Method of reducing fastener irritation and waist droop in a disposable diaper

[54] METHOD OF REDUCING FASTENER IRRITATION AND WAIST DROOP IN A DISPOSABLE DIAPER

[75] Inventor: Deborah L. Proxmire, Larsen, Wis.

[73] Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wis.

[21] Appl. No.: 140,000

[22] Filed: Dec 31,1987

[51] Int Cl.s A61F 13/16

[52] UJ8. CI 604/385.2; 601/391;

601/397

[58] Field of Search 604/385.1, 385.2, 386,

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FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

0155515 10/1985 European Pat. Off. .

Primary Examiner—Randall L. Green
Assistant Examiner—K. M. Reichle
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Douglas L. Miller

[57] ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for making a fastener landing zone within a selected area on the front waist panel of a diaper. The front waist panel and a rear waist panel are stretchable in a cross-body direction, the rear panel having elongated ears bearing mechanical fasteners on inner, body-facing surfaces thereof which are releasably engageable with mechanical fasteners provided on the landing zones. The landing zones are shaped, sized and oriented on the front waist panel so as to impart a tensile force distribution pattern thereacross, directing tensile stresses away from the leg and waist openings while providing a band of abdominal support across the front waist panel between the landing zones.

9 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets