The Procter Gamble Company

Beverly J Manring

Megan R Moore

The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a stretchable, extensible, fluid-pervious composite web comprising an apertured, three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded formed film layer and a fibrous layer, preferably a nonwoven, bonded to one side of the formed film layer. The composite web is microcreped in at least one direction, such that the composite web exhibits extensibility, and preferably also retractability, in that direction. The composite web exhibits fine scale nesting of the formed film layer and the nonwoven layer in the microfolds, providing intimate contact between the layers for enhanced fluid transport properties while the three-dimensionality of the formed film provides a stand-off between the layers. The composite webs of the present invention are particularly suited for use as a topsheet on an absorbent article, in order to provide for enhanced stretchability and extensibility to accommodate a wide range of in-use conditions and to enable the absorbent article to better conform to the wearer's body to improve wearing comfort via enhanced flexibility. The microcreped surface also provides a soft, pleasing visual and tactile impression to the wearer. The present invention further relates to a method of making a stretchable, extensible, fluid-pervious composite web comprising the steps of: (a) providing an apertured, three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded formed film layer; (b) providing a fibrous layer; (c) bonding the fibrous layer to one side of the formed film layer to form a composite web; (d) microcreping the composite web in at least one direction such that the composite web is contracted that direction and such that the formed film layer remains substantially three-dimensional and macroscopically-expanded.

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West Chester, OH, United States of America

Beverly J Manring