Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
295 words
An elasticized disposable garment comprising: (a) a chassis having: (i) a front portion having an end edge, longitudinal side edges, leg edges, a central region, ear flaps each said ear flap extending laterally outwardly from said central region to said longitudinal side edges and longitudinally along said central region from said end edge to said leg edge; (ii) a rear portion opposed to said front portion, said rear portion having an end edge, longitudinal side edges, leg edges, a central region, ear flaps each said ear flap extending laterally outwardly from said central region to said longitudinal side edges and longitudinally along said central region from said end edge to said leg edge; and (iii) a crotch portion between said front portion and said rear portion; said chassis comprising an outer layer, an elastic waistband member joined to said outer layer in at least said central region of said front portion to form an elasticized waistband, a second elastic waistband member joined to said outer layer in at least said central region of said rear portion to form a second elasticized waistband, and an elastic ear flap member joined to each said ear flap and extending longitudinally from said end edge of said ear flap toward said leg edge of said ear flap to form an elastomeric laminate, each said elastomeric laminate being mechanically stretched to form an elasticized ear flap in each said ear flap of said chassis, each said elasticized ear flap being unitary with said chassis in that said elasticized ear flap comprises a portion of said outer layer and (b) seams joining said front portion to said rear portion adjacent said longitudinal side edges so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening substantially encircled by said end edges.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
295 words
An elasticized disposable garment comprising: (a) a chassis having: (i) a front portion having an end edge, longitudinal side edges, leg edges, a central region, ear flaps each said ear flap extending laterally outwardly from said central region to said longitudinal side edges and longitudinally along said central region from said end edge to said leg edge; (ii) a rear portion opposed to said front portion, said rear portion having an end edge, longitudinal side edges, leg edges, a central region, ear flaps each said ear flap extending laterally outwardly from said central region to said longitudinal side edges and longitudinally along said central region from said end edge to said leg edge; and (iii) a crotch portion between said front portion and said rear portion; said chassis comprising an outer layer, an elastic waistband member joined to said outer layer in at least said central region of said front portion to form an elasticized waistband, a second elastic waistband member joined to said outer layer in at least said central region of said rear portion to form a second elasticized waistband, and an elastic ear flap member joined to each said ear flap and extending longitudinally from said end edge of said ear flap toward said leg edge of said ear flap to form an elastomeric laminate, each said elastomeric laminate being mechanically stretched to form an elasticized ear flap in each said ear flap of said chassis, each said elasticized ear flap being unitary with said chassis in that said elasticized ear flap comprises a portion of said outer layer and (b) seams joining said front portion to said rear portion adjacent said longitudinal side edges so as to form two leg openings and a waist opening substantially encircled by said end edges.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 1 wherein said chassis additionally comprises an inner layer secured to said outer layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 2 wherein said elastic ear flap members are interposed between said outer layer and said inner layer of said chassis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 3 wherein said chassis additionally comprises an absorbent assembly secured to said inner layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 4 wherein said absorbent assembly comprises a topsheet, a backsheet secured to said topsheet, and an absorbent core interposed between said topsheet and said backsheet, said backsheet being secured to said inner layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 3 wherein said inner layer comprises a liquid pervious nonwoven material that forms a topsheet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 6 wherein said chassis additionally comprises an absorbent core interposed between said topsheet and said outer layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 5 wherein said chassis further comprises an elasticized waistband disposed in at least said rear portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 5 wherein said chassis further comprises elasticized leg cuffs disposed in at least said crotch region.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 5 wherein said inner layer and said outer layer each comprise a 100% polymeric nonwoven material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 5 wherein said elastic ear flap member comprises a crosslinked natural rubber foam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 1, 3, 5, 7, or 11 wherein said seams each comprise a mass of fused polymeric material, which extend from the disposable garment about 1/16 of an inch or less.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The elasticized disposable garment of claim 12 wherein said seams each comprise a mass of fused polymeric material which forms a splice between said front portion and said rear portion.