INTEGRAL DIAPER WAISTBAND FASTENERS
United States Patent 3610244
This device relates to a single-use, rectangular area, pressure-sensitive adhesive waistband securing means suitable for holding the diaper on a baby's torso without pins. A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible first waistband is permanently, completely secured to the exterior fluid-resistant diaper membrane, and is disposed completely across the first diaper end normal to the diaper sides, forming two first waistband terminus areas at the diaper sides. On the face of the first waistband terminus areas opposed to the absorbent diaper pad, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses can have an adhesive securing means. Each adhesive securing means comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to a first waistband terminus area, and the coating area is completely covered with a removable, protective release paper sheet area. A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband is permanently secured to the fluid-resistant diaper membrane, disposed completely across and bonded to the second diaper end, normal to the diaper sides. The second waistband adhesive securing means has a pair of integral, nonextensible band short extensions, each one of the pair oppositely extending beyond each one of the pair of diaper sides. Each of the band short extensions has a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the band short extension face which is adjacent to the fluid-absorbtion side of the diaper. Each of the adhesive coating areas are completely covered by removable, protective release paper sheet areas. The pressure-sensitive adhesive waistband securing means are formed from sheet stock components, which are formed into individual waistbands, and then bonded to a diaper web being continuously formed on an assembly line. The first and second waistbands are both positioned and bonded to the diaper web prior to cutting the diaper web into individual diapers, each diaper then having a pair of waistbands.
US Patent References:
Diaper
Kennard - February 1936 - 2032131
Disposable diaper
King - December 1936 - 2062978
Baby sanitary diaper
McGraw - July 1942 - 2290110
Carbro process
Miller - February 1953 - 2626858
Disposable baby diaper
Bolt - August 1953 - 2649858
Diaper
Kennard - February 1936 - 2032131
Disposable diaper
King - December 1936 - 2062978
Baby sanitary diaper
McGraw - July 1942 - 2290110
Carbro process
Miller - February 1953 - 2626858
Disposable baby diaper
Bolt - August 1953 - 2649858
Application Number:
04/867505
Publication Date:
10/05/1971
Filing Date:
10/20/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A61F13/15; A61F13/56; A61F13/58; A61F13/16
Field of Search:
128/284,287,286,288,290
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Rosenbaum, Charles F.
Claims:
I claim
1. In a single-use, disposable, rectangular-area, integral baby diaper, having an fluid-absorbent pad area, and an at least coextensive, thin film, fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area secured to and at least completely covering one face of said pad area, the diaper modification comprising:
2. The single-use, disposable, integral diaper of claim 1 in which said first waistband and said second waistband are each separately bonded to the face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face area contiguous to said fluid-absorbent pad area.
3. The single use, disposable, integral baby diaper of claim 1 in which said first waistband has an opposed pair of waistband adhesive securing means, each said securing means consisting of one of an opposed pair of pressure-sensitive adhesive coating areas permanently secured to one of the pair of first waistband terminus areas adjacent to one of the pair of diaper sides, and each said coating area disposed on the face of said terminus area opposed to the fluid-absorption pad face of said diaper; and each one of said adhesive coating areas completely covered by a removable, release-coated protective sheet area.
4. The single-use, disposable, integral baby diaper of claim 3 in which said first waist and said second waistbands are separately bonded to the face of said impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face area contiguous to said fluid-absorbent pad area.
5. In a single-use, disposable, rectangular-area, integral baby diaper having an fluid-absorbent pad area, and an at least coextensive, thin film, fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area secured to and at least completely covering one face of said pad area, the diaper modification comprising:
6. The single-use, disposable, integral baby diaper of claim 5 which has a first waistband adhesive securing means consisting of each one of a pair of pressure-sensitive adhesive coating areas, permanently secured to each one of the pair of bonded terminuses formed adjacent the diaper sides by the first waistband terminuses and the membrane sheet area, each one of said pair of adhesive coating areas disposed on a face of a bonded terminus opposed the fluid-absorption pad face of said diaper, and each one of said adhesive coating areas completely covered by a removable, release-coated protective sheet area.
7. In a single-use, disposable, rectangular-area, integral baby diaper, having an fluid-absorbent pad area, and an at least coextensive, thin film, fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area secured to and at least completely covering one face of said pad area, the diaper modification comprising:
1. In a single-use, disposable, rectangular-area, integral baby diaper, having an fluid-absorbent pad area, and an at least coextensive, thin film, fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area secured to and at least completely covering one face of said pad area, the diaper modification comprising:
2. The single-use, disposable, integral diaper of claim 1 in which said first waistband and said second waistband are each separately bonded to the face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face area contiguous to said fluid-absorbent pad area.
3. The single use, disposable, integral baby diaper of claim 1 in which said first waistband has an opposed pair of waistband adhesive securing means, each said securing means consisting of one of an opposed pair of pressure-sensitive adhesive coating areas permanently secured to one of the pair of first waistband terminus areas adjacent to one of the pair of diaper sides, and each said coating area disposed on the face of said terminus area opposed to the fluid-absorption pad face of said diaper; and each one of said adhesive coating areas completely covered by a removable, release-coated protective sheet area.
4. The single-use, disposable, integral baby diaper of claim 3 in which said first waist and said second waistbands are separately bonded to the face of said impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face area contiguous to said fluid-absorbent pad area.
5. In a single-use, disposable, rectangular-area, integral baby diaper having an fluid-absorbent pad area, and an at least coextensive, thin film, fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area secured to and at least completely covering one face of said pad area, the diaper modification comprising:
6. The single-use, disposable, integral baby diaper of claim 5 which has a first waistband adhesive securing means consisting of each one of a pair of pressure-sensitive adhesive coating areas, permanently secured to each one of the pair of bonded terminuses formed adjacent the diaper sides by the first waistband terminuses and the membrane sheet area, each one of said pair of adhesive coating areas disposed on a face of a bonded terminus opposed the fluid-absorption pad face of said diaper, and each one of said adhesive coating areas completely covered by a removable, release-coated protective sheet area.
7. In a single-use, disposable, rectangular-area, integral baby diaper, having an fluid-absorbent pad area, and an at least coextensive, thin film, fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area secured to and at least completely covering one face of said pad area, the diaper modification comprising:
Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
This application is related to the U.S. Pat. application filed Oct. 20, 1969 Ser. No. 867,713 titled PLEATED DIAPER by the same sole inventor. The above application has been allowed and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,466.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that washable, reusable cloth diapers are worn to partially clothe a baby up to the age of about 2 years. The cloth diapers are traditionally secured on the baby torso by safety pin fasteners. Commercial single-use, disposable baby diapers are now likewise secured on the baby body with safety pin fasteners. The separate safety pins can be lost, swallowed by a baby, and can puncture the baby's skin. This inventive improvement in waistband adhesive securing means as a diaper fastener device for single-use, disposable baby diapers is very desirable, since it eliminates these hazardous problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention teaches a single-use, rectangular-area, pressure-sensitive adhesive waistband securing means, suitable for holding the diaper on the baby's torso without pins. A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband is permanently, completely secured to the exterior fluid-resistant diaper membrane, and is disposed completely across the first diaper end normal to the diaper side, forming two first waistband terminus areas at the diaper sides. On the face of the first waistband terminus areas opposed to the absorbent diaper pad, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses can have an adhesive securing means. Each adhesive securing means comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to a first waistband terminus area, and the coating area is completely covered with a removable, protective release paper sheet area. A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband is permanently secured to the fluid-resistant diaper membrane disposed completely across and bonded to the second diaper end, normal to the diaper sides. The second waistband adhesive securing means has a pair of integral, nonextensible band short extensions, each one of the pair oppositely extending beyond each one of the pair of diaper sides. Each of the band short extensions has a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the band short extension face which is adjacent to the fluid-absorption side of the diaper. Each of the adhesive coating areas are completely covered by removable, protective release paper sheet areas. The pressure-sensitive adhesive waist band securing means are formed from sheet stock components, which are formed into individual waistbands and bonded to a diaper web being continuously formed on an assembly line. The first and second waistbands are both positioned and bonded to the diaper web prior to cutting the diaper web into individual diapers, each diaper then having a pair of waistbands.
Included in the objects of this invention are:
First, to provide an integral pressure-sensitive adhesive waistband securing means for a single-use, disposable baby diaper.
Second, to provide a safe, simple, integral waistband securing means for holding a single-use, baby diaper in a normal crotch-enveloping position on a baby.
Third, to provide a single-use, disposable diaper which is adapted to maximum placement of the fluid-absorbent pad in a functional position in and around the crotch of the baby toddler.
Fourth, to provide a simple manufacturing process for a disposable baby diaper having pressure-sensitive waistband securing means.
Fifth, to provide an economical process for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive waistband securing means disposable baby diaper.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the following description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a single-use, disposable, multiple accordion-type pleated baby diaper, having integral adhesive diaper securing means for a baby's torso.
FIG. 2 is an elevational projective view of a multiple accordion-pleated, single-use, disposable diaper of FIG. 1, now tightly folded as for packaging in a commercial retail carton.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view through 3--3 of FIG. 1, illustrating the construction of the first waistband pressure-sensitive adhesive securing means for the baby diaper.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view through 4--4 of FIG. 1, illustrating the construction of the second waistband pressure-sensitive adhesive securing means for the baby diaper.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the method of partially fabricating the modification of the first waistband and the second waistband on a moving diaper web.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a further modification of the method of manufacturing the integral diaper of this invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through 7--7 or 7'--7' of FIG. 6, illustrating the structure of the waistband sheeting construction.
FIG. 8 is a view of the integral diaper of this invention secured in functional position on a baby's torso.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of another diaper modification illustrating further diaper adhesive securing means of this invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates further cross-sectional view details of the modified first waistband adhesive securing means through 10--10 of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 illustrates further cross-sectional view details of the modified second waistband adhesive securing means through 11--11 of FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 in detail, a single-use, disposable, integral diaper 1 has multiple, accordion-folded pleats 2 disposed parallel to the centerline 3 and disposed normal to the centerline 4. The diaper 1 is rectangular in area, having a length axis 5 and a width axis 6. Each of the multiple pleats 2 has a pair of pleat sides 7 and 8, and each pleat side 7 and 8 can have equal pleat width 9. The upper face of the diaper fluid-absorbent pad 10, shown in partial sectional view, has a moisture-resistant or fluid-impermeable, exterior, thin membrane sheet 11 which covers and encloses one face of the fluid-absorbent pad 10. The thin membrane sheet 11 can be a very thin, fluid-impermeable plastic film or a chemically treated, wet strength paper base sheet, also resistant to fluid penetration.
The diaper 1 illustrated is rectangular in planar shape, but it can also be a planar square of the required dimensions. A square is to be considered a special rectangular shape.
A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband 12 is permanently, completely secured to the exterior face of the thin membrane sheet 11, parallel to the width axis 6 at the first diaper end 13. The band 12 is disposed completely across the diaper end 13, having a pair of opposed band terminuses 14, 14' which terminate at the opposed diaper sides is, 15'. The first waistband 12 has a pair of first waistband adhesive securing means 16, 16', each means including a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured on the second face of waistband 12 on the band terminuses 14, 14'. Each adhesive coating area can be equal in width to the narrow waistband width 21, and is completely covered by a removable protective release paper sheet, as will be described in detail later.
A first face of a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband 17, is shown permanently secured to the exterior face of the fluid-resistant diaper membrane 11, and disposed completely across the second diaper end 18, parallel to the diaper fold axis 4. The second waistband 17 has a pair of integral, nonextensible band short extensions 19, 19', oppositely extending beyond the respective diaper sides 15, 15'. The band short extensions 19, 19' form a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating securing means 20, 20' which have pressure-sensitive adhesive faces, each cooperatively adjacent to the fluid-absorptive side of the diaper. Each pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area can be equal in width to the waistband width 22, and is completely covered by a removable protective release paper sheet, to form the second waistband adhesive securing means 20, 20'.
FIG. 2 illustrates the compact volume of a single-use, disposable, integral diaper 1, accordion-pleated folds closed in a position suitable for commercial packing in a retail carton with other diapers 1. The waistband short extension 19 is shown extended from the diaper pleat 7, with the second band adhesive securing means 20 disposed on the obverse band side. The multiple, accordion-fold pleats 2 are contiguous, with the sides 7 and 8 adjacent to each other. The first waistband 12 is shown secured to to the diaper end 13, and the first band adhesive securing means 16 is shown disposed on band 12. The second waistband 17 is shown secured to the directly opposed diaper end 18.
FIG. 3 illustrates the diaper 1 construction through 3--3 of FIG. 1, wherein the first waistband 12 is shown bonded to the exterior face of the thin membrane 11. The sectional view also illustrates the typical well-known construction of single-use diapers, having a nonwoven, porous cover sheet 30 which permits absorption of a baby's waste products in the absorbent pad 10, made of fluffed wood pulp, tissue paper, cotton or rayon fibers or the like. The typical fluid-impermeable exterior, thin membrane sheet 11 folds over the edge 31 of absorbent pad 10 at fold 32, and the flap 33 of membrane sheet 11 is bonded to the underlying nonwoven sheet 30. The bonding of flap 33 to sheet 30 may be by heat seal or adhesive, as is well known in the prior art.
The first waistband 12 is a thin, flexible, nonextensible composite structure which is soft and warm to human touch. Band 12 is not rigid or sharp-edged, eliminating cutting the baby skin. The nonextensible composite structure of band 12 typically can be a laminate of a thin plastic film and an open mesh woven or nonwoven fiber gauze; or it can be a thin plastic film laminated to paper, typically 50-100 pound weight. The composite structure is specifically adapted to provide the nonextensibility property of band 12. The plastic film component of band 12 should be chemically compatible and preferably heat sealable to the membrane sheet 11, although a cement or adhesive can be used to bond 11 and 12 in a known technique. The nonextensibility, softness and the construction properties of band 12 and band 17 are to be fully equivalent to each other.
On the band terminus 14' of band 12, a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 34 is permanently secured to and covers the band width 21, for a coating area length 35. A thin release paper sheet area 36 at least completely covers all of the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 34, and is easily removed therefrom with finger tips. The combination of the adhesive coating area 34, permanently secured to a portion of waistband 12, and covered by the release paper sheet area 36, is the first waistband adhesive securing means 16'. The adhesive securing means 16 is equivalent to the adhesive securing means 16' in chemical and mechanical structure, one being the geometrical mirror image of the other.
FIG. 4 illustrates the construction of diaper 1 through 4--4 of FIG. 1, wherein the second waistband 17 is shown bonded to the membrane 11. The sectional view again illustrates the well-known typical single-use diaper construction, in which the nonwoven porous cover sheet 30 is secured to the overlapping flap 33 of the sheet 11, as by heat seal or adhesive bond. The second waistband 17 has a nonextensible mechanical structure equivalent to the nonextensible structure of the first waistband 12. The plastic film component of band 17 should be chemically compatible, and preferably heat sealable to the membrane sheet 11, although a cement or adhesive can be used to bond 11 and 17 by well-known techniques. The short waistband extension 19' is an integral, continuous extension of the portion 37 of the second waistband 17 secured to the membrane 11. The extension 19' can have three length sections 38, 39, and 40, which together form the total length of 19'. The extension sublength 39 is completely, permanently covered over the band width 22 with a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 41. A thin, release paper sheet area 42 completely covers all of the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 41, extending beyond 41 on both of its ends to form the dry alleys 43,44. The dry alleys 43,44 serve as handles for the ready removal of the sheet area 42 with fingertips.
The combination 19' as the sublengths 38, 39 and 40, together with the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 41 and the thin release paper sheet area 42, together form a second waistband adhesive securing means 20'. The adhesive securing means 20 is equivalent to the adhesive securing means 20' in chemical and mechanical structure, one being the geometrical mirror image of the other.
The nonextensibility of waist bands 12 and 17 is an important property of this invention. Since the fluid-impermeable membrane sheet 11 is typically thin plastic, e.g. 0.0005 -inch thick polyethylene, it will readily cold stretch on tensile loading. The nonextensible waistbands 12 and 17 are substantially thicker, e.g. 0.004-0.010 inches, and their band widths 21 and 22 are typically one-fourth to 1 inch. Thus in application of the single-use diaper, the nonextensible waistbands 12 and 17 provide structural strength in terms of no elongation of the securing waistbands, preventing the integral diaper 1 from structurally stretching or distending at the baby's waist and then falling off the baby's torso.
The release paper sheet areas 36 and 42, and the like, are well-known paper sheet structures, chemically treated on at least one sheet face to provide a treated face which will adhere to a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area, and protect the coating area, yet with no permanent stick to the adhesive. The release paper, 36 and 42, and the like, can be readily removed with fingertips. Typically, 36 and 42 are 0.004- to 0.010 -inch thick sheets.
This invention also teaches a simple process of fabricating the single-use diaper 1, or the like, adapted to continuously fabricating diapers from an endless diaper web continuously formed on an assembly line. In FIG. 5, an endless, moving diaper web 50 is shown moving in the direction 51. A thin membrane sheet 11' is shown uppermost on web 50, covering the absorbent pad 10' shown in a partial sectional view. The first waistband 12', having first band adhesive securing means 16", 16"' uppermost, is bonded to membrane 11'. The second waistband 17' is also bonded to the membrane sheet 11' of the continuous web 50, and has the second waistband adhesive securing means 20" and 20"' facing downward. By bonding the bands 12' and 17' adjacently parallel, and parallel to the web width 52, the web 50 can be completely severed at the centerline 5--5 between bands 12' and 17', can provide a first waistband 12' on one diaper end 13', or the like for one diaper; and a second waistband 17' on a second diaper end 18', or the like, on another diaper.
FIGS. 6 and 7 together illustrate the diaper manufacturing process in further detail. In FIG. 6 the single-use diaper, endless web 70 is moving in the direction 71, the thin membrane sheet 11" shown uppermost, as in FIG. 5. Two rolls 72 and 73 of previously prepared waistband stock sheeting are shown unreeling stock sheet in the respective reel directions 74 and 75. The rolls 72 and 73 are positioned above the web 70, and are each adapted to form a sheet terminus 76 and 77 respectively at the centerline 8--8. The waistband stock sheetings 78 and 79, of rolls 72 and 73 respectively, are completely severed at the respective lines 80 and 81, to form a pair of spaced and positioned potential waistbands 82 and 83 respectively on the web 70. On bonding of the newly severed bands 82 and 83 on the web 70, by standard heat-sealing or cementing techniques, the severed and bonded bands derived from bands 82 and 83, become equivalent to the pair of waistbands 12' and 17' of FIG. 5.
The waistbands stock sheetings 78 and 79, as sectioned at 7--7 and 7'--7' in FIG. 6, are shown in cross-sectional detail in FIG. 7. The sheetings 78 and 79 are equivalent in cross-sectional structure, as shown in FIG. 7. The nonextensible, thin, flexible water-resistant, bondable sheeting 84 has a web width 85. The web width 85 is adapted to become the required values for the roll widths 86 and 87 of the respective rolls 72 and 73. The waistband adhesive securing means 88 and 89 each comprise the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating areas 90 and 91 respectively, covered by the thin, flexible, release paper sheet areas 92 and 93 respectively disposed at the opposed web margins 94 and 95 respectively of the sheet 84. Thus, referring back to FIG. 6, the first waistband adhesive securing means 96 and 97 are shown uppermost on the stock sheet 78; and the second waistband adhesive securing means 98 and 99 are indicated on the under side of the stock sheet 79.
Prepared rolls of stock sheeting 78, or the like, are fabricated in the required width, and applied to the web 70, or the like. Obviously, the severing of web 70, or the like, and of stock sheetings 78 and 79 at 80 and 81, or the like, may be accomplished by well-known processes, utilizing moving or stationary reciprocating knife blade cutters, synchronized with the diaper web and roll velocities of motion. The accordion-fold pleats of diaper 1, or the like, may be formed by well-known means, and typically can be one-half to 1 inch wide per fold width 9.
In application of this integral diaper, no conventional safety pins are required. The pleats 2 of diaper 1 of FIG. 2 are partially opened and the centerline 3 of the diaper laid parallel and underneath the baby's backbone line in the conventional, well-known manner. The pleats 2 remain constricted in opening, in and around the baby's crotch, placing a maximum of pleated, folded absorbent pad 10 directly adjacent the positions on the baby's torso which emit waste products. The pleats 2 of diaper 1 are fully distended at the first and second waistbands 12 and 17, or the like.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pleats 2' of diaper 1' form a fan-shaped distension on the baby's body 100, being relatively compressed in and around the baby's crotch 101; and being openly distended over the baby's abdomen 102. The first waistband 12" is shown stretched to its full length around the baby's abdomen 102, and the second waistband 17" is also fully distended and overlaps the first waistband 12". The first waistband adhesive securing means 16 and 16' have been modified by removal of the release paper sheet areas 36, or the like, and by adhesively bonding the band 12" interiorly to the nonwoven porous sheet 30, or the like, as at 103 and 104. The second waistband adhesive securing means 20 and 20' have also been modified by removing the release paper sheet areas 42, or the like, and adhesively bonding the adhesive coating areas 41, or the like, to the first waistband to form adhesive bonds 105 and 106 on the band 12".
Thus the integral diaper 1' requires no safety pin fasteners to secure the diaper on the baby's torso, and places the maximum mass of absorbent pad in a position to collect the baby's waste products. The newborn baby is relatively inactive physically and will not necessarily require the adhesive bond securing means 16 and 16' on the first waistband 12. Hence, for the smallest size diaper, typically an area of 10"×14", the securing means 16 and 16' are omitted. For the more active babies, normally 12 pounds and up in weight, the first waistband adhesive securing means 16 and 16', as well as the second waistband securing means 20 and 20' are both required. The two sets of waistband securing means 16, 16' and 20, 20' are particularly necessary for active toddlers, to prevent the thin, fluid-impermeable membrane 11, or the like, from cold stretching while the baby moves, and thus allows the loose diaper to drop off the baby's abdomen.
In the integral diaper modification illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and the process illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the first and second waistbands are secured exteriorly on the membrane sheet face, opposed to the membrane sheet face adjacent to the absorption pad. By further modifying the integral diaper construction, the first and second waistbands can be secured to the membrane sheet face which is coadjacent the absorbent pad.
Thus, the first and second waistbands can be disposed coadjacent the absorbent pad, as in the diaper construction of FIG. 9. The integral, rectangular area diaper 110 is shown in partial plan view, the thin, fluid-resistant membrane sheet area 111 is shown uppermost. The fluid-absorbent pad 112 is shown in partial sectional view lying below membrane area 111. The first waistband 113 is shown just underlying the membrane sheet area 111, and the band 113 is completely bonded across the diaper width 114 to the sheet area 111, at the first diaper end 115. The first waistband adhesive securing means 116 and 116' are shown formed on he band terminuses 117 and 117'.
The second waistband 118 is also shown partially disposed underneath the membrane sheet area 111, coadjacent one face of the fluid-absorbent pad 112. The waistband 118 is likewise bonded the width 114 of the second diaper end 119. The second waistband adhesive securing means 120 and 120' are disposed on the integral second waistband short extensions 121 and 121' respectively. The diaper 110 is folded about the diaper fold axis 122 on placement on a baby's torso.
FIG. 10 shows in cross-sectional view through 10--10 of FIG. 9, the construction of the first band adhesive securing means 116'. The nonwoven, porous cover sheet 131 is disposed coadjacent and completely covers the fluid-absorbent pad 112, both components terminating at the pad edge 133. The thin, narrow flexible, first waistband 113 is bonded to the thin, fluid impermeable membrane sheet area 111, as by heat-sealing. The membrane sheet area 111 has a fold 136, terminating in a flap 137, which is overfolded and bonded to the cover sheet 131. The first waistband adhesive securing means 116' is shown to consist of the required length 138 of membrane sheet area 111, the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 139, and the overlying thin, flexible release paper sheet area 140. Again the thin, flexible nonextensible first waistband 113, when bonded to the thin, membrane sheet area 111, prevents the membrane sheet area 111 from cold stretching at the diaper end 115.
The cross-sectional view through 11--11 of FIG. 9 is further illustrated in FIG. 11, showing the construction of the second waistband adhesive securing means 120'. Again, the nonwoven, porous cover sheet 131 coterminates with the absorbent pad 112, at the pad edge 133. The thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband 118 has a second waistband short extension 121', which is integral with 118. The band 118 is bonded to the fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area 111, and also to the membrane fold 136', which has been folded under and sealed to band 118. The second waistband adhesive securing means 120' consists of the required length 141 of the extension 121', the pressure-sensitive layer of release paper sheet area 143.
The first waistband adhesive securing means 117 and 117' are fully equivalent in their construction; as securing means 120 and 120' are fully equivalent in their construction.
The first waistband adhesive securing means and the second waistband securing means are disposed in use, as in FIG. 8, to provide four separate bonded adhesive fasteners. The four bonded fasteners provide adjustable four-point suspension on the nonextensible waistbands, which can be adapted to secure the waistbands to the necessary degree of tightness on the baby's abdomen. Since low diaper raw material costs are very important in developing a low-priced, disposable diaper in wide use, the thickness of the fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area is an important raw material cost. A thin, cheaper, fluid-impermeable membrane, typically 0.0003 inch thick, can be used with the nonextensible waistbands, instead of the thicker 0.0015 -inch membrane sheet area. The adjustable four-point suspension is necessary for the active baby learning to stand in a crib and for the baby beginning to walk, for activity results in cold stretching of the thin membrane and loss of any significant waistband control and holding tension in an unimproved disposable diaper. In fact, a four-point suspension is necessary for an active baby, crib stander or walker, and two adhesive-bonded fasteners are not sufficient to hold a baby diaper on during this activity.
Although the integral waistband fasteners of this invention have been described in conjunction with a pleated diaper of my copending U.S. Pat. application, filed as of this date, the integral waistband fasteners invention can be practiced alone and without the pleated diaper invention.
Although the absorbent pad, typically 10 of this disclosure, is shown substantially coextensive in area, with the thin membrane, typically 11, the absorbent pad for entrapping waste fluids can be smaller in area than the membrane. The absorbent pad will be typically centrally disposed along the diaper centerline, typically centerline 3.
Obviously many modifications in integral diapers can be made in the light of these teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
This application is related to the U.S. Pat. application filed Oct. 20, 1969 Ser. No. 867,713 titled PLEATED DIAPER by the same sole inventor. The above application has been allowed and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,466.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that washable, reusable cloth diapers are worn to partially clothe a baby up to the age of about 2 years. The cloth diapers are traditionally secured on the baby torso by safety pin fasteners. Commercial single-use, disposable baby diapers are now likewise secured on the baby body with safety pin fasteners. The separate safety pins can be lost, swallowed by a baby, and can puncture the baby's skin. This inventive improvement in waistband adhesive securing means as a diaper fastener device for single-use, disposable baby diapers is very desirable, since it eliminates these hazardous problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention teaches a single-use, rectangular-area, pressure-sensitive adhesive waistband securing means, suitable for holding the diaper on the baby's torso without pins. A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband is permanently, completely secured to the exterior fluid-resistant diaper membrane, and is disposed completely across the first diaper end normal to the diaper side, forming two first waistband terminus areas at the diaper sides. On the face of the first waistband terminus areas opposed to the absorbent diaper pad, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses can have an adhesive securing means. Each adhesive securing means comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to a first waistband terminus area, and the coating area is completely covered with a removable, protective release paper sheet area. A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband is permanently secured to the fluid-resistant diaper membrane disposed completely across and bonded to the second diaper end, normal to the diaper sides. The second waistband adhesive securing means has a pair of integral, nonextensible band short extensions, each one of the pair oppositely extending beyond each one of the pair of diaper sides. Each of the band short extensions has a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the band short extension face which is adjacent to the fluid-absorption side of the diaper. Each of the adhesive coating areas are completely covered by removable, protective release paper sheet areas. The pressure-sensitive adhesive waist band securing means are formed from sheet stock components, which are formed into individual waistbands and bonded to a diaper web being continuously formed on an assembly line. The first and second waistbands are both positioned and bonded to the diaper web prior to cutting the diaper web into individual diapers, each diaper then having a pair of waistbands.
Included in the objects of this invention are:
First, to provide an integral pressure-sensitive adhesive waistband securing means for a single-use, disposable baby diaper.
Second, to provide a safe, simple, integral waistband securing means for holding a single-use, baby diaper in a normal crotch-enveloping position on a baby.
Third, to provide a single-use, disposable diaper which is adapted to maximum placement of the fluid-absorbent pad in a functional position in and around the crotch of the baby toddler.
Fourth, to provide a simple manufacturing process for a disposable baby diaper having pressure-sensitive waistband securing means.
Fifth, to provide an economical process for manufacturing a pressure-sensitive waistband securing means disposable baby diaper.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the following description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a single-use, disposable, multiple accordion-type pleated baby diaper, having integral adhesive diaper securing means for a baby's torso.
FIG. 2 is an elevational projective view of a multiple accordion-pleated, single-use, disposable diaper of FIG. 1, now tightly folded as for packaging in a commercial retail carton.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view through 3--3 of FIG. 1, illustrating the construction of the first waistband pressure-sensitive adhesive securing means for the baby diaper.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view through 4--4 of FIG. 1, illustrating the construction of the second waistband pressure-sensitive adhesive securing means for the baby diaper.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the method of partially fabricating the modification of the first waistband and the second waistband on a moving diaper web.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a further modification of the method of manufacturing the integral diaper of this invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through 7--7 or 7'--7' of FIG. 6, illustrating the structure of the waistband sheeting construction.
FIG. 8 is a view of the integral diaper of this invention secured in functional position on a baby's torso.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of another diaper modification illustrating further diaper adhesive securing means of this invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates further cross-sectional view details of the modified first waistband adhesive securing means through 10--10 of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 illustrates further cross-sectional view details of the modified second waistband adhesive securing means through 11--11 of FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 in detail, a single-use, disposable, integral diaper 1 has multiple, accordion-folded pleats 2 disposed parallel to the centerline 3 and disposed normal to the centerline 4. The diaper 1 is rectangular in area, having a length axis 5 and a width axis 6. Each of the multiple pleats 2 has a pair of pleat sides 7 and 8, and each pleat side 7 and 8 can have equal pleat width 9. The upper face of the diaper fluid-absorbent pad 10, shown in partial sectional view, has a moisture-resistant or fluid-impermeable, exterior, thin membrane sheet 11 which covers and encloses one face of the fluid-absorbent pad 10. The thin membrane sheet 11 can be a very thin, fluid-impermeable plastic film or a chemically treated, wet strength paper base sheet, also resistant to fluid penetration.
The diaper 1 illustrated is rectangular in planar shape, but it can also be a planar square of the required dimensions. A square is to be considered a special rectangular shape.
A first face of a thin, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband 12 is permanently, completely secured to the exterior face of the thin membrane sheet 11, parallel to the width axis 6 at the first diaper end 13. The band 12 is disposed completely across the diaper end 13, having a pair of opposed band terminuses 14, 14' which terminate at the opposed diaper sides is, 15'. The first waistband 12 has a pair of first waistband adhesive securing means 16, 16', each means including a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured on the second face of waistband 12 on the band terminuses 14, 14'. Each adhesive coating area can be equal in width to the narrow waistband width 21, and is completely covered by a removable protective release paper sheet, as will be described in detail later.
A first face of a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband 17, is shown permanently secured to the exterior face of the fluid-resistant diaper membrane 11, and disposed completely across the second diaper end 18, parallel to the diaper fold axis 4. The second waistband 17 has a pair of integral, nonextensible band short extensions 19, 19', oppositely extending beyond the respective diaper sides 15, 15'. The band short extensions 19, 19' form a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating securing means 20, 20' which have pressure-sensitive adhesive faces, each cooperatively adjacent to the fluid-absorptive side of the diaper. Each pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area can be equal in width to the waistband width 22, and is completely covered by a removable protective release paper sheet, to form the second waistband adhesive securing means 20, 20'.
FIG. 2 illustrates the compact volume of a single-use, disposable, integral diaper 1, accordion-pleated folds closed in a position suitable for commercial packing in a retail carton with other diapers 1. The waistband short extension 19 is shown extended from the diaper pleat 7, with the second band adhesive securing means 20 disposed on the obverse band side. The multiple, accordion-fold pleats 2 are contiguous, with the sides 7 and 8 adjacent to each other. The first waistband 12 is shown secured to to the diaper end 13, and the first band adhesive securing means 16 is shown disposed on band 12. The second waistband 17 is shown secured to the directly opposed diaper end 18.
FIG. 3 illustrates the diaper 1 construction through 3--3 of FIG. 1, wherein the first waistband 12 is shown bonded to the exterior face of the thin membrane 11. The sectional view also illustrates the typical well-known construction of single-use diapers, having a nonwoven, porous cover sheet 30 which permits absorption of a baby's waste products in the absorbent pad 10, made of fluffed wood pulp, tissue paper, cotton or rayon fibers or the like. The typical fluid-impermeable exterior, thin membrane sheet 11 folds over the edge 31 of absorbent pad 10 at fold 32, and the flap 33 of membrane sheet 11 is bonded to the underlying nonwoven sheet 30. The bonding of flap 33 to sheet 30 may be by heat seal or adhesive, as is well known in the prior art.
The first waistband 12 is a thin, flexible, nonextensible composite structure which is soft and warm to human touch. Band 12 is not rigid or sharp-edged, eliminating cutting the baby skin. The nonextensible composite structure of band 12 typically can be a laminate of a thin plastic film and an open mesh woven or nonwoven fiber gauze; or it can be a thin plastic film laminated to paper, typically 50-100 pound weight. The composite structure is specifically adapted to provide the nonextensibility property of band 12. The plastic film component of band 12 should be chemically compatible and preferably heat sealable to the membrane sheet 11, although a cement or adhesive can be used to bond 11 and 12 in a known technique. The nonextensibility, softness and the construction properties of band 12 and band 17 are to be fully equivalent to each other.
On the band terminus 14' of band 12, a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 34 is permanently secured to and covers the band width 21, for a coating area length 35. A thin release paper sheet area 36 at least completely covers all of the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 34, and is easily removed therefrom with finger tips. The combination of the adhesive coating area 34, permanently secured to a portion of waistband 12, and covered by the release paper sheet area 36, is the first waistband adhesive securing means 16'. The adhesive securing means 16 is equivalent to the adhesive securing means 16' in chemical and mechanical structure, one being the geometrical mirror image of the other.
FIG. 4 illustrates the construction of diaper 1 through 4--4 of FIG. 1, wherein the second waistband 17 is shown bonded to the membrane 11. The sectional view again illustrates the well-known typical single-use diaper construction, in which the nonwoven porous cover sheet 30 is secured to the overlapping flap 33 of the sheet 11, as by heat seal or adhesive bond. The second waistband 17 has a nonextensible mechanical structure equivalent to the nonextensible structure of the first waistband 12. The plastic film component of band 17 should be chemically compatible, and preferably heat sealable to the membrane sheet 11, although a cement or adhesive can be used to bond 11 and 17 by well-known techniques. The short waistband extension 19' is an integral, continuous extension of the portion 37 of the second waistband 17 secured to the membrane 11. The extension 19' can have three length sections 38, 39, and 40, which together form the total length of 19'. The extension sublength 39 is completely, permanently covered over the band width 22 with a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 41. A thin, release paper sheet area 42 completely covers all of the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 41, extending beyond 41 on both of its ends to form the dry alleys 43,44. The dry alleys 43,44 serve as handles for the ready removal of the sheet area 42 with fingertips.
The combination 19' as the sublengths 38, 39 and 40, together with the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 41 and the thin release paper sheet area 42, together form a second waistband adhesive securing means 20'. The adhesive securing means 20 is equivalent to the adhesive securing means 20' in chemical and mechanical structure, one being the geometrical mirror image of the other.
The nonextensibility of waist bands 12 and 17 is an important property of this invention. Since the fluid-impermeable membrane sheet 11 is typically thin plastic, e.g. 0.0005 -inch thick polyethylene, it will readily cold stretch on tensile loading. The nonextensible waistbands 12 and 17 are substantially thicker, e.g. 0.004-0.010 inches, and their band widths 21 and 22 are typically one-fourth to 1 inch. Thus in application of the single-use diaper, the nonextensible waistbands 12 and 17 provide structural strength in terms of no elongation of the securing waistbands, preventing the integral diaper 1 from structurally stretching or distending at the baby's waist and then falling off the baby's torso.
The release paper sheet areas 36 and 42, and the like, are well-known paper sheet structures, chemically treated on at least one sheet face to provide a treated face which will adhere to a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area, and protect the coating area, yet with no permanent stick to the adhesive. The release paper, 36 and 42, and the like, can be readily removed with fingertips. Typically, 36 and 42 are 0.004- to 0.010 -inch thick sheets.
This invention also teaches a simple process of fabricating the single-use diaper 1, or the like, adapted to continuously fabricating diapers from an endless diaper web continuously formed on an assembly line. In FIG. 5, an endless, moving diaper web 50 is shown moving in the direction 51. A thin membrane sheet 11' is shown uppermost on web 50, covering the absorbent pad 10' shown in a partial sectional view. The first waistband 12', having first band adhesive securing means 16", 16"' uppermost, is bonded to membrane 11'. The second waistband 17' is also bonded to the membrane sheet 11' of the continuous web 50, and has the second waistband adhesive securing means 20" and 20"' facing downward. By bonding the bands 12' and 17' adjacently parallel, and parallel to the web width 52, the web 50 can be completely severed at the centerline 5--5 between bands 12' and 17', can provide a first waistband 12' on one diaper end 13', or the like for one diaper; and a second waistband 17' on a second diaper end 18', or the like, on another diaper.
FIGS. 6 and 7 together illustrate the diaper manufacturing process in further detail. In FIG. 6 the single-use diaper, endless web 70 is moving in the direction 71, the thin membrane sheet 11" shown uppermost, as in FIG. 5. Two rolls 72 and 73 of previously prepared waistband stock sheeting are shown unreeling stock sheet in the respective reel directions 74 and 75. The rolls 72 and 73 are positioned above the web 70, and are each adapted to form a sheet terminus 76 and 77 respectively at the centerline 8--8. The waistband stock sheetings 78 and 79, of rolls 72 and 73 respectively, are completely severed at the respective lines 80 and 81, to form a pair of spaced and positioned potential waistbands 82 and 83 respectively on the web 70. On bonding of the newly severed bands 82 and 83 on the web 70, by standard heat-sealing or cementing techniques, the severed and bonded bands derived from bands 82 and 83, become equivalent to the pair of waistbands 12' and 17' of FIG. 5.
The waistbands stock sheetings 78 and 79, as sectioned at 7--7 and 7'--7' in FIG. 6, are shown in cross-sectional detail in FIG. 7. The sheetings 78 and 79 are equivalent in cross-sectional structure, as shown in FIG. 7. The nonextensible, thin, flexible water-resistant, bondable sheeting 84 has a web width 85. The web width 85 is adapted to become the required values for the roll widths 86 and 87 of the respective rolls 72 and 73. The waistband adhesive securing means 88 and 89 each comprise the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating areas 90 and 91 respectively, covered by the thin, flexible, release paper sheet areas 92 and 93 respectively disposed at the opposed web margins 94 and 95 respectively of the sheet 84. Thus, referring back to FIG. 6, the first waistband adhesive securing means 96 and 97 are shown uppermost on the stock sheet 78; and the second waistband adhesive securing means 98 and 99 are indicated on the under side of the stock sheet 79.
Prepared rolls of stock sheeting 78, or the like, are fabricated in the required width, and applied to the web 70, or the like. Obviously, the severing of web 70, or the like, and of stock sheetings 78 and 79 at 80 and 81, or the like, may be accomplished by well-known processes, utilizing moving or stationary reciprocating knife blade cutters, synchronized with the diaper web and roll velocities of motion. The accordion-fold pleats of diaper 1, or the like, may be formed by well-known means, and typically can be one-half to 1 inch wide per fold width 9.
In application of this integral diaper, no conventional safety pins are required. The pleats 2 of diaper 1 of FIG. 2 are partially opened and the centerline 3 of the diaper laid parallel and underneath the baby's backbone line in the conventional, well-known manner. The pleats 2 remain constricted in opening, in and around the baby's crotch, placing a maximum of pleated, folded absorbent pad 10 directly adjacent the positions on the baby's torso which emit waste products. The pleats 2 of diaper 1 are fully distended at the first and second waistbands 12 and 17, or the like.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pleats 2' of diaper 1' form a fan-shaped distension on the baby's body 100, being relatively compressed in and around the baby's crotch 101; and being openly distended over the baby's abdomen 102. The first waistband 12" is shown stretched to its full length around the baby's abdomen 102, and the second waistband 17" is also fully distended and overlaps the first waistband 12". The first waistband adhesive securing means 16 and 16' have been modified by removal of the release paper sheet areas 36, or the like, and by adhesively bonding the band 12" interiorly to the nonwoven porous sheet 30, or the like, as at 103 and 104. The second waistband adhesive securing means 20 and 20' have also been modified by removing the release paper sheet areas 42, or the like, and adhesively bonding the adhesive coating areas 41, or the like, to the first waistband to form adhesive bonds 105 and 106 on the band 12".
Thus the integral diaper 1' requires no safety pin fasteners to secure the diaper on the baby's torso, and places the maximum mass of absorbent pad in a position to collect the baby's waste products. The newborn baby is relatively inactive physically and will not necessarily require the adhesive bond securing means 16 and 16' on the first waistband 12. Hence, for the smallest size diaper, typically an area of 10"×14", the securing means 16 and 16' are omitted. For the more active babies, normally 12 pounds and up in weight, the first waistband adhesive securing means 16 and 16', as well as the second waistband securing means 20 and 20' are both required. The two sets of waistband securing means 16, 16' and 20, 20' are particularly necessary for active toddlers, to prevent the thin, fluid-impermeable membrane 11, or the like, from cold stretching while the baby moves, and thus allows the loose diaper to drop off the baby's abdomen.
In the integral diaper modification illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and the process illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the first and second waistbands are secured exteriorly on the membrane sheet face, opposed to the membrane sheet face adjacent to the absorption pad. By further modifying the integral diaper construction, the first and second waistbands can be secured to the membrane sheet face which is coadjacent the absorbent pad.
Thus, the first and second waistbands can be disposed coadjacent the absorbent pad, as in the diaper construction of FIG. 9. The integral, rectangular area diaper 110 is shown in partial plan view, the thin, fluid-resistant membrane sheet area 111 is shown uppermost. The fluid-absorbent pad 112 is shown in partial sectional view lying below membrane area 111. The first waistband 113 is shown just underlying the membrane sheet area 111, and the band 113 is completely bonded across the diaper width 114 to the sheet area 111, at the first diaper end 115. The first waistband adhesive securing means 116 and 116' are shown formed on he band terminuses 117 and 117'.
The second waistband 118 is also shown partially disposed underneath the membrane sheet area 111, coadjacent one face of the fluid-absorbent pad 112. The waistband 118 is likewise bonded the width 114 of the second diaper end 119. The second waistband adhesive securing means 120 and 120' are disposed on the integral second waistband short extensions 121 and 121' respectively. The diaper 110 is folded about the diaper fold axis 122 on placement on a baby's torso.
FIG. 10 shows in cross-sectional view through 10--10 of FIG. 9, the construction of the first band adhesive securing means 116'. The nonwoven, porous cover sheet 131 is disposed coadjacent and completely covers the fluid-absorbent pad 112, both components terminating at the pad edge 133. The thin, narrow flexible, first waistband 113 is bonded to the thin, fluid impermeable membrane sheet area 111, as by heat-sealing. The membrane sheet area 111 has a fold 136, terminating in a flap 137, which is overfolded and bonded to the cover sheet 131. The first waistband adhesive securing means 116' is shown to consist of the required length 138 of membrane sheet area 111, the pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area 139, and the overlying thin, flexible release paper sheet area 140. Again the thin, flexible nonextensible first waistband 113, when bonded to the thin, membrane sheet area 111, prevents the membrane sheet area 111 from cold stretching at the diaper end 115.
The cross-sectional view through 11--11 of FIG. 9 is further illustrated in FIG. 11, showing the construction of the second waistband adhesive securing means 120'. Again, the nonwoven, porous cover sheet 131 coterminates with the absorbent pad 112, at the pad edge 133. The thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband 118 has a second waistband short extension 121', which is integral with 118. The band 118 is bonded to the fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area 111, and also to the membrane fold 136', which has been folded under and sealed to band 118. The second waistband adhesive securing means 120' consists of the required length 141 of the extension 121', the pressure-sensitive layer of release paper sheet area 143.
The first waistband adhesive securing means 117 and 117' are fully equivalent in their construction; as securing means 120 and 120' are fully equivalent in their construction.
The first waistband adhesive securing means and the second waistband securing means are disposed in use, as in FIG. 8, to provide four separate bonded adhesive fasteners. The four bonded fasteners provide adjustable four-point suspension on the nonextensible waistbands, which can be adapted to secure the waistbands to the necessary degree of tightness on the baby's abdomen. Since low diaper raw material costs are very important in developing a low-priced, disposable diaper in wide use, the thickness of the fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area is an important raw material cost. A thin, cheaper, fluid-impermeable membrane, typically 0.0003 inch thick, can be used with the nonextensible waistbands, instead of the thicker 0.0015 -inch membrane sheet area. The adjustable four-point suspension is necessary for the active baby learning to stand in a crib and for the baby beginning to walk, for activity results in cold stretching of the thin membrane and loss of any significant waistband control and holding tension in an unimproved disposable diaper. In fact, a four-point suspension is necessary for an active baby, crib stander or walker, and two adhesive-bonded fasteners are not sufficient to hold a baby diaper on during this activity.
Although the integral waistband fasteners of this invention have been described in conjunction with a pleated diaper of my copending U.S. Pat. application, filed as of this date, the integral waistband fasteners invention can be practiced alone and without the pleated diaper invention.
Although the absorbent pad, typically 10 of this disclosure, is shown substantially coextensive in area, with the thin membrane, typically 11, the absorbent pad for entrapping waste fluids can be smaller in area than the membrane. The absorbent pad will be typically centrally disposed along the diaper centerline, typically centerline 3.
Obviously many modifications in integral diapers can be made in the light of these teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.