MXPA00012367A - Method of making prefastened disposable absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of making a prefastened disposable absorbent article includes forming a continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles (80) each of which includes a pair of primary fasteners (62) which are located on the side edges of the article in one of the waist regions of the article. The method also includes cutting the continuous web of interconnected articles (80) into discrete absorbent articles (20) which are folded about a fold line extending in a lateral direction through the crotch region of the article thereby positioning the waist regions of the article in a facing relationship. the waist regions are then releasably bonded together. The method further includes folding the primary fasteners (62) over and onto the opposite waist region to releasably engage the opposite waist region to provide the prefastened absorbent article (20). The releasable bonding step releasably bonds the waist regions together to assist in maintaining theprefastened absorbent article (20) in a prefastened condition when it is pulled on or off over the hips of the wearer.

Description

METHOD FOR MAKING ABSORBING ARTICLES PRESERVED DISPOSABLE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which are adapted to contain exudates from the body. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for making presumed disposable absorbent articles which have adjustable attachments and restraint systems for holding articles around the wearer's waist.

Background of the Invention It is desired that absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants or incontinence garments provide a comfortable and closed 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 pulled on the hips or lowered onto the wearer's hips to allow the user or caregiver to easily pull the article upward and remove it easily if it has been soiled. For example, such absorbent articles can help in toilet training for children. Conventional diapers are provided in a non-restrained configuration and have typically included a front waist portion and a rear waist portion which are releasably connected around a user's hips during use by means of conventional fasteners such as adhesive tape fasteners or hook-and-loop type fasteners. For example, conventional fasteners have typically included a pair of fasteners, such as tape appendages, located on the outermost corners of the fastener. diaper in the back waist region of the diaper and a complementary fastener, such as a wrapping panel, located on the outer surface of the outer cover of the diaper e.n the front waist portion of the diaper. In such 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 wearer's waist. Such conventional diapers are easy to fasten around the user and to be removed from the same after use without unduly dirtying the caregiver. However, conventional diapers are not provided in a presumed condition and therefore are not configured to be pulled up or down over the user's hips when the fasteners are attached.

Various attempts have been made to provide absorbent articles which effectively contain exudates from the body, which are capable of being pulled up or down on the wearer's hips and which provide an ease of cleaning and removal after being soiled. For example, some conventional absorbent articles, such as conventional 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 pull on or down over the wearer's hips if desired. Such side panels have also been designed so that they can be ripped to remove the training underpants from the wearer after they have become soiled.

However, many such attempts have not been completely satisfactory. For example, absorbent articles such as training underpants have not always been capable of a closed forming notch on the wearer while still being able to expand enough to pull up or down on the wearer's hips. Frequently such training underpants fit into the wearer's waist loosely which may be undesirable and result in run-off. As a result, many of such articles have not contained the exudates of the body as effectively as the conventional diaper-type articles which have been 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, have not always 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.

In addition, methods for making conventional absorbent articles such as conventional training underpants have not always been completely satisfactory. For example, it has been difficult at times to control the side panels when they are attached to the side edges of the training underpants and such panels have often been creased or skewed during processing. As a result of this, the seams along which the panels are connected are often biased or discontinued which reduces the performance and aesthetics of the article.

Therefore, despite attempts to develop improved absorbent articles, there is a need for absorbent articles which can provide the benefits of conventional 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 They are easily secured around the user and removed from it in a convenient and clean manner. In addition, there is a need for improved methods to reliably and consistently manufacture such absorbent articles.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new method has been discovered for making a disposable absorbent article presujetado which has releasable side seams and an adjustable fastening system. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a disposable absorbent article presumed which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a posterior waist region, a region of between the leg extending between and connecting to waist regions, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite waist edges. The method includes forming a continuous weave of interconnected absorbent articles each of which includes a pair of primary fasteners which are located on the lateral edges of the article in one of the waist regions of the article. The continuous fabric is selectively cut into discrete absorbent articles. Each of the discrete absorbent articles is folded around a line of doubles extending in a lateral direction through the region of between the leg thereby placing the waist regions in a facing relationship. The waist regions are releasably joined together and the primary fasteners are bent over and in the opposite waist region to releasably engage the opposite waist region to provide the presumed absorbent article.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a presujetado disposable absorbent article which comprises the steps of: a) providing a continuously moving tissue L of the outer cover material; b) intermittently connecting an absorbent frame to the outer cover to provide a continuously moving fabric of interconnected absorbent articles each of which includes an absorbent frame; c) intermittently joining a pair of primary fasteners to the laterally opposite side edges of the rear waist region of each of the interconnected absorbent articles; d) selectively cutting the continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles into discrete absorbent articles; e) folding each of the discrete absorbent articles around a line of doubles extending in a lateral direction through the leg region of the absorbent article to thereby place the waist regions of the absorbent article in a front relation with the primary fasteners extending laterally outwardly beyond the lateral edges of the article; f) releasably joining the frontal waist region to the posterior waist region; and g) folding the primary fasteners over and into the front waist region of the article to releasably engage the front waist region to provide the presumed absorbent article.

The present invention advantageously provides a method for making a presumed disposable absorbent article which includes the combination of lateral and releasable connections and an adjustable fastening system for improving notch and operation. In particular, the present invention provides a method for folding and preseating a disposable absorbent article in a reliable and consistent manner. The absorbent article of the present invention is capable of being reliably pulled up or down over the wearer's hips to assist in training the user's toilet in a manner similar to conventional training underpants. In addition, similar to conventional diapers, the absorbent article of the present invention can be applied and removed advantageously from the user after it is soiled with relative ease and cleanliness. For example, the releasable side seams can be broken and the primary fasteners can be disengaged to allow the caregiver to apply or remove the article in a similar manner to conventional diapers. The releasable side links also prevent the primary fasteners from contacting the user's skin which can undesirably cause red marking.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be better understood and the additional advantages will be 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 schematic view of an example of a method for making a disposable presumed absorbent article; Figure 2 representatively shows a plan view of the steps involved in the method of Figure 1; Figure 3 representatively shows a side view of an example of a presumed disposable absorbent article made according to the methods of the present invention; Figure 4 representatively shows a plan view of the disposable absorbent article of Figure 3 in an unclamped, stretched and laid flat condition with the surface of the article which makes contact with the wearer facing him; Y Figure 5 representatively shows a plan view of the disposable absorbent article of Figure 3 in an unclamped, stretched and laid flat condition with the surface of the article that makes contact with the wearer's clothing facing towards the observer.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to methods for making presumptive disposable absorbent articles which are configured to closely conform to the wearer's body to effectively contain body exudates while the body is capable of being pulled up or down over the hips and buttocks of the user. Disposable presumed absorbent articles can also be easily secured to the waist and removed directly from the wearer's waist. As such, the presumed absorbent articles of the present invention may function as a conventional training underpants in this presumed condition or may be released before or during use for a function similar to that of conventional diapers. 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 methods for making the disposable absorbent articles of the present invention will be described in terms of a method for making a disposable diaper article which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. In particular, the methods will be described in terms of a method for making a disposable disposable absorbent diaper such as that described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 907,585 entitled "A MULTIFUNCTIONAL CLAIM FOR DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES" and filed on August 8, 1997 in the name of J. Suprise, and the United States of America Patent Application entitled "DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING PASSIVE SIDE UNIONS AND ADJUSTABLE SUBSECTION SYSTEMS" filed on the same date as this application on behalf of Elsberg and having Attorney Subject No. 13,611, whose descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that the methods of the present invention are equally adaptable for use in the manufacture of other types of absorbent articles such as adult incontinence products, training underpants, women's hygiene products, other garments for the personal care or health care, and the like.

Figures 1 and 2 representatively illustrate an example of a method for making a disposable absorbent article presumed according to the present invention. Figure 3 further illustrates representatively an example of a disposable diaper presumed as generally indicated with point 20, made according to the methods of the present invention. Figures 4 and 5 representatively illustrate the diaper of Figure 3 in a flat and unclamped condition. As illustrated in Figures 3-5, diaper 20 defines a front waist region 22, a rear waist region 24, a leg region 26 which extends between and connects the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 and a pair of laterally opposed ear regions 28 integral with or connected to the rear waist region 24. The diaper 20 further defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges 30, a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges 32, a surface interior 34 which is configured to make contact with the user, an outer surface 36 opposite 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 region between p.erna 26 of the diaper 20 comprises the part of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is placed between the user's legs and covers the lower torso of the wearer. The ear regions 28 comprise the portions of the diaper which, when worn, are placed over the user's hip regions. The laterally opposite side edges 30 of the diaper 20 generally define the leg openings 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, a multifunctional fastening system 60 which includes a pair of primary fasteners 62 and a pair of laterally releasable laterally releasable seams 64. The absorbent frame 44 is configured to contain and / or absorb any exudates from the body discharged from the user. While the outer cover 42 and the fastening system 60 are configured to hold the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist, they hide the absorbent frame 44 from the view, and provide a garment-type appearance. The diaper 20 can further include the leg elastics 52, the containment fins 54 and the waist elastics 56 as 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.

The methods of the various aspects of the present invention are directed to reliably and consistently provide presumptive disposable absorbent articles such as those representatively illustrated in Figure 3. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the methods may include providing a continuous weave of interconnected diapers 80 which moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 82. In such a configuration, the front waist region 22 of the front diaper 20 may be connected to the rear waist region 24 of the training underpants 20 for forming the continuous weave of the interconnected diapers 80. Alternatively, the rear waist region 24 of the front diaper can be connected to the front waist region 22 of the tail diaper or the diapers can be arranged in a face-to-face / back-to-back relationship .

The continuous weave of interconnected diapers 80 can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art. For example, a fabric of interconnected diapers 80, such as that illustrated in Figures 3-5, can be provided by first providing a continuously moving fabric of material for the outer cover 42. The individual absorbent frame 44 for each diaper 20 can then intermittently connected to the continuously moving tissue of the outer cover material. The primary fasteners 62 are intermittently fastened to the moving tissue of the outer cover material. For example, the primary fasteners 62 can be attached to the laterally opposite side edges 30 of the diaper 20 in the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20. Additional components, such as the leg elastics 52, the containment flaps 54 and waist elastics 56 can also be connected to the continuously moving fabric of the outer cover material or the absorbent frame 44 to provide the fabric of interconnected diapers 80.

The different components of the diaper 20 can be connected together by any means known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding. Desirably, most of the components are connected using an ultrasonic joint to improve the manufacturing efficiency and the cost of reduced raw material.

The continuous weave of the interconnected diapers 80 is passed through the cutter 84 which selectively cuts the tissue 80 into individual and discrete diapers 20. Such cutters are generally known to those skilled in the art and may include, for example, the combination of a cutter roll 86 and an anvil roller 88 through the CUOLI move the fabric 80. The anvil roll 88 may include a hardened steel rotating roll while the cutter roll 86 may include one or more cutter blades. flexible hardened steel gripped to another rotating roller. The pinch force between the blade and the cutting roller and the anvil roller creates the cut. The cutter roll 86 may have one or more blades depending on the desired distance between the cuts. The cutter 84 may further be configured to provide a spacing between the individual cut pieces after they are cut. Such spacing can be provided by transferring the cut pieces out of the cutter at a speed greater than the speed at which the fabric is provided to the cutter.

The discrete diapers 20 are then loaded in a conventional knife bender 90 around the fold line 92 on the diaper 20. In this manner, the waist regions 22 and 24 of each diaper are placed in a recess opposite the primary fasteners. 62 extending laterally outwardly beyond the side edges 30 of the diaper 20 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The fold line 92 extends in a lateral direction through the inter-leg region 26 of the diaper 20. Desirably Each diaper 20 is folded consistently around the fold line 92 so that the waist edges 32 of the diaper 20 in the front and rear waist region 22 and 24 align with each other.

The provided blade benders suitable for providing the bend are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, the blade bender 90 may include a pair of rotating bending blades which are configured to contact the diaper 20 along the fold line 92. In such a configuration, the rotation of the bending knives force the diaper to a pressure point between two rotating rollers causing the diaper 20 to bend around the fold line 92.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the waist regions 22 and 24 are maintained in a face-to-face relationship as the diaper 20 passes through the joiner 94. The joiner 94 is configured to releasably attach the front waist regions and rear 22 and 24 at junctions 64 as representatively illustrated in Figure 2. The term "releasably bonded" as used herein refers to a joint which has a relatively low peak peel strength so that the joint can to be broken by the caregiver if it is desired to help remove the diaper 20 from the wearer without tearing or severely damaging the other parts of the diaper 20. The joints 64 may also be broken before applying the diaper to the wearer if the diaper is to be applied to the diaper. a way similar to conventional diapers instead of pulling this over the user's legs and hips. The specific values of the desired resistance to the fight of the releasable bonds are established here.

The releasable links 64 help maintain the diaper 20 in the preset configuration while it is being pulled on or out of the wearer's hips. The releasable links 64 further help to stabilize and maintain the waist edges 32 of the diaper 20 in alignment after the diaper is folded. The releasable unions 64 also provide a hip coverage and prevent rolling or bending of the side edges 30 and waist edges 32 of the presumed diaper 20 as it is pulled over the wearer's hips. Such prevention of coiling or over-folding can reduce the level of contact between the fasteners and the user's skin which can desirably result in reduced skin irritation and redness.

The proper bonding equipment which can be used to provide the releasable bonds 64 is well known to those skilled in the art. Desirably, the joiner 94 is an ultrasonic linker to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, the joiner 94 may include a rotating ultrasonic horn 96 and an anvil roller 98 between which the folded diapers 20 are passed to provide the liberal joints 64. Suitable rotating ultrasonic horns are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,110,403 issued to Ehlert, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, -almost rotating ultrasonic horns 96 generally have a diameter of from about 5 to about 20 centimeters and a width of from about 2 to about 15 centimeters. Alternatively, the ultrasonic horn 96 may be a stationary ultrasonic horn as is also known to those skilled in the art. Other suitable ultrasonic horns and ultrasonic binders are commercially available from Branson Sonic Power Company, as a business having offices in Danbury, Connecticut. The linker 94 may be otherwise an adhesive heat linker as is well known.

The linker 94 can be configured to provide the releasable links 64 in a variety of patterns and shapes or sizes. For example, the releasable links 64 may be provided as a pattern of points, circles, squares, triangles and the like which may be arranged in a linear or non-linear configuration. In the illustrated embodiments, such patterns may be located on the horn 96 or the anvil roller 98. Desirably, the pattern is located on the anvil roller 98 for improved manufacturing efficiency. The releasable bonds 64 may be ultrasonic, thermal, adhesive, cohesive, magnetic, mechanical and the like or combinations thereof.

As representatively illustrated in Fig. 1, the folded diaper 20 with the releasable seams 64 is then passed into the ear folder 100 to bend the first fasteners 62 over and in an engagement relationship with the opposite waist region of the diaper. 20 to provide the presumed diaper 20. To achieve the bending of the ear fold 100 includes the bending boards 102 which are configured to accept the primary fasteners 62 in a flat condition and bent inwardly and on the outer surface 36 of the diaper 20 in the waist region opposite the waist region to which the fasteners are attached. As described below, the primary fasteners 62 can directly engage the outer cover 42 of the diaper 20 in the opposite waist region or, in the alternative, each diaper 20 can include a bonding panel 66 located on the waist region opposite the waist. which primary fasteners 62 can be releasably engaged. The diaper 20 can also be passed between a pair of rotatable pressure point rollers (not shown) to assist in engaging the primary fasteners 62 to the opposite waist region.

The absorbent articles made by the methods of the present invention can be made from a variety of materials. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 3-5, the outer cover 42 of the diaper 20 may be suitably 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 from the user, it is not generally necessary that the outer cover 42 be impermeable to liquid. For example, the outer cover 42 may include woven or non-woven materials such as a spin-bonded material, the meltblown material, the cotton material, the rayon material, or combinations thereof such as a bonded laminate material. with spinning-blown with fusion-linked with spinning (SMS). The outer cover 42 may otherwise be at least partially impervious to the liquid to further prevent any runoff of body exudates. For example, the typical outer cover 42 can be made of a thin plastic film or other material impervious to flexible liquid, woven or non-woven fibrous layers, microporous materials "breathable", elastic materials and combinations of the same.

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 may be connected to the outer cover 42 in ways well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the absorbent frame 44 may 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 type fasteners, and the like. The other components of the diaper 20 can be suitably connected together using similar 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 to the fastened parts. The unclamped part of the absorbent frame 44 remains essentially not attached 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. Therefore, the unbonded part is generally the part of the absorbent frame 44 which is configured to initially receive exudates from the body from the user when in use. In this way, the absorbent frame 44 is connected to the outer cover 42 to ensure that the frame 44 is 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 length of the absorbent frame 44 or any part of the frame or along only the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 44.

As illustrated representationally in Figure 4, the absorbent frame 44 according to the present invention may include a lower sheet 46, a side-by-side liner 48 which is connected to the lower sheet 46 in a superimposed relationship, and an absorbent core 50 which is located between the side-to-body liner 48 and the lower sheet 46. In alternative configurations wherein the outer cover 42 is at least partially resistant to the flow of liquids therethrough, the sheet bottom 46 can optionally be omitted from absorbent frame 44.

The absorbent frame 44 is generally conformable and is 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 4, the absorbent frame 44 can be rectangular, I-shaped and T-shaped. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent frame 44 must be compatible with the intended user's size. and of the fluid load imparted by the intended use of the diaper 20. Typically, it is desirable that the absorbent frame 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 region of between the leg 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 of between leg 26 is from about 2.5 to about 10.2 centimeters (1.0 to about 4.0 inches), desirably no more than about 7.6 centimeters (3.0 inches) and more desirably no more than about 5.1 centimeters. The width dimension of the narrow leg of the absorbent frame 44 allows the absorbent frame 44 to fit better between the user's legs.

The side-to-body liner 48 of the absorbent frame 44, as representatively illustrated in Figure 4, suitably presents a face-to-body surface which is intended to be worn on one side of the wearer's body and is docile, soft-feeling and not irritating to 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 to the wearer, and may be sufficiently porous to be permeable to the liquid and allow 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 fabrics held and non-woven, porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fibreres) or polypropylene), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The body side liner 48 is suitably employed to help isolate the user's skin from fluids maintained in the absorbent core 50 of the absorbent frame 44.

The lower sheet 46 of the absorbent frame 44, as illustrated representatively in Figure 4, may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the bottom sheet 46 be formed of a material which is essentially fluid impermeable. A typical bottom sheet may be made of a thin plastic film or other material impervious to the flexible liquid. The lower sheet 46 can also be constructed of a material which is similar to the material described 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 adhere directly to one another around the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 44 by any means known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive joints, the sonic junctions or the thermal ones. For example, a continuous and uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned adhesive layer, a meltblown or meltblown pattern or an array of lines, swirls or spots of adhesive can be used to secure the side-to-body liner 48 to the bottom sheet 46. It should be noted that both the body side 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 body. absorbent frame 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 towards the longitudinal center line of the diaper 20. In alternative configurations, especially in where the lower sheet 46 is omitted, the body side liner 46 can suitably adhere directly to the absorbent core 50 or outer cover 42.

The absorbent core 50, as representatively illustrated in Figure 4, 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 capable of absorbing and retaining the exudates, of 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 region of between leg 26. The size of the absorbent core 50 must be compatible with the absorbent core 50. 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 fibrous, hydrophilic and wettable materials. Examples of suitable materials include naturally occurring organic fibers composed of an intrinsically moisturisable 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 the particular polyester and 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 blends of various types of the fibers mentioned above.

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

As representatively illustrated in Figure 4, the absorbent frame 44 4-11 disposable diaper 20 may include a pair of containment fins 54 which are configured to provide a barrier to lateral flow of body exudates. 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 unbonded edge which is configured to maintain a particular straight configuration in at least the region between the leg 26 of the diaper 20 to form a seal against a user'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 placed anywhere along the side edges of the absorbent frame 44. In a particular aspect of the invention, the containment fins 54 extend over 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 can also include elastics er. the waist edges 32 and at the side edges 30 of the palette 20 to further prevent runoff of the body exudates and the support from the absorbent frame 44. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 4, the diaper 20 of this invention may include a pair of elastic leg members 52 which are connected to laterally opposite side edges 30 in the region of between leg 26 of diaper 20 and a pair of waist elastic members 56 which are connected to the edges of the leg. longitudinally opposite waist 32 of the diaper 20. The leg elastics 52 and the waist elastics 56 are generally adapted to fit around the legs and waist of a wearer in use to maintain a positive contact relationship with the wearer to reduce or effectively eliminate the runoff of body exudates from the diaper 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 are adhered to the outer cover 42 in a stretched position, or which are attached to the outer cover 42 while the outer cover is attached to the outer cover 42. folded, so that the elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the outer cover 42. The leg elastics can also include such materials as polyurethane, synthetic and natural rubber.

The absorbent article of the various aspects of the present invention further includes a multi-function fastening system 60 for securing the absorbent article around the wearer's waist. The multi-function fastening system 60 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 the fasteners which are releasably engage allows the ease of securing and removing the diaper 20 from the wearer's waist without indisputably fouling the wearer.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 3-5, the multifunctional 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 front waist region 22 of the diaper 20 to hold the 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 region 24 of the diaper 20. The primary fasteners 62 can be adhered to the side edges 30. by any means known to those skilled in the art such as with adhesive bonds, sonic bonds or thermal bonds.

Desirably, the primary fasteners 62. are directly releasably engageable with the outer surface of the outer cover 42 of the diaper 20 to provide improved fastening ease. In such an arrangement, the primary fasteners 62 can be secured on either side on the outer cover 42 and the diaper 20 may be able to fit a wider variety of sizes and shapes. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the disposable diaper 20 of the present invention may further include a fastening panel 66 located in. 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 62 are releasably engageable with the fastening panel 66 to hold the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist. When the primary fasteners 62 are releasably engaged, the side edges 30 of the diaper 20 define the leg openings which are configured to encircle the legs of the waist and the waist edges 32 define a belt opening which is configured to surround the leg. waist of the user. As illustrated in Figure 3, the fastening panel 66 can include two separate panels located along the opposite side edges in one of the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the fastening panel 66 can include a single piece of material which extends essentially through the respective waist region of the diaper 20.

In the various aspects of the present invention, the primary fasteners 62 are releasably engaged with the opposite waist outer surface 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 before the diaper 20 is placed over the wearer to provide a presumed diaper. In such a configuration, the presumed diaper 20 can be pulled on or lowered over the wearer's legs and hips. If the diaper 20 becomes soiled during use, the primary fasteners 62 can be easily disengaged to 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 raised or lowered over the user's hips as is done with conventional training pants and can be easily removed by unhooking the fasteners similar to the articles. of conventional diapers. Alternatively, the caregiver can disengage the presumed primary fasteners 62 before applying the diaper 20 to the wearer if it is desired to apply the diaper 20 to the invention similar to the manner in which conventional diapers are applied to the wearer.

Suitable fasteners are well known to those skilled in the art and may include adhesive tape fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, mushroom fasteners, boteroles, bolts, belts and the like, and combinations thereof. . For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 4, the primary fasteners 62 may be the hook-type fasteners and the outer cover 42 or the fastening panel 66 may be configured to function as a complementary crimped-type fastener.

Desirably, the fasteners 62 are hook-type fasteners which are releasably engageable directly with the outer cover 42. Such an arrangement provides the ability to vary to the size of the waist opening in very small increments over a wide range for notching. the user's waist The multi-functional fastening system 60 on the disposable diaper 20 of the present invention can further include at least one secondary fastener (not shown) to provide the tamper-proof fastening to the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist when the primary fasteners are releasably engaged. . Such a secondary fastener can be configured to additionally shape the waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 to the wearer's waist. A suitable arrangement for such secondary fasteners is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 907,585 entitled "A MULTIFUNCTIONAL FASTENER FOR DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES" and which was filed on August 8, 1997 in the name of J. Suprise as established above. Alternatively, in the inserts where the secondary fasteners are omitted, the primary fasteners 62 are capable of being re-engaged after the diaper is pulled over the wearer to further shape the waist regions of the diaper to the wearer's waist.

The use of such secondary fasteners has been found to be particularly desirable since the primary fasteners 62 are releasably engaged with the respective waist region of the diaper 20 before use. In such a configuration, the waist opening of the diaper 20 when the primary fasteners 62 are engaged should be sufficient to allow the diapered bracket 20 to be pulled on the wearer's hips. However, the circumference of the user's waist is typically less than the circumference around the wearer's hips. Typically, the waist opening of the presumed diaper 20 may not conform to the wearer's waist which may undesirably result in run-off. In such configuration, the secondary fastener of the diaper 20 is configured to conform the waist regions of the diaper 20 to the wearer by reducing the waist circumference dimension of the diaper 20 after the presumed diaper is pulled on the wearer. Therefore, the caregiver does not require that the primary fasteners 62 be repositioned to conform the waist regions 22 and 24 to the wearer's waist. As a result of this, when the diaper 20 is removed from the user, the caregiver can simply unhook the secondary fastener if necessary and pull the diaper downwardly over the user's hips and legs without having to reattach the primary fasteners 62. Alternatively, the caregiver can disengage both secondary and primary clips to remove the diaper 20 in a manner which is similar to the removal of conventional diapers.

As described above in relation to the description of the method aspects of the invention, the absorbent article presumed from the different aspects of the present invention also includes a pair of releasable side links to reliably improve the maintenance of the article in the presumed condition particularly when it is pulled on or lowered to? 5 from the user's hips. Absorbent articles including such releasable side links are further described in the United States Patent Application entitled "DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES HAVING PASSIVE SIDE UNIONS AND ADJUSTABLE CLAMPING SYSTEMS" filed in the name of Elsberg on the same date as the present application and having as number of Lawyer Issue 13,611, whose description is incorporated herein by reference. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the diaper 20 may include a pair of releasable side links 64 which releasably connect an overlapped portion 62 of the rear waist region 24 or the opposite ear regions 28 to the region of front waist 22 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the releasable side links 64 assist the fastening system 60 in keeping the diaper 20 in a presumed condition as the diaper 20 is pulled down or up onto the wearer's hips. In addition, the releasable side links 64 prevent movement and change of the waist regions 22 and 24 and the ear regions 28 relative to one another to improve notching and operation. The releasable side links 64 also prevent wrapping or bending of the side edges 30 and waist edges 32 of the presumed diaper 20 as it is pulled over the wearer's hips.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the releasable side links 64 are located inward of the primary fasteners 62 over the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20. As used herein, the term "inward" refers to a distance in the lateral direction 40 towards the longitudinal center line of the diaper 20. In such configuration, the releasable side links 64 connect the overlapped region 68 of the rear waist region 24 inward of the primary fasteners 62 to the front waist region 22. Desirably , the releasable side links 64 connect the overlap part 68 of the rear waist region 24 to the side edge 30 of the front waist region 22. For example, the releasable side links 64 can join the waist edge 32 and the side edge 30 ce the waist region posterior to the lateral edge 30 of the frontal waist region 22. In such a configuration, the releasable unions 6 4 also help to prevent the side and waist edges 30 and 32 of the diaper 20 from curling when the diaper 20 is pulled or removed.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the overlapped portion 68 of the rear waist region 24 defines an onset distance 70 which is the distance between the respective side edges 30 of the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 when the diaper is presujetado. The overlap distance 70 is important to ensure that a good seal is provided around the legs and the wearer's waist. In addition, the greater the overlap distance 70, the more releasable links 64 which can provide the improved reduction in relative movement between the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 during use can be located further inward. In order to provide such improved notch and performance, it is desirable that the lap distance 70 be at least about 0.5 centimeter and more desirably at least about 1.0 centimeter. As illustrated in Figure 4, the passive junctions 64 may be located on the opposite waist region by a distance inward from the side edge 30 of about 0.5 to about 4.0 centimeters for improved hold and function.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the releasable side links 64 are located on the rear waist region 24 inward of the primary fastener 62 by a distance 72 to prevent movement or relative change between the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 with respect to each other. In a particular embodiment, at least a portion of the releasable side links 64 is located laterally inward of the primary fastener 62 by a distance 72 of at least about 1.0 centimeter and desirably at least about 2.0 centimeter. When the distance 72 is less than the values stated above, the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 may undesirably adjust with respect to each other during the application or use of the diaper 20. Such a change of the respective waist regions 22 and 24 of the diaper 20 can adversely affect the notch of the diaper 20 on the wearer which can undesirably lead to increased runoff. As illustrated in Figure 5, the passive junctions 64 may also be located on the opposite waist region by a distance 74 inward from the inner edge 30 from about 0.2 to about 2.5 centimeters for improved bonding and operation.

In certain aspects of the invention, the location of the side edges 64 and the respective distance 72 and the overlap distance 70 can be selectively varied to make the notch of the diaper 20 for different user sizes. For example, the location of the joints 64 can be varied during the manufacturing process so that the same process can produce the presumed diapers for use in the conventional sizes of Step 3 or Step 4.

The releasable side links 64 connect the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 in a facing relationship. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the releasable side links 64 connect the inner surface 34 of the diaper 20 in the rear waist region 24 to the inner surface 34 of the diaper 20 in the front waist region 22. Such a configuration can lead to a improved manufacturing. In such a configuration, the overlapping portions 68 of the rear waist region 24 can be bent to engage the primary fasteners 62 around a line which is adjacent, inward or outward of the side edges 30 of the diaper 20 in the waist region. 22. For example, the overlapping portions 68 of the rear waist region 24 can be folded around a line which is inward of the lateral edges 30 of the diaper 20 in the front waist region so that the side edges 30 of the front waist region 22 are bent over themselves when the primary fasteners 62 are engaged. In the illustrated embodiments, the overlapping portions 68 of the rear waist region 24 are bent over a line which is on one side of the side edges 30 of the diaper 20 in the front waist region 22.

The releasable side links 64 are configured to assist the primary fasteners 52 in keeping the diaper 20 in a presumed configuration when the diaper 20 is pulled on and off the wearer's hips and during use. Therefore, it is desirable that the releasable side links 64 provide adequate shear strength to assist the primary fasteners 62. For example, in a particular embodiment, the releasable side links 64 define a shear strength of at least about of 50 grams and desirably of at least about 100 grams. For example, the side joints 64 can define a shear strength of from about 100 to about 4000 grams and desirably from about 500 to about 2000 grams. As used herein, the term "shear strength" refers to the value obtained when the side joints are subjected to the shear strength test described herein. Lower shear strength values than those described above may not prevent the separation of the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 from one another during the application and use of the diaper 20.

The releasable side links 64 are also configured to be easily torn so that the caregiver can easily remove the diaper 20 from the wearer after it has been soiled. Therefore, it is desirable that the releasable side links 64 define a relatively low peak peeling strength so that the caretaker can easily disengage the fasteners 62, break the releasable side links 64 and separate the front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 to remove the diaper 20 from the wearer's waist in a manner similar to conventional diapers which are not presumed. For example, in a particular embodiment, the releasable side joint 64 defines a peel strength of no more than about 1500 grams, desirably no more than about 1000 grams, and more desirably no more than about 800 grams. As used herein, the term "peel strength" refers to the value obtained when the side joints are subjected to the peel strength test described herein. Peel strength values greater than those described above may not be easily torn and may undesirably result in the tearing of other parts of the diaper 20. Desirably, the releasable bonds 64 define a peel strength of no more than about 50 percent and more desirably of no more than about 20 percent of the peel strength of the primary fasteners 62.

The various aspects of the present invention advantageously provide methods for making a disposable, presumed, absorbent article which includes the combination of the releasable side links and an adjustable fastening system. The fastening system is 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 fastening system 20 can be used to releasably engage and adjust the front and back waist portions of the absorbent arc to hold the absorbent article around the wearer's waist after the article has been raised in a manner similar to that of the article. the conventional diapers. The releasable side seams help the fastening system maintain the article in a presumed condition when the article is raised or lowered onto the user's hips. In addition, the releasable lateral joints avoid movement and change of the waist parts in relation to one another to improve notching and operation. The releasable side links also prevent rolling or bending over the side and waist edges of the presumed absorbent article as it is raised over the hips of the users.

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

Peel Resistance Test This test method is designed to quantify in grams the peak strength of the ultrasonic point junctions by holding the front waist region of the absorbent article in the posterior waist region. The direction of removal (peeling), in this application, is that address in which the material of the fastener will generally be removed from a substrate when the product is in use. This direction is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the product.

Equipment 1. A voltage tester capable of obtaining a peak load and equipped with an appropriate load cell. A suitable voltage tester system is a Sintech Voltage Tester, commercially available from MTS Sintech, of Rese'arch Triangle Park, North Carolina, under the trade designation Instron Model 4201 Voltage Tester with the Sintech QAD computer program (Department of Quality Assurance). 2. The computer program commercially obtained from MTS Sintech under the trade designation Sintech Testworks ™. 3. The commercially available pneumatic action grips of Instron Corporation of Canton, Massachusetts, under the trade designation "Model Instron 2712-004". 4. The 1-by-4-inch, meshed, commercially available gripping faces of Instron Corporation of Canton, Massachusetts.

. The test facility having a temperature of 23 ± 1 ° C, and a relative humidity of 50 ± 2 percent.

Test Procedure 1. A sample that is to be tested is conditioned in the test facility at least four hours before the test. 2. The load cell is calibrated and the computer program is loaded. 3. The grips are installed on the tension tester with the jaws closed. 4. The test condition for the voltage tester is established as follows: Crosshead speed: 500 millimeters / minute Full scale crusade: 5 kilograms Threshold: 5 percent Failure Criterion: 95 percent Measuring length: 50 mm . The weight of the handle is removed from the tare. 6. The primary fastening tab of the fastener on the rear waist region of the article is inserted into the upper jaw so that the edge of the gripping face is flush with the inside edge of the hook material. 7. The front waist region of the article is inserted into the inner jaw so that the inner surface of the rear waist region and the outer surface of the front waist region form an angle of 180 degrees. The lower jaw is closed. 8. The crosshead starts moving. 9. The peak fault load is recorded. The failure mode is intended to be that the back waist region of the diaper is separated from the front waist region of the diaper. The results are discarded if the place of failure is anywhere other than the ultrasonic junction points.

Cutting Resistance Test The test method is designed to quantify, in grams, the peak dynamic cutting resistance of the ultrasonic point joints by holding the front waist region of the absorbent article in the posterior waist region. The direction of force in this application is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal center line] of the product.

Equipment 1. A voltage tester capable of obtaining a peak load and equipped with an appropriate load cell. A suitable voltage tester system is a Sintech voltage tester, commercially available from MTS Sintech, of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, under the trade designation Instron Model 4201 voltage tester with a Sintech QAD computer program (Department of Quality assurement) . 2. The program commercially obtained from MTS Sintech under the trade designation Sintech Testworks ™. 3. The commercially available pneumatic action grips of Instron Corporation, of Canton, Massachusetts, under the trade designation "Model Instron 2712-004". 4. The 1-by-4-inch, meshed, commercially available gripping faces of Instron Corporation, of Canton, Massachusetts.

. The test facility having a temperature of 23 + 1 ° C, and a relative humidity of 50 ± 2 percent.

Test Procedure 1. A sample to be tested is conditioned on the test facility at least four hours before the test. 2. The load cell is calibrated and the load program. 3. The handles are installed on: the tension tester with the jaws closed. 4. The test condition for the voltage tester is set as follows: Crosshead speed: 500 millimeters / minute Full scale load: 5 kilograms Threshold: 5 percent Failure Criterion: 95 percent Measuring length: 50 mm . The weight of the handle is removed at the tare. 6. The primary fastener appendage of the fastener element on the back waist region of the article is inserted into the upper jaw so that the edge of the fastening face becomes even with the inside edge of the hook material. 7. The front waist region of the article is inserted into the lower jaw so that the inner surface of the rear waist region and the inner surface of the front waist region face the same direction and are parallel to each other. The lower jaw is closed. 8. The crosshead starts moving. 9. The peak fault load is recorded. The failure mode is intended to be that the back waist region of the article separates from the front waist region of the article. The results are rejected if the fault location is in any location other than that of the ultrasonic point junctions.

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

Claims (21)

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

1. A method for making a disposable absorbent article which defines an absorbent, a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region to which it extends between and connects said waist regions, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite waist edges; said method comprises: a) forming a continuous weave of interconnected absorbent articles each of which includes a pair of primary fasteners which are located on the lateral edges of the article in one of the waist regions of said article; b) selectively cutting said continuous fabric into discrete absorbent articles; c) folding each of said discrete absorbent articles around a fold line extending in the lateral direction through the article crotch region thereby placing said waist regions in a facing relationship; d) releasably joining the waist region opposite that waist region; and e) folding said primary fasteners over and in the opposite waist region to releasably engage said opposite waist region to provide the presumed absorbent article.

2. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said primary fasteners are hook-type fasteners.

3. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said primary fasteners are located on the opposite lateral edges in the rear waist region of the absorbent article and are bent to releasably engage said front waist region to provide the presumed absorbent article. .

4. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said waist regions are releasably joined together using at least two releasable attachment points.

5. The method as claimed in clause 4 characterized in that said releasable knit links join said waist edge and the lateral edge thereof a waist region to the lateral edges of said opposite waist region.

6. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said lateral edges of the opposite waist region are releasably attached to that one waist region at an inward location of the primary fasteners.

7. The method as claimed in clause 6 characterized in that the lateral edges of said opposite waist region are releasably attached to said waist region at a location on said waist region opposite inward from the side edges by a distance of from about 0.2 to about 2.5 centimeters.

8. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said waist regions are releasably joined together using an ultrasonic joint.

9. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said waist regions are releasably joined to define a peel strength of no more than about 1500 grams.

10. The method as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that an interior surface of said absorbent article in said waist region is releasably attached to an interior surface of said absorbent article of said opposite waist region.

11. A method for making a presumed disposable absorbent article which defines a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region to which it extends between and connects said waist regions, a pair of opposite side edges and a side region. With opposite waist edges, said method comprises the steps of: a) providing a continuous web in movement of the outer cover material; b) intermittently connecting an absorbent frame to said outer cover to provide a continuously moving fabric of interconnected absorbent articles each of which includes one of said absorbent frame; c) intermittently joining a pair of primary fasteners to said opposite lateral edges of said rear waist region of each of said interconnected absorbent articles; d) selectively cutting said continuous tissue of interconnected absorbent articles into discrete absorbent articles; e) folding each of said discrete absorbent articles around a fold line extending in a lateral direction through said cross-section region of said absorbent article thereby placing said waist regions of the absorbent article in a face-to-face relationship with the absorbent article. said primary fasteners extending laterally outwardly beyond the lateral edges; f) releasably joining said frontal waist region to said posterior waist region; Y g) folding said primary fasteners over and in the front waist region to releasably engage said front waist region to provide said presumed absorbent article.

12. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said primary fasteners are hook-type fasteners.

13. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said step of folding said absorbent article around said fold line comprises folding said absorbent article to place the waist edges of said waist regions in alignment with each other.

14. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that the bending step comprises releasably folding said waist regions together using at least two releasable point junctions located along each side edge of said front waist region.

15. The method as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that said releasable knit links join said waist edge and said lateral edge of the waist region posterior to said lateral edges of the front waist region.

16. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said joining step comprises releasably joining said lateral edges of said front waist region to said rear waist region in an inward location of said primary fasteners.

17. The method as claimed in clause 16 characterized in that said lateral edges of said front waist region are attached to said rear waist region at a location on said front waist region inward of the lateral edges by a distance of around 0.2 to about 2.5 centimeters.

18. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said joining step comprises releasably joining said waist regions together using the ultrasonic joint.

19. The method as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said ultrasonic connection comprises passing the bent absorbent article between a rotating ultrasonic horn and an anvil roller.

20. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said step of releasably joining said waist regions together provides a peel strength between said waist regions of no more than about 1500 grams.

21. The method as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that said releasably joining step serves to join an inner surface of said absorbent article in said posterior waist region to an inner surface of said absorbent article in said front waist region . R E S U E N A method for making a disposable presumed article that includes forming a continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles each of which includes a pair of primary fasteners which are located on the lateral edges of the article in one of the waist regions of the article. The method it also includes cutting the continuous web of interconnected articles into discrete absorbent articles which are folded around a fold line extending in a lateral direction through the crotch region of the article thereby placing the waist regions of the article into a confronting relationship. The waist regions are then united releasably together. The method further includes bending the primary fasteners over and in the opposite waist region to releasably engage the opposite waist region to provide the presumed absorbent article. The releasable joining passage serves to releasably join the waist regions together to help hold the absorbent article in a presumed condition when it is raised or lowered onto the wearer's hips. > --S-faí8-i --- ---. J. ^. ^ S--. . -. , - - * - «- & -_ a ^ -t.