阅读说明：本技术 具有薄型闭合件的吸收性制品 (Absorbent article with thin closure ) 是由 托马斯·J·吉尔伯特 迈克尔·R·戈尔曼 彼得·基策尔 于 2019-07-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种吸收性制品,该吸收性制品包括一起限定可重复固定的裤子的吸收性基体和固定系统。该可重复固定的裤子包括一对侧片,该对侧片包括前侧片和后侧片。当该前侧片和该后侧片固定在一起时形成腿部开口。该可重复固定的裤子包括固定系统,该固定系统包括桥接部件,这些桥接部件以对接接合方式可重复固定地连接前侧片和后侧片,从而产生具有薄型接缝外观的侧片。(An absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis and a fastening system that together define refastenable pants. The refastenable pant includes a pair of side panels including front and back side panels. The front and back side panels form leg openings when secured together. The refastenable pant includes a fastening system including bridge components refastenably connecting the front and back side panels in a butt-seam fashion, thereby creating side panels having the appearance of a thin seam.)

1. An absorbent article, comprising:

an absorbent chassis having a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion extending between and connecting the front portion and the back portion, the absorbent chassis having a first major longitudinal edge and a second major longitudinal edge;

laterally opposing first and second side panels connecting the front portion to the back portion along the length of the first and second major longitudinal edges to define first and second leg openings in the absorbent article;

wherein the first side piece and the second side piece comprise:

a front side panel having a distal edge;

a back side panel having a distal edge; and

a bridge member releasably coupling the front and back side panels in a non-overlapping configuration.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first and second front side panels and the first and second back side panels comprise at least one securing component for refastenably engaging a bridge component.

3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the securement member comprises a material having surface loops.

4. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein the bridge component comprises a backing having hook members extending therefrom.

5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the bridge member comprises a strip having hooks on a surface thereof.

6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the bridge component comprises a strip backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

7. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein either of the front and back side panels includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for refastenably engaging the bridge component associated with the first or side panel.

8. The absorbent article of claim 4, wherein the thickness of the bridge member is in a range from about 40 microns to about 900 microns.

9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the bridge member further comprises a bridge member backing in contact with the skin of a wearer of the absorbent article, the bridge member backing being sufficiently flexible to provide a non-irritating interface to the skin of a wearer.

10. The absorbent article of claim 9, wherein the bridge member backing is breathable.

11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein a non-overlapping configuration includes first and second butt joints formed by the distal edges of the front and back side panels of the first and second side panels, wherein the bridge component bridges the butt seams.

12. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the bridge component comprises a securing member extending from a backing.

13. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein the body-side surface of the backing is sufficiently soft to avoid irritation to the wearer's skin.

14. The absorbent article of claim 12, wherein the backing comprises a polyolefin polymer.

15. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 12, wherein the bridge member is breathable.

16. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the bridge component comprises a laminate comprising a hook strip having a backing with hooks extending therefrom, wherein the laminate is breathable.

17. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein the body-side surface of the bridge member backing is sufficiently soft to avoid irritation of the wearer's skin.

18. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 16, wherein at least a portion of the bridge member is bonded to the first or second major longitudinal edge of the absorbent matrix using an adhesive and/or using thermal or ultrasonic bonding.

19. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein the bridge component associated with the first and second side panels has a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein the hooked side of the bridge component includes at least one quadchannel that does not include hooks.

20. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the at least one quadrant lane that does not include hooks defines a flange, and wherein the flange is coupled to either of the front and back side panels using an adhesive and/or using thermal or ultrasonic bonding.

21. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the bridge component and the front and back side panels are configured for non-overlapping, abutting engagement.

22. A method of making an absorbent article, the method comprising:

coupling a first side panel and a second side panel to an absorbent chassis, the absorbent chassis having a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion, the crotch portion extending between and connecting the front portion and the back portion, and the absorbent chassis having a first major longitudinal edge and a second major longitudinal edge, and wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are coupled to the absorbent chassis along the length of the first major longitudinal edge and the second major longitudinal edge to define a first leg opening and a second leg opening in the absorbent article;

wherein the first side piece and the second side piece comprise:

a front side panel having a distal edge;

a back side panel having a distal edge; and

a bridge component coupling the front and back side panels in a non-overlapping configuration.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the bridge member associated with the first and second sides includes a crease along a longitudinal axis extending between the distal edges of the respective front and back side panels.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the front and back side panels associated with the first and second side panels comprise a backing having a loop fastening component on one major surface and the bridge component associated with the first and second side panels comprises a hook material.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the coupling comprises joining using an adhesive and/or using thermal or ultrasonic bonding.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the front and back side panels of the first and second side panels are coupled with the bridge member in a butt seam configuration, wherein the bridge member bridges the respective front and back side panels.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein less than four quadrants of the first and second bridge members comprise securing means.

28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the securing member comprises a hook-type securing member.

29. The method of claim 16, wherein the hook fastener is disposed on substantially the third and fourth lanes, at least a portion of the first and second lanes constituting a flange.

30. The method of any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the fixation member comprises a ring.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the flange is attached to the first front panel, the second front panel, or first, second back panel.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the flange is attached by adhesive and/or by thermal or ultrasonic bonding.

33. The method of claim 22, wherein the bridge member is folded on a lateral axis of the bridge member prior to being applied to the first and second rear panels.

34. A side panel for a pull-on absorbent article, the side panel comprising:

a first sheet having first and second major surfaces and a distal edge;

a second sheet having first and second major surfaces and a distal edge;

a bridge member coupled to the first major surface of the first sheet and the first major surface of the second sheet;

wherein the bridge member holds the distal edge of the first panel and the distal edge of the second panel together in a butt-joined configuration.

35. The side panel of claim 34, wherein the bridge member comprises a hook strip, and wherein the first major surface of the first panel and the first major surface of the second panel comprise a loop material.

36. The side panel of claim 35, wherein the butt-joined configuration includes a resealable seam.

37. The side panel of claim 34, wherein the bridge member comprises a length of pressure sensitive adhesive backed tape.

38. The side panel of claim 37, wherein the bridge member bridges a portion of the first major surface of the first panel and a portion of the first major surface of the second panel.

39. The side panel of claim 34, wherein the first and second panels are coupled to the bridge component and no portion of the first and second major surfaces of either of the first and second panels contacts the first and second major surfaces of the other of the first and second panels.

40. The side panel of claim 34, wherein the first and second panels are such that the bridge component bridges an area of the first major surface of the first panel and an area of the first major surface of the second panel, and the first and second panels do not overlap.

Background

Training pants are particularly useful in toilet training processes because a child can associate the transition from a diaper to a training pant with "growth" or progression toward the target of wearing the undergarment. In addition, pant diapers allow a child to pull the diaper down before using the toilet and back up after completing the toilet, thus allowing the child to independently and confidently succeed in toilet training.

Many conventional training pants are provided with permanent side seams which require the training pants to be put on and taken off like ordinary underwear. Some training pants are provided with refastenable side seams that allow the training pants to be worn like pants or diapers, which gives the ability to wear the training pants in the manner of diapers or pull-on training pants.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising: an absorbent chassis having a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion extending between and connecting the front portion and the back portion, the absorbent chassis having a first major longitudinal edge and a second major longitudinal edge; laterally opposing first and second side panels connecting the front portion to the back portion along a length of the first and second major longitudinal edges to define first and second leg openings in the absorbent article, wherein the first and second side panels include front side panels having distal edges, back side panels having distal edges, and a bridge member releasably coupling the front and back side panels in a non-overlapping configuration.

Other aspects of the invention are directed, in part, to a method of making an absorbent article, the method comprising: coupling a first side panel and a second side panel to an absorbent chassis, the absorbent chassis having a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion, the crotch portion extending between and connecting the front portion and the back portion, and the absorbent chassis having a first major longitudinal edge and a second major longitudinal edge, and wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are coupled to the absorbent chassis along a length of the first major longitudinal edge and the second major longitudinal edge to define a first leg opening and a second leg opening in the absorbent article; wherein the first and second side panels include front side panels having distal edges, back side panels having distal edges, and a bridge member coupling the front and back side panels in a non-overlapping configuration.

In still other aspects, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to a side panel for a pull-on absorbent article comprising: a first sheet having first and second major surfaces and a distal edge; a second sheet having first and second major surfaces and a distal edge; a bridge member coupled to the first major surfaces of the first and second panels, wherein the bridge member holds the distal edges of the first and second panels together in a butt-joined configuration.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a typical prior art disposable absorbent article having side seams.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in fig. 1 in a unfastened, unfolded and unfolded state.

Figure 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of a bridge member of the present invention.

Figure 4A is a schematic view of one embodiment of an improved side seam pant closure.

Figure 4B is a schematic view of an embodiment of an improved side seam pant closure.

Figure 4C is a schematic view of an embodiment of an improved side seam pant closure.

Figure 4D is a schematic view of an embodiment of an improved side seam pant closure.

Figure 4E is a schematic view of an embodiment of an improved side seam pant closure.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a bridge member.

FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a prior art side seam.

Figure 6B is a schematic view of a side seam achieved using one embodiment of the improved bridge member.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the improved bridge member shown in a folded orientation.

Figure 8 is a side view of a pant diaper employing one embodiment of the bridge member of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in fig. 8 in a unfastened, unfolded and unfolded state.

FIG. 10 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of a side seam according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Conventional training pants are used by toddlers when transitioning between diapers and knitted underwear. They have absorbent capacity along the diaper line, however, while diapers are traditionally configured to wrap around the underside of the infant and then be secured using some sort of lateral side closure fastener (e.g., adhesive tab, etc.), training pants are configured to be more underwear-like and do not include side closure fasteners. However, to facilitate easy removal of a conventional training pant, removal seams are typically provided on either side of the training pant, which allow the user to tear the training pant away from the wearer, thereby separating the sides of the training pant along the removal seams.

A problem associated with some training pants of the prior art is that the removal seam is an overlapping design, which gives the conventional training pants a more diaper-like appearance similar to the closure tabs, potentially frustrating toilet training efforts as the child perceives that he or she is wearing the diaper. Disposable absorbent articles are desired that: which provides the garment-like or underwear-like appearance of conventional training pants, while still providing the option of being worn like a diaper or like pants.

The principles of the present invention may be incorporated into any suitable disposable absorbent article. Examples of such suitable articles include diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, other personal care or health care garments, and the like. For ease of illustration, the following description will be made with respect to a child's training pant.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a prior art training pant 520, with fig. 1 shown in a partially fastened three-dimensional view and fig. 2 shown in plan view (unfastened). The reference elements are interchangeable between the two figures. Referring to fig. 2, the training pants 520 have a longitudinal direction 12 and a lateral direction 14. In the longitudinal direction 12, the training pants 520 define an absorbent chassis 511 that may be divided into a front portion 516, a back portion 518, and a crotch portion 526 that extends between and connects the front and back portions 516, 518. The training pant 520 includes a bodyside liner 530 (facing away from the view depicted in figure 2) and an absorbent core 535 positioned between the bodyside liner and the outer cover 532. The training pant 520 has a pair of opposing longitudinal side edges 528 and 528' extending between a back waist edge 538 and a front waist edge 540. The training pant 520 also includes a pair of longitudinally extending leg cuffs 536 and 536'. The leg cuffs 536 and 536' may be adapted to fit around the legs of the wearer in use and serve as mechanical barriers to the lateral flow of body exudates.

The training pant 520 includes a pair of side panels 510. The side panel 510 includes front side panels 534 and 534 ', and back side panels 534a and 534 a'. The pairs of front and back side panels 534, 534 a' may be integrally formed with the back and front portions or alternatively may be separately formed and subsequently attached. The front and back side panels 534, 534 'and 534a, 534 a' include distal edges 568 extending along the length of each respective panel, as can be seen in prior art pants, for forming overlapping seams when secured. The front and back side panels have a first major (interior) surface 545 that contacts the wearer and an opposite second major surface 547 that faces outwardly away from the wearer.

In a typical prior art training pant, the front and back side panels are releasably attached to each other by means of prior art fastening systems 544 and 544'. The prior art fastening system is used to fasten training pants 520 about the waist of the wearer. For example, the fastening system may include a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a hook-type material with a corresponding loop material for either of the fastening systems 544 and 544'. The front portion 516 will include an outer cover 532 suitably selected to form a receiving fastening component for the fastening system 544. For example, if the fastening system 544 comprises a hook-type material, the training pant front portion 516 would comprise a suitable nonwoven material selected for proper engagement and coupling to the selected hook-type material.

For added comfort and wearability, the front and back side panels 534, 534 a' may be formed of an elastic material that stretches in a direction parallel to the transverse direction 14 of the training pant 520.

The overlapping nature of the closure system used in the training pants 520 results in a noticeable overlap region where the fastening system overlaps its counterpart. The closure system also forms a flap along, for example, the distal edge 568, which makes the training pant feel and look somewhat like a diaper. Ideally, a more streamlined pant side seam closure system would be more discrete and would have no overlap of diaper components in order to appear thin without significant flaps of the distal edges.

Improved side seam closure for pants

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the training pants 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention include an improved lateral securement system 80 for securing the training pants about the waist of the wearer, one on each lateral side of the wearer. In some embodiments, the improved fastening system may be thinner than prior art pant-type lateral fastening systems and may be more similar in appearance and feel to traditional underwear rather than diapers.

The improved fastening system includes a bridge member 86 or 87 adapted to be refastenably connected to fastening members 82, 83, 84, 85 disposed on the front side panels 34, 34 'and back side panels 134, 134', respectively. The illustrated fastening system 80 includes first and second back side panel fastening components 82, 83 and first and second front side panel fastening components 84, 85 adapted to refastenably connect to first and second bridge components 86, 87. In some embodiments, one or all of the fastening components 82, 83, 84, and 85 may be different from the front and back side panels and attached by means of an adhesive and/or by thermal or ultrasonic bonding as is well known in the art. In other embodiments, the front and back side panels themselves serve as the fastening components, as they may be made of a material (such as a loop-type material) suitable for coupling with a hook-type fastening system on the bridge component. In such embodiments, the training pant 20 will include an outer cover 32 suitably selected to form the receiving fastening means for the bridge members 86 and 87. For example, if the bridge members 86 and 87 comprise hook-type materials, the side panels 34, 34 ', 134, and 134' may comprise nonwoven materials selected for proper engagement and coupling to the selected hook-type materials.

In some embodiments, one surface of each of the first and second back side panels includes discrete fastening components 82 and 83 (fig. 9) and first and second front side panel fastening components 84 and 85. These securing members include a plurality of engagement elements adapted to releasably engage and disengage the engagement elements of the bridge members 86 and 87.

One embodiment of the bridge member 86 is depicted in fig. 3. In most embodiments, the bridge members 87 to be used on opposite lateral sides of the pant are of the same construction, and therefore only the bridge member 86 will be described herein. The bridge member 86 is generally rectangular, having a length l and a width w, but may have any variety of shapes and features, including oval, chamfered, etc. The bridge parts on the same pair of trousers may have the same, substantially the same or different sizes and shapes. The bridge member 86 includes a pair of longitudinally opposed first and second edges 88, 89 and a pair of transversely opposed third and fourth edges 90, 91. For ease of describing various aspects of the present invention, the bridge member 86 may be divided into four hypothetical four-lanes (92-95) extending across the width between the opposing first and second edges 88, 89, respectively, with a centerline 96 defined at the boundary between the second and third four-lanes 93, 94.

The bridge component 86 includes fastening members 105 for releasably securing the first and second front side panels 34, 34 'to the first and second back side panels 134, 134', respectively. In some embodiments, the fixation member 105 may comprise a hook-type fixation element. In such a case, the surface of the side panels (side panels 34, 34 ', 134 and 134') on the pant would be provided with suitable complementary fastening components (e.g., loop material). In another embodiment, the bridge member 86 may comprise a loop type fastener and the mating fastening members 82 to 85 (see fig. 9) each comprise a complementary hook type fastener. Loop-type fasteners typically include a fabric or material having a base or backing structure and a plurality of loop members extending upwardly from at least one surface of the backing structure. The loop material may be formed of any suitable material, such as acrylic, nylon or polyester, and may be formed by methods such as warp knitting, stitch bonding or needle punching.

Figures 4A-4E illustrate various profile views of various embodiments of the bridge member 86. The bridge member 86 may include a bridge member backing 97 to which the material carrying the securing members may be attached. Since the body side surface 140 of the bridge member backing 97 contacts the wearer's skin in use, it may be constructed of a soft material such as a nonwoven material, such materials being well known in the art. For added comfort, the bridge member backing 97 may be formed of a breathable material. The bridge member backing 97 may be provided as a laminate and/or may optionally be elastic. The backing 97 may be the same size or substantially the same size as the backing 104 carrying the securing member 105. Alternatively, the bridge member backing 97 may be larger than the backing 104 carrying the securing members 105, extending beyond the edges so that no part of the backing 104 is in contact with the wearer of the pant.

The backing 104 and hook tab 105 may have configurations known in the art. Hook-type fasteners typically comprise a fabric or material having a base or backing structure and a plurality of hook members extending upwardly from at least one surface of the backing structure. Suitable hook materials may be molded or extruded from nylon, polypropylene, or another suitable material. A suitable one-sided hook material for the bridge member 86 or mating securing members 82-85 is available under the product name CHK-05810 from 3M Company of st paul, MN, usa. In some embodiments, the hook backing material is sufficiently flexible to eliminate the need for a backing for the bridge member.

For added comfort, the hook backing 97 may be breathable. An air-permeable hook backing coupled with the air-permeable bridge member backing 104 will impart excellent overall breathability to the bridge member, thereby improving air circulation and heat transfer. Examples of breathable hook tapes include mesh-type fasteners such as those described by Chandrasekaran et al in U.S. patent 9649824, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Other breathable hook tapes may be used as known to those skilled in the art.

To improve aesthetics and/or comfort, the bridge member may have a minimum thickness, thereby reducing bulk, which may cause discomfort to the wearer and/or may impair the underwear appearance of the pants. In some embodiments, the thickness of the bridge member 86 is in the range of about 30 μ to about 900 μ.

Figures 4B-4E depict various embodiments of alternative configurations of the bridge members 86, wherein each bridge member includes a hook-type securing member 105. Hook-type members 105 are shown protruding outward from backing 104. The backing 104 is attached to the flexible bridge member backing 97 (already described) using adhesives and/or ultrasonic bonding or thermal bonding as is known in the art. The hook members 105 may be disposed on the backing 97 in a variety of patterns. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A, the hook-type members 105 are distributed over substantially all of the surface area of the bridge element backing 97 and extend across all four hypothetical quadrants (92-95, depicted in dashed lines). In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in fig. 4E, the hook members 105 are arranged in rows on all four hypothetical four lanes. In an alternative embodiment, the hook members 105 may be distributed over less than substantially all of the surface area of the bridge member backing 97. For example, as depicted in fig. 4B, the securing member 105 may be disposed on one side of the bridge component 86 and 87, creating a flange 108 that may be used to attach the bridge component to either the first or second front side panels 34, 34 'or the first or second back side panels 134, 134' using adhesives and/or using ultrasonic or thermal bonding as is well known in the art. For example, the fixing member shown as the hook-type member 105 may be provided only in the third and fourth lanes, alternatively only in the third lane, and also alternatively only in the fourth lane. In some embodiments, keeping the quadrants free of hooks creates an effective flange 108 that can be attached to the pants (using ultrasound, adhesives, etc.) as described above. Alternatively, no flange is provided and attachment of the bridge component to the side panel occurs in the region comprising the securing member. In these embodiments, attachment may be achieved by mating of the complementary securing component and the bridge component securing member alone or in combination with adhesive and/or thermal or ultrasonic bonding as is well known in the art.

In other alternative embodiments, the hook-type members 105 may be disposed at the outer edges of the bridge component 86, such as in the first and fourth quadrants and the second and third quadrants as depicted in fig. 4C and 4D, respectively. The embodiment shown in fig. 4C may be beneficial in situations where the front and back side panels do not abut sufficiently (described below) to cover hooks disposed on the bridge member 86, thereby exposing a potentially irritating texture to the wearer or the wearer's caregiver.

It can be seen that the flexible bridge member backing 97 extends slightly beyond the perimeter of the backing 104 carrying the fixing member 105 (fig. 4A to 4E). In some embodiments, the bridge member backing 97 is substantially the same size as the backing 104 carrying the securing member 105. In other embodiments, the bridge component backing 97 is larger than the backing 104 carrying the securing member 105.

The overall size of the bridge member 86 is not strictly limited. However, for ease of use and aesthetics, the bridge member 86 is desirably sized to be hidden behind the front and back side panels 34, 34 ', 134' during use. As shown in fig. 8, the bridge member 86 and 87 may have a length l that is less than the length of the distal edges 68 of the front and back side panels 34, 34 ', 134' so as to be hidden when secured to the wearer. It should be appreciated that the bridge member may have any length l that is less than the distal edge 68. Alternatively, the length l may be greater than the distal edge 68. The dimensions of the bridge members 86 and 87 should be sufficient to remain secured to the wearer during normal physical activity.

Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the bridge member 86 in which the securing member 105 comprises a loop-type securing member. Such fasteners are known in the art. In these embodiments, the front side panels 34, 34 'and the back side panels 134, 134' may be provided with complementary mating fastening components (such as hooks) as the fastening components 82-84 (refer to fig. 9). Such securing mechanisms are described in U.S. patent 5888607 issued to Seth et al, 3.3.1998, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The seam formed using the embodiments of the bridge member described herein desirably eliminates the overlapping flaps typically included in prior art fastening systems for training pants. A prior art fastening system 99 is illustrated in fig. 6A, where the front and back side panels 34, 134 are shown coupled together via a releasable connection formed between the fastening component 84 disposed on the back side panel 134 and the fastening component 82 disposed on the front side panel 34. The nature of the prior art fastening system creates an overlap 98 wherein a portion of the back side panels 134 undesirably overlap a portion of the front side panels (also shown in fig. 1), thereby imparting a diaper-like appearance to the training pant.

In contrast, as depicted in fig. 6B, embodiments of the bridge component of the present invention may be used to create a low profile seam and an aesthetically pleasing butt joint 100, wherein the distal edges 68 of the front and back side panels 34, 34 ', 134 ' (only one side shown) abut 100 one another such that little or no overlap is formed between the front and back side panels 34, 34 ', 134. In this embodiment configuration, the exterior surfaces 110 of the front side panels 34, 34 'and back side panels 134, 134' remain in the same plane, even when engaged with the bridge member 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge member 86 includes a flange 108, a portion of which is attached to a portion of the front side panel 34 near the distal edge 68 by an adhesive and/or by thermal or ultrasonic bonding 101. A portion of the bridge component 86 carrying the securing member 105 extends past the distal edge 68 of the front side panel 34 to engage the securing component 84 disposed on the back side panel 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the back side panels 134 themselves serve as the securing components 84 and are configured to releasably engage the hook-type members 105 of the bridge component 86, such as with loops (not shown). It should be understood that fig. 6B depicts one side of the training pant and that the second bridge member and the second securing member would be disposed on the opposite side to enclose the training pant about the waist of the wearer.

Fig. 8 depicts a training pant 20 having first front side panels 34, second front side panels 34 ', first back side panels 134, and second back side panels 134' secured with one embodiment of the bridge member 86 (and 87). The first bridge member 86 and the second bridge member 87 are seen to be secured to the inner surface (body side) 28 of the training pants 20. Most of the surface area of the bridge members 86 and 87 is hidden by the front side panels 34, 34 'and the back side panels 134, 134' (when viewed from the outside of the training pant when worn by the wearer). The distal edges 68 of the front and back side panels 34, 34 ', 134' are seen to remain abutted against one another, forming a butt joint. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal edges 68 do not overlap. It should be understood, however, that a small amount of overlap may occur without detracting from the thin seam appearance achieved using the bridge member described herein. Unlike the prior art flaps described above, the training pants 20 still resemble underwear, even with a small overlap.

The training pants 20 can be worn by the child in the form of a diaper or pants. For application in the form of a diaper, the side panels are released from the bridge member, which allows the training pant to be opened and laid flat and the training pant to be applied by the child in a manner similar to a diaper. For wearing in the form of a training pant (i.e., with the side panels secured to the bridge member), the legs of the child are placed through the leg openings 52 and the entire training pant is pulled up around the waist. It should be appreciated that once the training pant 20 is worn by a child, it can be pulled down and up without releasing the front side panels 34, 34 'and back side panels 134, 134'. In this regard, the training pants 20 function like underwear. With the thin butt-joint achieved using the fastening system of the present invention, the training pant also has an underwear appearance.

The first and second bridge members 86, 87 may be sufficiently flexible in the transverse and/or longitudinal axes to allow folding and/or bending (shown in fig. 7) to facilitate automated production of pre-sealed training pants. In fig. 7, the bridge member 86 is folded along the longitudinal axis generally at the centerline 96 (see fig. 3) such that the securing members 105 face outwardly and the bridge member backing 97 faces inwardly. This creates a first fastening surface 102 and a second fastening surface 103 that are positioned to form a fastening connection with the first front side panel 34, the second front side panel 34 ', the first back side panel 134, or the second back side panel 134'. It should be understood that the manner in which the bridge member is folded is not limited. The only requirement is that the first fastening surface 102 and the second fastening surface 103 be available for fastening contact with the front side panels 34, 34 'and the back side panels 134, 134'. Alternatively, the bridge component may be provided pre-secured to only one of the front and back side panels 34, 34 ', 134' or not secured to any surface of the absorbent article, but rather provided as a discrete component. In these embodiments, the user may seal the training pants 20 prior to applying them to the child, or may apply the training pants 20 in a manner similar to a conventional diaper.

The folding of the bridge member 86 may be advantageously used in the manufacturing process to provide a pre-fastened training pant 20. Methods of making diapers and training pants are well known in the art. Briefly, and with reference to FIG. 8, a training pant is generally started with a continuous web of fibers connecting the front waist edge 40 of one pant to the back waist edge 38 of an adjacent pant. The crotch of each pair of pants is cut and then folded at the center line (shown in phantom in fig. 9) in the crotch 26. The bridge parts may be provided as a continuous roll, folded and subsequently cut to the desired dimensions when the trousers are manufactured.

The individual bridge members may be introduced when the training pant is in an unfolded state as shown in figure 9. The bridge members 86 and 87 should be oriented such that at least one of the first fastening surfaces 102 or the second fastening surfaces 103 (see fig. 7) is in fastening contact with its corresponding mating surface of the fastening member 82, 83, 84 or 85 on the first front side panel 34, the second front side panel 34 ', the first back side panel 134 or the second back side panel 134'. In one embodiment, the webbing and/or the respective training pants 20 and the bridge members 86 and 87 are brought into proximity with each other such that the first fastening surfaces 102 of each of the bridge members 86 and 87 are aligned with the mating surfaces of the fastening members 84 and 85 of the front side panels 34 and 34'. In the embodiment shown, the first surface 102 includes hook-type securing members 105. In this embodiment, the first fixation surface 102 may be releasably attached via hook-and-loop type fixation. Alternatively, the first surface 102 may be secured by additional means such as adhesive and/or thermal or ultrasonic bonding. In other embodiments, the first surface is provided as a flange 108 (shown in fig. 4B). In these embodiments, the flange 108 may be provided without a securing member and non-releasably attached to the mating surface by means of an adhesive alone or in combination with thermal and/or ultrasonic bonding.

With the first surface 102 thus attached to the first and second front side panels 34 and 34 ', the second surfaces 103 of the first and second bridge members 86 and 87 are exposed and available for releasable securing engagement with the securing members 82 and 83 of the back side panels 134 and 134'. As shown in fig. 10, when the training pants 20 are folded at the centerline (shown in phantom in fig. 9) in the crotch portion 26, the fastening components 82 and 83 come into contact with the second surface 103 of the bridge components 86 and 87 and join to form a pant having two non-overlapping side seams on either side. At this point, the fastened training pants 20 may be packaged.

Thus, embodiments of an absorbent article having a refastenable fastening system are disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.