BR112019011542B1 - ABSORBENT ARTICLE, AND, METHOD OF FORMATION OF AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent articles with improved leg and barrier cuffs are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent article comprises a chassis and a combined leg sheath and barrier coupled to the chassis comprising elastic leg elements, at least one elastic barrier sheath element, and a sheath material encompassing all elastic elements. The first leg cuff and barrier combination further comprises a first non-elasticized portion extending between a seam connection and an elastic leg element, a first elasticized portion encompassing the elastic leg elements, and a second non-elasticized portion extending between the seam connection and the elastic element of the barrier cuff. A length encompassing the first non-elasticized portion and the first elasticized portion is greater than the length of the second non-elasticized portion, and the length of the first non-elasticized portion is less than or equal to the length of the second non-elasticized portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims benefit over US Provisional Application No. 62/440865, filed on December 30, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles and, more particularly, to absorbent articles with improved elasticity for the legs and flaps.

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCLOSURE

[003] The primary function of absorbent personal care articles is to absorb and retain bodily exudates such as urine, fecal matter, blood and menstruation, with additional desired attributes including low leakage of exudates from the absorbent article and a feeling of being dry. felt by the user of the absorbent article. By preventing leakage of exudate from the absorbent article, the absorbent article is intended to prevent bodily exudates from soiling or contaminating the user's or caregiver's clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that may come into contact with the user.

[004] One way in which absorbent articles retain and absorb exudates is with elasticized leg cuffs and containment flaps. The leg cuffs and containment flaps may each form a gasket against the wearer's skin to help retain exudates in the absorbent article, where they can be absorbed into the absorbent article. Absorbent articles with improved capabilities to retain and absorb exudates are continually desired to help prevent soiling of clothing or other articles.

DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

[005] The absorbent articles disclosed here are designed to reduce the leakage of exudates out of the articles. In general, the absorbent articles disclosed herein are constructed with a laminated leg piece and improved elastic flap designed to help prevent leaks. More specifically, the laminated elastic leg and flap piece is constructed with the elastics of both the leg cuff and containment flap bonded as part of a single structure and secured to the absorbent article. The laminate may be attached to the article such that at least one of the leg elastics is disposed outside a side edge of the absorbent article. Additionally, the dimensions of the leg and flap laminate are chosen to ensure adequate sealing of the leg sheath and containment flap to help prevent leaks, as will be explained in greater detail below.

[006] In a first embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis having a front waist region and a rear waist region, the front waist region and the rear waist region being joined by a crotch region, the chassis further having a body-facing surface and a clothing-facing surface, the chassis extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first longitudinally extending side edge and a longitudinally extending side edge. The chassis may include a bodyside liner, a garment-facing outer cover and an absorbent body disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer cover, and a first combined leg cuff and barrier cuff structure connected to the surface of the chassis near the first side edge extending longitudinally and extending between the front belt region and the rear belt region. The first combined leg sheath and barrier sheath structure may comprise a plurality of elastic leg elements, at least one of the plurality of elastic leg elements disposed outside the first side edge extending longitudinally to the chassis, at least one elastic element of barrier sheath, and a sheath material encompassing the plurality of elastic leg elements and the at least one elastic element of the barrier sheath. The first combined leg cuff and barrier cuff structure may be connected to the chassis by a seam connection between the cuff material and the chassis, the seam connection being located between the plurality of elastic leg elements and at least one element. barrier cuff elastic and dividing the combined structure of leg cuff and barrier cuff into a leg cuff portion and a barrier cuff portion. Additionally, the first combined leg cuff and barrier cuff structure may further comprise a first non-elasticized portion extending between the seam connection and the leg elastic element of the plurality of leg elastic elements closest to the seam connection. a first elasticized portion extending between the leg elastic element closest to the seam connection and a distal end of the leg cuff portion, and a second non-elasticized portion extending between the seam connection and the at least one element elastic from the barrier hem that is closest to the seam connection. Finally, the length of the first non-elasticized portion plus the length of the first elasticized portion may be greater than the length of the second non-elasticized portion, and the length of the first non-elasticized portion may be less than or equal to the length of the second non-elasticized portion.

[007] In a second embodiment, the sheath material of the first embodiment may comprise a single piece of material wrapped around the plurality of elastic elements of the leg and at least one elastic element of the protective sheath.

[008] In a third embodiment, the seam connection, of the second embodiment, between the first combined leg sheath and barrier sheath structure and the body-facing surface of the chassis can further join a first end of the single piece of material with a second end of the single piece of material.

[009] In a fourth embodiment, a plurality of the plurality of elastic leg elements of any one of the first to third embodiments may be disposed outside the first longitudinally extending side edge of the structure.

[0010] In a fifth embodiment, at least one elastic barrier sheath element of any one of the first to fourth embodiments may comprise a plurality of elastic barrier sheath elements.

[0011] In a sixth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of any of the first to fifth embodiments may be less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion by between about 5% and about 50%.

[0012] In a seventh embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of any of the first to sixth embodiments may be less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion by between about 10% and about 50%.

[0013] In an eighth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of any of the first to seventh embodiments may be less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion by between about 15% and about 50%.

[0014] In a ninth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of any of the first to eighth embodiments may be less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion by between about 15% and about 45%.

[0015] In a tenth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of any of the first to ninth embodiments may be less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion by between about 20% and about 45%.

[0016] In an eleventh embodiment, a method of forming an absorbent article may comprise moving an absorbent article chassis in a machine direction, the chassis having a front waist region and a rear waist region, the region being of the front waist and the rear waist region joined by a crotch region, the chassis further having a surface facing the body and a surface facing the clothing, the chassis extending in a longitudinal direction and having a first lateral edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally and moving a first combined leg cuff and barrier structure in the machine direction. The first combined leg cuff and barrier structure may comprise a plurality of elastic leg elements, at least one elastic barrier element, and a sheath material encompassing the plurality of elastic leg elements and at least one elastic hem element. barrier. The method may further comprise joining the first combined leg sheath and barrier structure to the body-facing surface of the chassis with a connection between the sheath material and the body-facing surface of the chassis such that at least one of the plurality of elastic leg elements are disposed outside the first side edge of the chassis. Additionally, the seam connection may divide the first combined leg cuff and barrier structure into a first leg cuff and a first barrier cuff, the first leg cuff having a non-elasticized portion of the leg cuff extending between the seam connection and the leg elastic element of the plurality of leg elastic elements closest to the seam connection, the first leg cuff having an elastic portion of the first leg cuff extending between the leg elastic element closest to the connection of the seam and a distal end of the first leg cuff, and the first barrier cuff having a first non-elasticized portion of the barrier cuff extending between the seam connection and the at least one nearest elastic cuff member of the seam connection. Finally, a length of the leg sheath may be greater than a length of the barrier sheath, and a length of the non-elasticized portion of the first leg sheath may be less than or equal to a length of the non-elasticized portion of the first barrier sheath.

[0017] In a twelfth embodiment, the length of the non-elasticized portion of the first leg sheath of the eleventh embodiment may be less than the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the barrier sheath by between about 5% and about 50%.

[0018] In a thirteenth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the leg sheath of the eleventh embodiment or the twelfth embodiment may be less than the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the barrier sheath by between about 10% and about of 50%.

[0019] In a fourteenth embodiment, the length of the non-elasticized portion of the first leg cuff of any of the eleventh to thirteenth embodiments may be shorter than the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the barrier sheath by between about 15% and around 50%.

[0020] In a fifteenth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the leg cuff of any of the eleventh to fourteenth embodiments may be less than the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the barrier sheath by between about 15% and around 45%.

[0021] In a sixteenth embodiment, the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the leg cuff of any of the eleventh to fifteenth embodiments may be less than the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the barrier sheath by between about 20% and around 45%.

[0022] The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each embodiment or each implementation of the present disclosure. Advantages and achievements, together with a more complete understanding of the disclosure, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0023] The disclosure may be more fully understood by taking into consideration the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a different absorbent article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1 in a stretched, flat, unbonded condition and including a bonding portion, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1A in a stretched condition, laid flat and unattached and including a connecting portion, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and FIG. 3 is a cross section of the absorbent article of FIG. 2 take along line 3-3.

[0024] Although the disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intent is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. Rather, the intent is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that are within the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0025] The present disclosure is generally directed to absorbent articles constructed with leg elastics and containment flap elastics combined into a single laminated structure, and where the single laminated structure is joined to the articles such that at least one of the elastics of leg is disposed outwards from a side edge of the chassis of the absorbent article. Additionally, the unique laminated structure has dimensions that result in a proper seal of the containment flaps against the user's skin to help prevent leakage of bodily exudates.

[0026] All examples are provided by way of explanation, and not by way of limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as a portion of one embodiment or figure may be used in another embodiment or figure to generate yet a new embodiment. It is therefore intended that this disclosure addresses these modifications and variations.

[0027] Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one skilled in the art, urged by the present disclosure, would understand that desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate those expressly disclosed.

[0028] When introducing the elements of the present disclosure or the preferred modality(s) thereof, the articles “a/an”, “a/o” and “said” are intended to indicate that there is one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure may be made without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Definitions: The term "absorbent article" in this document refers to an article that can be placed against or near the body (i.e., contiguous to the body) of the user to absorb and contain various liquid, solid and semisolid exudates released by the body. Such absorbent articles, as described herein, are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use rather than being washed or otherwise restored for reuse. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to various disposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to diapers, diaper pants, training pants, youth pants, swimming pants, feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to to menstrual pads and panties, incontinence products, adult diapers and pants, medical clothing, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or healthcare garments and the like, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] The term "capture layer" herein refers to a layer capable of accepting and temporarily retaining liquid body exudates in order to slow and disperse a surge or gush of liquid body exudates and subsequently release the liquid body exudates to another layer, or layers, of the absorbent article.

[0030] The term "attached", "attached" or "coupled" refers here to the joining, adhesion, connection, fixation or similar, of two elements. Two elements will be considered linked, attached or coupled when they are joined, adhered, connected, fixed, or similar, directly or indirectly to each other, for example, when each is directly linked to intermediate elements. The connection, fixation or coupling of one element to another can occur through continuous or intermittent connections.

[0031] The term “carded web” herein refers to a web containing natural or synthetic fibers of discontinuous length typically with fiber lengths of less than about 100 mm. Bales of staple fibers can be subjected to the opening process to separate the fibers, which are then sent to a carding process that separates and combs the fibers in order to align them in the machine direction after being deposited on a wire in movement for further processing. These webs are usually subjected to some type of bonding process, such as thermal bonding, using heat and/or pressure. Additionally, or instead, the fibers may be subjected to adhesive processes to bond the fibers together, such as by the use of powdered adhesives. The carded web may be subjected to fluid entanglement, such as hydroentanglement, to further intertwine the fibers and thereby improve the integrity of the carded web. Carded webs, due to the alignment of the fibers in the machine direction, when they are bonded, will generally have more strength in the machine direction than strength in the transverse machine direction.

[0032] The term “film” refers herein to a thermoplastic film made using an extrusion and/or forming process, such as the melt film or blown film extrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films and other porous films, which constitute liquid transfer films, as well as films that do not transfer liquids, such as, but not limited to, barrier films, filled films, breathable films and oriented films.

[0033] The term “g/m2” refers in this document to grams per cubic meter.

[0034] The term “hydrophilic” refers in this document to fibers or fiber surfaces that are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of materials can, in turn, be described in terms of contact angles and surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of specific fibrous materials or mixtures of fibrous materials may be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers that have contact angles less than 90 are designated as “wettable” or hydrophilic, and fibers with contact angles greater than 90 are designated “non-wettable” or hydrophobic.

[0035] The term “liquid impermeable” refers herein to a single-layer or multi-layer laminate in which liquid bodily exudates, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under normal conditions of use, in a sense generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of contact with the liquid.

[0036] The term “liquid permeable” refers in this document to any material that is not impermeable to liquids.

[0037] The term “meltblown” herein refers to fibers formed by extrusion of a molten thermoplastic material, through a plurality of thin, generally circular, capillary molds, such as molten threads or filaments, into convergent heated gas flows. high velocity (e.g. air), which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material in order to reduce their diameter, which may be a microfiber diameter. Therefore, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high-speed gas flow and are deposited on a collection surface so as to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in US Patent No. 3,849,241 to Butin, et al., incorporated herein by reference. Meltblown fibers are microfibers that can be continuous or discontinuous, are typically smaller than 0.6 denier and can be sticky and self-adherent when deposited on a collecting surface.

[0038] The term “non-woven” refers in this document to materials and weaves of materials formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. Materials and weaves of materials may have a structure of individual fibers, filaments, or threads (collectively referred to as “fibers”) that may be interspersed, but not in an identifiable manner, as in a knitted fabric. Wefts or non-woven materials can be formed from many processes, for example, but not limited to, meltblown processes, spunbond processes, carded weft processes, hydroentanglement processes, etc.

[0039] The term "flexible" herein refers to materials that are malleable and that easily adapt to the general shape and contours of the user's body.

[0040] The term "spunbond" herein refers to small diameter fibers formed by extrusion of molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine capillaries of a spinneret, having a circular or other configuration, and the diameter of the extruded filament is rapidly reduced by a conventional process, e.g., pull extrusion, and processes described in U.S. Patent No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al. ., U.S. Patent No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 to Kinney, U.S. Patent No. 3,502,763 to Hartmann, U.S. Patent No. 3,502,538 to Peterson and U.S. Patent No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and often have an average denier length greater than 0.3, and in one embodiment, between about 0.6, 5 and 10 and about 15, 20 and 40. Typically, spunbond fibers are not sticky when deposited on a collection surface.

[0041] The term "stretch film laminate" herein refers to a laminate of a stretch film laminate to at least one outer layer of fibrous non-woven web material. Desirably, the elastic film is air and vapor permeable and liquid impermeable and elastic in at least one and preferably two directions generally perpendicular to each other. Most desirably, the elastic film is elastic in all directions of the X-Y plane of the material. In other embodiments, the stretch film may have cover layers such as fibrous non-woven web materials laminated to both sides of the stretch film to form a laminate with opposing outer non-woven layers, an intermediate stretch film layer bonded to both outer non-woven layers. More information can be found with reference to US Patent No. 7803244 by Siqueira et al. and US Patent No. 8361913 to Siqueira et al., each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0042] The term "superabsorbent" herein refers to a water-insoluble, water-expandable organic or inorganic material capable of absorbing, under the most favorable conditions, at least about 15 times its weight, and in one embodiment, at least about 30 times its weight, in an aqueous solution containing about 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. Superabsorbent materials can be polymers and natural, synthetic and modified natural materials. Furthermore, superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials such as silica gels or organic compounds such as cross-linked polymers.

[0043] The term “thermoplastic” refers herein to a material that softens and can be molded when exposed to heat and that substantially returns to an unsoftened condition when cooled.

[0044] The term "user" or "caregiver" refers herein to a person wearing an absorbent article, such as, but not limited to, a diaper, diaper-pants, training diaper, children's pants, product for incontinent pads or other absorbent article around the user of one of those absorbent articles. A user and a user can be the same person.

[0045] Absorbent article: FIGS. 1 to 4 represent exemplary absorbent articles in accordance with the present disclosure. One of the features of the articles of the present disclosure is the unique configuration of the combined leg cuff and containment flap laminate structures, in combination with their positioning in the exemplary absorbent articles. Specifically, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure include leg sheaths and combined BM containment flaps (also referred to herein simply as “containment” flaps or “flaps” or “BM flaps”) that include the elastic tapes of both leg cuffs. and containment flaps in a single laminated structure. Additionally, the combined laminated structures are attached to the absorbent articles in a specific configuration, wherein at least one of the elastic leg cuff tapes is disposed outside the chassis of the absorbent articles. The laminated structure is also connected to the chassis of the absorbent article along a portion of the laminated structure that divides the laminated structure into the leg cuff portion and the containment flap portion, with each of the portions having dimensions that permit proper adjustment. and sealing the articles and article containment flaps to help prevent leaks.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a non-limiting illustration of an absorbent article 10, e.g., a diaper, is illustrated. Other embodiments of the absorbent article 10 may include, but are not limited to, training diapers, children's pants, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene articles. Although the embodiments and illustrations described herein may generally be applied to absorbent articles manufactured in the longitudinal direction of the product, which is hereinafter referred to as manufacturing a product in the “machine direction,” it should be noted that one skilled in the art could apply the information contained in this document to absorbent articles manufactured in the latitudinal direction of a product, which is hereinafter referred to as manufacturing a product in the "transverse machine manufacturing direction", without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the absorbent article 110 in FIGS. 1A and 2A provide an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article 110 that can be manufactured in a transverse direction manufacturing process.

[0047] The absorbent article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may include a chassis 11. The absorbent article 10 may further include a front waist region 12 and a rear waist region 14, and a crotch region 16 disposed between the front waist region 12 and the rear waist region 14 and interconnecting the front and back regions of the waist, 12, 14, respectively. In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1A and 2A, a three-piece construction of an absorbent article 110 is depicted, wherein the absorbent article 110 may have a structure 11 including a front waist panel 13 defining the front waist region 12, a rear waist panel 15 defining the rear waist region 14 and an absorbent panel 17 defining the crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 110. The absorbent panel 17 may extend between the front waist panel 13 and the rear waist panel 15. In some embodiments, the absorbent panel 17 may overlap the front waist panel 13 and the rear waist panel 15. The absorbent panel 17 may be connected to the front waist panel 13 and the rear waist panel 15 to define a three-piece construction. However, it is contemplated that an absorbent article may be manufactured in a transverse direction without being an undergarment and three-piece construction which is also referred to as a one-piece construction (not shown), since the front waist panel 13 and the rear waist panel 15 are integrated with each other by means of generally connected components that form the waist panel, such as a body side liner and/or an outer cover that may surround the absorbent panel 17 or simply cover the underwear side of the absorbent panel 17.

[0048] The absorbent article 10, 110 may have a pair of longitudinally extending side edges 18, 20 and a pair of opposing waist edges, respectively the designated front waist edge 22 and the rear waist edge 24. The front waist region 12 may be contiguous with the front waist edge 22 and the rear waist region 14 may be contiguous with the rear waist edge 24. The longitudinally extending side edges 18, 20 may extend from the edge from the front waist 22 to the edge of the rear waist 24. The longitudinally extending side edges 18, 20 may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction 30 for their entire length, such as for the absorbent article 10 illustrated in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the longitudinally extending side edges 18, 20 may be curved between the front waist edge 22 and the rear waist edge 24. In the absorbent article 110 of FIGS. 1A and 2A, the longitudinally extending side edges 18, 20 may include portions of the front waist panel 13, the absorbent panel 17 and the rear waist panel 15.

[0049] The front waist region 12 may include that part of the absorbent article 10, 110 that, when worn, is positioned at least partially in the front of the user, while the rear waist region 14 may include part of the absorbent article 10, 110 which, when worn, is positioned at least partially on the back of the user. The crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10, 110 may include that portion of the absorbent article 10, 110 which, when worn, is positioned between the user's legs and may partially cover the user's lower torso. Dimensionally, the front waist region 12 may be defined as the front one-third of the total longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 10 measuring from the front waist edge 22 to the rear waist edge 24. The rear waist region 14 may be defined as the rear one-third of the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 10 and the crotch region 16 is the middle third of the longitudinal dimension of the entire absorbent article 10. The waist edges, 22 and 24, of the absorbent article 10, 110 are configured to surround the user's waist and together define a central waist opening 23 (as labeled in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A) for the user's waist. Portions of the side edges 18, 20 extending longitudinally in the crotch region 16 may generally define leg openings for the user's legs when the absorbent article 10, 110 is worn.

[0050] The absorbent article 10, 110 may include an outer cover 26 and a body side liner 28. The outer cover 26 and the body side liner 28 may form a part of the chassis 11 where the outer cover is disposed in the clothing-facing surface of the chassis (not shown; body-facing surface 19 opposite of the chassis 11) and the body-side lining 28 disposed on the body-facing surface 19 of the chassis 11. In one embodiment, the clothing-facing surface 19 of the chassis 11. of the body 28 may be joined to the outer cover 26 in an overlapping relationship by any suitable means, for example, but not limited to, adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, or other conventional techniques. The outer cover 26 may define a length in a longitudinal direction 30 and a width in a lateral direction 32, which, in the illustrated embodiment, may coincide with the length and width of the absorbent article 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the absorbent article 10, 110 may have a longitudinal axis 29 extending longitudinally 30 and a lateral axis 31 extending laterally 32. The lateral axis 31 is located midway between the waist edge front waist edge 22 and the rear waist edge 24. The absorbent article 10 also has a component in the vertical or z direction extending in the vertical direction 33.

[0051] The structure 11 may include an absorbent body 34. An absorbent body 34 may be disposed between the outer cover 26 and the body side liner 28. The absorbent body 34 may have longitudinal edges, 36 and 38, which, in In one embodiment, they may form portions of the longitudinally extending side edges, 18 and 20, respectively, of the absorbent article 10, 110. The absorbent body 34 may have a first end edge 40 that is opposite a second end edge 42, respectively, which, in one embodiment, may form portions of the waist edges, 22 and 24, respectively, of the absorbent article 10. In some embodiments, the first end edge 40 may be in the front waist region 12. In some embodiments, the second end edge 42 may be in the rear waist region 14. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may have a length and width equal to or less than the length and width of the absorbent article 10, 110. The liner on the side of the body 28, outer cover 26 and absorbent body 34 may form part of an absorbent assembly 44. In the absorbent article 110 of FIGS. 1A and 2A, the absorbent panel 17 may form the absorbent assembly 44. The absorbent assembly 44 may also include a fluid transfer layer 46 and a fluid pickup layer (not shown) between the body side liner 28 and the fluid transfer layer 46 as is known in the art. The absorbent assembly 44 may also include a spacer layer 48 disposed between the absorbent body 34 and the outer cover 26.

[0052] The absorbent article 10, 110 can be configured to contain and/or absorb liquid, solid and semi-solid bodily exudates released by the user. To this end, the absorbent article 10, 110 is equipped with a pair of containment flaps 50, 52 that are configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of bodily exudates. In some additional embodiments, the absorbent article 10, 110 may optionally include a waist containment element, such as the waistband 202 depicted in dashed lines that cooperates with the containment flaps 50, 52 to form a pouch for additionally retaining bodily exudates. See, for example, WO2016/159981, filed on 31 Mar 2015; WO2016/159978, filed on 31 Mar 2015; WO2016/159983, filed on 31 Mar 2015; WO2017/003423, filed on 29 Jun 2015; WO2017/039599, filed on 31 Aug 2015; and 62/212051, Legal Registration Number 64968524US01, filed Aug 31, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0053] External covering: The external covering 26 and/or portions thereof may be breathable and/or impermeable to liquids. The outer cover 26 and/or portions thereof may be elastic, extensible or non-extensible. The outer cover 26 may be made from a single layer, multiple layers, laminates, spunbond fabrics, films, meltblown fabrics, elastic nets, microporous webs, carded webs, or foams provided by elastomeric or polymeric materials. In one embodiment, for example, the outer covering 26 may be constructed of a microporous polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outer covering 26 may be a single layer of a liquid impermeable material, such as a polymeric film. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be suitably extensible and more suitably elastic, at least in the lateral direction 32 of the absorbent article 10, 110. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be extensible, and more suitably elastic in both directions. lateral 32 and longitudinal 30. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be a multi-layer laminate in which at least one of the layers is impermeable to liquids. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be a two-layer construction, including an outer layer (not shown) and an inner layer (not shown) that may be bonded together by means of a laminated adhesive. Suitable laminate adhesives may be applied continuously or intermittently as granules, a spray, parallel swirls or the like, but it should be understood that the inner layer may be bonded to the outer layer by other bonding methods, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic bonds. , thermal bonds, pressure bonds, or similar.

[0055] The outer layer of the outer cover 26 may be any suitable material and may be a material that provides a general fabric texture or appearance to the user. An example of such a material may be a carded-bonded web of 100% polypropylene with a diamond bond pattern available from Sandler A.G., Germany, such as Sawabond 4185® of 30 g/m2 or equivalent. Another example of a material suitable for use as an outer covering of an outer cover 26 may be a 20 g/m2 spunbond polypropylene non-woven web. The outer layer may also be constructed of the same materials in which the body side liner 28 may be constructed, as described herein, and it may also be perforated to improve urine evaporation if the inner layer is vapor permeable.

[0056] The liquid-impermeable inner layer of the outer cover 26 (or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 26, where the outer cover 26 has a single-layer construction) may be either vapor permeable (i.e., "breathable") or impervious to vapor. The liquid-impervious inner layer (or the liquid-impervious outer cover 26, where the outer cover 26 has a single-layer construction) may be made of a thin plastic film. The liquid-impermeable inner layer (or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 26 where the outer cover 26 has a single-layer construction) can inhibit liquid body exudates from leaking from the absorbent article 10, 110 and wetting articles such as bed sheets and clothing. , as well as the user and the caregiver.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the outer cover 26 is a single-layer construction, it may be embossed and/or have a matte finish to provide a fabric-like texture or appearance. The outer cover 26 may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article 10, 110 while preventing liquids from passing therethrough. A suitable liquid impermeable, vapor permeable material may be comprised of a microporous polymeric film or a non-woven material that has been coated or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability.

[0058] Absorbent body: The absorbent body 34 can be suitably produced to be, in general, compressible, adjustable, flexible, non-irritating to the user's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. The absorbent body 34 can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes (e.g. rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass-shaped, etc.) and from a variety of materials. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 34 should be compatible with the size of the intended user (children to adults) and the liquid load provided by the intended use of the absorbent article 10, 110. The absorbent body 34 may have a length and a width that may be less than or equal to the length and width of the absorbent article 10, 110.

[0059] In one embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may be composed of a web material of hydrophilic fibers, cellulosic fibers (e.g., cellulose pulp fibers), natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or non-woven sheets, fabric open weave or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may be a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent material. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may be formed from a single layer of materials, or, alternatively, it may be formed from two or more layers of materials.

[0060] Various types of wettable hydrophilic fibers can be used in the absorbent body 34. Examples of suitable fibers include natural fibers, cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers consisting of an inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made from inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers, or composed of non-wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefin fibers, which have been hydrophilized by appropriate means. Fibers can be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material that has a suitable hydrophilic portion and is not easily removed from the fiber, or by coating the non-wettable hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer for a period of time. or after fiber formation. Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural materials and polymers. Superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may be free of superabsorbent material or, in an alternative embodiment, be comprised entirely of superabsorbent material.

[0061] If a spacer layer 48 is present, the absorbent body 34 can be disposed on the spacer layer 48 and superimposed on the outer cover 26. The spacer layer 48 can be bonded to the outer cover 26, for example, by adhesive. In some embodiments, a spacer layer 48 may not be present and the absorbent body 34 may directly contact the outer cover 26 and may be attached directly to the outer cover 26. However, it is necessary to understand that the absorbent body 34 may be in contact with, and not welded to, the outer covering 26 and remain within the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 may be formed from a single layer and the absorbent body 34 may be in contact with the single layer of the outer cover 26. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a layer, such as, but not limited to, limited to, a fluid transfer layer 46 and/or a spacer layer 48 may be positioned between the absorbent body 34 and the outer cover 26, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The absorbent body 34 may be connected to the fluid transfer layer 46 and/or the spacer layer 48. Typically, the absorbent body 34 will be completely surrounded by a core wrap material, such as a fabric wrap or a non-woven material. fabric, such as a meltblown weave, a spunbond weave, or both.

[0062] Body side lining: The body side lining 28 of the absorbent article 10, 110 can overlap the absorbent body 34 and the outer cover 26, and can isolate the user's skin from liquid waste retained by the absorbent body 34. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 46 may be positioned between the body-side liner 28 and the absorbent body 34. In various embodiments, a capture layer (not shown) may be positioned between the body-side liner 28 and the absorbent body 34 or a fluid transfer layer 46, if present. In various embodiments, the body side liner 28 may be joined to the pick-up layer or fluid transfer layer 46 if there is no pick-up layer present, by means of adhesive and/or by point fusion bonding. Spot fusion bonding can be selected from ultrasonic, thermal, pressure bonding and their combinations.

[0063] In one embodiment, the body side liner 28 may extend beyond the absorbent body 34 and/or a fluid transfer layer 46, if any, and/or a capture layer, if any, and/or or a spacer layer 48, if any, to overlie a portion of the outer cover 26 and may be attached thereto by any means deemed suitable, such as, for example, attached by means of adhesive, to substantially enclose the absorbent body 34 between the outer cover 26 and the body side liner 28. It is contemplated that the body side liner 28 may be narrower than the outer cover 26. However, in other embodiments, the body side liner 28 and the outer cover 26 may have the same dimensions in width and length, for example, as represented in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the body side liner 28 may be of greater width than the outer cover 26. It is also possible that the body side liner 28 may not extend beyond the absorbent body 34 and/or may not be attached to the outer cover 26. In some embodiments, the body side liner 28 may wrap around at least a portion of the absorbent body 34, including wrapping around both longitudinal edges, 36, 38 of the absorbent body 34 and/or one or more more of the end edges 40, 42. It is further contemplated that the body side liner 28 may be composed of more than one segment of material, such as a central region of material that is different from one or both side regions of the liner. on the side of body 28 (not shown). The body side lining 28 may be of different shapes, including rectangular, hourglass, or any other shape. The body side liner 28 may be suitably compatible, gentle and non-irritating to the user's skin and may be the same as or less hydrophilic as the absorbent body 34, to allow body exudates to quickly penetrate through the absorbent body 34 and provide a relatively dry surface for the user.

[0064] The body side lining 28 can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers). ), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, or the like. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to rayon, wood, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bonded fibers, polyolefins, such as, but not limited to copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear polyethylene of low density and aliphatic esters such as polylactic acid, finely perforated film webs, mesh materials and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

[0065] Various fabrics and non-woven fabrics can be used for the body side lining 28. The body side lining 28 can include a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a polymeric film, a fabric and film laminate or the like, as well as their combinations. Examples of a non-woven fabric may include spunbond fabric, meltblown fabric, co-formed fabric, carded weave, carded and bonded weave, two-component spunbond fabric, spunlace or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The body side liner 28 need not be a unitary layer structure and thus may include more than one layer of fabrics, films and/or webs, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the body side liner 28 may include a support layer and a projection layer that may be hydrointerlaced. The projection layer may include hollow projections, such as those disclosed in USPN 9327473, to Kirby et al.

[0066] For example, the body side lining 28 may be composed of a meltblown or spunbond blanket of polyolefin fibers. Alternatively, the body side lining 28 may be a carded and bonded batt composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The body side liner 28 may be composed of a highly hydrophobic material, which may optionally be treated with a surfactant, or processed to impart a desired level of water absorption capacity and hydrophilicity. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant may be applied to the entire body side liner 28 or may be selectively applied to particular sections of the body side liner 28.

[0067] In one embodiment, a body side liner 28 may be composed of a bicomponent non-woven blanket. The two-component non-woven web may be a two-component spunbond web or a carded and bonded two-component web. An example of a bicomponent staple fiber includes a polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. In this particular bicomponent fiber, polypropylene forms the core and polyethylene forms the coating of the fiber. Fibers with other orientations, such as multilobal, side-by-side, end-to-end, may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a body side liner 28 may be a spunbond substrate with a basis weight of about 10 or 12 to about 15 or 20 g/m2. In one embodiment, a body side liner 28 may be a 12 g/m2 spunbond-meltblown-spunbond substrate having a 10% meltblown content applied between the two spunbond layers.

[0068] Although the outer cover 26 and the body side liner 28 may include elastomeric materials, it is possible that the outer cover 26 and the body side liner 28 may be composed of materials that are generally non-elastomeric. In one embodiment, the body side liner 28 may be stretchable and, more suitably, elastic. In one embodiment, the body side liner 28 may be suitably extensible and more suitably elastic, at least in the lateral or circumferential direction of the absorbent article 10, 110. In one embodiment, the body side liner 28 may be extensible and more suitably elastic. suitably elastic, in both lateral and longitudinal directions 32, 30, respectively.

[0069] Containment Flaps and Leg Sheaths: As seen in FIG. 3, article 10 may include laminated structures of the leg sheath and containment flap 55, 57, which contain both elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b of containment flaps 50, 52 and elastic threads 80a-c, 82a-c of leg sheaths 60, 62. In such embodiments, the laminated structures 55, 57 may comprise single pieces of sheath material 77, 79 that may be wrapped around all of the elastic threads 80a-c, 82a-c, 83a-b and 84a-b. The ends of single pieces of sheath material 77, 79 may be joined by connections 74, 76 to form closed laminated structures. However, it should be understood that this is only one contemplated configuration. In other embodiments, each of the laminated structures 55, 57 may comprise multiple pieces of sheath material with elastic threads 80a-c, 82a-c, 83a-b, and 84a-b positioned between the multiple pieces of material. In such embodiments, the pieces of material may be connected together to wrap the elastic threads 80a-c, 82a-c, 83a-b, and 84a-b between the multiple pieces of sheath material.

[0070] The laminated structures 55, 57 may further be connected to the chassis 11. In at least some embodiments, the laminated structures 55, 57 may be connected to the chassis 11 such that one or more of the leg elastic threads 80a-c , 82a-c are disposed outside the side edges 18, 20 of the chassis 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, all elastic leg threads 80a-c, 82a-c are disposed outside the side edges 18, 20. However, in other contemplated embodiments, any number of elastic leg threads 80a-c, 82a-c may be arranged to outside the side edges 18, 20 of the chassis 11, including only one of the elastic leg strands 80a-c, 82a-c of each of the laminated structures 55, 57.

[0071] The laminated structures 55, 57 may be attached to the chassis 11 through seam connections 70, 72. The seam connections 70, 72 may be formed by any suitable bonding method, including the use of adhesives, ultrasonic energy, thermal energy, pressure or any combination of such methods. Additionally, although seam connections 70, 72 are shown aligned with connections 74, 76, this is not necessary. In other embodiments, the connections 74, 76 may be located on the exterior of the seam connections 70, 72 in some embodiments or on the interior of the seam connections 70, 72 in other embodiments. The seam connections 70, 72 may divide the laminated structures 55, 57 into the containment flap portions 50, 52 and the leg cuff portions 60, 62.

[0072] Accordingly, each of the leg sheaths 60, 62 may have leg sheath lengths comprising both the length of the non-elasticized leg sheath portion 92 and the length of the elasticized leg sheath portion 93 (shown only in relative to sheath 60 in FIG. 3). Each of the containment flaps 50, 52 may have containment flap lengths comprising both the length of the non-elasticized containment flap portion 91 and the length of the elasticized containment flap portion 94. The lengths of the leg cuff portion non-elasticized 92 may generally span the seam connections 70, 72 to the leg elastic element closest to the seam connections 70, 72 - e.g., leg elastic elements 80c, 82a in FIG. 3. The length of the elasticized leg cuff portion 93 may generally extend between the leg elastic element closest to the seam connections 70, 72 and the distal ends of the leg cuffs 60, 62. Likewise, the lengths of the Non-elasticized containment flap portions 91 may generally span from seam connections 70, 72 to the elastic flap element closest to the seam connections 70, 72 - for example, elastic flap elements 83a, 84a in FIG. 3. Lengths of the elasticized containment flap portion 94 may generally extend between the elastic element of the flap closest to the seam connections 70, 72 and the distal ends of the containment flaps 50, 52.

[0073] In order for the containment flaps 50, 52 and leg sheaths 60, 62 to optimally seal a user, it is important that portions of the laminate structures 55, 57 have particular dimensions in relation to other portions of the laminate structures 55, 57. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the leg cuffs 60, 62, which is the length of the non-elasticized leg cuff portion 92 plus the length of the elasticized leg cuff portion 93, may be greater than the length of the non-elasticized containment flap portion 91. In some more particular embodiments, the length of the non-elasticized leg cuff portion 92 may be less than or equal to the length of the non-elasticized containment flap portion 91. In even more particular embodiments, the length of the non-elasticized leg cuff portion 92 may be shorter than the length 91 of the non-elasticized containment flap portion by between about 5% and about 50%, or by about 10%. and 50% 15% and about 50%, or between about 20% and about 50%, or between about 20% and about 45%, or between about 25% and about 45%, or between about 30% and around 40%. In at least some embodiments, it may be additionally beneficial for the length of the non-elasticized containment flap portion 91 to be greater than or equal to the length of the elasticized leg cuff portion 93. In this way, the laminated structures 55, 57 of the present invention ensure that the flap elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b are capable of reaching the user's skin when the article 10 is worn by a user and thus providing an effective seal.

[0074] In general, elastic materials suitable for the flap elastic yarns 83a-b, 84a-b may include, but are not limited to, elastane elastomeric yarns, natural or synthetic rubber yarns, thermoplastic elastomeric materials or activated elastomeric materials by heat. The elastic flap yarns 83a-b, 84a-b may be any elastomeric material capable of being elongated by at least about 50 percent, desirably about 350 percent, and capable of recovering by at least about 250 percent, and desirably about 150 percent of its original length after being lengthened by about 300 percent. The elastic flap yarns 83a-b, 84a-b may be elastane elastomeric yarn(s), or polyurethane-based synthetic fibers, such as LYCRA. Alternatively, the elastic flap tapes 83a-b, 84a-b may be composed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a natural or synthetic rubber, or even a heat-activated elastic material, which can be activated with heat treatment after the elastic fibers of the flap. 83a-b, 84a-b, and laminated structures 55, 57, be attached to the chassis 11. In at least some embodiments, the elastomeric wires may have diameters ranging from about 10 denier to about 1500 denier.

[0075] During the manufacture of the laminated structures 55, 57, at least a portion of the flap elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b may be attached to one or more pieces of material 77, 79, while the flap elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b tab 83a-b, 84a- b are elongated. The percentage of elongation of the flap elastic yarns 83a-b, 84a-b may be, for example, about 110% to about 350%. The elastic tab strands 83a-b, 84a-b may be coated with adhesive while stretched to a specified length prior to securing the elastic tab strands 83a-b, 84a-b within the laminate structures 55, 57. In a stretched condition , the length of the elastic flap strands 83a-b, 84a-b, which have an adhesive attached, can provide an elastic active flap region, which will come together upon relaxation of the absorbent article 10. The elastic active flap region can have a longitudinal length that is less than the length of the absorbent article 10, 110. In this exemplary method of attaching the flap elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b within the laminated structures 55, 57, the portion of the flap elastic threads 83a -b, 84a-b not coated with adhesive will retract after the flap elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b and the absorbent article 10 are cut in manufacturing to form an individual absorbent article 10. As noted above, relaxation of the flap elastic threads 83a-b, 84a-b in the elastic region of the active flap when the absorbent article 10, 110 is in a relaxed condition may cause each laminated structure 55, 57 to come together and cause portions of each of the containment flaps 50, 52 to move away from the surface facing the body 19 of the chassis 11.

[0076] Additionally, for suitable elastic materials, leg elastic threads 80a-c, 82a-c can be used. Suitable elastic materials may include sheets, threads or tapes of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomeric materials. Elastic materials can be stretched and attached to a substrate, attached to a assembled substrate, or attached to a substrate and then stretched or shrunk, for example, by applying heat, such that elastic recoil forces are transmitted to the substrate.

[0077] Closure System: In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may include a fastening system. The closure system may include one or more rear fasteners 91 and one or more front fasteners 92. Embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2 represent embodiments with a front closure 92. Portions of the closure system may be placed in the front waist region 12, rear waist region 14, or both.

[0078] The closure system may be configured to secure the absorbent article 10 around the user's waist in a secured condition, as shown in FIG. 1, and help keep the absorbent article 10 in place during use. In one embodiment, the back fasteners 91 may contain one or more materials joined together to form a composite ear, as is known in the art. For example, the composite closure may be formed of a stretch member 94, a non-woven carrier or hook base 96, and a closure member 98, as labeled in FIG. two.

[0079] All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated into this document by reference; Citation of any document should not be interpreted as an admission that it is prior art in relation to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of a term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall control.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be manifested in a variety of forms beyond the specific embodiments described and contemplated here. Specifically, the various features described in relation to the various embodiments and figures should not be considered applicable only to those embodiments and/or figures. Rather, each described feature may be combined with any other feature in various contemplated embodiments, with or without any of the other features described in conjunction with those features. Consequently, departure in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as described in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. Absorbent article (10, 110) comprising: a chassis (11) having a front waist region (12) and a rear waist region (14), the front waist region (12) and the rear waist region being (14) joined by a crotch region (16), the chassis (11) also having a surface facing the body (19) and a surface facing the clothing, the chassis (11) extending in a longitudinal direction (30) and having a first longitudinally extending side edge (18) and a longitudinally extending side edge (20), the chassis (11) including: a body side liner (28), an outer cover (26) facing the clothing, and an absorbent body (34) disposed between the body side lining (28) and the outer cover (26); and a first combined leg sheath (60, 62) and barrier structure attached to the body-facing surface (19) of the chassis (11) proximate the first longitudinally extending side edge (18) and extending between the front waist region (12) and the rear waist region (14), characterized in that the first combined leg sheath (60, 62) and barrier structure further comprises: a plurality of leg elastic elements, at least at least one of the plurality of elastic leg elements disposed outside the first longitudinally extending side edge (18) of the chassis (11); at least one elastic barrier sheath element; and a sheath material (77, 79) encompassing the plurality of elastic leg elements and at least one elastic barrier sheath element, wherein the first combined leg cuff (60, 62) and barrier cuff structure is connected to the chassis (11) by a seam connection (70, 72) between the sheath material (77, 79) and the chassis (11), the seam connection (70, 72) being located between the plurality of elastic elements of leg and at least one elastic barrier sheath member and dividing the combined leg sheath (60, 62) and barrier sheath structure into a leg sheath portion (92, 93) and a barrier sheath portion, and the first combined leg cuff (60, 62) and barrier cuff structure further including: a first non-elasticized portion (92) extending between the seam connection (70, 72) and the leg elastic member of the plurality of leg elastic elements closer to seam connection (70, 72); a first elasticized portion (93) extending between the leg elastic element closest to the seam connection (70, 72) and a distal end of the leg cuff portion (93); and a second non-elasticized portion (91) extending between the seam connection (70, 72) and at least one elastic element of the barrier sheath that is closest to the seam connection (70, 72), wherein the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) plus the length of the first elasticized portion (93) is greater than the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91), and wherein the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) is less than or equal to the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91). 2. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheath material (77, 79) comprises a single piece of material wrapped around the plurality of elastic elements of the leg and at least one element barrier sheath elastic. 3. Article (10, 110) according to claim 2, characterized in that the seam connection (70, 72) between the first combined structure of leg cuff (60, 62) and barrier cuff and the surface facing the body (19) of the chassis (11) further connects a first end of the single piece of material with a second end of the single piece of material. 4. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of the plurality of elastic leg elements are disposed outwardly from the first longitudinally extending side edge (18) of the structure. 5. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic barrier sheath element comprises a plurality of elastic barrier sheath elements. 6. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) is less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91) by between 5% and 50%. 7. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) is less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91) by between 10% and 50%. 8. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) is less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91) by between 15% and 50%. 9. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) is less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91) by between 15% and 45%. 10. Article (10, 110) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the length of the first non-elasticized portion (92) is less than the length of the second non-elasticized portion (91) by between 20% and 45%. 11. A method of forming an absorbent article (10, 110) as defined in claim 1 comprising: moving a chassis (11) of an absorbent article (10, 110) in the machine direction, the chassis (11) having a region of front waist (12) and a rear waist region (14), with the front waist region (12) and the rear waist region (14) being joined by a crotch region (16), with the chassis (11) also having a body-facing surface (19) and a clothing-facing surface, the chassis (11) extending in a longitudinal direction (30) and having a first longitudinally extending side edge (18) and a side edge (20) extending longitudinally; moving a first combined leg sheath (60, 62) and barrier structure in the machine direction, the first combined leg sheath (60, 62) and barrier structure including: a plurality of elastic leg elements; at least one elastic barrier sheath element; and a sheath material encompassing the plurality of elastic leg elements and at least one elastic element of the barrier sheath; and attaching the first combined leg sheath (60, 62) and barrier structure to the body-facing surface (19) of the chassis (11) with a connection between the sheath material (77, 79) and the body-facing surface (19) the body (19) of the chassis (11), such that at least one of the plurality of elastic leg elements are arranged outside the first side edge (18) of the chassis (11), characterized by the fact that the seam connection (70, 72) divides the first combined leg cuff (60, 62) and barrier cuff structure comprising a first non-elasticized portion (92) extending between the seam connection (72, 72) and the elastic leg of the plurality of leg elastic elements closest to the seam connection, a first elasticized portion (93) extending between the leg elastic element closest to the seam connection (72, 73) and a distal end of the hem portion leg (60, 62), and a second non-elasticized portion (91) extending between the seam connection (70, 72) and the at least one elastic element of the barrier cuff that is closest to the seam connection ( 70, 72), wherein the length of the leg cuff (60, 62) is greater than the length of the barrier cuff, and wherein a length of the non-elasticized portion of the first leg cuff (92) is less than or equal to a length of the non-elasticized portion (91) of the first barrier sheath. 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the length of the first non-elasticized portion of the leg sheath (92) is less than the length of the non-elasticized portion (91) of the first barrier sheath between 5% and 50 %. 13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the length of the non-elasticized portion (92) of the first leg sheath (60, 62) is less than the length of the first non-elasticized portion (91) of the barrier sheath between 10% and 50%. 14. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the length of the non-elasticized portion (92) of the first leg sheath (60, 62) is less than the length of the non-elasticized portion (91) of the first barrier sheath between 15% and 50%. 15. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the length of the non-elasticized portion (92) of the first leg sheath (60, 62) is less than the length of the non-elasticized portion (91) of the first barrier sheath between 15% and 45%. 16. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the length of the non-elasticized portion (92) of the first leg sheath (60, 62) is less than the length of the non-elasticized portion (91) of the first barrier sheath between 20% and 45%.