WO2015048399A1

WO2015048399A1 - Absorbent article with body facing liner having intersecting slit formations

Info

Publication number: WO2015048399A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/057632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Russell Joseph Brumm; Sandra Kay Knight; Lisha Yu; Andrew Thomas HAMMOND
Original assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-09-30
Filing date: 2014-09-26
Publication date: 2015-04-02
Also published as: AR097846A1

Abstract

An absorbent article (10) can have a body facing liner (28), a backsheet (26) coupled to the body facing liner (28), and an absorbent body (34) positioned between the body facing liner (28) and the backsheet (26). The body facing liner (28) can include a body facing surface (74) and a garment facing surface (76). The body facing liner (28) can include at least one intersecting slit formation (78). The at least one intersecting slit formation (78) can include at least two intersecting slits (80) that extend from the body facing surface (74) to the garment facing surface (76) of the body facing liner (28).

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH BODY FACING LINER

HAVING INTERSECTING SLIT FORMATIONS

BACKGROUND

One of the primary functions of personal care absorbent articles is to retain and absorb body exudates such as urine, fecal material, blood, and menses. Along these lines, a desired attribute of personal care absorbent articles is to minimize the leakage of such exudates from the absorbent article. It is also desired, however, that personal care absorbent articles retain and absorb the body exudates in such a fashion so as to provide a dry feel to the wearer, removing exudates from against the skin at the time of the initial insult of the exudate as well as retaining them away from the skin after such insult.

Absorbent articles, however, traditionally fail to possess the combination of the desired attributes. Absorbent articles commonly fail before the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent article is utilized. Problems which can typically exist can relate to the ability of the body facing liner to allow quick intake in one direction towards an absorbent body while preventing return of fluid in the opposite direction. Additionally, the rate at which intake occurs sometimes determines whether leakage is reduced or whether body fluids are appropriately contained.

Especially troublesome can be semi-solid fecal material, such as low viscosity fecal material which can be prevalent with younger children, and menses. Such body exudates have difficulty penetrating the body facing material of the absorbent article as easily as low viscosity exudates, such as urine, and tend to spread across the surface of the body facing material. These exudates can move around on the body facing material of an absorbent article under the influence of gravity, motion, and pressure by the wearer of the absorbent article. The migration of the exudates is often towards the perimeter of the absorbent article, increasing the likelihood of leakage and smears against the skin of the wearer which can make clean-up of the skin difficult.

Attempts have been made in the past to provide body facing materials to an absorbent article that can solve the problems described above. One such approach has been the use of various types of embossing to create three-dimensionality in the body facing surface of the absorbent article. This approach, however, requires high basis weight material to create a structure with significant topography, and furthermore, it is inherent in the embossing process that starting thickness of the material is lost due to the fact that embossing is, by its nature, a crushing and bonding process. In this process, the densified section is typically fused to create weld points that are typically impervious to the passage of body exudates, and thus, a part of the area for body exudates to transit through the material is lost. Also, "setting" the fabric can cause the material to stiffen and become harsh to the touch.

Another approach has been to form fibrous webs on three-dimensional forming surfaces. The resulting structures typically have little resilience at low basis weights (assuming soft fibers with desirable aesthetic attributes are used) and the topography is significantly degraded when wound on a roll and put through subsequent converting processes. This is partly addressed in the three- dimensional forming process by allowing the three-dimensional shape to fill with fiber. This, however, typically comes at a higher cost due to the usage of more material. This also results in a loss of softness and the resultant material becomes aesthetically unappealing for certain applications.

Yet another approach has been to aperture a fibrous web. Although apertures in a body facing material can provide quick intake of a body exudate, they provide the disadvantage of allowing such exudates to return to the skin after the insult to the absorbent article when the wearer changes position, walks, sits, or an external force is provided against the article. As such, body facing materials with apertures can fail to provide the wearer with a dry feel. Additionally, depending on the process of how the apertures are formed, the body facing material can be prone to degrading the softness of the starting web. Another problem with apertured materials is that when they are incorporated into end products such as with the use of adhesives, due to their open structure, the adhesives will often readily penetrate through the apertures in the material from its underside to its top, exposed surface, thereby creating unwanted issues such as adhesive build-up in the converting process or creating unintended bonds between layers within the finished product. There remains a need for an absorbent article that can adequately reduce the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article. There remains a need for an absorbent article which can provide improved handling of body exudates. There remains a need for an absorbent article that can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with the wearer's skin. There remains a need for an absorbent article that can provide physical and emotional comfort to the wearer of the absorbent article. SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an absorbent article can include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent article can include a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region. The crotch region can be disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region. The absorbent article can further include a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge can each extend from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge. The absorbent article can further include a body facing liner that includes a body facing surface, a garment facing surface, and at least one intersecting slit formation. The at least one intersecting slit formation can include at least two intersecting slits. The at least two intersecting slits of the at least one intersecting slit formation can extend from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner. The absorbent article can further include a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner and an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet. In another embodiment, an absorbent article can include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent article can include a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region. The crotch region can be disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region. The absorbent article can further include a body facing liner that includes a body facing surface, a garment facing surface, and a plurality of intersecting slit formations. A majority of intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations can include at least two intersecting slits that extend through a depth of the body facing liner from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface. The absorbent article can further include a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner and an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet.

In yet another embodiment, an absorbent article can include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent article can include a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region. The crotch region can be disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region. The absorbent article can further include a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge can each extend from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge. The absorbent article can further include a body facing liner that includes a body facing surface, a garment facing surface, and a plurality of intersecting slit formations. A majority of intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations can extend from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface. The absorbent article can further include a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner and an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet. Additionally, the absorbent article can include an acquisition layer positioned between the body facing liner and the absorbent body. The acquisition layer can include a plurality of apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article, such as a diaper, in a fastened condition.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the absorbent article of Figure 1 in an unfastened, stretched, and laid flat condition with the body facing surface of the absorbent article which contacts the wearer facing the viewer, portions of the absorbent article being cut away for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section, exploded view of the absorbent article taken along line 3-3 in FIG.

2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a body facing liner of the absorbent article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a detailed view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7A-7E are detailed views each showing an exemplary intersecting slit formation that can be formed in a body facing liner.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section, exploded view of the absorbent article similar to FIG. 3, shown immediately after an insult, with the intersecting slit formations being displaced from the plane of the body facing liner.

FIG. 9 is a detailed, top plan view showing one embodiment of a body facing liner with a plurality of intersecting slit formations. FIG. 10 is detailed, top plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a body facing liner with a plurality of intersecting slit formations.

FIG. 1 1 is a top plan view of an alternative body facing liner for an absorbent article.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an acquisition layer in the absorbent article of FIG. 1 , the acquisition layer having a plurality of apertures.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an acquisition layer having a plurality of apertures in an alternative configuration.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is top plan view showing an exemplary alignment of a body facing liner having a plurality of intersecting slit formations and an acquisition layer having a plurality of apertures, the body facing liner overlaying the acquisition layer facing the viewer.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view showing an alternative intersecting slit formation in a body facing liner and a corresponding aperture in an acquisition layer. FIG. 18 is a detailed view showing another alternative intersecting slit formation in a body facing liner aligned with a corresponding aperture in an acquisition layer.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene product.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary illustration of a set-up of a Digital Thickness Gauge.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an exemplary illustration of a set-up of an injection apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exemplary illustration of a set-up of the injection apparatus of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exemplary illustration of a set-up of an imaging system.

FIGS. 24A-24S each provide a top plan view of samples of exemplary body facing liners according to codes 1-19, respectively, tested herein. FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a sample of an exemplary body facing liner according to code 2 tested herein.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a sample of an exemplary body facing liner according to code 8 tested herein. FIG. 27 is a bar graph demonstrating the results of the Fecal Material Simulant Surface

Spread Testing for codes 1-19 tested herein.

FIG. 28 is a bar graph demonstrating the results of codes 5, 8-14, and 19 against the absorbent composite codes from commercially available samples of absorbent articles as tested herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is generally directed towards an absorbent article that can have a body facing liner with a plurality of intersecting slit formations and an acquisition layer with a plurality of apertures. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure include such modifications and variations.

Definitions:

The term "absorbent article" refers herein to an article which may be placed against or in proximity to the body (i.e., contiguous with the body) of the wearer to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid exudates discharged from the body. Such absorbent articles, as described herein, are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use instead of being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to various disposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, youth pants, swim pants, feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to, menstrual pads, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The term "acquisition layer" refers herein to a layer capable of accepting and temporarily holding liquid body exudates to decelerate and diffuse a surge or gush of the liquid body exudates and to subsequently release the liquid body exudates therefrom into another layer or layers of the absorbent article.

The term "bonded" refers herein to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered bonded together when they are joined, adhered, connected, attached, or the like, directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements. The bonding of one element to another can occur via continuous or intermittent bonds.

The term "carded web" refers herein to a web containing natural or synthetic staple length fibers typically having fiber lengths less than about 100 mm. Bales of staple fibers can undergo an opening process to separate the fibers which are then sent to a carding process which separates and combs the fibers to align them in the machine direction after which the fibers are deposited onto a moving wire for further processing. Such webs are usually subjected to some type of bonding process such as thermal bonding using heat and/or pressure. In addition to or in lieu thereof, the fibers may be subject to adhesive processes to bind the fibers together such as by the use of powder adhesives. The carded web may be subjected to fluid entangling, such as hydroentangling, to further intertwine the fibers and thereby improve the integrity of the carded web. Carded webs, due to the fiber alignment in the machine direction, once bonded, will typically have more machine direction strength than cross machine direction strength.

The term "film" refers herein to a thermoplastic film made using an extrusion and/or forming process, such as a cast film or blown film extrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films, and other porous films which constitute liquid transfer films, as well as films which do not transfer fluids, such as, but not limited to, barrier films, filled films, breathable films, and oriented films.

The term "gsm" refers herein to grams per square meter. The term "hydrophilic" refers herein to fibers or the surfaces of fibers which are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materials can be provided by Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System, or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles less than 90 are designated "wettable" or hydrophilic, and fibers having contact angles greater than 90 are designated "nonwettable" or hydrophobic.

The term "liquid impermeable" refers herein to a layer or multi-layer laminate in which liquid body exudates, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact.

The term "liquid permeable" refers herein to any material that is not liquid impermeable.

The term "meltblown" refers herein to fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging high velocity heated gas (e.g., air) streams which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which can be a microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous or discontinuous, are generally smaller than about 0.6 denier, and may be tacky and self-bonding when deposited onto a collecting surface.

The term "nonwoven" refers herein to materials and webs of material which are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. The materials and webs of materials can have a structure of individual fibers, filaments, or threads (collectively referred to as "fibers") which can be interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven materials or webs can be formed from many processes such as, but not limited to, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, carded web processes, etc.

The term "pliable" refers herein to materials which are compliant and which will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearer's body. The term "spunbond" refers herein to small diameter fibers which are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine capillaries of a spinnerette having a circular or other configuration, with the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced by a conventional process such as, for example, eductive drawing, and processes that are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Patent Nos. 3,338,992 and 3,341 ,394 to Kinney, U.S. Patent No. 3,502,763 to Hartmann, U.S. Patent No. 3,502,538 to Peterson, and U.S. Patent No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and often have average deniers larger than about 0.3, and in an embodiment, between about 0.6, 5 and 10 and about 15, 20 and 40. Spunbond fibers are generally not tacky when they are deposited on a collecting surface.

The term "superabsorbent" refers herein to a water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic material capable, under the most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight and, in an embodiment, at least about 30 times its weight, in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. The superabsorbent materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers.

The term "thermoplastic" refers herein to a material which softens and which can be shaped when exposed to heat and which substantially returns to a non-softened condition when cooled.

The term "user" refers herein to one who fits an absorbent article, such as, but not limited to, a diaper, training pant, youth pant, incontinent product, or other absorbent article about the wearer of one of these absorbent articles. A user and a wearer can be one and the same person.

Absorbent Article:

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a non-limiting illustration of an absorbent article 10, for example, a diaper, is illustrated. While the embodiments and illustrations described herein may generally apply to absorbent articles manufactured in the product longitudinal direction, which is hereinafter called the machine direction manufacturing of a product, it should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art could apply the information herein to absorbent articles manufactured in the latitudinal direction of the product, which hereinafter is called the cross direction manufacturing of a product, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The absorbent article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a front waist region 12, a rear waist region 14, and a crotch region 16 disposed between the front waist region 12 and the rear waist region 14 and interconnecting the front and rear waist regions, 12, 14, respectively. The front waist region 12 can be referred to as the front end region, the rear waist region 14 can be referred to as the rear end region, and the crotch region 16 can be referred to as the intermediate region. The absorbent article 10 has a pair of longitudinal side edges, 18, 20, and a pair of opposite waist edges, respectively designated front waist edge 22 and rear waist edge 24. The front waist region 12 can be contiguous with the front waist edge 22 and the rear waist region 14 can be contiguous with the rear waist edge 24. The longitudinal side edges 18, 20 can extend from the front waist edge 22 to the rear waist edge 24.

The front waist region 12 can include the portion of the absorbent article 10 that, when worn, is positioned at least in part on the front of the wearer while the rear waist region 14 can include the portion of the absorbent article 10 that, when worn, is positioned at least in part on the back of the wearer. The crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10 can include the portion of the absorbent article 10, that, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and can partially cover the lower torso of the wearer. The waist edges, 22 and 24, of the absorbent article 10 are configured to encircle the waist of the wearer and together define the central waist opening 23. Portions of the longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20, in the crotch region 16 can generally define leg openings when the absorbent article 10 is worn.

The absorbent article 10 can include a backsheet 26 and a body facing liner 28. In an embodiment, the body facing liner 28 can be bonded to the backsheet 26 in a superposed relation by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, or other conventional techniques. The backsheet 26 can define a length in a longitudinal direction 30, and a width in the lateral direction 32, which, in the illustrated embodiment, can coincide with the length and width of the absorbent article 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the absorbent article 10 can have a longitudinal axis 29 extending in the longitudinal direction 30 and a lateral axis 31 extending in the lateral direction 32.

FIG. 2 illustrates the absorbent article 10 with certain portions cut-away for illustrating additional aspects of the absorbent article 10. An absorbent body 34 can be disposed between the backsheet 26 and the body facing liner 28. The absorbent body 34 can have longitudinal edges, 36 and 38, which, in an embodiment, can form portions of the longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20, respectively, of the absorbent article 10 and can have opposite end edges, 40 and 42, which, in an embodiment, can form portions of the waist edges, 22 and 24, respectively, of the absorbent article 10. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can have a length and width that are the same as or less than the length and width of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 can also include an acquisition layer 70 and a fluid transfer layer 72.

The absorbent article 10 can be configured to contain and/or absorb liquid, solid, and semisolid body exudates discharged from the wearer. For example, containment flaps, 44 and 46, can be configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each containment flap 44, 46 can include elastic members 48, 50. The elastic members 48, 50 can include one or more elastic strands (two are shown in FIG. 3) that are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 of the absorbent article 10. The containment flaps 44, 46 are laterally spaced from one another, such that the containment flap 44 is on one side of the longitudinal axis 29 and the containment flap 46 is on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis 29. The containment flaps 44, 46 can be attached to the absorbent article by being bonded to the body facing liner 28. The containment flaps, 44 and 46, can be located laterally inward from the longitudinal side edges, 18, 20 of the absorbent article 10, and can extend longitudinally along the entire length of absorbent article 10 or can extend partially along the length of the absorbent article 10.

To further enhance containment and/or absorption of body exudates, the absorbent article 10 can suitably include a rear waist elastic member 52, a front waist elastic member 54, and leg elastic members, 56 and 58, as are known to those skilled in the art. The waist elastic members, 52 and 54, can be attached to the backsheet 26 and/or the body facing liner 28 along the opposite waist edges, 24 and 22, and can extend over part or all of the waist edges, 24 and 22. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the rear waist elastic member 52 is attached to the body facing liner 28 and the containment flaps 44, 46 and the front waist elastic member 54 is attached to the backsheet 26. The leg elastic members, 56 and 58, can be attached to the backsheet 26 and/or the body facing liner 28 along the opposite longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20, and positioned in the crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10.

Additional details regarding each of these elements of the absorbent article 10 described herein can be found below and with reference to the Figures 1 through 19.

Backsheet:

The backsheet 26 and/or portions thereof can be breathable and/or liquid impermeable. The backsheet 26 and/or portions thereof can be elastic, stretchable, or non-stretchable. The backsheet 26 may be constructed of a single layer, multiple layers, laminates, spunbond fabrics, films, meltblown fabrics, elastic netting, microporous webs, bonded-carded webs or foams provided by elastomeric or polymeric materials. In an embodiment, for example, the backsheet 26 can be constructed of a microporous polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In an embodiment, the backsheet 26 can be a single layer of a liquid impermeable material. In an embodiment, the backsheet 26 can be suitably stretchable, and more suitably elastic, in at least the lateral or circumferential direction 32 of the absorbent article 10. In an embodiment, the backsheet 26 can be stretchable, and more suitably elastic, in both the lateral 32 and the longitudinal 30 directions. In an embodiment, the backsheet 26 can be a multi-layered laminate in which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. In an embodiment, the backsheet 26 can be a two layer construction, including an outer layer 60 material and an inner layer 62 material which can be bonded together such as by a laminate adhesive. Suitable laminate adhesives can be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a spray, parallel swirls, or the like. Suitable adhesives can be obtained from Bostik Findlay Adhesives, Inc. of Wauwatosa, Wl, U.S.A. It is to be understood that the inner layer 62 can be bonded to the outer layer 60 by other bonding methods, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, or the like.

The outer layer 60 of the backsheet 26 can be any suitable material and may be one that provides a generally cloth-like texture or appearance to the wearer. An example of such material can be a 100% polypropylene bonded-carded web with a diamond bond pattern available from Sandler A.G., Germany, such as 30 gsm Sawabond 4185® or equivalent. Another example of material suitable for use as an outer layer 60 of a backsheet 26 can be a 20 gsm spunbond polypropylene non-woven web. The outer layer 60 may also be constructed of the same materials from which the body facing liner 28 can be constructed as described herein. The liquid impermeable inner layer 62 of the backsheet 26 (or the liquid impermeable backsheet 26 where the backsheet 26 is of a single-layer construction) can be either vapor permeable (i.e., "breathable") or vapor impermeable. The liquid impermeable inner layer 62 (or the liquid impermeable backsheet 26 where the backsheet 26 is of a single-layer construction) may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other liquid impermeable materials may also be used. The liquid impermeable inner layer 62 (or the liquid impermeable backsheet 26 where the backsheet 26 is of a single-layer construction) can inhibit liquid body exudates from leaking out of the absorbent article 10 and wetting articles, such as bed sheets and clothing, as well as the wearer and caregiver. An example of a material for a liquid impermeable inner layer 62 (or the liquid impermeable backsheet 26 where the backsheet 26 is of a single-layer construction) can be a printed 19 gsm Berry Plastics XP-8695H film or equivalent commercially available from Berry Plastics Corporation, Evansville, IN, U.S.A. Where the backsheet 26 is of a single layer construction, it can be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth-like texture or appearance. The backsheet 26 can permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article 10 while preventing liquids from passing through. A suitable liquid impermeable, vapor permeable material can be composed of a microporous polymer film or a non- woven material which has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability.

Absorbent Body:

The absorbent body 34 can be suitably constructed to be generally compressible, conformable, pliable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. The absorbent body 34 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, l-shape, hourglass shape, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. The size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 34 should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer and the liquid loading imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article 10. Additionally, the size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 34 can be varied to accommodate wearers ranging from infants to adults.

The absorbent body 34 can have a length ranging from about 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 225, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, or 350 mm to about 355, 360, 380, 385, 390, 395, 400, 410, 415, 420, 425, 440, 450, 460, 480, 500, 510, or 520 mm. The absorbent body 34 can have a crotch region 16 width ranging from about 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 mm to about 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 1 15, 120, 125, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 mm. The width of the absorbent body 34 located within the front waist region 12 and/or the back waist region 14 of the absorbent article 10 can range from about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95 mm to about 100, 105, 110, 1 15, 120, 125 or 130 mm. As noted herein, the absorbent body 34 can have a length and width that can be less than or equal to the length and width of the absorbent article 10.

In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can be a diaper having the following ranges of lengths and widths of an absorbent body 34 having an hourglass shape: the length of the absorbent body 34 can range from about 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 225, 240 or 250 mm to about 260, 280, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 355, 360, 380, 385, or 390 mm; the width of the absorbent body 34 in the crotch region 16 can range from about 40, 50, 55, or 60 mm to about 65, 70, 75, or 80 mm; the width of the absorbent body 34 in the front waist region 12 and/or the back waist region 14 can range from about 80, 85, 90, or 95 mm to about 100, 105, or 110 mm.

In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can be a training pant or youth pant having the following ranges of lengths and widths of an absorbent body 34 having an hourglass shape: the length of the absorbent body 34 can range from about 400, 410, 420, 440 or 450 mm to about 460, 480, 500, 510 or 520 mm; the width of the absorbent body 34 in the crotch region 16 can range from about 50, 55, or 60 mm to about 65, 70, 75, or 80 mm; the width of the absorbent body 34 in the front waist region 12 and/or the back waist region 14 can range from about 80, 85, 90, or 95 mm to about 100, 105, 1 10, 1 15, 120, 125, or 130 mm. In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can be an adult incontinence garment having the following ranges of lengths and widths of an absorbent body 34 having a rectangular shape: the length of the absorbent body 34 can range from about 400, 410 or 415 to about 425 or 450 mm; the width of the absorbent body 34 in the crotch region 16 can range from about 90, or 95 mm to about 100, 105, or 1 10 mm. It should be noted that the absorbent body 34 of an adult incontinence garment may or may not extend into either or both the front waist region 12 or the back waist region 14 of the absorbent article 10.

The absorbent body 34 can have two surfaces such as a wearer facing surface 64 and a garment facing surface 66. Edges, such as longitudinal side edges, 36 and 38, and such as front and back end edges, 40 and 42, can connect the two surfaces, 64 and 66. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can be composed of a web material of hydrophilic fibers, cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can be a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent material.

In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may be constructed of a single layer of materials, or in the alternative, may be constructed of two or more layers of materials. In an embodiment in which the absorbent body 34 has two layers, the absorbent body 34 can have a wearer facing layer suitably composed of hydrophilic fibers and a garment facing layer suitably composed at least in part of a high absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In such an embodiment, the wearer facing layer of the absorbent body 34 can be suitably composed of cellulosic fluff, such as wood pulp fluff, and the garment facing layer of the absorbent body 34 can be suitably composed of superabsorbent material, or a mixture of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent material. As a result, the wearer facing layer can have a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the garment facing layer. The wearer facing layer may alternatively be composed of a mixture of hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent material, as long as the concentration of superabsorbent material present in the wearer facing layer is lower than the concentration of superabsorbent material present in the garment facing layer so that the wearer facing layer can have a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the garment facing layer. It is also contemplated that, in an embodiment, the garment facing layer may be composed solely of superabsorbent material without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is also contemplated that, in an embodiment, each of the layers, the wearer facing and garment facing layers, can have a superabsorbent material such that the absorbent capacities of the two superabsorbent materials can be different and can provide the absorbent body 34 with a lower absorbent capacity in the wearer facing layer than in the garment facing layer.

Various types of wettable, hydrophilic fibers can be used in the absorbent body 34. Examples of suitable fibers include natural fibers, 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 from inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers, or composed of nonwettable thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefin fibers which have been hydrophilized by suitable means. The fibers may be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material which has a suitable hydrophilic moiety and is not readily removed from the fiber, or by sheathing the nonwettable, hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after formation of the fiber. For example, one suitable type of fiber is a wood pulp that is a bleached, highly absorbent sulfate wood pulp containing primarily soft wood fibers. However, the wood pulp can be exchanged with other fiber materials, such as synthetic, polymeric, or meltblown fibers or with a combination of meltblown and natural fibers. In an embodiment, the cellulosic fluff can include a blend of wood pulp fluff. An example of wood pulp fluff can be "CoosAbsorb™ S Fluff Pulp" or equivalent available from Abitibi Bowater, Greenville, S.C., U.S.A., which is a bleached, highly absorbent sulfate wood pulp containing primarily southern soft wood fibers. The absorbent body 34 can be formed with a dry-forming technique, an air-forming technique, a wet-forming technique, a foam-forming technique, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. A coform nonwoven material may also be employed. Methods and apparatus for carrying out such techniques are well known in the art. Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers. Cross-linking may be covalent, ionic, Van der Waals, or hydrogen bonding. Typically, a superabsorbent material can be capable of absorbing at least about ten times its weight in liquid. In an embodiment, the superabsorbent material can absorb more than twenty-four times its weight in liquid. Examples of superabsorbent materials include polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymal methyl cellulose, polyvinylmorpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and the like. Additional polymers suitable for superabsorbent material include hydrolyzed, acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, polyacrylates and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The superabsorbent material may be in the form of discrete particles. The discrete particles can be of any desired shape, for example, spiral or semi-spiral, cubic, rod-like, polyhedral, etc. Shapes having a largest greatest dimension/smallest dimension ratio, such as needles, flakes, and fibers are also contemplated for use herein. Conglomerates of particles of superabsorbent materials may also be used in the absorbent body 34.

In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can be free of superabsorbent material. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can have at least about 15% by weight of a superabsorbent material. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can have at least about 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99 or 100% by weight of a superabsorbent material. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can have less than about 100, 99, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, or 20% by weight of a superabsorbent material. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 can have from about 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60% to about 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99 or 100% by weight of a superabsorbent material. Examples of superabsorbent material include, but are not limited to, FAVOR SXM-9300 or equivalent available from Evonik Industries, Greensboro, N.C., U.S.A. and HYSORB 8760 or equivalent available from BASF Corporation, Charlotte, N.C., U.S.A. The absorbent body 34 can be superposed over the inner layer 62 of the backsheet 26, extending laterally between the leg elastic members, 56, 58, and can be bonded to the inner layer 62 of the backsheet 26, such as by being bonded thereto with adhesive. However, it is to be understood that the absorbent body 34 may be in contact with, and not bonded with, the backsheet 26 and remain within the scope of this disclosure. In an embodiment, the backsheet 26 can be composed of a single layer and the absorbent body 34 can be in contact with the singer layer of the backsheet 26. In an embodiment, a layer, such as but not limited to, a fluid transfer layer 72, can be positioned between the absorbent body 40 and the backsheet 26.

Fluid Transfer Layer: In various embodiments an absorbent article 10 can be constructed without a fluid transfer layer 72. In various embodiments the absorbent article 10 can have a fluid transfer layer 72. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be in contact with the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be bonded to the absorbent body 34. Bonding of the fluid transfer layer 72 to the absorbent body 34 can occur via any means known to one of ordinary skill, such as, but not limited to, adhesives. In an embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 72 can be positioned between the body facing liner 28 and the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 72 can completely encompass the absorbent body 34 and can be sealed to itself. In such an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 may be folded over on itself and then sealed using, for example, heat and/or pressure. In an embodiment a fluid transfer layer 72 may be composed of separate sheets of material which can be utilized to partially or fully encompass the absorbent body 34 and which can be sealed together using a sealing means such as, but not limited to, an ultrasonic bonder or other thermochemical bonding means or the use of an adhesive.

In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be in contact with and/or bonded with the wearer facing surface 64 of the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be in contact with and/or bonded with the wearer facing surface and at least one of the edges, 36, 38, 40, and/or 42, of the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be in contact with and/or bonded with the wearer facing surface 64, at least one of the edges, 36, 38, 40, and/or 42, and the garment facing surface 66 of the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the absorbent body 34 may be partially or completely encompassed by a fluid transfer layer 72.

The fluid transfer layer 72 can be pliable, less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 34, and sufficiently porous to thereby permit liquid body exudates to penetrate through the fluid transfer layer 72 to reach the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can have sufficient structural integrity to withstand wetting thereof and of the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be constructed from a single layer of material or it may be a laminate constructed from two or more layers of material. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can include, but is not limited to, natural and synthetic fibers such as, but not limited to, polyester, polypropylene, acetate, nylon, polymeric materials, cellulosic materials such as wood pulp, cotton, rayon, viscose, LYOCELL® such as from Lenzing Company of Austria, or mixtures of these or other cellulosic fibers, and combinations thereof. Natural fibers can include, but are not limited to, wool, cotton, flax, hemp, and wood pulp. Wood pulps can include, but are not limited to, standard softwood fluffing grade such as "CoosAbsorb™ S Fluff Pulp" or equivalent available from Abitibi Bowater, Greenville, S.C., U.S.A., which is a bleached, highly absorbent sulfate wood pulp containing primarily southern soft wood fibers.

In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can include cellulosic material. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be creped wadding or a high-strength tissue. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can include polymeric material. In an embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 72 can include a spunbond material. In an embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 72 can include a meltblown material. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be a laminate of a meltblown nonwoven material having fine fibers laminated to at least one spunbond nonwoven material layer having coarse fibers. In such an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be a spunbond-meltblown ("SM") material. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond ("SMS") material. A non-limiting example of such a fluid transfer layer 72 can be a 10 gsm SMS material. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be composed of at least one material which has been hydraulically entangled into a nonwoven substrate. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be composed of at least two materials which have been hydraulically entangled into a nonwoven substrate. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can have at least three materials which have been hydraulically entangled into a nonwoven substrate. A non-limiting example of a fluid transfer layer 72 can be a 33 gsm hydraulically entangled substrate. In such an example, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be a 33 gsm hydraulically entangled substrate composed of a 12 gsm spunbond material, a 10 gsm wood pulp material having a length from about 0.6 cm to about 5.5 cm, and an 1 1 gsm polyester staple fiber material. To manufacture the fluid transfer layer 72 just described, the 12 gsm spunbond material can provide a base layer while the 10 gsm wood pulp material and the 11 gsm polyester staple fiber material can be homogeneously mixed together and deposited onto the spunbond material and then hydraulically entangled with the spunbond material.

In various embodiments, a wet strength agent can be included in the fluid transfer layer 72. A non-limiting example of a wet strength agent can be Kymene 6500 (557LK) or equivalent available from Ashland Inc. of Ashland, KY, U.S.A. In various embodiments, a surfactant can be included in the fluid transfer layer 72. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be hydrophilic. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be hydrophobic and can be treated in any manner known in the art to be made hydrophilic.

In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can be in contact with and/or bonded with an absorbent body 34 which is made at least partially of particulate material such as superabsorbent material. In an embodiment in which the fluid transfer layer 72 at least partially or completely encompasses the absorbent body 34, the fluid transfer layer 72 should not unduly expand or stretch as this might cause the particulate material to escape from the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72, while in a dry state, can have respective extension values at peak load in the machine and cross directions of 30 percent or less and 40 percent or less, respectively.

In an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 72 can have a longitudinal length the same as, greater than, or less than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34. The fluid transfer layer 72 can have a longitudinal length ranging from about 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 225, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, or 350 mm to about 355, 360, 380, 385, 390, 395, 400, 410, 415, 420, 425, 440, 450, 460, 480, 500, 510, or 520 mm.

Body Facing Liner:

The body facing liner 28 can have a body facing surface 74 and a garment facing surface 76. In various embodiments, the body facing liner 28 of the absorbent article 10 can overlay the absorbent body 34 and the backsheet 26 and can isolate the wearer's skin from liquid waste retained by the absorbent body 34. In various embodiments, a fluid transfer layer 72 can be positioned between the body facing liner 28 and the absorbent body 34. In various embodiments, an acquisition layer 70 can be positioned between the body facing liner 28 and the absorbent body 34 or a fluid transfer layer 72, if present. In various embodiments, the body facing liner 28 can be bonded to the acquisition layer 70, or to the fluid transfer layer 72 if no acquisition layer 70 is present, via adhesive and/or by a point fusion bonding. The point fusion bonding may be selected from ultrasonic, thermal, pressure bonding, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the body facing liner 28 can extend beyond the absorbent body 34 and/or a fluid transfer layer 72, and/or an acquisition layer 70 to overlay a portion of the backsheet 26 and can be bonded thereto by any method deemed suitable, such as, for example, by being bonded thereto by adhesive, to substantially enclose the absorbent body 34 between the backsheet 26 and the body facing liner 28. The body facing liner 28 may be narrower than the backsheet 26, but it is to be understood that the body facing liner 28 and the backsheet 26 may be of the same dimensions. It is also contemplated that the body facing liner 28 may not extend beyond the absorbent body 34 and/or may not be secured to the backsheet 26. It is further contemplated that the body facing liner 28 may be composed of more than one segment of material. The body facing liner 28 can be of different shapes, including rectangular, hourglass, or any other shape. The body facing liner 28 can be suitably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and can be the same as or less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 34 to permit body exudates to readily penetrate through to the absorbent body 34 and provide a relatively dry surface to the wearer.

As depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the body facing liner 28 can include at least one intersecting slit formation 78. The body facing liner 28 can include a plurality of intersecting slit formations 78, as best shown in FIG. 4. The various characteristics of the intersecting slit formations 78 are described herein when the absorbent article 10 is in a stretched, laid flat configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 2. As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 5 depicting one exemplary embodiment of an intersecting slit formation 78 from the body facing liner 28, the intersecting slit formation 78 can include at least two intersecting slits 80 and an aperture 82. As shown in FIG. 3, the intersecting slits 80 of the intersecting slit formation 78 can extend from a body facing surface 74 of the body facing liner 28 to the garment facing surface 76 of the body facing liner 28. The intersecting slit formation 78 can be designed such that all of the intersecting slits 80 in the intersecting slit formation 78 extend from the body facing surface 74 to the garment facing surface 76 of the body facing liner 28. In other words, all of the intersecting slits 80 can extend completely through a depth of the body facing liner 28. In other embodiments, some slits 80 of the intersecting slit formation 78 need not extend completely through the body facing liner 28. For example, at least two of the intersecting slits 80 could extend from the body facing surface 74 of the body facing liner 28 to the garment facing surface 76 of the body facing liner 28, yet other slits 80 could extend from the body facing surface 74 of the body facing liner 28 only partially through to the garment facing surface 76 of the body facing liner 28.

The intersecting slit formation 78 shown in FIG. 5 includes eight intersecting slits 80. It is contemplated that a body facing liner 28 could have an intersecting slit formation 78 with a specified amount of intersecting slits 80 selected from the range of 2-20 intersecting slits 80, more preferably from the range of 3-15 intersecting slits 80, and yet more preferably from the range of 3-8 intersecting slits 80. The intersecting slits 80 can intersect at a common intersection point 84, which can be within the aperture 82, if one is present in the intersecting slit formation 78.

The intersecting slits 80 are shown as linear segments, however, the intersecting slits 80 could be arcuate, sinusoidal, or in any other form or shape. An intersecting slit 80 can include a proximal end 80a and a distal end 80b, as labeled on only one of the slits 80 in FIG. 5 for clarity. A linear distance between the proximal end 80a and the distal end 80b can define a length of an intersecting slit 80. The intersecting slits 80 of the intersecting slit formation 78 can each be of the same length as depicted in FIG. 5, however, the intersecting slits 80 of the intersecting slit formation 78 can be of different lengths in comparison to one another. An intersecting slit 80 can be of a specified length selected from a range, including, but not limited to, 2-100mm, more preferably 2- 25mm, even more preferably, 3-15mm, and most preferably 4-6mm. Additionally, the thickness of an exemplary intersecting slit 80 can be selected from the range of 0.02-5.00mm, more preferably from the range of 0.05-2.00mm, and even more preferably from the range of 0.10-1.50mm. In a particular embodiment, the thickness of an intersecting slit 80 can be about 0.20mm. It can be appreciated, however, that the specified length and thickness of a slit 80 can deviate from the preferred ranges and still be within the scope of this disclosure. It is also contemplated that the thickness of a slit 80 in a body facing liner 28 material in the absorbent article 10 in a stretched, laid flat configuration can vary as compared to the thickness of a slit 80 in a body facing liner 28 during or prior to the manufacturing of the absorbent article 10, due to considerations including, but not limited to, stretch in the body facing liner 28. However, as previously noted, the measurements of the characteristics of the intersecting slit formations 78 described herein are measured when the absorbent article 10 is in a stretched, laid flat configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 2.

Individual intersecting slits 80 can be evenly spaced from one another in angular fashion such that an angle a between consecutive slits 80 is equal between all consecutive intersecting slits 80 in an intersecting slit formation 78. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the angle a can be equal to 45°. However, it is contemplated that the intersecting slits 80 need not be evenly spaced from one another in an angular fashion in an intersecting slit formation 78. In one embodiment, where the length of slits 80 in an intersecting slit formation 78 varies, an angle a between adjacent slits 80 can be selected such that the area of material between one pair of adjacent slits 80 and a linear segment extending between the distal ends 80b of those adjacent slits 80 will be approximately equal to the area of material between other adjacent pairs of slits 80.

As mentioned above, an intersecting slit formation 78 can include an aperture 82. The aperture 82 of the intersecting slit formation 78 can be circular in shape, however, similar to the shape of the intersecting slits 80 discussed above, the aperture 82 can be a different shape, including, but not limited to, elliptical, polygonal (triangular, rectangular, etc .), or irregularly shaped. The aperture 82 can be of various dimensions. For example, a circular shaped aperture 82 as depicted in FIG. 5 can have a diameter selected from the range of 0.5-10.0mm, more preferably from the range of 0.8-7.0 mm, and even more preferably from the range of 0.9-2.5mm. In a particular embodiment, a circular shaped aperture 82 can have a diameter of about 1.2mm. Of course, an aperture 82 can be sized such that it is outside these exemplary ranges.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the body facing liner 28 can include a plurality of intersecting slit formations 78. The plurality of intersecting slit formations 78 can be designed to form a pattern 79 on the body facing liner 28. The pattern 79 can be rectangular in shape, hourglass in shape, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or any other desired shape. The pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 can extend throughout the body facing liner 28, from longitudinal side edge 18 to longitudinal side edge 20 and from front waist edge 22 to rear waist edge 24. Alternatively, the pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be concentrated such that the pattern 79 does not extend to one or more longitudinal side edge 18, 20 and one or more waist edge 22, 24, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the plurality of intersecting slit formations 78 can form no repeated pattern at all, and be located randomly on the body facing liner 28.

In one example providing a pattern 79, the plurality of intersecting slit formations 78 can be designed such that the intersecting slit formations 78 form a series of rows 86 of intersecting slit formations 78 and a series of columns 88 of intersecting slit formations 78 as depicted in FIG. 4. The rows 86 of the intersecting slit formations 78 can extend in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 31 and can be offset from one another in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis 29. The columns 88 of the intersecting slit formations 78 can extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 and can be offset from one another in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 31. Of course, it is contemplated that the rows 86 and columns 88 are not limited to such orientations. In an embodiment, the number of rows 86 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be selected from the range of 1 -50, preferably from the range of 4-30, and more preferably from the range of 6-20. In one embodiment, the number of columns 88 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be selected from the range of 1 -25, preferably from the range of 2-20, and more preferably from the range of 3-15. As one exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 shows, the body facing liner 28 can include twelve rows 86 of intersecting slit formations 78 and seven columns 88 of intersecting slit formations 78. As shown in FIG. 4, each row 86 of intersecting slit formations 78 need not have the same amount of intersecting slit formations 78 and each column 88 of intersecting slit formations 78 need not have the same amount of intersecting slit formations 78. The pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 has some rows 86 that include four intersecting slit formations 78 and some rows 86 that include three intersecting slit formations 78. Although each column 88 of intersecting slit formations 78 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes six intersecting slit formations 78, a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 could include one or more columns 88 that have different amounts of intersecting slit formations 78.

The rows 86 and/or columns 88 of the pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be phased as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 such that adjacent rows 86 do not have intersecting slit formations 78 aligned in the longitudinal direction 30 and such that adjacent columns 88 do not have intersecting slit formations 78 aligned in the lateral direction 32. This phasing of the rows 86 and/or columns 88 of the intersecting slit formations 78 can also be described by the center-to-center distance 90, 92 between nearest intersecting slit formations 78 in both the longitudinal direction 30 and the lateral direction 32, respectively. FIG. 6 illustrates how to measure an exemplary center-to- center distance 90 between successive intersecting slit formations 78 in the longitudinal direction 30 and how to measure an exemplary center-to-center distance 92 between successive intersecting slit formations 78 in the lateral direction 32. The center-to-center distance 90 in the longitudinal direction 30 can be calculated by measuring the distance between intersection points 84 of intersecting slit formations 78 in successive rows 86 (rows 86 shown in dashed lines for clarity), measuring parallel to the longitudinal direction 30. The center-to-center distance 92 in the lateral direction 32 can be calculated by measuring the distance between intersection points 84 of the nearest intersecting slit formations 78 in successive columns 88 (columns 88 shown in dashed lines for clarity), measuring parallel to the lateral direction 32. It can be appreciated that adjacent rows 86 and adjacent columns 88 need not have equal spacing throughout a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78. Accordingly, the center-to-center distances 90, 92 need not be consistent through a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78.

The phasing of rows 86 and/or columns 88 of the pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 and the design of the center-to-center distances 90, 92 can be based on a variety of factors. For example the center-to-center distance 90 in the lateral direction 32 can vary based on the length of the longest slits 80 of the nearest intersecting slit formations 78 in adjacent rows 86. As an example, the center-to-center distance 90 in the longitudinal direction 30 could be designed to range between a factor of zero and four multiplied by the total additive length of the longest slit 80 in each of the intersecting slit formations 78 for which the center-to-center distance 90 is being measured. Similarly, the center-to-center distance 92 in the lateral direction 32 could be designed to range between a factor of zero and four multiplied by the total additive length of the longest slit 80 from each of the intersecting slit formations 78 for which the center-to-center distance 90 is being measured. Of course, it can be appreciated that the center-to-center distances 90, 92 could extend to a range greater than the exemplary ranges noted herein.

The phasing of rows 86 and/or columns 88 of the pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 and providing for non-zero center-to-center distance 92 in the lateral direction 32 can provide advantages for the absorbent article 10. For example, such a pattern 79 can provide for a more dense pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations, or more intersecting slit formations 78 per unit area of body facing liner 28. Increased density of intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28 can provide increased intake and/or distribution of exudates. Additionally, the phasing of rows 86 and/or columns 88 and/or a non-zero center-to-center distance 92 in the lateral direction of a pattern 79 can provide for higher tensile strengths of the body facing liner 28 in both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, respectively, as compared to a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 that does not have phased rows 86 and/or columns 88 and/or a non-zero center-to-center distance 92 in the lateral direction 32.

Figures 7A-7E show further examples of alternative intersecting slit formations 78. For example, FIG. 7A provides an intersecting slit formation 78 that has two slits 80 and an aperture 82, the slits 80 being of equal length. In the exemplary intersecting slit formation 78 shown in FIG. 7A, it is preferred if the angle a between the two slits 80 is not equal to 180°. FIG. 7B provides an intersecting slit formation 78 that has an aperture 82 and four slits 80, with the two slits 80 in the longitudinal direction 30 being longer than the slits 80 in the lateral direction 32. FIG. 7C provides an intersecting slit formation 78 with an aperture 82 and eight slits 80. The slits 80 include at least two slits 80 of different length, with the slits 80 of greatest length forming an angle θ with a line 29a parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 (see FIG. 2). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C, the angle θ is equal to 45°, however, the angle θ can be of other magnitudes. FIG. 7D shows an intersecting slit formation 78 with eight slits 80 and without an aperture 82. Similar to FIG. 7C, the slits 80 include at least two slits 80 of different length. FIG. 7E shows an intersecting slit formation 78 with an aperture 82 and twelve slits 80. Similar to FIGS. 7C and 7D, the intersecting slit formation 78 of FIG. 7E provides for at least two slits 80 of different length. As shown in FIG. 7E, the slits 80 of greatest length can be parallel to the longitudinal direction 30. The slits 80 in the intersecting slit formation 78 of FIG. 7E are evenly dispersed such that the angle a between successive slits 80 is equal to 30°.

FIGS. 7D and7E also illustrate the potential open area 94 for an intersecting slit formation 78. The dash-dot-dash broken line in FIGS. 7D and 7E provide for the potential open area 94 for the respective intersecting slit formations 78. As shown in FIGS. 7D and7E, the potential open area 94 is configured by constructing a perimeter around the intersecting slit formation 78 by connecting the distal end 80b of each successive slit 80 with a linear segment, the distal ends 80b being labeled in FIG. 7D, but not FIG. 7E for clarity purposes. The potential open area 94 of an intersecting slit formation 78 can approximate the potential area in the plane of the body facing liner 28 for a particular intersecting slit formation 78 that can allow fluid and/or particulate exudates to pass from a body facing surface 74 of the body facing liner 28 to the garment facing surface 76 of the body facing liner 28 without having to physically pass through the body facing liner 28 material itself. A sum of the total potential open areas 94 of each intersecting slit formation 78 of a pattern 79 can define a total potential open area of the body facing liner 28. In some embodiments, the total potential open area can be between about 1 % to about 70% of the total area of the body facing liner 28, more preferably can be between about 3% to about 50% of the total area of the body facing liner 28, even more preferably can be between about 10% to about 40% of the total area of the body facing liner 28, and most preferably can be between about 20% to about 30% of the total area of the body facing liner 28.

A benefit of the potential open area 94 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be illustrated by review of FIGS. 3 and 8. As discussed above, FIG. 3 shows an exploded, cross-sectional view of an absorbent article 10. Three intersecting slit formations 78 are shown in the body facing liner 28 in FIG. 3 such that the potential open area 94 of each of the intersecting slit formations 78 lies in the plane of the body facing liner 28. The intersecting slit formations 78 can reside in the plane of the body facing liner 28 prior to an insult of exudates by the wearer of the absorbent article 10. Turning now to FIG. 8, the slits 80 of an intersecting slit formation 78 can displace from the plane of the body facing liner 28 to provide a passage 96 for an insult of fluid and/or particulate matter exudates. Such displacement of the slits 80 can provide less resistance to the insult of exudates as they travel from the body facing liner 28 to other layers or components of the absorbent article 10, including the acquisition layer 70 (if present), the fluid transfer layer 72 (if present), and/or the absorbent body 34. Depending on the characteristics of the intersecting slit formations 78, the spacing between the body facing liner 28 and the acquisition layer 70 (if present), and the material properties of the acquisition layer 70 (if present), the displacement of the slits 80 from the plane of the body facing liner 28 can engage the material of the body facing liner 28 with the acquisition layer 70 (if present) and/or the fluid transfer layer 72 (if present), and/or the absorbent body 34.

As a result of the displacement of the slits 80 in the intersecting slit formations 78 displacing from the plane of the body facing liner 28, the intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28 can provide performance advantages, including, but not limited to, an increase in the efficiency and speed of the intake and distribution of an insult of a fluid and/or particulate matter exudates. An increase in the efficiency and speed of the intake and distribution of an insult of a fluid and/or particulate matter exudate could provide a reduction in the area of spread of the insult of fluid and or particulate matter exudates on the body facing liner 28 as well as reducing the amount of residual fecal matter on the body facing liner 28 after an insult. Such enhanced properties individually, as well as collectively, can reduce the likelihood of the fluid and/or particulate matter exudates from compromising the gasketing system of the absorbent article 10, such as the containment flaps 44, 46. For example, the intersecting slit formations 78 and their break-away nature can reduce the area of spread of fluid and/or particulate matter exudates of an insult on the body facing liner 28, and thus, lessen the chance that fluid and/or particulate matter bypasses a containment flap 44, 46. Additionally, the reduction of fecal matter on the body facing liner 28 can reduce skin irritation of the wearer of the absorbent article 10.

After the fluid and/or particulate matter exudates of an insult passes through the intersecting slit formations 78, at least some of the slits 80 of the intersecting slit formations 78 that created a passage 96 for the insult can fully return, or at least partially return, to their position in the plane of the body facing liner 28 as is illustrated in FIG. 3. This closing, or at least partial closing, of the passages 96 created by the potential open area 94 of each of the intersecting slit formations 78 can reduce the likelihood that fluid and/or particulate matter from an insult can pass from a garment facing surface 76 of the body facing liner 28 to the body facing surface 74 of the body facing liner 28, helping to improve the dryness of the wearer's skin and reduce the likelihood that the fluid and/or particulate matter from an insult may bypass the gasketing system of the absorbent article 10, such as the containment flaps 44, 46. Therefore, the intersecting slit formations 78 can provide more resistance to fluid and/or particulate matter exudates of an insult from flowing back to the wearer than does a body facing liner 28 that has apertures that are similar in quantity to the number of intersecting slit formations 78 and that each provide a similar area, or possibly even a smaller area, as the potential open area 94 of each intersecting slit formation 78. A pattern 79 of a plurality of intersecting slit formations 78 can use one or more of the various intersecting slit formations 78 depicted in FIGS. 5 - 7E. For example, the pattern 79 in FIG. 4 employs a plurality of intersecting slit formations 78as depicted in the exemplary intersecting slit formation 78 shown FIG. 5 to form each of the intersecting slit formations 78 in the pattern 79. However, the pattern 79 in FIG. 9 employs three different intersecting slit formations 78 shown in zones 78a, 78b, 78c. The intersecting slit formations 78a near containment flap 44 in columns 88a and 88b are different from the intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 78b near containment flap 46 in columns 88f and 88g. Intersecting slit formations 78 in zones 78a and 78b also each vary from the intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 78c in columns 88c-88e. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 78a are not each symmetrical in the longitudinal direction 30. Similarly, intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 78b are not each symmetrical in the longitudinal direction 30. Rather, intersecting slit formations 78 in zones 78a and 78b each include more slits 80 angled towards the longitudinal axis 29 than slits 80 that are angled towards the containment flaps 44, 46, respectively. Intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 78c are symmetric in the longitudinal direction 30, and thus, intersecting slit formations 78a and 78b each differ from the intersecting slit formations 78c near an intersection of the longitudinal axis 29 and the lateral axis 31. Varying the characteristics of the intersecting slit formations 78 in a pattern 79, as is shown in exemplary embodiment in FIG. 9, may assist in controlling the intake and distribution of an insult of fluid and/or particulate matter exudates to other components or layers of the absorbent article 10.

In addition to laterally phasing the rows 86 of intersecting slit formations 78, the orientation of slits 80 in intersecting slit formations 78 in adjacent rows 86 and or columns 88 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be designed to enhance the tensile strength properties of the body facing liner 28 and/or reduce stretch of the body facing liner 28 in particular directions. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of a pattern 79 including rows 86a-86e and columns 88a-88e of intersecting slit formations 78. The pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 is configured such that adjacent rows, such as 86a and 86b, do not have intersecting slit formations 78 that have slits that are aligned in a parallel nature to one another. Additionally, the pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 is configured such that adjacent columns, such as 88a and 88b, do not have intersecting slit formations 78 that have slits that are aligned in a parallel nature to one another. By having the intersecting slit formations 78 of adjacent rows 86 and/or adjacent columns 88 be of different angular orientations, the tensile strength properties of the body facing liner 28 can be enhanced. Of course, it is contemplated that other embodiments may include intersecting slit formations 78 that include slits that are aligned parallel to one another in adjacent rows 86 and/or columns 88, such as shown in Figure 4. Such configurations may provide beneficial stretch properties by such alignment.

FIG. 10 also demonstrates another principle of a pattern 79 that can provide enhanced tensile strength properties of the body facing liner 28 and/or reduce stretch of the body facing liner 28. The pattern 79 in FIG. 10 has adjacent intersecting slit formations 78 that do not have slits that align, whether the adjacent intersecting slit formations 78 are compared in the longitudinal direction 30, the lateral direction 32, or in an angular direction. For example, the slits of intersecting slit formation 78ca do not align with the slits of intersecting slit formations 78aa and 78ea that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction 30. The slits of intersecting slit formation 78ca also do not align with the slits of intersecting slit formation 78cc that is adjacent in the lateral direction 32. Additionally, the slits of intersecting slit formation 78ca do not align with the slits of intersecting slit formations 78bb or 78db that are adjacent in an angular direction with respect to intersecting slit formation 78ca. As shown in FIG. 10, the non-aligned nature of adjacent intersecting slit formations 78ca, 78bb, and 78db is configured by the angle θ formed between a slit and a line 29a parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 being different between intersecting slit formation 78ca and the adjacent intersecting slit formations 78bb and 78db. As an example, the angle θ for intersecting slit formation 78ca can be equal to about 45°, and the angle θ for intersecting slit formations 78bb and 78db can each be equal to about 60°. By not aligning slits of adjacent intersecting slit formations 78, the tensile strength of the body facing liner 28 can be enhanced in various directions. Furthermore, FIG. 1 1 displays an alternate pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78. As shown in FIG. 1 1 , the pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 is not consistent throughout the length of the body facing liner 28 in the longitudinal direction 30. The pattern 79 includes rows 86 and columns 88 of intersecting slit formations 78, however, the density of the intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 87a is greater than the density of intersecting slit formations 78 in zone 87b. It could be beneficial to place the greater density zone 87a closer to the rear waist edge 24 than the front waist edge 22, such that the greater density of intersecting slit formations 78 is likely to be closer to the target zone of an insult of fecal matter. Of course, the greater density zone 87a could be adjusted longitudinal and/or laterally to provide for different target zones and/or purposes, including, but not limited to, different target insult zones based on gender and different target zones for fecal matter and urine. It is also noted that zone 87a includes intersecting slit formations 78 of two distinct sizes, based on average slit length. Rows 86 of smaller intersecting slit formations 78 can be placed between rows of larger intersecting slit formations 78, as shown in FIG. 11. Such a configuration provides for the rows 86 of smaller intersecting slit formations 78 to include a greater amount of intersecting slit formations than the rows 86 of the larger intersecting slit formations 78, per lateral length.

The body facing liner 28 can be manufactured from a wide selection of materials, such as synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or the like. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, rayon, wood, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers, polyolefins, such as, but not limited to, copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low- density polyethylene, and aliphatic esters such as polylactic acid, finely perforated film webs, net materials, and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the body facing liner 28. The body facing liner 28 can include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a polymer film, a film-fabric laminate or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Examples of a nonwoven fabric can include spunbond fabric, meltblown fabric, coform fabric, carded web, bonded-carded web, bicomponent spunbond fabric, spunlace, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The body facing liner 28 need not be a unitary layer structure, and thus, can include more than one layer of fabrics, films, and/or webs, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the body facing liner 28 can include a support layer and a projection layer that can be hydroentagled. For example, the body facing liner 28 can be composed of a meltblown or spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. Alternatively, the body facing liner 28 can be a bonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The body facing liner 28 can be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material can, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant can be applied to the entire body facing liner 28 or it can be selectively applied to particular sections of the body facing liner 28.

In an embodiment, a body facing liner 28 can be constructed of a non-woven bicomponent web. The non-woven bicomponent web can be a spunbonded bicomponent web, or a bonded- carded bicomponent web. An example of a bicomponent staple fiber includes a polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. In this particular bicomponent fiber, the polypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms the sheath of the fiber. Fibers having other orientations, such as multi-lobe, side-by-side, end-to-end may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In an embodiment, a body facing liner 28 can be a spunbond substrate with a basis weight from about 10 or 12 to about 15 or 20 gsm. In an embodiment, a body facing liner 28 can be a 12 gsm spunbond-meltblown-spunbond substrate having 10% meltblown content applied between the two spunbond layers.

Although the backsheet 26 and body facing liner 28 can include elastomeric materials, it is contemplated that the backsheet 26 and the body facing liner 28 can be composed of materials which are generally non-elastomeric. In an embodiment, the body facing liner 28 can be stretchable, and more suitably elastic. In an embodiment, the body facing liner 28 can be suitably stretchable and more suitably elastic in at least the lateral or circumferential direction of the absorbent article 10. In other aspects, the body facing liner 28 can be stretchable, and more suitably elastic, in both the lateral and the longitudinal directions 32, 30, respectively.

The intersecting slit formations 78 can be formed in the body facing liner 28 using various manufacturing techniques. For example, a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 can be cut into the body facing liner 28 by a rotary die (not shown), a laser cutter (not shown), a water cutter (not shown), or a punch press (not shown). The creation of the intersecting slit formations 78 can be done off the machine line forming absorbent articles 10, or can be done in-line with the machine line forming absorbent articles 10. Advantageously, creating the intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28 off-line allows the cutting to be completed at various speeds, including speeds that may be slower than the machine-line forming the absorbent articles 10, which may allow more precise cutting of the intersecting slit formations.

Acquisition Layer:

In various embodiments the absorbent article 10 can have an acquisition layer 70. The acquisition layer 70 can help decelerate and diffuse surges or gushes of liquid body exudates penetrating the body facing liner 28, whether the exudates penetrate through passages 96 formed by intersecting slit formations 78 or penetrate through the material of the body facing liner 28 itself. In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can be positioned between the body facing liner 28 and the absorbent body 34 to take in and distribute body exudates for absorption by the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can be positioned between the body facing liner 28 and a fluid transfer layer 72 if a fluid transfer layer 72 is present.

In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can be in contact with and/or bonded with the body facing liner 28. In an embodiment in which the acquisition layer 70 is bonded with the body facing liner 28, bonding of the acquisition layer 70 to the body facing liner 28 can occur through the use of an adhesive and/or point fusion bonding, but is not limited to such methods of bonding. For example, the body facing liner 28 could be bonded to the acquisition layer 70 by hydroentangling the body facing liner 28 with the acquisition layer 70. The point fusion bonding can be selected from, but is not limited to, ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the point fusion bonding can be provided in any pattern as deemed suitable. As an example, the body facing liner 28 can be bonded to the acquisition layer 70 at a range of 1 % - 90%. The percentage of bonding between the body facing liner 28 and the acquisition layer 70 can be measured by calculating the area of bonded material between the body facing liner 28 and the acquisition layer 70 and dividing by the area of overlap between the body facing liner 28 and the acquisition layer 70 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, as in a dimension that is perpendicular to the plane of the body facing liner 28 when the body facing liner 28 is laid flat.

The acquisition layer 70 can be rectangular in shape, hourglass in shape, or can be any other shape. The acquisition layer 70 may have any longitudinal length dimension as deemed suitable. The acquisition layer 70 may have a longitudinal length from about 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 225, 230, 240, or 250 mm to about 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 340, 350, 360, 380, 400, 410, 415, 420, 425, 440, 450, 460, 480, 500, 510 or 520 mm. In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can have any length such that the acquisition layer 70 can be coterminous with the waist edges, 22 and 24, of the absorbent article 10.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal length of the acquisition layer 70 can be the same as the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34. In such an embodiment the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the acquisition layer 70 can substantially align with the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal length of the acquisition layer 70 can be shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34. In such an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 may be positioned at any desired location along the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34. As an example of such an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may contain a target area where repeated liquid surges typically occur in the absorbent article 10. The particular location of a target area can vary depending on the age and gender of the wearer of the absorbent article 10. For example, males tend to urinate further toward the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10 and the target area may be phased forward within the absorbent article 10. For example, the target area for a male wearer may be positioned about 2 ¾" forward of the longitudinal midpoint of the absorbent body 34 and may have a length of about ± 3" and a width of about ± 2". The female target area can be located closer to the center of the crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10. For example, the target area for a female wearer may be positioned about 1" forward of the longitudinal midpoint of the absorbent body 34 and may have a length of about ± 3" and a width of about ± 2". As a result, the relative longitudinal placement of the acquisition layer 70 within the absorbent article 10 can be selected to best correspond with the target area of either or both categories of wearers.

In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may contain a target area centered within the crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10 with the premise that the absorbent article 10 would be worn by a female wearer. The acquisition layer 70, therefore, may be positioned along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article 10 such that the acquisition layer 70 can be substantially aligned with the target area of the absorbent article 10 intended for a female wearer. Alternatively, the absorbent article 10 may contain a target area positioned between the crotch region 16 and the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10 with the premise that the absorbent article 10 would be worn by a male wearer. The acquisition layer 70, therefore, may be positioned along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article 10 such that the acquisition layer 70 can be substantially aligned with the target area of the absorbent article 10 intended for a male wearer. In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can have a size dimension that is the same size dimension as the target area of the absorbent article 10 or a size dimension greater than the size dimension of the target area of the absorbent article 10. In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can be in contact with and/or bonded with the body facing liner 28 at least partially in the target area of the absorbent article 10.

In various embodiments, the acquisition layer 70 can have a longitudinal length shorter than, the same as, or longer than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 is a diaper, the acquisition layer 70 may have a longitudinal length from about 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180 mm to about 200, 210, 220, 225, 240, 260, 280, 300, 310 or 320 mm. In such an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 may be shorter in longitudinal length than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34 and may be phased from the front end edge 40 of the absorbent body 34 a distance of from about 15, 20, or 25 mm to about 30, 35 or 40 mm. In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 may be a training pant or youth pant, the acquisition layer 70 may have a longitudinal length from about 120, 130, 140, 150, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240 or 250 mm to about 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 340, 360, 400, 410, 420, 440, 450, 460, 480, 500, 510 or 520 mm. In such an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 may have a longitudinal length shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34 and may be phased a distance of from about 25, 30, 35 or 40 mm to about 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or 85 mm from the front end edge 40 of the absorbent body 34. In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 is an adult incontinence garment, the acquisition layer 70 may have a longitudinal length from about 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, or 250 mm to about 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 320, 340, 360, 380, 400, 410, 415, 425, or 450 mm. In such an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 may have a longitudinal length shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 34 and the acquisition layer 70 may be phased a distance of from about 20, 25, 30 or 35 mm to about 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75 mm from the front end edge 40 of the absorbent body 34.

The acquisition layer 70 may have any width as desired. The acquisition layer 70 may have a width dimension from about 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 70 mm to about 80, 90, 100, 110, 115, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180 mm. The width of the acquisition layer 70 may vary dependent upon the size and shape of the absorbent article 10 within which the acquisition layer 70 will be placed. The acquisition layer 70 can have a width smaller than, the same as, or larger than the width of the absorbent body 34. Within the crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10, the acquisition layer 70 can have a width smaller than, the same as, or larger than the width of the absorbent body 34.

In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can have at least one aperture 98. As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the acquisition layer 70 can have a plurality of apertures 98. The plurality of apertures 98 can be in a pattern 99 that form a plurality of rows 101 and a plurality of columns 102. The apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can be of various shapes and sizes in the pattern 99. For example, the apertures 98 can be circular in shape, as shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 12. The apertures 98 can alternatively be elliptical in shape, as illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 12, the acquisition layer 70 can have a pattern 99 of apertures 98 in which all of the apertures 98 are of substantially the same shape. As shown in FIG. 13, the acquisition layer 70 can have a pattern 99 of apertures 98 in which not all of the apertures 98 are of the same shape. Of course, it is contemplated that the apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can be formed in shapes other than circular and elliptical, including, but not limited to, regular and irregular polygons (regular and irregular triangles, regular and irregular rectangles, regular and irregular pentagons, etc .), and irregular shapes.

The size of the apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can also vary. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, an aperture 98 that is circular in shape can have a diameter in the range of 1.0mm - 100.0mm, preferably in the range of 4.0mm - 50.0mm, more preferably in the range of 6.0mm - 20.0mm, and most preferably in the range of 8.0mm - 12.0mm. In another exemplary embodiment, an aperture 98 that is elliptical in shape, such as that shown in FIG. 13 and in detail in FIG. 14, the major axis 1 10 of the aperture 98 can range from 1.0mm -100.0mm, preferably in the range of 4.0mm - 50.0mm, and more preferably in the range of 6.0mm - 20.0mm. In such an embodiment, the minor axis 112 of an aperture 98 that is elliptical in shape can range from 0.5mm to 100.0mm, preferably in the range of 0.5mm - 45.0mm, and more preferably in the range of 3.0mm - 15.0mm. Additionally, although the major axis 1 10 of the elliptical shaped apertures 98 can be aligned with the longitudinal direction 30 as shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12, the major axis 110 could be designed to be parallel with the lateral direction 32, or form an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction 30.

As briefly mentioned above, the pattern 99 of apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can form a plurality of rows 101 and a plurality of columns 102. The rows 101 of apertures 98 can extend in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 31 and can be offset from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 29. The columns 102 of apertures 98 can extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 and can be offset from one another in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 31. Of course, it is contemplated that the rows 101 and columns 102 of apertures 98 are not limited to such orientations. In an embodiment, the number of rows 101 of apertures 98 can be selected from the range of 1 -50, preferably from the range of 4-30, and more preferably from the range of 6-20. In one embodiment, the number of columns 102 of apertures 98 can be selected from the range of 1 - 25, preferably from the range of 2-20, and more preferably from the range of 3-15. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the acquisition layer 70 can include twelve rows 101 of apertures 98 and seven columns 102 of intersecting slit formations 78. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the acquisition layer 70 can include seventeen rows 101 of apertures 98 and five columns 102 of apertures 98. The pattern 99 of apertures 98 depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12 has some rows 101 that include four apertures 98 and some rows 101 that include three apertures 98. The pattern 99 of apertures 98 depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13 has some rows 101 that include three apertures 98 and some rows 101 that include two apertures 98. Each column 102 of apertures 98 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 each include six apertures 98, however, a pattern 99 of apertures 98 could include one or more columns 102 that have different amounts of apertures 98. For example, in FIG. 13, some columns 102 include nine apertures 98 while other columns 102 include eight apertures 98.

Each aperture 98 in the acquisition layer provides an open area 100 in the acquisition layer 70 that can allow fluid and/or particulate matter exudates to transfer through the acquisition layer 70. The sum of the open areas 100 for each of the plurality of apertures 98 provides a total open area for the acquisition layer 70. In exemplary embodiments, the total open area of the acquisition layer 70 can range from 1 % to 70% of the total area of the acquisition layer 70, more preferably can range from 5% to 45% of the total area of the acquisition layer 70, and even more preferably can range from 10% to 40% of the total area of the acquisition layer 70.

Similar to the discussion above with respect to the intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28, the rows 101 and/or columns 102 of the pattern 99 of apertures 98 can be phased as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 such that adjacent rows 101 do not have apertures 98 aligned in the longitudinal direction 30 and such that adjacent columns 102 do not have apertures 98 aligned in the lateral direction 32. This phasing of the rows 101 and/or columns 102 of the apertures 98 can also be described by the center-to-center distance 104, 106 between nearest apertures in both the longitudinal direction 30 and the lateral direction 32, respectively. FIG. 14 illustrates how to measure an exemplary center-to-center distance 104 between successive apertures 98 in the longitudinal direction 30 and how to measure an exemplary center-to- center distance 106 between successive apertures 98 in the lateral direction 32. The center-to- center distance 104 in the longitudinal direction 30 can be calculated by measuring the distance between the centers 108 of aperture 98 in successive rows 101 , measuring parallel to the longitudinal direction 30. The center-to-center distance 106 in the lateral direction 32 can be calculated by measuring the distance between centers 108 of the nearest apertures 98 in successive columns 102, measuring parallel to the lateral direction 32. It can be appreciated that adjacent rows 101 and adjacent columns 102 need not have equal spacing throughout a pattern 99 of apertures 98. Accordingly, the center-to-center distances 104, 106 need not be consistent through a pattern 99 of apertures 98.

The phasing of rows 101 and/or columns 102 of apertures 98 and the design of the center- to-center distances 104, 106 can be based on a variety of factors. For example the center-to-center distance 104 in the lateral direction 32 can be designed to vary based on the overall shape and characteristics of the apertures 98. Looking at the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a center-to-center distance 104 in the longitudinal direction 30 could be designed to range between a factor of zero and four multiplied by the total length of the diameters of each of the apertures 98 for which the center-to-center distance 104 is being measured. Similarly, a center-to-center distance 106 in the lateral direction 32 could be designed to range between a factor of zero to four multiplied by the total length of the diameters of each of the apertures 98 for which the center-to-center distance 106 is being measured. Looking at the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13 and the detailed view of FIG. 14, a center-to-center distance 104 in the longitudinal direction 30 could be designed to range between a factor of zero and four multiplied by the total additive length of the major axis 1 10 of the elliptical aperture 98 and the diameter of the aperture 98 for which the center- to-center distance 104 is being measured. A center-to-center distance 106 in the lateral direction 32 could be designed to range between a factor of zero and four multiplied by the total additive length of the minor axis 112 of the elliptical aperture 98 and the diameter of the aperture 98 for which the center-to-center distance 106 is being measured. Of course, it can be appreciated that the center-to- center distances 104, 106 could extend to a range greater than the exemplary ranges noted herein. The phasing of rows 101 and/or columns 102 of the pattern 99 of apertures 98 and providing for non-zero center-to-center distance 106 in the lateral direction 32 can provide advantages for an absorbent article 10. For example, such a pattern 99 can provide for a more dense pattern 99 of apertures 98, or more apertures 98 per unit area of acquisition layer 70. Increased density of apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can provide increased intake and/or distribution of insults. Additionally, such a pattern 99 can provide for higher tensile strengths of the acquisition layer 70 in both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, respectively, as compared to a pattern 99 of apertures 98 that does not have phased rows 101 and/or columns 102 and/or a non-zero center-to- center distance 106 in the lateral direction 32.

In an exemplary embodiment, the design of the aperture(s) 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can align and correspond with the intersecting slit formation(s) 78 in the body facing liner 28. Furthermore, the design of the pattern 99 of apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can align and correspond with the pattern 79 of the intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28. FIG. 15 illustrates one example of how a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 in a body facing liner 28 can align with a pattern 99 of apertures 98 in an acquisition layer 70. FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a body facing liner 28 overlaying an acquisition layer 70. The body facing liner 28 includes a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78 that includes seventeen rows 86 of intersecting slit formations 78 and five columns 88 of intersecting slit formations 78. The acquisition layer 70 includes a pattern 99 of apertures 98 that includes seventeen rows 101 of apertures 98 and five columns 102 of apertures 98. Accordingly, there is the same amount of intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28 as there are apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 in this exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 15.

As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 16, each of the four intersecting slit formations 78 shown includes four slits 80 and an aperture 82. Each of the intersecting slit formations 78 includes slits 80 that are of different length than other slits 80 within the same intersecting slit formation 78, the longer slits 80 being aligned in the longitudinal direction 30. The potential open area 94 is also shown for each of the intersecting slit formations 78. FIG. 16 also depicts four apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70. The apertures 98 each define an open area 100. As shown in FIG. 16, the potential open area 94 for each of the intersecting slit formations 78 shown in the body facing liner 28 at least partially overlaps a portion of the open area 100 of a corresponding aperture 98 in the acquisition layer 70. As used in this context herein, "overlaps" refers to the comparative position of components in the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, respectively, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, as in a dimension that is perpendicular to the plane of the body facing liner 28 when the body facing liner 28 is laid flat. However, in some embodiments, not all of the potential open areas 94 for the intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner will at least partially overlap a portion of the open area 100 of a corresponding aperture 98 in the acquisition layer 70. In some embodiments, a majority of intersecting slit formations 78 of the plurality of intersecting slit formations 78 can be configured such that at least a portion of the potential open area 94 overlaps with at least a portion of the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98.

Additionally, the intersection point 84 of each of the intersecting slit formations 78 is within the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98, the term "within" used in this context referring to the comparative position of the intersection point 84 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, as in a dimension that is perpendicular to the plane of the body facing liner 28 when the body facing liner 28 is laid flat. However, in some embodiments, the intersection point 84 of some intersecting slit formations 78 may not be within the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98. In some embodiments, a majority of the intersecting slit formations 78 are configured such that the intersection point 84 is within the open area 100 of a corresponding aperture 98. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the intersection point 84 of each intersecting slit formation 78 can substantially align with the center point 108 of each aperture 98. As used in the context herein, "substantially aligns" refers to the comparative position of the intersection point 84 and the center point 108 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, as in a dimension that is perpendicular to the plane of the body facing liner 28 when the body facing liner 28 is laid flat. However, in some embodiments, the intersection point 84 of some of the intersecting slit formations 78 may not substantially align with the center point 108 of a corresponding aperture 98. In some embodiments, a majority of the intersecting slit formations 78 are configured such that the intersection point 84 substantially aligns with the center point 108 of a corresponding aperture 98. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate further exemplary embodiments and display the alignment and interplay between an intersecting slit formation 78 of the body facing liner 28 and a corresponding aperture 98 of the acquisition layer 70. In FIG. 17, the four slits 80 in the intersecting slit formation 78 are all of the same length, and the intersecting slit formation 78 does not include an aperture 82. The potential open area 94 of the intersecting slit formation is completely within the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98, the term "within" being used in this context to refer to the comparative position of the potential open area 94 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions 30, 32, as in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the body facing liner 28 when the body facing liner 28 is laid flat. As shown in FIG. 17, the intersection point 84 of the intersecting slit formation 78 can be configured such that the intersection point 84 does not align with the center point 108 of the aperture 98. In a situation where the intersection point 84 of the intersecting slit formation 78 does not align with the center point 108 of circular aperture 98, it is preferred that the distance between the intersection point 84 and the center point 108 is less than 50% of the length of the diameter of the circular aperture 98, preferably less than 30% of the length of the diameter of the circular aperture 98, and more preferably less than 15% of the diameter of the circular aperture 98. In a situation where the intersection point 84 of the intersecting slit formation 78 does not align with the center point 108 of an elliptical aperture 98, it is preferred that the distance between the intersection point 84 and the center point 108 is less than 50% of the length of the minor axis 1 12 of the elliptical aperture 98, preferably less than 30% of the length of the minor axis 1 12 of the elliptical aperture 98, and more preferably less than 15% of the minor axis 1 12 of the elliptical aperture 98. FIG. 17 also illustrates that the potential open area 94 of the intersecting slit formation 78 is less than the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98. Having a potential open area 94 of an intersecting slit formation 78 that is less than the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98 provides the advantage of obtaining alignment of the passage 96 that can be created by the potential open area 94 upon an insult with the aperture 98 (as shown in FIG. 8) even though there may be process variability in the alignment of the body facing liner 28 and/or the acquisition layer 70 during manufacturing of the absorbent article 10 that prevents more precise alignment of the intersection point 84 and the center point 108. Thus, a synergistic effect between the intersecting slit formation 78 of the body facing liner 28 and the aperture 98 of the acquisition layer 70 can be created more reliably in some circumstances when the potential open area 94 of the intersecting slit formation 78 is less than the open area 100 of the corresponding aperture 98. It is contemplated that the body facing liner 28 and acquisition layer 70 could include one or more such corresponding intersecting slit formations 78 and apertures 98, respectively, as described in FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 illustrates an intersecting slit formation 78 in a body facing liner 28 having four slits 80 and an aperture 82. The slits 80 are not all of the same length. The slits 80 of greatest length form an angle γ with a line 29a that is parallel to the longitudinal direction 30. The angle γ can range between 0° and 90°. Also shown in FIG. 18 is an elliptical aperture 98, having a major axis 110 and a minor axis 1 12. The major axis 110 forms an angle β with the slit 80 of greatest length from the intersecting slit formation 78. The angle β can range between 0° and 90°, however, to achieve better angular alignment between the intersecting slit formation 78 and aperture 98 of FIG. 18, it is preferred that angle β is selected from the range of 0° - 45°, preferably from the range of 0° - 30°, and more preferably from the range of 0° to 15°. Achieving a smaller angle β can provide enhanced synergistic effects between the intersecting slit formation 78 of the body facing liner 28 and the corresponding aperture 98 of the acquisition layer 70, including enhanced intake and distribution of fluid and/or particulate matter of an insult. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the major axis 110 of the aperture 98 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the longest slit 80 of the intersecting slit formation 78 by a factor selected from the range of about 0.1 to about 4.0. It is preferable if the length of the major axis 1 10 of the aperture 98 is within the range of a factor of about 0.5 to about 3.0 times the length of the longest slit 80, and more preferably is within the range of a factor of about 1.5 to about 2.0 times the length of the longest slit 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the minor axis 1 12 of the aperture 98 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the shortest slit 80 of the intersecting slit formation 78 by a factor selected from the range of about 0.1 to about 4.0. It is preferable if the length of the minor axis 1 12 of the aperture is within the range of a factor of about 0.5 to about 3.0 times the length of the shortest slit 80, and more preferably is within the range of a factor of about 1.5 to about 2.0 times the length of the shortest slit 80. Of course, it is contemplated that the major axis 1 10 and the minor axis 112 can be configured to have different ratios of lengths when compared to the longest slit(s) 80 and shortest slit(s) 80 of an intersecting slit formation 78 other than the exemplary ranges noted herein. FIG. 18 also illustrates that an open area 100 of an aperture 98 can be smaller than the potential open area 94 of the corresponding intersecting slit formation 78. Having an open area 100 of an aperture 98 that is smaller than the potential open area 94 of a corresponding intersecting slit formation 78 can potentially reduce the amount of fluid and/or particulate matter of an insult that flows back through the acquisition layer 70 towards the body facing liner 28. Of course, it is contemplated that the body facing liner 28 and acquisition layer 70 could include one or more such corresponding intersecting slit formations 78 and apertures 98, respectively, as described in FIG. 18.

Configuring the body facing liner 28 and the acquisition layer 70 such that intersecting slit formation(s) 78 in the body facing liner 28 align or correspond to aperture(s) 98 in the acquisition layer 70 can provide benefits for the absorbent article 10. For example, fluid and/or particulate matter that passes through the passage 96 created by the potential open area 94 of an intersecting slit formation 78 in the body facing liner 28 can flow more quickly to the absorbent body 34 by passing through the open area 100 of the aperture 98 in the acquisition layer 70. Such an alignment can help reduce the area of spread of an insult on the body facing liner 28 and reduce the residual fecal matter on the body facing liner 28 after an insult of exudates. As a result, skin irritation of the wearer of the absorbent article can also be reduced by this alignment. Additionally, uch enhanced properties individually, as well as collectively, can reduce the likelihood of the fluid and/or particulate matter exudates from compromising the gasketing system of the absorbent article 10, such as the containment flaps 44, 46.

In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, superabsorbent material, woven material, nonwoven material, wet-laid fibrous webs, a substantially unbounded airlaid fibrous web, an operatively bonded, stabilized-airlaid fibrous web, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the acquisition layer 70 can be formed from a material that is substantially hydrophobic, such as a nonwoven web composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and the like, and combinations thereof.

The apertures 98 can be formed in the acquisition layer 70 using various manufacturing techniques. For example, a pattern 99 of apertures 98 can be cut into the acquisition layer 70 by a rotary die (not shown), a laser cutter (not shown), a water cutter (not shown), or a punch press (not shown). The creation of the apertures 98 can be done off the machine line forming absorbent articles 10, or can be done in-line with the machine line forming absorbent articles 10. Advantageously, creating the apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70 off-line allows the cutting to be completed at various speeds, including speeds that may be slower than the machine-line forming the absorbent articles 10, which may allow more precise cutting of the apertures 98.

Containment Flaps:

In an embodiment, containment flaps, 44, 46, can be secured to the body facing liner 28 of the absorbent article 10 in a generally parallel, spaced relation with each other laterally inward of the leg openings to provide a barrier against the flow of body exudates. In an embodiment, the containment flaps, 44, 46, can extend longitudinally from the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10, through the crotch region 16 to the back waist region 14 of the absorbent article 10. A proximal end 120 of the containment flaps 44, 46 can be bonded to the body facing liner 28 with a seam of adhesive 122. Alternatively, each containment flap 44, 46 can be bonded to other components of the absorbent article 10 other than the body facing liner 28, including, but not limited to, the backsheet 26. The containment flaps, 44 and 46, can be constructed of a fibrous material which can be similar to the material forming the body facing liner. Other conventional materials, such as polymer films, can also be employed. Each containment flap, 44 and 46, can have a moveable distal end 124 which can include flap elastics, such as flap elastics 48 and 50, respectively. Suitable elastic materials for the flap elastic, 48 and 50, can include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric materials.

The flap elastics, 48 and 50, as illustrated, can have two strands of elastomeric material extending longitudinally along the distal ends 124 of the containment flaps, 44 and 46, in generally parallel, spaced relation with each other. The elastic strands can be within the containment flaps, 44 and 46, while in an elastically contractible condition such that contraction of the strands gathers and shortens the distal ends 124 of the containment flaps, 44 and 46. As a result, the elastic strands can bias the distal ends 124 of each containment flap, 44 and 46, toward a position spaced from the proximal end 120 of the containment flaps, 44 and 46, so that the containment flaps, 44 and 46, can extend away from the body facing liner 28 in a generally upright orientation of the containment flaps, 44 and 46, especially in the crotch region 16 of the absorbent article 10, when the absorbent article 10 is fitted on the wearer. The distal end 124 of the containment flaps, 44 and 46, can be connected to the flap elastics, 48 and 50, by partially doubling the containment flap, 44 and 46, material back upon itself by an amount which can be sufficient to enclose the flap elastics, 48 and 50. It is to be understood, however, that the containment flaps, 44 and 46, can have any number of strands of elastomeric material and may also be omitted from the absorbent article 10 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Leg Elastics:

Leg elastic members 56, 58 can be secured to the backsheet 26, such as by being bonded thereto by laminate adhesive, generally laterally inward of the longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20, of the absorbent article 10. The leg elastic members 56, 58 can form elasticized leg cuffs 57, 59, respectively, that further help to contain body exudates. In an embodiment, the leg elastic members 56, 58 may be disposed between the inner layer 62 and outer layer 60 of the backsheet 26 or between other layers of the absorbent article 10. The leg elastic members 56, 58 can be a single elastic member as illustrated in the figures herein, or each leg elastic member 56, 58 can include more than one elastic member. A wide variety of elastic materials may be used for the leg elastic members 56, 58. Suitable elastic materials can include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric materials. The elastic materials can be stretched and secured to a substrate, secured to a gathered substrate, or secured to a substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, such that the elastic retractive forces are imparted to the substrate. Fastening System:

In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can include a fastener system. The fastener system can include one or more back fasteners 130 and one or more front fasteners 132. Portions of the fastener system may be included in the front waist region 12, back waist region 14, or both. The fastener system can be configured to secure the absorbent article 10 about the waist of the wearer and maintain the absorbent article 10 in place during use. In an embodiment, the back fasteners 130 can include one or more materials bonded together to form a composite ear as is known in the art. For example, the composite fastener may be composed of a stretch component 134, a nonwoven carrier or hook base 136, and a fastening component 138.

Waist Elastic Members: In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can have waist elastic members, 52 and 54, which can be formed of any suitable elastic material. The waist elastic member 52 can be in a rear waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10 and the waist elastic member 54 can be in a front waist region 14 of the absorbent article. Suitable elastic materials for the waist elastic members 52, 54 can include, but are not limited to, sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and bonded to a substrate, bonded to a gathered substrate, or bonded to a substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, such that elastic retractive forces are imparted to the substrate. It is to be understood, however, that the waist elastic members, 52 and 54, may be omitted from the absorbent article 10 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Feminine Hygiene Product:

FIG. 19 provides a non-limiting illustration of an absorbent article 10 in the form of a feminine hygiene product such as a menstrual pad or feminine adult incontinence product. The absorbent article 10 can have a lengthwise, longitudinal direction 30 and a transverse, lateral direction 32. Additionally, the absorbent article 10 can include first and second longitudinally opposed front and rear end regions, 12 and 14 (which can be referred to as front waist regions and rear waist regions, respectively), and an intermediate region (or crotch region) 16, located between the end regions, 12 and 14. The absorbent article 10 can have first and second longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20, which can be the longitudinal sides of the elongated absorbent article 10. The longitudinal side edges, 18 and 20, can be contoured to match the shape of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 can have any desired shape such as, for example, a dog bone shape, a race track shape, an hourglass shape, or the like. Additionally, the absorbent article 10 can be substantially longitudinally symmetric, or may be longitudinally asymmetric, as desired.

As representatively shown, the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 10 can be relatively larger than the transverse lateral dimension of the absorbent article 10. Configurations of the absorbent article 10 can include a body facing liner 28 and a backsheet 26, such as described herein. An absorbent body 34, such as described herein, can be positioned between the body facing liner 28 and the backsheet 26. As representatively shown, for example, the peripheries of the body facing liner 28 and the backsheet 26 can be substantially entirely coterminous or the peripheries of the body facing material 28 and the backsheet 26 can be partially or entirely non-coterminous. In an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can include an acquisition layer 70 such as described herein.

The body facing liner 28 can include a pattern 79 of intersecting slit formations 78, such as described herein. The acquisition layer 70 can include a pattern 99 of apertures 98. The intersecting slit formations 78 in the body facing liner 28 can be aligned with the apertures 98 in the acquisition layer 70, as previously described, to provide the advantages for the absorbent article 10 noted above.

In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 can be a feminine hygiene product, the absorbent article 10 can include laterally extending wing portions 156 that can be integrally connected to the side edges, 18 and 20, of the absorbent article 10 in the intermediate region 16 of the absorbent article 10. For example, the wing portions 156 may be separately provided members that are subsequently attached or otherwise operatively joined to the intermediate region 16 of the absorbent article 10. In other configurations, the wing portions 156 may be unitarily formed with one or more components of the absorbent article 10. As an example, a wing portion 156 may be formed from a corresponding, operative extension of the body facing liner 28, the backsheet 26, and combinations thereof. The wing portions 156 can have an appointed storage position (not shown) in which the wing portions 156 are directed generally inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 29. In various embodiments, the wing portion 156 that is connected to one side edge, such as side edge 18, may have sufficient cross-directional length to extend and continue past the axis 29 to approach the laterally opposite side edge 20 of the absorbent article 10. The storage position of the wing portions 156 can ordinarily represent an arrangement observed when the absorbent article 10 is first removed from a wrapper or packaging. Prior to placing the absorbent article 10, such as the feminine hygiene product, into a bodyside of an undergarment prior to use, the wing portions 156 can be selectively arranged to extend laterally from the side edges, 18 and 20, of the absorbent article 10 intermediate region 16. After placing the absorbent article 10 into the undergarment, the wing portions 156 can be operatively wrapped and secured around the side edges 18, 20 of the undergarment to help hold the absorbent article 10 in place, in a manner well known in the art.

The wing portions 156 can have any operative construction and can include a layer of any operative material. Additionally, each wing portion 156 can comprise a composite material. For example, the wing portions 156 can include a spunbond fabric material, a bicomponent spunbond material, a necked spunbond material, a neck-stretched-bonded laminate (NBL) material, a meltblown fabric material, a bonded carded web, a thermal bonded carded web, a through-air bonded carded web, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Each wing portion 156 can include a panel-fastener component (not shown) which can be operatively joined to an appointed engagement surface of its associated wing portion 156. The panel-fastener component can include a system of interengaging mechanical fasteners, a system of adhesive fasteners, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In an embodiment, either or both wing portions 156 can include a panel-fastener system which incorporates an operative adhesive. The adhesive may be a solvent based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, a garment attachment mechanism (not shown), such as a garment attachment adhesive, can be distributed onto the garment side of the absorbent article 10. In an embodiment, the garment adhesive can be distributed over the garment side of the absorbent article 10 of the backsheet 26, and one or more layers or sheets of release material can be removably placed over the garment adhesive for storage prior to use. In an embodiment, the garment attachment mechanism can include an operative component of a mechanical fastening system. In such an embodiment, the garment attachment mechanism can include an operative component of a hook-and-loop type of fastening system. Decolorizing Composition:

In an embodiment, a chemical treatment may be employed to alter the color of bodily exudates captured by the absorbent article 10. In an embodiment, for example, the treatment may be a decolorizing composition that agglutinates (agglomerates) red blood cells in blood and menses and limits the extent that the red color of menses is visible. One such composition includes a surfactant, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,350,71 1 to Potts, et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. Non-limiting examples of such surfactants include Pluronic® surfactants (tri-block copolymer surfactant), inorganic salts that contain a polyvalent anion (e.g., divalent, trivalent, etc.), such as sulfate (SCM^2-), phosphate (PC ^3-), carbonate (CO3^2"), oxide (O²-), etc., and a monovalent cation, such as sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), lithium (Li⁺), ammonium (NhV), etc. Alkali metal cations are also beneficial. Some examples of salts formed from such ions include, but are not limited to, disodium sulfate (Na₂SC>4), dipotassium sulfate (K2SO4), disodium carbonate (Na₂C03), dipotassium carbonate (K2CO3), monosodium phosphate (NaH₂P04), disodium phosphate (Na₂HP04), monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4), dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), etc. Mixtures of the aforementioned salts may also be effective in facilitating physical separation of red blood cells. For example, a mixture of disodium sulfate (Na₂S04) and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) may be employed.

Besides agglutinating agents, the decolorizing composition may alter the chemical structure of hemoglobin to change its color. Examples of such compositions are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0062764 to MacDonald, et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. In an embodiment, the composition can include an oxidizing agent that can be generally capable of oxidizing hemoglobin or other substances responsible for unwanted color of the bodily exudates. Some examples of oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, peroxygen bleaches (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, percarbonates, persulphates, perborates, peroxyacids, alkyl hydroperoxides, peroxides, diacyl peroxides, ozonides, supereoxides, oxo- ozonides, and periodates); hydroperoxides (e.g., tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumyl hydroperoxide, 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-hydroperoxide, di-isopropylbenzene-monohydroperoxide, tert-amyl hydroperoxide and 2, 5-d i methy l-hexane-2 ,5-di hyd roperoxide) ; peroxides (e.g., lithium peroxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, ammonium peroxide, calcium peroxide, rubidium peroxide, cesium peroxide, strontium peroxide, barium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, mercury peroxide, silver peroxide, zirconium peroxide, hafnium peroxide, titanium peroxide, phosphorus peroxide, sulphur peroxide, rhenium peroxide, iron peroxide, cobalt peroxide, and nickel peroxide); perborates (e.g., sodium perborate, potassium perborate, and ammonium perborate); persulphates (e.g., sodium persulphate, potassium dipersulphate, and potassium persulphate); and so forth. Other suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acids, a- linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosadienoinc acid, eicosatrienoic acid, etc.

The decolorizing composition may be applied to any liquid permeable layer of the absorbent article 10 where it can contact aqueous fluids exuded by the body, such as, for example, menses, such as the body facing liner 28, acquisition layer 70, fluid transfer layer 72, absorbent body 34, backsheet 26, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the decolorizing composition may be applied to only a portion of the surface of the layer(s) to which it is applied to ensure that the layer(s) is still capable of retaining sufficient absorbent properties. In an embodiment, it may be desired that the decolorizing composition is positioned closer to the absorbent body 40. In an embodiment, an additional layer (not shown) may be employed in the absorbent article 10 and may be applied with the decolorizing composition that is in contact with the absorbent body 40. The additional layer may be formed from a variety of different porous materials, such as a perforated film, nonwoven web (e.g., cellulosic web, spunbond web, meltblown web, etc.), foams, etc. In an embodiment, the additional layer may be in the form of a hollow enclosure (e.g., sachet, bag, etc.) that is folded so that it partially or completely surrounds the absorbent body 40. The decolorizing composition may be disposed within this enclosure so that it remains sealed therein prior to use. Experiments

Experiments were conducted using methodologies to determine the residual fecal material simulant left on the surface of the body facing liner as well as contained within components of various absorbent assemblies, as well as to determine the area of spread of fecal material simulant on the body facing liner for various absorbent assemblies. The absorbent assemblies were prepared using the following methodology:

Assembly Instructions for Absorbent Composites

Materials:

Body Facing Liner: A 12 gsm white wettable spunbond web composed of random laid continuous polypropylene round filaments. The web is made wettable with up to about 0.5% of a 50:50 ratio of Cirrasol/SF-19 treatment using a foaming system. Acquisition Layer: A 203 gsm through-air bonded carded web composed of 40% 6 denier polyester fibers and 60% 6 denier bicomponent fibers (polyethylene sheath with polypropylene core). The web is made wettable with up to 0.5% of a 3:1 ratio of Cirrasol / Glucopon treatment using a foaming system. Fluid Transfer Layer: A 12 gsm white wettable spunbond-meltblown-spunbond web. The web is made wettable with up to 0.5% of a 3:1 ratio of Cirrasol / Glucopon treatment using a foaming system.

Absorbent Body: An hourglass shaped, flat absorbent pad air formed on commercially available equipment (such as from Curt Joa., Sheboygan Falls, Wl 53085) of a pulp fluff/superabsorbent material homogenous mixture with uniform thickness, density, and basis weight on a 12 gsm white spunbond-meltblown-spunbond backing sheet with a pad length of 287 mm and a maximum pad width of 102 mm. The backing sheet has dimensions of 287 mm long and 128 mm wide. The absorbent body contained 60% superabsorbent material (SXM 9500, available from Stockhausen, Greensboro, North Carolina) and 40% pulp fluff (Weyerhaeuser 7.5% moisture CF-416 Southern Softwood Kraft fluff pulp, available from Weyerhaeuser Company, Geneva, Switzerland). The fluid transfer layer is wrapped around the absorbent body (including the backing sheet) after the formation of the absorbent body such that two lateral sides of the fluid transfer layer overlap by approximately 10 mm and are adhesively coupled together using approximately 0.028 grams of construction adhesive, such as H2525A construction adhesive manufactured by Bostik, Inc., U.S.A. The materials for the absorbent body, body facing liner, acquisition layer, and fluid transfer layer are the same for each experimental code unless otherwise noted.

Material Preparation:

1. Acquisition Layer: Cut to 6 inches long by 3 inches wide. Apertures are prepared to correspond to the same number and same location of the intersecting slit formations of the body facing liner for each respective experimental code. For example, the body facing liner of code 1 in Table 1 below and shown in FIG. 24A has twenty-eight (28) intersecting slit formations, and thus, the acquisition layer is to be prepared with 28 apertures of the diameter noted in Table 1. The apertures are prepared in the acquisition layer using a laser, such as a laser manufactured by Universal Laser, Inc. with a model number of PLS6.120D, to remove the material of the acquisition layer where the aperture is to be located. 2. Body Facing Liner: Cut to 10 inches long by 5 inches wide. Intersecting slit formations are prepared according to the number of slits and slit length as specified in each experimental code as described in Table 1 below and as shown in FIGS. 24A-24S. FIGS. 24A-24S illustrate the body facing liners of codes 1 -19 in numerical order, i.e., FIG. 24A illustrates the body facing liner of code 1 , FIG. 24B illustrates the body facing liner of code 2, FIG. 24C illustrates the body facing liner of code 3, etc. The slits and the aperture of the intersecting slit formations are prepared in the body facing liner using a laser, such as a laser manufactured by Universal Laser, Inc. with a model number of PLS6.120D, to cut the slits in the material and remove the material where the aperture is to be located. Each slit was prepared to have a slit width of approximately 0.2mm. The individual intersecting slits are evenly spaced from one another in angular fashion such that an angle a between consecutive slits is equal between all consecutive intersecting slits in an intersecting slit formation.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Pre-weigh each layer of the specimen and record the value to the nearest 0.01 gram. For example, the body facing liner should be weighed independently from the acquisition layer and the absorbent body. The absorbent body weight, however, includes the weight of the fluid transfer layer.

2. Lay the absorbent body with the fluid transfer layer on a flat testing surface.

3. Lay the acquisition layer on top of the fluid transfer layer, which will be wrapping the absorbent body. The acquisition layer should be centered both laterally and longitudinally on the fluid transfer layer and such that the center of the aperture of the acquisition layer is aligned with the intersection point of the intersecting slit formation.

4. Lay the body facing liner on top of the acquisition layer, centering the body facing liner both laterally and longitudinally on the acquisition layer and such that the apertures in the intersecting slit formations in the body facing liner (for codes including intersecting slit formations in the body facing liner) or the apertures in the body facing liner align (for codes only including apertures in the body facing liner) with the corresponding apertures in the acquisition layer.

Specimen Preparation for Absorbent Composites 1. Mark the center of the target insult zone 280 on the body facing liner with a single, small dot using a permanent black marker. The target insult zone 280, as depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26, will be in the lateral and longitudinal center of the body facing liner where there is no intersecting slit formation or aperture in such location, such as depicted in FIG. 25, which illustrates the body facing liner of code 2 as discussed herein. For specimens that have a body facing liner with an intersecting slit formation or aperture in such location, the target insult zone 280 should be located in the lateral center of a preceding row of intersecting slit formations or apertures, such as depicted in FIG. 26, which illustrates the body facing liner of code 3 .

Specimen Preparation for Absorbent Articles, such as Diapers

1. Use scissors to cut the leg elastics off of the absorbent article; cut between the edge of the containment flaps and the leg elastics (the ears and front tabs can be cut off). Ensure that the absorbent core is not cut or opened up; the liner should remain fully intact.

2. Use "freeze off' spray to carefully remove the back waistband, if present. An example of "freeze off' spray is a product called Freeze Spray made by Max Pro (P.O. Box 9962, Ft.

Lauderdale, FL 33310).

3. Use "freeze off' spray to carefully remove the containment flaps, if present.

4. Use "freeze off' spray to carefully remove each layer of the absorbent assembly.

5. Weigh each layer of the specimen and record the value to the nearest 0.01 gram. For example, the body facing liner should be weighed independently from the surge layer and the absorbent body. The absorbent body weight, however, includes the weight of the fluid transfer layer. Repeat this process four times in order to obtain an average weight of each layer. These pre- weighed articles will not be used in the test.

6. For the specimens that will be used in testing, mark the center of the target insult zone 280 on the absorbent article with a single, small dot using a permanent black marker. The dot should be placed on the lateral and longitudinal center of the body facing liner where there is no intersecting slit formation or aperture in such location, such as depicted in FIG. 25. For specimens that have a body facing liner with an intersecting slit formation or aperture in such location, the target insult zone 280 should be located in the lateral center of a preceding row of intersecting slit formations or apertures, such as depicted in FIG. 26.

Fecal Material Simulant The following is a description of the fecal material simulant utilized in some of the examples described herein.

Fecal Material Simulant Ingredients:

• Dannon® All Natural Lowfat Yogurt (1.5% milkfat grade A), Vanilla with other natural flavor, in 32 oz container.

• McCormick Ground Turmeric

• Great Value® 100% liquid egg whites

• Knox® Original Gelatin - unflavored and in powder form

• DAWN® Ultra Concentrated original scent dishwashing liquid

• Distilled Water

Note: All fecal material simulant ingredients can be purchased at grocery stores such as Wal-Mart® or on-line retailers. Some of the fecal material simulant ingredients are perishable food items and should be incorporated into the fecal material simulant at least two weeks prior to their expiration date.

Fecal Material Simulant Mixing Equipment:

• Laboratory Scale with an accuracy to 0.01 gram

• 500 mL beaker

• Small lab spatula

• Stop watch

• IKA®-WERKE Eurostar Power Control-Vise with R 1312 Turbine stirrer available from IKA® Works, Inc., Wilmington, NC, USA. Fecal Material Simulant Mixing Procedure:

1. A 4-part mixture is created at room temperature by adding, in the following order, the following fecal material simulant ingredients (which are at room temperature) to the beaker at a temperature between 21 °C and 25°C: 57% yogurt, 3% turmeric, 39.6% egg white and 0.4% gelatin. For example, for a total mixture weight of 200.0 g, the mixture will have 1 14.0 g of the yogurt, 6.0 g of the turmeric, 79.2 g of the egg whites, and 0.8 g of the gelatin using the laboratory scale.

2. The 4-part mixture should be stirred to homogeneity using the IKA®-WERKE Eurostar stirrer set to a speed of 50 RPM. Homogeneity will be reached in approximately 5 minutes (using the stop watch). The beaker position can be adjusted during stirring so the entire mixture is stirred uniformly. If any of the mixture material clings to the inside wall of the beaker, the small spatula is used to scrap the mixture material off the inside wall and place it into the center part of the beaker.

3. A 1.3% DAWN solution is made by adding 1.3 gram of DAWN Ultra Concentrated into 98.7 gram of distilled water. The IKA®-WERKE Eurostar and the R 1312 Turbine stirrer is used to mix the solution for 5 minutes at a speed of 50 RPM.

4. An amount of 2.0 grams of the 1.3% DAWN solution is added to 200 grams of the 4- part mixture obtained from Step 2 for a total combined weight of 202 grams of fecal material simulant. The 2.0 grams of the 1.3% DAWN solution is stirred into the homogenous 4-part mixture carefully and only to homogeneity (approximately 2 minutes) at a speed of 50 RPM, using the IKA®- WERKE Eurostar stirrer. Final viscosity of the final fecal material simulant should be 390 ± 40 cP (centipoise) when measured at a shear rate of 10 s-1 and temperature of 37°C.

5. The fecal material simulant is allowed to equilibrate for about 24 hours in a refrigerator at a temperature of 7°C. It can be stored in a lidded and airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days at around 7°C. Before use, the fecal material simulant should be brought to equilibrium with room temperature. It should be noted that multiple batches of fecal material simulant of similar viscosity can be combined together. For example, five batches of fecal material simulant of similar viscosity and each 200 grams can be combined into one common container for a total volume of 1000 cc. It will take approximately 1 hour for 10OOcc of fecal material simulant to equilibrate with room temperature. Method to Determine the Viscosity of the Fecal Material Simulant:

The viscosity of the fecal material simulant is determined utilizing a Brookfield rheometer. The final viscosity of the fecal material simulant should be 390 ± 40 cP (centipoise) when measured at a shear rate of 10 s-1 and a temperature of 37°C. Equipment:

• LV-model of the Brookfield DV-III ULTRA Rheometer with a spindle # SCA-28

• Rheocalc software provided by Brookfield

Method:

1. Gently invert (2 to 3 times by hand with slow rocking for approximately 5 seconds) the sealed container of the fecal material simulant prior to loading it into the cartridge to reduce accumulation of particles on the bottom.

2. Per the instructions found in the Operator's Manual for the Rheometer, the fecal material simulant is added, in an amount of 17 mL, to the cartridge via syringe and placed in the Thermosel which is maintained at a constant temperature of 37°C. 3. Rheocalc is programmed to run at 30 second intervals between each RPM

(revolutions per minute) starting at .01 RPM followed by 0.03, 0.07, 0.10, 0.50, 1.00, 3.00, 7.00, 10.0, 20.0, 50.0, 100.0, and 200.0 and going down to 100.0, 50.0, 20.0, 7.00, 3.00, 1.00, 0.50, 0.10, 0.07, 0.03, and 0.01.

4. The viscosity as a function of shear rate curve can be established from the Rheocalc data. From that curve the viscosity at a shear rate of 107s can be determined.

5. The test is repeated three times using three different batches of fecal material simulant to establish the range of viscosity for the simulant at 107s.

Residual Fecal Material Simulant Testing and Fecal Material Simulant Surface Spread Testing

Residual Fecal Material Simulant Testing was conducted to determine the residual fecal material simulant left on the surface of the body facing liner material as well as contained within other components of various absorbent assemblies. The Fecal Material Simulant Surface Spread Testing was conducted to determine the area of spread of the residual fecal material simulant left on the surface of the body facing liner after an insult.

Testing Equipment and Supplies:

• Injection Apparatus (an exemplary set-up is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22)

• Balance with an accuracy to 0.01 grams

• Electronic Digital Caliper (VWR International Model 62379-531 )

• Digital Thickness Gauge (Mitutoyo Type IDF- 1050E, and exemplary set-up is illustrated in FIG. 20)

• Digital Cooking Timer, readable to 1 second

• Digital Camera (an exemplary set-up is illustrated in FIG. 23)

• Ruler

• Fecal Material Simulant, as described herein, utilized at room temperature

• Scott® paper towels (Mega Roll Choose A Size)

• Blotter Paper: Verigood grade, white, 100 lb, 475 by 600 mm (19 by 24 inch) long stock, 250 sheets per ream, cut to a specified size of 100 by 150 mm (4 by 6 inches) or equivalent, available from Schabo Printing, Black Creek, Wl, U.S.A.

• A non-permeable, non-flexible clear board of a suitable water resistant material, such as Lexan, cut to 4.0 by 6.0 inches (101.6 by 152.4 mm) and weighing 0.48 lbs (217.72 grams).

• Absorbent composites for each absorbent composite test code as described herein Equipment Set-up:

1. Pre-weigh a single paper towel which, as described below, will be used to wipe the middle plate 244 of the injection apparatus 240 and the non-permeable, non-flexible clear board clean of fecal material simulant.

2. With reference to FIG. 20, a Digital Thickness Gauge is set-up to obtain the bulk measurement of an absorbent composite. The Digital Thickness Gauge includes a granite base 232 having a clamp shaft 231 where the top surface 233 of the granite base 232 is flat and smooth. A suitable granite base 232 is a Starret Granite Base, model 653G (available from The L.S. Starrett Company, having a place of business located in Athol, Mass., U.S.A.) or equivalent. A clamp arm 235 is secured to the clamp shaft 231 at one end 236 of the clamp arm 235, and the digital thickness gauge 230 is secured to the clamp arm 235 at the opposing end 237. Extending downward from the digital thickness gauge 230 is a vertically-movable plunger 238. Attached to the distal end 239 of the plunger 238 is a circular platen 234 having a diameter of 76.2 mm. The platen 234 is constructed of acrylic and is flat and smooth on at least the bottom surface. The thickness and weight of the platen 234 is configured such that the digital thickness gauge 230 provides a pressure of 0.05 psi (.345 kPa). To zero the Digital Thickness Gauge 230, ensure the granite surface 233 is clean of debris and position the platen 234 and plunger 238 such that the bottom surface of the platen 234 just touches the granite surface 233. After the Digital Thickness Gauge 230 is zeroed, lift the platen 234 and insert an absorbent composite between the platen 234 and the granite surface 233. The absorbent composite must have a size dimension of at least 90 mm by 102 mm. Lower the platen 234 and plunger 238 such that the bottom surface of the platen 234 just touches the surface of the absorbent composite as illustrated in FIG. 20. A pressure of 0.05 psi (.345 kPa) is applied to the absorbent composite when the platen 234 is lowered. Measure and record the bulk of 5 absorbent composites for each absorbent composite test code. Calculate an average bulk for the absorbent composite test code by averaging the bulk of the 5 absorbent composites measured for each absorbent composite test code.

3. With reference to FIGs. 21 and 22, an injection apparatus 240 is set-up to deliver 10 cc of fecal material simulant at a rate of 15 cc per sec. The injection apparatus 240 has a top plate 242, a middle plate 244, and a bottom plate 246. The top plate 242 has a height H1 of 12.42 mm, the middle plate 244 has a height H2 of 12.2 mm, and the bottom plate has a height H3 of 12.2 mm. The top plate 242 and the bottom plate 246 each have a length L1 of 305 mm and a width W1 of 165 mm. The top plate 242 is positioned over, aligned with, and connected to the bottom plate 246 through the use of four threaded rods containing plastic thumb knobs 248 located near the corners of each of the top plate 242 and the bottom plate 246. Located between the top plate 242 and the bottom plate 246, the middle plate 244 has a length L2 of 152 mm and a width W2 of 102 mm and is suspended from the center of the top plate 242 with the use of four bolts 250 located near the corners of the middle plate 244. The injection apparatus 240 has a fecal material simulant injection tube 252 located above and positioned perpendicular to the top plate 242. The fecal material simulant injection tube 252 has a length of 7 inches and an inside diameter of 6.4 mm. The tube is made with Norprene® to allow for delivery of the fecal material simulant through the tubing and onto the absorbent composite. The fecal material simulant injection tube 252 connects to the top plate 242, via a hose barbed fitting 243 having a diameter of 0.25 inches. The hose barbed fitting 243 passes through the top plate 242, via a hole cut into the top plate 242, and to the middle plate 244, to deliver the fecal material simulant, via a hole cut through the middle plate 244, to the absorbent composite which is placed upon the surface of the bottom plate 246. The hose barbed fitting 243 is threaded into the middle plate 244 to create a seal. The hole cut through the middle plate 244 has an opening that is shaped like a cone 245 with a 0.88 inch diameter. The hose barbed fitting is manufactured by Parker with a manufacturing number of 125HB-3-4 and is available from MSC Industrial Supply Company. The fecal material simulant injection tube 252 is held in place on the top plate 242 of the injection apparatus 240 with a valve clamp block 254 containing a solenoid pinch valve 255 which can open to allow the fecal material simulant to pass through the tube 252 and close to prevent the fecal material simulant from passing through the tube 252. The solenoid pinch valve is a two-way, normally closed valve with 24VDC. The solenoid pinch valve is available from NResearch, Inc., part number 648P012.

4. With reference to FIG. 23, a digital camera 260 operated in color mode is set up to visually record the appearance of an absorbent composite following delivery of fecal material simulant. The digital camera 260 is a Pixelink (Model: PL-A742) possessing a 1280x1024 pixel array and operating at a 10.2 Hertz frame rate in color mode. A Pentax TV lens 262 (Model: C6Z1218M3- 2) is attached to the Pixelink camera 260 using a c-mount adaptor. The Pentax lens 262 system allows the focus of the lens 262 to be adjusted using accompanying software loaded onto the system computer. The camera/lens 262 system is connected to the computer via an ieee 1394 firewire (not shown). The camera 260 and lens 262 are attached to a VP-400 Bencher camera support 264. The Pentax lens face 268 is positioned at a distance D4 of 94 cm above the base 266 of the VP-Bencher camera support 264. An illuminated absorbent composite well 270 is located at a distance D6 of 16 cm below the base 266 of the VP-400 mount post 264. The distance D7 from the front face of the Pantex lens 262 to the absorbent composite is 110 cm. The absorbent composite well 270 is illuminated on all four sides 272 with a series of 18 Sylvania GE miniature fluorescent lights with an output of 8 watts per bulb. A 1/8" thick frosted glass diffuser plate 271 is located between the bulbs and the composite well 270. The camera 260 should be kept at the same distance and settings for all images to eliminate variability between absorbent composites. A ruler is placed in the absorbent composite well 270 and is also captured in the digital image of the absorbent composite for later spatial calibration reference when determining the spread size of the fecal material simulant on the absorbent composite. The images are acquired in JPEG format. Delivery of Fecal Material Simulant and Determination of Residual Fecal Material Simulant:

1. Adjust the positioning of the top plate 242 of the injection apparatus 240 relative to the bottom plate 246 of the injection apparatus 240 using the height adjustable screws 248 to raise and lower the top plate 242 of the injection apparatus 240. The top plate 242 of the injection apparatus 240 should be raised and lowered for each absorbent composite test code based upon the average bulk of each absorbent composite test code. As the middle plate 244 is attached to the top plate 242, raising and lowering the top plate 242 will also raise and lower the middle plate 244. The top plate 242 of the injection apparatus 240 should be raised and lowered for each absorbent composite test code so that the distance D8 between the bottom surface 256 of the middle plate 244 and the top surface 258 of the bottom plate 246 is equivalent to the average bulk of the absorbent composite test code being evaluated. After adjusting the position of the top plate 242 to set the distance D8 a level should be placed on top of the top plate 242 to ensure the top plate 242 is level. If the top plate 242 is not level then the height adjustable screws 248 should be adjusted to ensure the top plate 242 is level while maintaining the distance D8.

2. Position an absorbent composite of an absorbent composite test code between the middle plate 244 and the bottom plate 246 of the injection apparatus 240. Align the insult zone of the absorbent composite underneath the fecal material simulant injection tubing 252.

3. Zero the digital cooking timer. 4. Inject 10 cc of the fecal material simulant at a rate of 15 cc/sec through the fecal material simulant injection tube 252 to deliver the fecal material simulant to the insult zone of the absorbent composite.

5. Upon delivery of the fecal material simulant to the insult zone of the absorbent composite, start the digital cooking timer and allow the absorbent composite to remain undisturbed for two minutes.

6. After the two minutes have elapsed, raise the top plate 242 and middle plate 244 of the injection apparatus 240, carefully remove the absorbent composite from the injection apparatus 240, keeping the absorbent composite flat and free from any additional contact with the surfaces of the middle plate 244 and top plate 242. The absorbent composite possessing a fecal material simulant stain is placed into the illuminated absorbent composite well 270, under the optical axis of the Pentax lens 262.

7. The absorbent composite is in a flat configuration and any macro-sized wrinkles are removed by gentle manual manipulation by the analyst. The absorbent composite is oriented so the machine-direction (MD) runs in the horizontal direction of the resulting image. The absorbent composite is illuminated with fluorescent lighting. The lights are connected to a standard 110 volt energy source and are fully illuminated. Align the ruler with the absorbent composite and photograph the absorbent composite located in the absorbent composite well 270 using the digital camera 260. The ruler is placed such that it is displayed just beneath the absorbent composite in the image (length-wise in the machine direction). The digital image of the absorbent composite is used to determine, as described below, the area of spread of the fecal material simulant.

8. Place the absorbent composite on a flat testing surface and place a pre-weighed surface moisture dry blotter paper on the surface of the absorbent composite directly over the insult zone. Place the non-permeable, non-flexible clear board on top of the blotter paper, centered over the blotter paper.

9. Immediately set the timer for a wait time of 30 seconds.

10. After the 30 second wait time has elapsed, immediately remove the non-permeable, non-flexible board and weigh the wet surface moisture blotter paper to the nearest 0.01 grams and record the value. 1 1. Utilize the single pre-weighed paper towel to remove any fecal material simulant remaining on the middle plate 244 of the injection apparatus 240 and the non-permeable, non-flexible clear board. Wipe the middle plate 244 and the non-permeable, non-flexible clear board with the pre- weighed paper towel to remove any remaining fecal material simulant and re-weigh the single paper towel. Determine the amount of fecal material simulant that remained on the middle plate 244 and the non-permeable, non-flexible clear board by subtracting the pre-weighed weight of the single paper towel from the re-weighed weight of the single paper towel.

12. Determine the total amount of residual fecal material simulant on the body facing liner of the absorbent composite by adding together the amount of fecal material transferred to the blotter paper and the amount of fecal material simulant remaining on the middle plate 244 of the injection apparatus 240 and the non-permeable, non-flexible clear board as discussed in steps 10 and 11.

13. Weigh the body facing liner of the absorbent composite to the nearest 0.01 grams and record the value. Determine the amount of fecal material simulant that was contained in the body facing liner of the absorbent composite by subtracting the pre-weighed weight of the body facing liner from the re-weighed weight of the body facing liner.

14. Weigh the acquisition layer of the absorbent composite to the nearest 0.01 grams and record the value. Determine the amount of fecal material simulant that was contained in the acquisition layer of the absorbent composite by subtracting the pre-weighed weight of the acquisition layer from the re-weighed weight of the acquisition layer.

15. Weigh the absorbent body of the absorbent composite to the nearest 0.01 grams and record the value. Determine the amount of fecal material simulant that was contained in the absorbent body of the absorbent composite by subtracting the pre-weighed weight of the absorbent body from the re-weighed weight of the absorbent body. 16. Determine the total weight of the fecal matter simulant delivered to the absorbent composite by adding the total amount of residual fecal material simulant from step 12, the amount of fecal material simulant that was contained in the body facing liner from step 13, the amount of fecal material simulant that was contained in the acquisition layer from step 14, and the amount of fecal material simulant that was contained in the absorbent body from step 15. 17. Determine the percentage of residual fecal material simulant on the body facing liner by dividing the weight measured in step 12 by the total weight of the fecal material simulant delivered to the absorbent composite determined in step 16.

18. Determine the percentage of the fecal material simulant contained in the body facing liner by dividing the weight measured in step 13 by the total weight of the fecal material simulant delivered to the absorbent composite determined in step 16.

19. Determine the percentage of the fecal material simulant contained in the acquisition layer by dividing the weight measured in step 14 by the total weight of the fecal material simulant delivered to the absorbent composite determined in step 16. 20. Determine the percentage of the fecal material simulant contained in the absorbent body by dividing the weight measured in step 15 by the total weight of the fecal material simulant delivered to the absorbent composite determined in step 16.

21. Clean the injection apparatus middle plate 244 between each injection of fecal material simulant.

22. Repeat the above procedure for each absorbent composite of each absorbent composite test code for a sample size of n=5.

Determination of Area of Spread of Fecal Material Simulant: The area of spread of a fecal material simulant stain on a given combination of absorbent article components can be determined by using the image analysis measurement method described herein. Generally, the image analysis measurement method determines a dimensional numeric value of area for a fecal material simulant stain via a combination of specific image analysis measurement parameters. The area of spread is determined using conventional optical image analysis techniques to detect stain regions and measure such parameters as the area when viewed using a camera with incident lighting. An image analysis system, controlled by an algorithm, can detect and measure several other dimensional properties of a fecal material simulant stain. The resulting measurement data can be used to compare the efficacy of different combinations of absorbent article layers with respect to restricting and minimizing the area of spread of a fecal material simulant.

The method for determining the area of spread of fecal material simulant on a given absorbent composite includes the step of acquiring a digital image of the absorbent composite following an insult with fecal material simulant, such as described above (see the method for the Delivery of Fecal Material Simulant). Following the acquisition of the digital image of the absorbent composite, determining the area of spread of fecal material simulant on a given absorbent composite includes the step of performing multiple, dimensional measurements. The image analysis software platform used to perform the dimensional measurements is a QWIN Pro (Version 3.5.1 ) available from Leica Microsystems, having an office in Heerbrugg, Switzerland. The system and images are also accurately calibrated using the QWIN software and a standard ruler with metric markings at least as small as one millimeter which is placed next to the sample during image acquisition. The calibration is performed in the horizontal dimension of the video camera image. Units of centimeters per pixel are used for the calibration. Specifically, an image analysis algorithm is used to process digital images as well as perform measurements using Quantimet User Interactive Programming System (QUIPS) language. The image analysis algorithm is reproduced below.

NAME = Coverage-Size - BM on Diapers - 2a

PURPOSE = Measures the coverage and size of BM on body-side liner of absorbent product

ENTER SAMPLE ID & OPEN DATA FILE

PauseText ( "Enter EXCEL data file name now." )

Input ( FILENAMES )

OPENFILE$ = "C:\Data\36775\"+FILENAME$+".xls"

Open File ( OPENFILE$, channel #CHAN )

CALIBRATE IMAGE

- Calvalue = 0.0258 cm/px

CALVALUE = 0.0258

Calibrate ( CALVALUE CALUNITS$ per pixel )

Enter Results Header

File Results Header ( channel #1 )

File Line ( channel #1 )

REPLICATE = 0

SAMPLE = 0

ACQOUTPUT = 0

SET-UP

Image frame ( x O, y O, Width 1280, Height 1024 )

Measure frame ( x 31 , y 61 , Width 1218, Height 962 ) For ( SAMPLE = 1 to 156, step 1 )

PauseText ( "Enter complete image file title." )

Input ( TITLES )

File ( TITLES, channel #1 )

File Line ( channel #1 )

ACQUIRE IMAGE ACQOUTPUT = 0 - Comment: The following line must be set to read from the directory where images are located.

Read image [PAUSE] (from file C:\lmages\36775 \area

Set\codeA3full1.jpg into ColourO)

Colour Transform (RGB to HSI, from ColourO to ColourO)

Image Window (Auto Size, Auto Colour, No Auto Lut, Fit Image to Window, No Warning Before Image Overwrite, Do Not Load and Save Annotation with Image, Do Not Save Microscope Data with Image, Do Not Load and Save Reference Data with Image)

DETECTION AND IMAGE PROCESSING

PauseText ("Select optimal color detection")

Colour Detect [PAUSE] (HSI+: 134-183, 140-255, 88-255, from ColourO into BinaryO) Binary Identify (EdgeFeat from BinaryO to BinaryO)

Binary Amend (Close from BinaryO to Binaryl , cycles 8, operator Disc, edge erode on) Binary Identify (FillHoles from Binaryl to Binary2)

Binary Amend (Open from Binary2 to Binary3, cycles 8, operator Disc, edge erode on PauseText ( "Edit and select only those regions that should be measured." )

Binary Edit [PAUSE] (Accept from Binary3 to Binary4, nib Fill, width 2)

MEASURE FEATURE PARAMETERS

Measure feature ( plane Binary4, 32 ferets, minimum area: 75, grey image: ColourO )

Selected parameters: Area, X FCP, Y FCP

File Line ( channel #1 )

File Feature Results ( channel #1 )

File Line ( channel #1 )

Next ( SAMPLE )

Close File ( channel #1 )

END The QUIPS algorithm is executed using the QWIN Pro software platform. The analyst is initially prompted to enter in the EXCEL output data file name. This is followed by a prompting to enter the absorbent composite test code information which is sent to the EXCEL file.

The analyst is now prompted to enter the complete digital image file title which can be obtained from the host computer directory listing of the digital images to be analyzed. The directory containing the images is typically placed on the host computer's hard drive and can be accessed on the desktop screen via MS Windows. The image file title information is now automatically sent to the EXCEL file. Next, the same digital image file title can also be pasted into the Read Image window prompt. This will now read the digital image from the directory into the QWIN software display. The digital image will show the absorbent composite and any fecal material simulant stain in color. Note that the code line in the algorithm associated with reading the digital image must be pre-set to read from the designated host computer hard drive directory containing the files to be analyzed prior to algorithm execution.

The analyst is now prompted to "Select optimal color detection" by adjusting the detection threshold, if necessary, in order to obtain the optimal detection that is possible. The hue-saturation- intensity color detection mode is used in the Coverage-Size - BM on Diapers - 2a algorithm. Typically, only the saturation and/or the intensity levels will need slight adjustments to optimize detection. The detection settings for the algorithm can be pre-determined before analyzing a set of images using QWIN and the hue-saturation-intensity color detection mode within the QUIPS algorithm with a couple of representative images. Settings can be considered optimized when the stain is covered by the overlaying detection binary with respect to its outer boundaries and areas within said boundaries. The degree of match between the overlaying binary and stain images can be checked during optimization by toggling the binary on and off using the 'control' and 'B' keys.

After detection and a series of automatic digital image processing steps, the analyst is asked to "Edit and select only those regions that should be measured." This is performed by simply using the computer mouse to manually select the fecal material simulant stain region to be measured. The user can toggle the 'control' and 'B' keys on the keyboard simultaneously to turn the overlying binary image on and off. A fit between the binary image and fecal material simulant stain is considered good when the binary image closely matches with the fecal material simulant stain with respect to its boundaries and regions within said boundaries. The algorithm will then automatically perform measurements and output the data into the designated EXCEL spreadsheet file. The following primary measurement parameter data will be located in the EXCEL file after measurements and data transfer has occurred:

Area

Multiple digital image replicates from a single or multiple absorbent composites can be performed during a single execution of the QUIPS algorithm. The final sample mean spread value is usually based on an N=5 analysis from five, separate, absorbent composites of an absorbent composite test code. A comparison between different samples can be performed using a Student's T analysis at the 90% confidence level. Experimental Results

The following absorbent composites were created and tested according to the Residual Fecal Material Simulant Testing and Fecal Material Simulant Surface Spread Testing described above. Codes 1 -14 and 19 each included a body facing liner having intersecting slit formations 78 as previously discussed herein and in a pattern of rows 86 and columns 88 as depicted for each code in FIG. 24 (reference characters being removed from FIG. 24 for purposes of clarity). Codes 15-18 included a body facing liner having apertures arranged in a pattern of rows and columns, with the apertures of each code having a radius as noted in Table 1 as "slit length." For codes 15-18, the column related to "total potential open area of body facing liner" provides an actual open area of the body facing liner due to the fact that the body facing liner of these codes has apertures, rather than intersecting slit formations.

Table 1 : Description for Codes 1 -19

Table 2 below illustrates the results of the Residual Fecal Matter Simulant Testing as discussed above for codes 1-19 of Table 1 as well as for four commercially available absorbent articles, listed as Pampers® 1 , Merries 1 , Huggies® 1 , and Huggies® 2. Absorbent composite samples from Pampers® 1 , Merries 1 , Huggies® 1 , and Huggies® 2 were prepared according to the instructions listed above for "Specimen Preparation for Absorbent Articles, such as Diapers." The Pampers® 1 code was Pampers® Swaddlers step size 1 , having a date code 4183U01763 06:2701916. The Merries 1 code was Kao Merries step size S, having a date code U0112912. The Huggies® 1 code was Huggies® Little Snugglers step size 1 , having a date code PA3239 06X 06:48. The Huggies® 2 code was Huggies® Little Snugglers step size 1 , having a date code of PA4199 06F 09:26.

Table 2: Results of Residual Fecal Matter Simulant Testing From reviewing the results listed in Table 2, codes 1 -14 and 19 including body facing liners with intersecting slit formations provided less, and in some cases substantially less, residual fecal matter simulant on the body facing liner than the four commercial samples that were tested, Pampers 1 , Merries 1 , Huggies 1 , and Huggies 2. Additionally, some experimental codes of codes 1 -14 and 19 having intersecting slit formations unexpectedly performed with parity, and in some cases performed better than, codes 15-18 that had body facing liners with apertures. This provided an unexpected result due to the fact that the codes having intersecting slit formations on the body facing liner include more material on the body facing liner as compared to the codes having apertures on the body facing liner, and thus, it would be expected that codes having body facing liners with intersecting slit formations may have more residual fecal matter simulant on the body facing liner. This unexpected result is particularly appealing in that a body facing liner having intersecting slit formations can provide a potential open area that can open when necessary to allow exudates to pass through to other components of the absorbent structure and reduce the exudates on the surface of the body facing liner, yet still have the additional material of the body facing liner (as compared to being just an aperture) to help prevent exudates from returning to the surface of the body facing liner and contacting a wearer's skin. FIGS. 27 and 28 provide the results of the Fecal Material Simulant Surface Spread Testing as described above for Codes 1 -19 and for the absorbent composite samples from Pampers 1 , Merries 1 , Huggies 1 , and Huggies 2 as noted above. Specifically, FIG. 27 graphically illustrates the results of the Fecal Material Simulant Surface Spread Testing for codes 1-19 and FIG. 28 graphically illustrates the results of codes 5, 8-14, and 19 against the absorbent composite codes from commercially available samples Pampers 1 , Merries 1 , Huggies 1 , and Huggies 2 noted above.

As shown in FIG. 28, the codes 1 -14 and 19 having body facing liners with intersecting slit formations compared provided favorable results of fecal matter simulant area of spread as compared to the four commercial samples that were tested, Pampers 1 , Merries 1 , Huggies 1 , and Huggies 2. FIG. 27 also yielded unexpected results for some of the experimental codes of codes 1-14 and 19 similar to the discussion above with respect to Table 2 and the residual fecal matter simulant on the body facing liner. Specifically, some of the experimental codes of codes 1-14 and 19 having body facing liners with intersecting slit formations provided a fecal matter simulant area of spread that was on parity with, and in some cases provided less area of spread, than the codes 15-18 that had body facing liners with apertures. As noted above, this provided an unexpected result because the codes having intersecting slit formations on the body facing liner include more material on the body facing liner as compared to the codes having apertures on the body facing liner, and thus, it would be expected that codes having body facing liners with intersecting slit formations may have larger areas of spread of fecal matter simulant. As noted above, this unexpected result is particularly appealing in that a body facing liner having intersecting slit formations can provide a potential open area that can open when necessary to allow exudates to pass through to other components of the absorbent structure and reduce the area of spread of exudates on the surface of the body facing liner, yet still have the additional material of the body facing liner (as compared to being just an aperture) to help prevent exudates from returning to the surface of the body facing liner and contacting a wearer's skin.

Embodiments

Embodiment 1 : An absorbent article comprising: a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region, the crotch region being disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region; a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge each extending from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge; a body facing liner comprising a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the body facing liner including at least one intersecting slit formation, the at least one intersecting slit formation including at least two intersecting slits, the at least two intersecting slits of the at least one intersecting slit formation extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner; a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner; and an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet. Embodiment 2: An absorbent article comprising: a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region, the crotch region being disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region; a body facing liner comprising a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the body-facing liner further comprising a plurality of intersecting slit formations, a majority of the intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations including at least two intersecting slits that extend through a depth of the body facing liner from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface; a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner; and an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet.

Embodiment 3: The absorbent article of embodiment 1 , wherein the at least one intersecting slit formation includes at least three intersecting slits, each of the intersecting slits extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner. Embodiment 4: The absorbent article of embodiment 1 or embodiment 3, wherein the at least one intersecting slit formation includes between three and eight intersecting slits, each of the intersecting slits extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner.

Embodiment 5: The absorbent article of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the at least two intersecting slits are of different length.

Embodiment 6: The absorbent article of embodiment 5, wherein a line extending from the slit of greater length of the at least two intersecting slits forms an angle with a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Embodiment 7: The absorbent article of embodiment 1 or embodiment 3, wherein the at least one intersecting slit formation further comprises an aperture.

Embodiment 8: The absorbent article of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an acquisition layer disposed between the body facing liner and the absorbent body.

Embodiment 9: The absorbent article of embodiment 8, wherein the acquisition layer comprises at least one aperture.

Embodiment 10: The absorbent article of embodiment 8, wherein the acquisition layer comprises a plurality of apertures.

Embodiment 1 1 : The absorbent article of embodiment 2, wherein each of the plurality of intersecting slit formations defines a potential open area, wherein a sum of the potential open areas of the plurality of intersecting slit formations defines a total potential open area of the body facing liner of between about 3% to about 50% of an area of the body facing liner.

Embodiment 12: The absorbent article of embodiment 11 , wherein the total potential open area of the body facing liner is between about 10% to about 40% of the area of the body facing liner.

Embodiment 13: The absorbent article of embodiment 2, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations comprises a plurality of rows of intersecting slit formations extending in a direction parallel to the lateral axis, each row of intersecting slit formations being offset from an adjacent row of intersecting slit formations in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Embodiment 14: The absorbent article of embodiment 13, wherein at least two adjacent rows of intersecting slit formations are laterally phased from one another such that a first intersecting slit formation in a first row does not longitudinally align with a second intersecting slit formation in an adjacent row.

Embodiment 15: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 2 or embodiments 1 1 -14, wherein a first intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations is different than a second intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations.

Embodiment 16: The absorbent article of embodiment 15, further comprising a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first containment flap extending near a first longitudinal side edge, and a second containment flap extending near a second longitudinal side edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge each extending from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge, and wherein the first intersecting slit formation is positioned near one of the first containment flap and the second containment flap and the second intersecting slit formation is positioned near an intersection of the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis.

Embodiment 17: An absorbent article comprising: a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, and a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge each extending from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge; a body facing liner including a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the body facing liner further including a plurality of intersecting slit formations, a majority of intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface; a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner; an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet; and an acquisition layer positioned between the body facing liner and the absorbent body, the acquisition layer including a plurality of apertures.

Embodiment 18: The absorbent article of embodiment 17, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations in the body facing liner includes a first amount, the plurality of apertures in the acquisition layer includes a second amount, and wherein the first amount is equal to the second amount.

Embodiment 19: The absorbent article of embodiment 17 or embodiment 18, wherein each intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations defines a potential open area and each aperture of the plurality of apertures defines an open area, and wherein a majority of intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations are configured such that at least a portion of the potential open area overlaps with at least a portion of the open area of a corresponding aperture.

Embodiment 20: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-19, wherein each intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations includes an intersection point, and wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures defines an open area, and wherein a majority of the intersecting slit formations are configured such that the intersection point is within the open area of a corresponding aperture.

Embodiment 21 : The absorbent article of embodiment 19, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is in a shape of one of a circle, an ellipse, and a regular polygon, and wherein each aperture includes a center point, and wherein a majority of the intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations are configured such that the intersection point substantially aligns with the center point of a corresponding aperture. Embodiment 22: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-21 , wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations each includes at least a first slit and a second slit, the first slit being longer than the second slit, and wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are elliptical in shape and have a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein an angle formed between a line parallel to the first slit of an intersecting slit formation and a line parallel to the major axis of a corresponding aperture is between about 0° to about 45°.

Embodiment 23: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-21 , wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations each includes at least a first slit and a second slit, the first slit being longer than the second slit, and wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are elliptical in shape and have a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein a length of the major axis is a factor of about 0.5 to about 3.0 times the length of the first slit.

Embodiment 24: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-21 , wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations each includes at least a first slit and a second slit, the first slit being longer than the second slit, and wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are elliptical in shape and have a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein a length of the minor axis is a factor of about 0.5 to about 3.0 times the length of the second slit. Embodiment 25: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-25, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations comprises a plurality of rows of intersecting slit formations extending in a direction parallel to the lateral axis, each row of intersecting slit formations being offset from an adjacent row of intersecting slit formations in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the plurality of apertures comprises a plurality of rows of apertures extending in the direction parallel to the lateral axis, each row of apertures being offset from an adjacent row of apertures in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Embodiment 26: The absorbent article of embodiment 25, wherein at least two adjacent rows of intersecting slit formations are laterally phased from one another such that a first intersecting slit formation in a first row of intersecting slit formations does not longitudinally align with a second intersecting slit formation in an adjacent row of intersecting slit formations, and wherein at least two adjacent rows of apertures are laterally offset from one another such that a first aperture in a first row of apertures does not longitudinally align with a second aperture in an adjacent row of apertures.

Embodiment 27: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-26, wherein a shape of at least a first aperture of the plurality of apertures is different than a shape of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures.

Embodiment 28: The absorbent article of embodiment 27, further comprising a first containment flap near the first longitudinal side edge and a second containment flap near the second longitudinal side edge, wherein the first aperture is positioned near one of the first containment flap and the second containment flap and the second aperture is positioned near an intersection of the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis.

Embodiment 29: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 17-28, wherein an open area of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures is different than an open area of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures.

Embodiment 30: The absorbent article of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent article has a residual fecal material simulant percentage on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein less than about 30%.

Embodiment 31 : The absorbent article of embodiment 30, wherein the residual fecal material simulant percentage on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein is less than about 20%. Embodiment 32: The absorbent article of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent article has an area of spread on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein less than about 30 cm².

Embodiment 33: The absorbent article of embodiment 32, wherein the area of spread on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein is less than about 20 cm².

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

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

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An absorbent article comprising: a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region, the crotch region being disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region;

a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge each extending from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge; a body facing liner comprising a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the body facing liner including at least one intersecting slit formation, the at least one intersecting slit formation including at least two intersecting slits, the at least two intersecting slits of the at least one intersecting slit formation extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner;

a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner; and

an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet.

2. An absorbent article comprising:

a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a body facing liner comprising a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the body- facing liner further comprising a plurality of intersecting slit formations, a majority of the intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations including at least two intersecting slits that extend through a depth of the body facing liner from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface;

a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner; and

an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet.

3. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the at least one intersecting slit formation includes at least three intersecting slits, each of the intersecting slits extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner.

4. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the at least one intersecting slit formation includes between three and eight intersecting slits, each of the intersecting slits extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface of the body facing liner.

5. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least two intersecting slits are of different length.

6. The absorbent article of claim 5, wherein a line extending from the slit of greater length of the at least two intersecting slits forms an angle with a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

7. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the at least one intersecting slit formation further comprises an aperture.

8. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an acquisition layer disposed between the body facing liner and the absorbent body.

9. The absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the acquisition layer comprises at least one aperture.

10. The absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the acquisition layer comprises a plurality of apertures.

11. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of intersecting slit formations defines a potential open area, wherein a sum of the potential open areas of the plurality of intersecting slit formations defines a total potential open area of the body facing liner of between about 3% to about 50% of an area of the body facing liner.

12. The absorbent article of claim 1 1 , wherein the total potential open area of the body facing liner is between about 10% to about 40% of the area of the body facing liner.

13. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations comprises a plurality of rows of intersecting slit formations extending in a direction parallel to the lateral axis, each row of intersecting slit formations being offset from an adjacent row of intersecting slit formations in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

14. The absorbent article of claim 13, wherein at least two adjacent rows of intersecting slit formations are laterally phased from one another such that a first intersecting slit formation in a first row does not longitudinally align with a second intersecting slit formation in an adjacent row.

15. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein a first intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations is different than a second intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations.

16. The absorbent article of claim 15, further comprising a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first containment flap extending near a first longitudinal side edge, and a second containment flap extending near a second longitudinal side edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge each extending from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge, and wherein the first intersecting slit formation is positioned near one of the first containment flap and the second containment flap and the second intersecting slit formation is positioned near an intersection of the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis.

17. An absorbent article comprising:

a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region,

a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, and a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge each extending from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge; a body facing liner including a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the body facing liner further including a plurality of intersecting slit formations, a majority of intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations extending from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface;

a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner;

an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet; and an acquisition layer positioned between the body facing liner and the absorbent body, the acquisition layer including a plurality of apertures.

18. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations in the body facing liner includes a first amount, the plurality of apertures in the acquisition layer includes a second amount, and wherein the first amount is equal to the second amount.

19. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein each intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations defines a potential open area and each aperture of the plurality of apertures defines an open area, and wherein a majority of intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations are configured such that at least a portion of the potential open area overlaps with at least a portion of the open area of a corresponding aperture.

20. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein each intersecting slit formation of the plurality of intersecting slit formations includes an intersection point, and wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures defines an open area, and wherein a majority of the intersecting slit formations are configured such that the intersection point is within the open area of a corresponding aperture.

21. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is in a shape of one of a circle, an ellipse, and a regular polygon, and wherein each aperture includes a center point, and wherein a majority of the intersecting slit formations of the plurality of intersecting slit formations are configured such that the intersection point substantially aligns with the center point of a corresponding aperture.

22. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations each includes at least a first slit and a second slit, the first slit being longer than the second slit, and wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are elliptical in shape and have a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein an angle formed between a line parallel to the first slit of an intersecting slit formation and a line parallel to the major axis of a corresponding aperture is between about 0° to about 45°.

23. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations each includes at least a first slit and a second slit, the first slit being longer than the second slit, and wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are elliptical in shape and have a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein a length of the major axis is a factor of about 0.5 to about 3.0 times the length of the first slit.

24. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations each includes at least a first slit and a second slit, the first slit being longer than the second slit, and wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are elliptical in shape and have a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein a length of the minor axis is a factor of about 0.5 to about 3.0 times the length of the second slit.

25. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein the plurality of intersecting slit formations comprises a plurality of rows of intersecting slit formations extending in a direction parallel to the lateral axis, each row of intersecting slit formations being offset from an adjacent row of intersecting slit formations in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the plurality of apertures comprises a plurality of rows of apertures extending in the direction parallel to the lateral axis, each row of apertures being offset from an adjacent row of apertures in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

26. The absorbent article of claim 25, wherein at least two adjacent rows of intersecting slit formations are laterally phased from one another such that a first intersecting slit formation in a first row of intersecting slit formations does not longitudinally align with a second intersecting slit formation in an adjacent row of intersecting slit formations, and wherein at least two adjacent rows of apertures are laterally offset from one another such that a first aperture in a first row of apertures does not longitudinally align with a second aperture in an adjacent row of apertures.

27. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein a shape of at least a first aperture of the plurality of apertures is different than a shape of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures.

28. The absorbent article of claim 27, further comprising a first containment flap near the first longitudinal side edge and a second containment flap near the second longitudinal side edge, wherein the first aperture is positioned near one of the first containment flap and the second containment flap and the second aperture is positioned near an intersection of the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis.

29. The absorbent article of claim 17, wherein an open area of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures is different than an open area of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures.

30. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 , 2, or 17, wherein the absorbent article has a residual fecal material simulant percentage on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein less than about 30%.

31. The absorbent article of claim 30, wherein the residual fecal material simulant percentage on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein is less than about 20%.

32. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 , 2, or 17, wherein the absorbent article has an area of spread on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein less than about 30 cm².

33. The absorbent article of claim 32, wherein the area of spread on the body facing liner after insult with fecal material simulant according to the test method described herein is less than about 20 cm².