阅读说明：本技术 包括裆区中的弹性部件的吸收制品 (Absorbent article comprising elastics in the crotch region ) 是由 F.N.德赛 美浓口良 于 2017-05-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种吸收制品,该吸收制品可包括前带和后带,该带中的每一个可包括多根弹性股线和多个间隔部。吸收制品也可包括裆区中的多根弹性股线和间隔部。(The present invention provides an absorbent article that may include a front belt and a back belt, each of which may include a plurality of elastic strands and a plurality of spacers. The absorbent article may also include a plurality of elastic strands and spacers in the crotch region.)

1. An absorbent article, comprising:

a front belt located in the front waist region, the front belt comprising a front inner belt nonwoven and a front outer belt nonwoven;

a back belt located in the back waist region, the back belt comprising a back inner belt nonwoven and a back outer belt nonwoven;

a central panel comprising an absorbent core disposed in a crotch region, the central panel also comprising a topsheet and a backsheet;

wherein the central panel overlaps a portion of the front and back belts;

wherein the front belt comprises a first plurality of elastics in a first section extending longitudinally from a front end edge of the article to a midpoint of the front waist region, and the front belt comprises a second plurality of elastics in a second section extending longitudinally from the midpoint of the first waist region to a distal end edge of the front waist region;

wherein the back belt comprises a third plurality of elastics in a third section extending longitudinally from a distal end edge of the back waist region to a midpoint of the back waist region; and the back belt comprises a fourth plurality of elastics in a fourth segment that extends longitudinally from the midpoint of the back waist region to a distal end edge of the back waist region, and

wherein the first plurality of elastics extends continuously and laterally from a first side edge of the front waist region to a second side of the front waist region, wherein the first plurality of elastics has a first average spacing between each of the elastics of the first plurality of elastics;

wherein the second plurality of elastics extends continuously and laterally from the first side edge of the front waist region to the second side of the front waist region, wherein the second plurality of elastics has a second average spacing between each of the elastics of the second plurality of elastics;

wherein the third plurality of elastics extends continuously and laterally from a first side edge of the back waist region to a second side of the back waist region, wherein the third plurality of elastics has a third average spacing between each elastic in the third plurality of elastics;

wherein the fourth plurality of elastics extends continuously and laterally from the first side edge of the back waist region to the second side of the back waist region, wherein the fourth plurality of elastics has a fourth average spacing between each elastic in the fourth plurality of elastics;

wherein the second plurality of elastics and the third plurality of elastics overlap the absorbent core;

a fifth plurality of elastics located in the crotch region, wherein the fifth plurality of elastics extends continuously and laterally across the core and has a fifth average spacing between individual elastics of the fifth plurality of elastics;

a sixth plurality of elastics located in the crotch region, wherein the sixth plurality of elastics extends continuously and laterally across the core with a sixth average spacing between individual elastics of the sixth plurality of elastics;

wherein the fifth plurality of elastics are disposed adjacent to the second plurality of elastics, and wherein the fifth average pitch of the fifth plurality of elastics is greater than the second average pitch of the second plurality of elastics;

wherein the sixth plurality of elastic components is disposed adjacent to the third plurality of elastic components, and wherein the sixth average pitch of the sixth plurality of elastic components is greater than the third average pitch of the third plurality of elastic components;

wherein at least one of the fifth plurality of elastic components and the sixth plurality of elastic components has a lower dtex and/or a lower prestrain than the first plurality of elastic components, the second plurality of elastic components, the third plurality of elastic components, and the fourth plurality of elastic components; and

a large gap free of laterally extending elastic members and disposed between the fifth plurality of elastic members and the sixth plurality of elastic members, the large gap extending longitudinally between 20mm and 50mm, wherein the large gap overlaps a lateral axis (T1).

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the front inner belt nonwoven and the back inner belt nonwoven are discrete from each other and do not overlap.

3. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front outer belt nonwoven and the back outer belt nonwoven are discrete from each other and do not overlap.

4. The absorbent article according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the front outer belt nonwoven and the back outer belt nonwoven are formed from the same continuous nonwoven layer.

5. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein a majority of the surface area of the large gap is disposed between the lateral centerline and the fifth plurality of elastics.

6. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein a majority of the surface area of the large gap is disposed between the lateral centerline and the sixth plurality of elastics.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said fifth plurality of elastics comprises a first most-distal elastic and a second most-distal elastic, wherein a gap between said two most-distal elastics of said fifth plurality of elastics is from 8mm to 12 mm.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sixth plurality of elastics comprises a first most-distal elastic and a second most-distal elastic, wherein a gap between said two most-distal elastics of said sixth plurality of elastics is from 8mm to 12 mm.

9. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fifth plurality of elastics comprises a second-most-distal elastic and a third-most-distal elastic, wherein a gap between the second-most-proximal elastic and the third-most-proximal elastic in the fifth plurality of elastics is from 5mm to 8 mm.

10. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sixth plurality of elastics comprises a second-most-distal elastic and a third-most-distal elastic, wherein a gap between the second-most-proximal elastic and the third-most-proximal elastic in the sixth plurality of elastics is from 5mm to 8 mm.

11. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fifth average pitch of the fifth plurality of elastics is greater than the first average pitch of the first plurality of elastics.

12. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sixth average pitch of the sixth plurality of elastics is greater than the third average pitch of the third plurality of elastics.

13. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sixth average pitch of the sixth plurality of elastics is greater than the fifth average pitch of the fifth plurality of elastics.

14. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fifth average pitch of the fifth plurality of elastics is greater than the sixth average pitch of the sixth plurality of elastics.

15. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein gaps between the individual ones of the fifth plurality of elastics become larger along the longitudinal axis in a direction from the distal end edge of the front waist region toward the lateral axis.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a disposable pull-on garment comprising elastics in the crotch region.

Background

The present specification discloses disposable absorbent articles comprising a central panel (also referred to as central chassis or body) comprising an absorbent core. The absorbent article may also include graphics. The article designs disclosed herein can be worn by people of all ages, including infants, toddlers, children, and adults.

It may be desirable to extend the elastic members continuously across the core and/or the central panel to reduce the appearance of the core and central panel regions, which may help the absorbent article to look more like underwear. This can be particularly important for adult wearers. Extending the elastics continuously across the core and/or central panel can create too much tension in the force zones and/or elastic segments, thereby causing the crotch region and the area adjacent to the crotch region to be drawn in laterally (i.e., too narrow).

Therefore, absorbent articles are often designed with elastic components that are cut such that they do not extend across or continuously across the core or central panel. Elastics cut in this manner may provide greater coverage of the buttocks relative to products having elastics that extend continuously across the core and/or center panel. Of course, sufficient coverage is desirable for fit. In addition to fit, adequate coverage is also desirable for adult incontinence products to provide comfort and safety. Too much tension in the long continuous elastic can cause the portion of the belt adjacent the transverse axis to narrow and arch upward on the back side of the wearer, compromising fit and causing discomfort.

Instead of cutting elastics to prevent the negative effects of continuous elastics across the core and/or center panel, it may be desirable to space the elastics apart (i.e., reduce the number of elastics per unit area) in the force zones and/or elastic segments adjacent the transverse centerline of the article. Thus, the regions at and directly above the leg cut may benefit from spaced elastic members to avoid too much concentration of tension causing the front and back panels adjacent the crotch to narrow. This is especially a problem in the rear panel where it reduces hip coverage. With spaced apart elastic components, the average tension of the elastic zones and/or segments is reduced.

One way to reduce the number of resilient members per unit area is to create a larger space between uniformly and more closely spaced resilient members. Many of the elastic features of the present disclosure reduce the number of elastics per unit area by gradually increasing the space between elastics that is increasingly closer to the transverse centerline.

In addition, it may also be desirable to create larger area voids of elastic on each side of the transverse axis for a certain area, which may simplify the process of manufacturing a multi-strand elastic absorbent article, as it creates larger areas without elastic. The elastics in this region may also be considered unnecessary because the product in the central region of the crotch region is pressed inward by the thighs of the wearer. In addition, the elastic in this region may also unduly narrow the crotch region, allowing the gasket to be compromised. This may be particularly true for articles comprising leg cuffs, as the cuff path may be distorted by lateral forces on the crotch region. Accordingly, the present disclosure suggests providing desired regions above and below the transverse centerline that may be free of transversely disposed elastics.

The present disclosure also recognizes that the gradual change in pitch of the resilient features may be more aesthetically pleasing than cutting the resilient components or providing a large gap in the entire feature.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment in a typical in-use configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment in a typical in-use configuration;

FIGS. 3A-3D are plan views of the pull-on garment in their flat, uncontracted state, showing the wearer-facing surface;

FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the exemplary disposable pull-on garment taken along line 4A-4A in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the exemplary disposable pull-on garment taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 3B;

figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a leg cuff suitable for use in one embodiment of the present invention taken along line 5A-5A in figure 3A.

Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a leg cuff suitable for use in one embodiment of the present invention taken along line 5B-5B in figure 3B.

Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suitable package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "pull-on garment" refers to an article of wear that has a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and that is worn on the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the article up over the waist. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe garments that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). The pull-on garment is also preferably "absorbent" to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. One preferred embodiment of the absorbent article is a disposable absorbent pull-on garment as shown in figure 1.

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to pull-on garments generally worn by infants and other incontinent individuals to absorb and contain urine, feces, and/or menses. It should be understood that the term absorbent article also applies to other garments such as training pants, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene garments or panties, and the like.

As used herein, the terms "elastic," "elastomer," and "elastomeric" refer to a material that is generally capable of extending to a strain of at least 50% without breaking or rupturing, and capable of substantially returning to its original dimension (minus a fixed deformation) after a deforming force is removed.

As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to one or more intermediate members which in turn are affixed to the other element.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article 20. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the absorbent article 20. The absorbent article 20 has a longitudinal centerline L1 and a transverse centerline T1 (see also fig. 3A-3D). The absorbent article 20 has an outer surface 22, an inner surface 24 opposite the outer surface 22, a front region 26, a back region 28, a crotch region 30, and seams 32 joining the front region 26 and the back region 28 to form two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36. Referring also to fig. 1 to 3, the absorbent article 20 includes a main portion 1, a side portion 2, and a waist portion 3.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 3, the absorbent article 20 includes an absorbent main body 38 (hereinafter may be referred to as "main body") for covering the crotch region of the wearer and a belt 40 extending laterally around the waist opening 36. The absorbent article 20 may further include an outer cover layer 42 for covering the main body 38. The belt 40 defines the waist opening 36. The belt 40, the main body 38 and/or the outer cover layer 42 collectively define the leg opening 34. The absorbent article 20 may have a graphic 46 disposed in the front region 26 and/or the back region 28. The graphic 46 may be printed on the outermost nonwoven (e.g., outer belt layer 82, or outer cover layer 42), on the garment-facing side or body-facing side of these nonwovens. Graphics may also be printed on the garment facing side of the inner belt layer 83. Graphics may also be printed on the garment facing side of the backsheet film. Suitable graphics and graphic configurations for the absorbent articles disclosed herein are shown in the following USSN: 14/878,156 (attorney docket number 13574), fig. 1-2 and 6-8 including 13574; 62/136003 (attorney docket No. 13744P), including 62/136003 (attorney docket No. 13744P) of the arrangement of graphs 46 a-46 f of fig. 1-2 and 7-8; 11/999,229 (attorney docket No. 10659M). The graphics of the present disclosure may be partially printed on a backsheet film and partially printed on a belt nonwoven as disclosed in USSN 11/999,229 (attorney docket No. 10659M). Additionally, the articles of the present disclosure may also include anchor graphics as described in USSN 14/878,156 (attorney docket No. 13574), filed on 9/10/2014. Each of the cited graphics may be printed on the inner and outer surfaces of the tape nonwoven, and the chassis nonwoven and film as disclosed in USSN 62/319,463 (attorney docket No. 14245P), filed 4.7.2016, including the differences between the graphics and components as disclosed in USSN 62/319,463 (attorney docket No. 14245P).

As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent article 20 includes an absorbent main body 38 to cover the crotch region of the wearer and a belt 40 extending laterally around the waist opening 36. The absorbent article 20 may further include an outer cover layer 42 to cover the main body 38. The belt 40 defines the waist opening 36. The belt 40, the main body 38 and/or the outer cover layer 42 collectively define the leg opening 34. One or more of the belt layers may extend from a first waist edge 134 in the first waist region 26, through the crotch region, to a longitudinally opposing second waist edge 138 in the second waist region 28, and may form a portion or all of an outer surface of the absorbent article 20.

The absorbent main body 38 absorbs and contains body exudates deposited on the main body 38. The absorbent main body also includes left and right longitudinally extending side edges 48 (hereinafter may be referred to as "longitudinal side edges") and front and back transversely extending end edges 50 (hereinafter may be referred to as "transverse end edges").

As shown in figure 4A, the absorbent article 20 may include a front belt 84 and a back belt 86 intended to encircle at least a portion of the waist of the wearer, the front belt portion 84 and the back belt portion 86 being joined by the main body 38 forming the crotch region 30 of the absorbent article 20. The front and back belts 84 and 86 may be formed from a first belt layer forming a portion of the outer surface 22 of the absorbent article, and the first belt layer 82 (also referred to as an outer belt layer) may be formed from two longitudinally spaced webs of material. The front and back belts 84 and 86 may also include a second belt layer (also referred to as an inner belt layer) 83 forming a portion of the inner surface 24 of the absorbent article 20, the second belt layer 83 also being formed from two longitudinally spaced webs of material. The second belt layer 83 may also be discontinuous and laterally spaced apart. The first and second belt layers 82, 83 may be formed of substantially the same material, or may comprise different materials. The first belt layer 82 and the second belt layer 83 may be formed of a nonwoven fabric, a film, a foam, an elastic nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof. The front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may also include an elastomeric material disposed between the first belt layer 82 and the second belt layer 83. The elastomeric material may include one or more elastic strands, elastomeric films (including apertured films), elastomeric ribbons, elastomeric nonwovens, elastomeric filaments, elastomeric adhesives, elastomeric foams, scrims, or combinations thereof. A portion of the elastomeric material may be directly combined with the outer cover layer. The main body 38 of the absorbent article may include an outer surface 22, a backsheet 60, an inner surface 24, a topsheet 58, and an absorbent core 62 disposed between the topsheet 58 and the backsheet 60. The backsheet may be formed of a nonwoven, a woven, a film, or a laminate comprising one or more of these materials in combination. In one embodiment, the backsheet is a film and nonwoven laminate wherein the nonwoven of the laminate is the outer cover layer. In addition, the main body 38 may include elasticized barrier leg cuffs 64 disposed at or adjacent the side edges of the main body. The front and back belt 84, 86 may overlap at least a portion of the body, and one or both of the belt portions may be disposed on an outer surface of the body, or alternatively on an inner surface of the body. A portion of the second belt layer and/or a portion of the first belt layer may be directly attached to the outer cover layer. Alternatively, the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may comprise longitudinally spaced webs of material forming the first surface of the belt, with the webs being folded along the waist edge or alternatively the leg opening edge of the belt to wrap the elastomeric material and form at least a portion of the second surface of the belt. That is, at least a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of each of the belt portions may be formed from a single web of material. As shown in fig. 4A, the first belt layer may form a portion of the garment facing surface, may be folded over the second belt layer 83 and attached to the second belt layer 83, and may also be attached to a portion of the topsheet such that the first belt layer also forms a portion of the wearer facing surface.

As shown in figure 4B, the absorbent article 20 may include a front elastic belt 84 and a back elastic belt 86 disposed in the front waist region 26 and the back waist region 28, respectively, and intended to encircle at least a portion of the waist of the wearer, the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 being connected by a main body forming the crotch region 30 of the article. The first and second belts may be formed from a first belt layer 82 that extends from a first waist edge 134 in the first waist region 26, through the crotch region 30, to a longitudinally opposing second waist edge 138 in the second waist region 28, and forms a portion of an outer surface of the absorbent article 20. The front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may also include a second belt layer forming a portion of the interior surface 24 of the absorbent article, and the second belt layer 83 may be formed from two longitudinally spaced webs of material. The first belt portion and the second belt portion may also include an elastomeric material disposed between the first belt layer and the second belt layer. The elastomeric material 300 may include elastic strands, elastomeric films (including apertured films), elastomeric ribbons, elastomeric nonwovens, elastomeric filaments, elastomeric adhesives, elastomeric foams, scrims, or combinations thereof. The main body 38 of the absorbent article may include an outer surface 22, a backsheet 60, an inner surface 24, a topsheet 58, and an absorbent core 62 disposed between the topsheet 58 and the backsheet 60. The first belt layer may form a portion of the outer surface 22. In addition, the main body may comprise elasticized barrier leg cuffs 64 disposed at or adjacent the side edges of the main body. The second belt layer can overlap at least a portion of the body, and one or both of the second belt layer webs can form an outer surface of the first belt layer or alternatively an inner surface of the first belt layer. Alternatively, the front and/or rear portions of the first belt layer may be folded along the waist edge of the belt region to wrap the elastomeric material and form a portion of the second belt layer of one or both of the front belt portion 84 and the rear belt portion 86. In other words, the inner and outer surfaces of each of the belt portions are formed from a single web of material. As shown in fig. 4B, the first belt layer 82 may form a portion of the garment facing surface and may be folded and attached to the second belt layer 83 such that the first belt layer also forms a portion of the wearer facing surface.

The absorbent article may comprise curved leg elastics extending parallel to and located a few millimeters inboard of at least a portion of the leg cut.

A portion or all of the main body 38 may be made extensible to a degree greater than the inherent extensibility of the material or materials from which the main body 38 is made, such as the backsheet 60. The additional extensibility may be desirable in order to allow the body 38 to conform to the body of a wearer and/or to provide sufficient body coverage during movement by the wearer. Additional extensibility may also be desirable, for example, to allow a user of an absorbent article including a body 38 having a particular size before extension to extend the front waist region 26, the back waist region 28, or both waist regions of the body 38 to provide additional body coverage for wearers of different sizes, i.e., to tailor the article to an individual wearer. Such extension of the waist region or regions may give the main body 38 a generally hourglass shape, so long as the crotch region is extended to a relatively lesser extent than the waist region or regions, and may impart a snug-fit appearance to the article when it is worn. Further, additional ductility may also be desirable in order to minimize the cost of the article 10. For example, an amount of material that would otherwise be sufficient only to make a relatively smaller article lacking such extensibility can be used to make an article that is capable of being extended to adequately cover the wearer with a greater fit to the wearer than a smaller, inextensible absorbent article.

A portion of the main body 38, such as a portion of the chassis in one or both of the waist regions 26, 28, may be made laterally extensible to a maximum extensibility that is greater than the maximum extensibility of another portion of the main body 38 in the crotch region, such that the lateral extension of each of the portions to its maximum extensibility imparts an hourglass shape to the main body 38. In one embodiment, the portion of the main body 38 underlying and/or directly adjacent to one or both of the front and back extensible belts may be made laterally extensible to a maximum extensibility that is greater than the maximum extensibility of another portion of the main body 38, such as the crotch region, such that the lateral extension of each of the portions to its maximum extensibility facilitates the application of the absorbent article to the body of a wearer by: the waist region is enabled to be extended to fit over the hips of the wearer and, in addition, the leg openings are opened and oriented such that the wearer is able to more effectively pass the legs through the openings.

Additional lateral extensibility in the body 38 can be provided in a variety of ways. For example, the material or materials used to make the body 38 may be folded by any of a number of known methods. Alternatively, all or a portion of body 38 may be made from a formed web of material or a formed laminate of webs of material, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801 (referred to herein as "Chappell et al," published 5/21 1996). The formed web material includes distinct laterally extending regions in which the original material has been altered by embossing or another method of deformation to produce a pattern of generally machine direction oriented alternating ridges and valleys, and laterally extending unaltered regions between the laterally extending altered regions. The formed web material may extend in a direction perpendicular to the ridges up to a point where the ridges and valleys flatten out with significantly less force than the force required to extend beyond that point. In addition to lateral extensibility, the creation of a shaped laminate web as described above provides the main body 38 backsheet with improved texture and a garment-like look and feel. This deformation creates a pattern in the film similar to a garment and increases the bulkiness of the nonwoven in the multilayer film and nonwoven laminate backsheet.

Alternatively, a portion of the absorbent article may be ring rolled and thus made highly extensible as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,782 (referred to herein as "Curro et al," published 11/22 1994). Specifically, the ring rolling apparatus includes opposing rolls having intermeshing teeth that incrementally stretch and thereby plastically deform the material forming the absorbent article (or a portion thereof) such that the article is extensible in the ring rolling zone. In one embodiment, the absorbent article may be ring rolled in a portion of at least one of the front or back waist regions, such as the portion of the main body 38 underlying and/or directly adjacent to one or both of the front and back belt 84, 86, while other regions may comprise a web of structured elastic-like forming material. The article may be ring rolled across the entire width in one or both of the waist regions, or alternatively may be ring rolled across only a portion of the width of the main body 38 or only a portion of one or both of the belts.

The anterior and posterior lateral central portions of the body 38 may have a different range of extensibility than other portions of the body 38. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral central portion may be extensible to a greater or lesser degree when subjected to a given level of opposing tensile forces, i.e., may be more or less extensible than other portions of the main body 38.

The main body 38 may include a liquid permeable topsheet 58, a liquid impermeable backsheet 60, and an absorbent core 62 disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The main body 38 may additionally comprise barrier leg cuffs 64 disposed along the longitudinal side edges 48. The barrier leg cuff 64 improves containment of liquids and other body exudates in the crotch region 30. The barrier leg cuff 64 shown in figure 5A comprises a single layer of material that can be folded to form a barrier leg cuff having two layers. The barrier leg cuffs 64 extend from the side of the main body at or adjacent to the longitudinal side edges 48 toward the longitudinal centerline L2. The barrier leg cuffs may be folded back toward the longitudinal side edges 48 along fold lines 66. The barrier leg cuff 64 may have a first barrier leg cuff elastic material 72 adjacent the distal portion 68 and a second barrier leg cuff elastic material 73 adjacent the proximal portion 70 of the barrier leg cuff 64. The proximal portion 70 of the barrier leg cuff 64 may be joined to the backsheet 60 adjacent the longitudinal side edge 48. The portion of the barrier leg cuff 64 along the folding line 66 and the distal portion 68 may not be attached to any portion of the main body 38 in the crotch region 30 such that the barrier leg cuff 64 protrudes toward the wearer's body. As shown in figure 5A, the transverse end 74 of the barrier leg cuff 64 may be joined to the topsheet 58 at or adjacent the longitudinally opposing end of the leg cuff by attachment means which may be any known means such as adhesive, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, and the like. Other suitable leg cuffs are disclosed in USSN 62/136003 (attorney docket No. 13744P), including those disclosed in fig. 5A-5C of 13744P.

As shown in fig. 5B, the cuffs 64 (inner cuff 64a and outer cuff 64B) may have a first barrier cuff elastic material, a second barrier cuff elastic material, and a third barrier cuff elastic material 72a, 72B, and 72 c; each of the elastic materials may be the same or different. A distal portion of the cuff 64 may be attached to a distal portion of the backsheet film 60 and another portion of the cuff 64 may be attached to the topsheet via adhesive 118. In addition to these cuff 64 configurations, other suitable examples of cuffs 64 that may be used herein are disclosed in U.S. patent 8,939,957 (referred to herein as "Raycheck et al," entitled "2016, 1, 27), including the configurations disclosed by FIGS. 8 a-8 t. The cuff 64 may be joined to the backsheet with a leak resistant bead 118' extending along the entire longitudinal length of the cuff 64 and/or backsheet film 60.

As shown in fig. 5A, the two layers of the backsheet film 60, the outer cover nonwoven 42 and the cuff 64 may terminate together at the side edge 48. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 5B, the distal end of the cuff 64 may extend beyond the other materials to form at least a portion of the side edge 48 in a manner that exposes at least a portion of the cuff (when the article 20 is worn) such that a more finished folded leg edge is achieved.

The liquid permeable topsheet 58 can be positioned adjacent the body-facing surface of the absorbent core 62 and can be joined to the absorbent core and/or to the backsheet 60 by any attachment means known in the art. The liquid impermeable backsheet 60 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 20 which is positioned adjacent the garment facing surface of the absorbent core 62 and prevents exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling articles that may contact the absorbent article 20. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet 58 and the backsheet 60 and absorbs and retains liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates.

The topsheet 58, the backsheet 60 and the absorbent core may be manufactured from known materials. Suitable topsheet materials may include porous foams; reticulated foam; perforating a plastic film; or woven or nonwoven webs composed of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the diaper while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet.

Suitable absorbent cores for use in the absorbent article 20 can comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. In addition, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core may vary (e.g., one or more of the absorbent cores or one or more of the other absorbent structures may have varying caliper zones, one or more hydrophilic gradients, one or more superabsorbent gradients, or lower average density and lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). In some embodiments, the absorbent core may comprise a fluid acquisition component, a fluid distribution component, and a fluid storage component. One example of a suitable absorbent core having fluid acquisition, distribution and storage components is described in U.S. patent 6,590,136 (referred to herein as "Young et al", entitled 7/8/2003).

Suitable absorbent cores of the present disclosure may comprise cellulosic airfelt material. For example, such absorbent cores may comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% cellulosic airfelt material as measured by weight. In addition, such absorbent cores may consist essentially of absorbent gelling materials in an amount of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100%, by weight. Further, a portion of the absorbent core may include microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues and absorbent gelling materials are described in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,335 (referred to herein as "Goldman et al," entitled 1997, 2/4); U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,646 (referred to herein as "Goldman et al," awarded 10/8/1996); U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,894 (referred to herein as "Goldman et al," entitled 9/23 1997); U.S. patent 6,790,798 (referred to herein as "Suzuki et al," entitled "9/14/2004); U.S. patent 521,587 (referred to herein as "Busam et al," entitled 21/4/2009); and U.S. patent publication 2004/0158212 (referred to herein as "Ponomarenko et al," published on 8/12/2004).

The absorbent core, including the multiple layers making up the core system, may be printed and embossed as described in U.S. patent 8,536,401 (referred to herein as "Ecker et al," entitled "9/17/2013).

The absorbent core may be separated from the chassis, as disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,989,006 (referred to herein as "LaVon et al," entitled "1 month 24 of 2006); U.S. patent 7,381,202 (referred to herein as "LaVon et al," awarded 6/3/2008); U.S. patent 7,175,613 (referred to herein as "Sugiyama et al," entitled 2 months 13 of 2007); U.S. patent 7,824,386 (referred to herein as "LaVon et al," entitled 11/2/2010); U.S. patent 7,766,887 (referred to herein as "Burns et al," entitled "8/3/2010); and U.S. patent 6,989,005 (referred to herein as "LaVon et al," entitled "24/1/2006). In such embodiments, the measurements described in the present disclosure may be made on the chassis alone, or may be made on the chassis in combination with a separable core/absorbent assembly.

According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810 (referred to herein as "Minato et al," entitled 11/18/2003), absorbent articles of the present disclosure, and particularly portions of the absorbent core disposed therein, may have a body fluid absorption rate of greater than 3 grams/second. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810 (referred to herein as "Minato et al," entitled 11/18/2003), "the expression" the portion (of the absorbent article) in which the absorbent member is disposed "is intended to mean the portion occupied by the absorbent member when the absorbent article is laid out flat and viewed in its plan view.

According to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373 (referred to herein as "La forture", granted 2006, 7/11), the absorbent core may have an uptake factor of greater than 3, wherein the uptake factor is defined as the permeability of the absorbent core divided by the normalized retention capacity (which is defined by the retention capacity test-also according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373 (referred to herein as "La forture", granted 2006, 7/11).

According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810 (referred to herein as "Minato et al," awarded 11/18/2003), the absorbent core may have a body fluid absorption of greater than 75g/100cm 2.

According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,960 (referred to herein as "Everett et al," 5/7/2002), a target location of an absorbent article may have a wicking value of greater than 36%.

According to U.S. patent 5,810,796 (referred to herein as "Kimura et al", entitled "9/22 1998"), an absorbent article may have a bending stiffness of 0.05gf to 1.0 gf.

According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810 (referred to herein as "Minato et al," entitled 11/18/2003), absorbent articles may have a crotch fluid intake rate of greater than 3 grams/second. In one embodiment, a freeze-dried composite of an absorbent composite may have an uptake rate of at least about 1.9 cubic centimeters (cc) of liquid per second at 80% saturation of the composite according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,934 (referred to herein as "Dodge et al," entitled 2 months and 10 days 2004).

The absorbent core 200 may include channels as described in the following patents: U.S. patent 8,568,566 (referred to herein as "Jackels et al," entitled 2013, 10 months and 29 days); U.S. publication 2012/316046 (referred to herein as "Jackels et al," published on 12/13/2012); U.S. publication 2014/027066; U.S. patent 8,979,815 (referred to herein as "Roe et al," entitled "3 months and 17 days 2015); U.S. patent 9,216,118 (referred to herein as "Roe et al," entitled "12 months and 22 days 2015); U.S. patent 9,216,116 (referred to herein as "Roe et al," entitled "12 months and 22 days 2015); U.S. publication 2012/316526 (referred to herein as "Rosati et al," published on 12/13/2012); U.S. publication 2012/316527 (referred to herein as "Rosati et al," published on 12/13/2012); U.S. publication 2012/316528 (referred to herein as "Kreuzer et al," published on 12/13/2012); U.S. publication 2012/316529 (referred to herein as "Kreuzer et al," published on 12/13/2012); U.S. publication 2012/316523 (referred to herein as "Hippe et al," published at 6 months and 30 days 2015); U.S. publication 2014/163501 (referred to herein as "ehrnperger et al," published 6/12/2014); U.S. publication 2014/163502 (referred to herein as "Arizti et al," published on 6/12/2014); U.S. publication 2014/163503 (referred to herein as "Arizti et al," published on 6/12/2014); and european publications 2532328, 2532329, 2717823, 2717820, 2717821, 2717822, 2532332, 2740449, and 2740452.

The outer cover layer 42 may be disposed on the outer surface 22 of the absorbent article 20 and may cover the crotch panel 56 of the absorbent main body 38. The outer cover layer 42 may extend into and cover the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54 of the main body 38. The outer cover layer may form a part of the backsheet and/or the main body. The outer cover layer 42 may be directly joined to and cover a portion or the entirety of the liquid impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38. The central panel 80 of the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may be joined to the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54 of the main body 38 by the outer cover layer 42. Thus, the outer cover layer 42 may be disposed between the front and back belt 84, 86 and the liquid impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer 42 may be coextensive with the liquid impermeable backsheet 60. The leg elastic material 140 is disposed to extend longitudinally generally along the longitudinal side edge 48 of the main body 38. The leg elastic material 140 may be disposed at least in the crotch region 30 of the absorbent article 20, or may be disposed along the entire longitudinal side edge 48.

The outer cover layer 42 may comprise a different material than the material comprising the inner layer 83 and the outer layer 82 of the belt 40. The outer cover layer 42 may comprise two or more material layers. The outer cover layer 42 may comprise any known material and may comprise the materials used for the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 described above. The outer cover layer 42 may comprise a single layer nonwoven web of synthetic fibers. The outer cover layer 42 may comprise a single layer of hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material. The outer cover layer may comprise a film, foam, nonwoven, woven material, the like, and/or combinations thereof, such as a laminate of a film and a nonwoven.

The belt 40 may include a front belt 84 and a back belt 86 (hereinafter may be referred to as "front belt 84 and back belt 86"), and may have a loop configuration by: the front and back belt 84, 86 are permanently or refastenably connected at the seam 32 or the front and/or back belt is permanently or refastenably connected to the main body 38. The back belt may have a greater longitudinal extent in the seam area than the front belt such that the back belt has an additional area 500 (see fig. 1,2, and 3A) that extends beyond the seam 32. The additional area may be 15mm to 80 mm. A suitable design for the additional region is disclosed in us patent 7,901,393 (referred to herein as "Matsuda et al," entitled 3/8/2011) (attorney docket No. AA 659).

The belt 40 may be endless and elastic. The ring-like elastic belt 40 extends laterally around the waist opening 36 of the absorbent article 20 and serves to dynamically generate a conforming force and to distribute the dynamically generated force during wear. Applicants have found that improved fit can be created by controlling the distance, linear density and pre-strain between the elastomeric materials relative to each other and to the openings of the body. This can occur by selecting different materials throughout the belt 40 that exhibit the desired characteristics. Different materials may be combined at specific distances, linear densities, and pre-strains to create a belt 40 for dynamically generating the adaptive forces. This improved fit translates into reduced sagging and/or gapping problems around the waist opening. The following examples illustrate various characteristics of different portions of suitable belt embodiments:

the data in the following example tables are hypothetical and are based on the test method section described in this patent application for: i) average elastomeric element spacing S, ii) average decitex Dt, iii) average pre-strain PS, and iv) average force at 50% strain F50. Each of examples 1 to 3 shows an inventive pant-type disposable absorbent article:

example 1

Assuming no permanent deformation in the elastic member

Example 2

Assuming no permanent deformation in the elastic member

Example 3

Assuming no permanent deformation in the elastic member

Each of the elastics in the front and back belts, and the elastics in the crotch region, may have the same dtex Dt (e.g., 800) and the same pre-strain PS (e.g., 120%). Another suitable embodiment may have each of the elastics of the front and back belts to be 470 dtex and a strain of from about 120% to 150%, with lower dtex (smaller strand diameter) and/or lower prestrain (less prestrain) in the front and/or back regions of the crotch region. The front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may comprise any known material. Suitable materials for the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as plastic films; perforating a plastic film; a woven or nonwoven web of: natural materials (e.g., wood or cotton fibers); synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefin fibers, polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, or polypropylene fibers); or a combination of natural and/or synthetic fibers; or a coated woven or nonwoven web. The belt may comprise a nonwoven web of synthetic fibers. The belt may comprise a stretchable nonwoven. The belt may comprise an inner hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material.

The belt 40 may include a first elastic segment 102 (e.g., a first plurality of elastic components) and a second elastic segment 104 (e.g., a second plurality of elastic components) in the front belt 84. The two segments may be equally divided along the seam by the longitudinal distance or equally divided from the waist end edge to the leg openings. The belt 40 may include a third elastic segment 106 (e.g., a third plurality of elastics) and a fourth elastic segment 108 (e.g., a fourth plurality of elastics) in the back belt 86. The two segments may be equally divided along the seam by the longitudinal distance or equally divided from the waist end edge to the leg openings. Fifth and sixth elastic segments 100 and 101 (having fifth and sixth pluralities of elastics) may be disposed distal (i.e., toward the lateral axis T1) to each of the front and back waist regions 26 and 28. The fifth and sixth elastic segments 100 and 101 may be equally divided by a longitudinal distance along the crotch region or longitudinally from the leg opening in the front portion to the leg opening in the rear portion. The fifth elastic segment 100 may be further bisected by a longitudinal distance to form the sub-segments 100A and 100B. Additionally, the sixth elastic segment 101 may be further bisected by a longitudinal distance to form the sub-segments 101A and 101B. The first elastic segment 102 and the fourth elastic segment 108 are adjacent to the waist opening 36. The second elastic segment 104 and the third elastic segment 106 are adjacent to the leg opening 34.

The first elastic segment 102 may comprise 20% to 80%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% of the longitudinal length of the front belt 84 according to the method of defining the elastic segment (according to the test method portion described in this patent application). The second elastic segment 104 may comprise 20% to 80%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% of the longitudinal length of the front belt 84. The third elastic segment 106 may comprise 20% to 80%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% of the longitudinal length of the back belt 86. The fourth elastic segment 108 may comprise 20% to 80%, 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% of the longitudinal length of the back belt 86.

The belt 40 may comprise a front boundary between the first elastic segment 102 and the second elastic segment 104, and the front boundary may be located within 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm40mm, 50mm from the front edge of the absorbent core. The belt 40 may comprise a back boundary between the third elastic segment 106 and the fourth elastic segment 108 and the back boundary may be located within 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm from the back edge of the absorbent core.

The belt 40 may include a first force zone 110, a second force zone 112, a third force zone 114, a fourth force zone 116, a fifth force zone 118, and a sixth force zone 120 located in the front belt 84. The first force zone 110, the second force zone 112, and the third force zone 114 may be located in the first elastic segment 102. The fourth force zone 116, the fifth force zone 118, and the sixth force zone 120 may be located in the second elastic segment 104.

The belt 40 may include a seventh force zone 122, an eighth force zone 124, a ninth force zone 126, a tenth force zone 128, an eleventh force zone 130, and a twelfth force zone 132 located in the rear belt 86. Seventh force zone 122, eighth force zone 124, and ninth force zone 126 may be located in third elastic segment 106. The tenth force zone 128, the eleventh force zone 130, and the twelfth force zone 132 may be located in the fourth elastic segment 108.

The thirteenth force region 334, the fourteenth force region 336, the fifteenth force region 338, and the sixteenth force region 340 may be located in the fifth elastic segment 100 in the front region of the crotch region. The seventeenth force region 342, the eighteenth force region 344, the nineteenth force region 346, and the twentieth force region 348 may be located in the sixth elastic segment 101 in the back region of the crotch region.

The force zones may be distributed equidistantly throughout the belt along the longitudinal axis in the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 and may each include a transverse force measured at 50% strain in the region of 1 to 10N/zone. The force zones may also be distributed non-equidistantly throughout the belt along the longitudinal axis in the front belt 84 and the back belt 86. The force zones may have varying widths and lengths. The force zones may be continuous or discontinuous, such as, for example, when interrupted by the main body 38 and/or the absorbent core.

The front belt 84 may comprise from 5 to 70 or from 10 to 60 elastic strands according to the method of defining the elastic segments (according to the test method section described in this patent application). The back belt 86 may comprise 5 to 70 or 10 to 60 elastic strands. The front crotch region may comprise from 1 to 10 or from 2 to 6 elastic strands. The back crotch portion may comprise from 3 to 30 or from 5 to 20 elastic strands. The elastic strands may be distributed between different force zones. The elastic strands may be evenly distributed between the force zones. The elastic strands may also be unevenly distributed between the different force zones.

The elastic strands 300 may have a linear density of 200 to 2500. Linear density is the density of the elastic fibers in the elastic strand. The most common unit of linear density is decitex, abbreviated dtex, in grams of mass per 10,000 meters (Dt). Linear density can be used to vary the force distribution. For example, one may achieve a desired force profile by selecting the density of individual elastic strands, combining multiple elastic strands having a lesser linear density closely with each other, and/or with other elastomeric materials.

The elastic strands may have an elastic pre-strain. The elastic pre-strain is the percentage increase in length of the elastic strand or strands at the point where the elastic member or members are combined with the first belt layer and/or the second belt layer. For example, a strand having a free length of 15 centimeters (cm) may bear the applied load such that a 15cm elastic strand now becomes 18cm long. The 3cm length increase is 20% of 15cm (3/15), or 20% strain. The elastic pre-strain may be used to alter the force distribution of the elastic strand or strands. The force distribution may also be varied by incorporating the elastic pre-strain of one or more elastic strands to vary the linear density.

According to the method of defining the elastic segments (according to the test method section described in this patent application), the elastic pre-strain of the first elastic segment may be higher than the elastic pre-strain of the second elastic segment. Similarly, the elastic pre-strain of the fourth elastic segment may be higher than the elastic pre-strain of the third elastic segment. This is achieved by: a higher prestrain is used in the elastic members near the first waist edge (also referred to as the front waist edge) and the second waist edge (also referred to as the back waist edge). This results in the absorbent article having a smaller circumference at the waist edge than the remainder of the belt region, thereby giving the absorbent article a more underwear-like appearance.

The elastic pre-strain of the eighth force zone 124 present in the third elastic segment 106 in the back belt 86 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the elastic pre-strain in both the seventh force zone 122 and the ninth force zone 126 according to the method of defining elastic segments (according to the test methods section described in this application). The elastic pre-strain of the eleventh force zone 130 present in the fourth elastic segment 108 of the back belt 86 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the elastic pre-strain of both the tenth and twelfth force zones 128, 132.

According to the method of defining the elastic segments (according to the test methods section described in this patent application), the linear density of the elastic members in the first elastic segment may be greater than the linear density in the second elastic segment. Similarly, the linear density of the elastic members in the fourth elastic segment may be greater than the linear density in the third elastic segment. This delivers a higher force at the waist edge than the rest of the belt, which is expected to deliver an underwear-like fit. The force of the first resilient segment 102 may not be equal to the force of the second resilient segment 104. The force of the third elastic segment 106 may not be equal to the force of the fourth elastic segment 108. The elastic members located in the fourth elastic segment 108 continuously laterally cover substantially the entire segment. The elastic members located in the third elastic segment 106 may be laterally interrupted by the body 38 and/or the absorbent core.

The number of elastic strands in each zone may vary depending on the placement of the absorbent core. Applicants have found that the use of thinner absorbent cores can result in the need for increased elastic force to compensate for the change in thickness of the article. The force distribution must be adjusted according to the position and thickness of the absorbent core. This affects in particular the second, third, fifth and sixth elastic segments.

The elastic strands disposed in the belt may be aligned in a curved manner such that the tangent of the curve of the elastic strands may form an acute angle with the centerline or may form an arcuate shape. This may allow for force distribution and/or coordination of printing and elasticizing/wrinkling/elasticizing in the stretch section.

The gaps between the elastic strands 300 may be 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, or 22mm, or 25 mm.

As shown in fig. 3B and 3C, the spacers 136 (e.g., 136a-h) may be used in the elastic segments (e.g., segments 104 and 106) disposed adjacent the leg openings, as well as in the crotch region (segments 100 and 101). The spacing 136 may be at least 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, or 5 times the average pitch of the elastic members disposed in certain segments. The spacer may be 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm to 25mm, 7mm to 20mm, 10mm to 15mm, and/or 12mm to 13mm in the longitudinal direction.

The embodiment of fig. 3B shows the spacers (136a-c) disposed between the front belts 84 (such that the spacers 136a are about 10mm to 40mm below the distal edges of the front belts 84). Each of the spacers 136a-c may be larger than the gaps provided in segment 104 (bottom half of the front band) and/or segment 102 (top half of the front band). Further, the spacing portion 136b (i.e., the distance between the second-most elastic member 302F and the third-most elastic member 303F in the front region 27) may be greater in longitudinal distance than the spacing portion 136c (i.e., the distance between the third-most elastic member 303F and the fourth-most elastic member 304F in the front region 27), and the spacing portion 136a (i.e., the distance between the first-most elastic member 301F and the second-most elastic member 302F in the front region 27) may be greater in longitudinal distance than the spacing portion 136 b. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the spacer may be disposed in the segment 104 in the front band. In alternative embodiments, spacer 136c may be 5mm to 7mm, spacer 136b may be 6mm to 8mm, and spacer 136a may be 7mm to 9 mm.

With further reference to FIG. 3B, the spacers (136d-h) may be disposed between the back bands 86 (such that the spacers 136h are about 10mm to 40mm below the distal edges of the back bands 86). Each of the spacers 136d-h may be larger than the gaps provided in segment 108 (the top half of the posterior band) and/or segment 106 (the bottom half of the posterior band). Further, the spacing portion 136d (i.e., the distance between the first most-distal elastic element 301B and the second most-distal elastic element 302B in the back region 29) may be greater in longitudinal distance than the spacing portion 136e (i.e., the distance between the second most-distal elastic element 302B and the third most-distal elastic element 303B in the back region 29), and the spacing portion 136e may be greater in longitudinal distance than the spacing portion 136f (i.e., the distance between the third most-distal elastic member 303B and the fourth most-distal elastic member 304B in the back region), the spacing portion 136f may be greater in longitudinal distance than the spacing portion 136g (i.e., the distance between the fourth most-distal elastic member 304B and the fifth most-distal elastic member 305B in the back region), and the spacing portion 136g may be greater in longitudinal distance than the spacing portion 136h (i.e., the distance between the fifth most-distal elastic member 306B and the sixth most-distal elastic member 306B in the back region). It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the spacer may be disposed in the segment 106 in the trailing band. In an alternative embodiment, spacer 136h may be 5mm to 7mm, spacer 136g may be 6mm to 8mm, and spacer 136f may be 7mm to 9mm, spacer 136e may be 8mm to 10mm, and spacer 136d may be 9mm to 11 mm.

The embodiment of fig. 3C has a 4mm gap between the elastic members in segments a and B. Segment a extends longitudinally from the front waist end edge 134 of the article to a position about 5mm to 30mm beyond the distal edge 226 of the front waist region 26. Segment B extends longitudinally from the back waist end edge 138 of the article to a location about 15mm to 80mm beyond the distal edge 228 of the back waist region 28. The last several elastics under the front belt 84 are spaced apart by more than 4mm, so that the spacer 136b (the second most distal spacer) is 5mm and the spacer 136a (the first most distal spacer) is 6 mm. The last several elastic components under the back belt 86 are also spaced more than 4mm apart, so that the spacing portion 136f (the fourth most distal spacing portion in the back region) is 5mm, the spacing portion 136e (the third most distal spacing portion in the back region) is 6mm, the spacing portion 136d (the second most distal spacing portion in the back region) is 7mm, and the spacing portion 136c (the first most distal spacing portion in the back region) is 8 mm. Fig. 3C also shows that a portion of the leg opening can be convexly shaped 400.

As shown in fig. 3D, the absorbent article may include a large gap 200 in the crotch region of about 15mm to about 90mm, about 25mm to about 75mm, or about 35mm to about 50 mm. All or a majority of the large gap 200 may be located forward of the lateral centerline T1 (i.e., in the front region 27) such that 200F may be about 15mm to about 90mm, about 25mm to about 75mm, or about 35mm to about 50 mm. Likewise, all or a majority of the large gaps 200 may be located rearward of the transverse centerline T1 (i.e., in the rear region 29) such that 200B may be about 15mm to about 90mm, about 25mm to about 75mm, or about 35mm to about 50 mm. The large gap 200 may be used to provide an area without any laterally disposed elastic components (creating lateral stresses on the article) so that the portions of the core that overlap the large gap do not bunch. Another benefit of the large gap is to prevent distortion of the longitudinally disposed leg cuff and compromise the sealability of the leg cuff against the skin of the wearer. This may be particularly important for articles comprising inner barrier leg cuffs.

Packaging piece

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure can be placed into a package. The package may comprise a polymer film and/or other materials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to the characteristics of the absorbent article may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/or placed on the exterior portion of the wrapper. Each package may include a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles can be stacked under compression to reduce the size of the packages while still providing a sufficient amount of absorbent articles per package. By enclosing the absorbent articles under compression, the caregiver can easily handle and store the package while also providing dispensing savings to the manufacturer due to the size of the package.

Thus, in accordance with the in-bag stack height test described herein, a package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure can have an in-bag stack height of less than about 100mm, less than about 95mm, less than about 90mm, less than about 85mm, but greater than about 75mm, less than about 80mm, less than about 78mm, less than about 76mm, or less than about 74mm, specifically reciting all 0.1mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Alternatively, a package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure can have an in-bag stack height of from about 70mm to about 100mm, from about 70mm to about 95mm, from about 72mm to about 85mm, from about 72mm to about 80mm, or from about 74mm to about 78mm, specifically reciting all 0.1mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby, in accordance with the in-bag stack height test described herein.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary package 1000 comprising a plurality of absorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002 in which a plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are located. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks 1006.

Test methods section

These tests can be used for stretch laminates comprising elastic strands, such as Spandex strands. Typically, elastic strands are stretched and laminated between two nonwovens to make a stretch laminate. The intent of these tests was to characterize the stretch laminates according to: i) strand spacing, i.e., the distance from one strand to the next; and ii) their decitex (dtex) (or decitex). Since these tests will be performed for each elastic segment, they represent the average of all elastic components in that segment. These tests are applicable to pant-type absorbent articles comprising parallel strand elastics extending primarily in the transverse direction of the product.

Sample preparation

The purpose of this step is to separate the belt 40 comprising the elastic material 300 from the main body 38 comprising the absorbent core 62. The absorbent article 20 (also referred to as a "product") is placed on a countertop with the front side facing upward. The product is laid flat on the countertop with the side seams intact. The product is spread out as much as possible while still in a relaxed state. Marking the position of the lower end of the side seam on the outer side of the front belt and the rear belt by using a marking pen; that is, a total of 4 marks (dots) are made. A longitudinal centerline L1 is drawn from the first waist edge 134 (also referred to as the "front waist edge") to the second waist edge 138 (also referred to as the "back waist edge"). The transverse centerline T1 is drawn. Next, a straight line T3 connecting the lower ends of the side seams in the front portion is drawn from the left side seam to the right side seam. The product is turned over so that the back side of the product is facing up. A straight line T6 connecting the lower ends of the side seams in the rear portion is drawn from the left side seam to the right side seam. The front waist edge, the back waist edge and the lines T3, T1 and T6 divide the absorbent article into 4 sections.

The product is turned over so that the front of the product faces upward. A line T2 is drawn parallel to line T3 and midway between the front waist edge and T3 to form a first elastic segment (102 in the description) and a second elastic segment (104 in the description), as shown in figure 3A. A line T4 is drawn parallel to T3 and midway between T3 and T1 to form a fifth elastic segment-a (100 a in the description) and a fifth elastic segment-B (100B in the description), as shown in fig. 3A.

These steps are repeated for the rear part. A line T5 is drawn parallel to T1 and midway between T1 and T6 to form a sixth elastic segment-a (101 a in the description) and a sixth elastic segment-B (101B in the description), as shown in fig. 3A. Finally, a line T7 is drawn parallel to T6 and midway between T6 and the back waist edge to form a third elastic segment (106 in the description) and a fourth elastic segment (108 in the description), as shown in fig. 3A.

Each of the eight elastic segments is labeled as appropriate. The product is opened by cutting the sides (at the side seams). The body is removed from the belt. In most cases, it is a glue bond that can be opened using FreezeIt. Cuts were made along transverse lines T2, T3, T4, T1, T5, T6 and T7 to obtain 8 elastic segments. If any of the transverse lines were to fall directly onto the elastics, the cut would be made about one millimeter beyond the elastics, moving closer toward the transverse centerline T1.

If the belt 40 has at least one nonwoven extending the full length and width of the product, then all 8 elastic segments will be present. On the other hand, if the belt 40 does not have a nonwoven that extends the full length and width of the product, there may be less than 8 elastic segments, depending on the width of the belt. If any of the segments does not have an elastic component, no measurement thereof is necessary. If the belt has some leg elastics that are curved, those elastics are not used.

In each of the 8 elastic segments, the following is measured. For each variable, 5 replicates were taken (n-5).

A) Average spring spacing, S

Starting from the first elastic segment. A region of the resilient segment having a resilient component is identified. If there is a gap of more than 30mm between adjacent elastics (in the longitudinal direction, parallel to L1), these elastics should be considered to be in two different regions within the segment. If the elastic members are spaced at 30mm or less, they should be considered to be in the same region. The number of elastic members in a certain area is counted. The distance from the first elastic member to the last elastic member in a certain area (x1) is measured. The number of elastic members in the region (n1) is counted. This is repeated for all regions with elastic members within each elastic segment (2, 3'). The average elastomeric component spacing for the first elastomeric segment S-first is calculated as follows:

s-first ═ (x1+ x2+ x3+ …)/[ (n1-1) + (n2-1) + (n3-1) + … ]

Where subscript 1 refers to a first region within the first elastic segment, subscript 2 refers to a second region within the first elastic segment, and so on. Subscript-first refers to the first elastic segment.

This process was repeated for all 8 elastic segments (S-second, S-third, …, S-sixth B).

B) Mean elastic decitex, Dt

The elastic may or may not be glued to the nonwoven. If the elastics are not glued to the nonwoven and placed in the laminate as draw tape elastics, all of the elastics are removed from each elastic segment of the laminate and placed separately, thereby ensuring that they are properly labeled. No further processing is required for these elastic components. On the other hand, if the elastic member is glued to the nonwoven fabric, all the elastic member is removed by using Freezeit. Also, it is ensured that the elastic members from each elastic segment are properly marked and placed apart. Since these elastic members have glue thereon, a suitable solvent is used to dissolve the glue without affecting the elastic members. For example, if the elastomeric component is made of polyurethane (a Spandex solvent may be used). The solvent was evaporated.

With the elastics removed and the glue also removed, the total relaxed length of all elastics in the first elastic segment is measured in mm (L1, L2, …). All elastic components in the first elastic segment are then weighed together in grams (W-first).

The average elastic component decitex, Dt-first, in the first elastic segment is calculated as follows:

dt-first ═ (W-first)/(L1 + L2+ L3+ …) × 10,000,000.

The measurement was repeated for the remaining 7 elastic segments (Dt-second, …, Dt-sixth a, Dt-sixth B).

C) Average percent prestrain%, PS

Starting with a new product sample, i) 8 elastic segments are identified, ii) the band 40 is separated from the body, and iii) the 8 elastic segments are cut according to the sample preparation instructions previously used in the tests for average elastic spacing and average elastic decitex.

The first elastic segment is taken and fully deployed on the countertop, with the sides secured with adhesive tape. In this test, the direction of stretch is referred to as the length direction of the elastic segment, and the direction perpendicular to the direction of stretch is referred to as the width direction of the elastic segment. It should be noted that for this test, and also for the subsequent tensile test, the length direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline L1 of the absorbent article and the width direction is parallel to the longitudinal centerline L1. 2 vertical lines are drawn parallel to the longitudinal centerline L1 and at a distance of 100mm on either side of the longitudinal centerline L1. These two lines should extend the full width of the elastic segment. This defines a fully stretched length Lmax-first, which for this first elastic segment is 200 mm. Shorter lengths may be used if the elastic segments are not long enough to obtain a 200mm long stretch sample. This shorter length should be about 40mm less than the minimum length of the fully stretched elastic segments in order to leave some room for attaching adhesive tape at both sides. This shorter length is the fully stretched length Lmax-first of the narrower elastic segment.

All elastics and nonwovens were cut along these two lines with an exact knife. The central portion of the elastic segment is retained for further analysis.

The elastic was separated from the nonwoven using Freezeit. The number of elastic members in the first elastic segment, n-first, is counted. If the elastic has a gum thereon, the gum is dissolved in a suitable solvent that does not significantly affect the elastic (e.g., Tetrahydrofuran (THF) for polyurethane strands). The elastomeric member is allowed to dry.

The total relaxed length Lr-first of all the elastic members in this first elastic segment is measured.

The average pre-strain% PS-first was calculated as follows:

PS-first ═ (Lmax-first ═ n-first-Lr-first)/Lr-first ═ 100

This measurement was repeated for each of the 7 remaining elastic segments (PS-second, …, PS-sixth B).

D) Elastic force, F

Starting with a new product sample, i) 8 elastic segments are identified, ii) the band 40 is separated from the body 38, and iii) the 8 elastic segments are cut according to the sample preparation instructions previously used in the test for average elastic spacing and average elastic decitex.

A first elastic segment is taken and laid out in a relaxed state on a table. The specimen is gently spread out so that it is evenly placed while still in a relaxed state. As in the test for measuring the pre-strain, for this test, the stretching direction is referred to as the length direction, and the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction is referred to as the width direction.

2 vertical lines are drawn parallel to the longitudinal centerline L1 and at a distance of 50mm on either side of the longitudinal centerline L1. These two lines should extend the full width of the elastic segment. If the elastic segment is not long enough to obtain the 100mm long relaxed sample, a smaller length may be used. The minor length should be about 20mm less than the minimum length of the elastic segment.

The width Ws-first of the first elastic segment is measured.

The tensile properties of the stretch laminate were measured in a tensile tester as described below.

1) On an Instron or MTS tensile tester, the program was set to measure force as a function of strain.

2) The initial gauge length was set to 50 mm. If it is not possible to obtain a 50mm gauge length, the maximum gauge length possible is used.

3) The chuck speed was set to 10 in./min.

4) The sample is placed between the jaws of the tensile tester, ensuring that the jaws are wider than the sample.

5) The sample is clamped in the top clamp and the load cell is zeroed.

6) The sample is clamped in the bottom clamp while ensuring that there is some slack in the sample. At this point, the sample should not be under tension.

7) The test is started. The tensile tester will collect load versus displacement data. The distance between the jaws was recorded at a force of 0.05N. This is the adjusted gauge length corresponding to zero strain. It is sometimes referred to as a slack preload.

8) The load versus strain is recorded using the adjusted gauge length as the starting length.

9) Data collection was continued until 100% strain was reached.

10) The load at 50%, 75% and 100% strain is reported in newtons/cm using the width of the sample, Ws-first (F50-first, F75-first, and F100-first).

This measurement was repeated for each of the remaining 7 elastic segments.

In bag Stack height test

The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determined as follows:

device

A thickness tester with a flat rigid horizontal smooth plate was used. The thickness tester is configured such that the horizontal slide is free to move in a vertical direction, wherein the horizontal slide is always held in a horizontal orientation directly above a flat rigid horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a device adapted to measure the gap between the horizontal slide and the horizontal base plate to within ± 0.5 mm. The horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of the absorbent article package contacting each plate, i.e. each plate extends beyond the contact surface of the absorbent article package in all directions. The horizontal slide applies a downward force of 850 + -1 gram-force (8.34N) to the absorbent article package, which may be accomplished by: the appropriate weight was placed on the center of the top surface of the horizontal slide that did not contact the package so that the total mass of the slide plus added weight was 850 + -1 grams.

In-bag Stack height test procedure

Prior to the measurement, the absorbent article package was equilibrated at 23 ℃ ± 2 ℃ and 50% ± 5% relative humidity.

The horizontal slide is lifted and a package of absorbent articles is placed centrally under the horizontal slide in such a way that the absorbent articles within the package are in a horizontal orientation (see fig. 6). Any handles or other enclosing structures on the surface of the package contacting any of the plates are folded flat against the surface of the package in order to minimize their effect on the measurements. The horizontal slide is slowly lowered until it contacts the top surface of the package and then released. Ten seconds after releasing the horizontal slide plate, the gap between the horizontal plates was measured to within ± 0.5 mm. Five identical packages (same size package and same number of absorbent articles) were measured and the arithmetic average was reported as the package width. The "in-bag stack height" is calculated and reported (package width/number of absorbent articles per stack) x 10 to within ± 0.5 mm.

Test equipment/environment

A suitable tensile tester, such as MTSAlliance with MTS Testworks version 4.0 or equivalent, is used. A tester equipped with a flat-pressing jig capable of fixing at least the entire lateral length of the side seam should be used. The instrument was calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The tests were carried out at 23 ℃. + -. 2 ℃ and 50%. + -. 2% relative humidity.

Sample preparation

The side seams of the product are broken to separate the front and back belts. The corresponding force zones are cut from these strips (as described in the embodiments of the present invention). Each separate segment of the front and back bands will be referred to herein as a "test specimen". All material layers, including the chassis component, should be held together with the test specimen. All cut lines are straight and parallel to the transverse direction of the absorbent article. Each test specimen needs to have at least one elastomeric material. The width (dimension in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article) of the respective zone is measured.

The length of the test specimen is measured. The length is measured in the transverse direction of the absorbent article from one end of the test specimen in a fully stretched state to the other. The sufficiently stretched state is a state in which the test specimen is stretched by a force of 0.1N/mm multiplied by the width of the test specimen. If one or both ends of the test specimen are not parallel to the longitudinal direction, the shortest length within the test specimen is taken as the length of the test specimen.

The adjusted test specimen length is defined as the length of the test specimen minus the combined length of any material in the upper and lower grips. Thus, if the test specimen is mounted in the fixture such that 10mm at each end is fixed in the fixture, the adjusted tape length is the measured tape length minus 20 mm.

The test specimens were left unstretched for at least 10min prior to testing.

Testing

For each test sample, the initial gauge length of the tensile tester is set to allow the test sample to be installed in a relaxed state. The load cell is zeroed to offset the sample weight.

The test sample was pulled at a rate of 254mm/min in the transverse direction of the absorbent article and the load (N) was measured within 5 seconds after the test sample reached 65% of the adjusted test sample length. The lateral force of each of the force zones is calculated according to the following formula:

transverse force (N/mm) of the test specimen is measured (N)/force zone width (mm)

It should be understood that the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not intended to be strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.