Pants-type absorbent article and method of making same

Abstract

The invention discloses a pant-shaped absorbent article with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The pant-shaped absorbent article comprises a front elastic band, a rear elastic band, a crotch area, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings, each of the front elastic band and the rear elastic band is formed by an outer sheet, an inner sheet, and a second elastic member bonded between the outer sheet and the inner sheet; the absorbent article includes an absorbent body extending throughout the longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and partially into the front and rear elastic bands; at least one of the front elastic band and the rear elastic band includes a waist guard portion extending toward the crotch region from the closed baseline to the open edge, the waist guard portion being formed from a first inner waist fold extending from a second inner waist fold extending from the inner panel, the second inner waist fold extending from the outer panel. A first elastic member is bonded between the first inner waist fold and the second inner waist fold, and a waist guard portion is partially bonded to a remainder of the elastic band from which the first inner waist fold and the second inner waist fold extend to define a pocket.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application (application number: 202180016289.4, application date: February 25, 2021, invention name: Pants-type absorbent product and its manufacturing method). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a pant-type absorbent article having a protective measure against leakage of low-viscosity body exudates while maintaining other functions as a pant-type wearable article. The present invention also relates to a method of making such a pant-type absorbent article. Background Art

[0003] Infants and other individuals wear absorbent articles (such as diapers) to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Pull-on absorbent articles or pant-type absorbent articles (such as described in PCT publication WO 2006 / 17718A) are those that are worn by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and pulling the article into position around the lower body. Pants-type absorbent articles have become popular for smaller infants who need a soft fit around the waist opening and leg openings. Pants-type absorbent articles have also become popular with women who have heavy menstrual periods or need to use them overnight. One function that is desired for pant-type articles is a protective measure to prevent low-viscosity body exudates from leaking through the waist opening. Those pant-type articles that are used for breathability purposes or otherwise have less material around the waist opening may have the risk of leakage from the waist opening, especially when the wearer is lying on his back or prone.

[0004] Pants-type articles can adopt various structures, in which the circumference of the waist opening and its vicinity are sufficiently elastic to facilitate the wearer or caregiver to unfold the article and insert the wearer's legs into the leg openings to wear the article. Therefore, based on the structural limitations of the article, pants-type articles only provide a very small range of size adjustment or body configuration adjustment. Therefore, pants-type articles are usually constructed to accommodate the range of sizes and configurations by providing elastic bands that are very stretchable and very comfortable to wear, and have reliable fit so that sufficient sagging and leakage protection can be provided. It is expected that such basic functions of the elastic bands can be maintained even when the aforementioned protective measures are introduced.

[0005] Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an absorbent article that provides a protective measure for preventing leakage of low viscosity body exudates from the waist opening while maintaining good stretchability for ease of donning, good fit to prevent sagging, good comfort and softness, and good breathability. There is also a need to provide such an absorbent article that can be economically manufactured. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates to an absorbent article having longitudinal and transverse directions, the absorbent article comprising a front elastic belt, a rear elastic belt, a crotch region, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extends longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt; each of the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt is formed by an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a second elastic member bonded between the outer sheet and the inner sheet, wherein the outer sheet is a garment-facing surface;

[0007] The absorbent article comprises an absorbent body extending over the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partially into each of the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt, the absorbent body comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet and an absorbent material area sandwiched therebetween;

[0008] wherein at least one of the front elastic band and the rear elastic band comprises a waist protection portion;

[0009] The waist protection portion extends toward the crotch region from the closure base line to the opening edge, wherein the waist protection portion is formed by a first inner waist fold extending from a second inner waist fold extending from the inner panel, and a first elastic member is bonded between the first inner waist fold and the second inner waist fold, wherein the waist protection portion is partially bonded to the remainder of the elastic band from which the first inner waist fold and the second inner waist fold extend to define a pocket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, which are considered to form a part hereof, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate substantially the same elements, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention showing a garment-facing surface with its seams unjoined and in a flat, uncontracted condition.

[0013] Figure 2B to Figure 2C is a schematic plan view of one belt embodiment of the present invention showing the body-facing surface with its seams unjoined and in a flat, uncontracted condition.

[0014] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D For making the intercept along L2 FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Schematic cross-sectional view of a precursor of an embodiment of FIG. 1 , wherein the thickness dimension is exaggerated.

[0015] 4A to 4DFor making the intercept along L2 FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Schematic cross-sectional view of a precursor of another embodiment of FIG. 1 , wherein the thickness dimension is exaggerated.

[0016] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D For making the intercept along L2 FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Schematic cross-sectional view of a precursor of another embodiment of FIG. 1 , wherein the thickness dimension is exaggerated.

[0017] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D For making the intercept along L2 FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C Schematic cross-sectional view of a precursor of another embodiment of FIG. 1 , wherein the thickness dimension is exaggerated.

[0018] Figure 7 and Figure 8 For making the intercepts along L2 and L3 FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Schematic cross-sectional view of a front band and rear band embodiment with the thickness dimension exaggerated.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the folding step of the present invention.

[0020] definition

[0021] As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

[0022] "Absorbent article" refers to a wearable article that may be in the form of a pant, taped diaper, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene underwear, etc., which is configured to also absorb and contain various exudates, such as urine, feces, and menstrual fluid discharged from the body. "Absorbent article" can be used as an outer cover that can be adapted to be joined with a separate disposable absorbent insert for providing absorption and containment functions, such as those disclosed in PCT Publication WO 2011 / 087503A.

[0023] "Pants" refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings. Pants can be put on by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and pulling the pants into position around the wearer's lower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers", "pre-fastened diapers", "pull-on diapers", "training pants" and "diaper pants".

[0024] "Longitudinal" means the direction extending substantially perpendicularly from one waist edge to the opposite waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the greatest linear dimension of the article.

[0025] "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0026] "Proximal" and "distal" refer to locations closer to or farther from, respectively, the longitudinal center of the article.

[0027] "Inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to locations respectively closer to and farther from the lateral center of the article.

[0028] "Body-facing," "interior," "garment-facing," and "exterior" refer to the relative positions of an element or surface of an element or group of elements, respectively. "Body-facing" and "interior" mean that the element or surface is closer to the wearer than some other elements or surfaces during wear. "Garment-facing" and "exterior" mean that the element or surface is farther from the wearer than some other elements or surfaces during wear (i.e., the element or surface is near the wearer's clothing, which may be worn over a disposable absorbent article).

[0029] "Disposed" means that an element is located in a specific position or location.

[0030] "Joined" refers to configurations in which one element is directly secured to another element by being directly attached to the other element; it also refers to configurations in which one element is indirectly secured to another element by being attached to an intermediate member which is then attached to the other element.

[0031] "Film" refers to a sheet of material in which the length and width of the material greatly exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, a film has a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

[0032] "Water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to the permeability of a material within the range of intended use of a disposable absorbent article. Specifically, the term "water-permeable" refers to a layer or layered structure having pores, openings and / or interconnected void spaces that allow liquid water, urine or synthetic urine to penetrate through its thickness in the absence of applied pressure. Conversely, the term "water-impermeable" refers to a layer or layered structure wherein liquid water, urine or synthetic urine cannot penetrate through the thickness of the layer or layered structure in the absence of applied pressure (other than natural forces such as gravity). According to this definition, a water-impermeable layer or layered structure may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be "vapor-permeable".

[0033] "Extensibility" and "extensible" mean that the width or length of a component in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

[0034] "Elasticated" and "elasticized" mean that the component includes at least a portion made of an elastic material.

[0035] "Extensible material," "extensible material," or "stretchable material" are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, can be stretched to an elongated length of at least about 110% of its relaxed initial length (i.e., can be stretched to more than 10% of its initial length) without rupturing or breaking, and exhibits minimal recovery upon release of the applied force, i.e., recovers less than about 20% of its elongation without completely rupturing or breaking, as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. In the event that such an extensible material recovers at least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the extensible material will be considered "elastic" or "elastomeric." For example, an elastic material having an initial length of 100 mm can extend to at least 150 mm, and upon removal of the force it retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibits 40% recovery). In the event that the material recovers less than 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the extensible material will be considered "substantially inelastic" or "substantially non-elastomeric." For example, an extensible material having an initial length of 100 mm may extend to at least 150 mm and retract to a length of at least 145 mm when the force is removed (ie, exhibit a 10% recovery).

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the "size", "length", "width", "pitch", "diameter", "aspect ratio", "angle" and "area" of the article are measured as follows: the article is stretched to the fully stretched circumference W1, which is measured according to the "full article force value measurement" in this article and using a ruler or a small magnifying glass. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent article (20) of the present invention, and Figure 2A A schematic plan view of an absorbent article showing a garment-facing surface, the seams of the absorbent article are unjoined and in their flat, uncontracted state. The absorbent article (20) has a longitudinal centerline L1 which also serves as a longitudinal axis, and a transverse centerline T1 which also serves as a transverse axis. The absorbent article (20) has a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, a front elastic belt (84), a back elastic belt (86), a crotch region (30), and side seams (32) that join the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) to form two leg openings and a waist opening.

[0038] The absorbent article (20) may be Figure 1 and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CThe belt-type pants include an absorbent body (38) for covering the crotch area (30) of the wearer, a front elastic belt (84) and a rear elastic belt (86) (hereinafter referred to as "the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt"), the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt (84, 86) forming a discrete annular elastic belt (40) extending transversely to define a waist opening. For the belt-type pants, the discrete annular elastic belt (40) may also be referred to as an elastic belt (40). For example, Figure 1 and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C For the belt-type pants, the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt (84, 86) and the absorbent body (38) together define the leg openings. For the belt-type pants, the front elastic belt (84) is the front region (26), and the back elastic belt (86) is the back region (28), and the remaining portion is the crotch region (30). Although not shown, the absorbent article (20) may be a one-piece pants, which is constructed so that the outer cover layer of the absorbent body (38) and the garment-facing layer of the elastic belt (40) are common. For the one-piece pants, the portions extending laterally between the side seams (32) are respectively regarded as the front region (26) and the back region (28), and the remaining portion is the crotch region (30). For the one-piece pants, the front region (26) is regarded as the front elastic belt (84), and the back region (28) is regarded as the back elastic belt (86).

[0039] The absorbent body (38) includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent material area (62) disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent body (38) may further include an outer covering layer (42) for covering the clothing-facing side of the back sheet. The top sheet may be a water-permeable substrate. The back sheet may be a water-impermeable film. The outer covering layer (42) may be a nonwoven sheet. The absorbent body (38) includes an absorbent material area (62) and an absorbent material-deficient area (61), which is used to absorb and contain body exudates placed on the absorbent body (38), and the absorbent material-deficient area surrounds the absorbent material area (62). The area adjacent to the front longitudinal end edge and the rear longitudinal end edge of the absorbent body (38) includes the back sheet. The absorbent material-deficient area (61) may be composed of the top sheet and / or the back sheet and / or the outer covering layer (42) and / or other components that construct the absorbent body (38). FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CIn the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent body (38) has a generally rectangular shape, left and right longitudinally extending side edges (48), and front and rear transversely extending end edges (50). An absorbent material zone (62) may be present in the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and extend at least partially in the front and rear regions (26, 28). The absorbent body (38) may have a front waist panel (52) positioned in the front region (26) of the absorbent article (20), a rear waist panel (54) positioned in the rear region (28), and a crotch panel (56) in the crotch region (30) between the front and rear waist panels (52, 54). The center of the front elastic band (84) is joined to the front waist panel (52) of the absorbent body (38), the center of the back elastic band (86) is joined to the back waist panel (54) of the absorbent body (38), and the front elastic band and the back elastic band (84, 86) each have a left side panel and a right side panel (82) in which the absorbent body (38) does not overlap. The absorbent body (38) has a crotch panel (56) positioned between the front waist panel (52) and the back waist panel (54).

[0040] The absorbent material zone (62) may include an absorbent layer and a collection layer. The absorbent layer is an area in which absorbent materials with high retention capacity, such as superabsorbent polymers, are present. The absorbent layer may be substantially free of cellulose. The superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent layer may be disposed between a first material layer and a second material layer fixed by a fiber layer of thermoplastic adhesive material. The first material layer and the second material layer may be nonwoven fiber webs, including synthetic fibers, such as single-component fibers of PE, PET and PP, multi-component fibers such as side-by-side, core / skin or island-in-the-sea fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbond process or a meltblown process. The collection layer facilitates the collection and distribution of body exudates and may be placed between the top sheet and the absorbent layer. The collection layer may include cellulose fibers.

[0041] The absorbent layer may be provided with a plurality of absorbent material zones (62). Portions of the absorbent layer may be configured to be substantially free of absorbent material to form a channel or channels. The channels may be used to enable the absorbent material zones (62) to flex when swollen with a fluid, so that the absorbent article conforms to the body of the wearer after swelling and prevents the article from sagging. The channels may also be formed in the acquisition layer and may be configured to at least partially match the channels of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction.

[0042] refer to Figure 1The absorbent body (38) may include leg cuffs (64) made of a material having a high fluid impermeability and elasticized to provide a barrier along both transverse edges of the absorbent body (38). Such leg cuffs (64) may be attached to the rest of the absorbent body by bonding them to the top sheet at both longitudinal edges of the absorbent body (38) so that, at least in the crotch area (30), the leg cuffs are in active elasticity to provide a gasket around the leg openings.

[0043] The elastic band (40) of the article of the present invention plays a role in dynamically generating fit forces and distributing dynamically generated forces during wear. The front elastic band and the back elastic band (84, 86) may be joined to each other only at the side edges (89) to form the side seams (32), the waist opening and the two leg openings. Each leg opening may be provided with elastic around the periphery of the leg opening. The elasticity around the leg opening may be provided by a combination of elasticity from the front elastic band (84), the back elastic band (86) and the leg cuffs (64).

[0044] The longitudinal width of the backsheet and the outer covering layer (42) may be the same, or may be different. For example, compared to the backsheet, the outer covering layer (42) may have a shorter length so that the outer covering layer (42) is lacking where the absorbent body (38) overlaps the elastic band (40). With such a configuration, the elastic band can have better air permeability. In addition, such a configuration can also provide cost savings. The transverse width of the backsheet and the outer covering layer (42) may be the same, or may be different. For example, compared to the transverse width of the outer covering layer (42), the backsheet may have a shorter transverse width. With such a configuration, the longitudinal side edges (48) of the crotch piece (56) that constitutes a part of the leg opening may have better air permeability. In addition, such a configuration can also provide cost savings. The backsheet may extend to the transversely extending end edges (50) of the absorbent body (38) to provide leakage prevention.

[0045] For belt-type pants, the same longitudinal length LB of the rear elastic belt (86) and the longitudinal length LF of the front elastic belt (84) can be provided, or the rear elastic belt (86) can have a longitudinal length LB of Figure 2A The greater longitudinal length LB is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 7, when the wearable article is assembled to form the waist opening and the leg openings, the wearable article (20) can be folded along the transverse centerline T1 so that the front distal edge (88) is aligned with the rear distal edge (88). The front side edge (89) is also aligned with a portion of the rear side edge (89). The front elastic band (84) and the rear elastic band (86) are then joined at the front side edge and the rear side edge (89) at the seam (32). However, the front proximal edge and the rear proximal edge (90) may not be aligned with each other. The rear proximal edge (90) may be arranged to be longitudinally closer to the transverse centerline T1 than the front proximal edge (90) so that the proximal portion of the rear side piece (82) extends beyond the front proximal edge (90) toward the crotch piece (56) of the main body (38). The side edges of the proximal portion of the rear side piece (82) may not be joined to any part and do not contain attachments. Thus, the proximal portion of the rear side panel (82) provides a buttocks cover (not shown). Figure 8 For example, when the waist protection portion (WGP) is disposed on the rear elastic band (86), the article (20) can be folded so that the front distal edge (88) is located more proximally than the rear distal edge (88), as discussed in more detail below. In such a configuration, the distal portion of the rear elastic band (86) that extends beyond the front distal edge (88) can form a rear waist extension (111). Such a rear waist extension (111) can convey additional protection against rear leakage.

[0046] The front elastic band (84) and the rear elastic band (86) are configured to impart elasticity to the band (40). Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 7 and Figure 8, the front elastic band (84) and the back elastic band (86) may each include a laminate including a plurality of elastic members (96F, 96S) extending in the transverse direction, an inner sheet (94), an outer sheet (92), and an outer sheet fold (93), wherein the outer sheet fold is an extension of the outer sheet material formed by folding the outer sheet material at the distal edge (88) of the front elastic band and the back elastic band or otherwise; and one or more inner sheet folds (931, 932), wherein the inner sheet fold is an extension of the inner sheet material formed by folding the inner sheet material at the distal edge (88) of the front elastic band and the back elastic band or otherwise; wherein the band elastic members (96F, 96S) are sandwiched between two of these sheets. The front elastic band (84) and the back elastic band (86) may each consist only of the elastic members (96S), the inner sheet (94), the outer sheet (92), and the inner sheet folds (931, 932) and the outer sheet folds (93). The belt elastic members (96F, 96S) may extend in the transverse direction to provide a loop elastic belt (40) when the front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) are joined. At least some of the elastic members (96F, 96S) extend substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction. All elastic members (96F, 96S) may extend substantially parallel to each other in the transverse direction. Such an article can be economically manufactured. The front elastic belt and the back elastic belt (84, 86) may each have a transversely continuous proximal edge and a distal edge, and the proximal edge (90) is located closer to the longitudinal center of the article relative to the distal edge (88). At least 10%, or at least about 15% to no more than about 70% of the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt in the longitudinal direction from the waist opening may be a laminate that is in active elastic along the entire transverse dimension LW of the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt (84, 86). For each of the front and back elastic bands (84, 86), the elastic activity of the area overlapping the front waist panel and / or the back waist panel (52, 54) of the absorbent body (38) can be removed. Such areas where the elastic activity is removed are referred to herein as "elastic cut windows", and the remaining portion of the intact elastic member capable of imparting elasticity is defined as the "effective elastic length of the elastic member".

[0047] The tensile stress (N / m) throughout the front and back elastic bands (84, 86) can be distributed separately to provide functional benefits of the present invention, such as ease of stretching and donning, while also maintaining a specific force during wear to prevent the article from sagging after loading. When the elasticity of the front and back elastic bands (84, 86) is provided by multiple elastic members (96F, 96S) extending in the transverse direction, the tensile stress can be adjusted by one or more of the following methods: 1) the elongation of the elastic members (96F, 96S); 2) the density (dtex) of the elastic members (96F, 96S); 3) the longitudinal spacing of the multiple elastic members (96F, 96S); and 4) the effective elastic length of the elastic members (96F, 96S) in the transverse direction. The so-called elongation, "0% elongation" refers to the initial length of the elastic member.

[0048] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the front elastic band and the back elastic band (84, 86) can each be divided into a plurality of zones, the plurality of zones spanning in the transverse direction and defined by their positions from the distal edge (88) to the proximal edge (90) relative to the percentage of the seam length LS, wherein the distal edge (88) is considered to be 0% and the proximal edge (90) is considered to be 100%. The plurality of zones can be configured to provide different tensile stresses or different functions to the front elastic band and the back elastic band (84, 86), respectively. In the absorbent article of the present invention, a waist protection portion (WGP) can be disposed within a position of 5%-70% of LS on one or both of the front elastic band and the back elastic band (84, 86), the waist protection portion (WGP) extending toward the crotch region from the closed baseline (103B) to the opening edge (103M), wherein the waist protection portion (WGP) is partially bonded to the remaining portion of the front elastic band or the back elastic band (84, 86) to define a pocket (103P). Figure 1 The waist guard portion (WGP) on the rear elastic band is depicted. The waist guard portion (WGP) does not have to span the entire 5% to 70% of the LS, but is included in such dimensions.

[0049] The waist guard portion (WGP) may be positioned at a size of about 25% to about 60% of the LS, or about 30% to about 65% of the LS, or about 25% to about 55% of the LS, or about 35% to about 70% of the LS. Without being bound by theory, by providing a waist guard portion (WGP) of such size on the rear elastic band (86), the wearer's gluteal cleft is effectively covered by the waist guard portion (WGP), so that low viscosity exudates (such as thin fecal matter or blood) can be effectively sucked into the pocket. Without being bound by theory, by providing a waist guard portion (WGP) of such size on the front elastic band (84), the area matching the wearer's pubic bone is effectively covered by the waist guard portion (WGP), so that low viscosity exudates (such as urine) can be effectively sucked into the pocket.

[0050] The waist guard portion (WGP) may be on the rear elastic band (86) and positioned at a size of about 5% to about 50% of the LS, or about 10% to about 50% of the LS. Without being bound by theory, by providing the waist guard portion (WGP) of such size on the rear elastic band (86), the rear side toward the waist opening is effectively covered so that fluid exudates (such as urine, dilute excrement or blood) can be effectively drawn into the pocket even when the wearer is in active motion. The rear elastic band (86) may further have a size such as Figure 8 The back waist extension (111) is shown. Without being bound by theory, by providing a waist guard portion (WGP) of such dimensions on the back elastic band (86) and further having a back waist extension (111), the back side is covered with these elements over a wide area (e.g., a larger area when the wearer lies on their back). Therefore, fluid exudates (such as urine, dilute excrement or blood) can be effectively drawn into the pocket and further protection is provided against back leakage.

[0051] refer to Figure 2B , Figure 2C and FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 , the waist protection portion (WGP) is explained by utilizing multiple embodiments provided on the back elastic band (86). The waist protection portion (WGP) is made by an extension of the inner sheet (94), and the extension of the inner sheet (94) is folded inward twice so as to surround the first elastic member (96F), and further provide the waist protection portion (WGP) in an expected position relative to the side seam length LS. Due to the two folds, the first elastic member (96F) is sandwiched between the first inner sheet folded portion (931) and the second inner sheet folded portion (932), wherein the first inner sheet folded portion (931) constitutes the garment-facing side of the waist protection portion (WGP), and the second inner sheet folded portion (932) constitutes the body-facing surface. Reference Figure 2C , Figure 3D , Figure 4D , Figure 5D and Fig.6D , a certain longitudinal dimension from the distal edge of the second inner sheet fold (932) is bonded to the rest of the belt, however, such bonding shown as SWFA leaves some unbonded longitudinal dimensions. The farthest position arranged in the unbonded area is the closed baseline (103B), and the common proximal edge of the first inner sheet fold (931) and the second inner sheet fold (932) is the opening edge (103M). The waist protection portion (WGP) is defined as having a longitudinal dimension spanning the closed baseline (103B) and the opening edge (103M), and having a transverse dimension that matches the width of the provided belt. The left and right transverse edges of the waist protection portion (WGP) are also bonded to the rest of the belt, and such bonding is shown as SWFA. The unbonded area thus provided is a pocket (103P). The bonding portion set to define the area of ​​the pocket (103P) is therefore configured to provide a pocket (103P) that substantially overlaps the backsheet (preferably completely overlaps the backsheet). Without wishing to be bound by theory, by providing the pocket (103P) substantially overlying the backsheet, this prevents low viscosity exudates that have entered the pocket (103P) from flowing out or penetrating through the pocket (103P) towards the waist opening or lateral edges.

[0052] refer to Figure 2B , the first elastic member (96F) provides a waist protection elastic portion (WGEP), which can be given elasticity by one or more elastic strands, elastic bands, mechanically activated nonwovens or otherwise. The waist protection elastic portion (WGEP) is defined as having a longitudinal dimension (1031) spanning from the opening edge (103M) of the first elastic member (96F) to the distal edge. When the first elastic member (96F) is a plurality of elastic strands, the distal edge of the waist protection elastic portion (WGEP) is the position where the elastic strands are positioned to the farthest side. There may be 2-10 elastic strands, or 2-5 elastic strands, or 2-8 elastic strands, or 3-4 elastic strands, or 3-8 elastic strands, or 4-6 elastic strands arranged on the waist protection elastic portion. The longitudinal dimension of the waist protection elastic portion (WGEP) is less than the longitudinal dimension of the waist protection portion (WGP), so that a pocket (103P) with a accommodating capacity can be provided. The longitudinal dimension of the waist protection elastic portion (WGEP) may be no greater than about 40 mm, or no greater than about 35 mm, or no greater than about 30 mm, or no greater than about 25 mm, or 15 mm to about 40 mm, or about 10 mm to about 35 mm, or about 10 mm to about 25 mm. Figure 2B and Figure 2CIn the embodiment, the pocket (103P) has a rectangular shape, however, the pocket (103P) can take other shapes by changing the bonding area SWFA so that the closed base line (103B) is shaped. For example, the closed base line (103B) can be concave or convex toward the pocket (103B) to match the wearer's anatomy. The longitudinal dimension of the pocket (103P), which is defined as the shortest distance between the closed base line (103B) and the opening edge (103M), can be about 20 mm to about 45 mm, or about 24 mm to about 42 mm.

[0053] refer to Figure 2C , Figure 3D , Figure 4D , Figure 5D and Fig.6D , the superposition of the waist protection elastic part (WGEP) and the rest of the belt is defined as the relevant part CP. That is, the relevant part CP has the same longitudinal dimension (1031) as the waist protection elastic part (WGEP). The relevant part CP may be elasticized or may not be elasticized, wherein the tensile stress of the waist protection elastic part (WGEP) is higher than the tensile stress of the relevant part CP. The relevant part CP may be elasticized, wherein the tensile stress of the waist protection elastic part (WGEP) is at least about 25% higher than the tensile stress of the relevant part CP, or at least about 100% higher. Not subject to theoretical constraints, such tensile stress difference enables the waist protection elastic part (WGEP) to be in close contact with the wearer, while pulling the opening edge (103M) from the relevant part CP, thereby opening the pocket (103P) toward the proximal side. Therefore, the pocket (103P) is constructed to have a good accommodating capacity. The relevant part CP may have an elastic cutting window so that some parts are elasticized, and the transverse center does not interfere with the opening (103P) of the pocket. When the waist protection elastic part (WGEP) is elasticized by arranging multiple elastic strands (96F), an elastic strand is arranged to be not less than 2mm to 5mm from the opening edge (103M). It can be avoided to place the elastic strand on the extreme edge of the opening edge (103M) to prevent the waist protection part (WGP) from irritating the wearer. The waist protection elastic part (WGEP) can be arranged with multiple elastic strands (96F) at a relatively small spacing between each other. The elastic strands (96F) of the waist protection elastic part (WGEP) can be arranged at a spacing of no more than about 12mm, or no more than about 10mm, or no more than about 6mm, or about 2mm to about 8mm, or about 3mm to about 9mm, or about 2mm to about 6mm.

[0054] The waist guard portion (WGP) may be configured in a manner relative to the absorbent body to provide improved functionality. As described above, the area of ​​the pocket (103P) is thus configured to provide a pocket (103P) that substantially overlaps the backsheet, preferably completely overlaps the backsheet. When the backsheet extends to the end edge (50) of the absorbent body (38), the end edge of the backsheet mates with the end edge (50) of the absorbent body (38). Figure 2C , Figure 3D , Figure 4D , Figure 5D and Fig.6D , the longitudinal edges of the absorbent body (38) can be positioned and bonded between the waist guard portion (WGP) and the rest of the belt. This is to avoid having sharp edges of the absorbent body (38) on the body-facing surface and also to avoid leakage from the edges. The absorbent body (38) includes an absorbent material area (62) that can be surrounded by an absorbent material-deficient area (61), wherein the thickness of the absorbent material area (62) is greater than the thickness of the absorbent material-deficient area (61). The absorbent material area (62) can partially overlap the area of ​​the pocket (103P) to provide at least some absorbent capacity in this area. At least about 3% or at least about 10% of the area of ​​the pocket (103P) can overlap the absorbent material area (62) toward the proximal edge. Even so, the total thickness of the waist guard elastic portion (WGEP), the associated portion CP and the portion of the absorbent body (38) sandwiched therebetween can be maintained at no more than about 5 mm, preferably no more than about 4 mm. This is because, due to the elasticity of the waist protection elastic portion (WGEP), the thickness of the rest of the article does not interfere with the proximal opening of the pocket (103P). When the absorbent body (38) includes a collection system, it is possible to avoid the collection system overlapping the pocket (103P). In order to provide the waist protection portion (WGP) in the aforementioned manner relative to the absorbent body (38), the distance between the waist opening and the longitudinal edge of the absorbent body (38) can be adjusted, that is, it can be offset towards the rear side or the front side. For example, when the waist protection portion (WGP) is provided only on the rear elastic band (86), the distance between the waist opening and the longitudinal edge of the absorbent body (38) can be shorter on the rear side than on the front side.

[0055] The belt on which the waist guard portion (WGP) is disposed can be divided into three zones, which are defined by their positions from the distal edge (88) to the proximal edge (90) in the transverse direction and in percentage relative to the seam length LS, wherein; 0% to the distal edge of the waist guard portion (WGP) is the waist region (102), and the distal edge to the proximal edge to the protection zone (103) of the waist guard portion (WGP), and the proximal edge to 100% of the waist guard portion (WGP) is another zone. When there is an elastic member disposed at the distal edge or the proximal edge of the protection zone (103), such elastic member is considered to be included in the protection zone (103). The elastic member can be disposed on the remaining portion of the protection zone (103), which is superimposed on the non-elasticized area of ​​the waist guard portion (WGP). Whether or not the waist guard portion (WGP) is present, the elastic member can be disposed on each of the waist region (102), the protection zone (103) other than the waist guard portion (WGP), and another zone.

[0056] refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 7 , when the waist protection portion (WGP) is arranged on the back elastic band (86), the back elastic band (86) can be divided into 3 zones, which span in the transverse direction and are defined by their positions from the distal edge (88) to the proximal edge (90) relative to the percentage of the seam length LS, wherein; 0% to the distal edge of the waist protection portion (WGP) is the back waist region (102), the distal edge to the proximal edge of the waist protection portion (WGP) is the protection region (103), and the proximal edge to 100% of the waist protection portion (WGP) is the hip region (105). The back elastic band may further have a hip coverage region (110), wherein the longitudinal dimension of the back elastic band LB exceeds LS, and the excess length is positioned on the proximal side of the front band. Alternatively, with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 8 The back elastic band may have a back waist extension zone (111), wherein the longitudinal dimension of the back elastic band LB exceeds LS, and the excess length is positioned on the far side of the front band. The elastic member may be provided on each of the back waist extension zone (111), the protection zone (103) except the waist protection portion (WGP), the hip zone (105), and the hip covering zone (110).

[0057] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 7, when the waist guard portion (WGP) is not disposed on the front elastic band, and the distal edges of the front band (88F) and the back band (88B) match, the front elastic band can be divided into 4 zones, where: 0%-25% is the waist zone (102), 25%-50% is the distal abdomen zone (104), 50%-85% is the proximal abdomen zone (106), and 85%-100% is the leg zone (108). When there is an elastic member disposed 25% from the distal edge (88), such elastic member is considered to be included in the waist zone (102). When there is an elastic member disposed 50% from the distal edge (88), or 85% from the distal edge (88), such elastic member is considered to be included in the proximal abdomen zone (106).

[0058] When the waist guard portion (WGP) is provided on the rear elastic belt and not on the front elastic belt, the tensile stress of the protection zone (103) may be provided to be higher than the tensile stress of the rear waist zone (102) or the hip zone (105). When the waist guard portion (WGP) is provided on the rear elastic belt and not on the front elastic belt, the tensile stress of the front proximal abdominal zone (106) may be provided to be higher than the tensile stress of any of the front waist zone (102), the front distal abdominal zone (104), or the front leg zone (108). The tensile stress of the front proximal abdominal zone (106) may be higher than the tensile stress of any other area in the front zone or the back zone. When all the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt areas are compared, the maximum tensile stress may be provided in the following order: the front proximal abdominal zone (106), then the protection zone (103). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such a distribution of tensile stresses by area provides the article of the present invention with a shaped elastic band (40) that conforms well to the human body, in particular to the lower torso of a child under 36 months of age, thereby providing a good fit and comfort to the wearer without requiring sagging prevention or leakage prevention. That is, the front proximal abdominal region (106) is subjected to high tensile stresses so that the article can be anchored against the wearer's trochanter while leaving more area for the hip region (105) to adapt to the wearer's hips.

[0059] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 8The elastic belt of the present invention can be made by a relatively simple structure, which includes no more than: an inner sheet (94), an outer sheet (92), a first inner sheet fold (931), a second inner sheet fold (932), an optional outer sheet fold (93), and a first elastic member and a second elastic member (96F, 96S) contained in these layers. The inner sheet (94) can be a relatively low basis weight hydrophobic nonwoven layer so that the waist protection portion (WGP) is kept as thin as possible while providing leakage prevention. The outer sheet (92) can be a nonwoven layer, and wherein the basis weight of the outer sheet (92) is greater than the basis weight of the inner sheet (94). The outer sheet (92) can be a relatively high basis weight bulky, elastic and soft nonwoven material to indicate high quality. Any part of the elastic belt including the waist protection portion (WGP) can be made into less than 6 layers, or made into 3-4 layers, and the thickness does not exceed about 5mm or does not exceed about 4mm. Providing a simple and relatively thin belt structure is advantageous in maintaining the breathability and softness of the belt.

[0060] The elastic band of the present invention can be made of elastic strands commonly used in the art, and the density of the elastic strands does not exceed 940 decitex. Certain areas of the band can be provided by elastic members with a density of no more than about 500 decitex, thereby providing soft fit. Elastic members with a density of no more than about 500 decitex can be provided on one or more of the waist region (102) or the front leg region (108). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that relatively low-density elastic members give easy initial stretching experience when stretching to open the product (20), while maintaining good fit during wear. The product of the present invention can provide a protective measure, which is used to prevent low-viscosity body exudates from leaking from the waist opening, while maintaining good stretchability for easy wear, good fit for preventing sagging, good comfort and softness, and good breathability. The product of the present invention can have a waist circumference force measured according to the full product force value herein, which is no more than about 9N or no more than about 8N.

[0061] In the present invention, at least one of the inner sheet (92), the outer sheet (94) or the outer cover layer (42) may also include a plurality of holes, wherein a single hole may be in the shape of an ellipse or a polyhedron, while having an aspect ratio of not more than about 3 or not more than about 2.5. A single hole may have a longitudinal dimension APL and a transverse dimension APT of at least about 0.4 mm, or about 0.4 mm to about 2.0 mm, wherein APT is at least about 10% larger than APL. In addition, the single holes may be spaced apart from each other by a longitudinal spacing DF2 of not more than about 5 mm, and the APL is not greater than 50% of DF2, or the APL is about 12% to about 30% of DF2. Holes of such size, shape and spacing may be visible to the naked eye on the surface facing the garment. When holes are provided on the outer sheet (92), this may mean that the breathability and high quality of the gathered portion made by shrinking the elastic member of the elastic band (40) are improved, even when the gathered portion is in a shrunken state. By providing the apertures on the outer sheet (92) and not on the inner sheet (94), this may mean breathability while preventing the waist guard portion (WGP) from causing the perception of leakage from the apertures. By providing the apertures on the outer sheet (92) and the outer cover layer (42) and further coordinating the pattern of the apertures, this may enhance the overall appearance of the elastic band (40) and the absorbent body (38).

[0062] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 3D , Figure 4D , Figure 5D and Fig.6D Even when the back elastic belt (86) includes a waist guard portion (WGP), the rest of the back elastic belt (86), in particular the garment-facing surface of the back elastic belt (86), can be kept in a simple structure. This allows the article to have other functions required of a pant-type absorbent article, such as having a disposal tape attached to the garment-facing surface of the back elastic belt (86). Thus, the absorbent article may be free of fastening means.

[0063] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 , using an embodiment in which the rear elastic belt (86) comprises a waist protection portion (WGP), the steps for making various variations of the absorbent article of the present invention are explained. FIG. 3A to FIG. 6DOnly the rear band is shown, but the waist protection portion (WGP) can be made in the same manner as on the front elastic band (84). In addition, the front elastic band and the rear elastic band can be formed by the same continuous first and second sheets (94C, 92C). The elastic band of the present invention can be made by a process including the following steps: providing 2 folds for the inner sheet (94), and keeping the elastic band (40) soft and relatively thin. The process includes: introducing elastic strands (96F) for the waist protection elastic portion (WGEP) through the first fold (931), constructing the waist protection portion (WGP) through the second fold (932), and constructing a pocket (103P) by bonding certain parts of the first and second folds (931, 932) to the rest of the rear elastic band (84) or the rear waist panel (54, 38). Compared to the method for making an article without a waist guard portion (WGP), the main differences include; providing the inner sheet (94) with the longer longitudinal dimension or the wider CD dimension of the article, and having an additional step of providing 2 folds of the inner sheet (94) instead of 1 fold. An additional step of providing the folds of the outer sheet (92) may be included. Such differences can be conveniently achieved by changing the upstream operations of the currently available method for making pant-type articles. This enables a relatively easy conversion from making an absorbent article without a waist guard portion (WGP) to making the absorbent article of the present invention. The manufacturing method of the present invention is described in more detail below.

[0064] refer to Fig. 9 The method of the present invention involves providing a waist protection portion (WGP) to at least one of the front elastic band (84) or the back elastic band (86) by making slight additions and modifications to currently available methods for making pant-type absorbent articles. Fig. 9 The method for making belt-type pants is specifically described. Fig. 9 and FIG. 3A to FIG. 6D , adding an additional first folding step upstream in the process. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B , FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B The first folding step in the first elastic strand (96F) is introduced, and as FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D , FIG. 4C to FIG. 4D , FIG. 5C to FIG. 5D and FIG. 6C to FIG. 6D The second folding step in the waist protection portion (WGP) is constructed. The method can use the same number of elastic strands for the belt as compared to a product without the waist protection portion (WGP), while also being able to be manufactured at a similar line speed. The line speed can be at least about 200 meters / minute, or at least about 250 meters / minute, or at least about 300 meters / minute, or at least about 350 meters / minute, or at least about 400 meters / minute.

[0065] In the finished product, the first continuous sheet (94C) becomes the inner sheet (94), the second continuous sheet (92C) becomes the outer sheet (92), the first elastic member (96FC) becomes the elastic member (96F) for the waist protection elastic portion (WGEP), the second elastic member (96SC) becomes the elastic member (96S) disposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet (92, 94), and the pocket (103P) is formed by the unbonded portion of the first folded portion and the second folded portion (931C, 932C). FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , there may additionally be a third elastic member (96T) introduced into the outer sheet (92) and the outer sheet folded portion (93).

[0066] The method includes the following 4 steps.

[0067] A) Formation of waist protection precursor

[0068] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B , FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B and Fig. 9 , the step includes advancing a first layer continuous sheet (94C) having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface in the longitudinal direction (MD) and having a first width in the transverse direction (CD); advancing a plurality of first elastic members (96FC) in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction; bonding the first elastic members (96FC) to the inner surface of the first layer (94C); folding the width edge of the first layer (94C) in the longitudinal direction at a first waist folding point (FWFP) to form a first inner waist fold (931C); and bonding the first elastic member (96FC) between the inner surface of the first layer (94C) and the first inner waist fold (931C) to form a first layer assembly (FLA) including a waist protection precursor (WGPP), the waist protection precursor (WGPP) being defined as the first inner waist fold (931C), the first elastic member (96FC) and the first layer facing the first inner waist fold.

[0069] The first inner waist fold (931C) is made by folding the first layer at the first waist fold point FWFP. The first elastic member (96FC) can be fixed in the waist protection precursor (WGPP) by a first waist fold adhesive FWFA provided on the first continuous sheet (94C). The continuous first elastic member (96FC) can also be applied with adhesive (228) before being bonded to the first continuous sheet (94C). The first elastic member (96FC) can be continuously or intermittently adhesively bonded to either or both layers of the first continuous sheet (94C). When the first elastic member (96FC) is intermittently bonded, the bonding pattern can be arranged so that the bonding pattern only exists along the side seam of each article.

[0070] B) Form the rest of the elastic band

[0071] refer to Figure 3B , Figure 4B , Figure 5B , Figure 6B and Fig. 9 , the step includes advancing a second layer continuous sheet (92C) having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface in the longitudinal direction and having a second width in the transverse direction (CD); advancing a plurality of second elastic members (96SC) in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction; bonding the second elastic members (96SC) to the inner surface of the second layer (92C) to form a second layer; and bonding the inner surface of the second layer to the outer surface of the first layer assembly (FLA).

[0072] Although not shown, the continuous second elastic member (96SC) can also apply adhesive (228) before bonding between the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet (92C, 94C). The second elastic member (96SC) can be continuously or intermittently bonded to any one or both layers of the first continuous sheet (94C). When the second elastic member (96SC) is intermittently bonded, the bonding pattern can be arranged so that the bonding pattern only exists along the side seam of each product. There may be a vertical adhesive provided to the first continuous sheet and / or the second continuous sheet (92C, 94C) in a continuous or discontinuous line in the CD direction and spaced apart in the MD direction. Such vertical adhesive can be used to intermittently bond the first elastic member and the second elastic member (96FC, 96SC).

[0073] refer to Figure 5B , before the step of introducing the second elastic member (96S) and bonding the inner surface of the second layer (92) to the outer surface of the first layer assembly (FLA), there may be a step of folding the width edge of the second layer (92) in the longitudinal direction at the outer waist fold point (OWFP) to form an outer waist fold (93) attached to the inner surface of the second layer. The second layer (92) with the outer waist fold (93) thus formed may be referred to as a second layer assembly (SLA). Reference Figure 5D By providing such an outer waist fold (93), it is possible to avoid having the edge of the outer sheet (92) adjacent to the waist opening and with e.g. Figure 4D In comparison, the waist opening is further kept relatively thin.

[0074] refer to Figure 6B, before the step of introducing the second elastic member (96S) and bonding the inner surface of the second layer (92) to the outer surface of the first layer assembly (FLA), there may be a step of advancing the third elastic member (96T) in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction; folding the width edge of the second layer (92) in the longitudinal direction at the outer waist folding point (OWFP) to form an outer waist fold (93) attached to the inner surface of the second layer (92) and sandwiching at least one third elastic member (96T). The assembly formed by the second layer (92), the outer waist fold (93) and the third elastic member (96T) sandwiched therebetween can be referred to as the second layer assembly (SLA). Reference Fig.6D By providing such an outer waist fold (93), this can provide a favorable finished appearance to the waist opening. The third elastic member (96T) can be a single elastic member or a plurality of elastic strands.

[0075] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the second width of the second layer (92C) can be provided so that it allows the proximal edge of the outer waist fold (93) to extend further proximally than the second inner waist fold (SWFA). With such a configuration, it is possible to position the second inner waist fold point (SWFP) closer to the distal edge (50) of the absorbent body (38) while avoiding exposure of any second elastic member (96S). This can provide material savings for the first layer (94) and provide an area adjacent to the waist opening with less material layer and therefore be thin and breathable. In addition, this configuration can be used with a plurality of absorbent layers such as Figure 8 The front elastic band (84) is shown configured to provide a waist extension (111).

[0076] Step B) may be immediately after step A) in order to reduce the exposure time of any adhesive utilized during each step. Forming the second layer assembly (SLA) may be performed simultaneously with step A), or before step A). ​​After step A), and forming the second layer assembly (SLA), the reminder of step B) may be substantially simultaneously implemented, also reducing the exposure time of any adhesive utilized during each step. In addition, depending on whether the second elastic member (96SC) requires an elastic cutting window, the second elastic member (96SC) may be grouped before being joined to the first continuous sheet and the second continuous sheet (92C, 94C). As described above, some second elastic members (96SC) may have an elastic cutting window to remove elastic activity over a certain length on the area overlapping the front waist panel and / or the back waist panel (52, 54). Such an elastic cutting window may be made by leaving the elastic member unbonded to the first continuous sheet or the second continuous sheet (92C, 94C) and cutting the elastic member. When bonding is provided by applying an adhesive, it may be convenient to group the elastic members into elastic members with elastic cut windows and elastic members without elastic cut windows. The adhesive may be applied over the entire length of each article of the elastic members without elastic cut windows, while the adhesive may be applied intermittently on the elastic members with elastic cut windows. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B When the second layer assembly (SLA) is not formed, the first elastic member (96FC) and the elastic member that is finally continuously bonded along the waist opening (96SC) can be introduced into a group to which continuous adhesive is applied, while the remaining elastic members with elastic cut windows (96SC) can be introduced into another group to which intermittent adhesive is applied. Step A) and step B) can be implemented substantially simultaneously for making both the front elastic band and the back elastic band (84, 86).

[0077] C) Attaching the absorbent body

[0078] refer to Figure 3C , Figure 4C , Figure 5C , Figure 6C and Fig. 9 , which step includes bonding the absorbent body (38) to the inner surface of the first layer (94C). A chassis to tape adhesive (CTBA) may be applied to the outer surface of the second layer (94C) for such bonding. Although not shown, the chassis to tape adhesive (CTBA) may be provided continuously in stripes in the MD direction and spaced apart in the CD direction.

[0079] Proceeding to step C), when the absorbent article is a belt-type pants, when the absorbent body (38) can be formed by cutting a continuous absorbent body into discrete pieces, the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt components formed by the bonding are separated by a slit cutter, and the absorbent body (38) is processed by a conveying device to turn the absorbent body (38) to a certain angle when the absorbent body (38) is appropriately spaced apart, and is conveyed to be joined so that the transverse axis of the absorbent body (38) is aligned with the MD direction of the elastic belt making component.

[0080] D) Forming waist protection part

[0081] refer to Figure 3D , Figure 4D , Figure 5D , Fig.6D and Fig. 9 , the step comprises:

[0082] The assembly thus obtained in the longitudinal direction is folded between the waist protection precursor (WGPP) and the absorbent body (38) at the second inner waist fold point (SWFP) to form a second inner waist fold (932), wherein a portion of the absorbent body (38) is sandwiched between the proximal edge of the second inner waist fold (932) and the inner surface of the first layer (94C); and a portion of the first inner waist fold and a portion of the second inner waist fold are bonded to the remaining portion of the belt assembly facing it, wherein the unbonded outer surfaces of the first inner waist fold (931) and the second inner waist fold (932) form a pocket (103P). For this bonding, a second waist fold adhesive (SWFA) can be applied to the first inner waist fold (931) and the inner surface of the first continuous sheet (94C), which inner surface is intended to become the second inner waist fold (932). Reference Figure 2C , the second waist fold adhesive SWFA is applied so that there is an opening in the transverse center of the resulting article. The second waist fold adhesive SWFA may be applied so that the resulting article is bonded over the entire dotted area, or may be provided in stripes or spirals or other shapes that cover the dotted area with sufficient bonding to withstand any detachment during use and avoid the contained exudates from seeping out of the pocket.

[0083] refer to FIG. 3B to FIG. 3D When folding the components for making the second inner waist fold point (SWFP), the second inner waist fold point (SWFP) can be positioned between the waist protection front (WGP) and the second width edge of the second layer (92C). Figure 3D By thus providing a second width of the second layer (92C), the second inner waist fold point (SWFP) becomes the resulting waist opening, and the distal edge of the outer panel (92) is maintained away from the waist opening while securing the second elastic member (96S) within the elastic band.

[0084] refer to FIG. 4B to FIG. 4D There may be an additional step of folding the waist guard front (WGP) and the second layer (92C) simultaneously in the longitudinal direction at the second inner waist fold point (SWFP) to form a second inner waist fold (932), an outer waist fold point (OWFP) and an outer waist fold (93), wherein the second width of the second layer (92C) is such that it allows an outer waist fold (93) of a certain width to exist on the wearer-facing side of the second inner waist fold (932). Figure 4D By providing such an outer waist fold (93), there are many layers at the waist opening, thereby providing a soft feel at the waist opening. In addition, this can avoid having an edge of an outer sheet (92) adjacent to the waist opening.

[0085] Step C) and step D) may be accomplished substantially simultaneously in order to reduce exposure time of any adhesive utilized during each step.

[0086] The assembly obtained after step D) is then folded at a certain point in the CD direction to obtain a final continuous assembly. The final continuous assembly is then sewn at the planned left and right edges of the article and then finally cut to obtain individual absorbent articles. Figure 7 , a fold may be provided along the transverse centerline T1 such that the front distal edge (88) is aligned with the rear distal edge (88), wherein the front proximal edge and the rear proximal edge (90) may not necessarily be aligned with each other. Figure 8 When the waist guard portion (WGP) is provided on the rear band (86) but not on the front band (84), the fold may be provided so that the front distal edge (88) is located more proximally than the rear distal edge (88), for example, the front distal edge (88) may mate with a second inner waist fold point (SWFP) of the rear band (86). The distal portion of the rear elastic band (86) extending beyond the front distal edge (88) may form a rear waist extension (111).

[0087] Example

[0088] Example AE

[0089] The belt-type pant absorbent article of size 3 (M) of the present invention has an elastic distribution of the back elastic belt and other configurations / dimensions according to Table 1 below. For each embodiment, the distal edge of the front elastic belt is aligned with the distal edge of the back elastic belt. For each embodiment, the protection zone including the waist guard portion (WGP) is located only on the back elastic belt at a position of 25% to 60% of LS. For each embodiment, the waist guard elastic portion (WGEP) has a higher tensile stress than the associated portion CP.

[0090] Table 1

[0091]

[0092] Examples AE provide good stretchability for easy donning, good fit to prevent sagging, good comfort and softness, good breathability at the waist opening, good protection against leakage of thin fecal matter from the waist opening on the back side, and easy tearing when set, and Examples B, C and D provide a soft feel at the waist opening. Example E provides a finished look.

[0093] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0094] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0095] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the absorbent article comprising a front elastic belt, a rear elastic belt, a crotch region, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extends longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt; each of the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt is formed by an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a second elastic member bonded between the outer sheet and the inner sheet, wherein the outer sheet is a surface facing the garment; The absorbent article comprises an absorbent body extending over the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partially into each of the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt, the absorbent body comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet and an absorbent material area sandwiched therebetween; wherein at least one of the front elastic band and the back elastic band includes a waist protection portion extending toward the crotch region from a closed baseline to an opening edge, the closed baseline being disposed at a position farthest from the unbonded area, wherein the waist protection portion is formed by a first inner waist fold extending from a second inner waist fold extending from the inner panel, and a first elastic member is bonded between the first inner waist fold and the second inner waist fold, wherein the waist protection portion is partially bonded to the remainder of the elastic band from which the first inner waist fold and the second inner waist fold extend to define a pocket, and a longitudinal edge of the absorbent body is positioned between the first inner waist fold and the remainder of the elastic band.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outer panel extends to form an outer waist fold, wherein the outer waist fold is folded over the second inner waist fold at the waist opening.

3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outer sheet extends to form an outer waist fold, wherein the outer waist fold is sandwiched between the outer sheet and the inner sheet.

4. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein an elastic member is sandwiched between the inner panel and the outer waist fold.

5. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein an elastic member is sandwiched between the outer panel and the outer waist fold.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, comprising a second inner waist fold point formed at a folding point between the first inner waist fold portion and the second inner waist fold portion, wherein the second inner waist fold point is positioned proximally compared to the waist opening.

7. The absorbent article of claim 6, wherein the waist guard portion is disposed on the back elastic belt and not on the front elastic belt, wherein a distal edge of the front elastic belt matches a distal edge of the back elastic belt.

8. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein the waist protection portion is disposed on the back elastic belt and not on the front elastic belt, wherein the distal edge of the front elastic belt mates with the second inner waist fold point of the back elastic belt.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner sheet is a hydrophobic nonwoven layer, the outer sheet is a nonwoven layer, and wherein the basis weight of the outer sheet is greater than the basis weight of the inner sheet.

10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outer sheet has a plurality of apertures.

11. An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, the absorbent article comprising a front elastic belt, a rear elastic belt, a crotch region, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extends longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt; each of the front elastic belt and the rear elastic belt is formed by an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a second elastic member bonded between the outer sheet and the inner sheet, wherein the outer sheet is a surface facing the garment; The absorbent article comprises an absorbent body extending over the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partially into each of the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt, the absorbent body comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet and an absorbent material area sandwiched therebetween; wherein the back elastic belt has a longitudinal length LB and the front elastic belt has a longitudinal length LF, wherein LB is greater than LF, wherein the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt are joined at a seam, wherein a portion of the back elastic belt extends beyond a distal edge of the front elastic belt to form a back waist extension, wherein the back waist extension is formed by the outer panel.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein another portion of the back elastic belt extends beyond the proximal edge of the front elastic belt to form a buttocks cover.

13. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the outer sheet has a basis weight greater than the basis weight of the inner sheet.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the inner sheet is a hydrophobic nonwoven layer.

15. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the second elastic member is a plurality of elastic strands having a density not exceeding 940 dtex.

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