Pants-type absorbent article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and comprising a front region, a rear region, a crotch region located between the front region and the rear region in the longitudinal direction, and a body, the body includes an absorbent core disposed in a manner to continuously cover the crotch region and at least a portion of the front and rear regions, where the front and rear regions are connected to each other such that a first seam and a second seam are formed, such that the article includes leg openings and waist openings, wherein the front region in the longitudinal direction comprises an upper front region, a lower front region and a middle front region between the upper front region and the lower front region, the front region in the transverse direction comprises a first side region, a second side region and a central region between the first side region and the second side region, wherein the crotch region comprises, in the longitudinal direction, a front crotch region connected to the front region, a rear crotch region connected to the rear region, and an intermediate crotch region between an upper rear region and a lower rear region, where the intermediate front region comprises a region adjacent to each side edge, the side edges comprise an elastic material, where the lower front region and the front crotch region are not stretchable, and where the lower front region and the rear region are not stretchable. And wherein at least a portion of the crotch region overlapping the absorbent core is not stretchable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to disposable pull-on garments, such as menstrual pants, disposable diapers and the like. Background Art

[0002] Pull-on wearable articles or pant-type wearable articles are those that are worn by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and pulling the article into position around the wearer's lower torso. They are intended to fit comfortably and snugly around the wearer. It is further desired that they address various skin problems at the side portions and / or upper thigh portions during wearing of the article.

[0003] Pull-on wearable articles having a main body for covering the crotch region of the wearer and separate elastic bands defining a waist opening and leg openings are known in the art, such as described in PCT Publication WO 2006 / 17718A. Such pull-on wearable articles may be referred to as belt-type pants. On the other hand, certain pull-on articles are configured so that the outer cover of the wearable main body completely covers the entire garment-facing surface of the article. Such pull-on wearable articles may be referred to as one-piece pants.

[0004] In some products, in order to ensure a full elastic fit around the waist and legs, it may be desirable to pass the elastic continuously across the belt in the transverse direction and / or along the entire periphery of the crotch area. However, passing the elastic continuously across the belt and / or along the entire periphery of the crotch may create excessive tension in the stress-bearing areas and / or elastic portions in the belt and / or crotch area, resulting in an uncomfortable tight feeling.

[0005] Japanese Patent 5933193B discloses a pant-type disposable diaper having an outer sheet including a stretchable nonwoven fabric and a non-stretchable area along the periphery of the leg by applying a non-stretchable material. Japanese Patent 4290594B discloses a pant-type disposable diaper in which a waist elastic member and a leg elastic member do not extend to the connection portion on both sides where the front body and the rear body are connected, and elasticity is not imparted to the waist elastic member and the leg elastic member in a region of a prescribed width inward from both sides.

[0006] There remains an unmet need to improve the fit and comfort of such pant-type absorbent articles during wear.

[0007] There is a need for a disposable absorbent article that provides an underwear-like look and feel. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a disposable absorbent product, which has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and comprises a front region, a back region, a crotch region located between the front region and the back region in the longitudinal direction, and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is arranged in a manner of continuously covering the crotch region and at least a portion of the front region and the back region, wherein the front region and the back region are connected to each other so as to form a first seam and a second seam, so that the product comprises a leg opening and a waist opening, wherein the front region comprises an upper front region, a lower front region and a crotch region located between the upper front region and the back region in the longitudinal direction and an intermediate front region between the upper and lower front regions, the front region comprising a first side region, a second side region and a center region between the first side region and the second side region in the transverse direction, wherein the crotch region comprises a front crotch region connected to the front region, a rear crotch region connected to the rear region, and an intermediate crotch region between the upper and lower rear regions in the longitudinal direction, wherein the intermediate front region comprises an area adjacent to each side edge, the side edges comprising elastic material, wherein the lower front region and the front crotch region are not stretchable, and wherein at least a portion of the crotch region overlapping the absorbent core is not stretchable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly stating the subject matter regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to designate substantially identical elements, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment of the present invention in a typical configuration for use.

[0011] Figure 2 is another perspective view of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment of the present invention in a typical configuration for use.

[0012] Figure 3 is a plan view of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment of the present invention in its flat, uncontracted condition showing the wearer-facing surface.

[0013] Figure 4 is a plan view of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment of the present invention in its flat, uncontracted condition showing the wearer-facing surface.

[0014] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment taken along line 5-5 in FIG.

[0015] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an exemplary disposable pull-on garment taken along line 6-6 in FIG.

[0016] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 Schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a leg cuff suitable for use in one embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 7-7 in FIG.

[0017] Figure 8 is along Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a leg cuff suitable for use in one embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] As used herein, the term "pull-on garment" refers to a wearing article having a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and which is donned on the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the article up over the waist. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe garments that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., intended to be discarded after a single use, and preferably recycled, composted, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). Pull-on garments are also preferably "absorbent" to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. A preferred embodiment of the absorbent article is as follows Figure 1 The disposable absorbent pull-on garment shown in .

[0019] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to pull-on garments generally worn by infants and other incontinent individuals to absorb and contain urine, feces and / or menstrual fluids. However, it should be understood that the term absorbent article also applies to other garments, such as training pants, incontinence briefs, feminine hygiene underwear or panties, etc.

[0020] As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations where an element is directly secured to another element by being directly attached to the other element, as well as configurations where an element is indirectly secured to another element by being attached to one or more intermediate members which are in turn attached to the other elements.

[0021] As used herein, a material or region having "no stretchability" or a material or region being "non-stretchable" refers to a material or region that, when a biasing force is applied, can be stretched to an elongated length of no more than 130% of its relaxed initial length (i.e., can be stretched to no more than 30% of its initial length) without rupture or breakage, and exhibits minimal recovery when the applied force is released, i.e., recovers less than about 20% of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage, as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. In the event that such an extensible material recovers at least 40% of its elongation when the applied force is released, the extensible material will be considered to be "elastic" or "elastomeric". For example, an elastic material having an initial length of 100 mm can be extended to at least 150 mm, and when the force is removed, it retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibits 40% recovery). In the event that the material does not recover 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the extensible material will be considered "substantially inelastic" or "substantially non-elastomeric." For example, an extensible material having an initial length of 100 mm may extend to at least 150 mm and retract to a length of at least 145 mm upon removal of the force (i.e., exhibiting a 10% recovery).

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a unitary disposable absorbent article 20 disclosed herein. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a belt-type disposable absorbent article 20 disclosed herein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the absorbent article 20 includes an outer surface 22 which is a garment-facing surface, an inner surface 24 opposite the outer surface 22, a front region 26, a back region 28, and a crotch region 30. The absorbent article 20 also includes a seam 32 which joins the front region 26 and the back region 28 at their transverse edges to form two leg openings 34 and a waist opening 36. The absorbent article 20 has a longitudinal centerline L1 and a transverse centerline T1.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent article 20 includes an absorbent body 38 for covering the crotch area of ​​the wearer and a belt 40 extending transversely around the waist opening 36. The absorbent article 20 may also include an outer cover layer 42 for covering the body 38. The belt 40 defines the waist opening 36. The belt 40, the body 38 and / or the outer cover layer 42 together define the leg openings 34. Also in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the absorbent article may also include leg elastic components 140.

[0024] The main body 38 includes a front region 26 and a rear region 28 disposed in the crotch region 30 at least partially in the longitudinal direction, so that the front region, the crotch region and the rear region are continuous. The front region 26 and the rear region 28 may overlap at least a portion of the main body 38. The main body 38 includes a left longitudinally extending side edge and a right longitudinally extending side edge 48 (hereinafter may be referred to as "longitudinal side edges") and a front transversely extending end edge 50 and a rear transversely extending end edge 51 (hereinafter may be referred to as "front transverse end edge" and "rear transverse end edge" respectively). The main body 38 may be generally rectangular in shape or may be shaped. In one embodiment, the main body 38 is shaped so that the sides of the main body 38 are curved, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0025] The chassis 38 also has a front waist panel 52 positioned in the front region 26 of the absorbent article 20 , a back waist panel 54 positioned in the back region 28 , and a crotch panel 56 located between the front waist panel 52 and the back waist panel 54 in the crotch region 30 .

[0026] The front transverse end edge 50 of the main body 38 can extend to the front waist edge 134, such as Figure 3 As shown, or may extend to the front region 26 and be spaced apart from the front waist edge 134, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The rear transverse end edge 51 of the main body 38 may extend to the rear waist edge 138, as shown. Figure 3 As shown, or it may extend to the back region 28 and be spaced apart from the back waist edge 138, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0027] The main body 38 includes a top sheet 58, a back sheet 60, and an absorbent core 62 disposed between the top sheet 58 and the back sheet 60 for absorbing and containing body exudates.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, an exemplary one-piece absorbent article is shown, the absorbent article 20 may include a front belt 84 and a back belt 86, which are respectively arranged in the front region 26 and the back region 28 and are intended to surround at least a portion of the waist of the wearer, and the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 are connected by the main body 38 forming the crotch region 30 of the article 20. The front belt 84 and the back belt 86 can be formed by a first belt layer 82, which extends from the front waist edge 134 in the front region 26 through the crotch region 30 to the longitudinally opposite back waist edge 138 in the back region 28, and forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the absorbent article 20. The front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may also include a second belt layer, which forms a portion of the inner surface 24 of the absorbent article.

[0029] The first belt layer 82 can form a portion of the outer surface 22. In a one-piece product, the first belt layer 82 can extend from the front waist edge 134 in the front region 26 through the crotch region 30 to the longitudinally opposite rear waist edge 138 in the back region 28 and form a portion or all of the outer surface 22 of the absorbent article 20. In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the outer cover layer 42 can extend from the front waist edge 134 in the front region 26 through the crotch region 30 to the longitudinally opposite rear waist edge 138 in the back region 28 and forms part or all of the garment-facing surface 22 of the absorbent article 20. In such cases, the outer cover layer 42 forms the first layer 82.

[0030] The second belt layer may overlap at least a portion of the body and form an outer surface of the first belt layer or alternatively form an inner surface of the first belt layer. Alternatively, the inner and outer surfaces of each of the front and rear belts are formed from a single web of material. Figure 5 As shown, the first belt layer 82 may form part of the garment-facing surface and may be folded over and connected to the second belt layer 83 such that the first belt layer also forms part of the wearer-facing surface.

[0031] like Figure 6 , an exemplary belt-type absorbent article is shown, and the absorbent article 20 may include a front belt 84 and a rear belt 86 intended to surround at least a portion of the wearer's waist, and the front belt 84 and the rear belt 86 are connected by the body 38 forming the crotch region 30 of the absorbent article 20. The front belt 84 and the rear belt 86 may be formed by a first belt layer that forms a portion of the outer surface 22 of the absorbent article, and the first belt layer 82 (also referred to as the outer belt layer) may be formed by two longitudinally spaced material webs. The front belt 84 and the rear belt 86 may also include a second belt layer (also referred to as an inner belt layer) 83, which forms a portion of the inner surface 24 of the absorbent article 20. The first belt layer 82 and the second belt layer 83 may be formed of substantially the same material, or may include different materials. The first belt layer 82 and the second belt layer 83 may be formed of nonwoven fabrics, films, foams, elastic nonwoven fabrics, or combinations thereof. In a belt-type absorbent article, the first belt layer may contain a different material from the outer cover layer.

[0032] The front belt 84 and the back belt 86 may also include an elastomeric material disposed between the first belt layer 82 and the second belt layer 83. The elastomeric material may include one or more elastic strands, elastomeric films (including apertured films), elastomeric ribbons, elastomeric nonwovens, elastomeric filaments, elastomeric adhesives, elastomeric foams, scrims, or combinations thereof. A portion of the elastomeric material may be combined directly with the optional outer cover layer.

[0033] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material comprises a plurality of elastic components.

[0034] Each of the elastic components in the front and back bands, and the elastic components in the crotch region, may have the same dtex Dt (e.g., 800) and the same pre-strain PS (e.g., 120%). Another suitable embodiment may make each of the elastic materials of the front and back bands 470 dtex at a strain of about 120% to 150%, wherein there is a lower dtex (smaller strand diameter) and / or a lower pre-strain (less pre-strain) in the region of the crotch region. The front band 84 and the back band 86 may comprise any known material. Suitable materials for the front band 84 and the back band 86 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as plastic films; open-aperture plastic films; woven or nonwoven webs of the following materials: natural materials (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers); synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefin fibers, polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, or polypropylene fibers); or a combination of natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers; or a coated woven or nonwoven web. The band may comprise a nonwoven web of synthetic fibers. The belt may comprise an inner hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material.

[0035] The front belt 84 and the rear belt 86 may overlap at least a portion of the body, and one or both of the belt portions may be disposed on an outer surface of the body, or alternatively, on an inner surface of the body. A portion of the second belt layer and / or a portion of the first belt layer may be directly attached to the outer cover layer. Alternatively, at least a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of each of the belt portions may be formed from a single web of material. Figure 6 As shown, the first belt layer 82 may form part of the garment-facing surface, may be folded over and connected to the second belt layer 83, and may also be connected to a portion of the top sheet 58 so that the first belt layer 82 also forms part of the wearer-facing surface.

[0036] The front region 26 includes a first side panel and a second side panel and a center panel sandwiched between the first side panel and the second side panel in the transverse direction. The back region 28 includes a first side panel and a second side panel and a center panel sandwiched between the first side panel and the second side panel in the transverse direction.

[0037] The front region 26 and the back region 28 may overlap at least a portion of the chassis 38, and one or both of these regions may be disposed on the outer surface of the chassis, or alternatively disposed on the inner surface of the chassis. The center panel of the front region 26 may be at least partially joined to the front waist panel 52 of the chassis 38. The center panel of the back region 28 may be at least partially joined to the back waist panel 54 of the chassis 38. In the front region 26 and the back region 28, the first side panel and the second side panel do not overlap with the chassis 38.

[0038] The front region 26 and the back region 28 may be formed by a first belt layer 82 which forms a portion of the outer surface 22 of the absorbent article.

[0039] The front region 26 and the back region 28 may also include a second belt layer (also referred to as an inner belt layer) that forms a portion of the inner surface 24 of the absorbent article 20.

[0040] Each of the front region 26 and the back region 28 comprises at least one material that is continuous along the transverse direction of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the first belt layer in the front region 26 and / or the back region 28 is continuous along the transverse direction of the absorbent article.

[0041] The main body 38 of the absorbent article may include a backsheet 60, a topsheet 58, and an absorbent core 62 disposed between the topsheet 58 and the backsheet 60. The backsheet may be formed by a laminate of a nonwoven material, a woven material, a film, or a combination of one or more of these materials. In one embodiment, the backsheet is a film and a nonwoven laminate, wherein the nonwoven fabric of the laminate is an outer cover layer.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the absorbent article may include a curved leg elastic member that passes parallel to at least a portion of the leg cutout and is located a few millimeters inside at least a portion of the leg cutout. The leg elastic material 140 is disposed to extend longitudinally generally along the longitudinal side edges 48 of the chassis 38. The leg elastic material 140 may be disposed at least in the crotch region 30 of the absorbent article 20, or may be disposed along the entire longitudinal side edges 48.

[0043] The chassis 38 may additionally include elasticized barrier leg cuffs 64 disposed at or adjacent the longitudinal side edges 48 of the chassis 38. The chassis 38 may additionally include barrier leg cuffs 64 disposed along the longitudinal side edges 48 of the chassis 38.

[0044] The barrier leg cuffs 64 provide improved containment of liquids and other body exudates in the crotch region 30 .

[0045] Figure 7 The barrier leg cuff 64 shown includes a single layer of material that can be folded to form a barrier leg cuff having two layers. The barrier leg cuff 64 extends from the side of the body at or adjacent the longitudinal side edge 48 toward the longitudinal centerline L1. The barrier leg cuff can be folded back toward the longitudinal side edge 48. The barrier leg cuff 64 can have a first barrier leg cuff elastic material 72 adjacent to the distal portion 68 and a second barrier leg cuff elastic material 73 adjacent to the proximal portion 70 of the barrier leg cuff 64. The proximal portion 70 of the barrier leg cuff 64 can be joined to the backsheet 60 adjacent to the longitudinal side edge 48. As shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the transverse ends of the barrier leg cuffs 64 may be joined to the top sheet 58 at or adjacent the longitudinally opposite ends of the leg cuffs by attachment means, which may be any known means, such as adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds, and the like.

[0046] like Figure 8 As shown, the cuff 64 may have an elastic material 72. A distal portion of the cuff 64 may be attached to a distal portion of the backsheet 60, and another portion of the cuff 64 may be attached to the topsheet via adhesive 118.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, the two layers of the backsheet 60, outer cover layer 42 and cuffs 64 may terminate together at the side edge 48. Alternatively, as Figure 8 As shown, the distal ends of the cuffs 64 may extend beyond the other material to form at least a portion of the side edges 48 in a manner that exposes at least a portion of the cuffs when the article 20 is worn, allowing for a cleaner folded leg edge.

[0048] The liquid-permeable topsheet 58 may be positioned adjacent the body-facing surface of the absorbent core 62 and may be joined to the absorbent core and / or to the backsheet 60 by any attachment means known in the art. The liquid-impermeable backsheet 60 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 20 that is positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 62 and prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from staining the article that may contact the absorbent article 20. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet 58 and the backsheet 60 and absorbs and retains liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates.

[0049] The top sheet 58, back sheet 60 and absorbent core 62 can be made of known materials. Suitable top sheet materials can include porous foams; reticulated foams; open-cell plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs made of natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Suitable back sheet materials can include breathable materials that allow steam to escape from the diaper while also preventing exudates from penetrating the back sheet.

[0050] Suitable absorbent cores for use in absorbent article 20 may include any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. In addition, the configuration and construction of the absorbent core may vary (e.g., one or more absorbent cores or one or more other absorbent structures may have varying thickness zones, one or more hydrophilic gradients, one or more superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition zones of lower average density and lower average basis weight; or may include one or more layers or structures). In some embodiments, the absorbent core may include a fluid acquisition component, a fluid distribution component, and a fluid storage component.

[0051] Suitable absorbent cores of the present disclosure may include cellulose air felt materials. For example, such absorbent cores may include cellulose air felt materials less than about 95%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 40%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5% or even 1% as measured by weight. Additionally, such absorbent cores may be mainly composed of the following absorbent gelling materials of the amount measured by weight, and this amount is at least about 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or even about 100%. In addition, a part of absorbent cores may include microfiber glue.

[0052] The outer covering layer 42 can be disposed on the outer surface 22 of the absorbent article 20 and can cover the crotch piece 56 of the absorbent main body 38. The outer covering layer 42 can extend into and cover the front waist piece 52 and the back waist piece 54 of the main body 38. The outer covering layer can form a part of the backsheet and / or the main body. The outer covering layer 42 can be directly bonded to and cover a part or all of the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38. The center piece 80 of the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 can be bonded to the front waist piece 52 and the back waist piece 54 of the main body 38 through the outer covering layer 42. Therefore, the outer covering layer 42 can be disposed between the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 and the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60 of the main body 38. In one embodiment, the outer covering layer 42 can be coextensive with the liquid-impermeable backsheet 60.

[0053] The outer cover layer 42 may include a material different from the material constituting the inner belt layer 83 and / or the outer belt layer 82 of the belt 40. The outer cover layer 42 may include two or more material layers. The outer cover layer 42 may include any known material and may include the material used for the front belt 84 and the back belt 86 described above. The outer cover layer 42 may include a single layer of nonwoven fiber web of synthetic fibers. The outer cover layer 42 may include a single layer of hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material. The outer cover layer may include a film, a foam, a nonwoven fabric, a woven material, etc. and / or a combination thereof, such as a laminate of a film and a nonwoven fabric.

[0054] The front strap 84 and the rear strap 86 are permanently or refastenably connected at the seam 32 to form the strap 40 having a loop-like configuration.

[0055] The front region 26 may be disposed on the front band 84. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the front region 26 includes an upper front region 212, a lower front region 216, an intermediate front region 214 between the upper front region 212 and the lower front region 216, and mutually opposite side edges 260 in the longitudinal direction. The front region 26 has a length L26 in the longitudinal direction, and the upper front region 212, the intermediate front region 214, and the lower front region 216 have lengths L212, L214, and L216 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0056] Still reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The upper front region 212 extending in the transverse direction has side edges 262 opposite to each other and includes an area adjacent to each side edge 262. The area adjacent to each side edge 262 may contain elastic material. The middle front region 214 extending in the transverse direction has side edges 264 opposite to each other and includes an area adjacent to each side edge 264. The area adjacent to each side edge 264 contains elastic material.

[0057] The combination of the stretchability in the middle front region 214 and the two regions adjacent to the side edges 264 is intended to provide a good fit around the wearer's body in the waist, because the sides in the waist are relatively curved and the front waist is relatively flat. Such a design is particularly advantageous for adult products. The lower front region 216, which extends in the transverse direction and has the side edges 266 that are opposite to each other, is particularly not stretchable in the transverse direction, so that substantially no or almost no pressure is applied to the upper thigh of the wearer.

[0058] The upper front region 212 and the middle front region 214 may have the same elastic material, elastic material arrangement and / or elastic force. In one embodiment, the upper front region 212 and the middle front region 214 are not significantly different in elastic material and elastic material arrangement. Alternatively, the upper front region 212 may have at least one of the elastic material and elastic material arrangement different from the middle front region 214. In one embodiment, the upper front region 212 has a higher elastic force than the middle front region 214. Considering that the body size corresponding to the middle front region is larger than the body size corresponding to the upper front region 212, the higher elastic force in the upper front region 212 than in the middle front region 214 can provide the desired fit and is also intended to make it more comfortable to wear.

[0059] The front region 26 includes a first side region 261, a second side region 265 opposite to the first side region 261, and a central region 263 located between the first side region 261 and the second side region 265 in the transverse direction. At least a portion of the central region 263 is not stretchable. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the central region 263 is not stretchable. With such a feature that at least a portion of the central region is not stretchable, the absorbent article can provide desired fit and comfort because the body on which the side regions are placed has a smaller curvature than the body on which the central region is placed, and provide a more underwear-like appearance.

[0060] The upper front region 212 may include, in the transverse direction, an upper front first side region constituting a first side region 261, an opposite upper front second side region constituting a second side region 265, and an upper front center region constituting a center region 263, the upper front center region being located between the upper front first side region and the upper front second side region. The middle front region 214 may include, in the transverse direction, a middle front first side region constituting a first side region 261, an opposite middle front second side region constituting a second side region 265, and a middle front center region constituting a center region 263, the middle front center region being located between the middle front first side region and the middle front second side region. The middle front center region may also not be stretchable.

[0061] In each of the upper front region and the middle front region, the side region and the central region may be different in elastic material or elastic material arrangement or elastic force. In one embodiment, in the upper front region, the elastic force in the central region is lower than the elastic force in the side region. In this embodiment, the central region in the upper front region may not have stretchability. In another embodiment, in the middle front region, the elastic force in the central region is lower than the elastic force in the side region. In this embodiment, the central region in the middle front region may not have stretchability. Utilizing such features of using elastic materials in the side regions to provide elastic force without stretchable materials in the central region, absorbent articles can provide desired fit and comfort because the body on which the side regions are placed has a smaller curvature than the body on which the central region is placed.

[0062] The elastic material in the upper front region 212 may be disposed continuously in the lateral direction along the entire front region, or may be interrupted laterally by the main body 38 .

[0063] The elastic material in the middle front region 214 can be continuously arranged in the lateral direction along the entire front region, or interrupted laterally by the main body 38. In one embodiment, the elastic material located in the upper front region 212 and the middle front region 214 is interrupted laterally by the main body 38.

[0064] When the upper front region 212 and / or the middle front region 214 overlap with the main body 38, the elastic material in the front region may have one or more cutouts in the area where the upper front region and / or the middle front region overlap with the main body 38.

[0065] The front region 28 may be disposed on the rear belt 86. The rear region 28 includes an upper rear region 222, a lower rear region 226, a middle rear region 224 between the upper rear region 222 and the lower rear region 226, and side edges 280 opposite to each other in the transverse direction. The front region 28 has a length L28 in the longitudinal direction, and the upper rear region 222, the middle rear region 224, and the lower rear region 226 have lengths L222, L224, and L226 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0066] The back region 28 includes, in the transverse direction, a first side region 281, a second side region 285 opposite to the first side region 281, and a central region 283 between the first side region 281 and the second side region 285. At least a portion of the central region 283 may not have stretchability.

[0067] The upper rear region 222 may include, in the transverse direction, an upper rear first side region constituting the first side region 281, an opposite upper rear second side region constituting the second side region 285, and an upper rear central region constituting a central region 283 between the upper rear first side region and the upper rear second side region. The middle rear region 224 may include, in the transverse direction, a middle rear first side region constituting the first side region 281, an opposite middle rear second side region constituting the second side region 285, and a middle rear central region constituting a central region 283 between the middle rear first side region and the middle rear second side region. The middle rear central region may also not have stretchability.

[0068] In each of the upper back region and the middle back region, the side regions and the central region may differ in elastic material or elastic material arrangement or elastic force.

[0069] In one embodiment, in the upper back region, the elastic force in the central region is lower than the elastic force in the side regions. In this embodiment, the central region in the upper back region may not have stretchability. In another embodiment, in the middle back region, the elastic force in the central region is lower than the elastic force in the side regions. In this embodiment, the central region in the middle back region may not have stretchability. With such features that an elastic material is used in the side regions to provide elastic force and there is no stretchable area in the central region, the absorbent article can provide desired fit and comfort because the body on which the side regions are placed has a smaller curvature than the body on which the central region is placed.

[0070] The elastic material located in the upper back region 222 may be disposed continuously in the lateral direction along the entire back region, or may be interrupted laterally by the main body 38. The elastic material located in the middle back region 224 may be disposed continuously in the lateral direction along the entire back region, or may be interrupted laterally by the main body 38. In one embodiment, the elastic material located in the upper back region 222 and the middle back region 224 is interrupted laterally by the main body 38. When the upper back region 222 and / or the middle back region 224 overlap with the main body 38, the elastic material in the back region may have one or more cuts in the area where the upper back region and / or the middle back region overlap with the main body.

[0071] Still reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The upper rear region 222 extending in the transverse direction has side edges 282 opposite to each other and includes an area adjacent to each side edge 282. The area adjacent to each side edge 282 may contain elastic material. The middle rear region 224 extending in the transverse direction has side edges 284 opposite to each other and includes an area adjacent to each side edge 284. The area adjacent to each side edge 264 contains elastic material.

[0072] The lower rear region 226 extending in the transverse direction has side edges 286 opposite to each other and has no stretchability particularly in the transverse direction, so that substantially no or almost no pressure is applied to the upper thighs of the wearer.

[0073] The upper rear region 222 and the middle rear region 224 may have the same elastic material, elastic material arrangement and / or elastic force. In one embodiment, the upper rear region 222 and the middle rear region 224 are not significantly different in elastic material and elastic material arrangement. Alternatively, the upper rear region 222 may have at least one of an elastic material and elastic material arrangement different from the middle rear region 224. In one embodiment, the upper rear region 222 has a higher elastic force than the middle rear region 224. The higher elastic force in the upper rear region 222 than in the middle rear region 224 can provide a desired fit and is also intended to make it more comfortable to wear.

[0074] The elastic force of the upper front region 212 may be higher than the elastic force of the middle front region 214. Similarly, the elastic force of the upper rear region 222 may be higher than the elastic force of the middle rear region 224.

[0075] In the front region 26, the upper front region 212 and the middle front region 214 may be equally divided by a longitudinal distance along the seam 32. Alternatively, along the seam 32, the longitudinal distance of the upper front region 212 may be shorter than the longitudinal distance of the middle front region 214. The longitudinal distance of the middle front region 214 may be about 100%-300% of the longitudinal distance of the upper front region 212. The longitudinal distance of the lower front region 216 may be not less than about 5%, 10%, or 15% of the longitudinal distance of the front region 26.

[0076] In the back region 28, the upper back region 222 and the middle back region 224 may be equally divided by a longitudinal distance along the seam 32. Alternatively, along the seam 32, the longitudinal distance of the upper back region 222 may be shorter than the longitudinal distance of the middle back region 224. The longitudinal distance of the middle back region 214 may be about 100%-300% of the longitudinal distance of the upper back region 222. The longitudinal distance of the lower back region 226 may be not less than about 5%, 10%, or 15% of the longitudinal distance of the back region 28.

[0077] The crotch area 30 between the front region 26 and the rear region 28 in the longitudinal direction comprises a front crotch area 312, a rear crotch area 316, and an intermediate crotch area 314 between the upper rear region and the lower rear region in the longitudinal direction. The front crotch area 312 and the rear crotch area 316 are arranged on the far side (that is, towards the transverse axis T1) of each front region 26 and the rear region 28. The front crotch area 312, the intermediate crotch area 314 and the rear crotch area 316 extend in the transverse direction. The front crotch area 312 does not have stretchability, and the rear crotch area 316 may not have stretchability. Due to the absence of stretchable front crotch area 312 and optional rear crotch area 316, the absorbent article of the present invention can allow the wearer to easily adjust the height of the product up and down on her body. In addition, in conventional products, the potential discomfort around the legs caused by the elastic force in these areas can be reduced. The longitudinal distance of the front crotch area 312 may be no less than about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 50% of the longitudinal distance of the front region 26. The longitudinal distance of the rear crotch region 316 may be no less than about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 50% of the longitudinal distance of the rear region 28.

[0078] The total longitudinal distance of the lower front region 216 and the front crotch region 312 can be about 100%-300% of the longitudinal distance of the upper front region 212. The total longitudinal distance of the lower back region 226 and the back crotch region 316 can be about 100%-300% of the longitudinal distance of the upper back region 222.

[0079] At least a portion of the crotch region 30 that overlaps the absorbent core 62 is not stretchable, preferably not stretchable in the transverse direction. With such features, the absorbent article of the present invention can minimize the reduction of the absorbent width in the presence of elasticity / stretchability; such a reduction may have the potential to increase leakage. It also minimizes the gathering of the absorbent width in the presence of elasticity / stretchability, resulting in a more comfortable wearing experience.

[0080] The elastic strands may be distributed in different zones in the front and / or back regions. The elastic strands may be evenly distributed in different zones in the front and / or back regions. The elastic strands may also be unevenly distributed in different zones in the front and / or back regions.

[0081] The elastic strand 300 may have a linear density of 200 to 2500. The linear density is the density of the elastic fibers in the elastic strand. The most common unit of linear density is decitex, abbreviated as dtex, which is the mass grams per 10,000 meters (Dt). The linear density can be used to change the force distribution. For example, one can achieve a desired force distribution by selecting the density of a single elastic strand, combining multiple elastic strands with a smaller linear density closely to each other and / or with other elastomeric materials.

[0082] The number of elastic strands in each zone can be varied depending on the placement of the absorbent core. The force distribution must be adjusted depending on the location and thickness of the absorbent core.

[0083] The gaps between the elastic strands 300 may be 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, or 22 mm, or 25 mm.

[0084] The absorbent article 20 may have a graphic disposed in the front region 26 and / or the back region 28. The graphic may be printed on the outermost nonwoven (e.g., the outer belt layer 82, or the outer cover layer 42), printed on the garment-facing side or body-facing side of these nonwovens. The graphic may also be printed on the garment-facing side of the inner belt layer 83. The graphic of the present invention may be partially printed on the backsheet and partially printed on the belt layer.

[0085] Test Method

[0086] These tests can be used for stretch laminates that include elastic strands, such as spandex strands. Typically, elastic strands are stretched and laminated between two nonwovens to make a stretch laminate. Since these tests will be performed for each elastic zone, they represent an average of all elastics in that zone. These tests are applicable to pant-type absorbent articles that include parallel strand elastics that extend primarily in the transverse direction of the product.

[0087] 1. Elasticity, F

[0088] Starting with a new product sample, i) mark the upper front region 212, the middle front region 214, the lower front region 216, the upper rear region 222, the middle rear region 224 and the lower rear region 226 in the front region 26 and / or the rear region 28, ii) separate the belt 40 (or the front region 26 or the rear region 28) from the main body 38, and iii) cut the upper region, the middle region and the lower region.

[0089] Take the upper front area 212 and spread it on the table in a relaxed state. Gently spread the sample so that it is evenly placed while still in a relaxed state. For this test, the stretching direction is called the length direction, and the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction is called the width direction.

[0090] Draw 2 vertical lines, parallel to the longitudinal centerline L1, and at a distance of 50 mm on either side of the longitudinal centerline L1. These two lines should extend the full width of the zone. If the zone is not long enough to obtain the 100 mm long relaxed sample, a smaller length can be used. The smaller length should be about 20 mm smaller than the minimum length of the zone.

[0091] Measure the width of this superior anterior region, Ws-superior.

[0092] The stretch properties of the stretch laminate were measured in a tensile tester as described below.

[0093] 1) On an Instron or MTS tensile tester, set up the program to measure force as a function of strain.

[0094] 2) Set the initial gauge length to 50 mm. If it is not possible to obtain a 50 mm gauge length, use the maximum possible gauge length.

[0095] 3) Set the crosshead speed to 10 in. / min.

[0096] 4) Place the sample between the jaws of the tensile tester, making sure the jaws are wider than the sample.

[0097] 5) Clamp the sample in the top clamp and zero the load cell.

[0098] 6) Clamp the sample in the bottom clamp while ensuring that there is some slack in the sample. The sample should not be under tension at this point.

[0099] 7) Start the test. The tensile tester will collect load versus displacement data. Record the distance between the jaws when the force is 0.05N. This is the adjusted gauge length corresponding to zero strain. It is sometimes called the relaxed preload.

[0100] 8) Use the adjusted gauge length as the starting length to record load versus strain.

[0101] 9) Continue collecting data until 100% strain is reached.

[0102] 10) Using the width of the specimen Ws-up, report the loads at 50%, 75%, and 100% strain (F50-up, F75-up, and F100-up) in Newtons / cm.

[0103] This measurement is repeated for each of the remaining zones.

[0104] Example

[0105] Example 1

[0106] One-piece menstrual pants were produced according to the description in Table 1 below.

[0107] Table 1

[0108]

[0109] Chinese consumers aged between 18 and 40 (n=12) were asked to wear the product of the present invention on one night and a typical market product as a comparison product on another night according to their normal usage habits. These consumers were then asked to give their experience opinions on the items shown in Table 2 below.

[0110] Table 2

[0111]

[0112] *: Sophie Medium (Unicharm, China)

[0113] 8 out of 12 consumers (67%) responded that the inventive product provided an overall good fit, while 4 out of 12 consumers believed that the comparative product provided an overall good fit.

[0114] For the wearing comfort measurement, 8 out of 12 consumers recommended that the inventive product feel like underwear, while 4 out of 12 consumers recommended the comparative product.

[0115] 11 out of 12 consumers felt that the tightness around the legs was just right, with only 1 out of 12 consumers feeling tight, and 5 out of 12 consumers responding to a tight feeling around the legs.

[0116] 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".

[0117] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0118] 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. A disposable absorbent article, the disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and comprising a front region, a back region, a crotch region located between the front region and the back region in the longitudinal direction, and a main body, the main body comprising an absorbent core arranged in a manner of continuously covering the crotch region and at least a portion of the front region and the back region, wherein the front region and the back region are connected to each other so as to form a first seam and a second seam, so that the absorbent article comprises leg openings and a waist opening, wherein the front region comprises an upper front region, a lower front region, and an intermediate front region between the upper front region and the lower front region in the longitudinal direction, and the front region comprises a first side region, a second side region, and a center region between the first side region and the second side region in the transverse direction, The rear region includes an upper rear region, a lower rear region having side edges opposite to each other, and an intermediate rear region between the upper rear region and the lower rear region in the longitudinal direction, and the rear region includes a first side region, a second side region, and a center region between the first side region and the second side region in the transverse direction, The crotch region includes, in the longitudinal direction, a front crotch region connected to the front region, a rear crotch region connected to the rear region, and a middle crotch region between the upper rear region and the lower rear region, wherein the central front region includes an area adjacent to each side edge, the side edges comprising elastic material, wherein the lower front region and the front crotch region are not stretchable, and At least a portion of the crotch region overlapping the absorbent core is not stretchable.

2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the lower back region and the rear crotch region are not stretchable.

3. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle front region has a lower elasticity than the upper front region.

4. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle back region has a lower elasticity than the upper back region.

5. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central zone in the front region is not stretchable.

6. A disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle front area includes a first side area, a second side area opposite to the first side area, and a central area between the first side area and the second side area in the transverse direction, wherein the central area is not stretchable.

7. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central zone in the back region is not stretchable.

8. A disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle rear region includes a first side region, a second side region opposite to the first side region, and a central region between the first side region and the second side region in the transverse direction, wherein the central region is not stretchable.

9. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the front region and the back region comprises at least one material continuous along the transverse direction.

10. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal distance of the intermediate front region is about 100%-300% of the longitudinal distance of the upper front region.

11. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combined longitudinal distance of the lower front region and the front crotch region is about 100%-300% of the longitudinal distance of the upper front region.

12. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central front region does not overlap the absorbent core.

13. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core extends to the intermediate rear region.

14. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crotch region comprises curved leg elastics.

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