MXPA06011089A - Improved side seams for absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article is provided that includes an absorbent core disposed between a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface wherein the two surfaces ar e joined to form side seams in a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern of the surfaces at the side seams increases the softness and flexibility of the side seam while maintaining a high sick seam tear strength.

Description

IMPROVED SIDE SEAMS FOR ABSORBING ITEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to absorbent articles, and more particularly to absorbent articles having a side seam structure. Which includes an adhesion pattern having an advantageous configuration that improves tear resistance, smoothness and flexibility. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as, for example, disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, daily protection pads, incontinence garments and the like are generally used, along with garments and arranged on the surface of the body, babies or adult incontinent viduals. The absorbent article is used to recover and absorb discharges of bodily fluids, such as, for example, blood, menstruation, urine, aqueous body fluids, mucus, cell debris and other forms of bodily discharges. For example, the absorbent article may be disposed between the legs of an vidual near the crotch area. The absorbent article is placed with a garment and placed in contact with the body surface of the crotch area to recover Ref .: 176012 bodily discharges. Babies, toddlers, and other incontinent viduals wear disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and trainers, which include "pull-out" and "underpants" that have fixed sides, diaper garments of a single use including joined front and back, usually by means of an adhesive, when the diaper is initially placed, and hybrid garments that are placed as a diaper garment but are designed to be removed and replaced as a briefs type garment. The absorbent articles typically include a fluid-permeable top layer to be placed on the body surface, a fluid-impermeable backing layer and an absorbent core supported therebetween.The back layer serves as a moisture barrier to prevent fluid leakage towards the body. garment The absorbent core usually includes a retention material oriented towards the surface of the body. The absorbent core may include, for example, loose cellulosic fibers, such as, for example, wood pulp, rayon, or cotton for acquiring and storing bodily discharges. The absorbent core may also include tissue paper or wadding, and / or a super absorbent polymer. Some absorbent article designs typically incorporate elastic elements in the waist, stomach, and leg areas to improve fit, aesthetics, and leak resistance. The elastic elements for the waist and stomach increase the flexibility of the absorbent article, allowing the same article to accommodate a greater variety of body sizes. In addition, they make the article more suited to the form for the user. In a typical configuration, the top layer and the back layer are joined to form the side seams of the absorbent article and enclose the absorbent core. Elastic elements such as the waistband and leg bands often enclose between the top layer and the back layer. Therefore, lateral seams normally define the edges of the absorbent article and rest on the wearer's skin. A common feature among all types of absorbent devices is their disposition in or over fairly mobile areas of the body. The side seams of certain current absorbent article designs may be rigid and inflexible, disadvantageously causing the user discomfort. Therefore it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art by providing an absorbent article having a side seam structure including a configuration that improves tear resistance, softness, and / or flexibility of the side seams. Desirably, the side seams, which typically form the outer boundary of the article and rest on the wearer's skin, should be as soft and flexible as possible and have a high tear resistance such that the article remains intact under of normal use. More desirably, the side seam structures prevent leakage. It is contemplated that the absorbent article is low cost and efficient in its manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an absorbent article having a side seam structure that includes a configuration that improves the strength, softness, and flexibility properties of the absorbent article. Desirably, the side seam structure prevents leakage. The absorbent article is low cost and efficient to manufacture. The objects and advantages of the present disclosure are presented in part in the present and in part will be obvious from the same, or can be learned by the practice of the present description that is made and achieved by means of the instruments and combinations indicated in the appended claims for the devices and methods of the present disclosure consisting of their constituent parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations, steps and improvements shown and described herein. In a particular embodiment, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, there is provided an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed between a body facing surface, and a garment facing surface. A side seam is formed by joining the opposite side edges of the body facing surface of the front waist area of the article with the opposite side edges of the waist back area with an adhesion pattern. The adhesion pattern comprises a plurality of rows of adhesion points along the side seam. The rows are arranged parallel with the side seam. In preferred embodiments, the adhesion points are circles, ovals, or ellipses, or a combination thereof. It is contemplated that the side seam comprises two, three, four, five, or more rows of adhesion points. In another embodiment, the adhesion points are circles having a diameter of about 0.5 mm to about 3.0 mm, but preferably 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm. The rows of adhesion points may be horizontally spaced by a distance equal to about 0.10 to about 1.25 times the diameter of the circles. Preferably, the adhesion points are separated by a distance equal to about 0.25 to about 0.75 times the diameter of the circles. It is contemplated that the rows are separated horizontally by the same or different distances. In another preferred embodiment, the adhesion points are vertically off-centered in adjacent rows and the offset is equal to about 0.25 to about 0.50 times the diameter or vertical dimension of the adhesion points. In another preferred embodiment, at least one spinneret comprises fewer adhesion points than the laterally adjacent spinneret. Preferably, the spinneret comprises between about one fourth and three quarters of the so many adhesion points as the laterally adjacent spinneret. More preferably, the spinneret comprises about half as many adhesion points as the laterally adjacent spinneret. In the most preferred embodiment, the row comprising less adhesion points is the innermost row, which is closer in front of the rear centerline of the article, of the side seam. In addition to the side seams comprising adhesion points that are uniform in size and shape, it is contemplated that the side seam includes adhesion points with different shapes and / or sizes. In another modality, an absorbent article is provided comprising an absorbent core disposed between a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, wherein a side seam is formed by joining the opposite side edges of the body facing surface of the front area of the garment. the waist of the article with the opposite lateral edges of the posterior waist area with an adhesion pattern. The adhesion pattern comprises a row of adhesion points along the side seam. The row is arranged parallel with the side seam and the adhesion points have an oval shape. The oval shape is disposed at an angle of between about 20 ° to about 60 ° of an axis perpendicular to the side seam. In preferred embodiments, the oval shape is disposed at an angle of between about 30 ° and about 45 °. It is contemplated that the oval-shaped adhesion points may have substantially the same or substantially different sizes. In one embodiment, the adhesion pattern comprises adhesion points having a first oval length and adhesion points having a second oval length, wherein the second oval length is between 0.25 and about 0.75 times the first length of the oval. oval. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The objects and features of the present disclosure are presented particularly in the appended claims. The present description, with respect to its organization and form of operation, together with additional objectives and advantages can be understood with reference to the following description, considered in relation to the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article in accordance with the principles of the present description; Figure 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of the detail of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic view of an adhesion pattern of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of an alternative configuration of the adhesion pattern of the side seam shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic view of another alternative configuration of the adhesion pattern of the side seam shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic view of another alternative configuration of the adhesion pattern of the side seam shown in Figure 2; Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic view of another alternative configuration of the adhesion pattern of the side seam shown in Figure 2; and Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic view of another alternative configuration of the adhesion pattern of the side seam in accordance with the principles of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure provides an absorbent article having a side seam structure that includes a configuration that improves the strength, softness, and flexibility of the absorbent article. The exemplary embodiments of the improved side seams are described and are contemplated to be employed with absorbent articles including, for example, training underpants, incontinent adult products, disposable diapers, and other incontinent articles. It is contemplated that the improved side seams have a greater flexibility and softness, making them more comfortable for the user. In addition, the improved side seams of the present disclosure maintain a high tear resistance along the axis perpendicular to the direction of the side seam and maintain a high bond strength between opposite side edges of the body facing surface of the area of the seam. Front waist of the article with the opposite side edges of the rear waist area. In the following discussion, the term "body-oriented surface" refers to a part of a structure that is oriented toward a body surface, and the "face-oriented surface" refers to a part of a structure that is oriented towards a garment and is typically opposite the surface facing the body and can be referred to as such. As used herein, the term "body surface" refers to a part of the body of an individual in which the absorbent article is placed to recover and absorb fluid discharges from the individual. The term "side seam" refers to the attachment points or attachment points joining the opposite side edges of the body-facing surface of the front waist area of the article to the opposite side edges of the rear waist area and can define regions adjacent to the other outer edges of the absorbent article, wherein the surface facing the body is attached to the surface facing the garment. Side seams typically form the outer edge that defines the opening of the torso in the upper part of the waistband at the leg openings. For diaper-type absorbent articles, the side seams also define the side edges of the side panels. As used herein, the term "absorbent article", or "absorbent article" or "article of clothing" refers to garments that absorb and contain bodily wastes, and more specifically, refer to garments that are placed on or near the body of the garment. user to absorb and contain the various bodily discharges and wastes. A non-exhaustive list of articles of absorbent articles includes training underpants, diapers, diaper covers, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products. The term absorbent articles includes all variations of absorbent garments, including disposable absorbent garments intended to be disposed of or to be partially disposed after a single use and single disposable absorbent garments having essentially a simple structure. As used herein, the term "training lime shroud" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by a child around the lower torso. The absorbent article may be disposable or partially discarded after a single use. The absorbent article can be a unitary structure or include replaceable inserts or interchangeable parts. Absorbent articles and diapers can have a number of different constructions. In each of these constructions there is generally the case in which an absorbent core is placed between a top layer facing the body, permeable to liquids and a rear facing layer facing to the outside impervious to liquids. In some cases, one or both of the upper and back layers can be shaped to form a brief type article, such as a training underpants. In other cases, the upper layer, the back layer and the absorbent core can be formed as a discrete assembly that is placed on a main cover layer and the cover layer is shaped to form a brief type absorbent article. The absorbent article can be provided to the consumer in the manner similar to a fully-armed underpants or it can be partially similar to underpants and require the consumer to perform the final steps necessary to shape the final shape similar to a brief underpants. Training underpants are typically formed completely and are applied by pulling the absorbent article over the child's legs. For a diaper application, an open article is provided and placed around the waist of a child, such as by means of a manual fastening of one or more fasteners or fastening tapes. The following discussion includes a description of the disposable absorbent article in accordance with the present disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the example modalities of the description, which is illustrated in the appended figures.

Figures 1 and 1A illustrate a diaper-type absorbent article 10 having a body facing surface 30 comprising a fluid-permeable top layer 32. The absorbent article 10 also comprises a side seam 20 having an adhesion pattern 25. Optionally , the absorbent article 10 may have a side seam of a leg opening 27 consisting of the same or a different adhesion pattern 25. It is contemplated that the side seams have an adhesion pattern that includes a plurality of rows (i.e. two, three, four, five, or more rows) of adhesion points running parallel to the side seam. The adhesion pattern is configured to provide improved softness and flexibility in all directions of folding. In preferred embodiments, the adhesion points are round, elliptical, or oval. Adhesion points having other forms consistent with the present disclosure are also contemplated. Adhesion patterns containing a mixture of different forms are also contemplated. In preferred embodiments, the adhesion points are in adjacent unbalanced (ie, non-parallel) rows of one another. It is not required that each row contain the same number or form of adhesion points as any adjacent row. In one mode, the innermost row has fewer adhesion points than the other row.

Figure 2 illustrates a side seam adhesion pattern 25 having improved softness and flexibility. In this configuration, the adhesion pattern of the side seam contains four rows of circular adhesion points. In this example, the outermost row is three millimeters from the edge of the article. This distance is called interred. It is contemplated that the gap may be another distance, such as any distance between about 0 mm to about 10 mm. In this illustration, the circular adhesion points have a diameter of approximately 1 mm and are vertically spaced by approximately 0.5 mm. It is contemplated that the diameter of the circular adhesion points will be of any size, such as between about 0.2 mm to about 3.0 mm. It is further contemplated that the vertical spacing between the adhesion points can be any distance, such as between about 0.10 mm to about 3.0 mm. The vertical distance between adhesion points does not need to be the same in any given row, nor should it be uniform across the rows. Adjacent rows are shown as horizontally separated by approximately 0.5 mm. It is contemplated that the horizontal spacing between adhesion points can be any distance, such as between about 0.10 mm to about 3.0 mm. The background grid, although not part of the adhesion pattern, is included as a reference and, in the illustrated mode, is scaled to 1 mm squares. In preferred embodiments, the width of the side seam, which is the width from the outermost edge of the side seam to the innermost edge of the innermost row of the adhesion points is less than about 25 mm, preferably less than about 15 mm, and more preferably less than about 10 mm. In preferred embodiments, the adhesion points of adjacent rows are offset from one another. Figure 2 shows a decentration of 0.5 mm, or half the diameter of the circular adhesion points, between adjacent rows. It is contemplated that decentering may be any suitable absolute distance or any convenient fraction of a ratio of an adhesion point. Figure 3 illustrates an alternate configuration of an adhesion pattern of the side seam 25 consistent with the principles described herein. Figure 3 illustrates a side seam adhesion pattern for which the innermost row has fewer adhesion points than other outer rows. Specifically, each of the other binding points is omitted from the innermost row. This adhesion pattern also improves the smoothness of the side seam on the wearer's skin. This side seam adhesion pattern results in approximately 33% adhesion area when the circular adhesion points are 1 mm in diameter, vertically separated by 0.5 mm, and the rows are horizontally separated by 0.5 mm. Figure 4 illustrates another alternate configuration of a side seam adhesion pattern 25 consistent with the principles described herein. In this embodiment, the two innermost rows have a reduced number of adhesion points, similar to those described with respect to Figure 3. Figure 5 illustrates another configuration of a side seam adhesion pattern 25 consistent with the principles described in FIG. the present description. The circular adhesion points are aligned in three rows counting with a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm and the interbed is 3 mm. Adhesion points in a row are vertically offset by approximately 0.5 mm, and the rows are horizontally off-center by approximately 0.5 mm. The innermost row optionally contains fewer adhesion points than any of the other rows, where the shaded adhesion points represent optional adhesion points that may or may not be present. The side seams, which have an adhesion pattern, have an adhesion area of approximately 40%. The total width of the illustrated side seam is 8.5 mm.

Figure 6 illustrates another configuration of a side seam adhesion pattern 25 having three rows of elliptical attachment points. The elliptical attachment points are approximately 1.5 mm along the long axis and approximately 1 mm along the short axis. The adhesion points are vertically offset by approximately 0.5 mm in each row and the rows are horizontally off-center by approximately 0.5 mm. Optionally, the innermost row has fewer adhesion points than each of the other rows. This configuration is illustrated with an interlocking of approximately 2 mm. Shaded ellipses represent optional adhesion points that may or may not be present. Other dimensions of side seam adhesion patterns employing elliptical adhesion points that are within the scope of the present disclosure are contemplated. The smoothness and flexibility of the lateral seam patterns exemplified in Figures 2-6 benefit from several advantages. Adhesion points that have the shape of circles, ovals, or ellipses do not have sharp edges and / or rectangular or square dot corners and, therefore, are softer on the wearer's skin. The decentering of the adhesion points between adjacent rows of adhesion points facilitates folding of the side seam along an axis perpendicular to the side seam. The plurality of rows of adhesion points also facilitates folding along an axis parallel to the side seam, which increases flexibility compared to side seams having a single row of adhesion points. In addition, the decentering of adhesion points between adjacent rows maintains or increases the tear strength along the side seam as compared to the side seams having a single row of adhesion points because a break in an exactly perpendicular direction is prevented. to the side seam. Figure 7 illustrates another configuration of a side seam adhesion pattern 25 using bonding points in the form of rounded end bars in a single row. Adhesion points in the form of rounded end rods are shown with a width of about 1 mm and a length of about 3 mm for short rods and about 6 mm for long rods. The adhesion points are arranged at an angle α of approximately 30 ° of the axis (X) perpendicular to the side seam. When this adhesion pattern is used and the ovals are vertically decentered by approximately 1.5 mm, an adhesion area of approximately 32% is achieved. In the side seam configuration using a single row of attachment points in rounded-end rod shapes, the adhesion points may have the same dimensions (not shown) or different. In preferred embodiments, different dimensions are used, but the outermost edge of the adhesion points are aligned as shown. It is contemplated, however, that the outermost edges are not aligned. A particularly useful configuration centers the shorter ovals below the longer ovals. Suitable oval-shaped adhesion points are between about 1.5 mm and about 8 mm in length. When bar shapes of different lengths are used, all convenient sizes are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure; however, in preferred dimensions, the shortest bar is between about 0.2 and 0.8 times the length of the longest bar. It is further contemplated that the angle a is between about 20 ° and about 60 °, but preferably between about 30 ° and about 45 °. It is also contemplated that the adhesion points may have another convenient shape that approximates a bar. Such forms include, without limitation, rectangles and ellipses elongated. It is further contemplated that the adhesion points have shapes that do not approach a bar are interspersed between the adhesion points in the form of rounded end bars. For example, it is contemplated that the side seam configuration consists of a single row of adhesion points with shapes that alternate between rounded end rod shapes at an angle a of about 30 ° and circles. Side seams having adhesion points with an elongated shape (eg, bars, ovals or ellipses) arranged at an angle a with respect to the plane perpendicular to the side seam have flexibility and smoothness. The arrangement of the attachment points at an angle a facilitates folding of the side seam along the axis parallel to the side seam while maintaining the ability for the side seam to be folded along the axis perpendicular to the seam For any of the above examples, it is appreciated that a stronger side seam can be obtained by increasing the adhesion area. This can be achieved by using adhesion points having a larger area, reducing the vertical distance between the adhesion points in each row, reducing the horizontal distance between each row, and / or forming additional rows of adhesion points. The side seams and the lateral seam adhesion patterns described in the present description can be formed by any appropriate method. Methods known in the art for making side seams in absorbent articles include, for example, thermal adhesion (e.g., melting) and ultrasonic adhesion. Thermal adhesion, for example, is performed using a pair of rollers, of which one or both are heated. A roller has a pattern with the desired adhesion pattern and is juxtaposed with an anvil roller that provides a smooth surface. The top layer of the garment facing surface and the body facing surface is passed between the heated rolls and thermally bonded. The fluid pervious upper layers suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles similar to those of the present disclosure are well known in the art. The upper layer is sufficiently permeable to allow liquids to penetrate easily (eg, urine). Suitable top layers can be woven or non-woven materials, polymeric materials (e.g., open-ended thermoplastic films, open-faced plastic films and hydroformed thermoplastic films), porous foams, cross-linked foams, cross-linked thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic gauzes. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials include natural fibers (e.g., wood and cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene fibers). In other embodiments, the top layer can be treated with a surfactant to facilitate the transfer of fluid through the top layer to the absorbent core. The materials and configurations of the absorbent core for use with disposable absorbent articles similar to those of the present invention are also well known in the art. The absorbent core can be configured as a continuous core or several discontinuous cores that may or may not be connected in fluid contact. The absorbent core can be symmetric or asymmetric and, specifically, can be configured to have a gender orientation. The shape of the absorbent core will depend on the specific material used, the specific application for which the article is used, and the desired performance characteristics. The absorbent core (s) may consist of either a simple type of absorbent material or may contain multiple types of absorbent materials. Suitable materials for the absorbent core include, for example, wood pulp, cellulosic wadding, cotton fibers, absorbent foams, sponges, super absorbent polymers (eg, hydrogels), absorbent gelling materials, or combinations thereof. Subsequent fluid impervious layers for use with disposable absorbent articles similar to those of the present disclosure are well known in the art. Preferably, the back layer is a relatively thin plastic film (eg, from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051). It is particularly desirable to use subsequent layers which, while impervious to aqueous fluids, allow the escape of vapors. Suitable material for such backsheets include, for example, polyethylene films and microporous polypropylene. In other configurations, the back layer may be a laminate consisting of a fluid impermeable film and a woven or non-woven outer cover. There is no requirement for the outer layer to be impervious to fluids. Frequently the outer cover is selected for its aesthetic properties. The disposable absorbent article of the present disclosure may include a structure for securing the front and rear side panels around the wearer's torso. Such a structure may include, for example, hooks, clips, and unilateral or bilateral external adhesive tapes. Alternatively, an adhesive may be applied directly to the inner side (e.g., directly on the body facing layer or in the manner of a strip containing adhesive secured to the top layer) either on the front or back side panel. The adhesive is exposed by removing a cover of protective film and the inner face of the panel of the side containing adhesive adheres to the outer face (back layer) of the panel on the opposite side to form a side seam.

The assembly of the absorbent article can be carried out according to principles known in the art and can vary depending on the desired performance characteristics. For example, the absorbent cores can be "free-floating", between the top layer and the back layer, they can adhere to the back layer, or they can be elastically supported. The upper layer and the back layer can be joined, for example, by means of an adhesive or by hot sealing (melting) the materials together. This process encapsulates the absorbent cores and all of the elastic members within the absorbent article to provide a unitary structure that is aesthetically attractive. Although the above description has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings of the present disclosure that certain changes and modifications to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, it is claimed as property contained in the following claims: 1. A characterized absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed between a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment, characterized in that a side seam is formed by joining the opposite side edges of the body-facing surface of the front waist area of the article with the opposite side edges of the back waist area with an adhesion pattern, wherein the adhesion pattern comprises a plurality of adhesions. rows of adhesion points along the side seam, where the rows are arranged parallel to the side seam. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesion points are selected from the group consisting of circles, ovals, or ellipses, or a combination thereof. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the points of union are circles. 4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesion pattern comprises three to five rows of adhesion points. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the adhesion points are circles and are separated in those rows by a distance equal to approximately 0.10 to approximately 1.25 times the diameter of the circles. The absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the adhesion points are circles having a diameter of about 0.50 mm to about 2.0 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 6, characterized in that the adhesion points are off-centered in adjacent rows and the offset is equal to about 0.25 to about 0.75 times the diameter. The absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one die comprises fewer adhesion points as the laterally adjacent die. The absorbent article according to claim 8, characterized in that the spinneret comprises approximately 0.25 to about 0.75 times as many adhesion points as the laterally adjacent spinneret. 10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, characterized in that the row is the innermost row of the side seam. 11. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesion pattern comprises adhesion points having a first shape and adhesion points having a second shape, wherein the first form is different from the second form. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesion pattern comprises adhesion points having a first shape and adhesion points having a first size and adhesion points having a second size, wherein the first size is different from the second size. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed between a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, characterized in that a side seam is formed by joining the body facing surface and the garment facing surface in a pattern of adhesion, wherein the adhesion pattern comprises a row of adhesion points along the side seam, wherein the row is arranged parallel with the side seam and the adhesion points are rounded-end rod shaped, and wherein the rounded end bar shape is arranged at an angle of between about 20 ° to about 60 ° of an axis perpendicular to the side seam. The absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that the adhesion pattern comprises adhesion points having substantially the same size .. 15. The absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that the adhesion pattern comprises adhesion points having different sizes. 16. The absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that the adhesion pattern comprises adhesion points having a first oval length and adhesion points having a second length of shape of rounded end bars, wherein the length of the rounded-end bar shape is approximately 0.25 and approximately 0.75 times the length of the rounded-end bar shape. The absorbent article according to claim 16, characterized in that the adhesion pattern has adjacent adhesion points having rounded-end rod lengths that alternate between the first length of rounded-end rod shapes and the second length of rounded end bar shapes. 18. The absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that the angle is between about 30 ° and about 45 °.