WO2025255705A1

WO2025255705A1 - Pant-type absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2025255705A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/098415
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yi Yuan
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2024-06-11
Filing date: 2024-06-11
Publication date: 2025-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-11

Abstract

Disclosed is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction comprising a front elastic belt, a back elastic belt, and a crotch region, wherein the front and back elastic belts are connected with a pair of side seams to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt; the absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body extending the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partly into each of the front region and the back region, the absorbent main body comprising a water permeable topsheet, a water impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween, wherein the front elastic belt comprises a front main body portion forming the garment facing side of the front elastic belt and a front fold over portion forming the wearer facing side of the front elastic belt wherein the front main body portion and the front fold over portion is divided by the waist opening, wherein the front fold over portion is bonded to the front main body portion, and at least a portion of the front fold over portion is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body to form a front pocket region comprising a closed base line at the distal end of the front pocket region and a front pocket opening, the front pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article, wherein the front pocket region has a front pocket tensile stress; wherein the back elastic belt comprises a back main body portion forming the garment facing side of the back elastic belt and a back fold over portion forming the wearer facing side of the back elastic belt wherein the back main body portion and the back fold over portion is divided by the waist opening, wherein the back fold over portion is bonded to the back main body portion, and at least a portion of the back fold over portion is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body to form a back pocket region comprising a closed base line at the distal end of the back pocket region and a back pocket opening, the back pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article, wherein the back pocket region has a back pocket tensile stress; wherein the back pocket tensile stress is greater than the front pocket tensile stress.

Description

PANT-TYPE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to pant-type absorbent articles having a protective measure for preventing leakage of various body exudates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles for personal hygiene, such as disposable diapers, disposable pants, and adult incontinence undergarments, are designed to absorb and contain various body exudates, including urine, menses, low viscosity fecal matter, and solid fecal matter. Urine may be difficult to quickly isolate and contain while the wearer is sleeping, and particularly when the wearer is sleeping on one’s side. Moreover, it is known that when fecal material and urine meet on the skin, this may cause irritation and redness of the skin and sometimes even dermatitis of the skin.

Absorbent articles with means to isolate urine and feces have been known in the art, such as in JP Publication 2001-252303A. While such absorbent articles have been known, they have shortcomings that have prevented significant commercial success. For example, those known in the art may have front and back cuffs extending straight in the transverse direction very close to the crotch. For example, those known in the art may have similar force profile between the front and back cuffs that may or may not conform well to the wearer’s anatomy.

Pant-type articles may take various structures wherein the circumference of the waist opening and vicinity thereof is made elastic enough to facilitate the wearer or the caregiver to expand the article and insert the wearer’s legs into the leg openings for wearing the article. Accordingly, pant-type articles provide only a very small range of size adjustment or body configuration adjustment based on the structural limitations of the article. As such, pant-type articles are typically so configured to accommodate size and configuration ranges by providing the elastic belt region very stretchable and comfortable to wear, yet with reliable fit such that sufficient protection against sagging and leakage may be provided. It is desired that such basic functions of the elastic belt region may be maintained even with introduction of the aforementioned protective measure.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an absorbent article having protective measures on both the front and back side, while maintaining the performance of containment, wear comfort, and ergonomic fit. There is also a need for such an absorbent article which may be economically manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction comprising a front elastic belt, a back elastic belt, and a crotch region, wherein the front and back elastic belts are connected with a pair of side seams to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt;

the absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body extending the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partly into each of the front region and the back region, the absorbent main body comprising a water permeable topsheet, a water impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween,

wherein the front elastic belt comprises a front main body portion forming the garment facing side of the front elastic belt and a front fold over portion forming the wearer facing side of the front elastic belt wherein the front main body portion and the front fold over portion is divided by the waist opening, wherein the front fold over portion is bonded to the front main body portion, and at least a portion of the front fold over portion is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body to form a front pocket region comprising a closed base line at the distal end of the front pocket region and a front pocket opening, the front pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article, wherein the front pocket region has a front pocket tensile stress;

wherein the back elastic belt comprises a back main body portion forming the garment facing side of the back elastic belt and a back fold over portion forming the wearer facing side of the back elastic belt wherein the back main body portion and the back fold over portion is divided by the waist opening, wherein the back fold over portion is bonded to the back main body portion, and at least a portion of the back fold over portion is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body to form a back pocket region comprising a closed base line at the distal end of the back pocket region and a back pocket opening, the back pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article, wherein the back pocket region has a back pocket tensile stress;

wherein the back pocket tensile stress is greater than the front pocket tensile stress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention.

Figures 2A-2B are schematic plan views of embodiments of absorbent articles of the present invention with the seams removed and in its flat uncontracted condition showing the garment-facing surface.

Figure 3 is schematic plan view of an embodiment of the front belt of the present invention showing the wearer-facing side, wherein only the elastic members on the fold over portion (FOF) and proximal the fold over portion (FOF) are shown.

Figures 4A and 4B are cross sections of Figure 3 taken at LX and L1, respectively.

Figures 5A and 5B are cross sections of Figure 3 taken at LX and L1, respectively.

Figures 6A and 6B are cross sections of Figure 3 taken at LX and L1, respectively.

Figure 7 is schematic plan view of an embodiment of the back belt of the present invention showing the wearer-facing side, wherein only the elastic members on the fold over portion (FOB) and proximal the fold over portion (FOB) are shown.

Figures 8A and 8B are cross sections of Figure 7 taken at LX and L2, respectively.

Figure 9 is a chart showing the relationship of T1 and F1 for the absorbent article of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic view of an example of a hanger-type sample holding fixture according to the “Whole Article Force Measurement” herein.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specified thereafter:

“Absorbent article" refers to articles of wear which may be in the form of pants, taped diapers, incontinent briefs, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, so configured to also absorb and contain various exudates such as urine, feces, and menses discharged from the body. The “absorbent article” may serve as an outer cover adaptable to be joined with a separable disposable absorbent insert for providing absorbent and containment function, such as those disclosed in PCT publication WO 2011/087503A.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waist and leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer's lower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers” , “prefastened diapers” , “pull-on diapers” , “training pants” and “diaper-pants” .

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article.

“Transverse” refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

“Proximal” and “distal” refer respectively to the position closer or farther relative to the longitudinal center of the article.

“Wearer-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. “Wearer-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” implies the element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate to the wearer’s garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article) .

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place or position.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element and to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member (s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width of the material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, films have a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Nonwoven” , “nonwoven layer” or “nonwoven web” are used interchangeably to mean an engineered fibrous assembly, primarily planar, which has been given a designed level of structural integrity by physical and/or chemical means, excluding weaving, knitting or papermaking (ISO 9092: 2019 definition) . The directionally or randomly orientated fibers, are bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion. The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms such as short fibers (known as staple, or chopped) , continuous single fibers (filaments or monofilaments) , untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow) , and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yam) . Nonwoven webs can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, carding and airlaying. The basis weight of nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter (g/m² or gsm) .

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from natural forces such as gravity) . A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable” .

“Hydrophilic” describes surfaces of substrates which are wettable by aqueous fluids (e.g., aqueous body fluids) deposited on these substrates. Hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined in terms of contact angle and the strike-through time of the fluids, for example through a nonwoven fabric. This is discussed in detail in the American Chemical Society publication entitled “Contact Angle, Wettability and Adhesion” , edited by Robert F. Gould (Copyright 1964) . A surface of a substrate is said to be wetted by a fluid (i.e., hydrophilic) when either the contact angle between the fluid and the surface is less than 90°, or when the fluid tends to spread spontaneously across the surface of the substrate, both conditions are normally co-existing. Conversely, a substrate is considered to be “hydrophobic” if the contact angle is greater than 90° and the fluid does not spread spontaneously across the surface of the fiber.

“Extendibility" and "extensible" mean that the width or length of the component in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at least a portion made of elastic material.

“Elongatable material” , “extensible material” , or “stretchable material” are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about 110%of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percent more than its original length) , without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20%of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recovers at least 40%of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material is considered to be “elastic” or “elastomeric. ” For example, an elastic material that has an initial length of 100mm can extend at least to 150mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least 130mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40%recovery) . In the event the material recovers less than 40%of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material is considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantially non-elastomeric” . For example, an elongatable material that has an initial length of 100mm can extend at least to 150mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least 145mm (i.e., exhibiting a 10%recovery) .

“Dimension” , “Length” , “Width” , “Pitch” , “Diameter” , “Aspect Ratio” , “Angle” , and “Area” of the article are all measured in a state wherein the article is extended to the Full Stretch Circumference W1 according to the “Whole Article Force Measurement” herein, and utilizing a ruler or a loupe, unless specified otherwise.

“Artwork” refers to a visual presentation to the naked eye, which is provided by printing or otherwise, and having a color. Printing includes various methods and apparatus well known to those skilled in the art such as lithographic, screen printing, flexographic, and gravure ink jet printing techniques.

“Color” or “Colored” as referred to herein includes any primary color except color white, i.e., black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigo as well as any declination thereof or mixture thereof. The color white is defined as those colors having a L*value of at least 94, an a*value equal to 0 ± 2, and a b*value equal to 0 ± 2 according to the CIE L*a*b*color system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent Article

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article (20) of the present invention, and Figures 2A-2B are schematic plan views of an absorbent article with the seams removed and in its flat uncontracted condition showing the garment-facing surface. The absorbent article (20) has a longitudinal centerline LX which also serves as the longitudinal axis, and a transverse centerline TX which also serves as the transverse axis. The absorbent article (20) has a wearer facing surface, a garment facing surface, a front elastic belt (84) , a back elastic belt (86) , a crotch region (30) , and side seams (32) which join the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) , to form two leg openings and a waist opening. In either Figure 2A or 2B, only the elastic members on the main body portion, as explained in further detail below, are shown.

The absorbent article (20) may be a belt-type pant as in Figures 1 and 2A comprising an absorbent main body (38) to cover the crotch region (30) of the wearer, a front elastic belt (84) and a back elastic belt (86) (hereinafter may be referred to as “front and back elastic belts” ) , the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) forming a discrete ring-like elastic belt (40) extending transversely defining the waist opening. For the belt-type pant, the discrete ring-like elastic belt (40) may also be referred to as the elastic belt (40) . For the belt-type pant as in Figure 2A, the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) and the absorbent main body (38) jointly define the leg openings. For the belt-type pant, the front elastic belt (84) is the front region (26) , and the back elastic belt (86) is the back region (28) , and the remainder is the crotch region (30) . Referring to Figure 2B, the absorbent article (20) may be a uni-body type pant configured such that an elastic cover (40) forms the garment facing surface of the entire article. For the uni-body type pant, the portion extending in the transverse direction between the side seams (32) , respectively, are considered the front region (26) and the back region (28) , and the remainder is the crotch region (30) . For the uni-body type pant, the front region (26) is considered the front elastic belt (84) , and the back region (28) is considered the back elastic belt (86) .

The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) of the article of the present invention acts to dynamically create fitment forces and to distribute the forces dynamically generated during wear. The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) are joined with each other outside the side edges (89) to form side seams (32) , a waist opening and two leg openings. Each leg opening may be provided with elasticity around the perimeter of the leg opening.

The elasticity around the leg opening may be provided by leg elastic bodies (not shown) provided along the shaped crotch region of the elastic cover (40) as in Figure 2B, or by the combination of elasticity from the front elastic belt (84) , the back elastic belt (86) , and the absorbent main body (38) as in Figure 2A.

For the belt-type pant, the longitudinal length LB of the back elastic belt (86) and the longitudinal length LF of the front elastic belt (84) may be provided the same, or the back elastic belt (86) may have a greater longitudinal length LB as in Figure 2A. Referring to Figure 2A, when the wearable article is assembled to form the waist opening and the leg openings, the wearable article (20) is folded along the transverse centerline TX such that the front distal edge (88) is aligned with the back distal edge (88) . The front side edge (89) is also aligned with a portion of the back side edge (89) . Then the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are joined at the front and back side edges (89) at the seams (32) . The front and back proximal edges (90) , however, may not be aligned to one another. The back proximal edge (90) may be disposed longitudinally closer than the front proximal edge (90) relative to the transverse center line TX such that the proximal portion of the back belt (86) extends beyond the side seams (32) . The side edge (89) of the proximal portion of the back belt (86) may not be joined to anywhere to provide an appendix zone (110) .

Absorbent Main Body

The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises a water permeable topsheet (24) , a water impermeable backsheet (25) and an absorbent core (62) disposed between the topsheet (24) and the backsheet (25) . An optional outer cover layer may be provided on the garment facing side of the backsheet (25) . The outer cover layer may be a nonwoven substrate. The topsheet (24) may be a water permeable substrate. The backsheet (25) may be a water impermeable film. Referring to Figures 2A-2B, the absorbent main body (38) comprises an absorbent core (62) for absorbing and containing body exudates disposed on the absorbent main body (38) , and an absorbent material non-existing region (61) surrounding the periphery of the absorbent core (62) . The absorbent material non-existing region (61) may be made of material selected from the group consisting of the topsheet (24) , the backsheet (25) , cuff material, optional outer cover layer, and any combination thereof. In the embodiments of Figures 2A-2B, the absorbent main body (38) has a generally rectangular shape, left and right longitudinally extending side edges and front and back transversely extending end edges (50) . The absorbent main body (38) extends the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region (30) and further extends partly into each of the front region (26) and the back region (28) .

Referring to Figures 3 and 7, the absorbent main body (38) comprises a leg gasketing system comprising at least an inner cuff (68) and optionally also an outer cuff (not shown) . The leg gasketing system comprising the inner cuff (68) is provided in pair and disposed along both transverse edges of the absorbent main body (38) extending in the longitudinal direction and superposing the topsheet (24) . The leg gasketing system may be made of material having high fluid impermeability. The same web of material may be made for making both the inner cuff (68) and the outer cuff. The inner cuff (68) is mainly to prevent leakage of bodily exudates. The outer cuff in cooperation with the belt elastic members (96) may provide gasketing around the leg openings.

Topsheet and Backsheet

The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises a water permeable topsheet (24) that may be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to a wearer. Suitable topsheets (24) may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers) , synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) , or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet (24) is generally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. The topsheet (24) is water permeable, permitting bodily fluids to readily penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet (24) . One topsheet (24) useful herein is available from Fibertex NiLai, Malaysia with tradename H30501221 or FQN Hazlet NJ with tradename SB1206169. Any portion of the topsheet (24) may be coated with a lotion or skin care composition as is known in the art. Portions of the topsheet (24) may be coated with a lotion. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; and 5,643,588.

The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises a water impermeable backsheet which is designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbent core (62) from soiling articles that may contact the absorbent article, such as bed sheets and undergarments. The backsheet may be positioned such that it extends beyond the absorbent core (62) in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Suitable backsheet materials include films such as those manufactured by Plaster Argentina with tradename PLBA NBBS 10-12GSM PR V1. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by Daika Japan with tradename MPF DKH-180 15G V7 and manufactured by Berry Nashville, TN with trademark BR-137P V13. Such breathable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Patent No. 5,865,823. Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturing techniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet including, but not limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections and processing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.

The longitudinal length of the backsheet and the optional outer cover layer may be the same, or may be varied. For example, the outer cover layer may have a shorter length compared to that of the backsheet, such that the outer cover layer is devoid where the absorbent main body (38) overlaps the elastic belt (40) . By such configuration, the elastic belt may have better breathability. Further, such configuration may provide cost saving. The transverse width of the backsheet and the outer cover layer may be the same, or may be varied. For example, the backsheet may have a shorter transverse width compared to that of the outer cover layer. By such configuration, the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent main body (38) which make part of the leg openings, may have better breathability. Further, such configuration may provide cost saving. The backsheet may extend to the transversely extending end edges (50) of the absorbent main body (38) for providing leakage prevention.

Absorbent Core

The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises an absorbent core (62) for absorbing and containing body exudates disposed on the wearer facing side. The absorbent core (62) may include an absorbent layer and an acquisition system. The absorbent layer is the region wherein absorbent materials having a high retention capacity, such as superabsorbent polymers, are present. The absorbent core (62) may exist through the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and extending at least partly in the front region (26) ; or at least partly in both the front and back regions (26, 28) . The absorbent layer may be substantially cellulose free. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may contain cellulose. There may be an absorbent layer mainly comprising cellulose, and another absorbent layer mainly comprising superabsorbent polymers.

Superabsorbent polymers of the absorbent layer may be disposed between first and second layers of material immobilized by a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material. The first and second layers of materials may be nonwoven fibrous webs including synthetic fibers, such as mono-constituent fibers of PE, PET and PP, multiconstituent fibers such as side by side, core/sheath or island in the sea type fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbonding process or a meltblowing process.

The absorbent core (62) may also include an acquisition system for facilitating the acquisition and distribution of body exudates, and may be placed between the topsheet (24) and the absorbent layer. The acquisition system may include cellulosic fibers. The absorbent layers may be disposed in plurality in the absorbent core (62) . Some portions of the absorbent layers may be configured to have substantially no absorbent material to form a channel or a plurality of channels. Channels may be useful for allowing the absorbent core (62) to bend upon swelling with fluids, such that the center region conforms to the wearer’s body after swelling and prevent sagging of the article. The channels may also be formed in the acquisition system, and may be configured to at least partly match the channels of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction. The acquisition system may comprise a liquid management layer directly under the topsheet (24) . The function of such a layer is to rapidly acquire the fluid from the topsheet (24) away from the wearer-facing side and/or to distribute over a larger area so it is more efficiently absorbed by the absorbent core. It is also possible that such a liquid management layer may be placed between the backsheet (25) and the absorbent core. The liquid management layer may be a spunlace nonwoven comprising viscose, PET, CoPET/PET fibers, and combinations thereof.

The absorbent core (62) may comprise a high loft material encompassing superabsorbent polymers. The term “high loft” refers to low density bulky fabrics, as compared to flat, paper-like fabrics. High loft webs are characterized by a relatively high porosity. This means that there is a relatively high amount of void space in which superabsorbent polymer particles can be distributed. The high loft material (without the superabsorbent particles) of the invention may have a density at a pressure of 4.14kPa (0.6 psi) below 0.20 g/cm³, in particular ranging from 0.05 g/cm³ to 0.15 g/cm³. The high loft layer (without the superabsorbent particles) may have a density at a pressure of 2.07 kPa (0.3 psi) below 0.20 g/cm³, in particular ranging from 0.02 g/cm³ to 0.15 g/cm³. The high loft layer (without the superabsorbent particles) of the invention may have a density at a pressure of 0.83 kPa (0.12 psi) below 0.15 g/cm³, in particular ranging from 0.01 g/cm³ to 0.15 g/cm³, and a basis weight of from 15 to 500gsm, preferably 30～200gsm, such as those described in US 2021/0361497 Al. The absorbent core (62) comprising high loft material encompassing superabsorbent polymers may also contain channels.

Alternatively, the absorbent core (62) may comprise an absorbent layer having superabsorbent polymers disposed between first and second layers of nonwoven material immobilized by a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material (not shown) . The first and second layers of nonwoven materials may be relatively low basis weight nonwoven fibrous webs including synthetic fibers, such as mono-constituent fibers of PE, PET and PP, multiconstituent fibers such as side by side, core/sheath or island in the sea type fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbonding process or a meltblowing process.

Elastic Belt

The front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are configured to impart elasticity in the transverse direction. Referring to Figures 2A-2B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B and 8A-8B the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) may each comprise a laminate, the laminate comprising a plurality of elastic members (96F, 96S) running in the transverse direction, an inner sheet (94) , an outer sheet (92) , and one or a plurality of fold overs of the inner sheet (94’, 94”) and/or the outer sheet (92’, 92”) ; wherein the belt elastic members (96F, 96S) are sandwiched between two of these sheets.

The outer sheet (92) of the present invention may be a nonwoven having a basis weight of from about 10gsm to about 55gsm, or from about 10gsm to about 35gsm, and may have a fiber diameter of from about 0.8 dpf to about 6 dpf. The fiber diameter is described in denier per filament (dpf) used in the industry, which is grams /9,000 meters of length of fiber. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven may be made by processes such as spunbond, spunlace, carded or air-laid; and may comprise fibers and/or filaments made of polypropylene (PP) , polyethylene (PE) , polyethylene phthalate (PET) , polylactic acid/polylactide (PLA) or conjugate fibers (such as PE/PET, PE/PP, PE/PLA) as well as natural fibers such as cotton or regenerated cellulosic fibers such as viscose or lyocell. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven may be a multilayer or composite structure combining nonwovens made by different processes and fibers such as combining spunbond and carded nonwovens. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven may be made by biodegradable material, or derived from renewable resources. Exemplary material for the outer sheet (92) include: air-through carded nonwoven having a thickness of at least about 50μm, or at least about 80μm, or at least about 200μm. Such material may provide a soft lofty feeling to the garment-facing side. Suitable for the outer sheet (92) nonwoven of the present invention are air-through carded nonwoven material made of co-centric bicomponent fiber, crimping fiber made through core eccentric bicomponent filament or side by side bicomponent filament. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the outer sheet (92) nonwoven of the present invention include: 12-45gsm air-through carded nonwoven substrate comprising PE/PET bi-component fibers, such as those available from Beijing Dayuan Nonwoven Fabric Co. Ltd. or Xiamen Yanjan New Material Co. Ltd., and 8-45gsm spun melt nonwoven substrate comprising PP monofilament or PE/PP bi-component fibers, such as those available from Fibertex or Fitesa.

The inner sheet (94) of the present invention may be a nonwoven having a basis weight of from about 5gsm to about 45gsm, or from about 5gsm to about 35gsm. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may have a fiber diameter of from about 0.5 dpf to about 4 dpf. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may be made by processes such as spunbond, spunlace, carded or air-laid; and may comprise fibers and/or filaments made of polypropylene (PP) , polyethylene (PE) , polyethylene phthalate (PET) , polylactic acid/polylactide (PLA) or conjugate fibers (such as PE/PET, PE/PP, PE/PLA) as well as natural fibers such as cotton or regenerated cellulosic fibers such as viscose or lyocell. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may also be a multilayer or composite structure combining nonwovens made by different processes and fibers such as combining spunbond and carded nonwovens. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may be made by biodegradable material, or derived from renewable resources. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for the inner sheet (94) nonwoven of the present invention include: 12-30gsm air-through carded nonwoven substrate made of PE/PET bi-component staple fiber, such as those available from Beijing Dayuan Nonwoven Fabric Co. Ltd. or Xiamen Yanjan New Material Co. Ltd., and 8-30gsm spun melt nonwoven substrate comprising PP monofilament or PE/PP bi-component fibers, such as those available from Fibertex or Fitesa.

The basis weight of the outer sheet (92) and the inner sheet (94) may be adjusted such that the basis weight of the inner sheet (94) is not greater than the basis weight of the outer sheet (92) . Thus, the outer sheet (92) may be provided with a soft lofty tactile sense which connotes high quality, while the inner sheet (94) may be kept thinner and conforming to the outer sheet (92) , thus saving cost.

Referring to Figures 3, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 6A-6B, the front elastic belt comprises a front main body portion (MBF) forming the garment facing side of the front elastic belt (84) and a front fold over portion (FOF) forming the wearer facing side of the front elastic belt (84) wherein the front main body portion (MBF) and the front fold over portion (FOF) is divided by the waist opening (88) . The front fold over portion (FOF) is bonded to the front main body portion (MBF) and the pair of inner cuffs (68) , and at least a portion of the front fold over portion (FOF) is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body (38) to form a front pocket region (103P) comprising a front closed base line (103B) at the distal end of the front pocket region and a front pocket opening (103M) , the front pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article. The front closed base line (103B) is the boundary of the front pocket region (103P) and the region where the front fold over portion (FOF) is bonded to the front main body portion (MBF) . The bondings provided to define the area of the front pocket region (103P) may be so configured to provide the front pocket region (103P) at least partially superposing the backsheet, or substantially superposing the backsheet, or completely superposing the backsheet. The front closed base line (103B) may be provided in a position superposing the backsheet. Without being bound by theory, by providing the front pocket region (103P) superposing the backsheet, this prevents urine having entered the front pocket region (103P) from flowing or penetrating out towards the waist opening. The bonding between the front main body portion (MBF) and the front fold over portion (FOF) , as well as the bonding between the front fold over portion (FOF) and the pair of inner cuffs (38) , may be provided by adhesive, heat, ultrasonic energy, or combinations thereof. The bonding may be provided by adhesive surrounding the intended area to form the front pocket region (103P) . The surrounding adhesive may completely surround the front pocket region (103P) , or may be provided in stripes (SWFA) extending in the transverse direction leaving intervals in the longitudinal direction such as shown in Figure 3. The adhesive defining the front closed base line (103B) may be provided continuously. Such configuration of adhesives in stripes (SWFA) may leave the overall front belt (84) less harsh to the skin by using less amount of adhesive, while providing a secure bonding between the front main body portion (MBF) and the front fold over portion (FOF) .

Referring to Figures 7 and 8A-8B, the back elastic belt (86) comprises a back main body portion (MBB) forming the garment facing side of the back elastic belt (86) and a back fold over portion (FOB) forming the wearer facing side of the back elastic belt (86) wherein the main body portion (MBB) and the fold over portion (FOB) is divided by the waist opening (88) . The back pocket region (103P) , back closed base line (103B) , and back pocket opening (103M) may be formed in the same manner as the front pocket region as described above.

Herein a “fold over” (92’, 92”, 94’, 94”) is an extension of the outer sheet (92) or the inner sheet (94) material formed by folding the material at the waist opening (88) of the front or back elastic belt (84, 86) or at the transversely extending line matching the front pocket opening (103M) . Herein, a “fold over portion” (FOF, FOB) is an extension of the laminate of the front or back elastic belt (84, 86) , wherein such extended portion of the laminate forms a pocket region.

The elastic members (96S) disposed in the main body portion (MBF, MBB) may be bonded by adhesive which is transversely intermittently applied. The elastic members (96S) disposed in the main body portion (MBF, MBB) may be bonded by adhesive which is further longitudinally intermittently applied. The adhesive bonding in the main body portion (MBF, MBB) may be provided as discrete bond units having a longitudinal dimension of from about 0.5mm to about 20mm, and a transverse dimension of from about 0.5mm to about 6.0mm. On the other hand, the elastic members (96F) disposed in the fold over portion (FOF, FOB) may be bonded by adhesive which is continuously provided along the full transverse dimension of the protective zone (103) .

The front pocket region (103P) may be formed by a first surface facing the wearer and a second surface facing the garment, and the front pocket region (103P) may have a Strike Through Time of more than about 20seconds, preferably more than about 30seconds from the second surface to the first surface, according to the Liquid Strike Through Method herein. The Liquid Strike Through Method is for quantitatively measuring how many seconds (Strike Through Time) it takes for artificial urine to pass through a substrate in a given condition, as detailed in the measurement method below. The greater the Strike Through Time, the greater the capability of the substrate to prevent leakage of urine. The choice of material to be used for the front pocket region (103P) may be selected according to the Strike Through Time, the tactile quality of the material, and otherwise. The front pocket region (103P) may be provided in one layer of sheet, or multiple layers of sheets. The front pocket region (103P) comprises a first layer forming the first surface and a second layer forming the second surface.

Referring to Figures 4A-4B, an embodiment of the front elastic belt (84) is shown, wherein the front fold over portion (FOF) is configured by the outer sheet fold over (92’) forming the first layer, and the inner sheet fold over (94’) forming the second layer, provided in the same longitudinal dimension. The outer sheet material may be provided in lofty nonwoven, thus providing a soft tactile sense for the first surface of the front pocket region (103P) . As in this embodiment, the first layer may extend to the front pocket opening (103M) . Further, the front fold over portion (FOF) may be devoid of elastic members. The configuration of Figures 4A-4B provide good urine leakage prevention of the front pocket region (103P) by having 2 layers, and also enables process feasibility by having the inner sheet (94) and outer sheet (92) to have similar cross machine direction dimension during manufacture. The outer sheet (92) may have a higher basis weight and loft compared to the inner sheet (94) for providing a soft touch to the first layer.

Referring to Figures 5A-5B, another embodiment of the front elastic belt (84) is shown, wherein the front fold over portion (FOF) is configured by a first outer sheet fold over (92’) forming the first layer, and a second outer sheet fold over (92”) forming the second layer. The configuration of Figures 5A-5B provide good urine leakage prevention of the front pocket region (103P) by having 2 layers, and also enables securely disposing elastic members (96F) between the 2 layers as need be.

Referring to Figures 6A-6B, another embodiment of the front elastic belt (84) is shown, wherein the front fold over portion (FOF) is configured by a first inner sheet fold over (94’) forming the first layer, and a second inner sheet fold over (94”) forming the second layer. Further, a small dimension of outer sheet fold over (92’) may be provided for avoiding sharp edges at the waist opening. The configuration of Figures 6A-6B provide good urine leakage prevention of the front pocket region (103P) by having 2 layers, and also enables securely disposing elastic members (96F) between the 2 layers as need be. The inner sheet (94) may have a relatively lower basis weight and thus provide a relatively thin front pocket region (103P) which drapes well on the topsheet (24) for preventing irritation to the wearer.

Elastic Belt Zones and Inner Cuffs

Referring to Figure 2A-2B, the elastic belt of the present invention may be described in zones extending in the transverse direction and having a dimension in the longitudinal direction. When the distal edge of the side seam (32) is considered 0%and the proximal edge of the side seam is considered 100%, the front closed base line (103B) of the front pocket region (103P) may be disposed at a location of from about 10%to about 50%of LS, the front pocket opening (103M) may be disposed at a location of from about 50%to about 80%of LS, the back closed base line (103B) of the back pocket region (103P) may be disposed at a location of from about 10%to about 50%of LS, and the back pocket opening (103M) may be disposed at a location of from about 50%to about 80%of LS.

For either the front or back belt (84, 86) , the zone distal from the closed base line (103B) is the waist zone (102) , the zone defined by the closed base line (103B) and the pocket opening (103M) is the protective zone (103) , and the zone proximal from the pocket opening (103M) to the edge of the side seam (32) is the tummy zone (105) . Referring to Figure 2A, the back belt (86) may have a longer longitudinal dimension (LB) than that of the front belt (LF) . The remainder of the back belt (86) outside the side seams is the appendix zone (110) . When there is an elastic member (96S) on the main body portion (MBF, MBB) matching the position of the closed base line (103B) or the pocket opening (103M) , such elastic member is considered as belonging to the protective zone (103) .

The front protective zone (103) may be positioned at a dimension of from about 25%to about 55%of LS, or from about 30%to about 65%of LS, or from about 25%to about 55%of LS, or from about 30%to about 70%of LS. Without being bound by theory, by providing the front protective zone (103) in such location, urine may be effectively drawn into the front pocket region (103P) . The back protective zone (103) may be positioned at a dimension of from about 25%to about 55%of LS, or from about 30%to about 65%of LS, or from about 25%to about 55%of LS, or from about 30%to about 70%of LS. Without being bound by theory, by providing the back protective zone (103) in such location, the buttock cleavage of a wearer is effectively covered by the back protective zone (103) so that low viscosity exudate, such as runny fecal matter or blood, may be effectively drawn into the back pocket region (103P) . The position of the protective zone (103) on the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) may or may not be matched. The proximal end of the protective zone (103) on the front belt (84) and the back belt (86) may have a longitudinal distance within about 15mm, or within about 10mm.

Referring to Figures 3-8B, the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) may each be made only by elastic members (96S) , the inner sheet (94) , the outer sheet (92) , and the outer/inner sheet fold overs (92’, 92”, 94’, 94”) . The belt elastic members (96S) may extend in the transverse direction to provide a ring like elastic belt (40) when the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are joined. At least some of the elastic members (96S) extend in the transverse direction substantially parallel to each other. Referring to Figures 2A-2B, the elastic members (96S) of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) which exist in active elasticity underneath the absorbent main body (38) are shown. At least 10%, or at least from about 15%to not more than about 70%, of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) from the waist opening in the longitudinal direction may be a laminate in active elasticity along the entire transverse dimension of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) . For each front and back elastic belt (84, 86) , the region overlapping the absorbent core (62) may be removed of its elastic activity. Such region removed of elastic activity is referred herein as the “elastic cut window” , and the remainder of the intact elastic member capable of imparting elasticity is defined as the “effective length of elasticity of an elastic member” .

The tensile stress (N/m) of the entirety, as well as particular portions or zones, of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) , respectively, may be profiled in order to provide the functional benefits of the present invention, such as leakage prevention, ease of stretch and application, while being comfortable to wear, and maintain certain force after loading to prevent the article from sagging. When the elasticity of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) are provided by a plurality of elastic members (96F, 96S) running in the transverse direction, the tensile stress may be adjusted by one or more of the following methods; 1) elongation rate of the elastic member; 2) density (dtex) of the elastic member; 3) longitudinal pitch of multiple elastic members; and 4) effective length of elasticity of the elastic member in the transverse direction. By elongation, “0%elongation” is meant the original length of the elastic member. Herein, the tensile stress of the front/back elastic belt or zones thereof are measured according to the Belt Zone Tensile Stress Measurement below.

Referring to Figures 8A-8B, a first elastic member (96F) may be introduced in the fold over portion (FOF, FOB) for imparting elasticity to the pocket region (103P) . The back fold over portion (FOB) may be imparted elasticity by one or more elastic strands, elastic ribbons, mechanically activated nonwovens, or otherwise. The same may be provided on the front fold over portion (FOF) , or the front fold over portion (FOF) may be left devoid of elasticity. In either situation, the front/back pocket region (103P) which matches the front/back protective zone (103) may have a front/back pocket tensile stress. The front/back main body portion (MBF, MBB) may each have tensile stress on the front/back protective zone (103) . The tensile stress of the front main body portion (MBF) of the front protective zone (103) is greater than the front pocket region tensile stress. The back pocket tensile stress is greater than the front pocket tensile stress. Preferably, the tensile stress of the front pocket region (103P) is less than 50%as that of the tensile stress of the front main body portion (FOF) superposing the front pocket region (103P) . The back pocket tensile stress is greater than the front pocket tensile stress.

Still referring to Figures 8A-8B, the introduction of the first elastic members (96F) is explained, which can be utilized for either the front or back fold over portion (FOF, FOB) . When the first elastic member (96F) is a plurality of elastic strands, there may be 2-10 elastic strands, or from 2-5 elastic strands, or 2-8 elastic strands, or 3-4 elastic strands, or 3-8 elastic strands, or 4-6 elastic strands disposed relatively near the pocket opening (103M) . The elastics are disposed relatively near the pocket opening (103M) such that the pocket region (103P) having containment capacity toward the closed base line (103B) may be provided. When the pocket region (103P) is elasticized by disposing a plurality of elastic strands (96F) , one elastic strand is disposed from no less than 2mm to 5mm away from the pocket opening (103M) . Placement of the elastic strand on the very edge of the pocket opening (103M) may be avoided in order to prevent the pocket opening (103M) causing irritation to the wearer. The plurality of elastic strands (96F) may be disposed in relatively small pitch between each other. The elastic strands (96F) may be disposed at a pitch of no more than about 12mm, or no more than about 10mm, or no more than about 6mm, or between about 2mm to about 8mm, or between about 3mm to about 9mm, or between about 2mm to about 6mm. The elastic strands (96F) may be provided in color such that the existence and function of the pocket region (103P) is clearly communicated to the wearer or caregiver. The color may be selected from green, blue, purple, or a combination thereof, in order to be easily recognized, while not being confused with the color of containment. The same or similar color may be used for elastic strands (96S) on the main body portion (MBF, MBB) .

Referring to Figures 3 and 7, each inner cuff (68) of the present invention extends from the topsheet (24) toward the longitudinal axis to form a free edge (68F) . The inner cuffs (68) may be made by providing a part comprising a cuff material having high fluid impermeability with elastic members (68E) provided in attachment, followed by bonding the cuff material along the left and right side edges of the topsheet (24) , wherein the longitudinally extending bonding line (BL) defines the transverse dimension of the inner cuff T1 in the front region (26) , and the transverse dimension of the inner cuff T2 in the back region (28) . Dimension T1 and T2 may be the same or different. The elastic member (68E) may be disposed adjacent the free edge (68F) for providing elasticity to the inner cuff (68) , for example from about 0.5mm to about 3mm from the free edge (68F) . The elastic member (68E) may be provided in plurality with an interval of from about 1mm to about 2mm. Each inner cuff (68) of the present invention comprises an active portion (68U) unattached to the topsheet (24) and extending from the front region (26) through the crotch region (30) to the back region (28) which enables a longitudinally extending inner cuff elastic body (68E) in active elasticity such that the inner cuffs (68) are kept in close proximity with the wearer to provide a barrier effect. The elastic members (68E) toward the front and back ends may be deactivated. In Figures 3 and 7, only the inner cuff elastic members (68E) in active elasticity are depicted.

Referring to Figure 3, the front fold over portion (FOF) is bonded to the front main body portion (MBF) and may also be bonded to the pair of inner cuffs (68) , and the elastically active regions of the inner cuffs (68E) may overlap the front pocket region (103P) . By such relationship, the front pocket region (103P) is imparted elasticity even when the front pocket region (103P) is devoid of elasticity.

The front and back pocket regions (103P) may be configured in a certain way relative to the absorbent main body (38) to provide improved function. As mentioned above, the area of the pocket (103P) may be so configured to provide the pocket (103P) substantially superposing the backsheet (36) . When the backsheet (36) extends to the end edge (50) of the absorbent main body (38) , the end edge of the backsheet (36) matches the end edge (50) of the absorbent main body (38) . The absorbent main body (38) comprises an absorbent core (62) which may be surrounded by an absorbent material non-existing region (61) , wherein the absorbent core (62) having a greater thickness than that of the absorbent material non-existing region (61) . The absorbent core (62) may partially superpose the area of the pocket (103P) to provide at least some absorbent capacity in this region. At least about 3%, or at least about 10%of the area of the front and back pocket (103P) may superpose the absorbent core (62) toward the proximal edge. Even so, the combined thickness of the fold over portions (FOF, FOB) , the main body portions (MBF, MBB) , and the portion of the absorbent main body (38) sandwiched therebetween, either in the front or back, may be kept to no more than about 5mm, preferably no more than about 4mm. This is so that the thickness of the remainder of the article does not interfere with the opening of the pocket region (103P) towards the proximal side. When the absorbent main body (38) comprises an acquisition system, the acquisition system may superpose the pocket region (103P) on the front side. The acquisition system may be avoided from superposing the pocket region (103P) on the back side.

The transverse dimension of the front pocket region (103P) may be made smaller than that of the back pocket region (103P) . Particularly when the front pocket region (103P) is devoid of elasticity, it is advantageous to have the inner cuff elastic members (68E) adjacent the front pocket region (103P) . The area of the front pocket region (103P) may be provided smaller than the area of the back pocket region (103P) .

The front and back main body portions (MBF, MBB) and the front and back fold over portions (FOF, FOB) may be configured in a certain way relative to each other to provide improved function. The tensile stress of the back tummy zone (105) may be smaller than the collective tensile stress of the back protective zone (103) . Without being bound by theory, such profiling of the tensile stress per zone is believed to provide the article of the present invention with a shaped elastic belt (40) that conforms well to a human body, particularly to a lower torso of a wearer of less than 48 months of age, and therefore provide good fit and comfort to the wearer, without compromise of sagging prevention or leakage prevention.

Referring to Figure 3, the longitudinal distance between the front pocket opening (103M) and the front end of the absorbent main body (50) is defined F1, and the transverse dimension of the inner cuff in the front region is defined T1. Referring to Figure 7, the longitudinal distance between the back pocket opening (103M) and the back end of the absorbent main body (50) is defined F2, and the transverse dimension of the inner cuff in the back region is defined T2. Referring to Figure 9, F1 (mm) and T1 (mm) may have the relationship of:

F1 ≥ 287.02 –6.74 × T1 + 0.34 × (T1 –37.72) ²

T1 may be from about 25mm to about 50mm, and F1 may be from about 20mm to about 100mm, preferably from about 30mm to about 80mm. Without being bound by theory, by providing T1 and F1 to have the relationship as above, good containment of urine is provided without causing irritation to the wearer’s genital area.

Due to the additional layers of sheets provided on the front fold over portion (FOF) and the back fold over portion (FOB) , the side seam (32) may have regions of different number of layers along its longitudinal dimension. Referring to Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, and 8A-8B, the waist zone (102) may be made of 3-4 layers, the protective zone (103) may be made of up to 8 layers, and the tummy zone (105) may be made of only 2 layers. The portion of the side seam having 8 layers may be limited to less than 50%of the side seam length LS.

Liquid Strike Through Measurement

Liquid Strike Through Measurement is based on Edana Nonwoven Standard Procedures 2015 Edition 070.3. R0 (15) , Nonwoven Coverstock Liquid Strike-Through Time using Simulated Urine (pages 246 –255) . The elastic belt (40) to be tested (front or back) is removed from the absorbent main body (38) , and the fold over portion (FOF, FOB) is removed from the main body portion (MBF, MBB) using ice spray as need be. Placing the front/back pocket region (103P) in the center in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, a square is cut out of the fold over portion (FOF, FOB) using scissors. When there are elastic members included in the fold over portion (FOF, FOB) , the portion including elastic members are avoided. The dimension of the square should be at least 25mm by 25mm, preferably greater in both directions. Regions outside the pocket region may exist in the perimeters of the specimen, so long as a circle in diameter of 25mm of the pocket region is included. The specimen thus obtained is flattened by hand, and mounted on the Strike-through plate such that the 25mm diameter circle at the center of the Strike-through plate is completely covered by the front/back pocket region (103P) , wherein the second surface faces the Strike-through plate.

Start the test and record the Strike Through Time up to 0.01second. Repeat the test for 5 specimens and calculate the average value. Strike Through Time beyond 60 seconds is not counted and reported “>60” . When there are tests that beyond 60 seconds and not for the same sample, the average is obtained by considering “>60” as 60 seconds.

Whole Article Force Measurement

Force is measured using an Electronic Tensile Tester with a computer interface such as the MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software (available from MTS SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD) or equivalent instrument. A load cell is selected so that force results for the samples tested will be between 10 and 90%of capacity of the load cell used. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23 ± 2 ℃ and 50 ± 5 %relative humidity.

The tensile tester is fitted with hanger-type sample holding fixtures (300) as shown in Figure 10. Each fixture comprises a rigid linear rubber-coated horizontal bar section (302) to prevent sample slippage during testing. The outer bar diameter (including the rubber coating) of the horizontal bar sections is 10.0 mm. The central axes of the horizontal bar sections (302) are configured to remain parallel and in the same vertical plane throughout the test procedure. The gauge circumference is determined by the following equation:

Gauge Circumference = 2 x (H + D + πD/2)

where H is the vertical gap between the horizontal bar sections (302) , and D is the outer diameter of the bar.

The instrument is set up to go through the following steps:

An article (20) sample is inserted onto the upper horizontal bar section (302) so that the bar passes through the waist opening and one leg opening of the article. The crosshead is raised until the specimen hangs above the lower bar and does not touch lower bar (302) . The load cell is tared and the crosshead is lowered to enable the lower bar (302) to be inserted through the waist opening and other leg opening without stretching the article. The article is adjusted so that the longitudinal centerline LX of the article is in a horizontal plane halfway between the upper and lower bars (302) . The center of the side portion in contact with the bar (302) is situated on the same vertical axis as the instrument load cell. The crosshead is raised slowly while the article is held in place by hand as necessary until the force is between 0.05 and 0.1N, while taking care not to add any unnecessary force. The gauge circumference at this point is the Initial Gauge Circumference. The test is initiated and the crosshead moves up at 254 mm/min until a force of 19.6N is attained, then the crosshead immediately returns to the Initial Gauge Circumference at the same speed. The maximum circumference at 19.6N and the force at 70%of the maximum circumference during the loading segment and unloading segment of the test are recorded.

The maximum circumference at 19.6N is defined as the Full Stretch Circumference (mm) . The Full Stretch Circumference (mm) × 0.7 is defined as the 70%Stretch Circumference. The Waist Circumference Force is defined as the force at 70%stretch circumference during the load (extension) segment of the test. Five samples are analyzed and their average are calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01N, respectively.

Belt Zone Tensile Stress Measurement

The tensile stress (N/m) is calculated by tensile force (N) divided by the specimen width (m) . Force may be measured using an Electronic Tensile Tester with a computer interface such as the MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software (available from MTS SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD) or equivalent instrument. A load cell is chosen so that force results for the samples tested will be between 10%and 90%of capacity of the load cell. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23 ± 2 ℃ and 50 ± 5 %relative humidity. The instrument is equipped with single line contact grips at least as wide as the test specimen.

To obtain test specimens, the sample article is cut open along the side seams (32) , and the front and belt elastic belt sections (40) are removed from the absorbent main body (38) by separating the bonding between them, and further the fold over portion (FOF, FOB) is separated from the main body portion (MBF, MBB) to which it is attached. Cold Spray may be used, paying attention not to make wrinkles in the belt sections. Care is taken not to spray on any elastic member (96F, 96S) . The obtained elastic belt samples are severed into zones (102, 103, 105) according to the present invention with care not to cut any elastic member (96F, 96S) . Samples are pre-conditioned at 23 ℃ ± 2 ℃ and 50%± 5%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.

The instrument is set up to go through the following steps. Initial Gauge Length is calculated from the Initial Gauge Circumference which is determined during the Whole Article Force Test using separate identical articles, as described above. Initial Gauge Length = 0.5 × Initial Gauge Circumference. The final gauge length is calculated from the Full Stretch Circumference which is determined during the Whole Article Force Test, as described above.

One end of the specimen is clamped into the upper clamp and the load is tared. The other end of the specimen is clamped into the lower clamp. Approximately 5 mm of each end of the specimen is behind the contact line of the grip. The test is started and the specimen is extended to the final gauge length at a crosshead speed of 254 mm/min, then immediately returned to the original gauge length at the same speed. The specimen is extended in the article transverse direction during the test. The unload force at 70%of the Final Gauge Length during the unload segments of the test is recorded.

Five articles are analyzed and the unload forces are recorded for each of the zones. The average tensile force (N) is calculated to the nearest 0.01 N for each. The tensile stress for each zone is calculated by the average tensile force (N) divided by the average specimen width (m) and reported to the nearest 0.1 N/m.

EXAMPLES

Front Pocket Region Examples

Nonwovens providing the first and second surfaces of the front pocket region, or combinations of nonwovens for providing the first layer and the second layer of the front pocket region were subject to the Liquid Strike Through Measurement herein, the results are provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1

From these results, Examples 1-5 are suitable for providing the front pocket region of the present invention. Example 1 may be used in the configuration of Figures 5A-5B. Example 2 may be used in the configuration of Figures 4A-4B. Example 3 may be used in the configuration of Figures 6A-6B.

Article Examples

A belt type pant article having the configurations of Figures 3, 4A-4B, 7, 8A-8B, and having tensile stress per zone and T1/F1/T2/F2 as in Table 2 were provided.

Table 2

The obtained pant article provides good leakage protection on the front side as well as the back side.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm. ”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this 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

An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction comprising a front elastic belt, a back elastic belt, and a crotch region, wherein the front and back elastic belts are connected with a pair of side seams to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt; the absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body extending the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partly into each of the front region and the back region, the absorbent main body comprising a water permeable topsheet, a water impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween,

wherein the front elastic belt comprises a front main body portion forming the garment facing side of the front elastic belt and a front fold over portion forming the wearer facing side of the front elastic belt wherein the front main body portion and the front fold over portion is divided by the waist opening, wherein the front fold over portion is bonded to the front main body portion, and at least a portion of the front fold over portion is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body to form a front pocket region comprising a closed base line at the distal end of the front pocket region and a front pocket opening, the front pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article, wherein the front pocket region has a front pocket tensile stress;

wherein the back elastic belt comprises a back main body portion forming the garment facing side of the back elastic belt and a back fold over portion forming the wearer facing side of the back elastic belt wherein the back main body portion and the back fold over portion is divided by the waist opening, wherein the back fold over portion is bonded to the back main body portion, and at least a portion of the back fold over portion is remained unbonded to the absorbent main body to form a back pocket region comprising a closed base line at the distal end of the back pocket region and a back pocket opening, the back pocket opening being open towards the longitudinal center of the article, wherein the back pocket region has a back pocket tensile stress;

wherein the back pocket tensile stress is greater than the front pocket tensile stress.
The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the transverse dimension of the front pocket region is smaller than that of the back pocket region.
The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims wherein the area of the front pocket region is smaller than the area of the back pocket region.
The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims wherein when the proximal end of the protective zone on the front belt and the back belt have a longitudinal distance within about 15mm, preferably within about 10mm.
The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims wherein when the back belt distal from the back protective zone is a back waist zone, and the back belt proximal from the back protective zone is a back tummy zone, the tensile stress of the back tummy zone is smaller than the collective tensile stress of the back protective zone.
The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims wherein the front main body portion and the back main body portion are each formed by an outer sheet, an inner sheet, and elastic strands sandwiched between the outer sheet and the inner sheet,

wherein the front fold over portion is formed by a first layer which is the outer sheet folded at the waist opening, and a second layer which is the inner sheet folded at the waist opening, and

the back fold over region is formed by a first layer which is the outer sheet folded at the waist opening, and a second layer which is the outer sheet further folded at the back pocket opening.
The absorbent article of Claim 6 wherein the portion of the side seam having 8 layers is less than 50%of the side seam length LS.