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US5518801A
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Web materials exhibiting elastic-like behavior
Assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
•
Filing: 1994-02-28
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Granted: 1996-05-21
•
Expires: 2014-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A web material which exhibits an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when subjected to an applied and subsequently released elongation. The web material includes a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles W. Chappell
- 👤 Eugene R. Sorensen
- 👤 Kenneth B. Buell
- 👤 John J. Curro
- 👤 Michele A. Mansfield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:59
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C55/00; B29C55/02; B29C55/18; A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/15; A61F13/15577; A61F13/15707; A61F13/51; A61F13/511; A61F13/51104; A61F13/514; A61F13/51456; A61F13/51464; A61F13/51466; A61F13/51474; A61F13/51476; A61F13/51484; A61F13/513; A61F2013/51322; A61F13/51401; A61F2013/51409; A61F2013/51429; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/91; Y10S428/913; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24355; Y10T428/24446; Y10T428/24479; Y10T428/2457; Y10T428/24942
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 104
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
A web material comprising: at least a first region and a second region being comprised of the same material composition, said first region undergoing a substantially molecular-level deformation and said second region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when said web material is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
A web material comprising: at least a first region and a second region being comprised of the same material composition, said first region undergoing a substantially molecular-level deformation and said second region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when said web material is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 1, wherein said first region and said second region are visually distinct from one another.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 2, wherein said second region includes a plurality of raised rib-like elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein said first region is substantially free of said rib-like elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein said rib-like elements have a major axis and a minor axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 5, wherein said web material has a first surface and an opposite facing second surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The web material of claim 6, wherein said first region comprises from about 2% to about 90% of said first surface of said web material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The web material of claim 6, wherein said first region comprises from about 5% to about 50% of said first surface of said web material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein said first region and said second region are comprised of at least one layer of film material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 9, wherein said film material is comprised of polyethylene or blends thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 9, wherein said film material is comprised of a metallocene catalyst-based polymer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein said web material is elongated along two or more axes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein said first region and said second region are substantially linear.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein said first region and said second region are substantially curvilinear.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein two or more of said first regions have substantially similar widths.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein two or more of said first regions have different widths.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein two or more of said second regions have substantially similar widths.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 3, wherein two or more of said second regions have different widths.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
102 words
A web material exhibiting an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis, said web material comprising: at least a first region and a second region, said first region and said second region being comprised of the same material composition and each having an untensioned projected pathlength, said first region undergoing a substantially molecular-level deformation and said second region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when said web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to said axis, said first region and said second region substantially returning to their untensioned projected pathlength when said applied elongation is released.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
102 words
A web material exhibiting an elastic-like behavior along at least one axis, said web material comprising: at least a first region and a second region, said first region and said second region being comprised of the same material composition and each having an untensioned projected pathlength, said first region undergoing a substantially molecular-level deformation and said second region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when said web material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to said axis, said first region and said second region substantially returning to their untensioned projected pathlength when said applied elongation is released.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
102 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is subjected to an initial applied elongation which produces a permanent deformation in said first region, said permanent deformation producing a new longer untensioned projected pathlength for said first and second regions, said first region undergoing a substantially molecular-level deformation and said second region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when said web material is subjected to a subsequent applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to said axis, said first region and said second region substantially returning to their new longer untensioned projected pathlength when said subsequent applied elongation is released.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region and said second region are visually distinct from one another.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 21, wherein said second region includes a plurality of raised rib-like elements.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 22, wherein said first region is substantially free of said rib-like elements.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 23, wherein said rib-like elements have a major axis and a minor axis.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material has a first surface and an opposite facing second surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The web material of claim 25, wherein said first region comprises from about 2% to about 90% of said first surface of said web material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The web material of claim 25, wherein said first region comprises from about 5% to about 50% of said first surface of said web material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region includes a first azis generally oriented in a direction substantially parallel to said axis.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region and said second region are comprised of at least one layer of film material.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 29, wherein said film material is comprised of polyethylene or blends thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 29, wherein said film material is comprised of a metallocene catalyst-based polymer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material includes two or more axes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The web material of claim 32, wherein said axes are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The web material of claim 32, wherein said axes are oriented in a radial direction.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region and said second region are substantially linear.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region and said second region are substantially curvilinear.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region is both linear and curvilinear.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The web material of claim 22, wherein said web material has an available stretch.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 38, wherein said second region provides a limit to said available stretch.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The web material of claim 39, wherein said second region provides said limit of available stretch by unfolding of said rib-like elements.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The web material of claim 39, wherein said second region provides said limit of available stretch by pivoting of said rib-like elements in a direction substantially parallel to said axis.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The web material of claim 38, wherein said second region provides a plurality of limits to said available stretch.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein two or more of said first regions have substantially similar widths.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein two or more of said first regions have different widths.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein two or more of said second regions have substantially similar widths.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein two or more of said second regions have different widths.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said first region and said second region provide at least two stages of resistive force to said applied elongation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is a backsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is a portion of a backsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is a portion of a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is an absorbent core on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is a portion of an absorbent core on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is an absorbent article.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 19, wherein said web material is a laminate of two or more materials.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
130 words
A web material exhibiting at least two-stages of resistive forces to an applied axial elongation along at least one axis when subjected to the applied axial elongation in a direction substantially parallel to said axis, said web material comprising: a strainable network of visually distinct regions, said strainable network including at least a first region and a second region, said first region and said second region being comprised of the same material composition and each having a surface-pathlength, said surface-pathlength of said first region being less than that of said second region as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said web material exhibiting a Poisson lateral contraction effect less than about 0.4 at 20 percent elongation as measured perpendicular to said axis.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
130 words
A web material exhibiting at least two-stages of resistive forces to an applied axial elongation along at least one axis when subjected to the applied axial elongation in a direction substantially parallel to said axis, said web material comprising: a strainable network of visually distinct regions, said strainable network including at least a first region and a second region, said first region and said second region being comprised of the same material composition and each having a surface-pathlength, said surface-pathlength of said first region being less than that of said second region as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said web material exhibiting a Poisson lateral contraction effect less than about 0.4 at 20 percent elongation as measured perpendicular to said axis.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
30 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said web material exhibits a Poisson lateral contraction effect less than about 0.4 at 60 percent elongation as measured perpendicular to said axis.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
41 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said surface-pathlength of said second region is at least about 15 percent greater than that of said first region as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
41 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said surface-pathlength of said second region is at least about 30 percent greater than that of said first region as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said first region and said second region are substantially linear.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said first region extends substantially continuously in a direction parallel to said axis.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said second region extends substantially continuously in a direction parallel to said axis.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
24 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said first region and said second region extend substantially continuously in a direction parallel to said axis.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said first and second regions are comprised of at least one layer of film material.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 64, wherein said film material is comprised of polyethylene or blends thereof.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 64, wherein said film material is comprised of a metallocene catalyst-based polymer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said web material is a laminate of two or more materials.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said web material is a backsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said web material is a fluid pervious topsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said web material is an absorbent core on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
The web material of claim 56, wherein said web material is an absorbent article.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
166 words
A web material exhibiting at least two-stages of resistive forces to an applied axial elongation, D, along at least one axis when subjected to the applied axial elongation along said axis, said web material comprising: a strainable network of visually distinct regions, said strainable network including at least a first region and a second region, said first region having a first surface-pathlength, L1, as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said second region having a second surface-pathlength, L2, as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said first surface-pathlength, L1, being less than said second surface-pathlength, L2, said first region producing by itself a resistive force, P1, in response to an applied axial elongation, D, said second region producing by itself a resistive force, P2, in response to said applied axial elongation, D, said resistive force P1 being substantially greater than said resistive force P2 when (L1+D) is less than L2.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
166 words
A web material exhibiting at least two-stages of resistive forces to an applied axial elongation, D, along at least one axis when subjected to the applied axial elongation along said axis, said web material comprising: a strainable network of visually distinct regions, said strainable network including at least a first region and a second region, said first region having a first surface-pathlength, L1, as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said second region having a second surface-pathlength, L2, as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said first surface-pathlength, L1, being less than said second surface-pathlength, L2, said first region producing by itself a resistive force, P1, in response to an applied axial elongation, D, said second region producing by itself a resistive force, P2, in response to said applied axial elongation, D, said resistive force P1 being substantially greater than said resistive force P2 when (L1+D) is less than L2.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
24 words
The web material of claim 72, wherein said first region has a cross-sectional area A1 and said second region has a cross-sectional area A2.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
30 words
The web material of claim 72, wherein said first region has an elastic modulus E1 and said second region has an elastic modulus E2 when (L1+D) is greater than L2.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
63 words
The web material of claim 72, wherein said first region provides an initial resistive force P1 to the applied axial elongation D generally satisfying the equation P1=(A1×E1×D)/L1 when (L1+D) is less than L2 and when (L1+D) is greater than L2 said first and second regions providing a combined resistive force PT to the applied axial elongation D generally satisfying the equation PT=((A1×E1×D)/L1 )+((A2×E2×|L1+D-L2|)/L2).
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The web material of claim 75, wherein said first and second regions are comprised of at least one layer of film material.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 76, wherein said film material is comprised of polyethylene or blends thereof.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 76, wherein said film material is comprised of a metallocene catalyst-based polymer.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 75, wherein said web material is a laminate of two or more materials.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 75, wherein said web material is a backsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 75, wherein said web material is a topsheet on an absorbent article.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
19 words
The web material of claim 75, wherein said web material is an absorbent core on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
14 words
The web material of claim 75, wherein said web material is an absorbent article.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
218 words
A web material exhibiting at least two significantly different stages of resistive forces to an applied axial elongation along at least one axis when subjected to the applied elongation in a direction parallel to said axis, said web material comprising: strainable network including at least two visually distinct regions, one of said regions being configured so that it will exhibit a resistive force in response to said applied axial elongation in a direction parallel to said axis before a substantial portion of the other of said regions develops a significant resistive force to said applied axial elongation, at least one of said regions having a surface-pathlength which is greater than that of the other of said regions as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said region exhibiting said longer surface-pathlength including one or more rib-like elements, said web material exhibiting a first resistive force to the applied elongation until the elongation of said web material is great enough to cause a substantial portion of said region having a longer surface-pathlength to enter the plane of the applied axial elongation, whereupon said web material exhibits a second resistive force to further applied axial elongation, said web material exhibiting a total resistive force higher than the resistive force of said first region.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
218 words
A web material exhibiting at least two significantly different stages of resistive forces to an applied axial elongation along at least one axis when subjected to the applied elongation in a direction parallel to said axis, said web material comprising: strainable network including at least two visually distinct regions, one of said regions being configured so that it will exhibit a resistive force in response to said applied axial elongation in a direction parallel to said axis before a substantial portion of the other of said regions develops a significant resistive force to said applied axial elongation, at least one of said regions having a surface-pathlength which is greater than that of the other of said regions as measured parallel to said axis while said web material is in an untensioned condition, said region exhibiting said longer surface-pathlength including one or more rib-like elements, said web material exhibiting a first resistive force to the applied elongation until the elongation of said web material is great enough to cause a substantial portion of said region having a longer surface-pathlength to enter the plane of the applied axial elongation, whereupon said web material exhibits a second resistive force to further applied axial elongation, said web material exhibiting a total resistive force higher than the resistive force of said first region.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
22 words
The web material of claim 84, wherein said first and second regions are comprised of at least one layer of film material.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 85, wherein said film material is comprised of polyethylene or blends thereof.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
17 words
The web material of claim 85, wherein said film material is comprised of a metallocene catalyst-based polymer.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 84, wherein said web material is a laminate of two or more materials.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
18 words
The web material of claim 84, wherein said web material is a backsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
20 words
The web material of claim 84, wherein said web material is a fluid pervious topsheet on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
19 words
The web material of claim 84, wherein said web material is an absorbent core on a disposable absorbent article.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
14 words
The web material of claim 84, wherein said web material is an absorbent article.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
79 words
A web material exhibiting an elastic-like behavior in response to an applied axial elongation along at least one axis thereof, said web material comprising: a strainable network having first and second regions formed of substantially the same material composition, said first region providing a first, elastic-like resistive force to said applied axial elongation, and said second region providing a second distinctive resistive force to further applied axial elongation, thereby providing at least two stages of resistive forces in use.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
79 words
A web material exhibiting an elastic-like behavior in response to an applied axial elongation along at least one axis thereof, said web material comprising: a strainable network having first and second regions formed of substantially the same material composition, said first region providing a first, elastic-like resistive force to said applied axial elongation, and said second region providing a second distinctive resistive force to further applied axial elongation, thereby providing at least two stages of resistive forces in use.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
The web material of claim 93, wherein said web material comprises a plurality of strainable networks.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
14 words
The web material of claim 93, wherein said web material comprises a transition region.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
19 words
The web material of claim 93, wherein at least one of said first and second regions comprises relieved elements.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
The web material or claim 93, wherein said first and second regions are oriented in angular, nonparallel relationship to one another.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
13 words
The web material of claim 97, wherein said angular relationship is substantially perpendicular.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-05-21 | 1999-11-20 | 2000-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-05-21 | 2003-11-20 | 2004-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-05-21 | 2007-11-20 | 2008-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |