阅读说明：本技术 具有改善的废弃处理带的可穿着制品 (Wearable article with improved disposal tape ) 是由 姚英 高旭 森本广一 于 2018-08-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种在纵向方向和横向方向上连续的可穿着制品(20),所述可穿着制品包括：中心基础结构(38)和环状弹性带(40),所述环状弹性带包括第一带(85)和第二带；该第一带(85)的中心接合到该中心基础结构(38)的第一腰片(55),该第二带的中心接合到该中心基础结构(38)的第二腰片,并且该中心基础结构(38)的其余部分是裆片(56),前带(84)和后带(86)各自具有其中该中心基础结构(38)不重叠的左侧片和右侧片,并且该第一带(85)和该第二带的横向边缘由接缝(32)接合以形成腰部开口和两个腿部开口；其中所述第一带(85)和所述第二带在所述纵向方向上彼此不连续；分离条(330),所述分离条包括附接部分(332)和延伸部分(334),其中所述附接部分(332)永久性地附接在所述第一带(85)和所述第一腰片(55)之间,其中所述延伸部分(334)的至少一部分通过可重复紧固的部件(335)可重复紧固地附接到所述第一腰片(55),并且其中所述附接部分(332)设置在所述延伸部分(334)的远侧；其中通过释放所述可重复紧固的部件(335)并伸长所述延伸部分(334),形成废弃处理带(33),所述废弃处理带包括朝向面向身体侧的所述可重复紧固的部件(335),所述可重复紧固的部件(335)能够紧固到所述制品(20)的面向衣服的表面。(A wearable article (20) continuous in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the wearable article comprising: a central chassis (38) and an endless elastic belt (40) comprising a first belt (85) and a second belt; a center of the first belt (85) joined to the first waist panel (55) of the central chassis (38), a center of the second belt joined to the second waist panel of the central chassis (38), and a remainder of the central chassis (38) being a crotch panel (56), the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) each having left and right side panels where the central chassis (38) do not overlap, and lateral edges of the first belt (85) and the second belt joined by a seam (32) to form a waist opening and two leg openings; wherein the first and second bands (85, 85) are discontinuous with each other in the longitudinal direction; a separating strip (330) comprising an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55), wherein at least a portion of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first waist panel (55) by a refastenable component (335), and wherein the attachment portion (332) is disposed distally to the extension portion (334); wherein a disposal tape (33) is formed by releasing the refastenable component (335) and elongating the extension portion (334), the disposal tape comprising the refastenable component (335) towards the body-facing side, the refastenable component (335) being fastenable to the garment-facing surface of the article (20).)

1. A wearable article continuous in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the wearable article comprising;

a central chassis and an endless elastic belt comprising a first belt (85) and a second belt; a center of the first belt (85) is joined to the first waist panel (55) of the central chassis, a center of the second belt is joined to the second waist panel of the central chassis, and a remainder of the central chassis is a crotch panel, the front and back belts each have left and right side panels where the central chassis does not overlap, and lateral edges of the first belt (85) and the second belt are joined by seams to form a waist opening and two leg openings; wherein the first and second bands (85, 85) are discontinuous with each other in the longitudinal direction;

a separating strip (330) comprising an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55), wherein at least a portion of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first waist panel (55) by a refastenable component (335), and wherein the attachment portion (332) is disposed distally to the extension portion (334);

wherein a disposal tape (33) is formed by releasing the refastenable component (335) and elongating the extension portion (334), the disposal tape comprising the refastenable component (335) towards the body-facing side, the refastenable component (335) being fastenable to the garment-facing surface of the article.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion (334) comprises an elastic region (337) formed from an elastic material having a tensile strength of from about 4N/20mm to about 31N/20mm, as measured herein, wherein the elongating comprises stretching the elastic region.

3. The article of claim 2 wherein the elastic region (337) has a neck-in of no more than about 90%.

4. The article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension portion (334) comprises a pair of folds (338, 339), wherein the elongating comprises unfolding the folds (338, 339), wherein the extension portion has a force-to-break of at least about 3N, as measured herein.

5. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the waste disposal tape (33) has a longitudinal dimension of from about 20mm to about 150mm beyond the Crotch Edge (CE) when the waste disposal tape (33) is in an extended state.

6. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extended portion (334) has an opacity of less than 50%, as measured herein.

7. The article according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the extended portion (334) has an opacity of at least 50%, as measured herein.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein the central chassis comprises a backsheet having an artwork on the garment-facing side, wherein the artwork disposed on the backsheet does not overlap the extended portion (334) in the thickness direction.

9. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the refastenable component (335) provides a peel force of about 0.5N to about 3N and a bend force of less than about 0.23N, as measured herein.

10. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the refastenable feature (335) is positioned beyond a proximal edge (90) of the first belt (85) that extends into the crotch region.

11. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the separator strip (330) comprises a tab portion (336) at an edge of the separator strip (330), wherein the tab portion (336) is free of refastenable components (335), wherein the tab portion (336) is adjacent to a refastenable component (335) and has a longitudinal dimension of about 5mm to about 20 mm.

12. The article of claim 10 or 11, wherein the portion of the separator strip (330) forming the garment-facing surface comprises indicia selected from the group consisting of: pre-and post-differentiating markings, gender-differentiating markings, size indicators, and combinations thereof.

13. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first belt (85) is formed from a laminate comprising a plurality of elastics extending in the cross direction, an inner sheet and an outer sheet, wherein artwork is disposed on a garment-facing surface of the inner sheet or a body-facing surface of the outer sheet.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wearable articles having a waste disposal belt with improved characteristics.

Background

Infants and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles, such as diapers, to receive and contain urine and other bodily exudates. Pull-on or pant-type absorbent articles are those which are worn by inserting the legs of the wearer into the leg openings and pulling the article into position about the lower torso. Pant-type absorbent articles have become popular for use with children who are able to walk and are often toilet training, as well as for toddlers who become more active in motion such that the application of taped absorbent articles tends to be more difficult.

Belt-type pants having a central chassis to cover the crotch region of the wearer and separate elastic belts defining a waist opening and leg openings are known in the art, such as described in PCT publication WO 2006/17718A. Such belt-type pants have an elastic belt made of a laminate of a nonwoven layer and an elastomer sandwiched therebetween.

Pant-type articles without fastening means may be equipped on the garment-facing surface with a disposal tape that enables the used pant to be wrapped around itself before disposal. In addition, the waste disposal tape may also help to distinguish between the front and back portions of the article, which may otherwise appear similar. By wrapping around itself, the used article can be held in a closed position to avoid exposure to body exudates, and can be made compact. To withstand tensile forces that may be applied to the waste disposal tape during such wrapping action, the waste disposal tape may be made of a durable plastic material and have colored opening tabs to indicate where to open the waste disposal tape. All of the above-described characteristics of such scrap handling belts have a number of disadvantages. The plastic appearance and feel of the waste disposal tape may not be well-coordinated with the garment-facing surface of the article. In addition, the disposal tape may open prematurely either by being accessible to very young wearers or by being inadvertently attached to the inner surface of the garment. Furthermore, because the waste disposal tape is typically disposed on the back side and configured to extend upwardly, while fecal effluent may also be deposited on the back side, wrapping the waste disposal tape after use by pressing against the back side may risk extruding effluent from the article.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a wearable article having a waste disposal tape with improved functionality and the favorable feel and aesthetics of the overall article. There is also a need to provide such wearable articles in an economical manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable article continuous in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the wearable article comprising;

a central chassis and an endless elastic belt comprising a first belt (85) and a second belt; a center of the first belt (85) is joined to the first waist panel (55) of the central chassis, a center of the second belt is joined to the second waist panel of the central chassis, and a remainder of the central chassis is a crotch panel, the front and back belts each have left and right side panels where the central chassis does not overlap, and lateral edges of the first belt (85) and the second belt are joined by seams to form a waist opening and two leg openings; wherein the first and second bands (85, 85) are discontinuous with each other in the longitudinal direction;

a separating strip (330) comprising an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55), wherein at least a portion of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first waist panel (55) by a refastenable component (335), and wherein the attachment portion (332) is disposed distally to the extension portion (334);

wherein a disposal tape (33) is formed by releasing the refastenable component (335) and elongating the extension portion (334), the disposal tape comprising the refastenable component (335) towards the body-facing side, the refastenable component (335) being fastenable to the garment-facing surface of the article.

Drawings

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

fig. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wearable article of the present invention showing a second belt.

Fig. 1B is a schematic view of fig. 1A in a contracted state, showing the first strap (85).

Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a wearable article of the present invention showing the garment-facing surface, the seam of the wearable article being unbonded and in a flat uncontracted state.

Fig. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 1B taken along line L1 in one embodiment of a first belt.

Fig. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 1B taken along line L1 in another embodiment of the first belt.

Fig. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 3A in an extended state of the disposal tape.

FIG. 3D is the schematic view of FIG. 3A in an extended state of the disposal tape.

Fig. 4A is a schematic view of fig. 1B in a state of being wrapped by a disposal tape.

Fig. 4B is the schematic view of fig. 1B in another wrapped state with a disposal tape.

Definition of

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

by "wearable article" is meant an article that may be worn in the form of a pant, taped diaper, incontinence brief, feminine hygiene undergarment, or the like. The "wearable article" may be so configured as to also absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body, such as urine, feces, and menses. "wearable articles" may be used as outer covers suitable for engaging with separate disposable absorbent inserts for providing absorbent and containment functions, such as those disclosed in PCT publication WO 2011/087503 a.

"pant" refers to disposable absorbent articles having a preformed waist opening and leg openings. The pants may be worn by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and pulling the pants into place around the wearer's lower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers", "prefastened diapers", "pull-on diapers", "training pants" and "diaper-pants".

"longitudinal" refers to a direction extending substantially perpendicularly from one waist edge to the opposite waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

"body-facing" and "garment-facing" refer to the relative position of an element or the relative position of a surface of an element or group of elements, respectively. "body-facing" means that an element or surface is closer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. "garment-facing" means that an element or surface is farther from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is closer to the garment of the wearer, which may be worn over a disposable absorbent article).

"disposed" means that the element is located in a particular place or position.

"engaged" refers to configurations wherein: wherein an element is directly secured to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; it also refers to such configurations: wherein an element is indirectly secured to another element by attaching the element to an intermediate member which in turn is attached to the other element.

"permanently attached" refers to a condition in which an element is directly secured to another element in which the other element cannot be removed from the element without destroying the element, or in which the other element cannot be secured to the element again when the other element is removed. Permanent attachment methods include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, adhesives, and combinations thereof.

"refastenably attached" refers to a condition in which an element is directly secured to another element, wherein the other element can be removed from the element and subsequently refastened to the element. Refastenable attachment means include hook-and-loop, latch-and-hole, button-and-hole, hook-and-hole, low tack adhesives, and combinations thereof.

"proximal" refers to a portion that is closer relative to the longitudinal center of the article, whereas "distal" refers to a portion that is farther from the longitudinal center of the article.

"film" refers to a sheet-like material in which the length and width of the material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, the membrane has a thickness of about 0.5mm or less.

"Water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to the permeability of materials in the context of the intended use of disposable absorbent articles. In particular, the term "water-permeable" refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that allow liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term "water-impermeable" refers to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (other than natural forces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may be water vapor-permeable, i.e., may be "vapor-permeable".

"extensible" and "extensible" mean that the width or length of a component in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

"elasticized" and "elasticized" mean that the component comprises at least a portion made of an elastic material.

"elastic material", "extensible material" or "stretchable material" are used interchangeably and refer to materials such as: upon application of a biasing force, the material may stretch to an extended length of at least about 110% of its relaxed initial length (i.e., may stretch to more than 10% of its initial length) without cracking or breaking, and exhibit minimal recovery, i.e., less than about 20% of its extension, upon release of the applied force, without complete cracking or breaking, as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. An extensible material will be considered "elastic" or "elastomeric" in the event that such extensible material recovers at least 40% of its extension upon release of an applied force. For example, an elastic material having an initial length of 100mm may extend at least to 150mm, and retract to a length of at least 130mm (i.e., exhibit 40% recovery) upon removal of the force. An extensible material will be considered "substantially inelastic" or "substantially non-elastomeric" in the event that the material recovers less than 40% of its extension upon release of the applied force. For example, an elastic material having an initial length of 100mm may extend at least to 150mm, and retract to a length of at least 145mm (i.e., exhibit 10% recovery) upon removal of the force.

"artwork" means a visual representation observable to the naked eye, provided by printing or other means, and having a color. Printing includes various methods and apparatus well known to those skilled in the art, such as lithographic techniques, screen printing techniques, flexographic printing techniques, and gravure ink-jet printing techniques.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wearable article (20) of the present invention, showing a second belt; fig. 1B is a schematic view of fig. 1A in a contracted state, showing the first strap (85). Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the same article with an unbonded seam and in its flat uncontracted state, showing the garment-facing surface and also with the separator strip removed. In fig. 1B and 2, the position of the elastomer (96) may or may not be accurate. The wearable article (20) has a longitudinal centerline L1 that also serves as a longitudinal axis, and a transverse centerline T1 that also serves as a transverse axis. The wearable article (20) has a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, a front region (26), a back region (28), a crotch region (30), and a seam (32) joining the front region (26) and the back region (28) to form two leg openings and a waist opening. The wearable article (20) includes a central chassis (38) to cover the crotch region of the wearer, a front belt (84) and a back belt (86) (hereinafter may be referred to as "front and back belts"), the front and back belts (84,86) forming a ring-like elastic belt (40) (hereinafter may be referred to as "waist belt") extending laterally to define a waist opening. The front and back belts (84,86) and the central chassis (38) collectively define leg openings.

The central chassis (38) may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core 62 disposed therebetween, and further comprise an outer cover layer 42 to cover the garment-facing side of the backsheet. The topsheet may be a water permeable substrate. The backsheet may be a water impermeable film. The outer cover layer 42 may be a nonwoven sheet. The central chassis (38) may include an absorbent core to absorb and retain liquid bodily exudates. The absorbent core may comprise an acquisition layer and/or a distribution layer to facilitate acquisition and distribution of bodily exudates. The absorbent material-existing region (62) is a region in which a specific form of an absorbent material having a high retention capacity, such as an absorbent polymer, is present. The absorbent material-present region (62) may be substantially cellulose-free, while the acquisition layer and/or the distribution layer may comprise cellulose fibers. The absorbent polymer of the absorbent material present area (62) may be arranged between the first material layer and the second material layer and fixed by the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material. The first material layer and the second material layer may be nonwoven webs comprising synthetic fibers, monocomponent fibers such as PE, PET and PP, multicomponent fibers such as side-by-side, core/sheath or islands-in-the-sea fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbond process or a meltblown process.

The absorbent composite may be made from a first nonwoven layer, a second nonwoven layer, and an absorbent polymer, and the absorbent composite may also be layered. Portions of the first and second layers of the absorbent composite may be configured to be substantially free of absorbent material and adhered to one another to form channels. The channels can serve to enable the absorbent core to bend when swollen by fluid to conform to the body of the wearer and prevent the article from sagging.

The vicinity of the longitudinal side edges (48) of the central chassis (38) may be formed as a pair of outer cuffs extending laterally outward from the central chassis (38), made of at least a backsheet (60) and an outer cover layer (42), and optionally further having a topsheet (58), and further having cuff materials and cuff elastic members. The central chassis (38) may further include a pair of inner cuffs extending toward the body-facing side, the inner cuffs being made of a cuff material and a cuff elastic member.

Referring to fig. 1A and 2, the endless belt (40) formed by the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) is used to dynamically generate a fitting force and to distribute the force dynamically generated during wear. The front and back belts (84,86) may be joined to each other only at the side edges (89) at the seams (32) to form a wearable article having a waist opening and two leg openings. Each leg opening may be provided with elastics around the periphery of the leg opening by a combination of elastics from the front belt (84), the back belt (86), and any elastics from the central chassis (38). The front leg opening region is disposed along the proximal edges (90) of the left and right side panels (82) of the front belt (84) adjacent the leg openings.

The front belt (84) and the back belt (86) are configured to impart elasticity to the belt (40). The front (84) and back (86) belts may each be formed from a laminate including a plurality of elastomeric (96) extending in the transverse direction, an inner panel, an outer panel (92), and an outer panel fold, wherein the outer panel fold is an extension of the outer panel material formed by folding the outer panel material at a distal edge (88) of the front and back belts, the outer panel fold being directly joined to the central chassis. The front belt (84) and the back belt (86) may each be constructed of only an elastic body (96), an inner panel, an outer panel (92), and an outer panel by folding. The belt elastic (96) may extend in the transverse direction to provide the ring-like elastic belt 40 when the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) are joined. At least some of the resilient bodies (96) extend substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction. All the elastic bodies (96) can extend substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction. Such articles can be economically prepared. The front and back belts (84,86) each have laterally continuous proximal and distal edges, the proximal edge (90) being located closer to the lateral centerline T1 than the distal edge (88). The outer panel fold is an extension of the outer panel material formed by folding the outer panel material at the distal edges (88) of the front and back belts (84, 86). The elastomeric bodies (96) may be disposed at the same or different denier, spacing or force between the front and back and in different longitudinal positions of the belt. The inner and outer sheets (92) may be the same or different materials and are selected to provide properties such as breathability, softness, silky feel, fluffy feel, and combinations thereof, depending on the needs of the resulting article. The inner and outer sheets (92) may have the same or different basis weights, stiffnesses, textures, or any combination thereof.

Referring to fig. 2, the lateral width LW of the back belt (86) in an uncontracted state may be the same as the lateral width of the front belt (84) in the same state. Such articles can be economically prepared.

A longitudinal length LB of the back belt (86) between the back distal edge (88) and the back proximal edge (90) along the entire width LW of the back belt (86) may be substantially the same as a longitudinal length LF of the front belt (84) between the front distal edge (88) and the front proximal edge (90). In such a configuration, the seam (32) closes the side edges (89) of the same length of the front and back belts (84,86) to form the article. Such articles can be economically prepared.

As in fig. 2, the back belt (86) may have a greater longitudinal length LB between the back distal edge (88) and the back proximal edge (90) along the entire width LW of the back belt (86) in the transverse direction than the longitudinal length LF of the front belt (84) between the front distal edge (88) and the front proximal edge (90). In such configurations, when the wearable article is assembled to form a waist opening and a leg opening, the wearable article (20) is folded along the transverse centerline T1 such that the front distal edge (88) is aligned with the back distal edge (88). The front side edge (89) is also aligned with a portion of the back side edge (89). The front (84) and back (86) tapes are then joined at the front and back side edges (89) at the seam (32). However, the anterior and posterior proximal edges (90) may not be aligned with each other. The back proximal edge (90) may be disposed longitudinally closer to the transverse centerline T1 than the front proximal edge (90) such that a proximal portion of the back side panel (82) extends beyond the front proximal edge (90) toward the crotch panel (56) of the central chassis (38). The side edges of the proximal portion of the back side panels (82) may not be joined to any location and may be free of attachment elements. Thus, the proximal portion of the back side panel (82) provides a buttock cover.

The front and/or back belt (84,86) may be treated such that an area overlapping the front and/or back waist panel (52,54) of the central chassis (38) is de-elasticized. When the central chassis (38) includes an absorbent material presence area (62), it may be advantageous to remove elasticity from a certain area of the front and/or back waist panel (52,54), as elasticity in the front and/or back region may cause bunching of the absorbent composite or any layers in the absorbent material presence area (62) and interfere with the close fit of the central chassis (38) to the wearer. At least one, or at least half, or at least two-thirds, of the elastics may be removed of at least a portion, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, of the elastics in the region overlapping the front and back waist panels (52,54) of the central chassis (38). The entire area of the elastic body (96) overlapping the absorbent material existing area (62) can be removed from its elasticity. Referring to fig. 2, the elastic body (96) overlapping the absorbent material absent area (61) may be movably elastically disposed to achieve good fit of the center chassis. This may be advantageous for preventing leakage.

At least one elastic body (96) overlapping the distal vicinity of the absorbent material existing region (62) may be movably elastically disposed so as to reduce the appearance of a gap between the absorbent material non-existing region (61) and the absorbent material existing region (62).

Referring to figure 2, the front and back belts (84,86) are discontinuous with respect to each other in the crotch region 30, and therefore the outer cover layer (42) is the garment-facing surface in the crotch region (30). The outer cover layer (42) may extend only partially in the longitudinal direction of the front waist panel (52) and/or the back waist panel (54) such that the distal portions (40F, 40B) of the front waist panel (52) and the back waist panel (54) are free of the outer cover layer (42). That is, the longitudinal length of the outer cover layer (42) may be longer than the longitudinal length of the crotch panel (56) and shorter than the longitudinal length of the backsheet (60). With such a configuration, the distal portions of the front waist panel (52) and the back waist panel (54) lack the outer cover layer (42), thereby providing better breathability to the overall article. In addition, this may provide cost savings in the material of the outer cover layer (42). Thus, with respect to the difference in element layer between the garment facing surface and the backsheet of the central chassis (38), there is a transition region (34) disposed on the waist panel (52) where the outer cover layer (42) is present. The longitudinal length of the transition region (34) may be made as short as possible, for example, less than about 20mm, or less than about 15mm, or less than about 10 mm. In addition, the adhesive may also be applied over the entire area of the transition region (34), or over the entire area, but leaving no more than at most 5mm from the distal edge of the transition region (34) in the longitudinal direction. In order to provide attractive artwork for wearable articles in an economical manner, it is common practice to provide printing on the garment-facing side of the backsheet (60). By providing a transition area (34) that is as short as possible, applying adhesive to enhance transparency, or simply avoiding displaying the artwork in that area, the impairment of the appearance of the artwork on the different material layers between the artwork and the viewer can be avoided.

Referring to fig. 1B, the article of the present disclosure includes a first belt (85), which may be a front belt or a back belt, wherein the first belt (85) is configured to form a scrap disposal belt (33). While most wearable articles on the market equipped with a waste disposal tape have a waste disposal tape disposed on the rear side of the article, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such configurations. Therefore, the second belt of the present invention, which is the other side of the first belt (85), may not contain the disposal belt (33). The waist panel attached to the central chassis of the first belt (85) is a first waist panel (55). By releasing the refastenable component (335) and elongating the extension (334), a disposal tape (33) is formed that can be fastened to the garment-facing surface of the article. The material and construction of the waste disposal tape (33) of the present invention is selected so as to deliver at least similar or improved functionality as waste disposal tapes made of durable plastic materials, while also providing a beneficial feel and aesthetics to the overall article.

By waste disposal tape is meant herein a longitudinally extending element having at least a portion adjacent one longitudinal edge of the waste disposal tape permanently attached to the article and at least a portion adjacent the other free end edge of the waste disposal tape provided with a refastenable component. The refastenable features provide the following functions: the waste disposal tape is held in an initial position prior to use and is itself secured to the garment facing surface of the article to hold the used article in a wrapped position. The disposal tape suitably has a sufficient longitudinal length between the permanent attachment location and the refastenable component such that when the disposal tape extends upwardly beyond the waist opening, the length beyond the waist opening is sufficient to attach the refastenable component to another portion of the article, thereby securing the article in a wrapped position.

Referring to figures 1B, 3A and 3B, the first belt (85) comprises a release strip (330) comprising an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55), wherein at least a portion of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first waist panel (55) by a refastenable component (335), and wherein the attachment portion (332) is present distally to the extension portion (334). By placing the separating strip (330) in such a position, the scrap disposal tape (33) can be positioned generally in the lateral center of the article, and in addition, a substantial portion of the separating strip (330) can be covered by the first tape (85), and thus less aesthetically affected. The attachment portion (332) may be permanently attached to the first belt (85) or the first waist panel (55) or both.

Referring to fig. 3A, the extension portion (334) may include an elastic region (337), wherein elongation of the extension portion (334) includes stretching the elastic region (337). Such a configuration may provide for ease of assembly of the separator strip (330) to the first belt (85). The disposal tape (33) may be stretched with a relatively high force while wrapping the article. The elastic region may be formed from an elastic material having a tensile strength of from about 4N/20mm to about 31N/20mm, or from about 8N/20mm to about 18N/20mm, as measured herein. By providing elastic regions having such tensile strengths, the separator strip (330) may be stretched to a length sufficient to wrap the resulting waste disposal tape (33) around a wearable article, such as in fig. 3C and 3D. The elastic region may be made of a material having less than about 90%, or less than about 50% necking. By providing elastic region (337) with such necking properties, elastic region (337) does not excessively narrow when stretched, thus maintaining a firm appearance even when stretched. Examples of materials that may be used for elastic region (337) include stretch materials made from polyolefins and styrenic materials, available from Nitto Denko under the trade name STD, from Avery under the trade name DT 70.3mm Y-Bond Blue rhoand, and from 3M under the trade name Gen 1 DT. The elastic material used to form the elastic region (337) can be connected to the material forming the attachment portion (332) and the material forming the refastenable component (335) by permanent attachment, however, the attachment portion (332) or refastenable component (335) may not completely overlap to avoid interfering with the function of the attachment portion (332) and the refastenable component (335).

In configurations that include elastic regions (337), such as in fig. 3A, the initial extension (334) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 10mm to about 100mm, and an orthogonal dimension of about 10mm to about 30mm, or about 13mm to about 28 mm. Referring to fig. 1B and 3D, the waste disposal tape (33) including the elastic region (337) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 20mm to about 150mm beyond the Crotch Edge (CE) when the waste disposal tape (33) is in an extended state. By "extended state" herein referring to a configuration comprising elastic region (337) is meant a state in which extension (334) is extended by a force of about 5N, more or less the force applied by the user when in use.

Referring to fig. 3B, the extension portion (334) may comprise a pair of folds (338, 339) such that the extension portion (334) is tucked between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55), wherein the extension of the extension portion (334) comprises unfolding the folds (338, 339). Such a configuration may allow the extension portion (334) to be made using inexpensive and inelastic materials such as nonwoven fabrics. The extended portion (334) may have a break resistance of at least about 3N in the longitudinal direction, as measured herein. By having such a resistance to breaking, the extension (334) may be pulled by the user without being torn or significantly deformed. The extension portion (334) may be made of a nonwoven material that meets the above noted resistance to rupture, wherein the nonwoven material may be non-stretchable and have a basis weight of at least about 30 gsm. Examples of suitable nonwoven materials for the extension (334) include SMS or spun bond polyolefin fibers.

In configurations including folds (338, 339), such as in fig. 3B, the initial extension portion (334) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 15mm to about 100mm, and an orthogonal dimension of about 10mm to about 30mm, or about 13mm to about 28 mm. Referring to fig. 1B, when the waste disposal tape (33) including the folds (338, 339) is in an extended state, the waste disposal tape (33) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 20mm to about 150mm beyond the Crotch Edge (CE). By "elongated state" of the configuration herein comprising folds (338, 339) is meant a state in which the folds (338, 339) are unfolded.

As described above, the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first waist portion (55) by a refastenable component (335). Thus, when the refastenable component (335) is released and the extension portion (334) extends down towards the crotch region, a disposal tape (33) is formed comprising the refastenable component (335) towards the body-facing side. This is in contrast to the construction of many articles on the market that have scrap disposal tape. Current products on the market have a disposal tape that is arranged in the following way: in disposal, the disposal tape is first pulled up and over the waist opening, and the used article will be wrapped by folding up from the crotch region. The resulting wrapped article with the waste disposal tape will appear as shown in fig. 4A. Since current articles have a waste disposal tape, which is typically disposed on the back side, and fecal exudates may also be deposited on the back side, wrapping the waste disposal tape after use by pressing against the back side may risk extruding exudates from the waist opening. On the other hand, referring to fig. 1B, the waste disposal tape (33) of the present invention is configured to accommodate wrapping around the article by pulling downward beyond the Crotch Edge (CE), while the used article will be wrapped by folding downward from the waist opening area. The resulting wrapped article with the waste disposal tape will appear as shown in fig. 4B. Thus, even when the used article is pressed during wrapping, the fecal exudates will be pushed further into the crotch region, thus providing less risk of being squeezed out. Furthermore, the waste disposal tape (33) of the present invention may also have a sufficient longitudinal length in the elongated state such that the waste disposal tape (33) may be used to wrap around the article in other directions, for example by pulling up towards the waist opening as obtained in fig. 4A according to current practice, or in a transverse direction to wrap the article transversely along the longitudinal axis (not shown). A portion of the waste disposal tape (33) carrying the refastenable component (335) may be reversed for engagement with the garment facing surface wrapped around the article. The disposal tape (33) of the present invention may allow a user to wrap an article in a variety of ways that the user may desire while disposing of the disposal.

The refastenable feature (335) may be positioned beyond a proximal edge (90) of the first belt (85) that extends into the crotch region. That is, at least a portion of the garment facing side of the separator strip (330) carrying the refastenable component (335) can be exposed on the garment facing surface. With such a configuration, the refastenable component (335) can be easily released. At least some portions of the refastenable component (335) may be positioned between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55). With such a configuration, the refastenable component (335) is less at risk of being prematurely opened by being able to be reached by a wearer or inadvertently attached to an inner surface of a garment.

A refastenable component (335) may be provided such that it is removable from the first waist panel (55) with a peel force of about 0.5N to about 3N or about 0.8N to about 2N. By having such "peel forces," the refastenable component (335) remains secured during assembly and packaging of the article, as well as during application and wear of the article, while being able to be removed from the article without excessive force. The refastenable component (335) can have a bending force of less than about 0.23N, as measured herein. By selecting refastenable components (335) that have bending forces in their own right, they are not overly rigid. When a rigid localized area is present in a wearable article, this may irritate the wearer during wear.

Regardless of the configuration of fig. 3A or 3B, the separator strip (330) can further comprise a tab portion (336) at an edge of the separator strip (330), wherein the tab portion (336) is free of a refastenable component (335), wherein the tab portion (336) is adjacent to the refastenable component (335) and has a longitudinal dimension of about 5mm to about 20 mm. By providing such a tab portion (336), the edge of the separating strip (330) can be easily gripped and lifted away from the first waist panel (55). The tab portion (336) may be provided with a coloring to facilitate identification.

The waste disposal tape (33) may include indicia selected from the group consisting of: pre-and post-differentiating markings, gender-differentiating markings, size indicators, and combinations thereof. For visibility, indicia may be provided on portions of the waste disposal tape (33) forming the garment facing surface, such as the tab portions (336) and/or the garment facing side on which the refastenable component (335) is provided. For example, a logo indicating boys or girls or size may be provided.

The extension (334) may have a range of opacity depending on the type of material from which the extension (334) is made. Opacity herein may be obtained according to ISO 6504-3 using BYK-Gardner Spectro-guide 45/0 or equivalent. Nonwovens suitable for making extended portions (334) with folds may have relatively low opacity. Elastic materials suitable for making elastic region (337) can have a relatively high opacity. When the extended portion (334) has an opacity of less than 50%, or about 30% to about 40%, the extended portion (334) may be well coordinated with the material forming the first belt (85) which is also typically made of a nonwoven substrate. The extension portion (334) is identifiable through the first band (85) when the extension portion (334) has an opacity of at least 50%, or about 60% to about 90%. When the central chassis includes a backsheet having an artwork on the garment-facing side, the visibility of the higher opacity extension (334) may be enhanced, with the artwork extending over an area overlapping the extension (334). Such enhancements are not advantageous from an aesthetic point of view. Accordingly, when the extended portion (334) has an opacity of at least 50%, or about 60% to about 90%, the artwork disposed on the backsheet may be configured not to overlap the extended portion (334) in the thickness direction. To compensate for artwork on the backsheet that does not exist overlapping the extension in the thickness direction, or for any other purpose, artwork may be provided on the garment facing surface of the inner sheet or the skin facing surface of the outer sheet of the first belt (85).

The material of the outer cover layer (42) of the central chassis may be selected to provide various characteristics such as breathability, softness, smoothness, loftiness, and combinations thereof, depending on the needs of the resulting article. The outer cover layer (42) may be made of the same material as the outer panel (92) to provide the overall aesthetics and feel of the article. Alternatively, the outer cover layer (42) may be made of a different material than the outer panel (92). The outer panel (92) may have a greater stiffness than the outer cover layer (42). With such a configuration, an elastic belt (40) may be provided to have overall good fit while leaving the central chassis (38) flexible and well conforming to the crotch region of the wearer.

For the articles of the present invention, the total number of elastomers (96) disposed on a single article may be limited in order to provide the article in an economical manner. The belt of the present invention may be provided with a total of no more than about 60, or no more than about 54, or no more than about 46 elastomers. The article of the present invention may have an overall article longitudinal length of from about 350mm to about 600mm, an effective transverse belt width (LW) of from about 315mm to about 500mm, a back belt longitudinal Length (LB) of from about 100mm to about 180mm, a front belt longitudinal Length (LF) of from about 80mm to about 160mm, a central chassis longitudinal length of from about 330mm to about 500mm, and a central chassis transverse width of from about 150mm to about 210 mm. The central chassis (38) may have a longitudinal length that is about 70% to 100% of the overall longitudinal length of the article. When the central chassis (38) includes an absorbent material presence area (62), the absorbent material presence area (62) may have a longitudinal length of about 270mm to about 500mm, and a maximum lateral width of about 90mm to about 125 mm. The absorbent material-presenting region (62) may have a longitudinal length that is from about 60% to about 95% of the overall longitudinal length of the article, or from about 66% to about 97% of the central chassis (38).

1. Preparation of samples

Samples for all measurements below were obtained from finished wearable article samples. To obtain a separator strip sample, a scissors is used to cut the separator strip from the first tape, including its permanently attached substrate. To obtain a sample of the refastenable components, the refastenable components and their permanently attached substrates are cut from the release strip using scissors.

For each set of measurements, five (5) samples of finished wearable articles were obtained from the same area of each article. Prior to testing, the samples were preconditioned in a chamber maintained at 23 ℃ ± 2 ℃ and 50% ± 5% relative humidity for at least 2 hours. All tests were carried out in a chamber maintained at 23 ℃. + -. 2 ℃ and 50%. + -. 5% relative humidity.

2. Tensile strength and breaking force

MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 software was used as the equipment with a standard tensiometer clamp or equivalent. The transverse dimension of the separator strip sample was measured to the nearest 1 mm.

(1) The separator strip samples were set so that the longitudinal direction of the article matched the vertical direction of the apparatus. The sample was clamped as straight as possible between the tensiometer upper and lower clamps and a preload of 0-0.05N. Ensuring that there is no wrinkling or folding. When the extension is inelastic, the sample is held so that the entire extension is available for stretching. When the extension is elastic, the sample is held so that the entire elastic region is available for stretching.

(2) If the sample slides within the clamp, breaks, or is uniformly stressed within 5mm of the clip in the width direction, the sample is discarded.

(3) Elongation measurements were taken from the point where the force curve departed from the zero line. A constant elongation rate of 100mm/min was applied.

(4) The specimen was pulled until fracture and the force at fracture was recorded.

(5) The load at the break point for each run was recorded to the nearest 1N. The force (N) at break is the breaking resistance. The breaking force divided by the transverse dimension adjusted to 20mm is the tensile strength (N/20 mm).

3. Peeling force

MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 software was used as the equipment with a standard tensiometer clamp or equivalent. A sample of the article is used with the refastenable components closed.

(1) The closed article sample was clamped to the upper clamp approximately at the attachment portion in the thickness direction and to the lower clamp 10mm from the edge of the extension portion. The gauge length was fixed at 10 mm.

(2) The sample was pulled by the peel tester at a speed of 460mm/min and a collection rate of 20hz until the refastenable parts were completely separated.

(3) The peak force during peeling was recorded. The peak force (N) is the peel force.

4. Bending force

MTS Criterion C42, model T489-74 metal platform running TestWorks 4 software or equivalent, was used as the device. The upper clamp is a standard tensiometer clamp and the lower clamp is replaced with a cylindrical shaped metal platform having a diameter of 150mm and a height of 20 mm.

(1) The refastenable part sample is set such that the lateral direction of the sample matches the vertical direction of the device. The sample was clamped between the upper clamps as straight as possible without applying a pretension.

(2) An artificial skin having a thickness of 1.5mm obtained under the generic name "tattoo practice silicone sheet" (tape) was cut into an appropriate size and fixed on a metal platform with a double-sided adhesive tape.

(3) Leaving a distance of at least 1mm in the vertical direction between the sample and the artificial skin, moving down at a speed of 30mm/min until 10N is taken as an end point, and recording the peak load. The peak load (N) is a bending force.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being 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". Moreover, each numerical range given throughout this specification includes every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range.

Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, 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.