CN112469376A

CN112469376A - Wearable article with integrated disposal tape

Info

Publication number: CN112469376A
Application number: CN201880095866.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高旭; 姚英; 森本广一
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2018-08-10
Filing date: 2018-08-10
Publication date: 2021-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-10
Also published as: CN112469376B; WO2020029241A1; CN115462968A

Abstract

The present invention provides a wearable article (20) comprising: a central chassis (38) and an endless elastic belt comprising a first belt (85) and a second belt; the center of the first belt (85) is joined to the first waist panel (55) of the central chassis (38), the center of the second belt is joined to the second waist panel of the central chassis (38), and the remainder of the central chassis (38) is a crotch panel (56); a breakaway strip (330) comprising an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein at least a portion of the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached to the first strap (85), wherein at least a portion of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached by a refastenable component (335). By releasing the refastenable component (335) and unfolding all of the creases (338,339), a disposal tape (33) is formed that can be fastened to the garment-facing surface of the article (20).

Description

Wearable article with integrated disposal tape

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wearable articles having a disposal tape integrally formed with an elastic band.

Background

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

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

Pant-type articles without fastening means may be equipped on the garment-facing surface with a disposal tape that enables the used pant to be wrapped around itself before disposal. In addition, the waste disposal tape may also help to distinguish between the front and back portions of the article, which may otherwise appear similar. By wrapping around itself, the used article can be held in a closed position to avoid exposure to body exudates, and can be made compact. To withstand tensile forces that may be applied to the waste disposal tape during such wrapping action, the waste disposal tape may be made of a durable plastic material and have colored opening tabs to indicate where to open the waste disposal tape. All of the above-described characteristics of scrap handling belts have a number of disadvantages. Plastic waste disposal tape can increase costs. Despite such increased costs, the plastic appearance and feel of the disposal tape may not be well-coordinated with the garment-facing surface of the article. Many articles equipped with a waste disposal tape that is integrally made with the article have been proposed, such as japanese publications JP2003-169823a and JP2005-278886 a. While these waste disposal belts, made integral with the article, may provide some functionality as waste disposal belts, improvements are desired to provide functionality similar to waste disposal belts made of durable plastic materials.

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

Disclosure of Invention

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

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

the first belt (85) is formed of a laminate including an inner sheet and an outer sheet;

a separation strip (330) permanently attached at a proximal edge of the first belt (85) or the first waist panel (55) in a position where the first belt (85) is joined to the first waist panel (55), the separation strip (330) comprising an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein at least a part of the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached to the first belt (85), wherein at least a part of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first belt (85) and/or the attachment portion (332) of the separation strip (330) by a refastenable member (335), and wherein the attachment portion (332) and the extension portion (334) are separated by at least one fold (338) of the separation strip (330),

wherein a disposal tape (33) is formed by releasing the refastenable component (335) and unfolding all folds (338,339) of the separating strip (330), the disposal tape comprising the refastenable component (335) towards the garment-facing side, the refastenable component (335) being fastenable to the garment-facing surface of the article.

The invention also relates to a method for producing the wearable article.

Drawings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 3B in an unsecured and separated state of the scrap disposal tape.

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

Fig. 3E is the schematic cross-sectional view of fig. 3D in an unsecured state of the scrap disposal tape.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of FIG. 1B, wherein the article is in a condition wrapped by a disposal tape.

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a separator strip of the present invention in an unsecured state.

Fig. 6A to 6D are schematic plan views of embodiments of the separation line of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article of the present invention for making measurements herein.

Definition of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"extensible material", "extensible material" or "stretchable material" are used interchangeably and refer to materials such as: upon application of a biasing force, the material can stretch to an extended length of at least about 110% of its relaxed initial length (i.e., can stretch to more than 10% of its initial length) without cracking or breaking, and exhibits minimal recovery, i.e., less than about 20% of its elongation, upon release of the applied force, without complete rupture or breaking, as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. An extensible material will be considered "elastic" or "elastomeric" in the event that such extensible material recovers at least 40% of its elongation upon release of an applied force. For example, an elastic material having an initial length of 100mm may extend at least to 150mm, and retract to a length of at least 130mm (i.e., exhibit 40% recovery) upon removal of the force. An extensible material will be considered "substantially inelastic" or "substantially non-elastomeric" in the event that the material does not recover 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force. For example, a stretchable material having an initial length of 100mm may extend at least to 150mm and retract to a length of at least 145mm (i.e., exhibit 10% recovery) upon removal of the force.

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

Detailed Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to fig. 1B, the article of the present disclosure includes a first belt (85), which may be a front belt or a back belt, wherein the first belt (85) is configured to form a scrap disposal belt (33). While most wearable articles on the market equipped with a waste disposal tape have a waste disposal tape disposed on the rear side of the article, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such configurations. Therefore, the second belt of the present invention, which is the other side of the first belt (85), may not contain the disposal belt (33). The waist panel attached to the central chassis of the first belt (85) is a first waist panel (55). A disposal tape (33) is formed by releasing the refastenable component (335) and unfolding all folds (338,339) of the separator strip (330), the disposal tape comprising a refastenable component (335) towards the garment-facing side, the refastenable component being fastenable to the garment-facing surface of the article.

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

Referring to fig. 1B, 3A, 3B and 3D, the first belt (85) comprises a release strip (330) permanently attached at a proximal edge of the first belt (85) or the first waist panel (55) in a position where the first belt (85) is joined to the first waist panel (55). By providing the separating strip (330) in such a position, the scrap disposal tape (33) may be positioned substantially in the lateral center of the article, and in addition, at least some portions of the separating strip (330) may be covered by the first tape (85), and thus less aesthetically affected. The separator strip (330) comprises an attachment portion (332) and an extension portion (334), wherein at least a portion of the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached to the first strap (85), wherein at least a portion of the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the first strap (85) and/or the attachment portion (332) of the separator strip (330) by a refastenable component (335), and wherein the attachment portion (332) and the extension portion (334) are separated by at least one fold (338) of the separator strip (330).

Referring to fig. 3A, the attachment portion (332) may be permanently attached to the garment facing side of the first strap (85); and the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the garment facing side of the attachment portion (332), i.e. an overall separate strip (330) may be present on the garment facing side of the first strap (85). The separator strip (330) may have only one fold (338) separating the attachment portion (332) and the extension portion (334). Such a configuration may provide for ease of assembly of the separator strip (330) to the first belt (85).

Referring to fig. 3B, the attachment portion (332) may be permanently attached to the body facing side of the first strap (85); and the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the garment facing side of the first strap (85), i.e. the separator strip (330) sandwiches the proximal edge of the first strap (85). Referring to fig. 5, the attachment portion (332) may include a plurality of oval heat bonds (3325) for permanent attachment. The separator strip (330) may have only one fold (338) separating the attachment portion (332) and the extension portion (334). Such a configuration may provide enhanced aesthetics to the first belt (85). Such configurations may also provide secure attachment of the separator strip (330) to the first strap (85).

For either configuration of fig. 3A or 3B, the first strap (85) may further include a longitudinally extending separation line (852) to form a separated first strap portion (850) by releasing the refastenable component (335), unfolding all creases (338) of the separation strip (330), and tearing along the separation line (852) to remove the separated first strap portion (850) from the remainder of the first strap (85). The separation line (852) is provided in a configuration such that the separated first belt portion (850) is connected to the separator strip (330). Fig. 3C shows a separation line (852) that is torn and has formed at least a portion of a separated first tape portion (850). By utilizing a portion of the first belt (85) to break off the separated first belt portion (850) to make the scrap disposal belt (33), material costs may be saved in addition to the aesthetic advantages described above. The duration of the separation line (852) may be adjusted to provide a length of the waste disposal tape (33), wherein the separated first tape portion (850) and the separation strip (330) cooperatively form the waste disposal tape (33). The overall longitudinal dimension of the separating strip (330) and the separated first belt portion (850) may be adjusted such that when the resulting waste disposal belt (33) extends upwardly beyond the waist opening of the first belt (85), the length beyond the waist opening is from about 20mm to about 150 mm. The separator strip (330) may have a transverse dimension of about 10mm to about 30mm, or about 13mm to about 28 mm. The separated first belt portion (850) may have a longitudinal dimension of about 20mm to about 110 mm. The disposal tape (33) may be of sufficient length to extend beyond the waist opening such that when the article is wrapped, the refastenable component (335) may be attached to another portion of the article to secure such wrapped position, as shown in fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 3D, the attachment portion (332) may be permanently attached to the body facing side of the first strap (85); and the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the body facing side of the attachment portion (332), i.e. the separation strip (330) is gathered between the first belt (85) and the first waist panel (55). Such a configuration may provide enhanced aesthetics to the first belt (85). The separator strip (330) may have a first fold (338) and a second fold (339), and the first strap (85) may have a separated first strap portion (850). If the separator strip (330) itself can provide sufficient length for the scrap disposal tape (33), there may be no separated first tape portion (850). In such configurations where there is no separate first belt portion (850), the disposal belt (33) is formed by releasing the refastenable feature (335) and unfolding the first and second folds (338,339) of the separator strip (330), as shown in fig. 3E. The overall longitudinal dimension of the separating strip (330) and optional separated first belt portion (850) may be adjusted such that when the resulting waste disposal belt (33) extends upwardly beyond the waist opening of the first belt (85), the length beyond the waist opening is from about 20mm to about 150 mm. The separator strip (330) may have a transverse dimension of about 10mm to about 30mm, or about 13mm to about 28 mm. The disposal tape (33) may be of sufficient length to extend beyond the waist opening such that when the article is wrapped, the refastenable component (335) may be attached to another portion of the article to secure such wrapped position, as shown in fig. 4.

In another configuration, the separator strip (330) may have only one crease (339) disposed distal to the refastenable feature (335) (not shown). In such configurations, the first belt (85) may have a separate first belt portion (850) as described above.

Whether in the configuration of fig. 3A, 3B, or 3D, the separator strip (330) may also include a tab portion (336). Referring to fig. 5, a tab portion (336) may be disposed at an edge of the separator strip (330), wherein the tab portion (336) is free of the refastenable component (335), wherein the tab portion (336) is adjacent to the refastenable component (335) and has a longitudinal dimension of about 5mm to about 20 mm. By providing such a tab portion (336), the edge of the separator strip (330) can be easily gripped and lifted. The tab portion (336) may be provided in a colored state for ease of identification.

The material and construction of the waste disposal tape (33) of the present invention is selected to deliver similar functionality to waste disposal tapes made of durable plastic materials, while also providing a beneficial feel and aesthetics to the overall article. The separator strip (330) may have a break resistance of at least about 3N, as measured herein. By having such a resistance to breakage, the disposal tape (33) may be stretched by the user without being torn or significantly deformed. The disposal tape (33) may be stretched with a relatively high force while wrapping the article. The separator strip (330) may be made of a nonwoven material that meets the above-described resistance to rupture, wherein the nonwoven material may be non-stretchable and have a basis weight of at least about 30 gsm. By using a nonwoven material to make the separator strip (330), the overall feel and aesthetics of the first belt (85) are enhanced. Examples of suitable nonwoven materials for the release strip (330) include SMS or spunbond polyolefin fibers.

As described above, the separator strip (330) comprises an extension portion (334) which is refastenably attached to the first strap (85) and/or the attachment portion (332) of the separator strip (330) by a refastenable component (335). A refastenable component (335) may be provided, regardless of the portion of the article to which it is attached, such that it can be removed from the article with a peel force of about 0.5N to about 3N or about 0.8N to about 2N. By providing such "peel forces," the refastenable component (335) remains secured during assembly and packaging of the article, as well as during application and wear of the article, while also being able to be removed from the article without excessive force. The refastenable component (335) can have a bending force of less than about 0.23N, as measured herein. By selecting refastenable components (335) that have bending forces in their own right, they are not overly rigid. When a rigid localized area is present in a wearable article, this may irritate the wearer during wear.

Referring back to the configuration of fig. 3A and 3B, first strap (85) may further include a separation line (852) extending distally to form a separated first strap portion (850) by releasing the refastenable component (335), unfolding crease (338) of separation strip (330), and tearing along separation line (852) to remove separated first strap portion (850) from the remainder of first strap (85); wherein the separated first belt portion (850) and the separator strip (330) cooperatively form a scrap disposal belt (33). Thus, the material of the first belt (85) that drops off the separated first belt portion (850) is also selected to deliver a similar function to a waste disposal belt (33) made of a durable plastic material. The inner and outer sheets used to make the first belt (85) may collectively have a break resistance of at least about 3N, as measured herein. By providing such a breaking resistance, the disposal tape (33) formed with the separation strip may be extended by the user without being torn or significantly deformed. Additionally, the breaking resistance of the separator strip (330) and the separated first belt portion (85) may be made similar. The inner and outer sheets used to make the first belt (85) may collectively have an opacity of at least about 40% or from about 50% to about 80%, as measured herein. Opacity herein can be obtained according to ISO 6504-3 using BYK-Gardner Spectro-guide 45/0 or equivalent. By providing such opacity, the presence of the separator strip (330) and separator line (852) present beneath the separated first belt portion (850) is less noticeable prior to forming the scrap disposal belt (33), thereby providing advantageous aesthetics to the overall article. The attachment portion (332) may have a longitudinal dimension more or less matching that of the separate first belt portion (850) to provide strength to such overlapping area, or for economic reasons a relatively short longitudinal dimension.

A separated first belt portion (850) may be provided such that it is capable of being removed from the remainder of the first belt portion with a peel force of about 3N or less, or from about 1N to about 2N, according to the measurements herein. Such peel force can be controlled by: the strength of the attachment of the separate first belt portion (850) to the separating strip (330) and/or the first waist panel (55), whichever region is directly joined with the separate first belt portion (330); and the strength required to break the separation line (852). When the first tape (85) is attached to the first waist panel (55) by adhesive, the amount and type of adhesive provided in the separated first tape portion (850) can be controlled to provide a suitable peel force.

Referring to fig. 5, the separation line (852) may be a dashed perforation that penetrates the thickness of the first tape (85). When viewed in detail, the dashed perforation may have a perforated portion (8525) and a non-perforated portion (8520). In the direction of the separation line (852), the perforated portion (8525) may have a size of about 5mm to about 10mm, or about 6mm to about 10mm, and the non-perforated portion (8520) may have a size of about 0.5mm to about 2mm, or about 0.8mm to about 1.2 mm. The proximal edge of the first tape (85) at the beginning of the separation line may be perforated for easy separation. As described above and referring to fig. 6A-6D, the dashed perforations used to provide the separation lines (852) may be configured such that the lateral width between the dashed perforations at the distal edge is no less than the lateral width at the proximal edge. By providing such a shape of the area between the dashed perforations, the separated first belt portion (850) can be separated smoothly with less tendency to break or distort during separation.

The separated first strap portion (850) may comprise artwork integral with the remainder of the first strap (85). When the configuration of fig. 3B is employed, the integrity of the artwork is well maintained. Alternatively or additionally, the separated first tape portion (850) may comprise indicia selected from the group consisting of: pre-and post-differentiating markings, gender-differentiating markings, size indicators, artwork indicating physical characteristics, and combinations thereof. For example, a logo indicating boys or girls or size may be provided. For example, artwork may be provided, such as the tail of an animal, the nose of an animal, or the neck of an animal. The separator strip (330) may also be provided with the artwork described above, or with a portion of the artwork to be mated with the separated first band portion (850).

With respect to configurations having a separated first belt portion (850), to form the separated first belt portion (850), there is no live elastomer (96) intersecting the separation line (852). The portion of the first belt (85) including the separation line (852) may be made to lack living elastomers by deactivating the elastomers during laminate preparation of the first belt (85). Alternatively or in addition, the portion of the first belt (85) comprising the separation line (852) can be made devoid of live elastomer, wherein the separation line is a dashed perforation and the perforation simultaneously deactivates elastomer laminated in the portion of the first belt intersecting the perforation.

The invention also relates to a method of making a wearable article assembled from a first belt (85), a second belt, and a central chassis having a first waist panel (55) joined to the first belt (85); the first tape comprises a separator strip (330) and a pair of perforated dashed lines; the method comprises the following steps: forming a first belt (85) by joining a plurality of elastic bodies extending in a longitudinal direction between 2-layer substrates; forming a pair of perforated dashed lines extending from one of the transverse edges of the first belt (85) in a transverse direction, wherein the perforated dashed lines cut the elastomeric body intersecting the perforated lines; engaging the separator strip (330) between the spaces of the perforated dashed lines; and joining the central chassis to the first belt (85) in a position where the separation strips (330) overlap in the thickness direction. Such a manufacturing method may be advantageous in that the deactivation of the elastomer of the first belt (85) and the formation of the separation line (852) may be performed simultaneously. To provide the configuration of fig. 3A or 3D, the separator strip (330) may be folded prior to joining to the first belt (85). To provide the configuration of fig. 3B, the release strip (330) may be joined to the first tape (85) in an unfolded state and then folded at the lateral edges of the first tape (85) in such a manner as to sandwich the first tape (85).

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

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

1. Preparation of samples

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

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

2. Resistance to breaking

MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 software was used as the equipment with a standard tensiometer clamp or equivalent.

When the sample is a separator strip, the entire length of the separator strip is used, with the refastenable features opened. When the sample is a first tape, the area of the first tape without perforations is selected and cut to a width that matches the tensiometer clamps.

(1) The sample is set so that the longitudinal direction of the article matches the vertical direction of the apparatus. The sample was clamped as straight as possible between the tensiometer upper and lower clamps without applying a pretension.

(2) Elongation measurements were taken from the point where the force curve left the zero line.

(3) A constant elongation rate of 100mm/min was applied.

(4) The specimen was pulled until fracture and the force at fracture was recorded. The force (N) at break is the breaking resistance.

3. Peeling force

When the sample is a separation strip used to measure the peel force to release the refastenable component, a separation strip sample with a closed refastenable component is used. A wearable article sample with a refastenable portion of a separation strip opened is used when the sample is a wearable article for measuring a peel force to release a separated first belt portion from a remainder of the first belt portion.

(1) When the sample is a separator strip, about 10mm is gripped from the edge to the upper grip and from the extension to the lower grip. If 10mm cannot be fixed, the grip exceeds half the length of the edge of the separation strip. The gauge length was fixed at 10 mm.

(2) When the sample is a wearable article, approximately 10mm of the edge of the separator strip is gripped from the edge to the upper clamp, as shown by UJ in fig. 7. The central chassis of the article is clamped in a closed manner to the lower clamp at a position directly below the opened separator bar, as shown by LJ in fig. 7. The gauge length was fixed at 10 mm.

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

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

4. Bending force

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

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

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

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

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm". Moreover, each numerical range given throughout this specification includes every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range.

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

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

Claims

1. A wearable article continuous in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, the wearable article comprising:

the first belt (85) is formed of a laminate comprising an inner sheet and an outer sheet;

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the separator bar (330) has a break resistance of at least about 3N, as measured herein.

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

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached to the garment facing side of the first strap (85); and the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the garment facing side of the attachment portion (332); preferably wherein the separator strip (330) has only one fold (338).

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached to the body facing side of the first strap (85); and the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the garment facing side of the first strap (85); preferably wherein the separator strip (330) has only one fold (338).

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment portion (332) is permanently attached to the body facing side of the first strap (85); and the extension portion (334) is refastenably attached to the body facing side of the attachment portion (332); preferably wherein the separator strip (330) has more than one fold (338).

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

8. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laminate used to form the first belt (85) comprises a plurality of elastomers extending in the cross direction,

the first tape (85) further comprising a distally extending separation line (852) to form a separated first tape portion (850) by releasing the refastenable component (335), unfolding all of the creases (338,339) of the separation strip (330), and tearing along the separation line (852) to remove the separated first tape portion (850) from the remainder of the first tape (85);

wherein there is no live elastomer intersecting the separation line (852) and wherein the separated first belt portion (850) and the separation strip (330) cooperatively form the scrap disposal belt (33).

9. The article of claim 8, wherein a pair of separation lines (852) are disposed along lateral side edges of the separator strip (330) and extend distally to define the separated first belt portion (850); preferably the width between said separation lines (852) at the distal edge is not smaller than the width between said separation lines (852) at the proximal edge.

10. The article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the separated first belt portion (850) is removable from the remainder of the first belt portion with a peel force of about 3N or less, as measured herein.

11. The article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the separation line (852) is a dashed perforation through a thickness of the first belt (85), wherein the proximal edge of the first belt (85) is perforated, preferably wherein the perforation deactivates an elastic material laminated in the first belt portion that intersects the perforation.

12. The article of any of claims 8-11, wherein the separated first belt portion (850) comprises a work of art that is integral with the remainder of the first belt portion.

13. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the break resistance in the machine direction of the inner and outer sheets used to make the first belt (85) together is at least about 3N, and the opacity is at least about 40%, as measured herein.

14. The article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waste disposal tape (33) comprises indicia selected from the group consisting of: pre-and post-differentiating markings, gender-differentiating markings, size indicators, artwork indicating physical characteristics, and combinations thereof.

15. A method of manufacturing a wearable article assembled from a first belt (85), a second belt, and a central chassis having a first waist panel (55) joined to the first belt (85); the first tape comprises a separator strip (330) and a pair of perforated dashed lines; the method comprises the following steps:

forming a first belt (85) by joining a plurality of elastic bodies extending in a longitudinal direction between 2-layer substrates;

forming a pair of perforation lines extending from one of the transverse edges of the first belt (85) in a transverse direction, wherein the perforation lines cut the elastomeric body intersecting the perforation lines;

engaging the separator strip (330) between the intervals of the perforated dashed lines; and is

Joining the central chassis to the first belt (85) in a position where the separation strips (330) overlap in a thickness direction.