Absorbent Garment and Method for Forming an Absorbent Garment

Abstract

absorbent garment, and method for forming an absorbent garment. Absorbent bodies and methods for forming absorbent bodies are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent garment comprises a body-side lining; an outer cover; an absorbent comprising: a top lining material layer, a bottom-facing material layer, a raised nonwoven reinforcing material disposed between the top lining material layer and the bottom lining material layer, absorbent material comprising superabsorbent material disposed between the top lining material layer and the bottom lining material layer and within the reinforcing material;and a collection material disposed between the absorbent body and the lining of the body side, wherein a first side of the absorbent body and a second side of the absorbent body are folded in a central part forming a folded absorbent body with the first and second folded parts with a channel region disposed between the first and second folded parts, and wherein the collection material extends throughout the channel region.

Description

/ 68 Absorbent Garment and Method for Forming an Absorbent Garment TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] This disclosure is directed to absorbent bodies and, more particularly, to multilayer absorbent bodies for use, for example, in absorbent articles. Fundamentals of Disclosure

[002] People rely on disposable absorbent products in their daily lives, including items such as adult incontinence products, bedwetting pants, training diapers, and diapers. Many manufacturers seek to better meet the needs of users of these products. For example, there is a need to further improve the fit, discretion, and leak protection for many products.

[003] An important component of many absorbent articles are the absorbent bodies, such as absorbent cores, contained within such articles. These absorbent bodies are generally responsible for capturing and retaining liquid body exudates, thus preventing the exudates from leaking from the absorbent article and further retaining the user's skin fluid, which helps promote skin health. Advances in the structure and performance of absorbent bodies to produce thinner products that absorb fluid more quickly and leak less are an important ongoing area of ​​market desire. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[004] This disclosure is directed to absorbent bodies and, more particularly, to layered absorbent bodies for use in, for example, absorbent articles.

[005] In a first embodiment, an absorbent garment may extend in a longitudinal and lateral direction and comprise a lateral body lining, an outer covering, a body Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 10 / 100 / 68 absorbent material disposed between the side lining of the body and the outer cover, the absorbent body comprising: a top-facing material layer, a bottom-facing material layer, a raised non-woven reinforcement material disposed between the top-facing material layer and the bottom-facing material layer, absorbent material comprising superabsorbent material disposed between the top-facing material layer and the bottom-facing material layer and within the reinforcement material, and a collection material disposed between the absorbent body and the side lining of the body,and wherein a first lateral portion of the absorbent body and a second lateral portion of the absorbent body are folded over a central portion of the absorbent body, forming a folded absorbent body with a first folded portion and a second folded portion, with a channel region disposed between the first folded portion and the second folded portion, and wherein the collection material extends through the channel region.

[006] In a second embodiment, an absorbent garment may extend in a longitudinal and lateral direction and may comprise a side body lining, an outer cover, an absorbent body disposed between the side body lining and the outer cover, the absorbent body comprising: a top-facing layer of material, a bottom-facing layer of material, a raised nonwoven reinforcing material disposed between the top-facing layer of material and the bottom-facing layer of material, absorbent material comprising superabsorbent material forming a plurality of spaced strips of superabsorbent material disposed between the top-facing layer of material and the bottom-facing layer of material and within the reinforcing material,wherein a first lateral portion of the absorbent body and a second lateral portion of the absorbent body are folded over a central portion of the absorbent body forming a folded absorbent body with a first folded portion and a second folded portion with a channel region, Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 11 / 100 / 68, arranged between the first folded portion and the second folded portion, and in which the strips of superabsorbent material are spaced at a distance between 5 mm and 15 mm and the combined width of the strips of superabsorbent material comprises between 40% and 60% of the total width of the folded absorbent body; and a collection material arranged between the absorbent body and the lateral lining of the body, in which the collection material extends through the canal region and is attached to the canal.

[007] In a third embodiment, a method for forming an absorbent garment may comprise: moving a first coating material towards the machine, moving a reinforcing material towards the machine, the reinforcing material having a first side and a second side, applying superabsorbent material to the first side of the reinforcing material, the first side of the reinforcing material facing upwards in the vertical direction, reversing the orientation of the reinforcing material so that the first side of the reinforcing material faces downwards in the vertical direction, applying the first side of the reinforcing material to the first coating material, applying superabsorbent material to the second side of the reinforcing material, moving a second coating material towards the machine, applying the second coating material to the second side of the reinforcing material to form an absorbent laminate comprising the first coating material,The reinforcing material and the second lining material are applied by folding a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion of the absorbent laminate over a central portion of the absorbent laminate. The first lateral portion and the second lateral portion are folded into the central portion to form a channel region in the folded absorbent laminate. A collection material is then moved towards the machine, coupling the collection material to the folded absorbent laminate so that the collection material extends through the channel region, and coupling the folded absorbent laminate and the collection material between a lateral lining of the... Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 12 / 100 / 68 material body and an outer covering material to form an absorbent garment.

[008] The above summary of this disclosure is not intended to describe every embodiment or every implementation of this disclosure. Advantages and achievements, along with a fuller understanding of the disclosure, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[009] The disclosure can be more fully understood by taking into account the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary absorbent garment in a closed configuration, according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1 in an open, flat configuration; FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary absorbent body, according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an example of a folded absorbent body of FIG. 3A, according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary absorbent body, according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a folded absorbent body of FIG. 4A, according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1 seen along line 5-5; Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 13 / 100 / 68 FIG. 6 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the absorbent garment of FIG. 1 seen along line 5-5; Figures 7A and 7B are schematic representations of a process for forming absorbent bodies in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a plan view of a material used in the process represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an exemplary particulate matter deposition step in the process represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a material used in the process represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B showing locations of particulate matter deposition; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a material used in the process represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B showing alternative locations for particulate matter deposition; and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a material used in the process represented by FIGS. 6A and 6B showing other alternative locations for particulate matter deposition.

[0010] Although disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics of these have been shown as examples in the figures and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of disclosure to the particular modalities described. On the contrary, the intention is to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are within the scope of disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] This disclosure is directed to absorbent bodies and, more Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 14 / 100 / 68, particularly to layered absorbent bodies for use in, for example, absorbent articles. The absorbent bodies of this disclosure may be layered and comprise multiple layers. At least some of the absorbent bodies of this disclosure may include superabsorbent material, and at least some of these bodies may include superabsorbent material arranged in a standardized manner – for example, in bands of superabsorbent material. Such bands of superabsorbent material have been found to allow for superior performance of the absorbent bodies of this disclosure, in terms of faster first fluid uptake time and rewetting performance.

[0012] Other absorbent bodies of the present disclosure comprise layered absorbent bodies that have been folded. In particular, it has been found that folding such layered absorbent bodies of the present disclosure to form a central or void channel further enhances absorbent performance in terms of faster first fluid uptake time and rewetting performance. Further aspects of such absorbent bodies are described in more detail below.

[0013] The following description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered in the same way. The description and drawings, which are not necessarily scalable, represent illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of disclosure.

[0014] Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​pertaining to various components, features and / or specifications are disclosed, anyone skilled in the art, prompted by this disclosure, would understand that desired dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

[0015] All examples are given for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation. For example, the features illustrated or Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 15 / 100 / 68 described as a portion of an embodiment or figure may be used in another embodiment or figure to generate yet another embodiment. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure address such modifications and variations.

[0016] When introducing the elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a / an”, “the” and “said” are intended to indicate that there is one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

[0017] Within the context of this descriptive report, each term or phrase below will include the following meaning or meanings. Additional terms are defined elsewhere in the descriptive report.

[0018] “Absorbent article” or “absorbent garment” refers here to an article that can be placed against or close to (i.e., contiguous to) the user’s body to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid exudates discharged from the body. Such absorbent articles, as described in this document, are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use rather than being washed or otherwise restored for reuse. It should be understood that this disclosure applies to various disposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, diapers, pull-up diapers, training diapers, grown-up diapers, swim trunks, incontinence products, absorbent feminine hygiene products, and the like, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] “Air-laid” here refers to a net manufactured by an air-laying process. In the air-laying process, bundles of Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 16 / 100 / 68 small fibers having typical lengths ranging from about 3 to about 52 mm are separated and contained in an air supply, and then deposited onto a forming screen, usually with the assistance of a vacuum supply. The randomly deposited fibers are then bonded to each other using, for example, hot air to activate a bonding component or a latex adhesive. Air deposition is indicated, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,640,810 to Laursen et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0020] “Bound” refers to the bonding, adhesion, connection, union, or similar, of two elements. Two elements will be considered bound when they are joined, adhered, connected, fixed, or similar, directly or indirectly to each other, for example, when bonded to an intermediate element. The bonding can occur by adhesives, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, joining, stitching, suturing and / or welding.

[0021] “Carded bonded web” refers here to webs made of staple fibers that are sent through a combing or carding unit that separates or breaks and aligns the staple fibers in the machine direction to form a fibrous nonwoven web oriented in the general machine direction. This material may be bonded by means of methods which may include spot bonding, airflow bonding, ultrasonic bonding, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0022] “Coformed” herein refers to composite materials comprising a stabilized mixture or matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material. As an example, coformed materials may be manufactured by a process in which at least one molten blow molding die head is disposed near a chute through which other materials are added to the mat as it forms. Such other materials may include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as wood pulp or non-wood materials such as cotton, rayon, paper. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 17 / 100 / 68 recycled, pulp lint and also superabsorbent particles, inorganic and / or organic absorbent materials, treated polymeric staple fibers and so forth. Some examples of such conforming materials are disclosed in Patents No. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al., 4,818,464 to Lau, 5,284,703 to Everhart, et al. and 5,350,624 to Georger, et al., each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto for all purposes.

[0023] “Connected” refers to the union, adhesion, linking, fixing, or similar, of two elements. Two elements will be considered connected when they are directly connected to each other or indirectly connected to each other, as when each is directly linked to intermediate elements.

[0024] “Disposable” refers to items designed to be discarded after limited use, rather than being washed or restored in some other way for reuse.

[0025] The terms “arranged”, “arranged in relation to” and their variations are intended to mean that an element can be an integral part of another element, or that an element can be a separate structure connected or placed with or arranged close to another element.

[0026] “Elastic”, “stretched” and “elasticity” means the property of a material or composite by virtue of which it tends to recover its original size and shape after the removal of a force that causes deformation.

[0027] “Elastomeric” refers to a material or composite that can be stretched by at least 50% of its relaxed length and that will recover, after the release of the applied force, at least 20% of its elongation. It is generally preferred that the elastomeric material or composite be capable of being stretched by at least 50 percent, more preferably by at least 100 percent, and even more. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 18 / 100 / 68 preferably at least 300 percent of its relaxed length and recover, after the release of an applied force, at least 50% of its elongation.

[0028] “Absorbent fibrous material” or “absorbent fibers” herein refers to 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 of intrinsically wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers, or composed of non-wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefin fibers that have been hydrophilized by suitable means. Fibers may be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material that has a suitable hydrophilic portion and is not easily removed from the fiber, or by lining the non-wettable hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after fiber formation.

[0029] “Layer”, when used in the singular, can have the double meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.

[0030] “Machine direction” (MD) refers to the length of a fabric in the direction in which it is produced, as opposed to a “counter-machine direction” (CD) which refers to the width of a fabric in a direction generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0031] “Element” when used in the singular, can have the double meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.

[0032] “Nonwoven fabric” or “nonwoven blanket” refers here to a blanket that has a structure of individual fibers or yarns that are interwoven, but not in a manner identifiable as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven fabrics or blankets have been formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblown processes, spinbond processes, air-bonded carded blanket processes (also Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 19 / 100 / 68 known as BCW and TABCW), etc.

[0033] “Spunbond mat” refers here to a mat containing substantially continuous small-diameter fibers. The fibers are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material from a plurality of fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinneret with the diameter of the extruded fibers being then rapidly reduced by, for example, tensile extrusion and / or other well-known spunbond making mechanisms. The production of spinbound mats is described and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,340,563 to Appel, et al., 3,692,618 to Dorschner, et al., 3,802,817 to Matsuki, et al., 3,338,992 to Kinney, 3,341,394 to Kinney, 3,502,763 to Hartman, 3,502,538 to Levy, 3,542,615 to Dobo, et al., and 5,382,400 to Pike, et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.Fibers subjected to spunbond treatment are generally non-adherent when deposited on a collecting surface. Spinbound fibers can sometimes have diameters less than about 40 microns and frequently range from about 5 to about 20 microns.

[0034] “Superabsorbent polymer”, “superabsorbent material”, “SAP” or “SAM” should be used interchangeably and should refer to polymers that can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of a liquid relative to their own mass. Water-absorbing polymers, which are classified as hydrogels, which can be cross-linked, absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonds and other polar forces with water molecules. The ability of a SAP to absorb water is based in part on the ionicity (a factor of the ionic concentration of the aqueous solution) and the functional polar groups of the SAP that have an affinity for water. SAPs are typically made from the polymerization of acrylic acid mixed with sodium hydroxide I in Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 20 / 100 / 68 presence of an initiator to form a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid (sometimes referred to as sodium polyacrylate). Other materials are also used to produce a superabsorbent polymer, such as polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene anhydride maleic copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch-grafted polyacrylonitrile copolymer. SAP may be present in absorbent clothing in particle or fibrous form, or as a coating or other material or fiber.

[0035] “Particle”, “particulate” and the like, when used with the term “superabsorbent polymer”, refer to the form of discrete units. The units may comprise flakes, fibers, agglomerates, granules, powders, spheres, pulverized materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The particles may be of any desired shape, for example, cubic, rod-like, polyhedral, spherical or hemispherical, round or rounded, angular, irregular, etc.

[0036] “Particulate superabsorbent polymer” and “particulate superabsorbent polymer composition” refer to discrete-form superabsorbent polymer compositions and superabsorbent polymer, wherein the “particulate superabsorbent polymer” and “particulate superabsorbent polymer compositions” may have a particle size of less than 1000 µm or from about 150 μm to about 850 μm.

[0037] “Polymer” includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and mixtures and modifications thereof. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the term “polymer” shall include all possible isomers of material configuration. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and atactic symmetries.

[0038] “Percentage (%) by weight” or “% by weight”, as used herein and referring to components of the superabsorbent polymer composition Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 21 / 100 / 68 of dry particles, should be interpreted as based on the weight of the dry superabsorbent polymer composition, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0039] These terms may be defined with additional meanings in other parts of this descriptive report.

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a garment 20 extends along a longitudinal direction 23 and a lateral direction 22 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 23. As used in the description of the various embodiments of the garment 20, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the terms “longitudinal” and “lateral” have their usual meaning, as indicated by the central longitudinal axis 24 and the central lateral axis 25. The central longitudinal axis 24 lies in the plane of the garment when the garment is in a fully stretched and flat condition, while the front and back panels are separated, and is generally parallel to a vertical plane dividing a standing user into the left side and the right half of the body when the garment is worn. The central lateral axis 25 lies in the plane of the garment and is generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 24.Garment 20 has a front region 30 defining a front waistband 32, a back region 34 defining a back waistband 36, and a crotch region 38 positioned longitudinally between the front region 30 and the back region 34. The crotch region 38 defines two laterally opposite crotch edges 39. Garment 20 defines a garment length 21 that extends from the front waistband 32 to the back waistband 36.

[0041] Garment 20 includes a front panel 40 that defines a front panel leg edge 44 spaced longitudinally inward from the front edge of the waistband 32, and the first and second side edges of the front panel are laterally opposite 46, 48. Garment 20 also includes a back panel 41 that defines a back panel leg edge Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 22 / 100 / 68 spaced longitudinally inward from the edge of the rear end of the waistband 36 and the first and second lateral edges of the back panel laterally opposite 47, 49. “Longitudinally inward (or inward)”, as used to describe garment modalities in this document, means in a direction longitudinally towards the central lateral axis 25. Similarly, “laterally inward (or inward)”, as used to describe garment modalities in this document, means a lateral direction towards the central longitudinal axis 24. The front panel 40 is longitudinally spaced from the back panel 41. The front and back panels 40 generally comprise elastic materials so as to conform to the user’s body.

[0042] A pair of side seams 84, 84 connects the front region 30 to the back region 34, so that the garment 20 defines an opening at the waist 27 and a pair of openings at the legs 28. The side seams may be permanent but tearable, such as by means of adhesive, thermal, pressure or ultrasonic bonding, or they may be more readily releaseable and readjustable, such as by means of the use of mechanical fasteners.

[0043] The garment 20 may further include at least one front leg elastic element 70 disposed adjacent to the edge of the front panel leg 44 and / or at least one rear leg elastic element 75 disposed next to the edge of the rear panel leg 45. These leg elastic elements 70 and / or 75 help to provide additional elastic support around the leg openings 28 to improve the garment's fit and leak protection. Each leg elastic element 70, 75 may comprise a single tape, yarn or cord (or the like) of elastic material, or each may comprise two, three or more tapes, yarns or cords (or the like) of elastic material. In particular embodiments, the rear leg elastic element 75 and / or the front leg elastic element 70 extends laterally across the entire width of the garment. In other embodiments, such as the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 23 / 100 / 68, representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic element of the rear leg 75 may comprise a pair of elastic elements of the rear leg, such as the first and second elastic elements of the rear leg 76, 77 positioned on opposite sides of the absorbent composite 50. Similarly, the elastic element of the front leg 70 may comprise a pair of elastic elements of the front leg, such as the first and second elastic elements of the front leg 71, 72 positioned on opposite sides of the absorbent composite 50. In preferred embodiments, such as that representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each elastic element of the rear leg 75 may comprise a plurality of elastomeric yarns and / or each elastic element of the front leg 70 may comprise a plurality of elastomeric yarns.

[0044] In particular embodiments, an absorbent composite 50 is connected to and between the front panel 40 and the back panel 41. The absorbent composite 50 may comprise a composite structure formed by a liquid-impermeable barrier layer 52 defining a width 53 and a length 51, an absorbent body 54 comprising absorbent material, a liquid-permeable coating 55 and / or elastic interleg elements 56. As used herein, the term “absorbent material” may mean fibrous absorbent material, superabsorbent material (SAM) or a combination of fibrous absorbent material and SAM. The absorbent body 54, in some embodiments, may comprise a layered structure that includes several regions of liquid-absorbent materials, such as fibrous absorbent material and / or SAM. The absorbent body 54 defines a length 61 and a width 63.A further description of examples of absorbent bodies 54 from the present disclosure is presented below in relation to FIG. 3.

[0045] It should be understood that the garment similar to a pair of trousers 20 examples is only one possible example of a garment or article. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 24 / 100 / 68 absorbent that can be used with the absorbent bodies described in 54 of this disclosure. Garments 20 such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can generally be described as garments formed using a counter-machine direction (CD) manufacturing process. Alternative exemplary garments that can be used with the absorbent bodies described in 54 may include garments formed by a machine direction (MD) manufacturing process. In general, this disclosure is not limited to the absorbent garments specifically disclosed. Instead, the absorbent bodies described in 54 can be used within any suitable frame structure to retain the absorbent bodies described in 54 on a user. In still other embodiments contemplated, the absorbent bodies described in 54 cannot be used with any frame structure.Instead, the absorbent bodies 54 can be constructed so that they can be placed directly in contact with a user's body - for example, using body adhesive applied to a lateral surface of the absorbent bodies 54.

[0046] FIGS. 3A-4B are schematic representations of a cross-section of exemplary absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure. For example, the bodies 54 of FIGS. 3A-4B may be cross-sections of the absorbent body 54 in FIG. 2, as seen along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 and with any additional layers of the garment 20 removed. In general, the absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure may comprise several different materials, with some of the materials layered to form the bodies 54.

[0047] In the description of the specific embodiment of the absorbent body 54 shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, the exemplary absorbent bodies 54 comprise a lower covering material 101 and an upper covering material 103 that are arranged around a reinforcing material 116. In at least some embodiments, the absorbent bodies 54 Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 25 / 100 / 68 may also include a core envelope material (not shown).

[0048] The bottom cover material 101 and the top cover material 103 can be formed from any suitable materials. At least the top cover material 103 can be permeable to liquids and can have good fluid absorption and wicking performance. In some embodiments, the bottom cover material 101 can also be permeable to liquids and have good fluid absorption and wicking performance.

[0049] The covering materials 101 and / or 103 may include natural and / or synthetic fibers such as, but not limited to, polyester, polypropylene, acetate, nylon, polymeric materials, cellulosic materials and combinations thereof. In several embodiments, the covering materials 101 and / or 103 may be hydrophilic. In several embodiments, the covering materials 101 and / or 103 may be hydrophobic and may be treated in any manner known in the art to become hydrophilic.

[0050] Some examples of materials suitable for roofing materials 101 and / or 103 include woven materials, spunbond and / or meltblown materials (e.g., spunbond-meltblown materials and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond materials), spunlace materials, HYDROKNIT® materials, which are a class of materials commercially available from Kimberly-Clark World Wide, Inc., air-deposited materials, air-carded compressed netting (TABCW), and conformal materials. Roofing materials 101, 103 may have basis weights ranging from about 5 grams per square meter (g / m2) to about 55 g / m2.

[0051] According to some specific embodiments of this disclosure, the top cover material 103 may be tissue paper, SMS or spunbond material with a basis weight between about 7 g / m2 and about 20 g / m2. In other embodiments, the top cover material 103 Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 26 / 100 / 68 may be a conforming, interwoven or air-deposited material with a basis weight between about 35 g / m2 and about 55 g / m2. According to other specific embodiments of this disclosure, the bottom cover material 101 may be a conforming, spunlace, air-deposited or Hydroknit® material having a basis weight between about 30 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2.

[0052] According to other embodiments, the bottom cover material 101 may comprise a larger void volume than the top cover material 103. For example, the top cover material may be a woven, SMS or spunbond material with a basis weight between about 7 g / m2 and about 20 g / m2, while the bottom cover material 101 is a conforming, spunlace, air-deposited or Hydroknit® material with a basis weight between about 30 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2.Additionally, the lower covering material 101 may comprise a material including naturally absorbent material, such as pulp fibers, while the upper covering material 103 comprises a material that does not include naturally absorbent material. For example, the lower covering material 101 may comprise a conforming material with a basis weight between about 30 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2, while the upper covering material 103 comprises an SMS or spunbond material with a basis weight between about 7 g / m2 and about 20 g / m2 or a spunlace, air-deposited or Hydroknit® material with a basis weight between about 30 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2. Although all the options described above are only examples. Other suitable materials and / or materials with basis weights different from the ranges identified above may be used in other embodiments.

[0053] Reinforcing material 116 can help provide some structural integrity to bodies 54 and assist in the absorption and distribution of liquids. Another benefit of reinforcing material 116 is that it can help stabilize the absorbent material embedded in the reinforcing material 116. In general, reinforcing material 116 may comprise a nonwoven material. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 27 / 100 / 68 composed of several individual fibers 117. For example, the reinforcing material 116 may be a spunbond material or a spunbondmeltblown-spunbond (SMS) material. In other embodiments, the nonwoven material may be a porous nonwoven material, such as a TABCW, or a chemically bonded nonwoven material or similar. The basis weight of the reinforcing material 116 may preferably be between about 15 g / m2 and about 60 g / m2, or between about 25 g / m2 and about 55 g / m2, or between about 30 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2 in other embodiments. In some specific embodiments, the reinforcing material 116 may be composed substantially of two-component polyolefin fibers, or a mixed two-component of polyolefin and eccentric fibers, or only eccentric polyolefin fibers.In some preferred specific examples, a TABCW material may be used comprising between 60% and 80%, by weight, of eccentric bicomponent fibers (comprising polyethylene and polypropylene) having a denier between about 3 and about 7 and between 20% and 40%, by weight, of non-eccentric bicomponent fibers (comprising polyethylene and polypropylene) having a denier between about 1 and about 3. It should be understood, however, that these are only some exemplary materials. Other suitable materials may be used in other contemplated embodiments.

[0054] Although not required in all embodiments, where included, a core wrap material (not shown) may at least partially wrap around the top cover material 103, the reinforcement material 116, and the bottom cover material 101. In some configurations, the core wrap material may partially wrap around materials 101, 103, and the reinforcement material 116, leaving a gap between the ends of the core wrap material in what is sometimes called a “C-fold” configuration. In some of these embodiments, the gap between the ends of the core material may be adjacent to the bottom cover material 101, while the gap between the ends of the core wrap material may be adjacent to the bottom cover material 101, while the gap between the ends of the core wrap material may be adjacent to the bottom cover material 101. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 28 / 100 / 68 of the core may be adjacent to the top covering material 103. In other embodiments, the core wrapping material may completely enclose materials 101, 103 and the reinforcing material 116, such that materials 101, 103 and the reinforcing material 116 are completely enclosed by the core wrapping material. The core wrapping material may be attached to one of the materials 101, 103 by means of adhesive stitching cords or by adhesive sprayed onto the core wrapping material and / or one or both of materials 101, 103.

[0055] Such core wrapping material may be composed of a woven material, spunbond and / or meltblown material (e.g., spunbond-meltblown material or spunbond-meltblown-spunbond material), spunlace material, HYDROKNIT® material, air-deposited material, air-carded wool (TABCW) and conformal material. Preferred core wrapping materials may have a basis weight between about 8 g / m2 and about 35 g / m2. Although it should be understood that these are only exemplary materials and basis weights. In general, any suitable material at any suitable basis weight may be used.

[0056] In at least some embodiments where core wrapping material is not included, the top cover material 103 may be directly bonded to the bottom cover material 101, such as by adhesive stitching and / or adhesive spray, thereby enclosing the reinforcement material 116 without the use of a core wrapping material. For example, the top cover material 103 may enclose the reinforcement material 116 to bond to the bottom cover material 101. Alternatively, either the bottom cover material 101 or the top cover material 103 may partially enclose the reinforcement material 116, or the bottom cover material 101 may enclose most of the reinforcement material 116 to bond to the top cover material 103. The bottom cover material 101 or the top cover material 103 may enclose the material Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 29 / 100 / 68 of reinforcement 116 and at least a portion of the other bottom covering material 101 and the top covering material 103 so that at least a portion of the other bottom covering material 101 and the top covering material 103 are enclosed. In such a configuration, the wrapping material 101 or 103 may form a C-fold or may completely enclose the other material 101, 103. In still other embodiments, the body 54 may comprise only a single covering material 101 or 103. In such embodiments, the single covering material 101 or 103 may enclose the reinforcing material 116 and be self-connected by completely enclosing the reinforcing material 116. Naturally, as shown in FIGS.3A-4B, materials 101, 103 may not appreciably wrap around reinforcing material 116 so that the side edges of materials 101, 103 and reinforcing material 116 terminate approximately at the side edges of body 54.

[0057] Other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, include where the bottom cover material 101, the top cover material 103, and the reinforcement material 116 are all applied in an overlapping stacked relationship and where the end edges 137, 139 of the bodies 54 are joined to seal the edges 137, 139. For example, the end edges 137, 139 including the bottom cover material 101, the top cover material 103, and the reinforcement material 116 can be joined with heat, pressure, and / or ultrasonic energy to seal the end edges 137, 139 of the bodies 54. This sealing of the end edges 137, 139 helps to prevent the leakage of any absorbent material contained in the bodies 54. Furthermore, although not specifically represented in FIGS.3B, 4B, 5 and 6, it should be understood that the end edges 137, 139 of such folded absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure may have similarly sealed end edges 137, 139 as described herein in relation to FIGS. 3A and 4A. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 30 / 100 / 68

[0058] The absorbent bodies 54 of this disclosure may also contain absorbent material to provide the absorbent bodies 54 with beneficial fluid-catching and storage qualities (e.g., fluid retention). For example, the absorbent bodies 54 comprise superabsorbent material arranged throughout the bodies 54, for example as represented by SAM particles 115 in FIGS. 3A-6. In some embodiments, the absorbent material of the bodies 54 may include absorbent material consisting only of superabsorbent material or may comprise both superabsorbent material and fibrous absorbent material (such as pelt paste) in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the absorbent bodies 54 may comprise more than about 80% of SAM by weight of the total weight of the absorbent material in the absorbent bodies 54.In other embodiments, the absorbent bodies 54 may comprise more than about 90% of SAM by weight of the total weight of absorbent material in the absorbent bodies 54 or even 100% of SAM by weight of the total weight of absorbent material in the absorbent bodies 54.

[0059] The embodiment of the absorbent body 54 of FIGS. 3A and 3B contemplates where the SAM 115 particles are generally spread across the entire width of the cross-section of the body 54 (e.g., in the lateral direction 22). Other embodiments are contemplated, however, where the SAM 115 particles are located within the absorbent body 54 in a pattern or within specific regions. In the particular embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the SAM 115 particles may be located within particular bands. For example, the SAM 115 particles may be located within the band regions SAM 156 and each of the band regions SAM 156 may be spaced from adjacent band regions SAM 156 by a spacing region 158.

[0060] The widths of the distances 158 between the SAM band regions Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 31 / 100 / 68 156 may be preferred between about 5 mm and about 15 mm. In more specific embodiments, the widths of the spacing regions 158 may be preferred between about 5 mm and about 10 mm or between about 5 mm and about 8 mm. At least some embodiments include where the width of the narrowest region 158 is greater than or equal to about 80% of the width of the widest SAM band region 156. In other embodiments, the width of the narrowest region 158 is greater than or equal to about 90% or greater than or equal to about 95% of the width of the widest SAM band region 156. In alternative or additional embodiments, the combined values ​​of the widths of the 158 regions of the 54 bodies may be greater than or equal to 80% of the combined values ​​of the widths of the band regions 156. In other embodiments, the combined values ​​of the widths of the 158 regions may be greater than or equal to 85% or greater than or equal to 90% of the combined values ​​of the widths of the band regions 156.It has been found that relatively equal spacing for the widths of SAM 156 and 158 regions, as well as relatively equal total amounts of widths of 156 and 158 regions, may be preferable to allow sufficient fluid penetration throughout the 116 reinforcing material and expansion of SAM particles within the 116 reinforcing material to achieve the desired absorbent performance.

[0061] The width of the SAM 156 band regions in the lateral or transverse direction 22 may be between about 5 mm and about 15 mm or between about 5 mm and about 10 mm. As described above, sufficient spacing between the SAM 156 band regions for fluid penetration is desirable in some embodiments. Consequently, in at least some embodiments, the combined width of the SAM 156 band regions may be between about 25% and about 75% of the total width of the absorbent body 54 (as measured in an unfolded state). In other embodiments, it may be preferable that the combined width of the SAM 156 band regions be between about 40% and about 60% of the total width of the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 32 / 100 / 68 absorbent body 54.

[0062] According to another aspect of such embodiments of the absorbing bodies 54 of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 4A, a total thickness of the absorbing body 54 at a location in the SAM 156 band regions may generally be greater than the total thickness of the absorbing body 54 at a location where the SAM 156 band regions are not present – ​​for example, in the regions between the SAM 156 band regions defined by the spacing distances 158. A preferred ratio of the total height 152 of the absorbing body 54 between the SAM 156 band regions and the total height 152 of the absorbing body 54 in the SAM 156 band regions has been found to be between about 1.2 and about 1.8. More specific modalities include where the ratio of the total height 152 of the absorbing body 54 between the SAM 156 band regions and the total height 152 of the absorbing body 54 in the SAM 156 band regions is between approximately 1.3 and approximately 1.7 or between approximately 1.4 and approximately 1.6. SAM 156 band regions.It was found that in these preferred proportions, the amount of SAM 115 particles present in the SAM 156 band regions is generally sufficient to provide the absorbent bodies 54 with an appropriate retention capacity, but not so much as to create lamination problems or spread within the absorbent bodies 54 to reduce the widths of the distances 158.

[0063] While FIGS. 3A and 4A represent embodiments of absorbent bodies 54 according to aspects of the present disclosure that may be used as shown in absorbent articles, such as absorbent garments 20, other embodiments of absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure include bodies 54 that include one or more folds. For example, FIGS. 3B and 4B represent exemplary cross-sections of alternative folded configurations of the absorbent bodies 54 of FIGS. 3A and 4A. Such folded absorbent bodies 54 of FIGS. 3B and 4B may alternatively be used in the absorbent garment 20 of the present disclosure. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 33 / 100 / 68 disclosure, as well as other absorbent articles. Consequently, while FIGS. 5 and 6 represent exemplary cross-sections of garment 20 of FIG. 2 including a folded absorbent body 54, it should be understood that any of the bodies 54 of FIGS. 3A-4B may be used within garment 20.

[0064] As can be seen, the absorbing bodies 54 of FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5 and 6 may include a first folded portion 131 and a second folded portion 133 as indicated in FIGS. 3B, 4B. For example, the bodies 54 may be formed having a planar configuration, for example as described in relation to FIGS. 3A and 4A, having a first end edge 137 and a second end edge 139. To arrive at the structures of the bodies 54 of FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5 and 6, a first lateral portion 132 including the first end edge 137 can be folded into a central portion 135, forming the first fold 136 located on a first lateral edge extending longitudinally 141 from the folded bodies 54. A second lateral portion 134 including the second end edge 139 can also be folded into the central portion 135, forming the second fold 138 located on a second lateral edge extending longitudinally 142 from the folded bodies 54.In a preferred embodiment, such folded bodies 54, for example as represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, can be placed inside the garment 20 where the side portions 132, 134, which are folded into the central portion 135, are arranged on the upper side of the bodies 54 close to the lining 55. Although, in other embodiments, the side portions 132, 134 can be folded into the central portion 135 and arranged on the lower part of the body 54 so that the side portions 132, 134 are close to the barrier layer 52 inside the garment 20.

[0065] Where the side portions 132, 134 are folded into the central portion 135 leaving a space between the edges of the ends of the portions Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 34 / 100 / 68 laterals 143, 144, a channel region 151 is formed and defined by an unfolded central region 145 of the bodies 54. In the folded configuration, the bodies 54 comprise a width 162 (shown in FIG. 5) extending in the lateral direction 22 between the first longitudinally extending lateral edge 141 and the second longitudinally extending lateral edge 142. The channel region 151 may also have a channel width 161 extending in the lateral direction 22 between the end edges of the lateral portion 137, 139. A desired channel width 162 has been found to be between about 30% and about 70% of the width 162. In more specific embodiments, the channel width 161 may be preferred to be between about 40% and about 60% of the width 162, or between about 35% and approximately 55% of the width 162.

[0066] In embodiments of the absorbent body 54 as described in relation to FIG. 4A where the body 54 includes SAM band regions 156 and spacing regions 158 between the SAM band regions 156, the SAM band regions 156 in the first folded portion 131 and the second folded portion 133 may be fully aligned, partially aligned, or fully misaligned. In the example of FIG. In Figure 4B, it can be seen that a lateral extension of the SAM 156b region (e.g., a distance between the dashed lines in FIG. 4B) in the upper portion of the second folded portion 133 is completely superimposed with a lateral extension of the SAM 156a region in the lower portion of the second folded portion 133 in the lateral direction 22. The SAM 156a region can be seen located in the central portion 135, while the SAM 156b region is located in the second lateral portion 132 which was folded in the central portions 135 to form the second folded portion 133.Such fully overlapping configurations can allow regions free of substantially superabsorbent material to extend completely through a thickness of the absorbent body 54, thus aiding in the absorption and distribution of fluid throughout the body 54. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 35 / 100 / 68

[0067] In alternative embodiments, the lateral extension of the SAM 156b band region in the upper portion of the second folded portion 133 may only partially overlap with the lateral extension of the SAM 156a band region in the lower portion of the second folded portion 133 in the lateral direction 22. In such embodiments, the lateral extension of the SAM 156a band region and the lateral extension of the SAM 156b band region may overlap by a distance between about 25% and about 75% of the lateral extension of the SAM 156a band region. In other embodiments, the lateral extension of the SAM 156a band region and the lateral extension of the SAM 156b band region may overlap by a distance between about 33% and about 66% or between about 40% and about 60% of the lateral extension of the SAM 156a band region.Such partial overlap of the SAM 156 band regions in the folded portions 131, 133 may allow at least some regions free of substantially superabsorbent material to extend through the thickness of the body 54 while increasing opportunities for the fluid to contact the superabsorbent material within the body 54, which may improve specific absorbent performance parameters. In still other embodiments, there may be no overlap of the SAM 156 band regions in the folded portions 131, 133. Such embodiments where the SAM 156 band regions in the folded portions 131, 133 are staggered in the lateral direction 22 may increase opportunities for the fluid to contact the superabsorbent material within the body 54 as it penetrates vertically through the body 54, which may improve specific absorbent performance parameters.

[0068] Before folding, the adhesive can be applied to the top cover layer 103. For example, adhesives 166 and 168 can be applied to the top cover layer 103. Adhesives 166, 168 can have inner side edges 167 and outer side edges 169, as well as a width in the side direction 22. The side portions 132, 134 can then be Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 36 / 100 / 68 folded in the central portion 135 so that the side portions 132, 134 cover the adhesives 166, 168 and join the top cover material 103 to itself laterally outward from the end edges 137, 139. The adhesives 166, 168 may be arranged relatively close to the end edges 137, 139 so as to interfere less with SAM swelling. Preferably, the distance 165 between the inner side edges 167 of the adhesives 166, 168 and the end edges 137, 139 is less than about 10 mm, or less than about 7 mm, or less than about 5 mm. Furthermore, it is preferable that the width of the stickers 166, 168 in the lateral direction 22 be small, so as to interfere less with fluid permeation along the bodies 54 of the present disclosure. According to the preferred embodiments, the width of the stickers 166, 168 in the lateral direction 22 is less than about 10 mm.In other embodiments, the width of the stickers 166, 168 in the lateral direction 22 is less than about 7 mm, or less than about 5 mm, or less than about 3 mm.

[0069] The body 54 may further comprise a collection and / or distribution layer 164 (referred to in this document simply as the collection layer 164) disposed between the folded body 54 and the lining 55. The collection layer 164 may be coupled to the upper side of the folded body 54. In some of these embodiments, the collection layer 164 may be coupled to the folded body 54 by an adhesive layer 171. For example, an adhesive layer 171 may be applied to the collection layer 164 which, in turn, may be applied to the folded absorbent body 54. The collection layer 164 may preferably comprise materials similar to those described above in relation to the upper covering material 103.For example, the 164 capture layer may preferably comprise fabric materials, spunbond and / or meltblown materials (e.g., spunbondmeltblown materials and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond materials), spunlace materials, HYDROKNIT® materials, air-deposited materials, carded weaves. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 37 / 100 / 68 aerial (TABCW) and co-formed materials and may have basis weights ranging from about 5 grams per square meter (g / m2) to about 55 g / m2. According to some specific embodiments, the catchment layer 164 may be a fabric, SMS or spunbond material with a basis weight between about 7 g / m2 and about 20 g / m2 or a co-formed, spunlace or air-deposited material with a basis weight between about 35 g / m2 and about 55 g / m2.

[0070] In the example of FIG. 5, the pickup layer 164 is shown spanning the channel region 151 from the first end edge 137 to the second end edge 139 without contacting the top cover material 103, providing a gap between the pickup layer 164 and the top cover material 103. Although the adhesive layer 171 is shown spanning the channel region 151 as well, in at least some embodiments the adhesive layer 171 may be zoned so as to provide a gap between a first region of the adhesive layer 171 connecting the pickup layer 164 to the bottom cover material 101 of the first folded portion 131 and a second region of the adhesive layer 171 connecting the pickup layer 164 to the bottom cover material 101 of the second folded portion 133.Thus, when garment 20 is compressed, for example, through other manufacturing steps or processes, the pickup layer 164 may not be connected to the channel region 151 and may remain disconnected from the top cover material 103.

[0071] In alternative embodiments, the adhesive layer 171 can form a continuous adhesive region, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In at least some of these embodiments, the garment 20, including the folded body 54, can be compressed in one or more stages of the manufacturing process subsequent to the application of the pickup layer 164 to the folded absorbent body 54. In such embodiments, the pickup layer 164 can be pressed into the channel region 151. Due to the presence of the adhesive layer Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 38 / 100 / 68 continuous 171, the collection layer 164 can then be coupled to the folded absorbent body 54 within the channel region 151, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, the collection layer 164 can be coupled at least to the end edges 137, 139 and can also be coupled to the top cover layer 103 within the channel region 151. This close contact between the collection layer 164 and the folded absorbent body 54 within the channel region 151 can be beneficial for superior fluid uptake and distribution by the clothing in the folded absorbent body 54, thus accelerating fluid intake times.

[0072] In at least some examples, the garment 20 may further include a bottom integrity sheet 173. The bottom integrity sheet 173 is generally disposed between the absorbent body 54 and the outer cover 52. The bottom integrity sheet 173 may help to contain SAM particles 115 within the garment 20 and away from the outer cover 52, as well as provide additional void volume and / or absorption to the garment 20 for superior fluid handling properties. Consequently, desirable materials for use as the bottom integrity sheet 173 include bulky and / or absorbent materials, including TABCW materials, spunlace materials, woven materials, and co-formed materials. Such materials may have a basis weight between about 30 g / m2 and about 75 g / m2 or between about 30 g / m2 and about 55 g / m2.

[0073] In addition, to maintain any of the absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure as a cohesive structure—for example, at least those described above in relation to FIGS. 3A-6—and to aid in stabilizing the absorbent material within the bodies 54, the bodies 54 may comprise additional adhesives. In general, the adhesive may be applied to different materials of the bodies 54 so as to form different adhesive layers. For example, some embodiments may include an adhesive layer between the bottom covering material 101 and the material of Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 39 / 100 / 68 reinforcement 116 (not shown) - applied to one or both of the reinforcement material 116 and the bottom cover material 101. Additionally, or alternatively, embodiments may include an adhesive layer between the top cover material 103 and the reinforcement material 116 (not shown) - applied to one or both of the reinforcement material 116 and the top cover material 103.

[0074] FIGS. 7A, 7B are a schematic representation of a method 200 for manufacturing absorbent cores, such as the absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure. In a first step, a first covering material 201 having an upper side and a lower side can be unwound from a reel comprising the material forming the first covering material 201. The first covering material 201 may correspond to the upper covering material 103 described previously in relation to the absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure. Although, in other embodiments, the first covering material 201 may correspond to the lower covering material 101 described previously.

[0075] As shown, a reinforcing material 202 having an upper side and a lower side can also be unwound from a reel and can further be coupled to the first covering material 201. The reinforcing material 202 may correspond to the reinforcing material 116 described above. Before coupling the reinforcing material 202 to the first covering material 201, the superabsorbent material may be dispersed over and on a first side of the reinforcing material 202. For example, the superabsorbent material may be stored in a hopper 215 and may be dispensed through the conduit 216 to the first side of the reinforcing material 202. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent material (e.g., SAM particles 115 as shown in FIGS. 3A-6) is dispensed in a measured manner so that a designated amount of superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side of the reinforcing material 202. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 40 / 100 / 68

[0076] The superabsorbent material can be dispensed from the hopper 215 so as to achieve an addition rate between about 90 g / m2 and about 350 g / m2. As the superabsorbent material comes into contact with the first side of the reinforcing material 202, at least some of the superabsorbent material can penetrate the reinforcing material 202. For example, the properties of the reinforcing material 202 can be such that the voids between the fibers of the reinforcing material 202 are larger than at least some individual particles of the distributed superabsorbent material, so that at least some particles of the distributed superabsorbent material can filter into the interior of the reinforcing material 202.

[0077] Where at least some particles of the dispensed superabsorbent material can filter into the interior of the reinforcing material 202, such superabsorbent material particles can do so simply by gravity. In other embodiments, the conveyor 240 may be a vacuum conveyor through which air is drawn through the first covering material 201 and the reinforcing material 202 and into the vacuum conveyor 240. In further or alternative embodiments, the conveyor 240 may vibrate so as to vibrate the first covering material 201 and the reinforcing material 202 as the SAM is dispensed from the chute 215. This addition of vacuum or vibration energy to the first covering material 201 and the reinforcing material 202 may help to increase the penetration of the dispensed superabsorbent material throughout the reinforcing material 202.However, at least in some embodiments, the use of vacuum and / or vibration energy may not be necessary to achieve a desired amount of stabilized superabsorbent material within the reinforcing material 202.

[0078] Next, the reinforcing material 202, after having the superabsorbent material deposited on it, can be transported around the guide roller 231 which changes the orientation of the first side of the reinforcing material 202, Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 41 / 100 / 68, for example, the side of the reinforcing material 202 to which the superabsorbent material was applied. As can be seen, the reinforcing material 202 can wrap around the guide roll 231 so that the orientation of the first side of the reinforcing material 202 is changed from facing upwards in the vertical direction 253 to facing downwards in the vertical direction 253. The guide roll 231 can also be used, in conjunction with a secondary roll 233, to form a narrowing to laminate the reinforcing material 202 to the first covering material 201.

[0079] The laminate of the first covering material 201 and the reinforcement material 202, now with a second side of the reinforcement material 202 facing upwards in the vertical direction 253, can be advanced in the process direction 251. A second application of superabsorbent material can be dispensed onto the laminate of the first covering material 201 and the reinforcement material 202 and, more particularly, onto the second side of the reinforcement material 202. For example, additional superabsorbent material can be stored in the hopper 217 and can be dispensed through the conduit 218 to the second side of the reinforcement material 202.

[0080] The superabsorbent material can generally be dispensed in a measured manner, so that a designated amount of superabsorbent material is deposited on the second side of the reinforcing material 202. The superabsorbent material can be dispensed so as to achieve an addition rate between about 90 g / m2 and about 350 g / m2. As with the first application of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material 202, at least some of the particles of the superabsorbent material in contact with the second side of the reinforcing material 202 may penetrate the reinforcing material 202.

[0081] In some particular embodiments, the conveyor 241 may be a vacuum conveyor. Although, in additional or alternative embodiments, the conveyor 241 may vibrate so as to vibrate the laminate of Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 42 / 100 / 68 first cover material 201 and reinforcement material 202 first cover material 201 and reinforcement material 202 as the superabsorbent material is dispensed from hopper 217. This added energy may help increase the penetration of the dispensed superabsorbent material throughout the reinforcement material 202.

[0082] Next, a second covering material 203 can be unwound from a reel and carried to cover the partial core assembly 211 comprising the first covering material 201, the reinforcing material 202 and the applied superabsorbent material and form a complete core assembly 260. In some embodiments, the second covering material 203 can be guided by the guide roller 204. The second covering material 203 can correspond to the lower covering material 101 in some embodiments, or to the upper covering material 103 in other embodiments.

[0083] At this point, process 200 may further include cutting the complete core assembly 260 into individual absorbent bodies 54 for use in absorbent articles, such as garments 20. However, process 200 may include other steps, for example, to form absorbent cores, such as those represented by the folded bodies 54 of FIGS. 3B and 4B. For example, process 200 may further include transporting the formed complete core assembly 260, which is a laminate of the first cover material 201, the reinforcing material 202 and the second cover material 203, plus the dispensed superabsorbent material, to a bonding apparatus - depicted as rolls 261a, 261b. Rollers 261a, 261b can apply heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic energy to bond portions of laminate 260, linking each of the layers of the first covering material 201, the reinforcing material 202 and the second covering material 203 together, forming bonded assembly 265.Although shown as two rollers 261a, 261b, it should be understood that other typical connecting devices apply heat, pressure and / or energy. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 43 / 100 / 68 ultrasonic in the technique can be replaced by rollers 261a, 261b, as ultrasonic blade horn devices.

[0084] In some examples according to method 200, the bonded assembly 265 may have a transverse width, for example, a width in a dimension perpendicular to both the process direction 251 and the vertical direction 253, greater than the desired width of an absorbent body for use in an absorbent article, such as clothing 20. In such embodiments, the bonded assembly 265 may be cut into discrete sections, such as sections 267a, 267b and 267c. In embodiments where it is desired to fold the absorbent bodies 54, sections 267a, 267b and 267c are advanced to the folding devices 264a, 264b and 264c, where each of the sections 267a, 267b and 267c are folded. These folded sections 269a, 269b and 269c can then be cut into individual absorbent bodies (such as absorbent bodies 54 of the present disclosure) and coupled to the chassis of the absorbent article to form absorbent articles, such as garment 20.

[0085] Where the resulting folded absorbent bodies 54 formed by process 200 have adhesives bonding the top cover material 103 to itself in the folded portions of the bodies 54 (e.g., adhesives 166, 168), process 200 may further include applying adhesive to sections 267a, 267b, and 267c prior to folding. For example, adhesive applicators 254a, 254b, 254c may apply adhesives 253a, 253b, 253c to each of the respective sections 267a, 267b, and 267c. Adhesives 253a, 253b, 253c are applied to the second cover material 203, which may correspond to the top cover layer 103 in some embodiments. The applied adhesives 253a, 253b, 253c may have the dimensions and edge spacing of the folded portions of sections 267a, 267b, and 267c as described in relation to adhesives 166, 168.

[0086] Furthermore, although not shown, it should be understood that the adhesive can be applied to different portions of method 200. By Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 44 / 100 / 68 example, as described in relation to the structure of the absorbent bodies 54 of FIGS. 3A-6, adhesive layers may be present between the lower cover material 101 and the reinforcement material 116 and / or between the upper cover material 103 and the reinforcement material 116. Consequently, method 200 may further include a step of applying adhesive to one or both of the reinforcement materials 202, before or after the application of the superabsorbent material from the hopper 215 and to the first cover material 201 (before lamination with the reinforcement material 202). Method 200 may additionally, or alternatively in different embodiments, include a step of applying adhesive to one or both of the reinforcing materials 202, before or after the application of the superabsorbent hopper material 217 and the second covering material 203 (before lamination with the reinforcing material 202).

[0087] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent material dispensed from hopper(s) 215, 217 can be applied in a standardized manner. As represented in FIG. 8, according to some embodiments, the superabsorbent material can be applied to the reinforcing material 202 in strips, such as strips 281a-c, extending in the direction of process 251. Although FIG. 8 is described primarily in relation to the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202, it should be understood that the same description applies to the second side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 where the superabsorbent material is deposited in strips of superabsorbent material.

[0088] The bands 281a-c represent locations of deposition of superabsorbent material deposited on the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202. Each of the bands 281a-c may have a width 285 and each of the bands 281a-c may be spaced from adjacent bands by distances 283. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the widths 285 of each of the bands 281a-c may be spaced between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 45 / 100 / 68 In more specific embodiments, the widths 285 of each of the 281a-c bands may be between about 5 mm and about 15 mm or between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

[0089] Although the 285 widths of each of the 281a-c bands may be the same in some embodiments, the 285 widths may vary between each individual 281a-c band. In some of these embodiments, however, the individual 285 widths may not vary much. For example, the 285 width of the narrowest individual band of the 281a-c bands may be greater than or equal to 80% of the 285 width of the widest individual band of the 281a-c bands. In other embodiments, the 285 width of the narrowest individual band of the 281a-c bands may be greater than or equal to 85% of the 285 width of the widest individual band of the 281a-c bands or greater than or equal to 90% of the 285 width of the widest individual band of the 281a-c bands. It has been found that maintaining a relative proximity in widths 285 between all bands 281a-c helps to produce superior fluid absorption and distribution properties in the absorbent bodies 54 of this disclosure.

[0090] The widths 283 of the spacing between each of the 281a-c bands may also be preferred between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. In more specific embodiments, the widths 283 may be between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 8 mm. Naturally, it is not necessary that each of the widths 283 between the 281a-c bands be the same. However, it may be desirable for certain absorbent performance to ensure that the widths 283 are relatively similar. Consequently, in some embodiments, the 281a-c bands are spaced at an average distance wherein the difference between the smallest and largest 283 widths is less than 250% of the smallest 283 width. In other embodiments, it may be desirable for the length of the 283 widths to be smaller, such that the difference between the smallest and largest 283 widths is... Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 46 / 100 / 68 less than 150% of the smaller of the widths 283.

[0091] It may also be preferred that the combined values ​​of the 283 widths be relatively close to the combined 285 widths of each of the 281a-c bands. For example, the combined values ​​of the 283 widths may be greater than or equal to 80% of the combined values ​​of the 285 widths of each of the 281a-c bands. In other embodiments, the combined values ​​of the 283 widths may be greater than or equal to 85% or greater than or equal to 90% of the combined values ​​of the 285 widths of each of the 281a-c bands. Having the total 283 widths relatively close to the total 285 widths of each of the 281a-c bands has been found to help ensure sufficient space for rapid absorption and distribution of fluid in the bodies 54, resulting in superior absorbent performance – for example, in relation to the first times of fluid intake.

[0092] The regions of the reinforcing material 202 between the bands 281a-c may be substantially devoid of absorbent material in some embodiments. For example, particularly with regard to embodiments such as those described in FIGS. 10 and 11 where there is alignment between the bands of superabsorbent material formed on the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 and the bands of superabsorbent material formed on the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202, the regions of the reinforcing material 202 between the bands 281a-c may have much less superabsorbent material disposed in these regions than superabsorbent material disposed in the bands of superabsorbent material. As used herein, the term substantially devoid of absorbent material means that a region has an amount of absorbent material (e.g., superabsorbent material) that is less than 10% of an average base weight of the absorbent material of the structure.For example, when considering an absorbent body formed with an average basis weight of superabsorbent material of 350 g / m2, the regions of the absorbent body with a lower basis weight of superabsorbent material. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 47 / 100 / 68 to 35 g / m2 can be considered substantially devoid of superabsorbent material.

[0093] Naturally, while FIG. 8 depicts only three strips of superabsorbent material 281a-c, any suitable number of strips of superabsorbent material can be formed. In other embodiments, more than five strips of superabsorbent material can be formed according to process 200. In still other embodiments, more than seven, more than ten, more than fifteen, more than twenty, or more than twenty-five strips of superabsorbent material can be formed according to process 200. In at least some of these embodiments, the transverse width of the reinforcing material 202 (e.g., width of the reinforcing material 202 in direction 255) can be greater than the desired width of an absorbent body for use in an absorbent article. In such embodiments, as described above, the reinforcing material 202 can be cut into individual sections and each of the individual sections formed into discrete absorbent bodies.In these embodiments, the number of strips of superabsorbent material applied to the reinforcing material 202 may be greater than the number of strips of superabsorbent material arranged within an absorbent body 54 of the present disclosure. As an illustrative example, process 200 may include the application of twenty-one discrete strips of superabsorbent material to the reinforcing material 202. The reinforcing material 202 may then be cut into three distinct sections in which seven of the discrete strips of superabsorbent material are arranged within each of the distinct sections. Consequently, the absorbent bodies 54 resulting from this embodiment of process 200 would each have seven strips of superabsorbent material.

[0094] The widths 285 may represent the width of a strip of superabsorbent material as it comes into contact with the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202. Alternatively, where a masking component, such as mask element 301 shown in FIG. 9, is Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 48 / 100 / 68 used to produce such strips of superabsorbent material, the widths 285 may be a transverse width 255 of the openings 307 arranged in the bottom 304 of the masking element 301 - represented by the width 313 in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the deposit of superabsorbent material on the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202, as shown in FIG. 9, cannot spread in the transverse direction 255 while falling between the bottom 304 of the masking element 301 and the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202. In such cases, the width 285 of a SAM strip as it comes into contact with the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 and the transverse direction 255 width 313 of the openings 307 arranged in the bottom 304 of the masking element 301 are the same.Similarly, the widths 311 of the mask element portions 301 between the openings 307 may correspond to the widths 283 that represent the spacing between strips of superabsorbent material.

[0095] When employed, the masking element 301 can be positioned at a distance 315 from the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202. The masking element 301 should be positioned close to the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 so that the superabsorbent material distributed through the masking element 301 does not spread over a very large distance in the transverse direction 255 in order to maintain the distinction between the regions having superabsorbent material (e.g., the strips 281ac) and the regions without superabsorbent material (e.g., the spaces between the strips 281a-c). In preferred embodiments, the distance 315 is between about 3 mm and about 20 mm. In more preferred embodiments, the distance 315 is between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

[0096] The mask element 301 may comprise conical inner walls 308 extending from the upper side 306 of the mask element 301 to the lower side 307 of the mask element 301, ending Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 49 / 100 / 68 in the openings 307 on the lower side 307. The conical inner walls 308 can channel the SAM dispensed from the conduit 216, which normally exits in a uniform transverse flow 255 in bands that deposit on the reinforcing material 202 forming the bands of superabsorbent material 281ac. As in the description above of FIG. 8, although FIG. 9 represents only two openings 307, the masking element 301 can have any suitable number of openings 307 to form the desired number of bands of superabsorbent material on the reinforcing material 202.

[0097] In other embodiments where the superabsorbent material is deposited on the reinforcing material 202 in strips (such as strips 281a-281c), the complete core assembly 260 may be bonded, for example, by rolls 261a, 261b, within at least some portions of the complete core assembly 260 between the strips of superabsorbent material. In this way, the superabsorbent material is not damaged during the bonding process. In some of these embodiments, the widths 283 between the strips of superabsorbent material may vary. For example, the widths 283 may have an overall average width and at least one individual width 283 may be greater than the overall average of the widths 283.Such portions of the complete core assembly 260 between the superabsorbent material strips having widths 283 greater than the overall average widths 283 may have widths 283 that are greater than about 10% greater than the overall average widths 283, or greater than about 15%, or greater than about 20%, or greater than about 30% greater than the overall average widths 283. Such portions of the complete core assembly 260 may have widths 283 that are less than about 75% or less than about 50% greater than the overall average widths 283.

[0098] Rollers 261a, 261b may be configured to connect the complete core assembly 260 within such portions of the complete core assembly 260 between the strips 281a-281c having a width 283 greater than the average widths 283. In some modalities, such portions of. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, p. 50 / 100 / 68 complete core assembly 260 are arranged on the cross-direction lateral edges of the complete core assembly 260 and form the end edges 137, 139 of the bodies 54 of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, the absorbent bodies 54 may have regions 147, 149 arranged near the end edges 137, 139, as shown in relation to FIGS. 3A and 4A (although equally applicable to the bodies 54 of FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5 and 6) which are substantially devoid of absorbent material. These regions 147, 149 may have widths less than about 15 mm, or less than about 10 mm, or less than about 5 mm. In other embodiments, such portions of the complete central assembly 260 between the bands 281a-281c and having a width 283 greater than the average of the widths 283 are spaced along the transverse dimension of the complete central assembly 260.In such embodiments, rollers 261a, 261b can connect the complete core assembly 260 in at least some of these portions. Process 200 can then cut the complete core assembly 260 through the connected portions, forming distinct sections 267a-267c. Each of these distinct sections 267a-267c can then have joined cross-direction edges that form the end edges 137, 139 of bodies 54 of the present disclosure.

[0099] As described in relation to method 200, the superabsorbent material can be deposited on the reinforcing material 202 on either the first side 206 or the second side 207. In some of these embodiments, the superabsorbent material can be deposited in bands on either the first side 206 or the second side 207. For example, a masking element 301 can be associated with both superabsorbent material funnels 215 and 217 to distribute the superabsorbent material dispensed in bands on either the first side 206 or the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202.

[00100] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of reinforcing material 202 Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 51 / 100 / 68 representing alignments, in the transverse direction 255, of the widths 313 of openings associated with masking elements, such as masking elements 301, used in the deposition of superabsorbent material on both the first sides 206 and the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202. As represented in FIG. 10, the widths 313 associated with the openings of a masking element through which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 result in bands of superabsorbent material 321a-321c (SAM particles not shown), while the widths 313 associated with the openings of a masking element through which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202 result in bands of superabsorbent material 323a-323c (SAM particles not shown).Naturally, in some embodiments, the widths described 313 may also represent the widths of the superabsorbent material strips 321a-321c – for example, where the deposited superabsorbent material does not spread appreciably in the transverse direction 255 beyond the limits of the openings 307. The alignments of the strips 321a-321c associated with the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 and of the strips 323a-323c associated with the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202 may be such that the strips 321a-321c and the strips 323a-323c are completely overlapping in the cross direction 255. Although each of the strips 321a-321c is shown as completely overlapping the strips 323a-323c, it should be understood that this is not necessary in all embodiments. Other modes may have only a portion of bands 321a-321c completely overlapping a portion of bands 323a-323c.

[00101] FIG. 11 is a cross-section of reinforcement material 202 representing other contemplated alignments, in the transverse direction 255, of the widths 313 of openings associated with masking elements, such as masking elements 301, used in the deposition of superabsorbent material on both the first sides 206 and the second side 207 of the reinforcement material. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 52 / 100 / 68 202. As shown in FIG. 11, the widths 313 associated with the openings of a masking element through which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 result in bands 321a-321c, while the widths 313 associated with the openings of a masking element through which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202 result in bands 323a-323c. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the bands 321a-321c and the bands 323a-323c overlap only partially in the transverse direction 255. As shown, the bands 321a-321c and the bands 323a-323c overlap by a distance 331a-331c, respectively, in the transverse direction 255. According to the preferred embodiments, the overlap distances 331a-331c are between about 25% and about 75% of the width 313 of the bands 321a-321c.In such embodiments, the width 313 of the mask element openings used to form the bands 321a-321c can be considered equal to the actual width of the bands 321a-321c. In other embodiments, the overlap distances 331a-331c are between about 33% and about 66% of the width 313 of the bands 321a-321c.

[00102] In some of these embodiments, it may be that not all 321a-321c bands overlap at least one of the 323a-323c bands. To achieve desired absorbent performance, it has been found that the combined overlap widths in the transverse direction 255 of all bands of the 321a-321c bands that overlap any of the 323a-323c bands must be between about 25% and about 75% of a combined total width in the transverse direction of the 323a-323c bands. In other embodiments, it may be preferable that the combined overlap widths in the transverse direction 255 of all the bands of bands 321a-321c that overlap any of the bands 323a-323c be between about 40% and about 60% of a combined total width in the transverse direction of bands 323a-323c Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 53 / 100 / 68

[00103] FIG. 12 is a cross-section of reinforcing material 202 representing alignments, in the transverse direction 255, of the widths 313 of openings associated with masking elements, such as masking elements 301, used in the deposition of superabsorbent material on the first side 206 and second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202. As represented in FIG. 12, the widths 313 associated with the openings of a masking element through which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side 206 of the reinforcing material 202 result in bands 321a-321c, while the widths 313 associated with the openings of a masking element through which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the second side 207 of the reinforcing material 202 result in bands 323a-323c. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the bands 321a-321c and the bands 323a-323c do not overlap in the transverse direction 255.Instead, the 321a-321c bands can be spaced from the 323a-323c bands in the transverse direction by distances 333. In such embodiments, the width 313 of the openings of the mask element used to form the 321a-321c and 323a-323c bands can be considered equal to the actual width of the 321a-321c and 323a-323c bands. According to preferred embodiments, the distances 333 can be between about 0 mm and about 25 mm. In other embodiments, the distances 333 can be between about 0 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 0 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 0 mm and about 10 mm.

[00104] Although the invention has been described in detail with regard to its specific aspects, it will be observed that those skilled in the art, upon achieving an understanding of the above, may readily conceive of alterations and variations equivalent to these aspects. MODALITIES

[00105] Modality 1: An absorbent garment extending in a longitudinal and lateral direction and comprising a side lining of the body, an outer cover, an absorbent body disposed between the lining Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 54 / 100 / 68 lateral body and outer cover, the absorbent body comprising: a layer of material facing upwards, a layer of material facing downwards, a raised reinforcement material disposed between the layer of material facing upwards and the layer of material facing downwards, absorbent material comprising superabsorbent material disposed between the layer of material facing upwards and the layer of material facing downwards and within the reinforcement material, and a collection material between the absorbent body and the lateral body lining,and wherein a first lateral portion of the absorbent body and a second lateral portion of the absorbent body are folded into a central portion of the absorbent body forming a folded absorbent body with a first folded portion and a second folded portion with a channel region disposed between the first folded portion and the second folded portion, and wherein the collection material extends through the channel region.

[00106] Modality 2: The absorbent garment of modality 1, in which the canal region is positioned close to the side lining of the body.

[00107] Modality 3: The absorbent garment of modality 1, in which the channel region is positioned close to the lining of the outer covering.

[00108] Modality 4: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 3, further comprising a first adhesive seam and a second adhesive seam, each of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam connecting the top-facing layer of material to itself in each of the first folded portion and the second folded portion.

[00109] Modality 5: The absorbent garment of modality 4, in which the inner edges of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam are positioned less than 5 mm from a first end edge and a second end edge, respectively, of the absorbent body. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 55 / 100 / 68

[00110] Modality 6: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 4 and 5, in which the width of each of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam is less than 5 mm.

[00111] Mode 7: The absorbent garment of any of the modes 1 to 6, in which the collection material is attached to the layer of material facing the bottom.

[00112] Mode 8: The absorbent garment of any of the modes 1 to 7, in which the collection material is connected to the channel region.

[00113] Modality 9: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 8, in which the collection material is attached to the top-facing layer of material in the channel region.

[00114] Modality 10: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 8, in which the collection material is attached to the absorbent body by a first lateral adhesive zone and a second lateral adhesive zone, in which an adhesive-free zone is disposed between the first lateral adhesive zone and the second lateral adhesive zone, the adhesive-free zone overlapping the channel region.

[00115] Modality 11: Absorbent garment of any of modalities 1 to 8 and 10, in which the collection material is not attached to the top-facing material layer.

[00116] Modality 12: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 11, in which the folded absorbent body has a lateral width, the canal region has a lateral width, and the lateral width of the canal region is between 30% and 70% of the lateral width of the folded absorbent body.

[00117] Modality 13: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 12, in which the folded absorbent body has a lateral width, the canal region has a lateral width, and the lateral width of the canal region is between 40% and 60% of the lateral width of the absorbent body. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 56 / 100 / 68 folded.

[00118] Modality 14: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 13, in which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the reinforcing material on both the first side of the reinforcing material and the second side of the reinforcing material.

[00119] Modality 15: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 14, wherein the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side of the reinforcing material to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material and on the second side of the reinforcing material to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material, the band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material being spaced apart and the band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material being spaced apart.

[00120] Modality 16: The absorbent garment of modality 15, in which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcement material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcement material.

[00121] Modality 17: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 and modality 16, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 50% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00122] Modality 18: The absorbent garment of any of the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 57 / 100 / 68 modalities 15 to 17, in which the superabsorbent material strip regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and in which a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material strip regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material strip regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 75% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material strip regions on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00123] Modality 19: The absorbent garment of modality 15, in which none of the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcement material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcement material.

[00124] Modality 20: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 19, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have first lateral widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material have second lateral widths, and wherein the first lateral widths and the second lateral widths are between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[00125] Modality 21: The absorbent garment of modality 20, in which the first side widths and the second side widths are between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[00126] Modality 22: The absorbent garment of modality 20, in which the first side widths and the second side widths are between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[00127] Modality 23: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 22, in which the combined width of the superabsorbent material bands comprises between 40% and 60% of the total width of the folded absorbent body.

[00128] Modality 24: The absorbent garment of any of the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 58 / 100 / 68 modalities 15 to 23, in which the superabsorbent material strip regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material strip regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, in which a difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and in which a difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00129] Modality 25: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 23, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein the difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein the difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00130] Modality 26: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 25, in which the regions between the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material and the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are substantially devoid of absorbent material between the superabsorbent material bands.

[00131] Modality 27: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 26, in which the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a region of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 59 / 100 / 68 regions of superabsorbent material strip where the first height is between 20% and 80% greater than the second height.

[00132] Modality 28: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 26, wherein the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a band of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the bands of superabsorbent material, and wherein the first height is between 35% and 65% greater than the second height.

[00133] Modality 29: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 28, in which a first region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a first lateral portion of the absorbent body completely overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in a central portion of the absorbent body within a first folded portion and a second region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a second lateral portion of the absorbent body completely overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in the central portion of the absorbent body within a second folded portion of the absorbent body.

[00134] Modality 30: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 15 to 28, wherein a first band region of superabsorbent material disposed within a first lateral portion of the absorbent body overlaps a band region of superabsorbent material in a central portion of the absorbent body within a first portion folded for an overlap width between 25% and 75% of the width of the first band region of superabsorbent material and wherein a second band region of superabsorbent material disposed within a second lateral portion of the absorbent body overlaps a band region of superabsorbent material in the central portion of the absorbent body within a second portion folded for an overlap width between 25% Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 60 / 100 / 68 and 75% of the width of the second region of superabsorbent material strip.

[00135] Modality 31: The absorbent garment of any of modalities 1 to 30, wherein the end edges of the absorbent body include the top-facing material layer, the bottom-facing material layer and the reinforcement material joined by heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic energy.

[00136] Modality 32: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 31, in which the absorbent body is substantially devoid of absorbent material within 10 mm of the edges of the ends of the absorbent body.

[00137] Modality 33: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 31, in which the absorbent body is substantially devoid of absorbent material within 5 mm of the end edges of the absorbent body.

[00138] Modality 34: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 33, further including an integrity sheet disposed between the absorbent body and the outer cover, the integrity sheet comprising a conforming material, a TABCW material or a spunlace material.

[00139] Modality 35: The absorbent garment of any of modalities 1 to 34, wherein the material facing upwards comprises a woven material, a spunbond material or a spunbond material.

[00140] Modality 36: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 1 to 35, wherein the bottom-facing material comprises a coformed material, a spunbond material or a spunlace material.

[00141] Modality 37: Absorbent garment of any of modalities 1 to 36, wherein the reinforcing material comprises a spunlace material or a TABCW material.

[00142] Modality 38: An absorbent garment that stretches into a Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 61 / 100 / 68 longitudinal and lateral direction and comprising a body-side lining, an outer cover, an absorbent body disposed between the body-side lining and the outer cover, the absorbent body comprising: a top lining material layer, a bottom-facing material layer, a raised nonwoven reinforcement material disposed between the top lining material layer and the bottom lining material layer, absorbent material comprising superabsorbent material disposed between the top lining material layer and the bottom lining material layer and within the reinforcement material, and a catch material disposed between the absorbent body and the body-side lining,wherein the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side of the reinforcing material to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material and on the second side of the reinforcing material to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material, the band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material being spaced apart and the band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material being spaced apart, and wherein the combined width of the bands of superabsorbent material comprises between 40% and 60% of the total width of the folded absorbent body.

[00143] Modality 39: The absorbent garment of modality 38, in which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcement material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcement material.

[00144] Modality 40: An absorbent garment of either of modalities 38 and modality 39, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the material band regions Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 62 / 100 / 68 superabsorbent on the first side of the reinforcing material overlaps laterally with band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 50% of a combined total width of band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00145] Modality 41: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 40, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 75% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00146] Modality 42: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 41, in which none of the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcement material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcement material.

[00147] Modality 43: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 42, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have first lateral widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material have second lateral widths, and wherein the first lateral widths and the second lateral widths are between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[00148] Modality 44: The absorbent garment of modality 43, in which the first side widths and the second side widths are between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[00149] Mode 45: The absorbent garment of mode 433, Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 63 / 100 / 68, in which the first side widths and the second side widths are between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[00150] Modality 46: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 45, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein the difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein the difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00151] Modality 47: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 46, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein the difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein the difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00152] Modality 48: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 47, in which the regions between the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material and the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are substantially devoid of absorbent material between the superabsorbent material bands.

[00153] Modality 49: The absorbent garment of any of the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 64 / 100 / 68 modalities 38 to 48, in which the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a region of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the regions of superabsorbent material and in which the first height is between 20% and 80% greater than the second height.

[00154] Modality 50: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 48, in which the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a region of superabsorbent material band and has a second height measured at a location between the regions of superabsorbent material band and in which the first height is between 35% and 65% greater than the second height.

[00155] Modality 51: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 50, in which the end edges of the absorbent body include the top-facing material layer, the bottom-facing material layer and the reinforcement material joined by heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic energy.

[00156] Modality 52: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 51, in which the absorbent body is substantially devoid of absorbent material within 10 mm of the edges of the ends of the absorbent body.

[00157] Modality 53: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 52, in which the absorbent body is substantially devoid of absorbent material within 5 mm of the end edges of the absorbent body.

[00158] Modality 54: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 53, including further an integrity sheet disposed between the absorbent body and the outer cover, the integrity sheet comprising a conforming material, a TABCW material or a spunlace material. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 65 / 100 / 68

[00159] Modality 55: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 54, wherein the material facing upwards comprises a woven material, a spunbond material or a spunlace material.

[00160] Modality 56: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 55, wherein the bottom-facing material comprises a conforming material, a spunbond material or a spunlace material.

[00161] Modality 57: Absorbent garment of any of the modalities 38 to 56, wherein the reinforcing material comprises a spunlace material or a TABCW material.

[00162] Modality 58: An absorbent garment extending in a longitudinal and lateral direction and comprising a body-side lining, an outer cover, an absorbent body disposed between the body-side lining and the outer cover, the absorbent body comprising: a top lining material layer, a bottom-facing material layer, a raised nonwoven reinforcing material disposed between the top lining material layer and the bottom lining material layer, absorbent material comprising superabsorbent material forming a plurality of spaced superabsorbent material bands disposed between the top lining material layer and the bottom lining material layer and within the reinforcing material, wherein a first side part of the absorbent body and a second side part of the absorbent body are folded into a central part of the absorbent body,forming a folded absorbent body with a first folded part and a second folded part with a channel region disposed between the first folded part and the second folded part, and wherein the strips of superabsorbent material are separated by a distance between 5 mm and 15 mm and the combined width of the strips of superabsorbent material comprises between 40% and 60% of the total width of the folded absorbent body; and a collection material disposed between the absorbent body and the lining on the body side, in, Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 66 / 100 / 68, states that the intake material extends through the canal region and is connected to the canal.

[00163] Modality 59: The absorbent garment of modality 58, further comprising a first adhesive seam and a second adhesive seam, each of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam connecting the top-facing layer of material to itself in each of the first folded portion and the second folded portion.

[00164] Modality 60: The absorbent garment of modality 59, in which the inner edges of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam are positioned less than 5 mm from a first end edge and a second end edge, respectively, of the absorbent body.

[00165] Modality 61: The absorbent garment of either modalities 59 and 60, in which the width of each of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam is less than 5 mm.

[00166] Modality 62: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 58 to 61, in which the collection material is attached to the layer of material facing the bottom.

[00167] Modality 61: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 58 to 62, in which the collection material is attached to the top-facing layer of material in the channel region.

[00168] Modality 62: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 58 to 61, in which the folded absorbent body has a lateral width, the canal region has a lateral width, and the lateral width of the canal region is between 30% and 70% of the lateral width of the folded absorbent body.

[00169] Modality 63: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 58 to 61, in which the folded absorbent body has a lateral width, the canal region has a lateral width and the lateral width of the region Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 67 / 100 / 68 of the channel is between 40% and 60% of the lateral width of the folded absorbent body.

[00170] Modality 64: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 58 to 63, in which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the reinforcing material on both the first side of the reinforcing material and the second side of the reinforcing material.

[00171] Modality 65: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 58 to 63, in which the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side of the reinforcing material to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material and on the second side of the reinforcing material to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material, the band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material being spaced and the band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material being spaced.

[00172] Modality 66: The absorbent garment of modality 65, in which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcement material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcement material.

[00173] Modality 67: An absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 and modality 66, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 50% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 68 / 100 / 68

[00174] Embodiment 68: An absorbent garment of any of the embodiments 65 to 67, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 75% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00175] Modality 69: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 to 68, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein the difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein the difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00176] Modality 70: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 to 68, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein a difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein a difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the second set of widths. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 69 / 100 / 68

[00177] Modality 71: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 to 70, in which the regions between the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material and the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are substantially devoid of absorbent material between the superabsorbent material bands.

[00178] Modality 72: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 to 71, wherein the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a band of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the bands of superabsorbent material, and wherein the first height is between 20% and 80% greater than the second height.

[00179] Modality 73: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 to 71, wherein the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a band of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the bands of superabsorbent material, and wherein the first height is between 35% and 65% greater than the second height.

[00180] Modality 74: The absorbent garment of any of the modalities 65 to 73, wherein a first region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a first lateral portion of the absorbent body completely overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in a central portion of the absorbent body within a first folded portion and a second region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a second lateral portion of the absorbent body completely overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in the central portion of the absorbent body within a second folded portion of the absorbent body.

[00181] Modality 75: The absorbent garment of any of the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 70 / 100 / 68 embodiments 65 to 73, wherein a first region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a first lateral portion of the absorbent body overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in a central portion of the absorbent body within a first portion folded to an overlap width between 25% and 75% of the width of the first region of superabsorbent material strip, and wherein a second region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a second lateral portion of the absorbent body overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in the central portion of the absorbent body within a second portion folded to an overlap width between 25% and 75% of the width of the second region of superabsorbent material strip.

[00182] Embodiment 76: A method for forming an absorbent garment,The method comprises: moving a first coating material towards the machine, moving a reinforcing material towards the machine, the reinforcing material having a first side and a second side, applying superabsorbent material to the first side of the reinforcing material, the first side of the reinforcing material facing upwards in the vertical direction, reversing the orientation of the reinforcing material so that the first side of the reinforcing material faces downwards in the vertical direction, applying the first side of the reinforcing material to the first coating material, applying superabsorbent material to the second side of the reinforcing material, moving a second coating material towards the machine, applying the second coating material to the second side of the reinforcing material to form an absorbent laminate comprising the first coating material, the reinforcing material and the second coating material.By folding a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion of the absorbent laminate over a central portion of the absorbent laminate, the first lateral portion and the second side portion are folded over the central portion to form a channel region in the absorbent laminate. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 71 / 100 / 68 folded, moving a collection material in the direction of the machine, attaching the collection material to the folded absorbent laminate so that the collection material extends through the channel region and attaching the folded absorbent laminate and the collection material between a side lining material of the body and an outer covering material to form an absorbent garment.

[00183] Modality 77: The method of modality 76, further comprising the bonding of the absorbent laminate with heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic energy to form end edges of the absorbent laminate.

[00184] Modality 78: The method of modality 76, in which the application of superabsorbent material to the first side of the reinforcing material and to the second side of the reinforcing material comprises the application of superabsorbent material to the first side and to the second side of the reinforcing material in spaced regions of spaced strips of superabsorbent material.

[00185] Modality 79: The method of modality 78, in which the regions between the regions of the superabsorbent material band are substantially devoid of superabsorbent material.

[00186] Modality 80: The method of any of the modalities 78 and modality 79, further comprising the bonding of the absorbent laminate with heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic energy within the regions between the superabsorbent material band regions.

[00187] Modality 81: The method of any of the modalities 78 to 80, further comprising cutting the absorbent laminate in the spaces between the regions of superabsorbent material strip.

[00188] Modality 82: The method of embodiment 81, further comprising cutting the absorbent laminate in the spaces between the regions of the superabsorbent material strip to form a plurality of absorbent laminate currents and a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion of each of the plurality of absorbent laminate currents is Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 72 / 100 / 68 folded in a central portion to form a channel region.

[00189] Modality 83: The method of any of the modalities 76 to 81, further fulfilling the application of a stitching adhesive to a first lateral portion of the absorbent laminate or plurality of absorbent laminate chains and to a second lateral portion of the absorbent laminate or each of the plurality of absorbent laminate chains before folding the absorbent laminate or several absorbent laminate chains.

[00190] Modality 84: The method of embodiment 83, in which the width of each of the adhesive seams applied to the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion of the absorbent laminate or each of the plurality of absorbent laminate flows is less than 5 mm.

[00191] Modality 85: The method of any of the modalities 76 to 84, in which the collection material is coupled to the first layer of lining material.

[00192] Modality 86: The method of any of the modalities 76 to 85, in which the intake material is coupled to the second lining material in the channel region.

[00193] Modality 87: The method of any of the modalities 76 to 85, in which the collection material is coupled to the folded absorbent laminate by a first lateral adhesive zone and a second lateral adhesive zone, in which an adhesive-free zone is disposed between the first lateral adhesive zone and the second lateral adhesive zone, the adhesive-free zone overlapping the channel region.

[00194] Modality 88: The method of any of the embodiments 76 to 87, in which the folded absorbent laminate has a lateral width, the channel region has a lateral width, and the lateral width of the channel region is between 30% and 70% of the lateral width of the folded absorbent body.

[00195] Modality 89: The method of any of the embodiments 76 to 87, in which the folded absorbent laminate has a lateral width, a Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 73 / 100 / 68 the channel region has a lateral width and the lateral width of the channel region is between 40% and 60% of the lateral width of the folded absorbent body.

[00196] Modality 90: The method of any of the modalities 78 to 89, in which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material.

[00197] Embodiment 91: The method of either embodiment 78 and embodiment 90, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 50% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00198] Embodiment 92: The method of either embodiment 78 and 90, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have widths in the lateral direction and wherein a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material is greater than 75% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material.

[00199] Modality 93: The method of any of the embodiments 77 and 90 to 92, wherein the superabsorbent material strip regions on the first side of the reinforcing material have first lateral widths, the superabsorbent material strip regions on the second side of the reinforcing material have second lateral widths, and wherein the first lateral widths and the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 74 / 100 / 68 second side widths are between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[00200] Modality 94: The method of modality 93, in which the first side widths and the second side widths are between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[00201] Modality 95: The method of modality 93, in which the first side widths and the second side widths are between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[00202] Modality 96: The method of any of the modalities 77 and 90 to 95, in which a combined width of the superabsorbent material strips comprises between 40% and 60% of a total width of the folded absorbent body.

[00203] Embodiment 97: The method of any of the embodiments 77 and 90 to 96, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein a difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein a difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 250% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00204] Modality 98: The method of any of the embodiments 77 and 90 to 96, wherein the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein a difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein a difference between the smallest of the Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 75 / 100 / 68 second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the second set of widths.

[00205] Modality 99: The method of any of the modalities 77 and 90 to 98, wherein the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a band region of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the band regions of superabsorbent material and wherein the first height is between 20% and 80% greater than the second height.

[00206] Modality 100: The method of any of the modalities 77 and 90 to 98, wherein the absorbent body has a first height measured at a location containing a band region of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the band regions of superabsorbent material and wherein the first height is between 35% and 65% greater than the second height.

[00207] Modality 101: The method of any of the modalities 77 and 90 to 100, wherein a first region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a first lateral portion of the absorbent body completely overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in a central portion of the absorbent body within a first folded portion and a second region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a second lateral portion of the absorbent body completely overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in the central portion of the absorbent body within a second folded portion of the absorbent body.

[00208] Modality 102: The method of any of the modalities 77 and 90 to 101, in which a first region of superabsorbent material strip disposed within a first lateral portion of the absorbent body overlaps a region of superabsorbent material strip in a central portion of the absorbent body within a first portion Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 76 / 100 / 68 folded to an overlap width between 25% and 75% of the width of the first superabsorbent material band region and in which a second superabsorbent material band region disposed within a second lateral portion of the absorbent body overlaps a superabsorbent material band region in the central portion of the absorbent body within a second portion folded to an overlap width between 25% and 75% of the width of the second superabsorbent material band region. Petition 870230078575, dated 04 / 09 / 2023, page 77 / 100

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. An absorbent garment extending in a longitudinal and lateral direction, comprising: a side body lining; an outer cover (52); an absorbent body (54) disposed between the side body lining and the outer cover (52), the absorbent body (54) including: a top-facing layer of material, a bottom-facing layer of material, a raised nonwoven reinforcing material (116) disposed between the top-facing layer of material and the bottom-facing layer of material, absorbent material including superabsorbent material disposed between the top-facing layer of material and the bottom-facing layer of material and within the reinforcing material (116), and a catching material disposed between the absorbent body (54) and the side body lining,characterized in that a first lateral portion of the absorbent body (54) and a second lateral portion (132) of the absorbent body (54) are folded over a central portion of the absorbent body (54) forming a folded absorbent body (54) with a first folded portion (131) and a second folded portion (133) with a channel region (151) disposed between the first folded portion (131) and the second folded portion (133), and wherein the collection material extends through the channel region (151); and wherein the collection material is connected to the top-facing layer of material in the channel region (151).

2. Absorbent garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel region (151) is located close to Petition 870260048447, dated 05 / 21 / 2026, page 11 / 24 2 / 7 of the body's side lining.

3. Absorbent garment according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a first adhesive seam and a second adhesive seam, each of the first adhesive seam and the second adhesive seam connecting the top-facing layer of material to itself in each of the first folded portion (131) and the second folded portion (133).

4. Absorbent garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the collection material is attached to the absorbent body (54) by a first lateral adhesive zone and a second lateral adhesive zone, wherein an adhesive-free zone is disposed between the first lateral adhesive zone and the second lateral adhesive zone, the adhesive-free zone overlapping the channel region (151).

5. Absorbent garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the folded absorbent body (54) has a side width, the channel region (151) has a side width and the side width of the channel region (151) is between 40% and 60% of the side width of the folded absorbent body (54).

6. Absorbent garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the superabsorbent material is deposited on the reinforcing material (116) on both the first side of the reinforcing material (116) and the second side of the reinforcing material (116).

7. Absorbent garment according to claim 6, characterized in that the superabsorbent material is deposited on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) and on the second side of the reinforcing material (116) to form band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material (116), the band regions of superabsorbent material on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) being spaced and the band regions of superabsorbent material on the second side of the reinforcing material (116) being spaced.

8. Absorbent garment according to claim 7, characterized in that the regions of superabsorbent material bands on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) overlap laterally with regions of superabsorbent material bands on the second side of the reinforcing material (116).

9. Absorbent garment according to claim 8, characterized in that the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) have widths in the lateral direction and in that a combined total overlap width of all lateral widths for which the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) overlap laterally with superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material (116) is greater than 50% of a combined total width of superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material (116).

10. Absorbent garment according to claim 7, characterized in that the superabsorbent material band regions on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) are spaced by a first set of widths, the superabsorbent material band regions on the second side of the reinforcing material (116) are spaced by a second set of widths, wherein the difference between the smallest of the first set of widths and the largest of the first set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the first set of widths, and wherein the difference between the smallest of the second set of widths and the largest of the second set of widths is less than 150% of the smallest of the second set of widths. Petition 870260048447, dated 05 / 21 / 2026, p. 13 / 24 4 / 7 11. Absorbent garment according to claim 7, characterized in that the absorbent body (54) has a first height measured at a location containing a band region of superabsorbent material and has a second height measured at a location between the band regions of superabsorbent material, wherein the first height is between 20% and 80% greater than the second height.

12. Absorbent garment of claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent body (54) is substantially devoid of absorbent material within 10 mm of the ends of the absorbent body (54).

13. An absorbent garment extending in a longitudinal and lateral direction, comprising: a side lining of the body; an outer cover (52); an absorbent body (54) disposed between the side lining of the body and the outer cover (52), the absorbent body (54) including: a top-facing layer of material, a bottom-facing layer of material, a raised nonwoven reinforcing material (116) disposed between the top-facing layer of material and the bottom-facing layer of material, absorbent material including superabsorbent material forming a plurality of spaced bands of superabsorbent material disposed between the top-facing layer of material and the bottom-facing layer of material and within the reinforcing material (116),characterized in that a first lateral portion of the absorbent body (54) and a second lateral portion (132) of the absorbent body (54) are folded over a central portion of the absorbent body (54) forming a folded absorbent body (54) with a first folded portion (131) and a second folded portion (133) with a channel region (151) disposed between the first folded portion (131) and the second folded portion (133), and wherein the strips of superabsorbent material spaced apart by a distance between 5 mm and 15 mm and a combined width of the strips of superabsorbent material includes between 40% and 60% of a total width of the folded absorbent body (54); and a collection material placed between the absorbent body (54) and the side lining of the body,wherein the catchment material extends through the channel region (151) and is connected to the channel; and wherein the catchment material is connected to the top-facing layer of material in the channel region (151).

14. Absorbent garment according to claim 13, characterized in that the regions of superabsorbent material bands on the first side of the reinforcing material (116) overlap laterally with regions of superabsorbent material bands on the second side of the reinforcing material (116).

15. An absorbent garment according to claim 13, characterized in that the regions between the bands of superabsorbent material are substantially devoid of superabsorbent material.

16. Method for forming an absorbent garment as defined in claim 1, the method comprising: moving a first lining material in a machine direction; moving a reinforcing material (116) in the machine direction, the reinforcing material (116) having a first side and a second side; applying superabsorbent material to the first side of the reinforcing material (116), the first side of the reinforcing material (116) facing upwards in the vertical direction; reversing an orientation of the reinforcing material (116) so that the first side of the reinforcing material (116) faces downwards in the vertical direction; applying the first side of the reinforcing material (116) to the first lining material; applying superabsorbent material to the second side of the reinforcing material (116); moving a second lining material in the machine direction;apply the second coating material to the second side of the reinforcing material (116) to form an absorbent laminate including the first coating material, the reinforcing material (116) and the second coating material; characterized in that folding a first side portion and a second side portion (132) of the absorbent laminate over a central portion of the absorbent laminate, the first side portion and the second side portion (132) folded into the central portion to form a channel region (151) in the folded absorbent laminate; moving a collection material in the direction of the machine; coupling the collection material to the folded absorbent laminate so that the collection material extends through the channel region (151); coupling the folded absorbent laminate and the collection material between a side body lining material and an outer covering material (52) to form an absorbent garment;and wherein the application of superabsorbent material to the first side of the reinforcing material (116) and to the second side of the reinforcing material (116) comprises the application of superabsorbent material to the first side and Petition 870260048447, dated 05 / 21 / 2026, page 16 / 24 7 / 7 to the second side of the reinforcing material (116) in strips of superabsorbent material.; 17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises bonding the absorbent laminate with heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic energy to form end edges of the absorbent laminate. Petition 870260048447, dated 05 / 21 / 2026, pp. 17 / 24

Images