JP2015514521A - Fit display for pull-on absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A pull-on disposable absorbent article (20) having a fit indication is disclosed. The pull-on disposable absorbent article (20) has an extensible belt (11) disposed transversely to the chassis portion (10). The belt portion (11) of the pull-on article (20) is provided with a fit indicator graphic (120). When the belt portion (11) of the article (20) is insufficiently stretched, the fit display graphic (120) has a first appearance (123, 223). When the belt portion (11) of the article (20) is extended to the wearer's design range, the fit indicator graphic (120) has a second appearance (125, 225). When the belt portion (11) of the article (20) is stretched beyond the wearer's design range, the fit indicator graphic (120) has a third appearance (127, 227). By confirming that the configuration of the fit display graphic (120) is the second appearance (125, 225) during wearing, the appropriate fit of the disposable absorbent article (20) can be confirmed. Also disclosed is the use of a fit display graphic (120) in combination with a reference graphic (122) and the fit display graphic (120) in an array of disposable absorbent articles (20).

Description

  The present invention relates to a disposable pull-on garment.

  Infants, infants, children, and other individuals with incontinence often wear disposable absorbent articles such as diapers that accept and contain urine, feces, and other bodily discharges. There are at least two basic designs for such disposable absorbent articles. One such design is an “open” or “taped” design in which the product waist is in an open configuration before being placed around the wearer's torso. As part of the application process, the product is closed around the waist of the wearer, such as with tape or using mechanical fasteners. Another common design is a “closed” or “pull-on” design characterized by a product having a waist configuration that is closed and generally stretchable. The product spreads around the wearer's waist and legs for normal application and shrinks once and properly (eg, through the use of an elastic shrink material). The second type of this product, the so-called “pull-on” or “pants” type, is generally used during toilet training, as a walkable, for children, or simply as an alternative to an “open” or “taped” design. Is.

  It is understood that the proper fit of the pull-on absorbent article is important for the fully satisfactory performance of the product. Generally, such pull-on absorbent articles are held in place on the wearer's body by elastic contraction members located around the waist and leg openings of the article. A common feature of such pull-on absorbent articles is that the waist opening can extend over a range that is substantially larger than the optimal waist opening size corresponding to the most desired elastic fit force. This “overextension” ability is often desirable to make the pull-on article most easily applicable even in the face of potential obstacles, such as when the wearer is wearing shoes.

  Despite the fact that the ability to stretch at the waist of some pull-on absorbent articles is more than required during actual wear, it is desirable that the stretch of the waist during use is within a narrower range. This is to ensure that the force generated by the waist elastic material is in an optimal range for a given wearer. If the force generated by such an elastic shrink member is low enough, the product will sag or slide down (especially because it becomes loaded with urine or other effluent). In contrast, if the force generated by the elastic shrink member is too high, the caregiver or wearer may have difficulty applying or removing the product. In addition, if the elastic contraction force is too high, the product can place excessive pressure on the wearer's body, leading to red marks or other undesirable use experiences. Even if the force generated by the elastic contraction member extending beyond the optimum range is sufficiently high, other drawbacks may arise. For example, the fact that such a product can physically fit a given wearer first means that such wearer is too large for the product, even if the resulting stretch of the elastic member exceeds the optimum range. There is a risk of concealing potential, and therefore more urine may be incorporated into the product than a particular size product is designed to process. This negative product performance could often be avoided when such a wearer wears a different size garment so that the stretch during use of the elastic elastic member is within the optimum range for the particular garment design. .

  While the importance of proper fit is understood by the manufacturers of pull-on absorbent articles, consumers face difficulties in selecting the right size product that is sold for use There are many. This may be especially true for pull-on absorbent articles designed for infants or children. As mentioned above, this can be especially true if the physical quantity by which the product opening can be stretched extends over a wider range than the size that best achieves design fit. Properly fitting products are often suggested by proxy information that is expected to be readily known by most buyers. For example, a predetermined weight range on a product package is a typical way in which selection information is provided to the consumer for proper product selection. While this approach may work in some cases, the weight does not necessarily directly correspond to the wearer's physical characteristics that most affect the ability to obtain an optimal fit from a given design of the pull-on absorbent article. . The wearer's physical characteristics, most important for optimal product fit, vary somewhat depending on the design details considered for the pull-on absorbent article. These features include size, but also the associated size of the wearer's body area, range of motion characteristics, and other attributes that may not be well estimated by weight alone.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a pull-on disposable absorbent article that is provided with an improved and easy-to-use fit rating function that is specifically designed to accommodate the design of the pull-on absorbent article itself.

  The present invention is directed to a disposable pull-on absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The article comprises a chassis having a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion therebetween. The article further comprises a belt portion. The belt portion includes a front belt portion, a rear belt portion, and left and right side belt portions, the belt portion being disposed laterally with respect to the chassis and the side belt portions being laterally outward from the chassis. Extend. The belt portion forms a waist opening. Each of the front belt portion and the rear belt portion includes an elastomer material, and the waist opening is elastically stretchable. The elastomeric material in the belt portion is configured to characterize the waist opening by a positive strain design fit range indicating that the waist opening is below the maximum range that can be stretched. The article further includes a fit display graphic disposed on the belt portion. When the waist opening of the article is distorted within the range from the complete contact state to the design fit range, the fit display graphic has a first appearance. When the waist opening of the article is distorted within the design fit range, the fit display graphic has a second appearance. When the waist opening of the article is distorted beyond the design fit range, the fit display graphic has a third appearance. When the article is worn by the wearer, it can be confirmed that the fit display graphic has the second appearance so that the wearer can agree with the design fit range of the article.

  In another aspect of the invention, the article may further include a reference graphic disposed on the outside of the belt region chassis. The reference graphic cooperates with the second appearance of the fit display graphic. In yet another aspect, this association between the reference graphic and the fit display graphic is an appearance match. Alternatively, the linkage between the reference graphic and the fit display graphic is a complementary appearance.

  In another aspect of the invention, the reference graphic may include a reference color, and the fit display graphic matches the reference color when the fit display graphic has a second appearance. In the modification of this aspect, the display graphic differs in color in the first appearance, the second appearance, and the third appearance. In another variation, in the first appearance, the second appearance, and the third appearance, the fit display graphic may have different intensities in substantially similar colors.

  In another aspect of the invention, the maximum range over which the waist opening can be extended is at least 100% above the design fit range, and in yet another aspect at least 200%.

  In another aspect of the invention, the invention may include an array of disposable pull-on articles. The array includes a first article according to the invention and a second article according to the invention. The design fit range of the first article is smaller than the design fit range of the second article. The range of distortion of the waist opening corresponding to the third appearance of the fit indication graphic of the first article overlaps at least partially with the design fit range of the second article in the array.

At the end of this description, there is appended claims that specifically identify and individually claim the subject matter regarded as constituting the invention, but that the invention is substantially similar. A better understanding can be obtained by reading the following drawings together with the accompanying drawings in which elements are indicated using the same reference numerals.
It is a front view of the disposable pull-on absorbent article which has a fitting display figure by this invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pull-on absorbent article of FIG. 1 in a flat, uncontracted state showing the inner surface. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4. It is a display of the fitting property display figure of the present invention in the 1st (short extension) state. 6 is a display of the fit display graphic of FIG. 5 in the second (extended design fit) state. FIG. 6 is a display of the fit display graphic of FIG. 5 in a third (overextension) state. It is another display of the fit display figure of this invention in a 1st state. FIG. 9 is a display of the fit display graphic of FIG. 8 in a second state. It is a display of the fit display figure of FIG. 8 in a 3rd state. It is 2nd another display of the fit display figure of this invention in a 1st state. 12 is a display of the fit display graphic of FIG. 11 in a second state. 12 is a display of the fit display graphic of FIG. 11 in a third state. 14 is a reference graphic according to the present invention corresponding to the fit display graphic shown in FIGS.

  As used herein, the terms “pull-on absorbent article”, “pull-on garment, pants”, and “pants-like garment” are intended to be interchangeable and are preformed waist and leg openings. Refers to a disposable absorbent article having The pull-on absorbent article can be worn by inserting the wearer's leg into the leg opening and sliding the article to a position around the wearer's lower torso. These articles may also be referred to as commonly called "closed diapers", "pre-fastened diapers", "pull-on diapers", "training pants", "diaper pants", and "pre-closed diapers" All terms are intended to have the same meaning as this definition.

  As used herein, the term “disposable” is intended for laundry or clothing that is not intended to be restored or reused otherwise as clothing (ie, they are intended to be discarded after a single use, preferably To be recycled, composted, or processed in a manner appropriate to the environment).

  "Absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains body discharges, and more particularly various discharges that are discharged from the body in contact with or in close proximity to the wearer's body. Refers to a device that absorbs and contains. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pants-type diapers (ie, preformed waist and leg openings as shown in US Pat. No. 6,120,487). Diapers), refastenable diapers, pants-type diapers, incontinence briefs and underwear, diaper holders and liners, feminine physiological clothing such as panty liners, absorbent inserts and the like. Pull-on absorbent articles are generally worn by infants, infants, children and other incontinent individuals and absorb and contain urine, feces, and other bodily fluids.

  As used herein, the term “joined” refers to a configuration in which one element is directly secured to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element, and one element is attached to the intermediate member. And then affixing the intermediate member to the other element to indirectly fix the element to the other element.

  The terms “proximal” and “distal” each refer to the position of an element that is relatively near or far from the longitudinal or lateral centerline of the structure (eg, the proximal edge of the longitudinally extending element is the same) The distal edge of the element is located closer to the longitudinal centerline than to the same longitudinal centerline).

  “Body facing” and “clothing facing” refer to the relative position of an element or the surface of an element or group of elements, respectively. “Body facing” means that an element or surface is closer to the wearer when worn than other elements or surfaces. “Clothing facing” means that an element or surface is farther from the wearer when worn than other elements or surfaces (ie, the element or surface is on an absorbent disposable article) Proximity to the wearer's clothing that can be worn).

  “Longitudinal” refers to a direction running from the waist edge of the article substantially perpendicular to the opposite waist edge and substantially parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be “longitudinal”.

  The “transverse direction” or “transverse direction” refers to a direction from an edge extending in the longitudinal direction of an article to an edge extending in the opposite longitudinal direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees in the lateral direction are considered to be “lateral”.

  “Arranged” refers to the element being positioned at a particular location or position.

  “Film” refers to a sheet-like material whose length and width greatly exceed the thickness. Typically, the film has a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

  “Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the permeability of materials associated with the intended use of the disposable absorbent article. Specifically, the term “water permeable” refers to a layer or layer structure having pores, openings and / or combined voids through which liquid water, urine or synthetic urine can pass through its thickness in the absence of forced pressure. Refers to the body. Conversely, the term “water impervious” refers to a layer in which liquid water, urine or synthetic urine cannot pass through its thickness in the absence of a forced pressure (apart from natural forces such as gravity) such as hydrostatic pressure. Refers to a layer structure. A water-impermeable layer or layer structure according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e. "water vapor permeable".

  “Extensible” and “extensive” means that the width or length of a relaxed component can be increased or increased.

  “Stretchable” or “elastic” means that the component includes at least a portion made from an elastic material.

  “Extensible material”, “extensible material”, or “stretchable material” are used interchangeably, and relaxed as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89 without rupturing or breaking when a bias force is applied. Stretched to an extended length of at least about 110% of the original length (ie, 10% longer than the original length) and, without the applied force, its elongation without completely rupturing or breaking Refers to a material that exhibits a slight recovery of less than about 20%. An extensible material is considered “elastic” or “elastomer” if such an extensible material recovers at least 40% of its elongation upon releasing the applied force. For example, an elastic material having an initial length of 100 mm can extend to at least 150 mm and return to a length of 130 mm or less (ie, exhibit 40% recovery) when the force is released. An extensible material is considered “substantially inelastic” or “substantially non-elastomeric” if the material recovers less than 40% of its elongation upon release of an applied force. For example, an extensible material having an initial length of 100 mm can extend to at least 150 mm and return to a length of at least 145 mm upon release of force (ie, exhibit 10% recovery).

  "Elastomer material" is a material that exhibits elastic properties. Elastomeric materials can include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwoven fabrics and other sheet-like structures.

  “Identical” means that the objects to be compared are the same (eg, backsheet film A compared to backsheet film B, topsheet A compared to topsheet B, chassis A compared to chassis B) , Part of article A compared to the same part of article B).

  “Substantially the same” means that the articles to be compared are so similar that they are essentially the same, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. “At least substantially the same” includes “same”.

  “Extend” and “strain” have the same meaning and refer to the extension of a material when subjected to an extension force. Elastomeric materials, when strained, tend to generate a return force as they attempt to relax toward their initial configuration. Thus, there is a relationship between the elongation of the elastomeric material, i.e. the degree of strain, and the force that such material produces a return tendency.

  A preferred embodiment of the pull-on garment of the present invention is the disposable absorbent pull-on garment, pull-on diaper 20, shown in FIG. As used herein, the term “pull-on diaper” refers to a pull-on garment worn generally by infants and other incontinent individuals to absorb and contain urine and feces. However, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to other pull-on garments such as training pants, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene garments, or panties. As used herein, the term “joined” includes a configuration in which one element is directly secured to another element by directly coupling the element to another element, and one element is an intermediate member. And an intermediate member is connected to another element, thereby indirectly fixing one element to another element).

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a disposable pull-on absorbent article 20 of the present invention. The pull-on absorbent article 20 has a longitudinal centerline L1 and a transverse centerline T1 (see also FIG. 2). The pull-on absorbent article 20 includes an outer surface 22, an inner surface 24 opposite to the outer surface 22, a front region 26, a rear region 28, a crotch region 30, and a front region 26 and a rear region 28. It has a seam 32 that forms a leg opening 34 and a waist opening 36. Referring also to FIG. 2, the pull-on absorbent article 20 includes a chassis 10 and a belt portion 11. The chassis 10 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal centerline L1 (shown in FIG. 2) from the front region 26 through the crotch region 30 to the rear region 28. The chassis 10 includes a front portion 12, a rear portion 13, and a crotch portion 14 therebetween. The belt portion 11 extends laterally outward from the chassis 10. The belt portion 11 includes a front belt portion 15 in the front region 26 and a rear belt portion 16 in the rear region 28. Each of the front belt portion 15 and the rear belt portion 16 extends laterally outward from the longitudinal centerline L1 to define a left belt portion 17 and a right belt portion 18.

  1-3 show one embodiment of a disposable pull-on absorbent article 20 according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pull-on absorbent article 20 includes an absorbent chassis 10 that covers the wearer's crotch region, and a belt portion 11 that extends laterally around the waist opening 36. The pull-on absorbent article 20 may also include an outer cover layer 42 that covers the chassis 10. The belt portion 11 defines a waist opening 36. Belt portion 11 and chassis 10 and / or outer cover layer 42 together define leg openings 34. Alternatively, the belt portion 11 and the outer cover layer 42 may both define a leg opening 34.

  Absorbent body 38 absorbs and contains body waste adhering to chassis 10 and most commonly within crotch portion 14 of the body. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the main body 38 is referred to as a longitudinal center line L2, a transverse center line T2, and side edges 48 extending in the left and right longitudinal directions (hereinafter referred to as “longitudinal side edges”). ), And a generally rectangular shape with a laterally extending distal edge 50 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “laterally distal edge”). The body 38 also includes a waist panel (ie, a front waist panel 52 positioned in the front waist region 26 of the pull-on article 20 and a back waist panel 54 positioned in the back waist region 28) and between the front and back waist panels 52, 54. The crotch region 56 of the crotch region 30 is provided.

  The belt portion 11 includes a front belt portion 15 and a rear belt portion 16 (hereinafter also referred to as “front and rear belts 15, 16”), and is connected to the front belt 15 and the rear belt 16 to form a ring-like shape. Each of the front belt 15 and the rear belt 16 has a central panel 80F, 80B, a side portion that is continuous with the central panels 80F, 80B, and extends laterally outward from the central panels 80F, 80B. Thus, the belt portion 11 comprises a central panel 80F, 80B and side panels 82F, 82B, where a portion of the front member and a portion of the rear member are required. Accordingly, it may be indicated by a reference number with the suffix “F” and suffix “B”, respectively. Therefore, “center panels 80F and 80B” represent, for example, “front center panel 80F” and “rear center panel 80B”. Similarly, “center panel 80” may mean “front center panel 80F” and “back center panel 80B”.

  Each of the front belt 15 and the rear belt 16 includes a laterally extending distal edge 88F, 88B, a laterally extending proximal edge 90F, 90B, and a longitudinally extending left and right side. Edge portions 89F and 89B. As used herein, the term “proximal” is used to indicate the position of the “proximal” portion closer to the crotch panel of the chassis than the position of the “distal” portion. Accordingly, the proximal edges 90F, 90B are located closer to the crotch panel 56 of the body 38 than the distal edges 88F, 88B. The front and rear belts 15, 16 are joined at the seam 32 or form a pull-on article having a waist opening 36 and two leg openings 34 adjacent to the side edges 89F, 89B at the seam 32. The front center panel 80F may overlap partially or entirely with the front waist panel 52 of the chassis 10. The rear center panel 80B may partially or entirely overlap the rear waist panel 54 of the chassis 10. However, the central panels 80F, 80B do not extend into the crotch portion 14 of the chassis 10 and are not disposed within the crotch portion 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the center panels 80F, 80B partially overlap the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54, respectively, and are joined to the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54, respectively.

  Chassis 10 and belt portion 11 may be formed of separate elements. For example, the belt portion 11 may be joined to the chassis 10 by any known method. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the chassis 10 includes waist panels 52, 54 of the main body 38 and a crotch panel 56 of the main body 38. The body 38 includes a liquid permeable topsheet 58, a liquid impermeable backsheet 60, and an absorbent core 62 disposed therebetween. The body 38 may additionally include a barrier leg cuff 64 disposed along the longitudinal side edge 48. Barrier leg cuff 64 provides improved containment of liquid and other body discharges in crotch region 30. Barrier leg cuff 64 may have any of the functions or designs known in the art for pull-on absorbent articles. For example, the barrier leg cuff 64 may generally be provided with elastic material in one or more strands (FIG. 4), such as leg cuff strands 65, for example. The barrier leg cuff 64 may be folded into various shapes relative to such an elastic body to obtain “upright”, leg gasketing, or other desired characteristics.

  The liquid permeable topsheet 58 is preferably positioned adjacent to the body facing surface of the absorbent core 62 and the body facing surface of the absorbent core 62 by any attachment means known in the art. And / or may be attached to the backsheet 60. The liquid impervious backsheet 60 is generally a portion of the pull-on absorbent article 20 positioned adjacent to the garment facing side of the absorbent core 62 and the effluent absorbed and contained within the absorbent core 62. Prevents fouling of articles that may come into contact with the pull-on absorbent article 20. The absorbent core 62 is positioned between the topsheet 58 and the backsheet 60 and absorbs and retains liquids such as urine and other specific body discharges. The topsheet 58, the backsheet 60, and the absorbent core may be made of any known material. Suitable topsheet materials include porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, or natural fibers (eg, wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers), or natural fibers Mention may be made of woven or non-woven webs in combination with synthetic fibers. Suitable backsheet materials include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the diaper but prevent emissions from passing through the backsheet. Suitable absorbent core materials include crimped cellulosic mass, meltblown polymer enveloping coform, chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers, tissue including tissue wrap and tissue laminate, absorbent foam , Absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gel materials, or any other known absorbent material or combination of materials.

  In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outer cover layer 42 is disposed on the outer surface 22 of the pull-on absorbent article 20 and covers the crotch panel 56 of the absorbent body 38. The outer cover layer 42 may extend into the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54 of the body 38 and cover the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54 of the body 38. The outer cover layer 42 is directly bonded to the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38 and covers the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38. The central panels 80 of the front and rear belts 15 and 16 are joined to the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54 of the main body 38 through the outer cover layer 42.

  Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, the outer cover layer 42 may be sandwiched between the front and rear belts 15, 16 and the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38. The outer cover layer 42 may be coextensive with the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60, but need not be coextensive. As shown in FIG. 4, the leg elastic material 118 may be arranged to extend generally longitudinally along the longitudinal side edge 48 of the body 38. The leg elastic material 118 may be disposed at least in the crotch region 30 of the pull-on article 20 or may be disposed along the entire longitudinal side edge 48.

  The outer cover layer 42 may include a material different from the material of the inner layer 94 and the outer layer 92 that constitute the belt 11. The outer cover layer 42 may include layers of two or more materials. The outer cover layer 42 may include any known material and may include the materials used for the front and rear belts 15,16 described above. Preferably, the outer cover layer 42 comprises a single layer of nonwoven web made of synthetic fibers.

  The belt portion 11 may be ring-like and elastic. The ring-like elastic belt portion 11 extends laterally around the waist opening 36 of the pull-on article 20 and serves to dynamically form a fit force, distributing the dynamically generated force during wear. To do. The ring-like elastic belt portion 11 may include a belt layer 91 (as shown in FIG. 3) that includes an outer layer 92. The belt layer 91 may further include an inner layer 94. The belt elastic material 96 is interposed between the outer layer 92 and the inner layer 94. The front belt portion 15 and the rear belt portion 16 may include the same material and / or have the same structure. Alternatively, the front belt portion 15 and the rear belt portion 16 may include different materials and / or have different structures. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the front belt portion 15 and the rear belt portion 16 generally have the same layer structure. Referring to FIG. 3, the inner layer 94 has a laterally extending distal end 104 and a laterally extending proximal end 106. Outer layer 92 has a laterally extending distal end edge 108 and a laterally extending proximal end edge 110. The inner layer 94 is substantially coextensive with the contours of the front and rear belt portions 15, 16. Alternatively, the inner layer 94 may be smaller than the size of the front and rear belt portions 15, 16. The outer layer 92 of the belt layer 91 is longer than the inner layer 94 in the longitudinal direction, and the end flaps 112 of the outer layer 92 are folded to cover the distal end 104 of the inner layer 94 with the waist opening 36. Forming the distal end edge 108 of the outer layer 92. The inner layer 94 of the belt layer 91 may also have end flaps that may be folded together with the end flaps 112 of the outer layer 92. The end flaps of the inner layer 94 may be longer, shorter or equal to the end flaps of the outer layer 92. Alternatively, end flap 112 may be removed such that outer layer 92 terminates at waist opening 36 to form distal end edge 108. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal end edge 108 and the proximal end edge 110 of the outer layer 92 are respectively the distal edge 88 and the proximal edge of the front and rear belts 15,16. Corresponds to 90. The outer layer 92 surrounded by the distal end edge 108 and the proximal end edge 110 defines the shape of the front and rear belts 15, 16 in the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  The front and rear belt portions 15, 16 may comprise any known material. Suitable materials for the front and rear belt portions 15, 16 are plastic film, perforated plastic film, natural material (eg, wood fiber or cotton fiber), synthetic fiber (eg, polyolefins, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene, or Polypropylene fibers), or woven or nonwoven webs of natural and / or synthetic fiber combinations, or coated woven or nonwoven webs. Preferably, the belt comprises a nonwoven web of synthetic fibers. The belt may include a stretchable nonwoven fabric. More preferably, the belt comprises an internal hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material and an external hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material.

  The belt elastic member 96 includes a waist elastic member 98 and a side elastic member 100. The waist elastic material 98 may include one or more elastic elements such as strands or panels extending in the lateral direction. The side elastic material 100 may also include one or more elastic elements such as laterally extending strands or panels. The waist elastic material 98 may be disposed continuously along the distal edge 88 of the front and rear belt portions 15, 16. The side elastics 100 may be disposed on the side panels 82 of the front and rear belt portions 15, 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the waist elastic material 98 and the side elastic material 100 include a plurality of elastic strands arranged in the longitudinal direction at regular intervals. Alternatively, the waist elastic material 98 and the side elastic material 100 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction at different intervals. It is not possible to provide elastic material for a portion of the central panel 80 of the front and rear belt portions 15, 16 that overlaps the absorbent core 62, and preferably overlaps the front and rear waist panels 52, 54 of the body 38. Alternatively, the elastic material cannot be provided to the entire central panel 80. The inelastic region on the central panel 80 may be formed by cutting the waist elastic material 98 and / or the side elastic material 100 that are continuously disposed within the region of the central panel 80. However, elastic material may be provided in the central panel 80 if desired.

  Normally, the belt elastic member 96 in the stretched state is interposed between the non-shrinkable outer layer 92 and the non-shrinkable inner layer 94 and joined. When the belt elastic material 96 is relaxed, the belt elastic material returns to the non-stretched state and causes the outer layer 92 and the inner layer 94 to contract. The belt elastic material 96 may provide a desired change in contraction force within the region of the ring-like elastic belt 11. For example, the contraction force of the front belt portion 15 may be greater than or less than the contraction force of the rear belt portion 16. The contraction force of the waist elastic material 98 may be greater or less than the contraction force of the side elastic material 100, which generally provides a pull-on article 20 with a fixing force for the wearer at the waist opening 36. It is preferable.

  The pull-on disposable absorbent article of the present invention is also provided with at least one fit indicator graphic disposed on the belt portion of the article. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the pull-on disposable absorbent article 20 is shown with a series of fit display graphics 120 disposed on the belt portion 11 of the article 20. At least one fit indication graphic 120 may be disposed in the central panel 80 of the belt portion 11, and more particularly in the front central panel 80F. If more than one fit indicator graphic 120 is used, these may all be located within the central panel 80 of the belt portion 11 or within the belt portion 11, for example within the central panel 80 and the left and right belt portions 17. And may be placed in any combination, such as within 18. One or more fit indication graphics 120 may also be disposed only within the right or left belt portions 17 and 18 without any being disposed within the central panel 80 of the belt portion.

  It is usually desirable for at least one fit indicator graphic 120 to be located at a location within the belt portion 11 that can be readily recognized by the wearer and / or caregiver. By placing at least one fit indicator graphic 120 on the front belt portion 15, the fit indicator graphic can be arranged so that both the wearer and the caregiver of the article 20 can easily recognize it. The fit display graphic 120 may be in addition to the front belt portion 15 or as an alternative to the front belt portion 15 (such an alternative arrangement is that the wearer of the article 20 may use the fit display graphic while using the article 20). 120 may be expected to affect the ability to notice 120), but may be disposed within the rear belt portion 16.

  Regardless of the arrangement of several fit indication graphics within the belt portion 11, when a plurality of fit indication graphics are used on the same article 20, they preferably have a similar or identical appearance. As will be further described, the amount of stretch or distortion of the belt portion at a particular location may not be uniform across the belt portion 11 for a given amount of strain applied to the entire belt portion 11. However, each fit-indicating graphic 120 has a first appearance to a second appearance and a third appearance in the same in-use distortion of the entire belt portion 11 of the article 20 (not necessarily the same local extension). Need to be configured to transition to the appearance of (see further below). In other words, the overall stretch force applied to the article 20 (such as applied to the belt portion 11 during use by the wearer's body, but the belt portion 11 is distorted to its design fit range. Then, all fit indication graphics 120 applied to the belt portion 11 need to transition to a visually similar second appearance, which may be a local distortion in the central panel of the belt portion 80, for example. However, this should occur even if it is different from the local distortion of the left belt portion 17, for example.

  When no stretch force is applied to the belt portion 11 of the pull-on article 20, the belt portion 11 is in a collapsed or "zero strain" state. When the pull-on absorbent article 20 is worn by the wearer and is designed to fit best, the belt portion 11 of the article 20 is said to be stretched to a point within the design fit range. The design fit range corresponds to the planned wearer waist size range. When the article is correctly in place for a wearer having a waist size within the design fit range, the belt portion 11 of the article 20 is distorted to a point within the design fit range. The elastomeric material 96 in the belt portion 11 tends to generate a return force that acts to anchor the product onto the wearer's body. It is desirable to balance these anchoring forces with forces that tend to loosen or hang the article 20 such as forces that tend to pull the article downward as the load is applied.

  In order to apply the article 20 to the wearer's body, it is usually necessary to widen the waist opening 36 beyond the point where it is stretched during use (ie, beyond the design fit range). Typically, the belt portion 11 of the article 20 can be stretched significantly beyond the design fit range. For example, the belt portion 11 may be stretchable at least 100% or even 200% greater than the strain corresponding to the middle of the design fit range. While such overstretching is useful for product applications (such as wearing the waist opening 36 more easily over the shoe), it is undesirable to overstretch the belt portion 11 during use. The term “overextend” in this context means that, in use, the belt portion 11 is distorted to the full length beyond the design fit range of the article. This condition most commonly occurs when the wearer is larger (eg, at waist size) than the size of the wearer for which the product is optimally designed.

  When the belt portion 11 of the pull-on article 20 is in a zero strain state, the fit display graphic has a first appearance (such as the first appearance 123 shown in FIG. 5). Such a first appearance may be shown by a comparison between the fit display graphic 120 and the reference graphic 122 as shown in FIG. The reference graphic 122 is disposed on the chassis 11 of the article 20 outside the belt region 11. The reference graphic is that of the fit display graphic 120, but the reference graphic 122 is shown with a second appearance of the fit display graphic (discussed further below). When the article 20 is worn, the reference graphic 122 generally does not undergo any appreciable change in appearance, so it becomes a reference or reference for changes in the appearance of the fit display graphic 120.

  It is not necessary to have a reference graphic 122 in all implementations of the invention. The fit display graphic 120 may be selected and configured as “self-reference”. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fit display graphic may be a “face mark”. In the zero distortion, or first appearance of this face mark, it appears as a collapsed ellipse and is circular, i.e. not symmetric. That it is not symmetric clearly shows that the fit display graphic 120 is the first configuration corresponding to the under-expanded state of the belt portion 11 (compared to the design fit range). Other examples of fit display graphics that are recognized as having or not having longitudinal and lateral symmetry, such as circles, triangles, or squares, may also be used without using reference graphics.

The fit display graphic 120 appears to have a first appearance while the belt portion 11 is distorted within a range from zero strain (ie, non-stretched) to a point below the design fit range of the article 20. When the belt portion 11 of the article 20 is pulled to a point within the design fit range of the article 20, the fit display graphic looks like a second appearance. Examples of fit display graphics shown in the second appearance are shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 as fit display graphics 125 and 225 in the second appearance. In contrast to the first-appearance fit display graphic 122 shown in FIG. 5, the second-appearance fit display graphic 125 shown in FIG. 6 is circular (ie, symmetric) and not a collapsed ellipse. . Similarly, the fit appearance graphic 225 of the second appearance shown in FIG. 9 is symmetric (ie, equilateral triangle), and in the reduced triangle as shown as the display graphic 223 of the first appearance in FIG. Absent. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the belt portion 11, the extension force F _D corresponding to the stretching force design fitting range of the pull-on absorbent article (in contrast to FIG. 5 and 8 that are not applied external force) is recieving.

  In situations where the reference graphic 122 is used in the present invention, the reference graphic 122 may have the same visible appearance as the fit display graphic in its second appearance. Thereby, the user can check the similarity by comparing the fit display graphic with the reference graphic 122. When the shapes appear to be substantially the same, the user can confirm that the product is worn within the design fit range.

When the belt portion 11 of the article 20 is stretched beyond its design fit range, the fit indicator graphic 120 appears as a third appearance. Examples of fit display graphics shown in the third appearance are shown as third appearance fit display graphics 127 and 227 in FIGS. In contrast to the second-appearance fit display graphic 125 shown in FIG. 6, the third-appearance fit display graphic 127 shown in FIG. 7 is an elongated oval and not a symmetric circle. Similarly, the third appearance fit display graphic 227 shown in FIG. 10 is an elongated triangle, and is not symmetrical, that is, not an equilateral triangle, as shown in FIG. 9 as the second external display graphic 225. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the belt portion 11 is undergoing elongation force F _E corresponding to the magnitude exceeding the stretching force design fitting range of the pull-on absorbent article.

  In the situation where the reference graphic 122 is used in the present invention, the fit display graphic 120 in the third appearance looks elongated in the horizontal direction compared to the reference graphic. Thereby, the user can confirm that the product is worn in an extended configuration exceeding the design fit range of the article 20 by comparing the fit display graphic with the reference graphic 122. Although it is usually possible to use a pull-on article with belt portion 11 distortion beyond the design fit range, this cannot provide the most favorable performance of the product. Thus, in use, the transition of the fit indication graphic to the third appearance should use a different sized pull-on article (eg, a larger size) with a design fit range corresponding to the particular wearer. It is desirable to be regarded as a signal that

  The fit display graphic 120 of the present invention may be provided to the pull-on article 20 in a variety of suitable ways. For example, the fit indication graphic 120 may be printed directly on one of the layers of the belt portion 11. One such location may be outside the outer layer 92. Such a location may result in the transfer of ink onto, for example, clothing, carpets, etc. by relative adhesion between the ink containing the graphic and the material comprising the outer layer 92 of the belt portion 11 while providing the sharpest image. There is a risk of connection. As such, the fit indicator graphic 120 may also be printed on the inner surface of the outer layer 92 or on the outer surface of the inner layer 94. Alternatively, the fit graphic 120 may be printed on a separate layer, sheet, or film (not shown) that may be interposed with the belt elastic material 96 between the outer layer 92 and the inner layer 94. If such a separate sheet, film or layer is used, it must be positioned so as not to interfere with the stretching and recovery of the belt segment elastic material 96.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, fit display graphic 120 is printed on the outer surface of inner layer 94. The image including the fit display graphic 120 may be added to the article 20 by any suitable image creation method. For example, the image can be formed using flexographic printing, inkjet printing, screen printing, or rotogravure printing. The fit display graphic 120 may be printed while the inner layer 94 is in its elongated state (before the elastic material 96 is applied or the inner layer 94 contracts due to the loosening action of the elastic body 96 to gather). In any case, the initial configuration on which the fit display graphic 120 is printed is the distortion of the belt portion 11 in use and the first appearance 123 and second of the fit display graphic 120. In order to maintain the relationship with the external appearance 125 and the third external appearance 127, it is necessary to adjust according to any subsequent expansion and gathering.

  Several possible examples will be discussed to show the maintenance of the relationship between the state of distortion of the belt portion 11 and the state of appearance of the fit display graphic (first, second or third). To do. In one example, the fit indicator graphic may be applied to the outer surface of the inner layer prior to application of the elastic material (ie, while the inner layer is flat). In this embodiment, the fit display graphic is typically elongated or elongated so that when the inner layer contracts on the construct, the fit display graphic also contracts to its first or shortened appearance. (Printed in the shape of the third appearance, etc.)). The exact shape of the fit indicator graphic is the final desired design fit of the article so that when the belt portion of the article is extended to the design fit range, the fit indicator graphic appears in the second appearance state. It is necessary to decide based on the range. Similarly, the fit indication graphic also needs to appear in a third appearance when the belt portion is distorted beyond such a design fit range.

  As another example, the fit display graphic 120 may be applied after the elastic material 96 is allowed to contract. In such a situation, the fit display graphic 120 may be applied to the exposed outer surface, for example. In general, the raised portions of the gathered belt portion 11 can receive image components, but the valleys between the raised portions (in the gathered belt portion 11) usually receive the image. do not do. However, as the belt portion 11 is distorted, the fit display graphic 120 expands with the belt portion 11. In this embodiment, the fit display graphic 120 is normally applied in a state of the first appearance such as the first appearance 123. The correct initial shape of the fit display graphic 120 is such that when the belt portion 11 is expanded to the design fit range of the article 20, the fit display graphic 120 appears in the second state such as the second state 125. Selected as During such extension of the belt portion 11, the fit indicator graphic 120 may appear to create a “gap”, but the graphic may be in the state of the first appearance or the state of the second appearance as a whole. Alternatively, it is recognized that it should continue to be recognizable as a continuous design that allows the user to determine if it is in the third appearance state. As the article 20 is pulled beyond its design fit range, the fit indicator graphic further expands to a third appearance state, such as the third appearance state 127.

  If a reference graphic such as reference graphic 122 is used, this graphic may also be applied in any suitable manner, such as using any method suitable for applying fit display graphics. The reference graphic may also be applied to one of the layers of the article 20 or may be applied to a unique layer or material used for this purpose. For example, the reference graphic 122 may be printed directly on the outer or inner surface of the outer cover 42 in the chassis portion 10, or printed on an additional layer (not shown) disposed on the inner side of the outer cover 42. It's okay.

  Another way of applying the fit display graphic of the present invention is to use a contrasting solid color between the layers of the belt portion 11. As an example, the belt portion 11 may include a faint color or other shade on the outer layer that includes the belt portion. As the belt portion 11 is stretched, the appearance of its hue appears to change due to the fading of the colorant due to spreading. As another example, the belt portion may include a transparent outer layer or a slit outer layer with a lower contrasting color layer. As the belt portion is stretched, it becomes more visible through the outer layer (naturally or even by a slit opening), exposing more of the color of the lower contrast layer. When such a color change mechanism is used for a fit display graphic, it may be desirable to use a reference graphic that shows an example of the second appearance state of the fit display graphic. This is because such a color change is not always perceived as symmetric or asymmetric, and therefore cannot be "self-referenced" as easily as other implementations. As another alternative, the reference may be placed in a location other than the product itself, such as on a package in which the product is provided.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate one possible embodiment of such a color change mechanism of the fit display graphic. FIG. 11 shows the fit display graphic arranged on the belt portion 11 in the first appearance state 324. A load for extending the belt portion 11 is not applied. Figure 12 shows a fit display figure in the belt portion 11 and the second appearance of the state 325 for receiving a load F _D design forces. Figure 13 shows a fit display graphics in stretching force receiving an F _E belt portion 11 and a third look beyond the design force. FIG. 14 shows a sample of reference graphic 322 that is not placed on the article but is located on chassis portion 10. In the version shown in FIG. 14, the reference graphic 322 works with a fit display graphic having a second appearance 325 by harmonizing the color composition.

  The state of the fit display graphic of the present invention can also be determined by complementing the appearance of the provided reference graphic. By way of example (not shown), the reference graphic may include a portion of an image or scene. The fit indication graphic may be configured to best complete or compliment the appearance of the reference graphic in the second appearance state.

  Regardless of how the fit indicator graphic is applied or configured to the pull-on article 20, the extent of distortion of the belt portion 11 relative to the design fit range and the first appearance, second appearance, or third It is necessary to maintain the relationship between the appearance of the fit display graphic in the external appearance as described above. In one example, the pull-on article of the present invention may be classified as a “medium” or “M” size product. Such a product may have the entire circumference of the waist opening 36 defined by the belt portion 11 less than 300 mm when the product is relaxed, i.e., in a zero strain state. In such a state, the fit display graphic 120 shows its first appearance, such as the first appearance 123 or 223. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the belt portion 11 may not have an external load or force, or a minimum force applied.

The design fit range of such an “M” size pull-on article may correspond to a waist opening 36 circumference of 420 mm to 450 mm. When the belt portion of such an “M” size pull-on article is worn by the wearer such that the resulting waist opening circumference is within this 420 mm to 450 mm range, the fit indicator graphic 120 is second. Should show its second appearance, such as the appearance 125 or 225 of. 6 and 9 illustrate a belt portion for receiving the stretching force F _D showing the relationship between the final fit of extension of the article 20 of the belt portion 11. Since the transition from the first appearance state to the second appearance state and finally the third appearance state is along the spectrum rather than discontinuous, in this embodiment, the fit display graphic is shown. Should look most symmetrical when the entire circumference of the belt portion 11 is close to 435 mm. Or belt portion 11 of the pull-on article "M" size is worn by time (greater wearer given the strain beyond 435mm at ambient or exceeding design as F _E shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 The fit display graphic 120 should show a third appearance state, such as the third appearance state 127, when receiving force).

  In the example of the “M” size pull-on article described above, when the fit indicator graphic exhibits a third appearance state (eg, when the belt portion is distorted beyond a circumference of 450 mm), the user , A transition to larger product offerings such as “large” or “L” size articles may be proposed. Such “L” size articles can also be constructed in accordance with the present invention and include fit display graphics. The fit indication graphic for an “L” size article may have a first appearance sate when the belt portion is distorted to less than 450 mm. Similarly, such an “L” size article may have a design fit range of 450 mm to 480 mm where the fit indicator graphic indicates a second appearance condition. An “L” size article can be further over-stretched (compared to the design) when the circumference of the belt portion is greater than 480 mm. In this situation, the fit display graphic of the “L” size article should show the third appearance state as described.

  To further give examples, a third size pull-on article, such as an “XL” size, can also be provided. When the above-mentioned “L” size article shows the fit display graphic in the state of the third appearance when being worn by the intended wearer, using this “XL” size article, Can be recommended, directed or suggested to the user.

  Two or more pull-on articles of the present invention may be provided in combination as an array of products. Such arrays may be sold or offered for sale as a product offering lineup where buyers can see the size relationship between the members of the array. The fit display graphic on the products in the array provides confirmation that the selected product is a reasonable size for the wearer (within the design fit range), or the user has a larger size (the fit display graphic is the first 3) or a smaller size (when the fit display graphic appears to be in the first appearance state) can be provided. Such an array maximizes the likelihood that each appropriately sized user will use a pull-on article according to the present invention to achieve optimal product performance for all articles in the array.

  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 millimeters” is intended to mean “about 40 millimeters”.

  All references cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or related applications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. Citation of any document is not an admission that such document is prior art to all inventions disclosed or claimed in this application, and such document alone or in all other references. And no reference to, teaching, suggestion or disclosure of any such invention in any combination thereof. Further, in this document, the meaning assigned to a term in this document if the scope of any meaning or definition of the term contradicts any meaning or definition of a similar term in a document incorporated by reference. Or it shall conform to the definition.

  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. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

A disposable pull-on absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings,
The article comprises a chassis,
The chassis has a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion therebetween.
The article further comprises a belt portion,
The belt portion has a front belt portion, a rear belt portion, and left and right side belt portions;
The belt portion is disposed laterally with respect to the chassis;
The lateral belt portion extends laterally outward from the chassis;
The belt portion defines the waist opening;
Each of the front belt portion and the rear belt portion includes an elastomer material, and the waist opening is elastically stretchable.
The elastomeric material in the belt portion is configured such that the waist opening is characterized by a positive strain design fit range;
The design fit range indicates less than the maximum range that the waist opening can be extended;
The article further comprises a fit display graphic disposed within the belt portion,
When the waist opening of the article is distorted within a range from a completely contracted state to the design fit range, the fit display graphic has a first appearance,
When the waist opening of the article is distorted within the design fit range, the fit display graphic has a second appearance,
When the waist opening of the article is strained beyond the design fit range, the fit display graphic has a third appearance;
When the article is being worn by a wearer, by confirming that the fitting display graphic has the second appearance, the wearer can confirm that the article corresponds to the design fit range. Obtain a disposable pull-on absorbent article. Further comprising a reference figure,
The reference graphic is disposed on the outside of the chassis in the belt region;
The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the reference graphic cooperates with the second appearance of the fit display graphic.   The absorptive article according to claim 2 in which said cooperation between said reference figure and said fit display figure is at least substantial agreement of appearance.   The absorptive article according to claim 2 in which said cooperation between said reference figure and said fit display figure is a complementary appearance. The reference graphic includes a reference color;
The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the fit display graphic matches the reference color when the fit display graphic has the second appearance.   The absorptive article according to claim 5 in which said fit display figure differs in a color in said 1st appearance, said 2nd appearance, and said 3rd appearance.   The absorptive article according to claim 5 in which said fitting display figure differs in intensity of the same color in said 1st appearance, said 2nd appearance, and said 3rd appearance.   The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the maximum range in which the waist opening can be extended exceeds the design fit range by at least 100%.   The absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the maximum range over which the waist opening can be extended exceeds the design fit range by at least 200%. An array of disposable pull-on articles,
The array comprises a first article according to claim 1 and a second article according to claim 1;
The design fit range of the first article is smaller than the design fit range of the second article;
An array wherein a waist opening distortion range corresponding to the third appearance of the fit indication graphic of the first article at least partially overlaps the design fit range of the second article.

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