MXPA00012309A - Absorbent articles having belt loops and an adjustable belt - Google Patents

Abstract

Disposable absorbent articles which include an outer cover, an absorbent chassis, an adjustable belt and belt loops are described. The adjustable belt is located in one waist region of the absorbent article and includes a fastener on each of its opposed end portions. The belt loops are located inward from and adjacent to each of the fasteners on the adjustable belt and the longitudinal ends of the belt loops are attached to the absorbent article to slidably contain the adjustable belt between the belt loops and the waist region. The fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage the opposite waist region of the absorbent article. Desirably, the adjustable belt and belt loops are located on an inner surface of the absorbent article such as the bodyfacing surface of the outer cover or the bodyside liner. The absorbent article may also include fasteners on the belt loops to provide another pair of fasteners.

Description

ABSORBENT ITEMS HAVING PRETINA CURLS AND AN ADJUSTABLE BELT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which are adapted to contain body exudates. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles having curls in the waistband and an adjustable belt.

Background of the Invention It is desired that absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants or incontinence garments provide a comfortable and narrow fit around the wearer and contain body exudates.

Furthermore, it is desirable that such absorbent articles, after they have been soiled, can be removed from the user in a convenient and clean manner without undesirably dirtying the caregiver or the surrounding area such as the wearer's clothes. In certain circumstances, it is also desirable that such absorbent articles be able to be raised or lowered over the user's hips to allow the user or caregiver to easily pull the article upward and easily remove the article if it has not been soiled. For example, such absorbent articles can assist in toilet training for children.

Conventional diapers have typically included a front waist portion and a back waist portion which are releasably connected around a user's hips during use by conventional fasteners such as adhesive tape fasteners or fasteners of the type of fasteners. hook and curl. For example, conventional fasteners have typically included a pair of fasteners, such as tape tabs, located on the outermost corners of the diaper in the back waist region of the diaper and a complementary fastener such as a curb panel, located on the outer surface of the outer cover of the diaper on the front waist portion of the diaper. In such a configuration, the diaper has been placed between the user's legs and the adhesive tape appendages are releasably attached to the wrapping panel to secure the back waist portion to the front waist portion of the diaper to secure the diaper around the diaper. waist of the user. Such conventional diapers are easily fastened around the wearer and are removed from the wearer after use without undesirably fouling the caregiver.

However, such conventional diapers are not provided in a presumed configuration and are therefore not configured to be pulled up or down over the user's hips when the fasteners are attached. In addition, such conventional diapers generally have a set of fasteners which must be disengaged and re-clamped to further shape the diaper waist portions to the wearer. Such disengagement and resumption can be difficult to achieve when the user is active.

Various attempts have been made to provide absorbent articles which notch at the user's waist to effectively contain exudates from the body, which are capable of being pulled up and down over the wearer's hips and which provide ease of cleaning and removal. after getting dirty. For example, some conventional absorbent articles, such as conventional training underpants, have included integral side panels which connect the front waist portion to the back waist portion of the absorbent article. The side panels have been made stretchable so that the waist opening of the absorbent article can be expanded to allow the absorbent article to rise or fall on the hips; of the user if desired. Such side panels have also been designed so that they can be torn to remove the user's training underpants after the latter has become soiled.

However, many such attempts have not been completely satisfactory. For example, absorbent articles such as underpants may not always be able to achieve a conformal and closed envelope on the wearer while still being able to expand enough to rise and fall on the wearer's hips. Frequently, such training pants adjust at the wearer's waist loosely which undesirably results in run-off. As a result of this, many such articles have not contained the exudates of the body as effectively as the conventional diaper-type articles which are adjusted to achieve a more conformant notch to the wearer. However, the removal of soiled absorbent articles which have integral side panels, such as conventional training underpants, has not been completely satisfactory. For example, the side panels have been difficult to tear when attempting to remove the article from the user's waist instead of pulling the article down on the user's hips.

Therefore, despite attempts to develop improved absorbent articles, there is still a need for absorbent articles which can provide the benefits of both conventional training or training underpants and conventional diapers. That is, there is still a need for absorbent articles which conform to the user to effectively contain exudates from the body which are capable of being pulled up and down on the user's hips and buttocks without opening, and which are insured easily around the user and removed from it in a clean and convenient manner.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, new disposable articles have been discovered by having the parts of waistband curls and an adjustable belt. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a posterior waist region, and a crotch region which extends between the waist regions and connects them. The absorbent article includes an adjustable belt located in one of the waist regions of the absorbent article. The adjustable belt defines a pair of opposite end portions and a fastener on each of the opposite end portions. The absorbent also includes portions of waistband curls located inwardly and adjacent to each of the fasteners on the adjustable belt. Each of the waistband loop portions define a pair of opposed longitudinal ends which are fastened to the waist region of the absorbent article to slidably contain the adjustable belt between the waistband parts of the waistband. The fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage the opposite waist region of the absorbent article.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a posterior waist region, a crotch region which extends between and connects the waist regions, a pair of opposite lateral edges and a pair of opposite waist edges. The absorbent article includes an outer cover and an adjustable belt which is attached to the outer cover using the waistband loops parts. The adjustable belt defines a pair of opposed end portions each of which has the secondary fasteners attached thereto. A few parts of waistband curls are located in and to one side of each of the secondary clips on the adjustable belt. Each part of waistband curls defines a pair of ends longitudinally Opposites which are attached to a side surface to the body of the outer cover in a waist region of the absorbent article to slideably contain the adjustable belt between the waistband and the body facing surface of the outer cover. The secondary fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage the face facing surface of the outer cover in the opposite waist region of the absorbent article. In a particular embodiment, each of the waistband loop parts includes a primary fastener on a body facing surface thereof, which is configured to releasably engage the face facing surface of the outer cover in the opposite waist region for provide a dual clamping system.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a presumed disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a posterior waist region, a crotch region which extends between and connects the waist regions, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite waist edges. The presumed absorbent article includes an outer cover, an adjustable band fastened to the outer cover with portions of waistband curls, a pair of secondary fasteners and a pair of primary fasteners. The adjustable belt defines a pe.r of opposite end portions each of which includes a secondary fastener attached thereto. A few parts of waistband curls are located inward and to one side of each of the secondary clips on the adjustable belt. Each of the waistband loop parts defines a pair of longitudinally opposite ends which are fastened to the outer cover to slidably contain the adjustable belt between the waistband and the outer shell portions. A primary fastener is located on each of the waistband loops parts and releasably engages the outer cover in the opposite waist region of the absorbent article to provide the presumed absorbent article. The secondary fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage the outer cover of the opposite waist region to further conform said regions to the wearer's body after the presumed absorbent article has been placed on the wearer.

The present invention advantageously provides disposable absorbent articles which include portions of waistband curls and an adjustable belt for improved notching and operation. In particular, the present invention provides disposable absorbent articles which include an adjustable belt which is slidably contained by the waistband loop portions. The absorbent article of the present invention is capable of being reliably raised or lowered over the wearer's hips to aid in the user's toilet training in a manner similar to conventional training underpants. After being raised on the user's hips, the adjustable belt of the absorbent article can be used to further shape the waist of the article to the wearer's body to improve the fit and improve runoff control. In addition, similarly to conventional diapers, the absorbent article of the present invention can be advantageously applied to the user and removed from it after it has been soiled with relative ease and cleanliness. In addition, the use of multiple fasteners can result in improved reliability to maintain the item on the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Figure 1 representatively shows a side view of an example of a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention; Figure 2 representatively shows a side view of a disposable absorbent article of Figure 1 wherein the adjustable belt has extended to conform the waist regions of the article to the wearer's waist; Fig. 3 representatively shows a plan view of the disposable absorbent article of Fig. 1 in an unclamped, stretched condition and placed flat with the surface of the article contacting the user facing the observer; Y Figure 4 representatively shows a plan view of the disposable absorbent article as claimed in Figure 1 in a condition not attached, stretched and placed flat with the surface of the article contacting the user's clothing facing the that observes.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which are configured to closely conform to the wearer's body to effectively contain body exudates and methods for making them. The absorbent articles may be provided in a presumed configuration so that they can be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips and buttocks and are configured to be easily removed and removed directly from the wearer's waist. As such, the absorbent articles of the present invention can function in a manner similar to conventional training underpants when left in a presumed configuration or in a manner similar to conventional diapers when they are in a non-restrained configuration. Disposable absorbent articles are adapted to be worn on one side of a wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. As used herein, the term "disposable" refers to articles which are intended to be discarded after limited use and which are not intended to be washed or otherwise restored to reuse.

The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention will be described in terms of a disposable diaper article which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. In particular, the absorbent articles will be described in terms of a disposable absorbent diaper having an adjustable belt. It is understood that the articles of the present invention are equally adaptable to other types of absorbent articles such as incontinent products for the adult, underpants learning, women's hygiene products, other personal care products or health care garments, and the like.

Figures 1 and 2 representatively illustrate an example of a disposable diaper as generally indicated in item 20, which includes the waistband waistband portions and an adjustable belt according to the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 representatively illustrate the diaper of Figure 1 in an unclamped, stretched and laid flat configuration.

As illustrated in Figures 1-4, diaper 20 defines a front waist region 22, a rear waist region 24, and a crotch region 26 which extends between and connects the front and back waist regions. 22 and 24. The diaper 20 further defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges 30, a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges 32 and an inner surface 34 which is configured to contact the user, an outer surface 36 opposite to the inner surface 34, a longitudinal direction 38 and a lateral direction 40.

The front waist region 22 comprises the part of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is placed on the front of the wearer while the back waist region 24 comprises the part of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is placed over the the user's back The crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 comprises the part of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is placed between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. The laterally opposite side edges 30 of the diaper 20 generally define the leg apertures which may be curvilinear. The waist edges 32 of the diaper 20 are configured to surround the wearer's waist when worn and provide a waist opening when fastened which defines a waist circumference dimension.

The illustrated diaper 20 includes an outer cover 42, an absorbent frame 44 and a multi-function fastening system 60. The absorbent frame 44 includes a backsheet 46, a side-to-body liner 48 which is connected to the backing sheet. back 46 in an overlying relationship and an absorbent core 50 which is located between the side-to-body liner 48 and the backsheet 46. The fastening system 60 includes a pair of primary fasteners 62, an adjustable belt 64, a pair of secondary fasteners 66 attached to the laterally opposite end portions of the adjustable belt 64 and a pair of waistband curl portions 70. In the illustrated embodiment the adjustable belt 64 is slidably contained between the waistband waist 70 parts and the outer shell 42 of the diaper 20.

The absorbent frame 44 is configured to contain and / or to absorb any exudates from the body discharged by the user. While the cover 42, the primary fasteners 62, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary fasteners 66 are configured to hold the diaper 20 around the waist, they hide the absorbent frame 44 from view, and provide a garment-like appearance . The diaper 20 can further include the leg elastics 52, the containment fins 54 and the waist elastics 56 as is known to those skilled in the art. It should be recognized that the individual components of the diaper 20 may be optional depending on the intended use of the diaper 20.

A suitable arrangement for the different components of the diaper of the present invention is described in United States of America Patent Application Serial Number 08 / 907,585 entitled "A MULTIFUNCTIONAL CLASP FOR DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES" and presented on August 8, 1997 to name of J. Suprise, whose description is incorporated here by reference. The methods of making the diaper of the present invention are described in a United States of America Patent Application entitled "METHODS FOR MAKING ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE BELT" presented here in the name of Blenke et al. And having the subject number of Lawyer 13,144, whose description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-4, the outer cover 42 of the diaper 20 may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. Since the absorbent frame 44 of the various aspects of the present invention is designed to contain the body exudates discharged by the user, it is not generally necessary that the outer cover 42 be impermeable to liquid. For example, the outer cover 42 may include various woven or non-woven materials such as the yarn-bound material, the meltblown material, the cotton material, the rayon material or combinations thereof such as the spunbonded laminate -solated with fusion-linked with spinning (SMS). The outer cover 42 may otherwise be partially impermeable to the liquid to further prevent any runoff of the body exudates. For example, a typical outer cover 42 can be made of a thin plastic film or other flexible liquid impervious material, woven or non-woven fibrous layers, "breathable" microporous materials, elastic materials and combinations thereof. .

The absorbent frame 44 of the diaper 20 is suitably connected to the outer cover 42 to provide the disposable diaper 20. The absorbent frame 44 can be connected to the outer cover 42 in manners well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the absorbent frame 44 can be attached to the outer cover 42 using adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniques known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the absorbent frame 44 can be connected to the outer cover 42 using conventional fasteners such as buttons, hook-and-loop type fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners, and the like. The other components of the diaper 20 can be suitably connected together using simile means.

Desirably, the absorbent frame 44 is connected to the outer cover 42 only on or to one side of the waist edges 32 of the outer cover 42 thereby creating a front fastening part, a rear fastening part, and a non-fastened part. which extends between and connects the fastened parts. The unclamped part of the absorbent frame 44 remains essentially unattached to the outer cover 42 and is generally configured to fit between the user's legs and at least partially cover the lower torso of the user when in use. As a result of this, the unclamped part is generally the part of the absorbent frame 44 which is configured to initially receive the exudates from the user's body. Thus, the absorbent frame 44 has been connected to the outer cover 42 in such a way as to secure the frame 44 in place while not adversely restricting the movement of the outer cover 42 in use. Alternatively, the absorbent frame 44 can be attached to the outer cover 42 along the entire longitudinal extent of the absorbent frame 44 or any part thereof or along only the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 44.

As it was representatively illustrated in the Figura 3, the absorbent frame 44 according to the present invention may include a backsheet 46, a side-to-body liner 48 which is connected to the backsheet 46 in an overlying relationship, and an absorbent core 50 which is located between the side-to-body liner 48 and the backsheet 46. In alternative configurations wherein the outer cover 42 is At least partially resistant to the flow of liquids therethrough, the backsheet 46 can optionally be omitted from the absorbent frame 44.

The absorbent frame 44 is generally conformable and capable of absorbing and retaining exudates from the body. Absorbent frame 44 can have any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the absorbent frame 44 can be rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. The size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent frame 44 should be compatible with the size of the user. attempted and the fluid shell imparted by the intended user of the diaper 20. Typically, it is desired that the absorbent shell 44 has an absorbent capacity of at least about 300 grams of urine. It is generally preferred that the absorbent frame 44 be narrower in the crotch region 26 than in the waist regions 22 and 24. It has been found that the absorbent frame 44 of the present invention is particularly useful when the width dimension in the region crotch 26 is from about 2.5 to about 10.2 centimeters, desirably no more than about 7.6 centimeters and more desirably no more than about 5.1 centimeters. The narrow crotch width dimension of the absorbent frame 44 allows the absorbent frame 44 to better fit between the user's legs.

The body side liner 48 of the absorbent frame 44, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, suitably presents a face surface to the body which is intended to be worn on one side of the wearer's body and is compliant, Soft and non-irritating feeling for the user's skin. In addition, the body side liner 48 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core 50, to present a relatively dry surface for the user, and may be sufficiently porous to be permeable to the liquid allowing the liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness . A suitable side-to-body liner 48 can be manufactured from a wide selection of fabric materials, such as woven and nonwoven fabrics, porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g. polyester or polypropylene), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The body side liner 48 is suitably employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from fluids maintained in the absorbent core 50 of the absorbent frame 44.

The backsheet 46 of the absorbent frame 44, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3 may be suitably composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the inner sheet 46 be formed of a material which is essentially impermeable to fluids. A typical bottom sheet can be made of a thin plastic film or other liquid impervious and flexible material. The lower sheet 46 can also be constructed of a material which is similar to the described material as being suitable for the outer cover 42.

The body side liner 48 and the bottom sheet 46 are generally adhered to one another to form a pocket in which the absorbent core 50 is located to provide the absorbent frame 44. The body side liner 48 and the bottom sheet 46 can be adhered directly to each other around the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 44 by any means known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive bonds, sonic joints or thermal joints. for example, a continuous and uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a pattern sprayed or blown with adhesive melt or an array of lines, swirls or spots of adhesive can be used to secure the liner from side to body 48 to the backing sheet 46. It should be noted that both the side-to-body liner 48 and the bottom sheet 46 do not need to be fully extended to the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 44. For example, the bottom sheet 46 can extend to the outer periphery of the frame absorbent 44 while the side-to-body liner 48 can be attached to the lower sheet 46 inwardly of the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 44, or more toward the longitudinal centerline of the diaper 20. In alternate configurations, especially where the sheet lower 46 is omitted, the side-to-body liner 48 may suitably adhere directly to the absorbent core 50 or outer cover 42.

The absorbent core 50, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, is positioned between the side-to-body liner 48 and the lower sheet 46 to form the absorbent frame 44. The absorbent core 50 is desirably conformable and is capable of absorbing and absorbing. retain exudates from the body. The absorbent core 50 may have any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, the absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. It is generally preferred that the absorbent core 50 be narrower in the crotch region 26. The size of the absorbent core 50 must be compatible with the size of the intended user and the desired absorbent capacity of the absorbent frame 44.

The absorbent core 50 of the absorbent frame 44 may suitably comprise various types of wettable hydrophilic fibrous materials. Examples of suitable materials include naturally occurring organic fibers composed of an intrinsically wettable material, such as cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as a particular polyester or polyamide fibers; and synthetic fibers composed of a non-wettable thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized through appropriate means known to those skilled in the art. The absorbent core 50 can also comprise selected mixtures of the various types of fibers mentioned above.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent core 50 may include a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a fabric of cellulosic fibers., mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material as it is commonly known as the super-absorbent material. As used herein, the term "high absorbency material" refers to materials that are capable of absorbing at least 10 times their own weight in liquid. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent core 50 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and wood pulp fluff. The pulp of wood pulp can be exchanged! with meltblown fibers, polymeric, synthetic or with a combination of melt blown fibers and natural fibers. The high-absorbency material can be mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers or it can be mixed non-uniformly. The high-absorbency material can also be arranged in a generally discrete layer within the matrix of the hydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core 50 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and a high absorbency material or other suitable means for maintaining the high absorbency material in a localized area.

As representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the absorbent frame 44 of the disposable diaper 20 may include a pair of containment fins 54 which are configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The containment fins 54 may be located along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent frame 44. Each containment fin 54 typically defines an unclamped edge which is configured to maintain a perpendicular and straight configuration in at least the crotch region 26 of diaper 20 to form a seal against the wearer's body. The containment fins 54 may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the absorbent frame 44 or may only extend partially along the length of the absorbent frame 44. When the containment fins 54 are shorter in length than the absorbent frame 44, the containment fins 54 can be selectively positioned on either side along the side edges of the absorbent frame 44. In a particular aspect of the invention, the containment fins 54 extend along the entire length of the frame absorbent 44 to better contain body exudates.

Such containment fins 54 are generally well known to those skilled in the art. For example, suitable constructions and arrangements for containment fins 54 are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. .

The disposable diaper 20 of the various aspects of the present invention may further include elastics at the waist edges 32 and at the side edges 30 of the diaper 20 to further prevent runoff of the exudates from the pocket and hold the absorbent frame 44. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the diaper 20 of the present invention may include a pair of elastic leg members 52 which are connected to the laterally opposite side edges 30 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 and a pair of elastic waist members 56 which are connected to the longitudinally opposite waist edges 32 of the diaper 20. The leg elastics 52 and the waist elastics 56 are generally adapted to fit around the legs and the waist of the waist. a user in use to maintain a positive contact relationship with the user to effectively reduce or eliminate runoff from the exudates of the diaper body 20.

Suitable materials for use as leg elastics 52 and waist elastics 56 are well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of such materials are sheets or threads or tapes of an elastomeric and polymeric material which adhere to the outer cover 42 in a stretched condition, or which are attached to the outer cover 42 while said outer cover is folded, of so that the elastic constriction forces are imparted to the outer cover 42. The leg and waist elastics can also include such materials as polyurethane, latent elastic or natural or synthetic rubber materials described herein as being suitable for the adjustable belt.

The absorbent article of the various aspects of the present invention further includes a multifunctional fastening system 60 for securing the absorbent article around the wearer's waist. The multifunctional holding system includes fasteners located on one of the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 which are configured to releasably engage the opposite waist region of the diaper 20 to hold the diaper around the wearer's waist. The use of fasteners which! they are engageable resupably or releasably allows the ease of securing and removing the diaper 20 from the wearer's waist.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-4, the multi-function fastening system 60 of the present invention may include a pair of primary fasteners 62 which are located on the lateral edges 30 of the diaper 20 in the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the primary fasteners 62 are configured to surround the wearer's hips and engage the outer surface 36 of the region of front waist 22 of diaper 20 to keep diaper 20 on the wearer.

Alternatively, the primary fasteners 62 can be located on the front waist region 22 and can be configured to releasably engage the outer surface 36 of the rear waist reigion 24 of the diaper 20.

Desirably, the primary fasteners 62 are releasably engageable directly on the outer surface of the outer cover 42 of the diaper 20 to provide improved fastening ease. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-4, the diaper 20 of the present invention may further include a fastening panel 68 located on the outer cover 42 in one of the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20. In such In this embodiment, the primary fasteners are releasably engageable with the fastening panel 68 to maintain the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist. When the primary fasteners 62 are releasably engaged, the lateral edge 30 of the diaper 20 defines the leg openings which are configured to surround the user's legs and the waist edges 32 define a waist opening which is configured to surround the waist of the user. As illustrated in Figure 4, the fastening panel 68 may include two separate panels located along the opposite side edges in one of the waist regions 22 and 24 of the cloth. Alternatively, the fastening panel 68 may include a single piece of material which extends essentially through the respective waist edge 32 of the diaper 20.

In a particular embodiment, the primary fasteners 62 are configured to be releasably engaged with the outer surface of the opposite waist region 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 before the diaper 20 is placed over the wearer to provide a fastened diaper. In such a configuration, the presumed diaper 20 can be raised or lowered over the wearer's legs and hips. If the diaper 20 becomes soiled during use, the primary fasteners 62 can be disengaged to easily remove the diaper 20 from the wearer's waist with a reduced risk of undesirable soiling of the wearer's clothes or legs. Thus, in such a configuration, the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention can be configured to be pulled over or lowered from the wearer's hips such as conventional training pants and can be applied to be pulled up or removed by unhooking the fasteners at Similar to conventional diaper items.

The multi-functional fastening system 60 on the disposable diaper 20 of the present invention includes an adjustable belt having a pair of secondary fasteners thereon to provide improved securing of the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist after the primary fasteners 62 they have hooked liberably. The secondary fasteners and the adjustable belt of the present invention are configured to further conform the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 to the wearer's waist. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the diaper 20 may include an adjustable belt 64 which includes a pair of secondary fasteners 66 located on the opposite end portions of the adjustable belt 64.

The adjustable belt 64 and the secondary clips 66 are located in one of the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 and are configured to surround the wearer's hips and engage the outer surface 36 in the opposite waist region 22 and 24 of the diaper. 20. for example, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary clips 66 can be located along the waist edge 32 of the diaper 20 in the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary clips 66 are configured to encircle the user's hips and engage the outer surface 36 of the front waist region 22 of the diaper 20 to maintain the diaper 20 on the wearer. Alternatively, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary clips 66 can be located on the front waist region 22 and can be configured to releasably engage the outer surface 36 of the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20.

Desirably, the secondary fasteners 66 are releasably engageable directly on the outer surface of the outer cover 42 of the diaper 20 to provide improved fastening ease.

Alternatively, as described above and representatively illustrated in Figure 4, the diaper 20 of the present invention may further include a fastening panel 68 located on the outer cover 42 in one of the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the secondary fasteners 66 can be releasably engageable with the fastening panel 68 to hold the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist.

The use of such an adjustable belt 64 with the secondary fasteners 66 has been found to be particularly desirable when the diaper 20 includes the primary fasteners 62 which are releasably engaged with the respective waist region of the diaper 20 to provide a presumed diaper which can get on or off on the user's legs and hips. In such a configuration, the waist opening of the diaper 20 when the primary fasteners 62 are engaged should be sufficient to allow the presumed diaper to rise over the wearer's hips. However, the circumference of the user's waist is typically less than the circumference around the wearer's hips. Therefore, the waist opening of the presumed diaper may not conform to the wearer's waist which may undesirably result in run-off. In such a configuration, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary fasteners 66 of the diaper 20 of the present invention are configured to conform the waist regions of the diaper 20. j. to the user after the presumed diaper is pulled over the wearer. Therefore, the caregiver does not need to reattach the primary fasteners 62 to conform to the waist regions 22 and 24 for the wearer's waist. As a result of this, when the diaper 20 is to be removed from the wearer, the caregiver must simply unhook the secondary clips 66 if necessary and pull the diaper presujeted down over the user's hips and legs without having to put back the primary fasteners 62. Alternatively, the caregiver can disengage both the secondary and primary fasteners 66 and 62 to remove the diaper in a manner similar to that of; the conventional diapers. In some configurations, the diaper 20 may otherwise be lowered without disengaging either the fasteners 62 and 66 since the belt 64 may be lengthened by an amount sufficient to allow the diaper 20 to be pulled over the wearer's hips.

In such configurations, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary fasteners 66 are intended to maintain the diaper 20 in a closed conformal notch around the wearer's waist to reduce runoff of body exudates when in use. The primary fasteners 62 are intended to maintain the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 connected in a manner such that the diaper 20 can be raised or lowered onto the wearer's hips after the secondary fasteners 66 have disengaged. Secondary fasteners 66 can also be selectively disengaged to facilitate inspection of diaper 20 to determine if diaper has become soiled. The primary fasteners 62 can also provide a "childproof function" by keeping the diaper 20 at least partially secured around the user's waist if the user disengages the secondary fasteners 66.

The secondary fasteners 66 can also provide an improved notch when the diaper 20 is applied from a non-fastened configuration similar to that of conventional diapers. For example, with the initial fastening around the user, the primary fasteners 62 may be difficult to locate correctly due to the user's activity. Therefore, in such situations, the secondary fasteners can be used to provide a better conformal notch after the primary fasteners 62 have been engaged.

Suitable fasteners are well known to those skilled in the art and may include adhesive tape fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, mushroom fasteners, boteroles, pins, belts and the like, and combinations thereof. same. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-4, the primary fasteners 62 and the secondary fasteners 66 can be hook-type fasteners and the outer cover 42 or fastening panel 68 can be configured to function as a fastener of the type. of complementary curls. Desirably, the fasteners 62 and 66 are hook-type fasteners which are releasably engageable directly with the outer cover 42. Such an arrangement provides the ability to vary the size of the waist opening in very small increments over a wide range to Fit in the user's waist. In a particular embodiment, the primary and secondary fasteners 62 and 64 on each side of the diaper 20 can be provided by a single piece of material having a line of perforations that separate the fasteners 62 and 64 to improve manufacturing. In an alternating arrangement wherein the diaper 20 is provided in a presumed configuration, the primary fasteners 62 may comprise a releasable attachment such as an ultrasonic point attachment which can be selectively disengaged.

The fasteners can have any shape and size that provide the desired fastening of the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist. It is also desirable that the outer surface of the secondary fasteners 66 provide a visual key to the caregiver in regard to their location. For example, in one embodiment, the secondary fasteners 66 are of a different color from the outer surface of the diaper 20 to allow the caregiver to easily determine the location of the secondary fasteners 66. The primary fasteners 62 may also be of a different color. of the secondary fasteners 66 and the outer surface of the diaper 20.

Suitable materials for use as the adjustable belt 64 of the different aspects of the present invention are similar to those materials described above as being suitable for the outer cover 42. Desirably, the adjustable belt 64 is made of an elastic material which is capable of elongating at least about 25 percent and more desirably at least about 50 percent to provide an improved notch around the wearer's waist. For example, the adjustable belt 64 may comprise a bonded and bonded laminate which includes a KRATON film material commercially available from the Dow Chemical Company, a business having offices located in Midland, Michigan. Alternatively, the adjustable belt 64 may include portions which include an elastic material and parts which do not include an elastic material.

Desirably, the adjustable belt 64 is made of a latent elastic material which can be activated after the diaper 20 is made. The use of such latent elastic material eliminates the need to keep the adjustable belt 64 in a stressed condition when the diaper is manufactured. Suitable latent elastic materials are known to those skilled in the art. For example, suitable latent elastic materials are commercially available from Exxon under the trade designation EXX601. Alternative latent elastic materials are described in United States of America patent application number 08 / 854,934 filed May 13, 1997 and entitled "IMPROVED COMPOSITE ELASTIC MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME", the description of which is Incorporated here by reference. The latent elastic material can be activated by a variety of methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, latent elastic adjustable belts can be activated by heating the diaper after it is made to cause the material to retract.

The primary fasteners 62, the adjustable belt 64 and the secondary fasteners 66 may be incorporated within the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention in a variety of different ways known to those skilled in the art. For example, in the illustrated embodiments and as described above, the diaper 20 may further include a pair of waistband curls which define a pair of longitudinally opposite end portions 72. The end portions 72 of the waistband curl portions 70 are fastened directly or indirectly to the outer cover 42 so that the adjustable belt 64 is slidably contained between the waistband curl portions 70 and the outer cover 42. For example, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, FIGS. end portions 72 of the waistband curl portions 70 can be attached to the face facing surface of the outer cover 42 so that the adjustable belt 64 is located in the diaper 20 between the outer cover 42 and the absorbent frame 44 in One of the waist regions 22 and 24. Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, the majority of the adjustable belt 64 extends along the carrousel surface. a to the body of the outer cover 42 between the outer cover 42 and the absorbent frame 44 for improved aesthetics.

Alternatively, the adjustable belt 64 may extend along the face-to-face surface of the outer cover 42, along the side-to-body liner 48 between the absorbent frame 44 and the user or between any of the layers of absorbent frame 44. For example, the waistband loop portions may be attached to the absorbent frame 44 or the side-to-body liner 48 and thus be indirectly attached to the body facing surface of the outer cover 44. Longitudinal ends 72 of the waistband curl portions 70 can be suitably attached to the diaper 20 using the joining methods described herein. For example, the ends 72 of the waistband curl portions 70 can be ultrasonically bonded to the outer cover 42 or the side-to-body liner 48.

When the waistband waist portions 70 are attached to the body facing surface of the outer cover 42 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the primary fasteners 62 are desirably located on the face surface of the body portions of the body. waistband curls 70 or parts of waistband curls 70 made of a fastener material to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduced cost. In such a configuration, the secondary fasteners 66 are desirably positioned laterally outward and to one side of the side edges of the outer cover 42, the waistband ridge portions 70 and the primary fasteners 62 to improve control and ease of fastening. Alternatively, the primary fasteners 62 can be attached to any of the other components of the diaper 20 so that the outer cover 42 of the primary fasteners 62 can adhere to the diaper 20 by any means known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive joints, the sonic connections or the thermal connections. The secondary fasteners 66 can also be suitably connected to the end portions of the adjustable belt 64 using similar means.

The adjustable belt 64 may be elongated so that the waistband curl portions 70 are attached to the outer cover 42 to provide pre-tension to the adjustable belt 64 between the waistband waist portions 70.

For example, the adjustable belt 64 can be lengthened from about 5 to about 100 percent before; the waistband loop portions 70 are joined to provide the desired pre-tension. However, as discussed above, it is desirable that the adjustable belt 64 can be made of a latent elastic material which can be elastically activated after the diaper was manufactured for improved process control.

A portion of the adjustable belt 64 between the side edges of the outer cover 42 can be secured to the other parts of the diaper 20 such as the inner surface of the outer cover 42 to provide a bonded portion 74 as illustrated in Figure 4. The part attached 74 of adjustable belt 64 can be secured using methods known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive, sonic or thermal bonding. Desirably, the bonded portion 74 defines a bonded length 76 as illustrated in Figure 4, which is less than about 75 percent and more desirably less than about 50 percent of the total length of the adjustable belt 64. Such The attached length provides sufficient securing of the adjustable belt to the diaper 20 without adversely affecting the ability of the adjustable belt to conform to the wearer's waist to provide the improved notch.

The adjustable belt 64 can define any length and width that provide the desired improved grip and notch around the user. For example. the adjustable belt 64 can define a length which is from about 7 to about 45 centimeters and a width which is from about 1 to about 10 centimeters. Desirably, the adjustable belt 64 defines a length which is slightly less than the width of the diaper 20 in the respective waist region after it has been activated if the belt is of a latent elastic material so that the adjustable belt 64 is slightly elongated to the previous tension of the waist region. The distance between the joined portions of the longitudinal ends 72 of the waistband curl portions 70 is greater than the width of the adjustable belt 64 so that the adjustable belt is slidably contained between the waistband waist 70 parts. The secondary clips 66 on the ends of the adjustable belt 64 desirably define a width which is greater than the width of the adjustable belt 64 so that the secondary clips 66 can prevent the belt 64 from passing through the waistband loop portions 70.

The materials suitable for use as the waistband waist portions 70 of the different aspects of the present invention are similar to those materials described above as being suitable for the outer cover 42. As discussed above, the waistband waist portions 70 desirably include a fastener material such as a material - »" - ^ "- of hook, on a surface thereof to provide the primary fasteners 62. The fastener materials suitable for use as the waistband curl portions 70 are set forth above as being suitable for fasteners 62 and 66 The waistband loop portions 70 may be a single material such as the hook material or may be a composite of materials For example, the waistband portions 70 may comprise a commercially composed material which includes the combination of a In such a configuration, the fastening material does not need to extend along the entire surface of the waistband portion 70 to provide the primary fasteners 62. For example, the waistband portions 70 they can include the fastening material such as the hook material along the longitudinal ends 72 of the waistband waist portions and not in the middle section of the waistband. the parts of waistband curls 70.

If it is desired that the absorbent article of the present invention be pre-secured, the absorbent article of the present invention may further include a pair of releasable side links (not shown) to improve the reliability of keeping the article in the presumed condition particularly when the latter is being raised or lowered on the user's hips. The absorbent articles including the releasable side seals are further described in the United States of America Patent Application entitled "DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING PASSIVE SIDE UNIONS AND ADJUSTABLE SEWING SYSTEMS" filed in the name of Elsberg on the same date as the present application and having the number of Lawyer Issue 13,611, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the diaper 20 may include a pair of releasable side seams which releasably connect the side edges 30 of the diaper in the front and back waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20. The location of the releasable side cuffs may be varied. selectively to make the diaper notch for users of different sizes.

In such a configuration, the releasable side links can assist the fastening system 60 to maintain the diaper 20 in a presumed condition when the diaper 20 is raised or lowered onto the wearer's hips. In addition, the releasable side um.ons can prevent movement and change of the waist regions 22 and 24 in relation to each other to improve notching and operation. The releasable side links can also prevent the winding or bending of the side edges 30 and the waist edges 32 of the diaper 20 as it is pulled on the hips of the wearers.

The various aspects of the present invention advantageously provide disposable absorbent articles having a fastening system which includes an adjustable belt and methods for making the same. The fastening system can be presumed to releasably engage the front and back waist portions to allow the absorbent article to be raised or lowered over the user's hips such as conventional training pants. In addition, the adjustable belt of the restraint system can be used to further conform to the front and back waist portions of the absorbent article to hold the absorbent article around the user's waist after the article has been raised in a manner similar to those of the article. conventional diapers.

As a result, the absorbent article of the present invention is designed to conform to the wearer's body to effectively contain body exudates while still being able to be reliably raised or lowered over the wearer's hips to aid in toilet training. by the user. In addition, similarly to conventional diapers, the absorbent article of the present invention can be advantageously applied to the user and removed therefrom with relative ease and cleanliness.

Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upon achieving an understanding of the foregoing, that alterations, variations and equivalents of these aspects can be easily conceived. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be established as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (32)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region which extends between and connects said waist regions, said absorbent article comprising: a) an adjustable belt located in one of the waist regions of said absorbent article wherein said adjustable belt defines a pair of opposite end portions and a fastener over each of said opposite end portions; Y b) parts of waistband curls located inwardly of and to one side of each of said fasteners on the adjustable belt wherein each of the waistband part (s) defines a pair of opposite longitudinal ends which are attached to one of the waist region of said absorbent article for slidably containing said adjustable belt between the waistband curl portions and said a waist region wherein said fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage said opposite waist region of said article. absorbent.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the fasteners are a hook material of a hook and loop type fastener.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent article includes a fastening panel located on a garment facing surface of said article in said opposite waist region and wherein said fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to engage releasably in the clamping panel.

4. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said adjustable belts are capable of elongating at least about 50 percent.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said longitudinal ends of said waistband loop parts are fastened to a waist region using ultrasonic joint.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said fasteners on the opposite end portions of said adjustable belt define a width which is greater than a distance over said parts of waistband curls between the joined longitudinal ends. .

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said adjustable belts include a latent elastic material.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said waistband loop portions include a fastening material which is configured to releasably engage said opposite waist region of said absorbent article.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that said adjustable belt is configured to be elongated and said pair of fasteners on said opposite end portions of said adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage said opposite waist region of said article Absorbent after the fastener material on said waistband loop parts has been releasably engaged in the waist region intended to further shape said waist regions to the body of the wearer after said absorbent article has been placed on the wearer.

10. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that a part of said adjustable belt between said waistband loop parts is fastened to a waist region of said absorbent article.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said attached part of said adjustable belt defines a attached length which is less than about 75 percent of a total length of said adjustable belt and wherein said attached portion of said adjustable belt is located along a longitudinal center line of said absorbent article.

12. A disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region which extends between and connects said waist regions, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of edges of the waist. opposite sides, said absorbent article comprises: a) an outer cover which defines a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment; b) an adjustable belt located in one of the waist regions of said absorbent article wherein said adjustable belt defines a pair of opposite end portions; c) a secondary fastener on each of said opposite end portions of said adjustable belt; Y d) waistband curls located inwardly and to one side of each of the secondary clips on the adjustable belt where each of the waistband loop parts defines a pair of longitudinally opposite ends which are attached to said face surface to the body of said outer cover in a waist region of said absorbent article for slidably containing said adjustable belt between the waistband portion of curls and said face facing the body of said outer cover and wherein said secondary fasteners on said adjustable waistband are configured to releasably engage said face facing the garment of said outer cover in the opposite waist region of said absorbent article.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said secondary fasteners are a hook material of a hook and loop type fastener.

14. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said outer cover includes a junction panel located on said garment facing surface of said outer cover and wherein said secondary fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage said clamping panel.

15. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said adjustable belts are capable of elongating at least about 50 percent.

16. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said longitudinal ends of each of said waistband loop parts are attached to said outer cover using ultrasonic joint.

17. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said secondary fasteners define a width which is greater than a distance of said portions of waistband curls between said joined longitudinal ends.

18. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said secondary fasteners define a width which is greater than a width of said adjustable belt.

19. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said adjustable belt includes a latent elastic material.

20. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that said adjustable belt is configured to provide a pre-tension on said absorbent article between said waistband parts.

21. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that each of said waistband loop parts includes a primary fastener on a body facing surface of said waistband curl portions that is configured to releasably engage said waistband surface. facing the garment of said outer cover in said opposite waist region.

22. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that said adjustable belt is configured to elongate and said secondary fasteners on the adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage said facing surface of said outer covering in the waist region Opposite of said absorbent article after the primary fasteners have releasably engaged to further shape said waist regions to the body of a wearer after the absorbent article has been placed on the wearer.

23. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 21 characterized in that said primary fasteners are a hook material of a hook-and-loop type fastener.

24. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 21 characterized in that said outer cover includes a bonding panel located on said facing surface of said outer cover and wherein said primary fasteners on said waistband curl portions are configured to releasably engage said joining panel.

25. A presumed disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region which extends between and connects said waist regions, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of edges opposite waist, said absorbent article comprises: a) an outer cover which defines a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment; b) an adjustable belt located in one of the waist regions of said absorbent article wherein the adjustable belt defines a pair of opposite end portions; c) a secondary fastener on each of the opposite end portions of said adjustable belt; d) parts of waistband curls located in and adjacent to each of the secondary clips on said adjustable belt where each of the waistband loop parts defines a pair of longitudinally opposite ends which are attached to said cover outer in said waist region of the absorbent article to slideably hold said adjustable belt between several portions of waistband curls and said outer cover; Y e) a primary fastener on each of the waistband loop parts which is releasably engaged to said outer cover in said opposite waist region of said absorbent article to provide said presumed absorbent article wherein said secondary fasteners on said adjustable belt are configured to releasably engage said outer cover in said opposite waist region of said absorbent article to further conform said waist regions to the wearer's body after the presumed absorbent article has been placed on the wearer.

26. The absorbent article presumed as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that said longitudinal ends of each said waistband curls are fastened to the body facing surface of said outer cover in said waist region to slidably contain said adjustable waistband between the parts of waistband curls and said surface facing the body of said outer cover

27. The absorbent article presumed as claimed in clause 26 characterized in that said primary fasteners are attached to the body facing surface of said waistband curls and are releasably engaged to said face facing the garment of said outer cover.

28. The presumed absorbent article as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that said primary fasteners and said secondary fasteners are a hook material of a hook-and-loop type fastener.

29. The absorbent article presumed as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that said outer cover includes a joining panel located on said surface facing the garment of said outer cover and wherein said primary fasteners are releasably engaged to said fastening panel .

30. The absorbent article presumed as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that said secondary fasteners define a width which is greater than a distance of said waistband curls between said joined longitudinal ends.

31. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 30 characterized in that said adjustable belt is configured to provide a pre-tension on said absorbent article between the waistband ridge portions.

32. The absorbent article presumed as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that said adjustable belt includes a latent elastic material. E S U M E N Disposable absorbent articles are described which include an outer cover, an absorbent frame, an adjustable belt and waistband curls. The adjustable belt is located in a waist region of the absorbent article and includes a fastener over each of the opposite end portions. The waistband loop parts are located inward of and adjacent to each of the 10 fasteners on the adjustable belt and the longitudinal ends of the waistband curl portions are attached to the absorbent article to slidably contain the adjustable belt between the waistband and waistband curl portions. The fasteners on the adjustable belt are 15 configured to releasably engage the opposite waist region of the absorbent article. Desirably, the waist loops and the adjustable belt are located on an inner surface of the absorbent article such as the face-to-body surface of the outer shell or liner 20 from side to body. The absorbent article may also include the fasteners on the waistband loops parts to provide another pair of fasteners. _.TO.' . < _. üjU '