US3610244A - Integral diaper waistband fasteners - Google Patents

Abstract

This device relates to a single-use, rectangular area, pressuresensitive 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 pressuresensitive 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.

Description

United States Patent John Leslie Jones, Sr.

[72] Inventor 1070 Glen Oaks Blvd., Pasadena, Calif.

[54] INTEGRAL DIAPER WAISTBANDFASTENERS 7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 128/287 [51] lnt.Cl A611 13/16 [50] Field of Search 128/284,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,032,131 2/1936 Kennard 128/287 2,062,978 12/1936 King 128/287 2,290,110 7/1942 McGraw... 128/284 2,626,858 2/1953 Miller... 156/237 2,649,858 8/1953 Bolt 128/284 2,714,889 8/1955 Chambers 128/287 2,834,347 5/1958 Connally 128/284 3,089,494 5/1963 Schwartz. 148/175 3,180,335 4/1968 Duncan 128/287 3,386,442 6/1968 Sabee 128/287 Primary ExaminerCharles F. Rosenbaum Attorney-4. L. Jones ABSTRACT: 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 ofa 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.

PATENTE D 0m 5 I871 SHEET 1 OF 2 INVENTOR M5 /4/ /Z0 INVF TOR FIG 11.

INTEGRAL DIAPER WAISTBAND FASTENERS 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 babys 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 babys 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 babys 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 pressuresensitive 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 pressuresensitive 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 77 or 77' 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 l0-l0 ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates further cross-sectional view details of the modified second waistband adhesive securing means through 11-11 ofFIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 in detail, a single-use, disposable, integral diaper 1 has multiple, accordion-foldedpleats 2 disposed parallel to thecenterline 3 and disposed normal to thecenterline 4. The diaper 1 is rectangular in area, having alength axis 5 and a width axis 6. Each of themultiple pleats 2 has a pair ofpleat sides 7 and 8, and eachpleat side 7 and 8 can haveequal 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. Thethin 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 l 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 thethin membrane sheet 11, parallel to the width axis 6 at thefirst diaper end 13. Theband 12 is disposed completely across thediaper end 13, having a pair of opposed band terminuses l4, 14' which terminate at the opposed diaper sides is, 15'. Thefirst waistband 12 has a pair of first waistband adhesive securing means 16, 16, each means including a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area pennanently secured on the second face ofwaistband 12 on theband 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 thediaper fold axis 4. Thesecond waistband 17 has a pair of integral, nonextensible bandshort extensions 19, 19', oppositely extending beyond the respective diaper sides 15, The bandshort extensions 19, 19' form a portion of the pressuresensitive adhesive coating securing means 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 thewaistband 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 waistbandshort extension 19 is shown extended from thediaper 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 thesides 7 and 8 adjacent to each other. Thefirst waistband 12 is shown secured to to thediaper end 13, and the first band adhesive securing means 16 is shown disposed onband 12. Thesecond waistband 17 is shown secured to the directly opposed diaper end 18.

FIG. 3 illustrates the diaper 1 construction through 33 of FIG. 1, wherein thefirst waistband 12 is shown bonded to the exterior face of thethin 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 theabsorbent 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 theedge 31 ofabsorbent pad 10 atfold 32, and theflap 33 ofmembrane sheet 11 is bonded to theunderlying nonwoven sheet 30. The bonding offlap 33 tosheet 30 may be by heat seal or adhesive, as is well known in the prior art.

Thefirst 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 ofband 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 ofband 12. The plastic film component ofband 12 should be chemically compatible and preferably heat sealable to themembrane sheet 11, although a cement or adhesive can be used tobond 11 and 12 in a known technique. The nonextensibility, softness and the construction properties ofband 12 andband 17 are to be fully equivalent to each other.

On the band terminus 14' ofband 12, a pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating area 34 is permanently secured to and covers the band width 21, for acoating area length 35. A thin releasepaper sheet area 36 at least completely covers all of the pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating area 34, and is easily removed therefrom with finger tips. The combination of theadhesive coating area 34, permanently secured to a portion ofwaistband 12, and covered by the releasepaper 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 thesecond waistband 17 is shown bonded to themembrane 11. The sectional view again illustrates the well-known typical single-use diaper construction, in which the nonwovenporous cover sheet 30 is secured to the overlappingflap 33 of thesheet 11, as by heat seal or adhesive bond. Thesecond waistband 17 has a nonextensible mechanical structure equivalent to the nonextensible structure of thefirst waistband 12. The plastic film component ofband 17 should be chemically compatible, and preferably heat sealable to themembrane sheet 11, although a cement or adhesive can be used tobond 11 and 17 by well-known techniques. The short waistband extension 19' is an integral, continuous extension of theportion 37 of thesecond waistband 17 secured to themembrane 11. Theextension 19 can have threelength sections 38, 39, and 40, which together form the total length of 19'. Theextension sublength 39 is completely, permanently covered over theband width 22 with a pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating area 41. A thin, releasepaper sheet area 42 completely covers all of the pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating area 41, extending beyond 41 on both of its ends to form thedry alleys 43,44. Thedry alleys 43,44 serve as handles for the ready removal of thesheet area 42 with fingertips.

The combination 19' as thesublengths 38, 39 and 40, together with the pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating area 41 and the thin releasepaper 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 ofwaist 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. 0.004-0.0l0 inches, and theirband widths 21 and 22 are typically one-fourth to l inchjThus in application of the single-use diaper, thenonextensible 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 releasepaper 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 0.0l'0-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, movingdiaper web 50 is shown moving in the direction 51. A thin membrane sheet 11' is shown uppermost onweb 50, covering the absorbent pad 10' shown in a partial sectional view. Thefirst 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 thecontinuous 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 theweb width 52, theweb 50 can be completely severed at the centerline 5-5 betweenbands 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, thethin membrane sheet 11" shown uppermost, as in H0. 5. Two rolls 72 and 73 of previously prepared waistband stock sheeting are shown unreeling stock sheet in therespective reel directions 74 and 75. Therolls 72 and 73 are positioned above theweb 70, and are each adapted to form a sheet terminus 76 and 77 respectively at the centerline 8-8. Thewaistband stock sheetings 78 and 79, ofrolls 72 and 73 respectively, are completely severed at therespective lines 80 and 81, to form a pair of spaced and positionedpotential waistbands 82 and 83 respectively on theweb 70. On bonding of the newly severedbands 82 and 83 on theweb 70, by standard heat-sealing or cementing techniques, the severed and bonded bands derived frombands 82 and 83, become equivalent to the pair ofwaistbands 12' and 17 of FIG. 5.

Thewaistbands stock sheetings 78 and 79, as sectioned at 77 and 7'7 in FIG. 6, are shown in cross-sectional detail in FIG. 7. Thesheetings 78 and 79 are equivalent in cross-sectional structure, as shown in FIG. 7. The nonextensible, thin, flexible water-resistant,bondable sheeting 84 has aweb width 85. Theweb width 85 is adapted to become the required values for theroll widths 86 and 87 of therespective rolls 72 and 73. The waistband adhesive securing means 88 and 89 each comprise the pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating areas 90 and 91 respectively, covered by the thin, flexible, releasepaper sheet areas 92 and 93 respectively disposed at theopposed web margins 94 and 95 respectively of thesheet 84. Thus, refen'ing back to FIG. 6, the first waistband adhesive securing means 96 and 97 are shown uppermost on thestock sheet 78; and the second waistband adhesive securing means 98 and 99 are indicated on the under side of thestock sheet 79.

Prepared rolls ofstock sheeting 78, or the like, are fabricated in the required width, and applied to theweb 70, or the like. Obviously, the severing ofweb 70, or the like, and ofstock 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 accordionfold pleats of diaper 1, or the like, may be formed by wellknown means, and typically can be one-half to 1 inch wide perfold width 9.

ln application of this integral diaper, no conventional safety pins are required. Thepleats 2 of diaper 1 of FIG. 2 are partially opened and thecenterline 3 of the diaper laid parallel and underneath the babys backbone line in the conventional, well-known manner. Thepleats 2 remain constricted in opening, in and around the babys crotch, placing a maximum of pleated, folded absorbent pad directly adjacent the positions on the babys torso which emit waste products. Thepleats 2 of diaper 1 are fully distended at the first andsecond waistbands 12 and 17, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pleats 2' of diaper 1' form a fanshaped distension on thebabys body 100, being relatively compressed in and around the baby'scrotch 101; and being openly distended over thebabys abdomen 102. Thefirst waistband 12" is shown stretched to its full length around thebabys abdomen 102, and thesecond waistband 17" is also fully distended and overlaps thefirst waistband 12". The first waistband adhesive securing means 16 and 16' have been modified by removal of the releasepaper sheet areas 36, or the like, and by adhesively bonding theband 12" interiorly to the nonwovenporous sheet 30, or the like, as at 103 and 104. The second waistband adhesive securing means and 20' have also been modified by removing the releasepaper sheet areas 42, or the like, and adhesively bonding theadhesive coating areas 41, or the like, to the first waistband to formadhesive bonds 105 and 106 on theband 12".

Thus the integral diaper 1 requires no safety pin fasteners to secure the diaper on the babys 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 thefirst waistband 12. Hence, for the smallest size diaper, typically an area of 10"X14", 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 babys abdomen.

10 jacent 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 11 I is shown uppermost. The fluid-absorbent pad 112 is shown in partial sectional view lying belowmembrane area 111. Thefirst waistband 113 is shown just underlying the membrane sheet area 1 11, and theband 113 is completely bonded across the diaper width 114 to thesheet area 111, at thefirst diaper end 115. The first waistband adhesive securing means 116 and 116' are shown formed on he bandterminuses 117 and 117.

Thesecond waistband 118 is also shown partially disposed underneath themembrane sheet area 111, coadjacent one face of the fluid-absorbent pad 112. Thewaistband 118 is likewise bonded the width 114 of thesecond diaper end 119. The second waistband adhesive securing means 120 and 120' are disposed on the integral second waistbandshort extensions 121 and 121' respectively. Thediaper 110 is folded about thediaper fold axis 122 on placement on a babys torso.

FIG. 10 shows in cross-sectional view through 1010 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 thepad edge 133. The thin, narrow flexible,first waistband 113 is bonded to the thin, fluid impermeablemembrane sheet area 111, as by heat-sealing. Themembrane sheet area 111 has afold 136, terminating in aflap 137, which is overfolded and bonded to thecover sheet 131. The first waistband adhesive securing means 116' is shown to consist of the requiredlength 138 ofmembrane sheet area 111, the pressure-sensitiveadhesive coating area 139, and the overlying thin, flexible releasepaper sheet area 140. Again the thin, flexible noncxtensiblefirst waistband 113, when bonded to the thin,membrane sheet area 111, prevents themembrane sheet area 111 from cold stretching at thediaper 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 theabsorbent pad 112, at thepad edge 133. The thin, flexible, nonextensible,second waistband 118 has a second waistband short extension 121', which is integral with 118. Theband 118 is bonded to the fluid-impermeablemembrane sheet area 111, and also to the membrane fold 136', which has been folded under and sealed toband 118. The second waistband adhesive securing means 120 consists of the required length 141 of the extension 121', the pressure-sensitive layer of releasepaper 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 babys 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 US. 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.

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:

a. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband permanently, completely secured on one face thereof to one face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area, disposed completely across and bonded to a first diaper end, and disposed normal to the pair of diaper sides, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses being coterminous with one of said pair of diaper sides;

b. a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband permanently secured on one face thereof to one face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area, disposed completely across and bonded to a second diaper end normal to said pair of diaper sides; and

c. a second waistband adhesive securing means having a pair of integral, narrow, nonextensible second waistband short extensions of said second waistband, each one of said pair of extensions oppositely extending beyond one of said pair of diaper sides, each one of said pair of short extensions having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the face of each said band short extension coplanar with said fluid-absorption pad side of said diaper, and a removable, release-coated protective sheet area completely covering each said adhesive coating area.

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 pressuresensitive 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 ofclaim 3 in which said first waist and said second waistbands are said fluid-absorbent pad area.

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:

a. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband permanently, completely secured on one face thereof to the face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face contiguous to said pad, said first waistband disposed across and bonded to a first diaper end, normal to the pair of diaper sides, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses being coterminous with one of said pair of diaper sides;

b. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband permanently secured on one face thereof to the face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face contiguous to said pad, said second waistband disposed across and bonded to a second diaper end normal to said pair of diaper sides, said second end directly opposed to said first diaper end; and

c. a second waistband adhesive securing means having a pair of integral, narrow, nonextensible, second waistband short extensions of said second waistband, each one of said pair of extensions oppositely extending beyond each one of the pair of diaper sides, each one of said pair of extensions having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to a face of each said band short extension coadjacent to the fluid-absorption pad face of said diaper and a removable, release-coated protective sheet area completely covering each said adhesive coating area.

6. The single-use, disposable, integral baby diaper ofclaim 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:

a. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband permanently disposed completely across and bonded to a first diaper end, and disposed normal to the pair of diaper sides, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses being coterminus with one of said pair of diaper sides b. a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband permanently disposed completely across and bonded to a second diaper end normal to said pair of diaper sides; and

c. a second waistband adhesive securing means having a pair of integral, narrow, nonextensible second waistband short extensions of said second waistband, each one of said pair of extensions oppositely extending beyond one of said pair of diaper sides, each one of said pair of short extensions having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the face of each said band short extension coplanar with said fluid-absorption pad side of said diaper, and a removable, release-coated protective sheet area completely covering each said adhesive coating area.

Claims (7)

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: a. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband permanently, completely secured on one face thereof to one face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area, disposed completely across and bonded to a first diaper end, and disposed normal to the pair of diaper sides, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses being coterminous with one of said pair of diaper sides; b. a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband permanently secured on one face thereof to one face of said fluidimpermeable membrane sheet area, disposed completely across and bonded to a second diaper end normal to said pair of diaper sides; and c. a second waistband adhesive securing means having a pair of integral, narrow, nonextensible second waistband short extensions of said second waistband, each one of said pair of extensions oppositely extending beyond one of said pair of diaper sides, each one of said pair of short extensions having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the face of each said band short extension coplanar with said fluid-absorption pad side of said diaper, and a removable, release-coated protective sheet area completely covering each said adhesive coating area.

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: a. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband permanently, completely secured on one face thereof to the face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face contiguous to said pad, said first waistband disposed across and bonded to a first diaper end, normal to the pair of diaper sides, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses being coterminous with one of said pair of diaper sides; b. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband permanently secured on one face thereof to the face of said fluid-impermeable membrane sheet area opposed to the membrane face contiguous to said pad, said second waistband disposed across and bonded to a second diaper end normal to said pair of diaper sides, said second end directly opposed to said first diaper end; and c. a second waistband adhesive securing means having a pair of integral, narrow, nonextensible, second waistband short extensions of said second waistband, each one of said pair of extensions oppositely extending beyond each one of the pair of diaper sides, each one of said pair of extensions having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to a face of each said band short extension coadjacent to the fluid-absorption pad face of said diaper and a removable, release-coated protective sheet area completely covering each said adhesive coating area.

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: a. a thin, narrow, flexible, nonextensible, first waistband permanently disposed completely across and bonded to a first diaper end, and disposed normal to the pair of diaper sides, each one of the pair of first waistband terminuses being coterminus with one of said pair of diaper sides b. a thin, flexible, nonextensible, second waistband permanently disposed completely across and bonded to a second diaper end normal to said pair of diaper sides; and c. a second waistband adhesive securing means having a pair of integral, narrow, nonextensible second waistband short extensions of said second waistband, each one of said pair of extensions oppositely extending beyond one of said pair of diaper sides, each one of said pair of short extensions having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating area permanently secured to the face of each said band short extension coplanar with said fluid-absorption pad side of said diaper, and a removable, release-coated protective sheet area completely covering each said adhesive coating area.

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