412 "Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers", is about 10 megapascals (Mpa) or less, more specifically from about 0.1 to about 7 Mpa, and still more specifically from about 0.5 to about 2.5 Mpa.

Alternatively, the performance ofthe dispensing opening can be measured more directly by using a tensile testing machine to insert a ball-shaped probe into the dispensing opening under controlled conditions and measuring the force required to overcome the resistance ofthe opening. This simulates the use of a person's finger to reach into the container to retrieve a wipe. In general, the measurement involves placing a container to be tested underneath a specially- designed probe which is mounted to a tensile tester. The tensile tester lowers the probe into the center ofthe container's dispensing opening at a predetermined speed and measures the peak load, in grams, required to penetrate the opening. This test, as more specifically described below, results in a value referred to herein as the "Penetration Index". The containers of this invention have a Penetration Index of from about 50 to about 600 grams, more specifically from about 100 to about 500 grams, and still more specifically from about 200 to about 400 grams.

On example ofthe tensile tester is a MTS Sintech 1/G with a MTS 10 pound load cell. The software is Testworks for Windows 3 JO. The load cell contains a 0.5 inch grip adapter for receiving the metal ball probe. The ball probe used is approximately 4.5 inches long. The bottom portion ofthe probe, which contacts the sample to be tested, is ball-shaped and has a ball diameter of 0.75 inch. The middle portion ofthe probe consists of a connecting "neck" which is approximately 0.375 inches in diameter and 1.375 inches long. The upper section ofthe probe is approximately 0.5 inch in diameter and 2.4 inches long. The end ofthe upper section contains a flat area to allow the probe to fit into the grip adapter ofthe tensile tester. The flat area is 0.125 inch off of the center ofthe probe. When conducting the test, the container to be tested is securely placed on a suitable surface such that the center ofthe dispensing opening is placed directly underneath the ball probe. The probe is initially positioned such that it is approximately one inch above the dispensing opening. Upon the start ofthe test, the probe moves downward at a rate of 80 inches per minute for a distance of 2 inches. The probe is held for one second at this bottom position and then is moved upward to its initial position at the same rate. The test is repeated two additional times. The peak load readings from the tensile tester, expressed as grams of force, are averaged and the result is the Penetration Index for the sample.

Figures 16A and 16B schematically show stacks of wet- wipes 1610 as maybe stored in the containers illustrated in Figures 13-15. The stacks 1610 include a plurality of individual wet- wipes 1615 stacked one on top of each other in a non-interleaved configuration. Each wipe is folded onto itself with no portion of another wipe being positioned between the folds ofthe adjacent wipe(s).

Figures 17A and 17B schematically show stacks of wet- wipes 1710 as may be stored in the containers illustrated in Figures 13-15. The stacks 1710 include a plurality of individual wet- wipes 1715, which are stacked one on top of each other in an interleaved configuration. Each wipe 1715 includes a portion 1717 positioned between, in a sandwich-like configuration, portions of adjacent wipe(s). Figure 18 shows a plurality of wet- wipes 1815 held in a roll 1810.

Individual wet- wipes 1815 are separated from the adjacent wet-wipe(s) by perforation(s) 1818, which allows the wet- wipe 1815 (show on the right in Figure 18) to be removed from the roll 1810 by tearing along the perforation between wet- wipe 1815 and the adjacent wet- wipe. A roll 1810 of wet- wipes may be stored in a container adapted to support the roll and allow removal on the wet- wipes. It is within the scope ofthe present invention to provide such a container with a dispenser 1307 as discussed above so that the wet- wipe removed from the container is suitably stretched and relaxed to increase the thickness ofthe wipe. While Figure 18 shows the wipe being removed from the outer diameter of roll 1810, it is further understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to remove wipes from the inner diameter ofthe roll.

While one of ordinary skill would understand how to operate the wet- wipe, with or without the container, in order to increase its thickness and, hence, improve its cloth-like feel and softness, a description of its operation is provided. Wet- wipes lose some of their thickness during manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. It is desired to recapture the thickness prior to wet-wipe use. In one embodiment, wet- wipe 1000 is held by the top and bottom as shown in Figure 10, and stretched in the machine direction. In the case of a wet- wipe 1000 having a machine direction length of about 190 mm in a relaxed state or mode, it is stretched to a length of about 271 mm in a stretched state or mode. The wet- wipe is released and recovers to about its relaxed state. During the stretching and recovering functions, the gathered layers 24 and 28 are stretched and then pulled back to about their original state by elastic layer 12 through bonding points. This causes the gathered layers 24 and 28 to increase in thickness, and hence, softness is improved. The increasing ofthe thickness of gathered layers 24 and 28 decreases the density ofthe wet- wipe and adds to the increased "softness" ofthe wet- ipe. In another embodiment, the wet- wipe is stretched as it is pulled through dispensing opening 1307 (Figs. 13-15). A user reaches through opening 1307 and grips and end ofthe wet- wipe 1000 stored within the interior of container 1302 or 1505. Alternatively, a portion of wet-wipe 1000 extends a small extent outside ofthe container to aid in its removal. The wet- wipes 1000 are arranged in the container such that the act of removal is in the machine direction. The wet-wipes may be stored in stacks, interleaved or non-interleaved, or in rolls. As the wet- wipe 1000 is removed, the opening 1307 yieldably resists the removal of the wet- wipe. This causes the wet- wipe to stretch when it passes through opening 1307, i.e. the wet-wipe is in its stretched mode. When the wet-wipe snaps free of dispensing opening 1307, the wet- wipe returns to about its relaxed length by action ofthe elastic layer. However, the mode is now different because the gatherable layers 24 and/or 28 have an increased thickness.

It is believed that the stretching ofthe wet- wipe should be in a range of about 5 % to about 50 % of its relaxed state. For example, if the wet- wipe has a length of 200 mm, then its stretched length should be in the range of about 210 mm to about 300 mm. In another embodiment, the stretching range is in the range of about 5 % to 30%. In yet another embodiment the stretching range is about 10 % to about 20 %. Using the same example wet- wipe having a length of 200 mm, then the wet- wipe of this embodiment has a stretched length of about 220 mm to about 240 mm. It will be understood that it is undesirable to stretch the wet- wipe to a point where it begins to tear. It is believed that the wet- wipe can be stretched to about 50% of its relaxed length, but it is preferable to only stretch the wet- wipe to a maximum of about 30% of its length to reduce the risk of tearing.

After the wet-wipe is stretched, it recovers to about its relaxed length. Ideally, the elastic layer acts as a perfect elastomer and returns to the relaxed length after it is stretched and released. It will be understood that the wet-wipe according to the present invention may not retum to exactly the same length and maybe about 5% longer after recovery.

The present wet- wipe dispensing system provides a wet- wipe for use having improved texture and softness. The system includes wet-wipe container 1302 or 1505 and at least one wet- wipe 1000 stored within the container. The wet- wipe is removed from the container for use. The wet- wipe 1000 has a non- woven laminate 40 of an elastic layer 12 and at least one gathered layer 24 or 28. The gathered layer 24 or 28 is bonded to elastic layer 12 at at least two points and is gathered between the at least two points. As the wet-wipe is removed from the container 1302 or 1505, it stretches. After its release from the container's dispensing opening 1307, the wet- wipe recovers to about its relaxed length. The non-woven laminate 40 has a first thickness within the container and a second thickness outside the container, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, which helps improve the softness and cloth-like texture. Figure 19 is a graph of test data comparing wet- wipes 1000 which were removed from the container 1302 or 1505 though an open lid ("reach-in dispensing") with wet- wipes 1000 which were removed though a dispensing opening 1307 ("dispensed through orifice"). The wet-wipes used in this comparison were formed according to a stretch bonded laminate manufacturing process, and have an inner elastic layer and two non-elastic layers bonded to the elastic layer. Prior to bonding the non-elastic layers to the elastic layer, the elastic layer is stretched. After bonding the non-elastic layers to the elastic layer, the tensioning force is removed from the elastic layer, which now attempts to recover its unstretched or relaxed state. When the elastic layer recovers (unstretches), the non-elastic layers are gathered. Resulting in a wet-wipe which is textured, soft, and has a high z-directional thickness. The z-directional thickness being measured generally perpendicular to the x-y plane illustrated in Figure 10; that is, the z-direction is generally perpendicular to the MD and CD. Subsequent processing, packaging, and distribution reduces the z-directional thickness and adversely effects the softness and texture.

In this comparison, the wet- wipes dispensed through the orifice were stretched and relaxed (recovered) as described herein. The wet- wipes removed by reach-in dispensing were not subject to the sfretching and relaxing. The X- axis of Figure 19 is the sample number for each removal method and the Y-axis is the thickness ofthe removed wipe. As the graph shows, the dispensed through orifice (stretched and recovered) wet-wipes have a greater thickness. Additional data with regard to this comparison test is found in Table 3.

Table 3

The each wet-wipe removal type includes 64 samples of wet-wipes. The mean thickness ofthe wet- wipes that were stretched is 0.195 mm (about 18 %) greater than the wet- wipes wliich were not stretched. The maximum thickness of the stretched wet- wipes is 0.29 mm (about 23%) greater than the non-stretched wet- wipes. The minimum thickness ofthe stretched wet- wipes is 0.14 mm (about 15%) greater than non-stretched wet-wipes. Moreover, the thickest non- stretched wet-wipe (0.90mm) is less than the thinnest stretched wet-wipe (0.95 mm). The greater thickness ofthe stretched and recovered wet- wipes provides a softer feeling wet- wipe, which is desired by the consumers of wet- wipes. All publications, patents, and patent documents cited in the specification are incorporated by reference herein, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the case of any inconsistencies, the present disclosure, including any definitions herein will prevail. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining witliin the spirit and scope ofthe invention which is defined according to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A wet- wipe dispensing system comprising a wet- wipe container and at least one wet-wipe stored within the container, the wet-wipe being removable from the container for use, the wet- wipe comprising a non- woven laminate of an elastic layer and at least one gathered layer, the gather layer being bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points and being gathered between the at least two points, the non- woven laminate having a first thickness within the container and a second thickness outside the container, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness.

2. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the second thickness is about 18% thicker than the first thickness.

3. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the second thickness is in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 1.7 mm.

4. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 3, wherein the first thickness is less than 0.90 mm.

5. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one gathered layer includes a first gathered layer bonded to one surface of the elastic layer and a second gathered layer bonded to an opposite surface ofthe elastic layer such that the elastic layer is sandwiched between the first gathered layer and the second gathered layer.

6. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the container includes a base and a lid enclosing an interior wherein the at least one wet- wipe is stored, the lid including a opening through which the at least one wet- wipe is removed from the interior ofthe container.

7. The wet-wipe dispensing system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one wet- wipe has a first position substantially within the interior ofthe container and a second position outside the container, the at least one wet- wipe having a first thickness in the first position and a second thickness in the second position, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, and wherein the opening is formed of a yieldable and pass through resistive material which yieldably and resistively allows the at least one wet- wipe to move from the first position to the second position.

8. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 7, wherein the opening yieldably resists the at least one wet- wipe transitioning from the first position to the second position, and the elastic layer having a relaxed state with the wet- wipe in the first and second positions and a stretched state as the opening yieldably resists the wet- wipe transitioning to the second position.

9. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein the elastic layer has a stretched length of about 271 mm in the stretched position, and relaxed length of about 190 mm in the relaxed state.

10. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein the elastic layer includes a plurality of parallel elastic fibers extending in a first direction, and the at least one wet-wipe being stretched in the first direction when transitioning between the first and second positions.

11. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the first direction is the machine direction.

12. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 6, wherein the base is a rigid tub.

13. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 6, wherein the base is a flexible package.

14. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 6, wherein the lid includes a flexible, rubber-like material, and the opening is fonned in the flexible, rubber-like material.

15. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the opening has a length of one inch or greater.

16. The wet-wipe dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the opening includes a plurality of slits each of which crosses at least one other slit.

17. The wet-wipe dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible, rubber-like material has a Shore A hardness of about 100 or less.

18. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible, rubber-like material has Gurley stiffness of about 10,000 mgf or less.

19. The wet-wipe dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible, rubber-like material has a thickness of about 0.1 mm or greater.

20. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible, rubber-like material has an elasticity of 10 Mpa or less.

21. The wet- wipe dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wet- wipe includes a plurality of wet- wipes, the plurality of wet- wipes being interleaved in a stored position within the container.

22. The wet- wipe according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wet- wipe includes a plurality of wet- wipes, the plurality of wet- wipes being non- interleaved in a stored position within the container.

23. The wet- wipe according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wet- wipe includes a plurality of wet- wipes, the plurality of wet- wipes being in a roll in a stored position within the container.

24. A method for increasing the thickness of a wet- wipe, the wet- wipe in a first mode having a relaxed length and a first thickness, comprising: stretching the wet-wipe in a second mode beyond its relaxed length to an extended length; and recovering the wet- wipe to a third mode causing the wet- wipe to have a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the length ofthe wet- wipe in the third mode being about the relaxed length.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein stretching the wet- wipe includes stretching the wet- wipe in a machine direction.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein recovering the wet-wipe in the third mode includes increasing the thickness ofthe wet- wipe by about 18%.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein stretching the wet- wipe in the second mode includes removing the wet- wipe from a container through an opening which yieldably resists removal ofthe wet- wipe such that the wet- wipe is stretched during removal.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein stretching the wet- wipe in a second mode includes stretching an elastic layer and at least one gathered layer, and recovering the wet-wipe to the third mode includes increasing the thickness ofthe at least one gathered layer.

29. The method according to claim 24, wherein stretching the wet-wipe includes stretching the wet- wipe to a length about 30% greater than the length of the wet-wipe in the relaxed state.

30. A method for increasing the thickness of a non- woven composite elastic wet- wipe including at least one non- woven elastic layer and at least one non- woven gatherable layer, wherein the gatherable layer is bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points and is gathered between the at least two points, and wherein the elastic layer is a non-woven web, the wet-wipe in a first mode having a relaxed length and a first thickness, comprising: sfretching the wet-wipe in a second mode beyond the relaxed length to an extended length; and releasing the wet-wipe in a third mode from the extended length to about the relaxed length while causing the wet- wipe to have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

31. A multi-mode wet- wipe, comprising: a first mode in which the wet-wipe has a relaxed length and a first thickness; a second mode in which the wet- wipe is stretched to a stretched length greater than the relaxed length; and a third mode in which the wet-wipe recovers to about the relaxed length and has a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness.

32. The multi-mode wet- wipe according to claim 31, wherein the stretched length is less than or equal to about 30% greater than the relaxed length.

33. The multi-mode wet- wipe according to claim 31, wherein the second thickness is about 18% greater than the first thickness.

34. The multi-mode wet- wipe according to claim 31 , wherein the stretched length is at least about 5% greater than the relaxed length.

35. The multi-mode wet- wipe according to claim 31 , wherein the wet- wipe in the third mode has a density less than the wet- wipe in the first mode.

36. A non-woven composite elastic wet-wipe, comprising: at least one non-woven elastic layer; at least one non- woven gatherable layer, wherein the gatherable layer is bonded to the elastic layer at at least two points and is gathered between the two points to form a composite elastic material; a first mode in which the wet-wipe has a relaxed length and a first thickness; a second mode in which the wet-wipe is stretched to a stretched length greater than the relaxed length; and a third mode in which the wet- wipe is recovered to about the relaxed length and has a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness.

37. The wet- wipe according to claim 36, wherein the composite elastic material has a density less than about 0.085 g per cubic cm and has a CD tensile strength of greater than about 0.68 pounds.

38. The wet- wipe according to claim 36, wherein the composite elastic material includes a liquid distributed within the layers.

39. The wet-wipe according to claim 38, wherein the liquid comprises at least one material selected from the group of materials including preservatives, fragrances, emollients, humectants, detergents and soaps.

40. The wet-wipe according to claim 36, wherein the composite elastic material has a cup crush less than about 120 g per cm and a CD tensile strength of greater than about 0.68 pounds.

41. The wet-wipe according to claim 36, wherein the composite elastic material has a cup crush to density ratio of less than about 1300 cm and greater than about 1100 cm².

42. The wet- wipe according to claim 36, wherein the elastic layer has elastic fibers arranged in a substantially parallel configuration.

43. The wet- wipe according to claim 36, wherein the composite elastic material has a cup crush less than about 70 g-cm.

44. The wet- wipe according to claim 36, wherein the gatherable layer is non-elastic.