US20110174432A1 - Refastenable Absorbent Article - Google Patents
Refastenable Absorbent Article Download PDFInfo
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- US20110174432A1 US20110174432A1 US13/010,072 US201113010072A US2011174432A1 US 20110174432 A1 US20110174432 A1 US 20110174432A1 US 201113010072 A US201113010072 A US 201113010072A US 2011174432 A1 US2011174432 A1 US 2011174432A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- waist region
- pant
- absorbent article
- disposed
- fastening component
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
- A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
- A61F13/496—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers in the form of pants or briefs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
- A61F13/15699—Forming webs by bringing together several webs, e.g. by laminating or folding several webs, with or without additional treatment of the webs
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1051—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina by folding
Abstract
An absorbent article is provided that comprises a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a first fastening component comprising a first fastening surface and a first attachment surface. The first attachment surface is disposed on the interior surface or the exterior surface of the absorbent article in the front waist region. The absorbent article comprises a second fastening component comprising a second fastening surface. The second fastening component is disposed on or forms a portion of the same surface of the absorbent article on which the first attachment surface is disposed. The initial waist opening circumference formed by the first and second permanent side edge seams is configured to be opened. The first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are configured to be refastenably engaged and separated with each other.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/296,686, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, and 61/296,679, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, the substances of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles and methods for manufacturing the same, and more particularly relates to refastenable and disposable absorbent articles and methods of manufacturing the same.
- Many refastenable pull-on disposable absorbent articles, such as pants or diapers, for example, are provided to a consumer with fastening components initially engaged. In such structures, where first and second fasteners or a first fastener and a second fastener, for example, are initially engaged, the fastening components may form a pant comprising two side seams, a waist opening, and two leg openings. Consumers generally prefer that the side seams of the pant be easily openable and reliably recloseable. Initially engaged fastening components, if designed to deliver a low initial opening force, may also have a low subsequent opening force after reclosing of the side seams. The side seam reopening force of an opened and reclosed side seam (i.e., fasteners) is likely to require a lower force than the initial opening force. Pants with a low subsequent side seam opening force may lead to poor side seam strength and a less secure closure, since the same fasteners provide not only the initial, preferably low opening force, but also must provide adequate side seam strength after refastening. What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing.
- In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a first fastening component comprising a first fastening surface and a first attachment surface. The first attachment surface is disposed on the interior surface or the exterior surface of the absorbent article in the front waist region. The absorbent article comprises a second fastening component comprising a second fastening surface. The second fastening component is disposed on or forms a portion of the same surface of the absorbent article on which the first attachment surface is disposed. The initial waist opening circumference formed by the first and second permanent side edge seams is configured to be opened. The first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are configured to be refastenably engaged and separated with each other.
- The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- In the drawing and in the written description, lowercase letters appended to reference numerals indicate generally symmetric elements, e.g., left and right symmetric elements may be respectively identified by the reference numerals 1 a and 1 b. A reference numeral without an appended lowercase letter identifies all of the elements to which that particular reference numeral applies, unless otherwise indicated herein. In some instances herein, symmetric elements are referred to without using such elements, e.g., 1 a and 1 b.
- Common elements of various figures may not be numbered in all figures for simplicity. Applicants reserve the right to rely on the specification and other figures of the specification for support. While common numbers may be used to denote particular elements in various figures, it will be understood that although an element has as a common number, the element could be an alternative embodiment (i.e., the same number does not necessarily mean the element is the same, although the element could be the same).
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. InFIG. 1 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 , taken along line B-B in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pant formed from the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 joined by permanent side edge seams in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a pant being worn about a lower torso of a wearer in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the pant ofFIG. 4 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of the pant ofFIG. 4 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a right side elevation view of the pant ofFIG. 4 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pant joined by a permanent side edge seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in a flat, uncontracted state and configured to be formed into a pant comprising an overlap seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of the simplified absorbent article ofFIG. 9 partially formed into the pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 11 is a top view of the simplified absorbent article ofFIG. 9 formed into the pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a top view of the simplified pant ofFIG. 11 with separation zones separated and in a flat, uncontracted state in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a top view of the simplified pant ofFIG. 12 with the separation zones separated and first fastening components refastened to a second fastening component that is a part of, formed with, disposed on, or attached to a portion of front waist region of the pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. InFIG. 14 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. -
FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 14 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 14 , taken along line B-B in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pant formed with an overlap seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the pant ofFIG. 16 , taken along line D-D in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a top view of a pant formed with an overlap seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 19 is a top view of the pant ofFIG. 18 with the separation zones separated and the closure bonds broken. A first side of the pant is unfastened, while the second side of the pant is refastened to a front waist region of the pant. -
FIG. 20 is a top view of a pant formed with an overlap seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 21 is a top view of the pant ofFIG. 20 with the separation zones separated and the closure bonds broken. A first side of the pant is unfastened, while the second side of the pant is refastened to a front waist region of the pant. -
FIG. 22 is top view of a pant formed with an overlap seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. -
FIG. 23 is a top view of the pant ofFIG. 22 with the separation zones separated and the closure bonds broken. A first side of the pant is unfastened, while the second side of the pant is refastened to a front waist region of the pant. -
FIGS. 24-28 c illustrate equipment used to make the absorbent articles of the present disclosure in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments. - Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
- In this description, the following terms generally have the following meanings:
- The term “absorbent article” refers to a device that is placed against or in proximity to a body of a wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Example absorbent articles may comprise diapers, training pants, pants, pull-on pant-type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and related articles.
- The term “fastening component” refers to the fastening element or elements that define an area of refastenable attachment. The fastening components enable refastening of the absorbent article to reconfigure the waist and leg openings into a closed configuration until the fastening components are separated. A fastening component may comprise of one or more refastenable fastening elements, e.g., hooks, loops, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, buttons, snaps, refastenable cohesives, selective refastenable adhesives, etc. A fastening component may be opened and subsequently re-closed, reliably, without destroying the fastening component. A fastening component comprises those elements of a fastening system that form the area of attachment via direct surface-to-surface contact forming a refastenable closure. For the purpose of clarity, surface-to-surface contact encompasses contact between a surface of a hook material and a surface of as loop material, for example. For instance, a tab member joined to a backsheet would not be a fastening member as discussed. The fastening component may be the hooks or the loops that are joined to the tab and connect with the other fastening components or a portion of an absorbent article.
- The term “initial waist opening circumference” refers to the circumference of a waist opening of the disposable training pant at the time the disposable training pant is placed in the package and, subsequently, when it is removed from the package by the consumer.
- The term “lateral” refers to a direction running from a side edge to an opposing side edge of the absorbent article and generally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction. Directions within ±45° of the lateral direction are considered to be “lateral”.
- The term “longitudinal” refers to a direction running from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the absorbent article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within ±45° of the longitudinal direction are considered to be “longitudinal”.
- The term “pant” (also referred to as “disposable training pant,” “training pant,” and “pull-on pant-type diaper”) refers to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant, child, or adult wearers (hereafter “wearer”). A pant may be configured with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous or closed leg opening prior to the pant being applied to the wearer. A pant may be pre-formed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the absorbent article using any refastenable and/or permanent closure member(s) (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant may be preformed anywhere along its circumference in the waist region (e.g., side fastened, front waist fastened, rear waist fastened). Example pants and pant configurations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No, 2003/0233082.
- The term “secondary waist opening circumference” refers to the circumference of the waist opening of the pant after the initial waist opening circumference has been broken and the pant has been refastened.
- The term “side edge seam” refers to a given side edge wherein a portion of the side edge, or region adjacent the side edge, in the front waist region is joined to a portion of the same side edge, or region adjacent the side edge, in the rear waist region to define closed, encircled leg openings and a closed waist opening. Because the side edge seam is closed with a permanent closure member, it cannot be opened without causing the permanent closure member to fail (i.e., the permanent closure member cannot again be reliably closed).
- To improve the overall functionality of a refastenable side seam pant, it may be desirable to make the initial opening force and the opening force after refastening or re-closing the pant independent of each other. Stated another way, separate closure or fastening members may be used to create an initial waist opening circumference and a second waist opening circumference (refastened). Having fastening components initially disposed in a non-engaged orientation when the initial waist opening circumference is formed makes the initial opening force of the initial waist opening circumference independent of the opening force of the second waist opening circumference once the pant has been refastened or re-closed. If the fastening components are not initially engaged, the initial opening force may be controlled independently of the fastening components.
- In one embodiment, the initial opening force may be a function of the strength of a separation zone defined in the pant. Since the initial opening force is independent of the subsequent opening force after refastening, a high subsequent opening force may be delivered thereby providing a more secure and stable side seam closure after refastening of the side seam. In addition, a pant that has permanent side seams as the structural elements that define the side seams, the waist opening, and the leg openings tend to deliver more robust and reliable side seams. In one embodiment, the permanent side seams may be formed using bonding, such as thermal bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding, for example, or may alternatively be formed using adhesives, permanent cohesives, or other suitable bonding or closure devices.
- In one embodiment, both of the fastening components (i.e., first fastening component and second fastening component) of each side seam may be disposed or formed with in the front waist region of a pant to improve access to the fastening components. It is noted that the second fastening component may merely be disposed on or form a portion of the front waist region, to which the first fastening component is disposed. Improving access to the fastening components by placing the first and second fasting components in the front waist region may make opening and refastening of the pant significantly easier for a caregiver and allow front waist region to front waist region fastening, making the pant changing or pant checking process easier for the caregiver when the wearer is standing in front of the caregiver (e.g., face-to-face) or when the wearer is laying on his or her back. In addition, fastening of the fastening components in the front waist region of a pant or diaper is also familiar to caregiver since this is similar to tape-style diapers.
- In one embodiment, both of the fastening components may also be disposed on the same surface of the pant. In one embodiment, the fastening components may both be disposed on or formed with an exterior surface or a garment-facing surface of the pant thereby making both of the fastening components readily recognizable for the caregiver, thereby making a pant change or pant check faster and easier for the caregiver.
- These pull-on training pants have proven to be particularly desirable and useful products for wearers, such as children in the potty training stage, for example. Such pants generally comprise an absorbent chassis comprising a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent chassis and the side panels (when present) may be pre-closed to form an initial waist opening circumference and two initial leg opening circumferences.
- Some pants have permanent side seams, or seams that cannot be refastened once broken, forming the leg opening circumferences and the waist opening circumference. Such permanent seams are generally pre-closed to provide a pant that looks like underwear and may be applied like underwear (i.e., slid up the legs of a wearer and into position around the wearer's waist region). Pants with permanent side seams, however, may require a separate element, for disposal of the pants, such as a disposal tape positioned on the external surface of the pants (such that the pant can be wrapped up and disposed of). Other pants have non-permanent side seams and are refastenable thereby allowing a caregiver to open and close the waist and leg openings of the pants similar to a traditional tape-style diaper.
- The ability to open and refasten the pants offers convenience to the caregiver. For instance, it might be more convenient to apply the pants as a traditional tape-style diaper when away from home or when it is inconvenient to remove the clothing and/or shoes of the wearer. Because it is difficult to predict when the wearer will need to be changed and, therefore, when a particular mode of application will be needed, it would be beneficial to provide a pant that is adaptable to being applied either as a traditional tape-style diaper or as a disposable training pant. In addition, a product that may be applied like a traditional tape-style diaper or a disposable training pant also permits inspection of the interior of the product without having to slide the product down the legs of the wearer. The pants of the present disclosure provide dual functionality with regard to application and removal while enabling the easy wrapping up and disposal of the used pants.
- Further to the above, some related art pants may be easier for a wearer to remove than the pant of the present disclosure. In related art pants, the overlap of the two portions that refasten the pants about the side seams often creates a flap that the wearer may grasp and pull to remove the pants at an undersirable time. Because this flap generally runs from the waist region to the leg openings, its length allows the wearer to easily remove the pant regardless of the wearer's dexterity. And, because the closure of the flap creates the initial waist opening circumference of the training pant, once opened, the pant may fall off of the wearer.
- To alleviate some of the problems of the related art pants, the present disclosure, in part, teaches a pant that minimizes the opportunity given to a wearer to remove the pant while still offering refastenable convenience to the caregiver. The pant of the present disclosure comprises an opening and re-closure system that require greater dexterity to open owing at least to the location of the opening and closure system on the pant. In one embodiment, the pant may comprise one or more permanent side seams which form the absorbent article into the pant with pre-closed waist and leg openings and fastening components that enable ease of re-closing and disposal of the pant. In one embodiment, the opening and re-closure system may be oriented so that the closure member is unapparent to the wearer. Further, if the wearer does open the fastening components of the refastenabie closure system, the pant will not fall off since the fastening components do not, in their initial non-engaged position, form the initial waist opening circumference and leg opening circumferences. As a result, the pant of the present disclosure allows the caregiver to decide in what manner the pant will be applied to the wearer (as a pant or as a traditional tape-style diaper). Further, the caregiver receives the added security that the pant may not be easily removed by the wearer. Therefore, creating a pant with the flexibility to apply as a traditional tape-style diaper or a pant and with the aesthetics and appearance of underwear provides the best overall experience for the wearer and the caregiver.
- The various components used to form various example pants of the present disclosure will now be described in greater detail.
- In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent chassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or elastic strands. In various embodiments, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exampleabsorbent article 10 is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant. Theabsorbent article 10 may be formed into apant 20 shown inFIGS. 3 and 8 , for example. Various suitable configurations ofpant 20 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, and U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos. 2003/0233082, 2003/0088220, 2003/0233082, 2005/0215971, 2005/0215970, 2007/0078427, 2007/0093769, 2007/0074381, 2007/0078426, 2007/0078427, 2007/0093769, and 2008/0107861. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , one end portion of theabsorbent article 10 may be configured as afront waist region 36 and the longitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as aback waist region 38. An intermediate portion of theabsorbent article 10 extending longitudinally between thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 may be configured as acrotch region 37. In one embodiment, although not illustrated as such, the length of each of thefront waist region 36, theback waist region 38 and thecrotch region 37 may be about ⅓ of the length of theabsorbent article 10, for example. In other embodiments, the length of each of thefront waist region 36, theback waist region 38, and thecrotch region 37 may have other dimensions. In various embodiments, theabsorbent article 10 may have a laterally extending frontwaist end edge 136 in thefront waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending backwaist end edge 138 in theback waist region 38. - In one embodiment, still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , achassis 100 of theabsorbent article 10 may comprise a first longitudinally extendingside edge 137 a and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extendingside edge 137 b. Both of the side edges 137 may extend longitudinally between the frontwaist end edge 136 and the backwaist end edge 138. Thechassis 100 may form a portion of the laterally extending frontwaist end edge 136 in thefront waist region 36 and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and laterally extending backwaist end edge 138 in theback waist region 38. Furthermore, thechassis 100 may comprise aninterior surface 102, anexterior surface 104, alongitudinal axis 42, and alateral axis 44. Thelongitudinal axis 42 may extend through a midpoint of the frontwaist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of the backwaist end edge 138, while thelateral axis 44 may extend through a midpoint of thefirst side edge 137 a and through a midpoint of thesecond side edge 137 b. - In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole
absorbent article 10 may be made to be laterally extensible. The extensibility of theabsorbent article 10 may be desirable in order to allow theabsorbent article 10 to conform to a body of a wearer during movement by the wearer. The extensibility may also be desirable, for example, in order to allow the caregiver to extend thefront waist region 36, theback waist region 38, thecrotch region 37, and/or thechassis 100 to provide additional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor theabsorbent article 10 to the individual wearer. Such extension may provide theabsorbent article 10 with a generally hourglass shape, so long as thecrotch region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser degree than thewaist regions 36 and/or 38. This extension may also impart a tailored appearance to theabsorbent article 10 during use. - In one embodiment, again referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theabsorbent article 10 may comprise atopsheet 81. Thetopsheet 81 may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and may be elastically stretchable in one or more directions. Further, thetopsheet 81 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. Various topsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic material, for example, which is configured to draw bodily fluids into an absorbent core of thechassis 100 when these fluids are expelled from the body. Asuitable topsheet 81 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, apertured nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example. Suitable apertured films may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539. Apertured film topsheets typically may be pervious to bodily exudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example, wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for example, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If thetopsheet 81 comprises fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed, for example, as is generally known in the art. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 3 and 8 , for example, theabsorbent article 10 may comprise abacksheet 83. InFIGS. 3 and 8 , theabsorbent article 10 is shown formed into apant 20. Thebacksheet 83 may be impervious, or at least partially impervious, to fluids or body exudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. Thebacksheet 83 may prevent the body exudates or fluids absorbed and contained in an absorbent core of theabsorbent article 10 from wetting articles which contact theabsorbent article 10, such as bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/or undergarments, for example, when formed into thepant 20. Thebacksheet 83 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-120 and BR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under the designation XP-39385. In one embodiment, thebacksheet 83 may be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, thebacksheet 83 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core of the absorbent article 10 (i.e., thebacksheet 83 is breathable) while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids or body exudates from passing through thebacksheet 83. In one embodiment, the size of thebacksheet 83 may be dictated by the size of theabsorbent article 10 and the design or configuration of thepant 20 to be formed, for example. - In various embodiments, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theabsorbent article 10 may comprise anabsorbent core 200 that is disposed between thetopsheet 81 and thebacksheet 83. Theabsorbent core 200 may comprise a laterally extendingfront edge 236 in thefront waist region 36, a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending backedge 238 in theback waist region 38, a first longitudinally extendingside edge 237 a, and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extendingside edge 237 b. Both of the side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between thefront edge 236 and theback edge 238. In one embodiment, more than oneabsorbent core 200 or more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in anabsorbent article 10, for example. Theabsorbent core 200 may be any suitable size or shape that is compatible with theabsorbent article 10. Example absorbent structures for use as theabsorbent core 200 of the present disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678, 4,673,402, 4,888,231, and 4,834,735. - In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the cellulosic airfelt material as determined by weight. Additionally, such an absorbent core may be primarily comprised of an absorbent gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100% as determined by weight, Furthermore, a portion of the absorbent core may comprise a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,335, 5,562,646, 5,669,894, 6,790,798, and 7,521,587 and in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2004/0158212.
- In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thechassis 100 of theabsorbent article 10 may comprise longitudinally extending and laterally opposing leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b that are disposed on the interior surface of thechassis 100 that faces inwardly toward the wearer and contacts the wearer. The leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b may comprise one or more elastic gathering members 159 disposed at or adjacent the proximal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs 147. In addition, to the elastic gathering members 159 the leg cuff may also comprise one or more elastic strands 168 disposed at or adjacent the distal edge 139 of one or both of the leg cuffs 147. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise several embodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in the leg regions. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 are sometimes referred to as leg bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs.) Suitable elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and 4,909,803, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs 147 may be formed by folding portions of thechassis 100 laterally inward, i.e., toward thelongitudinal axis 42, to form both therespective leg cuffs 147 and the side edges 137 of thechassis 100. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers to thechassis 100 at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137 a and 137 b of thechassis 100. In one embodiment, thechassis 100 may also comprise other elastics 141 disposed adjacent the side edges 137 which may cause thepant 20 to form into a “U” shape when allowed to relax thereby pulling theinterior surface 102 of thefront waist region 36 toward theinterior surface 102 of theback waist region 38. - In one embodiment, again referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , eachleg cuff 147 may comprise aproximal edge edges longitudinal axis 42 compared todistal edges absorbent core 200, i.e., theproximal edges absorbent core 200. Such an overlapped configuration may be desirable in order to impart a more finished appearance to theabsorbent article 10 than that imparted by a non-overlapped configuration. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may not overlap theabsorbent core 200. - In one embodiment, still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , eachleg cuff 147 may be attached to theinterior surface 102 of thechassis 100 in a leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the frontwaist end edge 136 and in a longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the backwaist end edge 138. In one embodiment, between the leg cuff attachment zones, the proximal edge 157 of theleg cuff 147 remains free, i.e., not attached to theinterior surface 102 of thechassis 100 or to theabsorbent core 200. Also, between the longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zones, eachleg cuff 147 may comprise one or more (specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff 147) longitudinally extensible cuff elastic gathering members 159 that may be disposed at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of theleg cuff 147 by any suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or over only a portion of the leg cuff's length. For example, such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be attached only at or near the leg cuff's longitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the middle of the leg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be disposed in thecrotch region 37 and may extend into one or both of thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38. For example, in theexemplary chassis 100 shown inFIG. 2 , an elastic gathering member 159 may be attached at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of each of the leg cuffs 147 and extends into both thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38. - In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member 159 may be enclosed inside a folded hem 170 for example. In various embodiments, the cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be sandwiched between two layers forming the
leg cuff 147, by two layers of thechassis 100, or may be attached on a surface of thechassis 100 or theleg cuff 147 and remain exposed. - In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic gathering member 159 disposed adjacent to each leg cuff's proximal edge 157 allows the leg cuff proximal edge 157 to extend to the flat uncontracted length of the
chassis 100, e.g., the length of thechassis 100, as shown inFIG. 1 . When allowed to relax, the cuff elastic gathering member 159 contracts to pull thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 toward each other and, thereby, bend thepant 20 into a “U” shape in which the interior of the “U” shape may be formed by the portions of thepant 20 that are intended to be placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface 102). Because each of the proximal edges 157 remains free between the longitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive force of the elastic gathering member 159 may lift the proximal edge 157 of theleg cuff 147 away from theinterior surface 102 of thechassis 100. This lifting of the proximal edges 157 when thepant 20 is in the relaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs 147 into a position to serve as side barriers to prevent, or at least inhibit, leakage of bodily exudates. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 2 , one or more (specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff 147)elastic strands chassis 100 or the distal edge 139 of theleg cuff 147. When allowed to relax, theelastic strands chassis 100 and/or distal edges 139 of theleg cuff 147 to form side barriers and function as a second barrier to leakage of bodily exudates (e.g., urine and fecal waste). - In various embodiments, the
leg cuff 147 may be formed into a cuff flap 631 and a side barrier 633. Particularly, a side barrier attachment zone 630 may be oriented between the elastic gathering member 159 and elastic strands 168. The placement of sidebarrier attachment zones longitudinal axis 42 may have a direct and coupled effect on the depth of cuff flaps 631 a and 631 b and the size of the side barriers 633 a and 633 b. For example, as illustrated byFIG. 2 , when the side barrier attachment zone 630 is moved laterally inward, the depth of the cuff flaps 631 may decrease and the size of the side barrier 633 may increase. Conversely, when the side barrier attachment zone 630 is moved laterally outward, the depth of the cuff flaps 631 may increase and the size of the side barriers 633 may decrease. The depth and/or size of the cuff flaps 631 and side barriers 633 may be adjusted for various applications to provide enhanced functionality. In one such embodiment, it has been found that reduced depth cuff flaps 631 and larger side barriers 633 provide better application ease with regard to a pull-on pant-style application. This configuration may increase the size of the leg opening enabling the wearer to step into thediaper 20 more easily. In another embodiment, it has been found that increasing the depth of the cuff flaps 631 and reducing the size of the side barriers 633 may provide improved leakage protection and increased perception of capacity. - For embodiments wherein the leg cuffs 147 are formed by attaching additional layers to the
chassis 100 at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137 a and 137 b of thechassis 100, the one or moreelastic strands backsheet 83 and leg cuff 147). - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 3 and 8 , thepant 20 formed from theabsorbent article 10 may comprise anelasticized waistband 82. - In one embodiment, the
elasticized waistband 82 may provide improved fit and containment and may be configured to elastically expand and contract laterally to dynamically fit a wearer's waist. Theelasticized waistband 82 may extend longitudinally outwardly from the waist edge of thepant 20 toward the waist edge of theabsorbent core 200. In one embodiment, thepant 20 may have twoelasticized waistbands 82, one positioned in theback waist region 38 and one positioned in thefront waist region 36, although other pant embodiments may be constructed with a singleelasticized waistband 82. Theelasticized waistband 82 may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092. - In one embodiment, the
elasticized waistbands 82 may comprise materials that have been “prestrained” or “mechanically prestrained” (i.e., subjected to some degree of localized pattern mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the material). The materials may be prestrained using suitable deep embossing techniques. In other embodiments, the materials may be prestrained by directing the material through an incremental mechanical stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,458. The materials may then be allowed to return to their substantially untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretch material that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretching. Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,075,189, 3,025,199, 4,107,364, 4,209,563, 4,834,741, and 5,151,092, - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theabsorbent article 10 may comprise side panels 189 attached at or adjacent the side edges 137 of thechassis 100 in one or both of thefront waist region 36 and/or theback waist region 38. In various embodiments, each side panel 189 may either be a discrete separate element affixed to thechassis 100 or may comprise a unitary piece of material that is neither divided nor discontinuous with an element of thechassis 100, for example, a backsheet, a topsheet, or as leg cuff. In various embodiments, a pair of laterally opposed side panels 189 may be attached adjacent the laterally opposing side edges 137 a and 137 b of thechassis 100 in thefront waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposing pair of side panels 189 may be attached at or adjacent the laterally opposing side edges 137 a and 137 b of thechassis 100 in theback waist region 38. The side panels 189 in thefront waist region 36 may have the same lateral extent from the side edge 137 of thechassis 100 to the distal edge (also indicated as 137 a and 137 b) of each side panel 189 as the longitudinally opposed side panels 189 in theback waist region 38 or, alternatively, the side panels 189 disposed in thefront waist region 36 may have different lateral extents as measured from the side edges 137 of thechassis 100 to the distal edge of the side panel 189 than the side panels 189 disposed in theback waist region 38. When side panels 189 are present, the distal edges 137 of the side panels 189 form a portion of the side edge 137 or theabsorbent article 10. In various embodiments, the side panels 189 may comprise a first nonwoven material layer 191, an elastomeric film layer 193, and a second nonwoven material layer 195. The film layer 193 may be disposed intermediate, or at least partially intermediate, the first nonwoven material layer 191 and the second nonwoven material layer 195. - In one embodiment, the side panels 189 may be substantially rectangular in shape or may be shaped in such a way as to provide an integral tab for ease of opening and refastening to create the secondary
waist opening circumference 61. The side panels 189 may be extensible or elastically extensible in the lateral direction and/or the longitudinal direction, for example. In various embodiments, the side panels 189 may comprise an elastomeric film, such a nonwoven, or a combination of film and nonwoven. In one embodiment, the side panels 189 may also comprise a plurality of strand-like filaments and a nonwoven material, for example. The strand-like filaments may be elastically extensible in at least the lateral direction, for example. Suitable elastomeric side panels and absorbent articles comprising such side panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,897, 5,899,895, 4,940,464, 5,246,433, 5,545,158, 5,591,155, 5,897,545. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 3 and 8 , thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 of theabsorbent article 10 may be joined together to form thepant 20 having an initialwaist opening circumference 160 and twoleg opening circumferences 62. The joining of thefront waist region 36 with theback waist region 38 may comprise side edge seams 51 a and 51 b. Such side edge seams 51 may be formed where the front andback waist regions interior surface 102 of thefront waist region 36 faces theexterior surface 104 of theback waist region 38 in a face-to-face relationship, e.g., in a so-called overlap seam attachment. Such side edge seams 51 are shown inFIGS. 3 and 8 , for example. Afinger tab 72 extending outwardly from theside edge seam 51 or bond forming theside edge seam 51 may be folded laterally inward towards either thefront waist region 36 and/or theback waist region 38. Both of the side edge seams 51 may be pre-closed, meaning that the side edge seams 51 are closed prior to removal of thepant 20 from its package and, therefore, prior to being donned on the wearer. The initialwaist opening circumference 160 and theleg opening circumferences 62 may be opened atpredetermined separation zones 59, as described in further detail herein. In one embodiment, once broken, the side edge seams 51 may not be able to be re-closed to form a secondary waist opening circumference and secondary leg opening circumferences without the use of thefirst fastening components 53. - In one embodiment, the bonds of the side edge seams 51 may comprise permanent suitable bonds that are appropriate for the specific materials employed in construction of the
pant 20. Suitable bond types may comprise discrete bonds, such as sonic sealed bonds, heat sealed bonds, high pressure bonds, radio frequency bonds, adhesive or cohesive bonds, sewed bonds, autogeneous bonds, and combinations thereof, for example. In various embodiments, the permanent side edge seams 51 may be joined by a predetermined pattern of heat/pressure or ultrasonic welds that are able to withstand the forces and stresses exacted onto the side edge seams 51 during application and wear of thepant 20. The permanent side edge seams 51 may be formed as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,831, 5,772,825, 5,607,537, 5,622,589, 5,662,638, 6,042,673, and 6,726,792, for example. The aforementioned patents also disclose various processing methods to produce pants. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 1-8 , thepant 20 of the present disclosure may comprise the side edge seam 51 (e.g., permanent bonds) that may form the initialwaist opening circumference 160, afirst fastening component 53 disposed at or adjacent to theside edge seam 51, asecond fastening component 55 disposed in the area defined between thefirst fastening component 53 and thelongitudinal axis 42. The first andsecond fastening components exterior surface 104 or interior surface 102) and/or in the same waist region (i.e.,front waist region 36 or back waist region 38) of thepant 20. In one embodiment, aseparation zone 59 a may be disposed in thesame waist region 36 as thefirst fastening component 53 a and aseparation zone 59 b may be disposed in thesame waist region 36 as thefirst fastening component 59 b. In one embodiment, thesecond fastening component 55 may not be a specific distinct element and may form a portion of one or both of the interior or exterior surface of thepant 20, e.g., a portion of thebacksheet 83, such that thefirst fastening component 53 may be attached to the portion of thepant 20 formed by thesecond fastening component 55. In one embodiment, the first andsecond fastening components - In one embodiment, the first and/or the
second fastening components absorbent article 10 or thepant 20. The attachment surface may be used to attach the first and/orsecond fastening components chassis 100, a portion of thefront waist region 36, or another portion of theabsorbent article 10, for example. In one embodiment, thesecond fastening component 55 may not comprise an attachment surface as it may be integrally formed with or may be a portion of thefront waist region 36. In such an embodiment, thesecond fastening component 55 may still comprise a fastening surface, such that it can be attached to thefirst fastening component 53. - In one embodiment, the first and
second fastening components exterior surface 104 of theabsorbent article 10 in thefront waist region 36. In an alternative embodiment where theabsorbent article 10 comprises side panels 189, the first andsecond fastening components front waist region 36, for example. - In various embodiments, each of the
fastening components pant 20 at locations laterally inward from the side edges 137 a and 137 b, in thefront waist region 36. One or more of thefastening components pant 20 by any suitable methods, such as adhesive bonding, sonic bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding or combinations thereof, for example. - In one embodiment, the
first fastening component 53 and/or thesecond fastening component 55 may be made of a suitable releasably engageable fastener. For example, the first andsecond fastening components fastening components - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, theabsorbent article 10 may comprise one or morenon-engagement zones 54 disposed on or forming a portion of the same surface and in the same waist region as thefirst fastening components 53. In various embodiments, thenon-engagement zones 54 may be intended to prevent, or at least inhibit, thefirst fastening components 53 from becoming engaged with other elements of theabsorbent article 10 when packaged. In certain embodiments, thenon-engagement zones 54 may be in surface to surface contact with a fastening surface of thefirst fastening components 53 when thepant 20 is packaged. - In one embodiment, the
non-engagement zone 54 may be disposed laterally inward of thefirst fastening component 53 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thenon-engagement zone 54 may be disposed at or adjacent the permanentside edge seam 51. In various embodiments, thenon-engagement zones 54 may comprise a film, a sheet, a coating, or another material that does not attach to or engage with thefirst fastening components 53. Suitable non-engagement zone materials may comprise films of polyethylene or polypropylene, Teflon, latex, non-tack adhesives, selective adhesives, cohesives, and other materials that do not engage with thefirst fastening component 53. - In order to minimize the level of tensile force required to tear open or separate the
pant 20 at a predetermined location for removal from the wearer, aseparation zone 59 may be provided at or proximate to the side edge seams 51. Theseparation zone 59 may be located in the intact, initialwaist opening circumference 160 of thepant 20 in the same waist region as thefirst fastening component 53 and thesecond fastening component 55, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 and 5-8, for example. In an embodiment, a portion of theseparation zone 59 may be disposed laterally inward of thefirst fastening component 53. For embodiments comprising the first andsecond fastening components separation zone 59 may be disposed between the first andsecond fastening components second fastening components - In one embodiment, the
separation zone 59 may be located on thepant 20 in any manner that provides the desired functionality and ease of application and refastening. For example, aseparation zone 59 may be located laterally inward of the side edges 137 of theabsorbent article 10 in one or both of thefront waist region 36 and backwaist region 38. In various embodiments, theseparation zone 59 may be disposed adjacent to or be included in the area encompassed by thefastening components separation zone 59 may be disposed between thefirst fastening component 53 and thesecond fastening component 55. In other embodiments, a portion of theseparation zone 59 may be disposed laterally inward of the firstside edge seam 51 and thefirst fastening component 53 may be disposed between theside edge seam 51 and the first longitudinally extendingside edge 137 a, for example. In one embodiment, a portion of theseparation zone 59 may be disposed laterally inward of thefirst fastening component 53 or thefirst fastening component 53 may be disposed laterally inward of theseparation zone 59. In other embodiments, thefirst fastening component 53 may be disposed laterally between the first longitudinally extendingside edge 137 a and the firstside edge seam 51 a. - While the
separation zone 59 is illustrated as a dotted line in certain embodiments for simplicity, it will be understood that theseparation zone 59 may, in fact, be a “zone” having an area verses a line. Theseparation zone 59 may be any suitable size for a particular pant. In one embodiment, a caregiver may have an option of separating theseparation zone 59 at more than one place within theseparation zone 59, for example. - In one embodiment, the
separation zone 59 may be formed in a layer or a laminate of layers by any methods that encourage preferentially fracture or separation when stress is applied thereto. Theseparation zone 59 may also be formed by a variety of methods and may comprise a variety of patterns. In one embodiment, theseparation zone 59 may comprise a pattern providing greater strength in the cross-machine or lateral direction (CD) than the strength in the machine or longitudinal direction (MD), for example. This configuration may help to maintain a pant-like form during application and use, and yet provide the ease of opening to enable removal of thepant 20 or enable application as a traditional tape-style diaper rather than a pant. In other embodiments, theseparation zone 59 may not comprised a weakened area, but instead, the area of thepant 10 surrounding theseparation zone 59 may comprise a strengthened area, for example in such an embodiment, the transition between the strengthened area and the adjacent area may form an area of stress concentration which can be utilized to help propagate the separation of theseparation zone 59. - In one embodiment, each of the laterally opposing
separation zones 59 may comprise laterally opposing separation zone edges that may be formed in one of thewaist regions first fastening components 53. En such an embodiment, the separation zone edges may intersect with the frontwaist end edge 136 laterally inboard the side edge 137 and may intersect the side edge 137 of theabsorbent article 10 at the margin of eachleg opening 62. In other embodiments, the separation zone edges may also be disposed in other locations on theabsorbent article 10. For example, if the separation zone edges continued generally linearly toward thelateral axis 44, continuous portions of thepant 20 may remain in place around the legs of the wearer. When the separation zone edges are shaped to intersect the margins of therespective leg opening 62 as described above, tearing or separating thepant 20 at both of the laterally opposing separation zone edges may release thepant 20 from the waist and both legs of the wearer. In one embodiment, theseparation zone 59 may comprise a first separation zone edge extending from the waist opening of theabsorbent article 10 to one of the leg openings of theabsorbent article 10, and a second separation zone edge extending from the waist opening of theabsorbent article 10 to the laterally opposing leg openings of theabsorbent article 10. In various embodiments, the first and second separation zone edges and may be linear, non-linear, parallel, or non-parallel. - In one embodiment, the
separation zone 59 may comprises a bond, such as a sonic sealed bond, a thermal sealed bond, a high pressure bond, a radio frequency bond, an adhesive bond, a cohesive bond, a sewed bond, an autogenous bond, and a combination thereof, for example. In such embodiments, the bond area may form an area of increased strength forming an area of stress concentration immediately adjacent. This area of stress concentration may help enable separation of the separation zone. In an alternative embodiment, the bond can be separated (not illustrated) to create the separation zone. - In one embodiment, the initial
waist opening circumference 160 is configured to be opened by separating a first portion of theseparation zone 59 from a second portion of theseparation zone 59. The separation of the first portion of theseparation zone 59 from the second portion of theseparation zone 59 may create linear or non-linear separation edges through, or at least partially through, theseparation zone 59. - In certain embodiments, a separation zone locator or visual signal comprising one or more structural, graphical or textural elements may be provided so a caregiver can clearly distinguish the
separation zone 59 from the remainder of thepant 20. For example, a separation zone locator may be printed at or adjacent to theseparation zone 59. In such an embodiment, the presence of the visible separation zone locator may prove helpful to the caregiver in locating theseparation zone 59 for use in removal of thepant 20. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIG. 8 , afinger tab 72 may be disposed at or adjacent theside edge seam 51 allowing the caregiver to use thefinger tab 72 to release thefirst fastening component 53 from theexterior surface 104 of the pant 20 (in one embodiment, by breaking the closure bond) and, subsequently, to break theseparation zone 59. Thefinger tab 72 may be disposed adjacent thefirst fastening component 53 and extend beyond the side edge 137 of thepant 20. In other embodiments, thefinger tab 72 may form a portion of the surface on which thefirst fastening component 53 is disposed. - Accordingly, the
finger tab 72 may be partially aligned with theseparation zone 59 as shown inFIG. 8 . It should be appreciated, however, that thetab 72 may alternatively be positioned and arranged in any alternative manner that facilitates intentional opening of theseparation zone 59. For instance, thetab 72 may extend substantially along the entire length of theseparation zone 59. Thetab 72 may be configured to be grasped by a caregiver when applying an opening or releasing force to thefirst fastening component 53 and theseparation zone 59 in order to sever the initialwaist opening circumference 160 andleg opening circumferences 62 to remove thepant 20 from the wearer. Thetab 72 may also provide a visual grasping point and greater leverage for the caregiver to open thefirst fastening components 53 and sever theseparation zone 59 and, in some embodiments, the closure bond. - In one embodiment, the
tab 72 may comprise any suitable indicia that can be printed on the exposed surface of the tab 72 (i.e., the surface that is visible when thepant 20 is being worn). Alternatively, the indicia may be disposed on an auxiliary layer that is affixed to thetab 72, for example. Accordingly, the indicia may be visible to a caregiver who wishes to remove thepant 20 from the wearer. - In one embodiment, suitable indicia may comprise graphics, writings, (e.g., “pull here” or “open here” or other suitable language that communicates the use of the tab 72), regions that are colored differently than surrounding
pant 20 components, such as thechassis 100, and combinations thereof that increase the visibility and intuitive use of thetab 72. Furthermore, thefinger tab 72, thefirst fastening component 53, thenon-engagement zone 54, thesecond fastening component 55, and theseparation zone 59 may comprise distinctively different colors, patterns, characters, or carry other identifying indicia that provides contrast between the various components, thereby increasing their visibility and communicating their intuitive use to the caregiver. In various embodiments, the indicia may comprise pictorial symbols, photographs, drawings, cartoons, and logos, for example. Theindicia 76 may also comprise a single icon or a series of the same or different icons. Graphics other than the images described above may be used to attract a caregiver's attention and indicate a gripping location, as described in U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos. 2006/0212010 and 2006/0212018, for example. - As described above, the
separation zone 59 may be configured to be broken, separated, or severed, such that the caregiver may easily separate a portion of thefront waist region 36 from itself or may separate a portion of theback waist region 38 from itself to inspect thepant 20 for soiling or to initially apply thepant 20 in a traditional tape-style diaper fashion, if desired, and also to remove thepant 20 from the wearer after it has been soiled. In one embodiment, theseparation zone 59 may have an opening force of less than about 5000 grams, less than about 4000 grams, or less than about 3000 grams such that the caregiver can choose to break theseparation zone 59 and remove thepant 20. Alternatively, theseparation zone 59 may be left intact allowing a caregiver or a wearer to slide down thepant 20 from the waist and legs similar to conventional underwear, for example. - In one embodiment, the
separation zone 59 may comprise a notch or a notched portion (not illustrated). In one embodiment, the notch may help get the separation or tearing of the two separation zone edges in an area of theseparation zone 59, for example. In various embodiments, indicia or graphics may be oriented on a portion of the separation zone 59 (e.g., in the middle of the separation zone) such that the caregiver tears or separates the separation zone in that desired location. In such an embodiment, the separation may not be assisted by weakened areas, perforations, one material being positioned adjacent another material, etc. The resulting separation may be very rough, jagged, and/or unpredictable, for example. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 1-7 , when thepant 20 is worn on the lower torso of a wearer, the frontwaist end edge 136 and the backwaist end edge 138 of thechassis 100 may encircle a portion of the waist of the wearer, while at the same time the side edges 137 a and 137 b may encircle at least a portion of the legs of the wearer. At the same time, thecrotch region 37 may be generally positioned between the legs of the wearer and theabsorbent core 200 may extend from thefront waist region 36 through thecrotch region 37 to theback waist region 38. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 9-13 , 18, and 22, theabsorbent article 10 may be folded about alateral axis 44 to form apant 20 comprising overlap seams 58. Theabsorbent article 10 may comprise afront waist region 36 comprising a frontwaist end edge 136, aback waist region 38 comprising a backwaist end edge 138, one or morefirst fastening components 53, one or moresecond fastening components 54, one or morenon-engagement zones 54, optionally, one ormore closure bonds 56, and alongitudinal axis 42. In one embodiment, the one ormore closure bonds 56 may not be present until theabsorbent article 10 is folded about thelateral axis 44 and readied to be formed into thepant 20. In various embodiments, theabsorbent article 10 may comprise one or morefirst fastening components 53 disposed in a first waist region and may optionally comprise one or moresecond fastening components 55 disposed in the same waist region as thefirst fastening components 53. The one or moresecond fastening components 55 may be formed as a portion of the first waist region, formed integral with a portion of the first waist region, or attached to or disposed on a portion of the first waist region. In one embodiment, more than twosecond fastening components 55 may be provided along an area of the first waist region, for example. In various embodiments, thefirst fastening components 53 and thesecond fastening components 55 may be disposed in the same waist region (e.g., the first waist region 36) and on the same surface of the same waist region 36 (e.g., the exterior surface 104). - Now described is the progression of how the
absorbent article 10 may be formed into the pant 20 (i.e., steps taken by the manufacturer). In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 9 , a simplified version of theabsorbent article 10 is illustrated. While theabsorbent article 10 is illustrated as being comprised of a single panel, those of will in the art will recognize that theabsorbent article 10 may be comprised of multiple panels or components, such as topsheets, backsheets, containment regions, absorbent cores, leg cuffs, waistbands, elastics, and/or side panels, for example. The simplified version is illustrated merely for simplicity in the explanation of the progression of formation. To form thepant 20, first, theabsorbent article 10 is folded about thelateral axis 44 such that theinterior surface 102 of thefront waist region 36 is brought into a surface-to-surface facing position with theinterior surface 102 of theback waist region 38. In one embodiment, this configuration is illustrated inFIG. 10 . As can be seen, apermanent side seam 51 may be formed to create an overlap seam. The overlap permanentside edge seam 51 may be created by bringing a portion of theinterior surface 102 of thefront waist region 36 into a surface-to-surface orientation with a portion of theexterior surface 104 of theback waist region 38 as shown inFIG. 10 . Alternatively, the overlap permanentside edge seam 51 may be created by bringing a portion of theexterior surface 104 of thefront waist region 36 into a surface-to-surface orientation with a portion of theinterior surface 102 of theback waist region 38 as shown inFIG. 18 (see alsoFIGS. 1 and 2 ). In other embodiments, the overlap permanentside edge seam 51 may be created by bringing a portion of theinterior surface 102 of thefront waist region 36 into a surface-to-surface orientation with a portion of theinterior surface 102 of theback waist region 38 as shown inFIG. 22 . In one embodiment, the bond used to form thepermanent side seam 51 may be formed by various methods, such as adhesive bonding, permanent cohesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding or pressure bonding, for example. While in the configuration ofFIG. 10 , thefront waist region 36 is joined to theback waist region 38 via the overlap seams 58. Aseparation zone 59 may be formed between eachfirst fastening component 53 and each permanentside edge seam 51 in thefront waist region 36. Optionally, in the step illustrated inFIG. 10 , one ormore closure bonds 56 may be formed by various methods, such as adhesive bonding, cohesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding or pressure bonding, for example. Theclosure bond 56 may be disposed on theexterior surface 104 of thefront waist region 36 at or adjacent each side edge 137 and/or eachfirst fastening component 53. Next, still referring toFIG. 10 , the portions of theabsorbent article 10 comprising the overlap seams 58 and/or thefirst fastening components 53 can be folded laterally inward, in a direction toward thelongitudinal axis 42. In one embodiment, the closure bonds 56 may hold the folded over portion against theexterior surface 104 of thefront waist region 36 of thepant 20. In one embodiment, the fully formedpant 20 is illustrated inFIG. 10 . As can be seen inFIG. 10 , the fully formedpant 20 comprises an initialwaist opening circumference 160. In such an embodiment, thefirst fastening components 53 are not used to maintain or form the initialwaist opening circumference 160 and, in fact, are not fastenably engaged with thesecond fastening components 55 or other portions of thepant 20 although they may be in surface-to-surface contact with thenon-engagement zones 54. As discussed herein, thenon-engagement zones 54 prevent, or at least inhibit, thefirst fastening components 53 from fastening with a portion of thepant 20 when packaged in certain instances, the consumer (e.g., caregiver) would receive thepant 20 in the configuration illustrated inFIG. 10 . - In one embodiment, the caregiver, upon receipt of the
pant 20 or removal of thepant 20 from a package (thepant 20, in one embodiment, being in the configuration illustrated inFIG. 10 ), may decide to apply thepant 20 as a pull-on training pant or as a type-style diaper. To apply thepant 20 as a pull-on training pant, the caregiver may use thepant 20 like underwear and have the wearer place one foot in each leg openings and pull thepant 20 up to an area about the wearer's waist. In this configuration, thefirst fastening components 53 would not be fastenably engaged with a portion of thepant 20 or with thesecond fastening components 55. Instead, the overlap seam 58 would maintain the initialwaist opening circumference 160 around the wearer's waist. If the caregiver needs to check thepant 20 at any time during use by the wearer, the caregiver can pull on a portion of the pant adjacent the side edge 137 to separate or break theclosure bond 56 and then rotate the folded over portion away from thelongitudinal axis 42 thereby separating or tearing theseparation zone 59. In one embodiment, the separated or tornseparation zones 59 are illustrated inFIG. 11 . In various embodiments, one or more portions of thefront waist region 36 that have been separated from the remainder, central portion, of thefront waist region 36 may then be reattached to thefront waist region 36, similar to the example configuration illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 . When thepant 20 is in the configurations ofFIGS. 11 and 12 , the caregiver can check thepant 20 to determine if a pant change needs to be made. If a pant change does not need to be made, the caregiver can refasten thepant 20 by engaging thefirst fastening components 53 and thesecond fastening components 55 with each other to create a secondwaist opening circumference 61. One embodiment of such engagement is illustrated inFIG. 13 . In embodiments, where the separatesecond fastening components 55 are not provided, the caregiver may engage thefirst fastening components 53 with another portion of the front waist region 36 (e.g., the backsheet 83) forming thesecond fastening component 55. - In one embodiment, to apply the
pant 20 as a type-style diaper, the caregiver can pull on a portion of the pant adjacent the side edge 137 to separate or break theclosure bond 56 and rotate the folded over portion away from thelongitudinal axis 42 thereby separating or tearing theseparation zone 59. In one embodiment, this configuration is illustrated inFIG. 11 . Referring toFIG. 12 , thepant 20 may then be unfolded about thelateral axis 44. When thepant 20 is unfolded, in one embodiment, referring toFIG. 12 , one or more portions of thefront waist region 36 may remain attached to theback waist region 38. In this configuration thepant 20 can be applied to the wearer like a tape-style diaper. In one embodiment, the applied configuration is illustrated inFIG. 13 . InFIG. 13 , thefirst fastening components 53 are engaged with thesecond fastening components 55 or other portions of thefront waist region 36 to create a secondwaist opening circumference 61. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 14-17 , the laterally opposing permanent side seams 51 may be disposed at or adjacent the side edges 137 in one or bothwaist regions 36 and/or 38. In embodiments wherein the lateral extent of thefront waist region 36 is substantially equal to the lateral extent of theback waist region 38 during bonding of the permanent side edge seams 51, the permanent side edge seams 51 may be disposed at or adjacent the side edges 137 of theabsorbent article 10 in both the front andback waist regions absorbent article 10 is folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in thecrotch region 37 to bring thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 into an interior surface to interior surface, face to face orientation. The permanent side edge seams 51 may be formed by placing theinterior surface 102 of one of thewaist regions exterior surface 104 of the opposingwaist region waist regions first fastening component 53 may be applied to theabsorbent article 10 prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51. Thesecond fastening component 55 may also be applied prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51 or after forming the permanentside edge seam 51. In this embodiment, thefirst fastening component 53 and/or thenon-engagement zone 54 may be disposed at least partially within the permanentside edge seam 51 with the fastening surface of thefirst fastening component 53 in a face to face surface to surface orientation with thenon-engagement zone 54. When removed from the package, theabsorbent article 10 is in the form of thepant 20. The caregiver may apply theabsorbent article 10 to the wearer as a pant or as a tape-style diaper by first releasing thefirst fastening component 53 by separating thefront waist region 36 from theback waist region 38 by breaking the permanentside edge seam 51 thereby opening the initial waist opening circumference 160 (theclosure bond 56 if present may also be broken, for example), then placing theback waist region 38 of theabsorbent article 10 under the wearer and fastening thefirst fastening component 53 to thesecond fastening component 55, another portion of thefront waist region 36, or another portion of theabsorbent article 10 to re-close thepant 20 on the wearer. In one embodiment,FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of theabsorbent article 10 ofFIG. 14 , taken along line A-A. In one embodiment,FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of theabsorbent article 10 ofFIG. 14 , taken along line B-B. In one embodiment,FIG. 16 is a perspective view of thepant 20 formed with an overlap seam. In various embodiments,FIG. 16 may comprise various indicia orgraphics 76 to indicate to a caregiver where to land or fasten thefirst fastening component 53 to create the second waist opening circumference. In one embodiment, the indicia orgraphics 76 may be shaped to illustrate various waist circumferences, for example. In one embodiment,FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of thepant 20 ofFIG. 16 , taken along line D-D. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 18 and 19 , the laterally opposing permanent side seams 51 may be disposed at or adjacent the side edges 137 in one or bothwaist regions 36 and/or 38. In embodiments where the lateral extent of one of the front or backwaist regions waist region absorbent article 10 in onewaist region waist region absorbent article 10 is folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in thecrotch region 37 to bring thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 into an interior surface to interior surface, face to face orientation. The permanent side edge seams 51 may be formed by placing theinterior surface 102 of onewaist regions exterior surface 104 of the opposingwaist region waist regions first fastening component 53 may be applied to theabsorbent article 10 prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51. Thesecond fastening component 55 may also be applied prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51 or after forming the permanentside edge seam 51. In this embodiment, thefirst fastening component 53 and thenon-engagement zone 54 may be disposed adjacent the permanentside edge seam 51 with the fastening surface of thefirst fastening component 53 in a face to face, surface to surface orientation with thenon-engagement zone 54. When removed from the package, theabsorbent article 10 is in the form of thepant 20. The caregiver may apply thepant 20 to the wearer as a pant or as a tape-style diaper by first breaking the initialwaist opening circumference 160, releasing the first fastening component (by breaking theclosure bond 56 if present, for example), placing theback waist region 38 of theabsorbent article 10 under the wearer and fastening thefirst fastening component 53 to thesecond fastening component 53, to a portion of thefront waist region 36, or to another portion of theabsorbent article 10 to re-close thepant 10 about the waist of the wearer to form a second waist opening circumference. In one embodiment,FIG. 19 is illustrated with bothseparation zones 59 separated and a first side in the unattached configuration and a second side in the reattached configuration. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 20 and 21 , the lateral extent of theabsorbent article 10 in one of thewaist regions absorbent article 10 in the opposingwaist region waist regions waist region absorbent article 10 may be folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in thecrotch region 37 to bring the fromwaist region 36 and theback waist region 38 into an interior surface to interior surface, face to face orientation. In certain embodiments, a portion of thechassis 100 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 may be folded laterally inward thereby positioning the fastening surface of thefirst fastening component 53 in a face to face, surface to surface orientation with anon-engagement zone 54. The laterally inward folded portion of thechassis 100 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 and/or the permanentside edge seam 51 is releasably attached to theexterior surface 104 of theabsorbent article 10 to maintain the position of thefirst fastening component 53 until it is released by the caregiver (by breaking theclosure bond 56, for example). Subsequently, the permanent side edge seams 51 may be formed by bonding theinterior surface 102 of onewaist regions exterior surface 104 of the opposingwaist region first fastening component 53 may be applied to theabsorbent article 10 prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51. Thesecond fastening component 55 may also be applied prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51 or after forming the permanentside edge seam 51. When removed from the package, theabsorbent article 10 is in the form of thepant 20. The caregiver may apply thepant 20 to the wearer as a pant or alternatively the caregiver may apply theabsorbent article 10 as a tape-style diaper by first unfolding the laterally inwardly folded portion of the chassis 100 (breaking theclosure bond 56, for example), breaking the initialwaist opening circumference 160, placing theback waist region 38 of theabsorbent article 10 under the wearer and fastening thefirst fastening component 53 to the optionalsecond fastening component 55, to a portion of thefront waist region 36, or to another portion of theabsorbent article 10, thereby re-closing thepant 20 about the waist of the wearer to form a second waist opening circumference. In one embodiment,FIG. 21 is illustrated with bothseparation zones 59 separated and a first side in the unattached configuration and a second side in the reattached configuration. - In one embodiment, referring to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , the lateral extent of theabsorbent article 10 in one of thewaist regions absorbent article 10 in the opposingwaist region waist regions waist region absorbent article 10 may be folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in thecrotch region 37 to bring thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 into an interior surface to interior surface, face to face orientation. In certain embodiments, the portion of thechassis 100 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 may be folded laterally inward thereby positioning the fastening surface of thefirst fastening component 53 in a face to face, surface to surface orientation with anon-engagement zone 54. The laterally inward folded portion of thechassis 100 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 is releasably attached to theexterior surface 104 of theabsorbent article 10 to maintain the position of thefirst fastening component 53 until it is released by the caregiver (by breaking theclosure bond 56, for example). Subsequently, the permanent side edge seams 51 are formed by bonding theinterior surface 102 of onewaist regions interior surface 102 of the opposingwaist region first fastening component 53 may be applied to theabsorbent article 10 prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51. Thesecond fastening component 55 may also be applied prior to forming the permanentside edge seam 51 or after forming the permanentside edge seam 51. When removed from the package, theabsorbent article 10 is in the form of thepant 20. The caregiver may apply theabsorbent article 10 to the wearer as a pant or as a tape-style diaper by unfolding the laterally inwardly folded portion of the chassis 100 (by breaking theclosure bond 56, for example), breaking the initialwaist opening circumference 160, placing theback waist region 38 of theabsorbent article 10 under the wearer and fastening thefirst fastening component 53 to thesecond fastening component 55, a portion of thefront waist region 36, or a portion of theabsorbent article 10 thereby re-closing thepant 20 about the waist of the wearer to form a second waist opening circumference. In one embodiment,FIG. 23 is illustrated with bothseparation zones 59 separated and a first side in the unattached configuration and a second side in the reattached configuration. - Attorney Docket No. 11577P, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, naming Gary Dean LaVon as an inventor, generally discloses various acceptable product features that may be implemented in the embodiments described in the present application. Specifically, the above-described embodiments may, as appropriate, comprise a fastening system and side panels as described in Attorney Docket No. 11577P.
- The following method of making description refers generally to
FIGS. 24-28 c. Like element references from above will apply below even if they are not illustrated inFIGS. 24-28 c. Some numbering from above may also overlap with numbering from below. - In one embodiment, a method of forming an
absorbent article 10 in the form of a prefastened pant incorporates the use of an apparatus that reconfigures theabsorbent article 10 from an open partially assembled, unfastened configuration to a pre-fastened configuration during the manufacturing thereof. - In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of
folding devices 230 disposed on a transport device which is configured in the form of a wheel or drum as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 . During the manufacture ofprefastened pants 20, thefolding device 230 receives a discreteabsorbent article 10 in a flat, open, unfastened, configuration. The discreteabsorbent article 10 is held in place on foldingarms folding device 230 is adapted to fold the discreteabsorbent article 10 from its flat open configuration to a bifold configuration, to formpant 20, wherein theabsorbent article 10 is folded about thelateral axis 44 disposed in thecrotch region 37, folding a first waist region of theabsorbent article 10 in a direction generally toward the opposing waist region as shown inFIG. 26 . In addition to folding theabsorbent article 10 about thelateral axis 44, thefolding device 230 can also fold one or more portions of theabsorbent article 10, for example portions of the side panels 189, disposed adjacent the longitudinally extending side edges 137 laterally inward such that a portion disposed in a first waist region is placed in an overlapping face-to-face orientation with a portion of theabsorbent article 10 in the opposing waist region as shown inFIG. 27 to form an overlapping permanentside edge seam 51. When refastenable fastening elements are disposed at or adjacent the longitudinally extending side edges 137 in one or both of thewaist regions folding device 230 may fold the portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising afirst fastening component 53 toward the opposing waist region placing the portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 in a face-to-face, surface-to-surface relationship with a portion of thechassis 100 in the opposing waist region. Thefolding device 230 may encourage the portions of the first waist region and the portions of the second waist region into contact to form a permanentside edge seam 51, examples of such permanent side edge seams are shown inFIGS. 28 a-c. The permanentside edge seam 51 may comprise an adhesive bond, a cohesive bond, a thermal bond, ultrasonic bond, a pressure bond or any suitable bonding methods or devices. Thefolding device 230 and/or the transport device 210 may comprise a retention device intended to maintain the position of theabsorbent article 10 on the transport device 210 until theabsorbent article 10 is removed for further processing, U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2008/0083489 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,831 generally disclose various acceptable embodiments for carrying out the process as described above and as described in the present application'sFIGS. 24-28 c. More specifically, the transport device (processing wheel), folding device (processing station), side panel folding and seaming devices (gripper and sealer) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2008/0083489 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,831 may be used in the process of the present application. - In one embodiment of the method of making, a continuous web comprising a plurality of
interconnected backsheets 83 is combined with a series of laterally opposing pairs of discrete side panels 189. The side panels 189 may comprise a material that is elastically extensible and may additionally comprise a refastenable fastening component disposed on a surface of the side panel 189. The continuous web ofinterconnected backsheets 83 is subsequently joined with a continuous web comprising a plurality ofinterconnected topsheets 81. Discreteabsorbent cores 200 are disposed between thecontinuous backsheet 83 web and thecontinuous topsheet 81 web thereby forming a plurality of interconnected absorbent containment assemblies. The web is severed to form a plurality of discreteabsorbent articles 10. The discreteabsorbent articles 10 are disposed in an unfolded and unfastened state, i.e., thefirst fastening component 53 andsecond fastening component 55 are unfastened. The discreteabsorbent article 10 is transported in a machine direction and folded longitudinally about thelateral axis 44 disposed in thecrotch region 37 such that thefront waist region 36 and theback waist region 38 are disposed in aninternal surface 102 tointernal surface 102, face-to-face relationship. A portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising afirst fastening component 53 in a first waist region is folded laterally inward toward the second waist region and a portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising anon-engagement zone 54 disposed in the second waist region is folded laterally inward toward the first waist region. The laterally folded portions of theabsorbent article 10 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 is disposed in an overlapping, face-to-face relationship with the portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising thenon-engagement zone 54. In such an embodiment, the fastening surface of thefirst fastening component 53 is brought into surface-to-surface contact with the non-engagement surface of thenon-engagement zone 54. The overlapping region may be subsequently bonded to form a permanentside edge seam 51. Theside edge seam 51 may be formed by a thermal bond, ultrasonic bond, a pressure bond or other suitable bonding methods or devices. A portion of one or both of thefirst fastening component 53 andnon-engagement zone 54 may be disposed within the permanentside edge seam 51. - In an alternative embodiment of the method of making, a continuous web comprising a plurality of
interconnected backsheets 83 is combined with a series of laterally opposing pairs of discrete side panels 189. The side panels 189 may comprise a material that is elastically extensible and may additionally comprise a refastenable fastening component disposed on a surface of a side panel 189. The side panel 189 may comprise anon-engagement zone 54 disposed on or forming a portion of the surface of the side panel 189. A portion of the side panel 189 comprising afirst fastening component 53 may be folded laterally inward to position thefirst fastening component 53 in a face-to-face, surface-to-surface orientation with thenon-engagement zone 54. The attachment of thefirst fastening component 53 to the side panel 189 as well as the folding of the side panel 189 may take place either before or after attaching the side panel 189 to the continuous web ofinterconnected backsheets 83. The continuous web ofinterconnected backsheets 83 is subsequently joined with a continuous web comprising a plurality ofinterconnected topsheets 81. Discreteabsorbent cores 200 are disposed between thecontinuous backsheet 83 web and thecontinuous topsheet 81 web thereby forming a plurality of interconnected absorbent containment assemblies. The web is severed to form a plurality of discreteabsorbent articles 10. The discreteabsorbent articles 10 are disposed in an unfolded and unfastened state, i.e. thefirst fastening component 53 andsecond fastening component 55 are unfastened. The discreteabsorbent article 10 is transported in a machine direction and folded longitudinally about thelateral axis 44 disposed in thecrotch region 37 such that the first waist region and the second waist region are disposed in aninternal surface 102 tointernal surface 102, face-to-face relationship. A portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising afirst fastening component 53 in a first waist region is folded laterally inward toward the second waist region and a portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising anon-engagement zone 54 disposed in the second waist region is folded laterally inward toward the first waist region. The laterally folded portions of theabsorbent article 10 in a first waist region comprising thefirst fastening component 53 is disposed in an overlapping, face-to-face relationship with a portion of theabsorbent article 10 disposed in the opposing waist region. The overlapping region may be subsequently bonded to form a permanentside edge seam 51. The permanentside edge seam 51 may be formed by an adhesive bond, cohesive bond, thermal bond, ultrasonic bond, a pressure bond or other suitable bonding methods or devices. A portion of one or both of thefirst fastening component 53 andnon-engagement zone 54 may be disposed within the permanentside edge seam 51. - In one embodiment of the method of making, a continuous web comprising a plurality of
interconnected backsheets 83 is combined with a series of laterally opposing pairs of discrete side panels 189. The side panels 189 may comprise a material that is elastically extensible and may additionally comprise a refastenable fastening component disposed on a surface of the side panel 189. The side panel 189 may comprise anon-engagement zone 54 disposed on or forming a portion of the surface of the side panel 189. The attachment of thefirst fastening component 53 and creation of thenon-engagement zone 54 may take place either before or after attaching the side panel 189 to the continuous web ofinterconnected backsheets 83. The continuous web ofinterconnected backsheets 83 is subsequently joined with a continuous web comprising a plurality ofinterconnected topsheets 81. Discreteabsorbent cores 200 are disposed between thecontinuous backsheet 83 web and thecontinuous topsheet 81 web thereby forming a plurality of interconnected absorbent containment assemblies. The web is severed to form a plurality of discreteabsorbent articles 10. The discreteabsorbent articles 10 are disposed in an unfolded and unfastened state, i.e. thefirst fastening component 53 andsecond fastening component 55 are unfastened. The discreteabsorbent article 10 is transported in a machine direction and folded longitudinally about the laterally extendingaxis 44 disposed in thecrotch region 37 such that the first waist region and the second waist region are disposed in aninternal surface 102 tointernal surface 102, face-to-face relationship. A portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising afirst fastening component 53 in a first waist region is folded laterally inward toward the second waist region and a portion of theabsorbent article 10 comprising anon-engagement zone 54 disposed in the second waist region is folded laterally inward toward the first waist region. The laterally folded portions of theabsorbent article 10 in a first waist region comprising thefirst fastening component 53 are disposed in an overlapping face-to-face relationship with a portion of theabsorbent article 10 disposed in the opposing waist region. The overlapping region may be subsequently bonded to form a permanentside edge seam 51. Theside edge seam 51 may be formed by an adhesive bond, cohesive bond, thermal bond, ultrasonic bond, a pressure bond or other suitable bonding methods or devices. A portion of the side panel 189 comprising thefirst fastening component 53 may be folded laterally inward to position thefirst fastening component 53 in a face-to-face, surface-to-surface orientation with thenon-engagement zone 54. A portion of one or both of thefirst fastening component 53 andnon-engagement zone 54 may be disposed laterally inward of the permanentside edge seam 51. - The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.
- All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in the present disclosure conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in the present disclosure 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.
Claims (4)
1. A method of making an absorbent article in the form of a refastenable pant comprising the steps of:
attaching at least one first fastening component to a web comprising a plurality of interconnected side panels;
attaching at least one second fastening component to a web comprising a plurality of interconnected backsheets;
attaching a laterally opposing pair of elastomeric side panels to the web of interconnected backsheets at or adjacent the laterally opposing side edges of the backsheet;
combining a backsheet, topsheet and absorbent core to form an absorbent containment assembly wherein the absorbent core is disposed between the backsheet and topsheet;
severing the continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles thereby forming a plurality of discrete absorbent articles;
folding the discrete absorbent articles about the lateral centerline bringing the interior surface of the front waist region into contact with the interior surface of the back waist region;
folding one or more of the side panels laterally inward to bring the first fastening component into contact with a non-engagement zone;
folding the laterally opposing pair of side panels in a first waist region toward the second waist region and folding the laterally opposing pair of side panels in the second waist region toward the first waist region forming an overlapped region between the first and second waist regions; and
forming a permanent side edge seam bonding the first waist region to the second waist region in the overlapped region.
2. A method of making an absorbent article in the form of a refastenable pant comprising the steps of:
attaching at least one first fastening component to a web comprising a plurality of interconnected side panels;
attaching at least one second fastening component to a web comprising a plurality of interconnected backsheets;
forming a non-engagement zone on a surface of one or both of the side panels and backsheet;
attaching a laterally opposing pair of elastomeric side panels to the web of interconnected backsheets at or adjacent the laterally opposing side edges of the backsheet;
combining a backsheet, topsheet and absorbent core to form an absorbent containment assembly wherein the absorbent core is disposed between the backsheet and topsheet;
severing the continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles thereby forming a plurality of discrete absorbent articles;
introducing a plurality of discrete articles onto a transport device comprising a plurality of folding devices each discrete article having a front waist region with at least one first fastening component and at least one second fastening component, a back waist region and a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and back waist region;
folding the discrete absorbent articles about the lateral centerline bringing the interior surface of the front waist region into contact with the interior surface of the back waist region forming a bi-folded absorbent article;
folding the laterally spaced side panels disposed in a first waist region laterally inward toward a second waist region and folding the laterally spaced side panels disposed in a second waist region laterally inward toward a first waist region thereby forming an overlap region between the first waist region and the second waist region.
forming a permanent side edge seam bonding the first waist region to the second waist region in the overlap region.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of one or both of the first fastening component and non-engagement surface are disposed within the overlap region.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of one or both of the first fastening component and non-engagement surface are disposed within the permanent side edge seam.
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/010,072 US20110174432A1 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2011-01-20 | Refastenable Absorbent Article |
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US13/010,072 US20110174432A1 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2011-01-20 | Refastenable Absorbent Article |
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US13/010,072 Abandoned US20110174432A1 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2011-01-20 | Refastenable Absorbent Article |
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US13/010,062 Active 2033-08-23 US8998873B2 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2011-01-20 | Refastenable absorbent article |
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US9427362B2 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2016-08-30 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Refastenable absorbent article |
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US7473818B2 (en) * | 2001-03-01 | 2009-01-06 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Product seal of dissimilar materials |
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Cited By (5)
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US9427362B2 (en) | 2010-01-20 | 2016-08-30 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Refastenable absorbent article |
WO2015021243A1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-02-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Sensor systems for absorbent articles comprising sensor gates |
DE112014003621B4 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2022-07-14 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Sensor systems for absorbent articles comprising sensor locks |
US11351737B2 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2022-06-07 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Energy apparatus and methods of providing energy to an item |
US11667086B2 (en) | 2018-04-30 | 2023-06-06 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Energy apparatus and methods of providing energy to an item |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US8998873B2 (en) | 2015-04-07 |
US20110178486A1 (en) | 2011-07-21 |
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