Absorbent article with frangible pathway with tear region

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising a first tape and a second tape, the first tape and / or the second tape comprising one or more frangible pathways. The breakable pathway may include a first tear region and a second tear region extending between an inner edge and an outer edge of the first belt. The diaper pant may be configured such that a tear strength of the tape is greater than a tear strength of the frangible pathway such that a first tear line extending along the first tear region and a second tear line extending along the second tear region tend to tear along the frangible pathway rather than in an unintended tear direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly, to absorbent articles having front and / or rear waist regions that include one or more breakable pathways. Background Art

[0002] Some absorbent articles have components that include elastomeric laminates. Such elastomeric laminates may include an elastic material bonded to one or more nonwovens. The elastic material may include an elastic film and / or an elastic strand. In some laminates, multiple elastic strands are joined to the nonwoven when the multiple strands are in a stretched state, so that when the elastic strands relax, the nonwoven gathers and then forms corrugations and roughness. The resulting elastomeric laminate can be stretched to the extent that the corrugations allow the elastic strands to extend.

[0003] Absorbent articles in the form of diaper pants may also be constructed with an absorbent infrastructure connected to front and rear elastic bands, wherein the opposing end regions of the front and rear bands are connected to each other at the side seams. In some cases, the elasticity of the front and rear bands is removed in the region where the infrastructure is connected to these bands. Therefore, in some converting configurations suitable for assembling such diaper pants, stretched elastic strands are glued between two continuous nonwoven webs to form an elastic laminate. The elastic strand regions can then be intermittently disabled along the length of the elastic laminate by cutting the elastic strands in the region to be connected to the infrastructure (sometimes referred to as raised elastic cuts).

[0004] Some elderly caregivers of incontinent infants or toddlers may prefer closed trouser-type disposable absorbent articles so that they can be applied to and removed from the child when the child is in a standing position. A shortcoming of this product form is that the removal and disposal of feces-containing products may be unsanitary and inconvenient. For example, pulling the product downwards may cause feces to be smeared downward along the user's legs. In other examples, the caregiver may tear the adhesive side with force. Then, the force used can cause energy to be quickly released from the diaper, thereby causing the caregiver to lose control of the product and cause feces to overflow. In contrast, when the child lies on his back, the removal and disposal of the traditional open or adhesive diaper form with fasteners can be easily completed. In this case, the fastener is opened, the diaper is removed from the child, rolled into a roughly cylindrical shape, and then the fastener is fixed around the soiled diaper rolled up, and the leg openings are closed for sanitary disposal.

[0005] In order to avoid having to remove the soiled diaper pants from the wearer by sliding the soiled diaper pants down along the wearer's legs or tearing the adhesive side seams, some diaper pants may be constructed with a tear line in the front or rear belt. This tear line may include perforations that allow the caregiver to more easily separate the belt along the perforated line. Once the belt is separated, the diaper pants can be more easily removed from the wearer without having to slide the diaper pants down along the wearer's legs in a manner similar to that of a traditional open adhesive diaper form. However, due to the position of the wearer, the caregiver may not tear along these tear lines, so that the belt is cut along the tear line. Therefore, the caregiver may tear the belt in an unexpected manner, resulting in the belt not being torn along the perforated line, but tearing at other locations. This may make it more difficult to remove the product. For example, the difficulty of removing the diaper may require the caregiver to start and complete the tearing operation with both hands. For example, some tear lines may require the caregiver to grip the belt on the opposite side of the tear line and pull in opposite directions to start and complete the tearing process. Thus, the necessity to tear such straps with both hands can add difficulty to the process of removing diaper pants from an infant or child who moves or attempts to move during the diaper removal process.

[0006] Therefore, it would be beneficial to create a pant-type article that provides the caregiver with the ability to remove and dispose of soiled product in a manner similar to traditional open diaper formats. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a diaper pant having a breakable path that is configured such that a tearing operation can be initiated and completed such that the belt separates only along the breakable path and not in other locations of the diaper. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one form, the absorbent article comprises: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the garment, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being connected to the waist opening by a first side seam and a second side seam. an end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge and laterally separated from the first side edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first band and the second band, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner surface of the first band facing the wearer to define a chassis overlap region; and a breakable pathway in the first band, the breakable pathway extending between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first band, wherein the first band has a band tear strength according to a material tear strength test method, wherein the breakable pathway has a pathway tear strength according to a pathway tear strength test method, and wherein the pathway tear strength of the breakable pathway is less than the band tear strength of the first band.

[0008] In another form, the absorbent article includes: a first belt, the first belt including an inner surface facing the wearer, an outer surface facing the garment, a laterally extending inner edge, a laterally extending outer edge and a lateral centerline, wherein the outer edge is positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, the second belt including laterally opposite end portions, the laterally opposite end portions connected to the laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis, the chassis including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the chassis including a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposed end regions of the chassis are connected to the first and second bands; and a breakable path in the first band, the breakable path extending between an inner edge and an outer edge of the first band, the breakable path comprising a first tear region and a second tear region, wherein a portion of the first tear region extends from a lateral centerline of the first band at a first angle of less than about 90 degrees,

[0009] wherein a portion of the second tear region extends from the lateral centerline of the first belt at a second angle of less than about 90 degrees, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region, wherein a portion of the frangible pathway extends within the chassis overlap region, wherein the frangible pathway is configured to tear along the first tear region and the second tear region to produce a pathway tear strength according to the Pathway Tear Strength Test Method, and wherein the pathway tear strength along the frangible pathway tearing including the first tear region and the second tear region is from about 2N to about 16N.

[0010] In yet another form, the absorbent article comprises: a first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the garment, the first belt comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, wherein the outer edge is positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being laterally separated from the first side edge by the first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first belt and the second belt, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps with the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; a tight A fastener component, which is arranged on a first belt; and a first breakable path in the first belt, wherein the first breakable path includes a first tear area and a second tear area, wherein the first tear area includes a first initial tear area and a first secondary tear area, the first initial tear area extends from the first transition area toward the fastener component, and the first secondary tear area extends from the first transition area toward the laterally extending outer edge, wherein the second tear area includes a second initial tear area and a second secondary tear area, the second initial tear area extends from the second transition area toward the fastener component, and the second secondary tear area extends from the second transition area toward the laterally extending inner edge, wherein each breakable path in the breakable paths including the first tear area and the second tear area has a path tear strength according to the path tear strength test method, wherein the first tear area and the second tear area are torn substantially simultaneously, and wherein the path tear strength is about 2N to about 16N.

[0011] In yet another form, the absorbent article comprises: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the garment, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being connected by a first side seam and a second side seam. an end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge and laterally separated from the first side edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first band and the second band, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps with the inner surface of the first band facing the wearer to define a chassis overlap region; and a breakable pathway in the first band, the breakable pathway extending between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first band, wherein the first band has a band tear strength according to the material tear strength test method, and wherein the breakable pathway has a channel tear strength according to the channel tear strength test method, and wherein the difference between the channel tear strength and the band tear strength is greater than about 8N.

[0012] In yet another form, the absorbent article comprises: a first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer, an outer surface facing the garment, a laterally extending inner edge, a laterally extending outer edge and a lateral centerline, wherein the outer edge is positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being connected to the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge The first tape has a tape tear strength and a tape standard deviation according to a material tear strength test method, wherein the frangible path has a channel tear strength and a channel standard deviation according to a channel tear strength test method, and wherein the tape tear strength minus the standard deviation factor multiplied by the tape standard deviation is greater than the channel tear strength plus the standard deviation factor multiplied by the channel standard deviation, and wherein the standard deviation factor is at least 2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of a diaper pant is shown in a pre-fastened configuration.

[0014] Figure 1A A perspective view of a diaper pant with an adjoining outer cover in a pre-fastened configuration is shown.

[0015] Figure 2A A plan view of a diaper pant is shown with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer oriented towards the viewer.

[0016] Figure 2B A plan view of a diaper pant is shown with the wearer-facing portion of the diaper oriented toward the viewer.

[0017] Figure 2C A plan view of a diaper pant is shown with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer oriented toward the viewer, illustrating the size and shape features of the first and second belts.

[0018] Figure 2D A plan view of a diaper pant is shown with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer oriented toward the viewer, illustrating the size and shape features of the first and second belts.

[0019] Figure 2E A plan view of a diaper pant is shown with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer oriented toward the viewer, illustrating the size and shape features of the first and second belts.

[0020] Figure 2F A plan view of a diaper pant with an adjoining outer cover is shown with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer oriented toward the viewer.

[0021] Figure 3 Taken along line 3-3 Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a diaper pant is shown, showing a first elastic belt and a second elastic belt provided with a panel.

[0022] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional detail view of a first belt provided with plies, one ply folded over another.

[0023] Figure 3A1 is a cross-sectional detail view of another example configuration in which a first belt is provided with plies where one ply is folded over another ply.

[0024] Figure 3A2 is a cross-sectional detail view of another example configuration in which a first belt is provided with plies where one ply is folded over another ply.

[0025] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional detail view of a second belt provided with plies, one ply folded over another.

[0026] Figure 3C It was taken along line 3C-3C Figure 2F A cross-sectional view of a diaper pant of FIG. 1 is shown with reference to a first elastic belt and a second elastic belt having a panel and an adjacent outer cover.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a diaper pant including a breakable access in the front belt and adjacent to the absorbent chassis.

[0028] Figure 5A for Figure 4 A perspective view of a diaper pants of , showing the front belt being torn along one of the frangible paths.

[0029] Figure 5B for Figure 4 A perspective view of a diaper pants showing the front belt being torn along two breakable paths.

[0030] Fig. 6A A perspective view of a diaper pant having a breakaway access.

[0031] Figure 6B for Fig. 6A Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0032] Figure 6C Shows that when the first breakable path is torn Figure 6B Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0033] Fig.6D Shown after the first breakable path has been completely torn Figure 6C Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0034] Fig. 6E Shows that when the second breakable path is torn Fig.6D Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0035] Fig. 6F Shown after the second breakable path has been completely torn Fig. 6E Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0036] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of another configuration of a diaper pant having a frangible access.

[0037] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0038] Figure 7C The first breakable path is torn along the first tearing initial region and the second tearing initial region. Figure 7B Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0039] Fig.7D The first breakable path is shown after it has been torn along the first tear initiation region and the second tear initiation region. Figure 7C Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0040] Fig. 7E The first breakable path is torn along the first secondary tear region and the second secondary tear region. Fig.7D Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0041] Figure 7F Shown after the first breakable path has been completely torn Fig. 7E Front plan view of diaper pants.

[0042] Fig. 8A yes Fig. 6A Detailed view of the fastener component configuration.

[0043] Fig.9A Schematic diagram of the direction of the frangible path relative to the tear force direction and the angle of the path about the lateral centerline.

[0044] Fig. 9B Schematic diagram of the direction of the frangible path relative to the tear force direction and the angle of the path about the lateral centerline.

[0045] Fig. 9C Schematic diagram of the direction of the frangible path relative to the tear force direction and the angle of the path about the lateral centerline.

[0046] Fig.9D Schematic diagram of the direction of the breakable path relative to the tear force direction and the path angle with respect to the fiber orientation direction.

[0047] Fig.9E Schematic diagram of the direction of the breakable path relative to the tear force direction and the path angle with respect to the fiber orientation direction.

[0048] Fig.10 Graph showing the difference between tape tear strength and via tear strength.

[0049] Fig.11 is a graphical illustration of the difference between tape tear strength and via tear strength based on the standard deviation factor.

[0050] Fig.12 Graph illustrating the via tear strength and tape tear strength of Example 1.

[0051] Fig.13 Graph illustrating the via tear strength and tape tear strength for Example 2.

[0052] Fig.14Graph illustrating the via tear strength and tape tear strength for Example 3.

[0053] Fig.15 Graph illustrating the via tear strength and tape tear strength for Example 4.

[0054] Fig.16 Graph illustrating the via tear strength and tape tear strength for Example 5.

[0055] Fig.17 Graph illustrating the via tear strength and tape tear strength for Example 6.

[0056] Fig.18 for Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of a fastener component.

[0057] Fig.19 for Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of a fastener component of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fastener component is integrally formed from a belt component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following term explanations may help understand the present disclosure:

[0059] "Absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains body exudates, and more specifically, refers to a device that fits against or adjacent to the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on diapers (i.e., diapers with preformed waist and leg openings such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers or pant diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene undergarments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, catamenial pads, and the like.

[0060] "Body-facing" and "garment-facing" refer to the relative position of an element or the relative position of surfaces of an element or a group of elements, respectively. "Body-facing" means that an element or surface is closer to the wearer than some other element or surface during wear. "Garment-facing" means that an element or surface is farther from the wearer than some other element or surface during wear (i.e., the element or surface is near the wearer's clothing, which may be worn over a disposable absorbent article).

[0061] The terms "elastic," "elastomeric," or "elastomeric" refer to materials that exhibit elastic properties, including any material that can be stretched or elongated to an elongation of more than 10% of its original length when a force is applied to its relaxed original length, and will substantially recover to about its original length when the applied force is released. Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands, and other sheet-like structures.

[0062] As used herein, the term "joined" includes configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by attaching it directly to the other element, as well as configurations in which an element is indirectly secured to another element by attaching it to an intermediate member which is in turn attached to the other element.

[0063] As used herein, the term "distal" is used to describe a location located away from the center of the body or away from a point of attachment, and the term "proximal" is used to describe a location located closer to the center of the body or a point of attachment.

[0064] The term "substrate" is used herein to describe a material that is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in the XY plane) and whose thickness (in the Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1 / 10 or less) compared to its length (in the X direction) and width (in the Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include fiber webs, one or more layers of fiber materials, nonwovens, films, and foils (such as polymer films or metal foils). These materials may be used alone or may include two or more layers laminated together. Thus, a fiber web is a substrate.

[0065] The term "nonwoven" herein refers to a material made of continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, etc. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0066] The term "machine direction" (MD) is used herein to refer to the direction of material flow during a process. In addition, the relative placement and movement of materials can be described as flowing through a process in the machine direction from upstream in the process to downstream in the process.

[0067] The term "cross direction" (CD) is used herein to refer to a direction generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0068] "Pre-strain" refers to the strain applied to an elastic or elastomeric material before combining it with an elastomeric laminate or another element of an absorbent article. Pre-strain is determined by the following formula: Pre-strain = ((elastic relaxed length of elastic component) / relaxed length of elastic component)*100.

[0069] "Dtex" is a measurement used in the textile industry for measuring yarn or filaments. 1 dtex = 1 gram / 10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of a yarn or filament weighs 500 grams, the yarn or filament will have 500 dtex.

[0070] The term "taped diaper" (also known as an "open diaper") refers to a disposable absorbent article that has an initial front waist region and an initial rear waist region that are not fastened, not prefastened, or not connected to each other when packaged before being put on the wearer. The taped diaper can be folded about a lateral centerline with the interior of one waist region contacting the interior of the opposite waist region in a surface-to-surface manner without fastening or joining the waist regions together. and 6,861,571; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013 / 0072887A1, 2013 / 0211356A1, and 2013 / 0306226A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] The term "pants" (also referred to as "training pants," "pre-closed diapers," "diaper pants," "pant diapers," and "pull-on diapers") refers herein to disposable absorbent articles designed for infant wearers or adult wearers with a continuous peripheral waist opening and continuous peripheral leg openings. Pants can be constructed with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous closed leg opening before the wearer puts on the article. Pants can be preformed or prefastened using a variety of techniques, including but not limited to joining the parts of the article together using any refastenable closure member and / or permanent closure member (e.g., sewing, heat bonding, pressure welding, adhesives, cohesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, etc.). Pants can be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article in the waist region (e.g., side fastened or seamed, front waist fastened or seamed, back waist fastened or seamed). Exemplary diaper pants of various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 7,569,039 and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003 / 0233082A1, 2005 / 0107764A1, 2012 / 0061016A1, 2012 / 0061015A1, 2013 / 0255861A1, 2013 / 0255862A1, 2013 / 0255863A1, 2013 / 0255864A1 and 2013 / 0255865A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] "Closed" means that the opposing waist regions are permanently or refastenably joined when encapsulated to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

[0073] "Open" means that the opposing waist regions are not initially joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings before or during application of the article to the wearer, but rather include a closure device (such as a fastening system) to join the waist regions to form a waist opening and leg openings.

[0074] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles including elastic laminates, and more specifically, to absorbent articles having elastic laminates in front waist regions and / or back waist regions with one or more breakable pathways. In some configurations, the absorbent article may include: a first belt and a second belt, each belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region. The first end region of the first belt is connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt is connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening. The absorbent article may also include a base structure, the base structure including a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet. The base structure may also include a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region. The first end region of the base structure may be connected to the central region of the first belt, and the second end region of the base structure may be connected to the central region of the second belt. The first belt may also include an inner edge extending laterally and an outer edge extending laterally, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge.

[0075] As discussed in more detail below, the first belt and / or the second belt may include one or more breakable paths. For example, the breakable path in the first belt and / or the second belt may extend between the inner edge of the first belt and the outer edge of the first belt. The breakable path may extend to the proximal end on the inner edge of the first belt and the distal end on the outer edge. Then, the breakable path may include a single tearing area or a first tearing area extending to the distal end and a second tearing area extending to the proximal end. Such breakable path configuration provides such a feature: when removing the diaper pants from the wearer, the feature allows the elastic band of the diaper pants to tear relatively easily along the breakable path, thereby avoiding the need to remove the diaper pants by sliding the diaper pants on the legs of the wearer. The tear strength required for tearing along the breakable path may be much less than the tear strength of the tearing belt, so that the tearing only extends along the breakable path, and does not extend to other areas of the belt. In addition, the breakable path can be configured to allow a caregiver or wearer to start and / or completely tear the first belt with one hand when removing the diaper pants from the wearer.

[0076] Figures 1 to 2B An example of an absorbent article 100 in the form of a diaper pant 100P is shown that may include components constructed according to the configurations disclosed herein. Specifically, Figure 1A perspective view of a diaper pant 100P is shown in a pre-fastened configuration. Figure 2A shows a plan view of a diaper pant 100P in which the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer is oriented toward the viewer, and Figure 2B A plan view of a diaper pant 100P is shown with the wearer-facing portion of the diaper oriented toward the viewer. The diaper pant 100P includes a chassis 102 and an annular elastic belt 104. As described in more detail below, a first elastic belt 106 and a second elastic belt 108 are bonded together to form the annular elastic belt 104.

[0077] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 2B , the diaper pants 100P and the chassis 102 each include a first waist region 116, a second waist region 118, and a crotch region 119 disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region. It can also be described that the chassis 102 includes a first end region 116a, a second end region 118a, and a crotch region 119 disposed between the first end region 116a and the second end region 118a. The first waist region 116 can be configured as a front waist region, and the second waist region 118 can be configured as a rear waist region. The diaper 100P may also include a laterally extending front waist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and a longitudinally opposite and laterally extending rear waist edge 122 in the rear waist region 118. To provide a frame of reference for this discussion, Figure 2A and Figure 2B A diaper 100P and chassis 102 are shown having a longitudinal axis 124 and a lateral axis 126. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 124 may extend through the front waist edge 121 and through the back waist edge 122. And the lateral axis 126 may extend through a first longitudinal or right side edge 128 and a second longitudinal or left side edge 130 of the chassis 102. As previously mentioned, the longitudinal axis 124 extends vertically through the front waist edge 121 and the back waist edge 122, and the lateral axis 126 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. When the diaper pant 100P is worn, the longitudinal direction may extend from the wearer's front waist through the crotch to the wearer's back waist. To provide an additional frame of reference for this discussion, a diaper pant 100P is shown. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Fig.18 Diaper 100P of B, wherein: first elastic belt 106 includes longitudinal centerline 124a and lateral centerline 126a; second elastic belt 108 includes longitudinal centerline 124b and lateral centerline 126b; and chassis 102 includes longitudinal centerline 124c and lateral centerline 126c. Longitudinal centerlines 124a, 124b, 124c are perpendicular to lateral centerlines 126a, 126b, 126c.

[0078] like Figures 1 to 2BAs shown, the diaper pant 100P may include a body-facing inner surface 132 and a garment-facing outer surface 134. The chassis 102 may include a backsheet 136 and a topsheet 138. The chassis 102 may also include an absorbent assembly 140 having an absorbent core 142 disposed between a portion of the topsheet 138 and the backsheet 136. As described in more detail below, the diaper 100P may also include other structures, such as leg elastics and / or leg cuffs to enhance the fit around the wearer's legs.

[0079] like Figure 2A As shown, the perimeter of the chassis 102 can be defined by a first longitudinal side edge 128, a second longitudinal side edge 130, a first laterally extending end edge 144 disposed in the first waist region 116, and a second laterally extending end edge 146 disposed in the second waist region 118. Both side edges 128 and 130 extend longitudinally between the first end edge 144 and the second end edge 146. Figure 2A As shown, the end edges 144 and 146 extending laterally can be located at the longitudinal inner side of the laterally extending front waist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and the laterally extending back waist edge 122 in the back waist region 118. In some configurations, the end edges 144 and 146 extending laterally can be adjacent to the laterally extending front waist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and the laterally extending back waist edge 122 in the back waist region 118, or can be located at the longitudinal outer side of the front waist edge and the back waist edge. When the diaper pants 100P is worn on the lower body of the wearer, the front waist edge 121 and the back waist edge 122 can surround a part of the waist of the wearer. At the same time, the side edges 128 and 130 can surround at least a part of the legs of the wearer. And the crotch region 119 can generally be positioned between the legs of the wearer, wherein the absorbent core 142 extends from the front waist region 116 through the crotch region 119 to the back waist region 118.

[0080] As previously mentioned, diaper pants 100P may include backsheet 136. Backsheet 136 may also define the outer surface 134 of the garment facing the base structure 102. Backsheet 136 may also include woven or nonwoven materials, polymer films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and / or include multiple layers or composite materials of film and nonwoven materials. Backsheet may also include elastomeric films. Example backsheet 136 may be a polyethylene film with a thickness of about 0.012mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051mm (2.0 mil). In addition, backsheet 136 may also allow steam to escape from the absorbent core (that is, backsheet is breathable), while still preventing effluent from penetrating backsheet 136.

[0081] As also described above, the diaper pants 100P may include a top sheet 138. The top sheet 138 may also define all or part of the inner surface 132 of the base structure 102 facing the wearer. In addition, the top sheet 138 may be liquid permeable, thereby allowing liquids (e.g., menstrual fluid, urine and / or loose stools) to penetrate its thickness. The top sheet 138 may be made of various materials, such as woven materials and nonwoven materials; open or hydraulically formed thermoplastic films; open nonwovens, porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims. Woven materials and nonwoven materials may include natural fibers such as wood fibers or cotton fibers; synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers or polyethylene fibers; or combinations thereof. If the top sheet 138 includes fibers, the fibers may be processed by spunbonding, carding, wet-laid, meltblown, spunlace or other methods known in the art. The top sheet 138 may be selected from high-loft nonwoven top sheets, open-cell film top sheets and open-cell nonwoven top sheets. Exemplary apertured films may include those described in US Pat. Nos. 5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] As described above, the diaper pant 100P may also include an absorbent assembly 140 joined to the chassis 102. Figure 2A As shown, the absorbent assembly 140 may have a front edge 148 extending laterally in the front waist region 116, and may have a rear edge 150 extending longitudinally oppositely and laterally in the rear waist region 118. The absorbent assembly may have a right edge 152 extending longitudinally, and may have a left edge 154 extending laterally oppositely and longitudinally, and these two absorbent assembly side edges 152 and 154 may extend longitudinally between the front edge 148 and the rear edge 150. The absorbent assembly 140 may additionally include one or more absorbent cores 142 or absorbent core layers. The absorbent core 142 may be at least partially arranged between the top sheet 138 and the back sheet 136, and may be formed in various sizes and shapes compatible with diapers. Exemplary absorbent structures used as absorbent cores of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patents 4,610,678, 4,673,402, 4,888,231 and 4,834,735, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0083] Some absorbent core embodiments may include a fluid storage core that includes a reduced amount of cellulose air felt material. For example, such a core may include less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5% or even 1% cellulose air felt material. Such a core may primarily include an absorbent gelling material having a content of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or even about 100%, wherein the remainder of the core includes microfiber glue (if applicable). Such cores, microfiber glues and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S. Patents 5,599,335, 5,562,646, 5,669,894 and 6,790,798 and U.S. Patent Publications 2004 / 0158212A1 and 2004 / 0097895A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] As previously mentioned, the diaper 100P may also include elasticized leg cuffs 156. It should be understood that the leg cuffs 156 may be and are sometimes referred to as leg circumferences, side wings, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasket cuffs. The elasticized leg cuffs 156 may be constructed in various ways to help reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. Exemplary leg cuffs 156 may include those described in U.S. Patents 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, 4,909,803, and U.S. Patent Publication 2009 / 0312730A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] As described above, the diaper pants can be manufactured with the loop elastic band 104 and provided to the consumer in a configuration where the front waist region 116 and the back waist region 118 are connected to each other as packaged before being applied to the wearer. Thus, the diaper pants can have a continuous peripheral waist opening 110 and continuous peripheral leg openings 112, such as Figure 1 The looped elastic band may be formed by joining a first elastic band to a second elastic band with permanent side seams or with an openable and reclosable fastening system disposed at or adjacent laterally opposite sides of the band.

[0086] As previously mentioned, the annular elastic band 104 may be defined by a first elastic band 106 connected to a second elastic band 108. Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the first elastic band 106 extends between the first longitudinal side edge 111a and the second longitudinal side edge 111b and defines opposite first and second end regions 106a, 106b and a central region 106c. And the second elastic band 108 extends between the first longitudinal side edge 113a and the second longitudinal side edge 113b and defines opposite first and second end regions 108a, 108b and a central region 108c. As measured in an extended state, the distance between the first longitudinal side edge 111a and the second longitudinal side edge 111b defines the pitch PL of the first elastic band 106, and the distance between the first longitudinal side edge 113a and the second longitudinal side edge 113b defines the pitch PL of the second elastic band 108. The central region 106c of the first elastic band is connected to the first waist region 116 or the first end region 116a of the chassis 102, and the central region 108c of the second elastic band 108 is connected to the second waist region 118 or the second end region 118a of the chassis 102. As shown Figure 1 As shown, the first end region 106a of the first elastic belt 106 is connected to the first end region 108a of the second elastic belt 108 at the first side seam 178, and the second end region 106b of the first elastic belt 106 is connected to the second end region 108b of the second elastic belt 108 at the second side seam 180 to define the annular elastic belt 104 and the waist opening 110 and the leg openings 112. It should be understood that the first belt 106 and the second belt 108 can be permanently or refastenably connected to each other at the first side seam 178 and the second side seam 180. The side seams 178, 180 can include permanent bonds, such as heat, pressure or adhesive bonds, or can be releasable bonds, such as mechanical or cohesive fasteners.

[0087] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the first elastic band 106 also defines an outer side extending edge 107a and an inner side extending edge 107b, and the second elastic band 108 defines an outer side extending edge 109a and an inner side extending edge 109b. The outer edge 107a of the first band 106 is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 107b, and the outer edge 109a of the second band 108 is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 109b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, the peripheral edge 112a of one leg opening may be defined by portions of the inboard extending edge 107b of the first elastic belt 106, portions of the inboard extending edge 109b of the second elastic belt 108, and portions of the first longitudinal or right side edge 128 of the chassis 102. And the peripheral edge 112b of the other leg opening may be defined by portions of the inboard extending edge 107b, portions of the inboard extending edge 109b, and portions of the second longitudinal or left side edge 130 of the chassis 102. The outboard laterally extending edges 107a, 109a may also define a front waist edge 121 and a laterally extending back waist edge 122 of the diaper pant 100P.

[0088] It should be understood that the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 can define different sizes and shapes. In some configurations, the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 can define a curved profile. For example, the inner lateral edges 107b, 109b of the first elastic band and / or the second elastic band 106, 108 can include non-linear portions or curved portions in the first and second end regions relative to each other. Such curved profiles can help define a desired shape for the leg opening 112, for example, a relatively rounded leg opening. In addition to having a curved profile, the elastic bands 106, 108 can also include elastic strands 168 extending along a non-linear path or a curved path, which can correspond to the curved profiles of the inner lateral edges 107b, 109b.

[0089] Figure 2C A configuration is shown in which both the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 define a generally rectangular shape. Figure 2C As shown, the outer side extending edge 107a of the first elastic band 106 may have a lateral width W1D, and the inner side extending edge 107b may have a lateral width W1P, wherein W1D and W1P are equal or substantially equal. In addition, the outer side extending edge 109a of the second elastic band 108 may have a lateral width W2D, and the inner side extending edge 109b may have a lateral width W2P, wherein W2D and W2P are equal or substantially equal.

[0090] In some configurations, at least one of the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 can include lateral edges having different lengths. Figure 2D The first elastic band 106 defines a generally rectangular shape (such as reference Figure 2C The outer side extending edge 109a and the inner side extending edge 109b of the second elastic band 108 have different lengths. Figure 2DAs shown, the outer laterally extending edge 109a of the second elastic band 108 may have a lateral width W2D, and the inner laterally extending edge 109b may have a lateral width W2P, wherein W2D is greater than W2P.

[0091] In some configurations, the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 can each include lateral edges having different lengths. Figure 2E 1 shows a configuration in which the outer side extending edge 107a and the inner side extending edge 107b of the first elastic band 106 have different lengths, and in which the outer side extending edge 109a and the inner side extending edge 109b of the second elastic band 108 have different lengths. Figure 2E As shown, the outer laterally extending edge 107a of the first elastic band 107 may have a lateral width W1D, and the inner laterally extending edge 107b may have a lateral width W1P, wherein W1D is greater than W1P, and wherein the outer laterally extending edge 109a of the second elastic band 108 may have a lateral width W2D, and the inner laterally extending edge 109b may have a lateral width W2P, wherein W2D is greater than W2P.

[0092] Reference FIG. 2C to FIG. 2E , the first elastic band 106 may define a longitudinal length LT1 extending between the outer laterally extending edge 107a and the inner laterally extending edge 107b, and the second elastic band 108 may define a longitudinal length LT2 extending between the outer laterally extending edge 109a and the inner laterally extending edge 109b. In some configurations, LT1 may be equal to LT2. In some configurations, LT1 may be less than or greater than LT2. FIG. 2C to FIG. 2E In some configurations, W1D may be equal to W1P, or W1D may be different from W1P. In some configurations, W2D may be equal to W2P, or W2D may be different from W2P. In some configurations, W1D and / or W1P may be equal to or different from W2D and / or W2P.

[0093] Reference Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3, the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may also each include a first substrate 162 and a second substrate 164. The first substrate 162 may be oriented to define at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 115a of the first elastic belt 106 and the garment-facing surface 117a of the second elastic belt 108, and the second substrate 164 may be oriented to define at least a portion of the wearer-facing surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106 and the wearer-facing surface 117b of the second elastic belt 108. The first substrate 162 may extend a maximum length L1 from the proximal edge 162b to the distal edge 162a, and the second substrate 164 may extend a maximum length L2 from the proximal edge 164b to the distal edge 164a. It should be understood that the distal edge 162a and / or the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162 may be straight and / or curved and / or may be parallel or non-parallel to each other. It should also be understood that the distal edge 164a and / or proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 may be straight and / or curved and / or may be parallel or non-parallel to each other. Therefore, the maximum length L1 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 162a and the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162, and the maximum length L2 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 164a and the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to, less than or greater than L2. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to or less than LT1, and L2 may be equal to or less than LT2. In some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first substrate 162 may define at least a portion of the front waist edge 121 and / or at least a portion of the back waist edge 122, and / or the distal edge 164a of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the front waist edge 121 and / or at least a portion of the back waist edge 122. Thus, in some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first substrate 162 and / or the distal edge 164a of the second substrate 164 can define at least a portion of the waist opening 110 .

[0094] It should also be understood that the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164 can extend continuously from the first belt 106 to the second belt 108. For example, the first substrate 162 can be configured to define an adjacent outer cover 162' that extends continuously from the first waist edge 121 to the second waist edge 122, such as Figure 1A , Figure 2F and Figure 3C It should also be understood that Figure 1A , Figure 2F and Figure 3C As shown, a diaper pant 100P with an adjoining outer cover may also be constructed to include various aspects of the frangible pathways and fastener components discussed herein.

[0095] It should be understood that the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 may define various lateral widths that may or may not be equal. Figure 2B As shown, the first substrate 162 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 162e and the second longitudinal edge 162f to define a first lateral width W1, and the second substrate 164 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 164e and the second longitudinal edge 164f to define a second lateral width W2.

[0096] In some configurations, the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162 and / or the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 can extend laterally across the backsheet 136. Figures 2A to 3 As shown, the first substrate 162 includes a garment-facing surface 162c and an opposite wearer-facing surface 162d, and the second substrate 164 includes a garment-facing surface 164c and an opposite wearer-facing surface 164d.

[0097] In some configurations, the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 may include at least a folded portion of the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164. For example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 may include a folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162, which extends longitudinally between the fold line 162h and the lateral edge 162i in the first substrate 162. Therefore, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 can be connected to the wearer-facing surface 164d of the second substrate 164. In some configurations, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 can also be connected to and / or overlap the base structure 102. In some configurations, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 can also be connected to the wearer-facing surface 162d of the second substrate 162. In some configurations, a portion of the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may not be bonded to the base structure 102 and / or the second substrate 164, thereby forming a pocket with an opening oriented toward the lateral centerline 162c of the base structure 102. In another example, the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 may include a folded portion of the second substrate 164 that extends longitudinally between a fold line in the second substrate 164 and a lateral edge. Thus, the folded portion of the second substrate 164 may be connected to the garment-facing surface 162c of the first substrate 162. Thus, in some configurations, the fold line of the first substrate 162 and / or the fold line of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110. It should be understood that various waist configurations may be used. For example, as Figure 3A1 As shown, the folded portion 162g can be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 and the backsheet 136. Figure 3A2In another example shown, the second substrate 164 can be sandwiched between the folded portion 162g and the bottom sheet 136. Figure 3A1 and Figure 3A2 The configuration of the first strap 106 is shown, but it should be understood that such a configuration may be applied to the second strap 108 .

[0098] It should be understood that the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 may contain the same material and / or may have the same structure. In some embodiments, the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band may contain different materials and / or may have different structures. It should also be understood that the components of the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 (such as the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164) may be constructed of various materials. For example, the first band and / or the second band may include a first substrate 162 and / or a second substrate 164 that may be made of a material such as a plastic film; an open-cell plastic film; a woven or nonwoven web of the following fibers: a natural material (e.g., wood fiber or cotton fiber), a synthetic fiber (e.g., polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene fiber), or a combination of natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers; or a coated woven or nonwoven web. In some configurations, the first band and / or the second band may include a first substrate 162 and / or a second substrate 164 of a nonwoven web containing synthetic fibers, and may include a stretchable nonwoven. In some configurations, the first elastic belt and the second elastic belt may include an inner hydrophobic non-stretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic non-stretchable nonwoven material. It should be understood that the belt can be constructed in various ways, such as, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0142828A1 and Chinese Patent Application No. CN2021 / 077843, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] One or more substrates of the belt may include fibers. The properties of these fibers may be the same or different in the outer surface of the belt facing the clothes and the inner surface facing the wearer. In addition, the properties of these fibers may be present in one or more base layers forming the belt. These fibers may be processed by spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, spunlace, water jet or other methods known in the art. Nonwovens may be composite materials, such as spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) materials. For example, at least one of the outer surface of the substrate facing the clothes and the inner surface facing the wearer may include a carded nonwoven material. At least one of the outer surface of the belt facing the clothes and the inner surface facing the wearer may include a substrate with multiple fibers, which are spunlace or have been through a water jet process. In addition, the substrate may include a plurality of fibers having a denier less than about 1.5, or less than about 1.3, or less than about 1.2, or less than about 1, specifically listing all 0.1 increments in the above range and all ranges formed therefrom or therefrom.

[0100] The fiber of the substrate of the present disclosure may include a single component fiber or a multi-component fiber, such as a bicomponent fiber or a tri-component fiber. As used herein, a multi-component fiber refers to a fiber (i.e., a multi-component fiber) containing more than one chemical substance or material. The fiber may contain a petroleum-based resin, a recyclable resin, and / or a bio-based resin, such as polylactic acid from NatureWorks, polyethylene and / or polypropylene from Braskem, and polyethylene terephthalate from Lanxess. The fiber may have a cross-section of, for example, a circular, triangular, trilobal, or other shape. Typically, different polymer components have different melting temperatures, viscosities, glass transition temperatures, crystallinity, and / or crystallization rates. Multi-component fibers (such as bicomponent fibers) may include a skin / core, side-by-side, island-in-the-sea, and / or eccentric configuration, or may have other configurations. As an example, in the context of a bicomponent fiber, a fiber including a core / skin configuration may be composed of a first polymer and a second polymer, the first polymer forming the core of the fiber, the second polymer partially or completely surrounding the first polymer and forming the skin of the fiber. For example, the substrate may include polypropylene-polyethylene side-by-side bicomponent fibers.

[0101] The fibers of the substrate of the present disclosure may include curled fibers. These curled fibers may be included in at least one of the outer surface of the belt facing the clothes and the inner surface facing the wearer. When the different polymer components of the multi-component fiber have different melting temperatures, viscosities, glass transition temperatures, crystallinity and / or crystallization rates, and are arranged in the fiber in an eccentric skin / core type or a side-by-side configuration, curled fibers can be produced. When the multi-component fiber is cooled after formation, the first polymer component can solidify and / or shrink at a faster rate than the second polymer component, and the second polymer component can have sufficient rigidity to resist compression along the longitudinal fiber axis. When the strain on the fiber is relieved, the continuous fiber can be deformed and curled, thereby causing the so-called "curl" in the fiber. The curling of the fiber contributes to the softness and fluffiness of the nonwoven web, which is desired by consumers. Additional details of the fibers suitable for the substrate discussed herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent 2020 / 0337910, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0102] The elastic material 167 may be positioned between the wearer-facing surface 162d of the first substrate 162 and the garment-facing surface 164c of the second substrate 164. It should be understood that the elastic material 167 may include one or more elastic elements, such as strands, ribbons, elastic films or sheets extending along the length of the elastic band. Figure 2A and Figure 3As shown, the elastic material 167 may include a plurality of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be an elastic film used to form a zero strain elastic laminate that includes an elastic film bonded to one or more nonwoven layers and subsequently subjected to a mechanical deformation or activation sufficient to weaken the nonwoven layers and enable the laminate to elastically stretch and recover.

[0103] It should also be understood that the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 of the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 can be bonded together and / or to other components (such as the chassis 102) using adhesives and / or mechanical bonds. It should be understood that adhesive bonding and mechanical bonding can be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0104] In some configurations, when the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164 and / or the elastic material 167 are combined to form the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108, an adhesive can be applied to at least one of them. In some configurations, when the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164 and / or the elastic material 167 are combined to form the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108, a mechanical bonding device can apply a mechanical bonding piece to at least one of them. Such mechanical bonding pieces can be applied using heat, pressure and / or ultrasonic devices. In some configurations, a mechanical bonding device can apply a bonding piece that bonds the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164 and / or the elastic material 167 together, and / or can be used to capture or fix the contraction elastic strands of discrete lengths in the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108.

[0105] It should also be understood that the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164 and / or the elastic material 167 can be bonded together using various methods and equipment to produce various elastomeric laminates, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2018 / 0168878A1, 2018 / 0168877A1, 2018 / 0168880A1, 2018 / 0170027A1, 2018 / 0169964A1, 2018 / 0168879A1, 2018 / 0170026A1, 2018 / 0168889A1, 201 8 / 0168874A1, 2018 / 0168875A1, 2018 / 0168890A1, 2018 / 0168887A1, 2018 / 0168892A1, 2018 / 0168876A1, 2018 / 0168891A1, 2019 / 0070042A1, 2019 / 0070041A1, 2021 / 0282797A1 and 2021 / 0275362A1 and combinations thereof, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] It should be understood that the components of the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 can be assembled in various ways and in various combinations to produce various desired characteristics, which can vary along the lateral width and / or longitudinal length of the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108. Such characteristics can include, for example, dtex value, bonding pattern, hole arrangement, elastic positioning, average dtex value, average pre-strain value, roughness frequency, roughness wavelength, height value and / or contact area. It should be understood that different characteristics can be imparted to various components (such as, for example, the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164 and the elastic material 167) before and / or during the assembly stage of the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108.

[0107] It should be understood that the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 may include various configurations of band elastic material 167 arranged relative to each other and relative to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. As discussed above, the elastic material 167 may include configurations of one or more elastic elements (such as strands, ribbons, films, or sheets) positioned in various arrangements. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may include various elastic components, elastic features and arrangements, and methods for assembly, such as 2018 / 0168889A1, 2018 / 0168874A1, 2018 / 0168875A1, 2018 / 0168890A1, 2018 / 0168887A1, 2018 / 0168892A1, 2018 / 0168876A1, 2018 / 0168891A1, 2019 / 0298586A1, 2019 / 0070042A1, 2018 / 0168878A1, 2018 / 0168877A1, 2018 / 0168880A1, 2018 / 0170027A1, 2018 / 0169964A1, 2018 / 0168879A1, 2018 / 0170026A1, 2019 / 0070041A1, 2021 / 0282797A1 and 2021 / 0275362A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should also be understood that the elastic material 167 herein can be configured to have the same or different colors in various different positions on the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108.

[0108] In some configurations, the elastic material 167 can be constructed as elastic strands 168 arranged at constant intervals in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the elastic strands 168 can be arranged at different intervals in the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the decitex value of the elastic strands 168 can be constant or variable in the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 in a stretched state can be inserted and joined between the uncontracted substrate layers. When the elastic material 167 relaxes, the elastic material 167 returns to the unstretched state and contracts the substrate layer. The elastic material 167 can provide a desired contraction force change in the area of ​​the annular elastic band. It should be understood that the base structure 102 and the elastic bands 106, 108 can be constructed in a manner different from that shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the elastic material 167 can be continuously or intermittently joined to the substrate along the interface between the elastic material 167 and the substrate. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may be in the form of extruded elastic strands, which may also be bonded to the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164 in a pre-corrugated configuration, such as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,681,302, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] As mentioned above, for example, Figure 2A and Figure 3As discussed, the elastic material 167 discussed herein can be in the form of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 can be parallel to each other and / or to the lateral axis 126. It should be understood that the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 can be configured to include various amounts of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 can be grouped in pairs. In some configurations, the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 can include about 10 to about 1500 elastic strands 168. It should also be understood that the elastic strands 168 herein can have various decitex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values, and such elastic strands 168 can be used with other elastic strands to produce the first elastic band 106 and the second elastic band 108 including elastic strands 168 having various combinations of decitex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values. For example, in some configurations, the average decitex of one or more elastic strands 168 may be greater than 500. In some configurations, the average decitex of one or more elastic strands 168 may be about 10 to about 1500, specifically listing all 1 decitex increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the plurality of elastic strands 168 may have an average strand spacing of less than or equal to 4 mm. In some configurations, the plurality of elastic strands 168 may have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, specifically listing all 0.01 mm increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the plurality of elastic strands 168 may have an average strand spacing greater than 4 mm. In some configurations, the average prestrain of each of the plurality of elastic strands may be about 50% to about 400%, specifically listing all 1% increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 include an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average decitex of about 10 to about 500. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 can have an average pre-strain of about 75% to about 300%.

[0110] In some configurations, the first plurality of elastic strands may have a first average prestrain of about 75% to about 300%, and the second plurality of elastic strands may have a second average prestrain greater than the first average prestrain. In some configurations, the first plurality of elastic strands have an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average decitex of about 10 to about 500; and the second plurality of elastic strands may have an average strand spacing greater than about 4 mm and an average decitex greater than about 450.

[0111] In some configurations, such as Figure 2AAs shown, the elastic strands 168 may be referred to herein as outer waist elastic components 170 and inner waist elastic components 172. Elastic strands 168, such as the outer waist elastic components 170, may extend laterally continuously between the opposing first and second end regions 106a, 106b of the first elastic belt 106 and between the opposing first and second end regions 108a, 108b of the second elastic belt 108. Some elastic strands 168, such as the inner waist elastic components 172, may be configured to be discontinuous in certain areas, such as, for example, where the first and second elastic belts 106, 108 overlap portions of the chassis 102, such as the absorbent assembly 140.

[0112] like Figure 2A As shown, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be configured to have a low stretch area 701 and a high stretch area 703. The first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a first high stretch area 703a and a second high stretch area 703b separated laterally by the low stretch area 701. Portions of the chassis 102 (such as the backsheet 136 and the absorbent assembly 140) may be connected to the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 in the low stretch area 701 in the first waist region 116 and / or the second waist region 118. The high stretch area 703 is elasticized by an elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172; and the low stretch area 701 may include a cut line that separates the elastic material 167 (such as elastic strands 168, 172). In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be cut in an unbonded area where the elastic material is not bonded to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. Therefore, the elastic material 167 retracts from the unbonded area and forms a low stretch area 701. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 can be cut into several discrete pieces. Then, the low stretch area 701 defines an area of ​​the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 that has relatively less elasticity than the high stretch area 703. The discrete elastic material 167 that has been cut and elastically contracted does not add any significant amount of elasticity to the low stretch area 701. Therefore, after applying a force, the high stretch area 703 will stretch more than the low stretch area 701. As provided above, the term "elastic", "elastomer" or "elastomeric" refers to a material that exhibits elastic properties, which includes any material that can stretch or stretch to an elongation length exceeding 10% of its initial length when a force is applied to its relaxed initial length, and will substantially recover to about its initial length when the applied force is released. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can be configured to have elastic, high-stretch regions 703 and can be configured to have inelastic or “non-elastic” low-stretch regions 701 .

[0113] As discussed above, reference Figures 1 to 3CThe described diaper pants 100P may include one or more breakable paths in the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. For example, Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B An exemplary diaper pant 100P is shown having a first belt 106 that includes a frangible path 700. The frangible path 700 can be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106 to tear relatively easily along the frangible path 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100P from a wearer. Figure 5A Shows Figure 4 100P, showing the first belt 106 being torn after passing through the outer longitudinal outer side extending edge 107a and the inner side extending edge 107b of the first belt 106 along the breakable path 700. Figure 5A The first elastic band 106 is shown separated by opposing tear lines 705. It should be understood that the first elastic band 106 can be separated along Figure 5A The two breakable paths 700 in are torn. For example, Figure 5B Shows Figure 4 Diaper pants of FIG. 700 are shown, showing that the front belt is torn along two breakable paths 700. Figure 5B As shown, after separating the opposing first and second end regions 106a, 106b from the central region 106c by tearing the elastic band 106 along the breakable pathway 700, the central region 106c of the first elastic band 106 may remain bonded to the chassis 102.

[0114] As discussed in more detail below, the breakable pathway 700 may include a plurality of lines of weakness 704 configured such that all of the elastic strands 168 in the first elastic belt 106 are severed at least once in the breakable pathway 700. Severing the elastic strands 168 in the breakable pathway 700 helps to make it relatively easy to tear the first elastic belt 106 along the breakable pathway 700. For example, when the elastic strands 168 are severed, the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 need only be torn without also tearing the uncut elastic strands 168. It should be understood that the diaper pant 100P may include various amounts of breakable pathways 700 that may: be positioned in various locations; define various shapes; and extend various lengths. For example, the first elastic band 106 may have a first band length defined by the longitudinal distance between the proximal edge 107b and the distal edge 107a, and the breakable passage 700 may extend a total length from the outermost edge of the line of weakness 704 closest to the proximal edge 107b of the first band 106 to the outermost edge of the line of weakness 704 closest to the distal edge 107a of the first band 106. In some configurations, the breakable passage 700 may extend a total length greater than, equal to, or less than the first band length. In some configurations, the line of weakness 704 may extend a certain length from the first end to the second end, and the sum of all lengths of the line of weakness 704 in the breakable passage 700 may be greater than the total breakable passage length.

[0115] In some configurations, the diaper pant 100P can be constructed such that one or both of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 include one or more breakable paths 700. The breakable paths 700 can be positioned in various locations on the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108. For example, Figure 4 , FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B As shown, the breakable pathway 700 may extend to overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the breakable pathway 700 may extend in a straight line and / or may be curved and / or have a curved portion. In some configurations, the breakable pathway 700 may extend longitudinally the entire length of the first band 106 and / or the second band 108 or less than the entire length thereof. In some configurations, the breakable pathway 700 may be partially or completely positioned laterally between the first side seam 178 and the second side seam 180 and the chassis 102.

[0116] In some configurations, the frangible passage 700 can be constructed and / or positioned to provide access to and / or function with other features, such as a disposal feature. Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe illustrated diaper pant 100P includes a fastener component 707 positioned on the wearer-facing surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 can be positioned between the first elastic belt 106 and the chassis 102. The fastener component 707 can be configured to be refastenably connected to other portions of the diaper pant 100P, such as, for example, the first elastic belt 106, the second elastic belt 108, or the garment-facing surface of the chassis 102. Thus, once the first elastic belt 106 is torn along the breakable pathway 700, the diaper pant 100P can be removed from the wearer and rolled or folded upward for disposal, and the fastener component 707 can be connected to another portion of the diaper pant 100P to help maintain the diaper pant 100P in the disposal configuration.

[0117] It should also be understood that the fastener component 707 can be constructed in various ways (such as hooks, loops and / or adhesives). For example, the fastener component 707 may include a hook element or adhesive adapted to be refastenably connected to another surface of the diaper pants 100P. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may include a loop element adapted to be refastenably connected to the hook surface on the diaper pants 100P. The fastener component 707 may be a separate element connected to the elastic band 106 in various ways (such as mechanical bonding, adhesive bonding or both). In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be integrally formed by the material of the elastic bands 106, 108. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be printed and / or include materials of various different colors so that the fastener component 707 may be visible from the outside of the diaper pants 100P.

[0118] As previously mentioned, fastener component 707 may include hook material, which may be engaged with substrate (such as nonwoven) in a refastenable manner on the outer surface of diaper pants 100P. For example, fastener component 707 may include a substrate with hook, wherein the substrate is bonded to elastic bands 106, 108, such as the second substrate 164 which may be in the form of nonwoven. It should be understood that the substrate may be bonded to elastic bands 106, 108 in various ways (such as, for example, using mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding and / or adhesive bonding or a combination thereof). In some configurations, the hook may be integrally formed by the second substrate 164, which may be in the form of nonwoven. Fastener component 707 may include a material or a combination of two or more materials arranged in at least partially overlapping configurations. In some configurations, fastener component 707 may include other fastener types as known in the art.

[0119] It should be understood that the fastener component 707 may include any of a variety of shapes, including a rectangular or other polygonal shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a shape with an external convex or concave surface, or a combination thereof, or one or more lines or geometric shapes forming an array. It should be understood that the fastener component 707 may include various sizes. For example, in some configurations, the fastener component 707 may have a lateral width between about 5 mm and about 100 mm, specifically listing all 0.1 mm increments within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may have a longitudinal length between about 10 mm and about 100 mm, specifically listing all 0.1 mm increments within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The fastener component 707 may be aligned parallel to the lateral centerline 126a, 126b of the elastic band 106, 108, or may be oriented at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal centerline 126a, 126 of the elastic band 106, 108. The fastener component 707 may include an array of two or more spaced apart fastening elements. The fastener component 707 may have a color visible through any layer of the elastic band 106, 108 on which the fastener component 707 is positioned. The elastic band 106, 108 and / or the base structure 102 may include printing or other markings that highlight the location, function and / or use of the fastener component 707 to the caregiver. The bonding piece or bonding pattern that attaches the fastener component 707 to the elastic band 106, 108 may be visually or tactilely different from the surrounding band material to provide a signal or mechanical gripping advantage to the caregiver.

[0120] It should also be understood that the breakable pathway 700 may include a line of weakness 704 that is: constructed in various ways; positioned in various positions and orientations relative to each other; defined by various shapes; and extends various lengths. For example, in some configurations, the line of weakness 704 may include discrete cut lines that pass through some or all layers of the elastic band 106. In some configurations, the line of weakness 704 includes discrete bonds, wherein the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are fused together. In some configurations, the line of weakness 704 may be linear, curvilinear, or have a regular or irregular geometry, and may include one or more of perforations, bonds, orifices, or mechanically thinned regions of materials such as nonwovens, or combinations thereof. It should also be understood that the line of weakness 704 may be formed to have different lengths and spacings to achieve different separation forces.

[0121] As discussed above, an absorbent article 100, such as a diaper pant 100P, can be configured with a breakable path 700 that includes a line of weakness 704 arranged in various ways to help improve a caregiver's ability to remove a soiled diaper pant 100P from a wearer without having to remove the soiled diaper pant from the wearer by sliding the soiled diaper pant down the wearer's legs. As discussed above, the breakable path 700 can be configured to allow the first elastic band 106 and / or the second elastic band 108 to tear relatively easily along the breakable path 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100P from the wearer. In addition, the breakable path 700 can also be configured to provide access to a fastener component 707, which can be used to help keep the soiled product in a disposal configuration. A discussion of exemplary implementations of the frangible passage 700 on the diaper pant 100P is provided below in the context of the above description of various details of the absorbent article 100, fastener components 707, frangible passages 700, and lines of weakness 704. It should be understood that the discussion herein of the frangible passage 700 in the first elastic belt 106 may also apply to the frangible passage 700 in the second elastic belt 108.

[0122] It should be understood that the breakable pathway 700 can be positioned in a variety of locations and / or orientations relative to other components of the absorbent article 100 and / or can be configured to function in a variety of ways to help facilitate removal of the diaper pants from the wearer. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The diaper pant 100P shown in FIG. 1 may include one or more breakable pathways 700 extending between a distal end 808 on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a proximal end 810 on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the diaper pant 100P includes a first breakable passage 700a and a second breakable passage 700b in the first belt 106. The first breakable passage 700a may extend between a first distal end 808a on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a first proximal end 810a on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. And the second breakable passage 700b may extend between a second distal end 808b on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a second proximal end 810b on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. It should be understood that the first breakable passage 700a and the second breakable passage 700b may include a line of weakness 704 as described above.

[0123] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b can be located in various lateral positions on the outer edge 107a of the first band 106. For example, in some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b can be positioned in the central region 106c of the first band 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b can be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b can be positioned in the first end region 106a and / or the second end region 106b of the first band 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b can be positioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b can be laterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178, and / or can be laterally positioned between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side seam 180. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a can be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a can be laterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal end 808b can be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal end 808b can be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first band 106 .

[0124] It should also be understood that the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b can be located in various lateral positions on the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. For example, in some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b can be positioned in the central region 106c of the first band 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second distal end 810b can be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b can be positioned in the first end region 106a and / or the second end region 106b of the first band 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b can be positioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b can be laterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178, and / or can be laterally positioned between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side seam 180. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a can be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a can be laterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal end 810b can be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal end 810b can be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first band 106 .

[0125] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b can be located in various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. And the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b can be located in various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. For example, in some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the first proximal end 810a can be located on the first side seam 178 at a position longitudinally inward of the outer edge 107a of the first band 106 and longitudinally outward of the inner edge 107b. In addition, the second distal end 808b and / or the second proximal end 810b can be located on the second side seam 180 at a position longitudinally inward of the outer edge 107a of the first band 106 and longitudinally outward of the inner edge 107b. Therefore, completing the tearing process of the first band 106 may also require tearing a portion of the first side seam 178 and / or the second side seam 180.

[0126] Continue to refer Figure 6B , the first tape 106 may further include a gripping area 801 that provides a location where a user may grip a portion of the first tape 106 and begin the process of tearing the first tape along the frangible pathway 700. The gripping area 801 may include an accessible opening 802 in the first tape 106, and may further include a fastener component 707 positioned adjacent to the accessible opening 802. The accessible opening 802 may include a slit and / or opening in the first tape 106, and may penetrate some or all layers of the first tape 106. It should be understood that such a slit or opening may be curved and / or straight. The accessible opening 802 may also be considered part of the frangible pathway 700.

[0127] like Figure 6B As shown, the diaper pant 100P can include a first gripping area 801a having a first accessible opening 802a and a second gripping area 801b having a second accessible opening 802b in the first belt 106. The first accessible opening 802a and the second accessible opening 802b can be positioned between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. The first accessible opening 802a and the second accessible opening 802b can also be positioned in the central area 106c of the first belt 106 and can be positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128, the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102, and the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102. In addition, the first fastener component 707a can be positioned adjacent to the first accessible opening 802a, and the second fastener component 707a can be positioned adjacent to the second accessible opening 802a. The first breakable passage 700a may include a first tear region 813a extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first distal end 808a and a second tear region 813b extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first proximal end 810a. The second breakable passage 700b may include a first tear region 813a extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second distal end 808b and a second tear region 813b extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second proximal end 810b.

[0128] It should be understood that the breakable pathway 700 may include one or more functional areas. In turn, the breakable pathway may include a transition area that operably connects such areas to help promote tearing from one area to another along the breakable pathway 700. The lines of weakness in the transition area may have a specific length and / or angle relative to the lateral centerline and have a row spacing to help provide a desired extension of material failure when, for example, removing the product from the wearer. It should be understood that the length, angle, and spacing in the transition area may be different from those in adjacent lines of weakness.

[0129] For example, Figure 6BAs shown, the first tear region 813a of the first breakable passage 700a may include a first initial tear region 815a extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first transition region 817a. In addition, the first tear region 813a of the first breakable passage 700a may include a first secondary tear region 819a extending from the first transition region 817a to the first distal end 808a. The first tear region 813a of the first breakable passage 700a may also include a second initial tear region 815b extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the second transition region 817b. In addition, the first tear region 813a of the first breakable passage 700a may include a second secondary tear region 819b extending from the second transition region 817b to the first proximal end 810a. The first transition region 817a may operably connect the first initial tear region 815a with the first secondary tear region 819a to help promote tearing along the first breakable passage 700a from the first initial tear region 815a to the first secondary tear region 819a. Continue to refer to Figure 6B , the first tear region 813a of the second breakable passage 700b may include a first initial tear region 815a extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the first transition region 817a. In addition, the first tear region 813a of the second breakable passage 700b may include a secondary tear region 819a extending from the first transition region 817a to the second distal end 808b. The first tear region 813a of the second breakable passage 700b may also include a second initial tear region 815b extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second transition region 817b. In addition, the first tear region 813a of the second breakable passage 700b may include a second secondary tear region 819b extending from the second transition region 817b to the second proximal end 810b. The second transition region 817b may operably connect the second initial tear region 815b with the second secondary tear region 819b to help promote tearing along the second breakable passage 700b from the second initial tear region 815b to the second secondary tear region 819b.

[0130] The accessible opening 802 can help a caregiver or wearer approach and / or grasp the fastener component 707 in the gripping area 801 with a finger or thumb. The caregiver or user can then pull the gripping area 801 to begin tearing the first tape 106 on the frangible passage 700. In some configurations, the tear line can extend laterally outward from the central area 106c of the first tape 106 toward the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 along the first tear area 813a and the second tear area 813b at the same time. As discussed in more detail below, the diaper pants 100P can also be configured so that the tear line extending along the first tear area 813a and the tear line extending along the second tear area 813b can reach the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 respectively at the same time or about the same time. It should also be understood that some diaper pants 100P herein can be configured to include a frangible passage 700 extending through or around the fastener component 707 without an accessible opening. The user may then pinch and / or pull the tape with the frangible pathway 700 at or near the fastener component 707 to initiate the tearing process along the frangible pathway 700 .

[0131] like Figure 6B As shown, the frangible passage 700 can be configured to extend laterally inward from the distal end 808 and / or the proximal end 810. Subsequently, a portion of the frangible passage 700 can extend to define an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. A portion of the frangible passage can extend to define an angle of less than about 90 degrees, or less than about 80 degrees, or less than about 75 degrees, or less than about 65 degrees, or less than about 45 degrees, or less than about 35 degrees, or less than about 25 degrees relative to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. Thus, the frangible passage can define an angle greater than the angles described above with reference to FIG. FIG. 2C to FIG. 2E The total length of the longitudinal length LT1 of the first tape 106 and / or the longitudinal length LT2 of the second tape 108 in question.

[0132] As discussed above, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 can be relatively easily torn along the breakable path 700, such as when the diaper pants 100P is removed from the wearer. In addition, the first belt 106 can be separable along the first breakable path 700a and the second breakable path 700b to define a first belt area 831, a second belt area 832, and a third belt area 833 positioned laterally between the first belt area 831 and the second belt area 832.

[0133] Now refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B, when removing the diaper pant 100P from the wearer, the user can grasp the first belt 106 in the gripping area 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or thumbs into the accessible opening 802 to grasp a portion of the first belt 106 and the fastener component 707. For example, referring to Figure 6B and Figure 6C , the caregiver can insert a finger or thumb through the first accessible opening 802a and grasp the first strap 106 and the first fastener component 707a with the first hand. The caregiver's opposite second hand can be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposite second hand can apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the center area 106c of the first strap 106. The user's first hand can then apply a pulling force Fp outwardly away from the wearer on the first gripping area 801a of the first strap 106 to initiate tearing of the first strap 106 along the first breakable path 700a, such as Figure 6C shown.

[0134] Continue to refer Figure 6C , a pulling force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) can be applied to the first gripping area 801a in a direction generally toward the first end region 106a of the first tape 106 and / or outwardly away from the first tape 106 and the wearer. When the force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can simultaneously extend along the first tear region 813a and the second tear region 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a can extend from the first accessible opening 802a along the first tear region 813a of the first breakable passage 700a partially through and adjacent to the first fastener component 707a in the longitudinal and lateral directions, and then extend in a direction D1 that is generally laterally and longitudinally outwardly from the central region 106c of the first tape 106 and toward the first distal end 808a in the first end region 106a of the first tape 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b can partially pass from the first accessible opening 802a in the longitudinal and lateral directions and extend in the direction D2 along the second tear area 813b of the first breakable passage 700a adjacent to the first fastener component 707a, which direction D2 is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central area 106c of the first band 106 and toward the first proximal end 810a in the first end area 106a of the first band 106.

[0135] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a can extend from the first accessible opening 802a along the first initial tear region 815a of the first breakable passage 700a to the first transition region 817a. From the first transition region 817a, the first tear line 705a can then extend along the first secondary tear region 819a to the first distal end 808a. In addition, the second tear line 705b can extend from the first accessible opening 802a along the second initial tear region 815b of the first breakable passage 700a to the second transition region 817b. From the second transition region 817b, the second tear line 705b can then extend along the second secondary tear region 819b to the first proximal end 810a. As discussed in more detail below, the first breakable passage 700a can be configured so that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can reach the first distal end 808a and the first proximal end 810a, respectively, at or about the same time.

[0136] like Fig.6D As shown, the first tape 106 can be separated along the first breakable path 700a to define the first tape region 831. For example, once the first tear line 705a extends through the first distal end 808a and the second tear line 705b extends through the first proximal end 810a, the first tape region 831 can be formed. Fig.6D As shown, the first edge 831a of the first tape region 831 is formed by tearing the first breakable passage 700a. In addition, the first edge 833a of the third tape region 833, discussed in more detail below, is also formed by tearing the first breakable passage 700a. The first tape region 831 can extend from the first edge 831a of the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b to the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first side seam 178 or the first tape 106. In addition, the first tape region 831 can include the first fastener component 707a. As discussed below, the first tape region 831 can include all or a portion of the first fastener component 707a.

[0137] Where the first tape region 831 is defined by tearing the first tape 106 along the first breakable pathway 700a, the user may define the second tape region 832 by tearing the first tape 106 along the second breakable pathway 700b. Fig.6D and Fig. 6E, the caregiver can insert a finger or thumb through the second accessible opening 802b and grasp the first strap 106 and the second fastener component 707b with the first hand. The caregiver's opposite second hand can be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposite second hand can apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the center area 106c of the first strap 106. The user's first hand can then apply a pulling force Fp outwardly away from the wearer on the second gripping area 801b of the first strap 106 to initiate tearing of the first strap 106 along the second breakable path 700b, such as Fig. 6E shown.

[0138] Continue to refer Fig. 6E , a pulling force Fp (generally indicated by an arrow) may be applied to the second gripping region 801b in a direction generally toward the second end region 106b of the first tape 106 and / or outwardly away from the first tape 106. When the pulling force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may extend simultaneously along the first tear region 813a and the second tear region 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a may extend from the second accessible opening 802b along the first tear region 813a of the second breakable passage 700b partially through and adjacent to the second fastener component 707b in the longitudinal and lateral directions, and then extend in a direction D1 that is generally laterally and longitudinally outwardly from the central region 106c of the first tape 106 and toward the second distal end 808b in the second end region 106b of the first tape 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b can partially pass from the second accessible opening 802b in the longitudinal and lateral directions and extend in a direction D2 along the second tear area 813b of the second breakable passage 700b adjacent to the second fastener component 707b, which direction D2 is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central area 106c of the first band 106 and toward the second proximal end 810b in the second end area 106b of the first band 106.

[0139] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may extend from the second accessible opening 802b along the first initial tear region 815a of the second breakable passage 700b to the first transition region 817a. From the first transition region 817a, the first tear line 705a may then extend along the first secondary tear region 819a to the second distal end 808b. In addition, the second tear line 705b may extend from the second accessible opening 802b along the second initial tear region 815b of the second breakable passage 700b to the second transition region 817b. From the second transition region 817b, the second tear line 705b may then extend along the second secondary tear region 819b to the second proximal end 810b. As discussed in more detail below, the second breakable passage 700b may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may reach the second distal end 808b and the second proximal end 810b, respectively, at or about the same time.

[0140] like Fig. 6F As shown, the first tape 106 can be separated along the second breakable path 700b to define a second tape region 832 and a third tape region 833. For example, once the first tear line 705a extends through the second distal end 808b and the second tear line 705b extends through the second proximal end 810b, the second tape region 832 can be formed, thereby forming the second tape region 832. Fig. 6F As shown, the first edge 832a of the second belt region 832 is formed by tearing the second breakable passage 700b. In addition, the second edge 833b of the third belt region 833 is also formed by tearing the second breakable passage 700b. The second belt region 832 can extend from the first edge 832a of the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b to the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the second belt 106. In addition, the second belt region 832 can include a second fastener component 707b. The third belt region 833 can extend laterally between the first edge 833a and the second edge 833b and can remain connected to the chassis 102.

[0141] Although the above reference 6A to 6FThe tearing process is described as tearing the first tape 106 along the first breakable pathway 700a before tearing the first tape along the second breakable pathway 700b, but it should be understood that tearing the first tape 106 along the breakable pathway 700 may occur in a variety of different orders and in different ways. For example, before tearing the first tape 106 along the first breakable pathway 700a to define the first tape region 831, the first tape 106 may be torn along the second breakable pathway 700b to define the second tape region 832. In another example, the first tape 106 may be torn along the first breakable pathway 700a and the second breakable pathway 700b simultaneously to define the first tape region 831, the second tape region 832, and the third tape region 833.

[0142] Once the first belt 106 is torn along the breakable path 700 to define the first belt area 831, the second belt area 832 and the third belt area 833, the diaper pant 100P can be removed from the wearer in a manner similar to conventional taped diapers. After being removed from the wearer, the diaper pant 100P can be placed in a disposal configuration.

[0143] As discussed above, the breakable passage 700 can be configured so that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can extend to the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. Such simultaneous tear extension and tear termination can help provide a convenient and assured diaper pants removal experience to the caregiver. As described above, when one of the first tear line 705a or the second tear line extends through the distal end 808 or the proximal end 810 significantly ahead of the other tear line, the pulling force required to complete the tearing can be reduced. Then, the reduction of force can cause the caregiver to think that the tearing is complete and stop the tearing process before completion. Therefore, the caregiver may need to start a second tearing motion to complete the tearing process.

[0144] As described above, the breakable pathway 700 may include separate lines of weakness 704. In some configurations, the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness 704 of the first tear region 813a may be equal to or substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness 704 of the second tear region 813b. In some configurations, the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness 704 of the first tear region 813a may be different from the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness 704 of the second tear region 813b. The sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness 704 of the first tear region 813a may differ from the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness 704 of the second tear region 813b by about 1% to about 10%.

[0145] As described above, the breakable passage 700 can be configured with a first tear region 813a and a second tear region 813b, wherein the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b extend through the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810, respectively. In some configurations, the breakable passage 700 can be configured with a first tear region 813a and a second tear region 813b, wherein the first tear line 705a or the second tear line 705b can extend through the distal end 808 or the proximal end 810, respectively, before the other.

[0146] It should be understood that the breakable passage 700 can be configured with an accessible opening 802, a first tear region 813a, and a second tear region 813b that are arranged such that the lengths of the first tear region and the second tear region can be unequal or substantially equal, such as, for example Fig. 7A and Figure 7B For example, as discussed in more detail below, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The breakable path shown in the figure can be configured to operate using a two-step tearing process, which includes a first step of tearing the tape along a first initial tear region 815a and a second initial tear region 815b to a first transition region 817a and a second transition region 817b, and then subsequently simultaneously tearing a first secondary tear region 819a and a second secondary tear region 819b from the first transition region 817a and the second transition region 817b to the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810, respectively.

[0147] Now refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , when removing the diaper pant 100P from the wearer, the user can grasp the first belt 106 in the gripping area 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or thumbs into the accessible opening 802 to grasp a portion of the first belt 106 and the fastener component 707. For example, referring to Figure 7B and Figure 7C , the caregiver can insert a finger or thumb through the first accessible opening 802a and grasp the first strap 106 and the first fastener component 707a with the first hand. The caregiver's opposite second hand can be used to help stabilize the wearer, as discussed above. The user's first hand can then apply an initial tear force Fit (generally represented by a curved arrow) on the first gripping area 801a of the first strap 106 outwardly away from the wearer to initiate tearing of the first strap 106 along the first initial tear region 815a and the second initial tear region 815b, such as Figure 7C When the initial tear force Fit is applied, the first tear line 705a can extend from the accessible opening 802 along the first initial tear region 815a in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction around the first fastener component 707a and then reach the first transition region 817a, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C and Fig.7D In addition, the second tear line 705b can extend in a lateral direction from the accessible opening 802 along the second initial tear region 815b to the second transition region 817b.

[0148] refer to Fig.7D and Fig. 7E Once the first initial tear region 815a and the second initial tear region 815b are completely separated, a tensile force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) can be applied to the first gripping area 801a in a direction generally toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or outwardly away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the tensile force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can extend simultaneously along the first secondary tear region 819a and the second secondary tear region 819b, respectively. The first tear line 705a can extend from the first transition region 817a along the first secondary tear region 819a of the first breakable passage 700a in a direction D1 that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 and toward the first distal end 808a in the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b can extend from the second transition region 817b along the second secondary tear region 819b of the first breakable passage 700a in a direction D2 that is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first tape 106 and toward the first proximal end 810a in the first end region 106a of the first tape 106. Fig. 7E and Figure 7F As shown, the second breakable path 700b can be configured so that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can reach the second distal end 808b and the second proximal end 810b respectively at the same time or approximately at the same time. It should be understood that the breakable path 700 can be configured in a variety of different ways, wherein different areas have different lengths. It should also be understood that the belt may include one or more substrates, and the breakable path may extend through each of the one or more substrates, and the breakable paths extending through the two or more substrates forming the belt may be aligned so that the breakable path of the first substrate is aligned with the breakable path of the second substrate. Alternatively, the breakable paths extending through the two or more substrates forming the belt may not be aligned or partially aligned so that at least a portion of the breakable path of the first substrate is offset from the breakable path of the second substrate.

[0149] As discussed previously, reference Figure 6C , Fig.7D and Fig. 7E, a tensile force Fp may be applied in a direction generally toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or outwardly away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may extend along the first tear region 813a and the second tear region 813b, respectively. However, due to the direction of the applied tensile force, the tear may extend in an unintended tear direction UTD, such as Fig. 8A As shown. Unintended tearing direction UTD refers to any tearing of the belt other than along the frangible path when the user attempts to tear along the frangible path. It should be understood that such tearing may occur in one or more layers of the belt. If the tear extends in the unintended tearing direction UTD instead of along the frangible path, this will have an adverse effect on the removal of the absorbent article. For example, if one frangible path is significantly torn before another frangible path because part of the tear extends into a part of the belt instead of along the frangible path, the caregiver may perceive or feel the change in force, and therefore may stop the tearing action, assuming that the tearing along the two tearing areas is complete. Upon realizing that the tear is incomplete, the caregiver may have to re-grasp the belt and complete the tearing of the incompletely torn frangible path in a separate step. The start, stop and restart of this tearing process may require the user to use both hands, and may require additional time to complete the removal of the product from the wearer. In another example, if the tear extends in the unintended tear direction, the caregiver may not be able to complete the tear to remove the absorbent article in a manner similar to a tape-type absorbent article, or alternatively, the caregiver will be forced to remove the absorbent article from the wearer's leg during removal, resulting in the contents of the absorbent article being unsecured and close to the wearer's skin. Therefore, it is important to design the breakable path so that the tear does not extend in the unintended tear direction UTD, but rather extends along the breakable path.

[0150] Reference 9A to 9C, the breakable passage 700 may extend in the first passage direction FPD, and the tearing force FT may be in the second direction. The first passage direction FPD may be different from the tearing force FT in the second direction. Alternatively, the first passage direction FPD may be the same as the tearing force FT in the second direction. When the first passage direction FPD is different from the tearing force in the second direction, the tearing is more likely to extend along the unintended tearing direction UTD. As previously mentioned, due to the characteristics of the material, the substrate (also referred to as material herein) with the breakable passage may be weaker in one or more directions. For example, the breakable passage may extend through at least a portion of the nonwoven material. The nonwoven material may include a plurality of fibers oriented in the fiber orientation direction, and has a bonding pattern that holds the fibers together to form a nonwoven. When the tearing force FT is included in the force component in the weakest direction of the material extending through it in parallel or substantially parallel to the breakable passage, the passage tear strength needs to be sufficiently less than the belt tear strength to prevent tearing in the unintended tearing direction. 9A to 9C Various examples of a frangible pathway 700 are shown, the frangible pathway having a frangible pathway direction and a tear force FT having a direction, and the tear force FT having a horizontal tear force component FT H and the vertical tearing force component FT V Because the tear force FT has a directional component that is substantially parallel to the direction of the weakest material or the direction of the weakest substrate, the tear may more easily extend beyond the frangible pathway.

[0151] To prevent the tape and / or one or more layers of the substrate from tearing in an unintended tear direction, it has been found that the tear strength of the tape should be greater than the tear strength of the breakable path. The difference between the tear strength of the tape and the tear strength of the breakable path keeps the tear on the breakable path.

[0152] The characteristics of the belt determine the belt tear strength. The belts 106, 108 may include one or more substrates, such as a first substrate 162 and / or a second substrate 164, and may be made of various materials. For example, the first belt and / or the second belt may include a first substrate 162 and / or a second substrate 164 that may be made of a material such as a plastic film; an open-cell plastic film; a woven or nonwoven web of the following fibers: a natural material (e.g., wood fiber or cotton fiber), a synthetic fiber (e.g., a polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene fiber), or a combination of natural and / or synthetic fibers; or a coated woven or nonwoven web. In some configurations, the first belt and / or the second belt may include a first substrate 162 and / or a second substrate 164 of a nonwoven web containing synthetic fibers, and may include a stretchable nonwoven. The type of material used for the one or more substrates of the belt may affect the belt tear strength.

[0153] In addition, nonwoven tapes are manufactured using various techniques, in which fibers are usually laid on a carrier, and one or more bonding patterns are used to fix the fibers of the substrate. The direction in which the carrier moves, i.e., the longitudinal MD in which the fibers are laid, is the direction in which most of the fibers of the substrate are oriented, referred to herein as the fiber orientation direction. The shape and density of the bonding on the entire substrate also affect the strength of the tape. Therefore, considering the characteristics of the fiber orientation direction and the bonding pattern, the tape can be stronger along certain axes. Exemplary bonding patterns in various configurations are described in U.S. Patent Publications 2017 / 0000663, 2014 / 0088535, 2016 / 0324698, and 2016 / 0101003; and U.S. Patents 9,993,369, 10,028,866, and 9,408,761, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the larger the open area, the larger the area without bonding, and the lower the material strength. The substrate, which may be the outer garment facing surface, the wearer facing inner surface, or the middle layer of a belt, may include multiple fibers having a denier of less than about 1.5, or less than about 1.2, or less than about 1, specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0154] In addition, the band and the one or more substrates that form the band separately may have a basis weight. Generally, the higher the basis weight of the substrate and / or band, the greater the tear strength of the band and / or substrate. The basis weight of one or more substrates can be optimized so that the desired tear strength is achieved without sacrificing too much softness. In other words, the higher the basis weight of one or more substrates, the greater the rigidity of one or more substrates. Therefore, the basis weight can be selected so that it provides the necessary strength for the substrate during use while being soft to the wearer's skin. The basis weight of the band can be less than about 60gsm, or less than about 50gsm, less than about 45gsm, or less than about 40gsm, or less than about 35gsm, or less than about 30gsm, or less than about 25gs, or less than about 20gsm, specifically listing all 0.1 increments in the above range and all ranges formed therefrom or therefrom. The basis weight of the band is the sum of the basis weights of each substrate layer used to form the band, and the substrate layer can be one or more substrates. The basis weight of the substrate may be less than about 30 gsm, or less than about 25 gsm, or less than about 20 gsm, or less than about 15 gsm, or less than about 10 gsm, or less than about 8 gsm, or from about 6 gsm to about 30 gsm, or from about 8 gsm to about 20 gsm, or from about 8 gsm to about 11 gsm, specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0155] It should be understood that the substrate may include a softness enhancing additive to increase the softness of the substrate. Therefore, a material with a higher basis weight can be used to achieve greater strength, and a softness enhancing additive can be used to impart softness to the substrate. The softness enhancing additive can be added to the composition in pure form, diluted and / or as a masterbatch, for example in a polyolefin polymer, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene or propylene-alpha-olefin copolymer. The composition suitable for making the fiber described herein comprises one or more softness enhancing additives, which can be present in an amount of 0.01% to 10%, or 0.05% to 5%, or 0.3% to 1%, or 0.01% to 1%, or 0.2% to 0.5% by fiber weight, specifically listing all 0.1% increments in the above range and all ranges formed therefrom or therefrom. Examples of softness enhancing additives in various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,993,369, which is incorporated herein by reference. The softness enhancing additive can be on one side, such as the surface of the belt facing the clothes or on the surface facing the wearer. The softness-enhancing additive may be present in varying amounts on each of the garment-facing surface of the belt and the wearer-facing surface of the belt.

[0156] At least a portion of the frangible passage 700 may be at a passage angle β relative to the lateral centerline of the elastic bands 126a, 126b through which the frangible passage may extend. The frangible passage angle β may be less than 90 degrees, or less than 85 degrees, or less than 75 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 25 degrees, or less than 15 degrees. The frangible passage angle β may be 0 to 85 degrees, or about 15 to about 75 degrees, or about 30 to about 60 degrees, or about 30 to about 45 degrees, or about 0 to about 45 degrees, specifically reciting all 0.1 degree increments within the above ranges and all ranges therein or formed thereby. For example, Fig. 8A As shown, the frangible passage 700 may include a first frangible passage 700a and a second frangible passage 700b. Each of the first frangible passage 700a and the second frangible passage 700b may form a passage angle β relative to the lateral centerline of the first elastic band 126a. 9A to 9C An example of a frangible passage 700 having a frangible passage angle β relative to the lateral centerline 126a is shown. It should be understood that the frangible passage angle may apply to the entire frangible passage, or one or more portions of the frangible passage may have a frangible passage angle as described herein.

[0157] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the breakable pathway 700 may be at a pathway angle α relative to the fiber orientation direction 720 of the substrate through which the breakable pathway extends. As previously described, the fiber orientation direction 720 is the direction in which the majority of the fibers are oriented, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the fibers are laid during the production process. The breakable pathway angle α may be less than 90 degrees, or less than 80 degrees, or less than 75 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 25 degrees, or less than 15 degrees, specifically listing all 0.1 degree increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The breakable pathway angle α may be 0 degrees to 85 degrees, or about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees, or about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees, or about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees, specifically listing all 0.1 degree increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. For example, FIG. 9D to FIG. 9E An example of a breakable pathway 700 having a breakable pathway angle α relative to a fiber orientation direction 720 is shown. The fiber orientation direction may be substantially parallel to the lateral centerline 126a of the belt, or angled relative to the lateral centerline of the belt. Generally, the greater the breakable pathway angle α relative to the fiber orientation direction 720, the more likely a tear will extend in an unintended tear direction, and therefore, the greater the difference between the pathway tear strength and the belt tear strength to prevent a tear from extending in an unintended tear direction.

[0158] It has been found that in order to prevent tearing in the unintended tear direction UTD, the tear strength of the tape (referred to herein as the tape tear strength) must be greater than the tear strength of the frangible path (referred to herein as the path tear strength). In other words, the path tear strength must be less than the tape tear strength. More specifically, the difference between the path tear strength according to the path tear strength test method and the tape tear strength according to the material tear strength test method may be greater than about 3N, or greater than about 5N, or greater than about 8N, or greater than about 10N, or greater than about 15N, or greater than about 20N, or about 4N to about 30N, or about 4N to about 25N, or about 5N to about 20N, or about 10N to about 20N, or about 15N to about 20N, specifically listing all 0.1N increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Generally, the greater the difference between the path tear strength and the tape tear strength, the less likely the tear will extend in the unintended tear direction. However, strength must be balanced with softness and other material properties so that the tape can be used comfortably against the wearer's skin. Each of the tape tear strength and the path tear strength can enable the tape to maintain the appropriate position of the absorbent article during use, and the path tear strength maintains the closure of the tape during use and facilitates opening during removal of the diaper pants. According to the path tear strength test method disclosed herein, the path tear strength can be greater than about 2N, or greater than about 3N, or greater than about 5N, or greater than about 10N, or greater than about 15N, or from about 2N to about 20N, or from about 2N to about 16N, or from about 5N to about 10N, or from about 6N to about 8N, and all 0.1N increments in the above ranges and all ranges therein or formed thereby are specifically listed. According to the material tear strength test method disclosed herein, the tape tear strength may be greater than about 4N, or greater than about 6N, or greater than about 8N, or greater than about 12N, or greater than about 20N, or greater than about 25N, or greater than about 30N, or about 4N to about 40N, or about 7N to about 25N, or about 8N to about 20N, or about 8N to about 15N, or about 8N to about 10N, and all 0.1N increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or therefrom are specifically listed. It should be understood that, as previously discussed, the breakable path may include a first tear region and a second tear region. Fig.10 The difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength is graphically shown, each of which can be calculated using the Material Tear Strength Test Method and the Via Tear Strength Test Method, respectively. It should also be understood that the tape can include one or more substrate layers and one or more elastomers. The elastomer is cut in the region of the breakable via so as not to interfere with tearing along the breakable via.

[0159] The difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength can also be described with reference to the standard deviation. More specifically, the tape can include a tape tear strength and a tape standard deviation according to the Material Tear Strength Test Method. Similarly, the frangible via can include a via tear strength and a via standard deviation according to the Via Tear Strength Test Method. A standard deviation factor F of at least about 2 can be used. StDev To fully separate the belt tear strength and the through-hole tear strength. Standard deviation factor F StDev Can be at least 4 or at least 6 or from about 2 to about 4 or from about 2 to about 6, specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the above ranges and all ranges therein or therefrom. Tape tear strength minus standard deviation factor F StDev Multiply the standard deviation of the belt by the channel tear strength plus the standard deviation factor F StDev Multiply by the channel standard deviation. Fig.11 The difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength is graphically shown in relation to the standard deviation of the tape and via.

[0160] In addition to having sufficient tear strength, the belt can also be soft so that the diaper pants are comfortable to wear. According to the softness test method herein, the belt may include one or more surfaces having an average TS7 value of about 10 dBV 2 rms or less, or about 7dB V 2 rms or less, or about 5dB V 2 rms or less, or about 1dB V 2 rms to about 10dBV 2 rms, or about 2dB V 2 rms to about 8dB V 2 rms, specifically listing all 0.1dB V 2 Additionally or alternatively, the belt may include one or more surfaces having an average TS750 value of about 75 dB V according to the Softness Test Method herein. 2 rms or less, or about 50dB V 2 rms or less, or about 25dB V 2 rms or less, or about 15dB V 2 rms or less, or about 10dB V 2 rms to about 100dB V 2 rms, or about 10dB V 2 rms to about 80dB V 2 rms, or about 15dB V 2 rms to about 75dB V 2rms, specifically listing all 0.1dB V 2 According to the Softness Test Method herein, the substrate of the belt may include one or more surfaces having an average TS750 value of about 11 dB V2 rms or less, or about 10 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 5dB V 2 rms or less, or about 1dB V 2 rms to about 11dB V 2 rms, or about 1.5dB V 2 rms to about 6dB V 2 rms, or about 2dB V 2 rms to about 4dBV 2 rms, specifically listing all 0.1dB V 2 rms increment. Lower TS7 and TS750 values ​​indicate higher softness, which is highly desirable in absorbent articles. Consumers may find absorbent articles with high TS7 and TS750 values ​​to be uncomfortable and / or scratchy or otherwise undesirable.

[0161] The following are several exemplary embodiments. The data of Examples 1 to 6 are included in Tables 1 and 2 below. In addition, Figures 12 to 17 The via tear strength and tape tear strength of each of Examples 1 to 6 are shown. Each of Examples 1 to 6 includes a tape having a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate each have a basis weight and are made of a specific material, as indicated in each of Tables 1 and 2. The via tear strength, tape tear strength, and standard deviations for each of the tape and the frangible via were generated using the via tear strength test method and the material tear strength test method as disclosed herein.

[0162] Examples 1 to 3 include a tape comprising a first substrate and a second substrate each having a basis weight, and the combined basis weight of each of Examples 1 to 3 is different. The breakable path of each of Examples 1 to 3 is the same, with a path angle of 35 degrees. Therefore, for Examples 1 to 3, the basis weight is different and the path angle is the same. As summarized in Table 1 and as Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, Examples 1 and 2 include tapes having sufficiently different path tear strengths and tape tear strengths so that when tearing along the frangible path, the tear will tend to extend along the frangible path rather than extending in an unintended tear direction. Example 3 includes a tape having insufficiently different path tear strengths and tape tear strengths, such as Fig.14As shown, when tearing along the frangible path, the tear will tend to extend in the unintended tear direction rather than extending along the frangible path.

[0163] Examples 4 to 6 include a tape comprising a first substrate and a second substrate each having a basis weight, and the combined basis weight of each of Examples 4 to 6 is the same. The breakable path of each of Examples 4 to 6 is different, and the path angle varies from 30 degrees to 40 degrees. In summary, for Examples 4 to 6, the basis weight is the same and the path angle is different. As summarized in Table 1 and as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, Examples 4 to 6 include belts having sufficiently different path tear strengths and belt tear strengths so that when tearing along the frangible path at different path angles, the tear will tend to extend along the frangible path rather than in an unintended tear direction. As the path angle approaches the lateral centerline of the belt, the path tear strength decreases and the delta tear strength increases.

[0164]

[0165] Table 1.

[0166] As previously discussed, standard deviation is another way to analyze a tape including a breakable path to determine if a tear will extend along the breakable path and be prevented from extending in an unintended tear direction. For each of Examples 1 to 6, the standard deviation was determined using the Path Tear Strength and Material Test Strength test methods disclosed herein. As described above, for Examples 1 to 3, the basis weight was varied while having a constant path angle, while for Examples 4 to 6, the basis weight was constant and the path angle was varied. As previously discussed, the standard deviation factor can be used to determine the difference between the path tear strength and the tape tear strength and ensure that there is a sufficient difference between these tear strengths. Δ Tear Strength and F StDev The data were determined by the following equation: (ribbon tear strength – (F StDev × with standard deviation))-(path tear strength+(F StDev × path standard deviation)), which uses the standard deviation for the difference between the tape tear strength and the path tear strength. As previously discussed, the tape tear strength must be greater than the path tear strength to prevent tearing along the frangible path in the unintended tear direction. As summarized in Table 2, the tape of Example 1 has a tear strength of 0.044mm / s at F. StDev When F is 1, 2 and 3, there is a sufficient difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength. StDev When F is 4, the difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength is insufficient, and the tape will tend to tear in the unintended tear direction. StDevWhen F is 1 to 4, the tape tear strength is greater than the path tear strength, and therefore, the tear will tend to extend along the frangible path of the tape rather than in the unintended tear direction. StDev When F is 1 to 4, the difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength is insufficient, and therefore, the tape will tend to tear in an unintended tear direction. StDev When F is 1 to 4, the tape tear strength is greater than the through-hole tear strength. StDev When F is 1 to 3, there is a sufficient difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength. StDev When F is 4, the difference between the tape tear strength and the through-tear strength is insufficient, and the tape will tend to tear in the unintended tear direction. StDev When F is 1 and 2, there is a sufficient difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength. StDev At 3 and 4, the difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength is insufficient, and the tape will tend to tear in an unintended tear direction. In general, the greater the difference between the tape tear strength and the via tear strength, the more the tear will tend to remain on the frangible via when tearing, and the less likely the tear will extend in an unintended tear direction.

[0167]

[0168] Table 2.

[0169] With reference to the various aspects of the figures described above, it should be understood that the gripping area 801 and the accessible opening 802 can be located in various positions in the first end region 106a, the second end region 106b, and / or the central region 106c of the first band 106. The gripping area 801 and the accessible opening 802 can be positioned between the first longitudinal side edge 111a, the second longitudinal side edge 111b, the outer edge 107a, and the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. For example, the first accessible opening 802a and / or the second accessible opening 802b can be positioned completely laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a can be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first band 106 and / or the first side seam 178. In some configurations, the second accessible opening 802b can be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first band 106 and / or the second side seam 180. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a and / or the second accessible opening 802b can be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first band 106, and / or can be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the outer edge 107a of the first band 106. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a can extend across the first longitudinal edge 128 and / or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102, and / or the second accessible opening 802b can extend across the second longitudinal edge 130 and / or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102.

[0170] It should be understood that the accessible opening 802 can be located in various positions relative to the fastener component 707. For example, in some configurations, the accessible opening 802 can be positioned longitudinally between the fastener component 707 and the outer edge 107a of the first band 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 can be positioned longitudinally between the fastener component 707 and the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 can be positioned laterally inboard of the fastener component 707. It should also be understood that more than one accessible opening 802 can be positioned adjacent to the fastener component 707. As discussed in more detail below, the accessible opening 802 can also be configured to extend partially or completely through the fastener component 707, and can divide the fastener component 707 into two or more portions.

[0171] As described above, the accessible opening 802 may include a slit and / or an opening in the first band 106, and may be curved and / or straight. It should be understood that the accessible opening 802 may also be oriented in various ways. For example, the accessible opening 802 may be oriented approximately vertically relative to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be oriented approximately parallel to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first band 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may include a slit extending along a line in the lateral direction to define an angle of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees relative to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first band 106, specifically listing all 1 degree increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 can define a length dimension within the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above ranges and all ranges therein or formed therefrom.

[0172] As discussed above, the diaper pant 100P may include one or more fastener components 707 that are adapted to be refastenably connected to at least one other component of the diaper pant 100P in a disposal configuration. It should be understood that the fastener components 707 may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and may be located in a variety of positions relative to other components of the diaper pant 100P. Fig.18 As shown, in some configurations, the fastener component 707 can be positioned on and connected to the wearer-facing surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 in the area where the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 can be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, such as Fig.18 As shown, the fastener component 707 includes a hook 715 protruding from a base 717, and the hook 715 extends from the first belt 106 toward the backsheet 136. The fastener component 707 can be constructed as a separate discrete element, which can be connected to the wearer-facing surface 115b of the first belt 106 in a variety of ways. For example, Fig.18As shown, adhesive 716 can connect the base 717 of the fastener component 707 to the wearer-facing surface 115b of the first band 106. It should be understood that in addition to or in place of the adhesive, the fastener component 707 can be connected to the first band 106 by mechanical bonding. It should be understood that the base 717 can be constructed in various ways. For example, the base 717 may include a thermoplastic film. In some configurations, the base 717 may include a laminate having various layers bonded together, such as, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0045931A1. For example, the base 717 may include a thermoplastic film layer bonded to a nonwoven layer. It should be understood that such layers can be bonded together in various ways (such as using adhesives, mechanical bonding and / or extrusion bonding). In some configurations, the fastener component 707 can be integrally formed from the material of the first band 106, such as Fig.19 As shown, or may be integrally formed from the material and attached to the first strap.

[0173] The components of the absorbent articles described herein may be at least partially composed of bio-based content, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2007 / 0219521A1. For example, the superabsorbent polymer component may be bio-based via its derivation from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and its production method are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521 and U.S. Patents 8,703,450, 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components such as nonwovens and film components may contain bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0139657, 2011 / 0139658, 2011 / 0152812 and 2016 / 0206774 and U.S. Patent No. 9,169,366. Exemplary bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure include those that may be referred to as SHA7260. TM 、SHE150 TM or SGM9450F TM The polymers obtained (all available from Braskem SA).

[0174] The absorbent article component may include a biobased content value of, for example, from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, as measured using ASTM D6866-10 Method B.

[0175] The components of the absorbent articles described herein can be recycled for other purposes, whether or not they are (at least partially) formed by recyclable materials. Examples of recyclable absorbent article materials are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process can sterilize the absorbent articles using an autoclave, and then the absorbent articles can be shredded and separated into different by-product streams. Example by-product streams may include plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and cellulose fibers, such as pulp. These by-product streams can be used to produce fertilizers, manufacture plastic products, paper products, viscose, building materials, pets, or absorbent pads on hospital beds and / or other uses. More details about absorbent articles that are helpful for recycling, designs of recycling-friendly diapers, and designs of recycling-friendly and bio-based component diapers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0192723 published on June 27, 2019.

[0176] Test Method

[0177] Via tear strength test method

[0178] In the via tear strength test method, a sample of a tape material containing a breakable via is torn along the breakable via using a constant rate of extension tensile tester, and the load during tearing is measured. The material is preconditioned to 23±1°C and 50±2% RH for at least two hours prior to testing, and all sample preparation and testing are performed under these same conditions.

[0179] Sample identification and preparation

[0180] The side seams of the tape are separated by hand. The tape containing the frangible path is not separated from the finished product. Any cuts, tabs or other features present along the frangible path that facilitate tearing of the frangible path are noted, as such features will be used for tensile pulling. If no such features are present along the frangible path, the frangible path is separated in a 25 mm span in the center of the tape width, and if necessary, tab leads for pulling (such as hook-like materials or tape with viscous adhesive) are secured to enable tensile pulling without separating the tabs. As used in this method, the term "laminate width" corresponds to the dimension of the tape that will be in the longitudinal direction of its orientation on the finished product.

[0181] Prepare at least three sample replicates. For paired samples, it is acceptable to perform on the same belt section, especially if two breakable pathways are present together on the front or back belt of the finished product.

[0182] Tension Tester Configuration and Use

[0183] The constant rate of extension tensile tester is constructed as follows. A 50N or 100N load cell is used. A pneumatic lower grip of at least 6 inches wide is used. A pneumatic upper grip of at least 1 inch wide is used. The grip faces are selected to minimize slippage and may be finished with rubber or sandpaper. The tensile tester grip speed is 8.5mm / s. The default initial grip spacing is 55mm, but this can be adjusted as needed to firmly grip the specimen and facilitate the intended pull. The tensile tester is programmed for an extension stroke of 250mm. Data is recorded at a rate of at least 50Hz.

[0184] Each sample is mounted in a tensile tester with the entire tape laminate width in the lower clamp of the tensile tester. The tape is mounted so that the tear extends in the direction of the frangible path. One or more tabs, clamping features, or fixed leads that facilitate tearing are clamped in the upper clamp to minimize slack but without applying tension. The load cell is then zeroed. The tensile test is then run at a rate of 8.5 mm / s to an extension of 250 mm, and data is captured at a frequency of at least 50 Hz, as specified above.

[0185] Analysis and recording

[0186] The data from each of the tensile pulls for each sample is plotted with load in Newtons (N) on the vertical axis and extension (mm) on the horizontal axis. The graph typically shows an increase in load plateau as the pull begins from a low load, a generally constant load plateau as the load fluctuates, and may exhibit a break where the load drops rapidly. For each sample, the load is averaged (arithmetic mean) and the standard deviation is calculated in the load plateau region and recorded as the mean load and standard deviation of the sample, respectively, in N. Subsequently, the mean (arithmetic mean) of the sample plateau mean values ​​is calculated and reported as the path tear strength of the tape, accurate to 0.01 N. The mean (arithmetic mean) of the sample plateau standard deviations is calculated and reported as the path standard deviation, accurate to 0.01 N.

[0187] Material tear strength test method

[0188] In the material tear strength test method, a sample of tape material lacking a breakable path is torn using a constant rate of extension tensile tester. The purpose of this method is to measure the average tear strength of a tape that results when the tape lacking a breakable path is torn in the same manner as a finished tape that is intended for use with a breakable path and typically includes a pull tab or some other element to initiate tearing. The material is preconditioned to 23 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 2% RH for at least two hours prior to testing, and all sample preparation and testing is performed under these same conditions.

[0189] Sample identification and preparation

[0190] In many cases, only one of the front and rear belts contains a frangible path. In this case, it is most preferred for the method to use the belt (front or rear) that lacks the frangible path. Alternatively, the belt portion is taken from a wide roll of belt laminate. If a roll is not available, as a final alternative, it is acceptable to perform the method on the area of ​​the belt farthest from the frangible path.

[0191] The tape side seams are separated by hand. Tapes containing and lacking a breakable path are cut from similar finished products. To prepare the specimen for testing, the tape containing the breakable path is stretched flat next to the tape lacking the breakable path in the same longitudinal and lateral orientation. Any cuts, tabs, or other features present along the breakable path that facilitate tearing of the breakable path are repeated in the tape lacking the breakable path, which is the specimen to be tested. If no such features exist along the breakable path, a simple tab of 25 mm by 25 mm is cut in the center of the laminate width (to enable the tensile tester to grasp the tab). As used in this method, the term "laminate width" corresponds to the dimension of the tape that will be in the longitudinal direction of its orientation on the finished product.

[0192] Prepare at least three sample replicates. For paired samples, it is acceptable to perform on the same belt section, especially if two breakable pathways are present together on the front or back belt of the finished product.

[0193] Tension Tester Configuration and Use

[0194] The constant rate of extension tensile tester is constructed as follows. A 50N or 100N load cell is used. A pneumatic lower grip of at least 6 inches wide is used. A pneumatic upper grip of at least 1 inch wide is used. The grip faces are selected to minimize slippage and may be finished with rubber or sandpaper. The tensile tester grip speed is 8.5 mm / s. The default initial grip spacing is 15 mm, but this can be adjusted as needed to firmly grip the specimen and facilitate the intended pull. The tensile tester is programmed for an extension stroke of 250 mm. Data is recorded at a rate of at least 50 Hz.

[0195] Each sample is mounted in a tensile tester with the entire laminate width in the lower grip of the tensile tester. The laminate is mounted so that the tear generally extends from the center of the belt toward one of the side seams of the belt. One or more tabs or clamping features that facilitate tearing are clamped in the upper grip to minimize slack but without applying tension. The load cell is then zeroed. The tensile test is then run at a rate of 8.5 mm / s to an extension of 250 mm, and data is captured at a frequency of at least 50 Hz, as specified above.

[0196] Analysis and recording

[0197] The data from each of the tensile pulls (corresponding to each sample) is plotted with load in Newtons (N) on the vertical axis and extension (mm) on the horizontal axis. The graph generally shows an increase in load as the pull begins from a low load, a generally constant load plateau period as the load fluctuates over it, and may exhibit a break where the load drops rapidly. For each sample, the load is averaged (arithmetic mean) and the standard deviation is calculated in the load plateau region and recorded as the mean load and standard deviation for that sample, respectively, in N. Subsequently, the average (arithmetic mean) of the sample plateau averages is calculated and reported as the tape tear strength of the tape, accurate to 0.01 N. The average (arithmetic mean) of the sample plateau standard deviations is calculated and reported as the tape standard deviation, accurate to 0.01 N.

[0198] Softness test method

[0199] TS7 and TS750 values ​​are measured using an EMTEC Tissue Softness Analyzer ("Emtec TSA") (Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) connected to a computer running Emtec TSA software (version 3.19 or equivalent). According to Emtec, the TS7 value is related to the actual material softness, while the TS750 value is related to the felt smoothness / roughness of the material. The Emtec TSA includes a rotor with a vertical blade that rotates on the test sample at a defined and calibrated rotational speed (set by the manufacturer) and a contact force of 100 mN. The contact between the vertical blade and the test piece produces vibrations that produce sounds that are recorded by a microphone within the instrument. The recorded sound files are then analyzed by the Emtec TSA software.

[0200] Sample preparation

[0201] The substrate and laminate are usually cut from the finished product as a band. First, the side seams are separated by hand, and then the band portion is separated from the infrastructure, optionally using a separation aid such as a cryogenic freezing spray. The constituent substrate can be further cut from the laminate via an additional step, in which the substrate layer of the laminate and any elastomer or other element present are separated, again optionally using a separation aid such as a cryogenic freezing spray. In some cases, the substrate and laminate available as a roll can be directly tested, regardless of whether there is a breakable path. Test samples are prepared by cutting square or circular samples from the finished product. The test sample is cut into a length and width (or diameter if circular) of about 90mm and not more than about 120mm. If the finished product has discrete sections of an elastic zone (that is, the elastic zone is shorter than the nonwoven surface layer in one or more dimensions), a set of straight line samples with a length of 76mm±3mm in the main tensile direction and a width of 100mm±3mm in the vertical direction are cut from the product component, wherein the elastic zone is centered in the straight line sample where applicable. The test samples were selected to avoid creases or folds within the test area unless inherent to the sample, such as wrinkles. Eight substantially similar replicate samples were prepared for testing. All samples were equilibrated for at least 1 hour under TAPPI standard temperature and relative humidity conditions (23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2%) prior to TSA testing, which was also conducted under TAPPI conditions.

[0202] Test procedures

[0203] The instrument was calibrated using a 1-point calibration method with Emtec reference standards ("ref. 2 sample") according to the manufacturer's instructions. If these reference samples were no longer available, appropriate reference samples provided by the manufacturer were used. The instrument was calibrated according to the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions so that the results were comparable to those obtained when using a 1-point calibration method with Emtec reference standards ("ref. 2 sample").

[0204] Install the test sample into the instrument and ensure that the sample is properly clamped into the TSA instrument with its first surface facing up. For samples with discrete sections of elastic zone, ensure that the elastic zone is centered under the Emtec vertical blade and then test according to the manufacturer's instructions. Upon completion, the software will display the values ​​for TS7 and TS750. Record each of these values ​​to the nearest 0.01 dB V 2 rms. The test strip was then removed from the instrument and discarded. The test was performed on the first surface of four replicates and then on the second surface of another four replicates.

[0205] Average the TS7 and TS750 values ​​from the four test results for the first surface (using a simple numerical average); also average the TS7 and TS750 values ​​from the four test results for the second surface. Report the average and standard deviation of the individual TS7 and TS750 values ​​for the first and second surfaces on a particular test sample to the nearest 0.01 dB V 2 rms.

[0206] Average score

[0207] The average decitex method is used to calculate the average decitex of elastic fibers present in the entire article or in a sample of interest extracted from the article on a length-weighted basis. The decitex value is the mass grams of fibers present in 10,000 meters of the material in a relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers is usually reported by the manufacturer as part of the specifications of the elastic fibers or elastic laminates including elastic fibers. If available, the average decitex will be calculated according to these specifications. Alternatively, if these specified values ​​are unknown, the decitex value of a single elastic fiber is measured as follows: the cross-sectional area of ​​the fiber in a relaxed state is determined by a suitable microscopy technique (such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), the composition of the fiber is determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and then the literature value of the density of the composition is used to calculate the mass grams of fibers present in 10,000 meters of fiber. The decitex value provided by the manufacturer or experimentally measured for individual elastic fibers removed from the entire article or from a sample extracted from the article is used in the expression below, where the length-weighted average of the decitex values ​​between the elastic fibers present is determined.

[0208] The length of the elastic fibers present in the article or a sample extracted from the article, if known, is calculated from the overall dimensions of the article or sample having these and the elastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with the components of the article or sample, respectively. Alternatively, the dimensions and / or elastic fiber pre-strain ratio are unknown, the absorbent article or a sample extracted from the absorbent article is disassembled, and all elastic fibers are removed. Such disassembly can be performed, for example, using gentle heating to soften the adhesive, using a low temperature spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT), or using an appropriate solvent that will remove the adhesive but will not swell, alter or destroy the elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm), accurate to mm.

[0209] Calculate the average decimal point

[0210] The relaxed length L present in an absorbent article or a sample extracted from an absorbent article i and fiber dtexi Individual elastic fibers f (obtained from manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) i For each of the absorbent articles or samples taken from the absorbent articles, the average cup decote of the absorbent article is defined as:

[0211]

[0212] Where n is the total number of elastic fibers present in the absorbent article or a sample extracted from the absorbent article. Report the average decitex to the nearest whole decitex value (grams / 10000 m).

[0213] If the dtex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specification, it is determined experimentally as described below, and the resulting fiber dtex value(s) are used in the above formula to determine the average dtex.

[0214] Experimental determination of the decitex value of fibers

[0215] For each of the elastic fibers removed from the absorbent article or the sample taken from the absorbent article according to the above procedure, each elastic fiber L in its relaxed state k The length of each elastic fiber was measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm. Each elastic fiber was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition and its density ρ k Determine according to available literature value.Finally, analyze each fiber by SEM.Use sharp blade to vertically cut fiber in three roughly equal positions along its length, to produce the clean cross section for SEM analysis.The three fiber segments exposed with these cross sections are mounted on the SEM sample holder in a relaxed state, sputter-coated with gold, introduced into SEM for analysis, and imaged with a resolution sufficient to clearly illustrate the fiber cross section.The fiber cross section is oriented to be as perpendicular as possible to the detector, to minimize any tilt deformation in the measured cross section.The fiber cross section can vary in shape, and some fibers can be composed of multiple individual filaments.In any case, determine the area of ​​each of the three fiber cross sections (for example, using the diameter of circular fiber, the major axis and minor axis of elliptical fiber and the image analysis of more complex shapes), and record in micrometer square (μm 2 ) as the unit of the three regions of elastic fiber a k Average value, accurate to 0.1mm 2 The measured decitex of the kth elastic fiber is d k Calculated by the following formula:

[0216] d k =10000m×a k × k ×10 -6

[0217] where d k In grams (per 10,000 m of calculated length), a k In μm 2 is a unit, and ρ k In grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm 3 ) is the unit. For any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentally determined L k and d k The value is then used in the above expression for average dtex.

[0218] Average strand spacing

[0219] Using a ruler calibrated to a certified NIST ruler and accurate to 0.5 mm, measure the distance between the two distal strands within a segment to the nearest 0.5 mm and then divide by the number of strands in the segment - 1

[0220] Average strand spacing = d / (n-1), where n>1

[0221] Report, accurate to 0.1mm.

[0222] Average prestrain

[0223] The average pre-strain of the specimen is measured using a load cell on a constant rate of extension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN), with the force measured within 1% to 90% of the limit of the load cell. The article is conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and subsequently tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0224] Program the tensile tester to perform elongation at break after the initial gauge length adjustment. First raise the grips at a rate of 10 mm / min until a force of 0.05 N is achieved. Set the current gauge length to the adjusted gauge length. Raise the grips at a rate of 100 mm / min until the sample breaks (a 20% drop in force after the maximum peak force). Return the grips to their original position. Obtain force and extension data at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

[0225] The nominal gauge length is set to 40 mm using a calibrated caliper block and the grips are zeroed. The sample is inserted into the upper grip so that the middle of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip. The sample can be folded perpendicular to the pull axis and placed in the grip to achieve this position. After the grips are closed, excess material can be trimmed. The sample is inserted into the lower grip and the lower grip is closed. Again, the strip can be folded and then trimmed after the grips are closed. Zero the load cell. The sample should have minimal slack but less than 0.05 N of force on the load cell. Start the test procedure.

[0226] Force (N) versus extension (mm) is constructed according to the data. Average prestrain is calculated according to the bend in the curve corresponding to the extension that the nonwoven in the elastic component is engaged. Two lines are drawn, corresponding to the area of ​​the curve before bending (mainly the elastic component) and the area after bending (mainly the nonwoven). Read the extension where these two lines intersect, and calculate the % prestrain according to the gauge length of extension and correction. Record as % prestrain 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean and average prestrain of three replicates of each elastomer laminate, accurate to 0.1%.

[0227] combination

[0228] A1. An absorbent article, comprising: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the garment, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a base structure, the base structure comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the base structure comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being connected to the first side edge by a first side seam and a second side seam. an end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge and laterally separated from the first side edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first band and the second band; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the wearer-facing inner surface of the first band to define a chassis overlap region; a breakable pathway in the first band, the breakable pathway extending between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first band, wherein the first band has a band tear strength according to a material tear strength test method, and wherein the breakable pathway has a pathway tear strength according to a pathway tear strength test method, and wherein the pathway tear strength of the breakable pathway is less than the band tear strength of the first band.

[0229] A2. The absorbent article of paragraph A1, wherein the frangible passage in the first belt extends between a proximal end and a distal end.

[0230] A3. The absorbent article of paragraph A1 or A2, comprising an accessible opening in the first belt, the accessible opening positioned in the overlap region.

[0231] A4. An absorbent article according to paragraph A3, wherein the breakable path includes a first tear region extending a first length from an accessible opening to a distal end, and a second tear region extending a second length from the accessible opening to a proximal end; and wherein the difference between the first length and the second length is less than about 10%.

[0232] A5. The absorbent article of paragraph A2, wherein the distal end and the proximal end are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam.

[0233] A6. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, comprising a fastener component positioned between the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt and the backsheet.

[0234] A7. An absorbent article according to paragraph A6, wherein the first band is separable along a breakable path to define a first band region and a second band region, and wherein the fastener component is suitable for repeatedly fastening at least one of the first band region and the second band region to at least one other component of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration.

[0235] A8. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least a portion of the frangible pathway is non-linear.

[0236] B9. An absorbent article, comprising: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer, an outer surface facing the clothes, a laterally extending inner edge, a laterally extending outer edge and a lateral centerline, wherein the outer edge is positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge; a second belt, the second belt comprising laterally opposite end portions, the laterally opposite end portions being connected to the laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a base structure, the base structure comprising a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the base structure comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being laterally separated from the first side edge by the first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge, and wherein the longitudinally opposite end regions of the base structure are connected to the first belt and the second belt being connected; a breakable path in the first belt, the breakable path extending between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt, the breakable path including a first tear region and a second tear region; wherein a portion of the first tear region extends from the lateral centerline of the first belt at a first angle less than about 90 degrees, wherein a portion of the second tear region extends from the lateral centerline of the first belt at a second angle less than about 90 degrees, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps with the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap area; wherein a portion of the breakable path extends within the chassis overlap area, wherein the breakable path is configured to tear along the first tear region and the second tear region, thereby generating a path tear strength according to the path tear strength test method, and wherein the path tear strength of tearing along the breakable path including the first tear region and the second tear region is about 2N to about 16N.

[0237] B10. The absorbent article of paragraph B9, wherein the first belt has a belt tear strength according to the Materials Tear Strength test method, and wherein the belt tear strength is greater than the via tear strength.

[0238] B11. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, comprising an accessible opening in the first belt, the accessible opening being positioned between the outer edge and the inner edge.

[0239] B12. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the frangible pathway extends between a proximal end on the inner edge and a distal end on the outer edge of the first belt.

[0240] B13. The absorbent article of paragraph B9, wherein the first angle is from 0 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to the lateral centerline of the first belt.

[0241] B14. The absorbent article of paragraph B9, wherein the second angle is from 0 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to the lateral centerline of the first belt.

[0242] B15. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the breakable pathway including each of the first tear region and the second tear region has a pathway tear strength of from about 5N to about 10N.

[0243] B16. The absorbent article of paragraph B11, comprising a fastener component disposed adjacent the accessible opening.

[0244] C17. An absorbent article, comprising: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the garment, the first belt comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, wherein the outer edge is positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis, the chassis comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps with the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt to define the chassis an overlap region; a fastener component disposed on a first band; a first breakable path in the first band, wherein the first breakable path includes a first tear region and a second tear region; wherein the first tear region includes a first initial tear region and a first secondary tear region, the first initial tear region extending from the first transition region toward the fastener component, and the first secondary tear region extending from the first transition region toward a laterally extending outer edge; wherein the second tear region includes a second initial tear region and a second secondary tear region, the second initial tear region extending from the second transition region toward the fastener component, and the second secondary tear region extending from the second transition region toward a laterally extending inner edge, wherein each of the breakable paths including the first tear region and the second tear region has a path tear strength according to a path tear strength test method, wherein the first tear region and the second tear region tear substantially simultaneously, and wherein the path tear strength is from about 2N to about 16N.

[0245] C18. The absorbent article of paragraph C17, wherein the fastener component is positioned between the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt and the backsheet.

[0246] C19. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the path tear strength of the frangible path including each of the first tear region and the second tear region is from about 5N to about 10N.

[0247] C20. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising an accessible opening in the first belt, the accessible opening being positioned in the overlap region.

[0248] C21. An absorbent article according to paragraph C20, wherein the first initial tear area extends from the accessible opening to the first transition area, and wherein the second initial tear area extends from the accessible opening to the second transition area.

[0249] D22. An absorbent article, comprising: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the clothes, the first belt also comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a base structure, the base structure comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the base structure comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being connected to the first side edge by a second side seam. an end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge and laterally separated from the first side edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first band and the second band; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the wearer-facing inner surface of the first band to define a chassis overlap region; a breakable path in the first band, the breakable path extending between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first band, wherein the first band has a band tear strength according to the material tear strength test method, and wherein the breakable path has a channel tear strength according to the channel tear strength test method, and wherein the difference between the channel tear strength and the band tear strength is greater than about 8N.

[0250] D23. An absorbent article according to paragraph D22, wherein the difference between the path tear strength and the belt tear strength is greater than about 15N.

[0251] D24. An absorbent article according to paragraph D22, wherein the difference between the via tear strength and the belt tear strength is from about 10N to about 30N.

[0252] D25. The absorbent article of paragraph D22, wherein the difference between the via tear strength and the belt tear strength of the first belt is from about 15N to about 25N.

[0253] E26. An absorbent article, comprising: a first belt, the first belt comprising an inner surface facing the wearer, an outer surface facing the garment, a laterally extending inner edge, a laterally extending outer edge and a lateral centerline, wherein the outer edge is positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a base structure, the base structure comprising a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, the base structure comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being connected to the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge The first tape has a tape tear strength and a tape standard deviation according to a material tear strength test method, wherein the frangible path has a channel tear strength and a channel standard deviation according to a channel tear strength test method, and wherein the tape tear strength minus the standard deviation factor multiplied by the tape standard deviation is greater than the channel tear strength plus the standard deviation factor multiplied by the channel standard deviation, and wherein the standard deviation factor is at least 2.

[0254] E27. The absorbent article of paragraph E26, wherein the standard deviation factor is from about 2 to about 4.

[0255] E28. The absorbent article of paragraph E26, wherein the standard deviation factor is from about 2 to about 6.

[0256] E29. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first belt comprises one or more elastic strands, and wherein the one or more elastic strands fail along a breakable pathway.

[0257] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not 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".

[0258] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor is it an admission that it alone or in any combination with any other reference or references teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. In addition, when any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0259] 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, comprising: a first belt including an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing the garment, the first belt further including a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposite end portions of the second belt are connected to laterally opposite end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge, the longitudinally extending second side edge being laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis are connected to the first belt and the second belt, wherein a portion of said chassis overlaps said wearer-facing inner surface of said first band to define a chassis overlap region; as well as a frangible passage in the first strip, the frangible passage extending between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first strip, wherein the first tape has a tape tear strength according to the Material Tear Strength Test Method, wherein the frangible via has a via tear strength according to the Via Tear Strength Test Method, and wherein the via tear strength of the frangible via is less than the tape tear strength of the first tape.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the breakable passage in the first belt extends between a proximal end and a distal end.

3. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an accessible opening in the first belt, the accessible opening being positioned in the overlap region.

4. An absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the breakable path includes a first tear region extending a first length from the accessible opening to the distal end, and a second tear region extending a second length from the accessible opening to the proximal end; and wherein the difference between the first length and the second length is less than about 10%.

5. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the distal end and the proximal end are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising fastener components positioned between the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt and the backsheet.

7. An absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the first band is separable along the breakable path to define a first band region and a second band region, and wherein the fastener component is suitable for repeatedly fastening at least one of the first band region and the second band region to at least one other component of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration.

8. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein at least a portion of the frangible pathway is non-linear.

9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the path tear strength is from about 2N to about 16N.

10. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the difference between the via tear strength and the belt tear strength is greater than about 8N.

11. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frangible pathway extends at a pathway angle, and wherein the pathway angle is less than about 90 degrees relative to a lateral centerline of the first belt.

12. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the difference between the via tear strength and the belt tear strength is greater than about 15N.

13. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the difference between the via tear strength and the belt tear strength is from about 10 N to about 30 N.

14. The absorbent article of claim 3 comprising a fastener component disposed adjacent the accessible opening.

15. The absorbent article of claim 14 wherein the fastener components are positioned between the wearer-facing inner surface of the first belt and the backsheet.

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