Absorbent article with upright pleats and leg hoops

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) comprises a liquid permeable topsheet (9), a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core (11). The absorbent article (1) has a non-woven outer cover layer (18) covering a backsheet (10) and forming an outer surface of the absorbent article (1) and having side portions (33, 34) extending laterally outside the backsheet and forming a leg cuff fold (35, 37), the leg cuff fold (35, 37) being elastomeric by a plurality of spaced apart elastic elements (41, 42). A pair of non-woven barrier straps (21, 22) are arranged with upstanding pleat portions (21 ', 22') of each barrier strap (21, 22) forming part of upstanding pleats (29, 30), the barrier straps (21, 22) being attached to the topsheet (9) along upstanding pleat hinge lines (25, 26) and having one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements arranged along free upstanding pleat edges (23, 24). A pair of leg cuffs (31, 32) are arranged outside the upright pleats (29, 30), each leg cuff comprising a folded-back elastomeric side portion (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) and a leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier strip (21, 22). A non-woven barrier tape (21, 22) is attached to a folded-back portion of the outer cover layer (18) by means of a first bond (70) and a folded-over portion of the outer cover layer (18) is attached to a lower portion of the outer cover layer (18) by means of a second bond (71).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article having a first waist edge and a second waist edge and a first side edge, and comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable bottom sheet and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. A nonwoven outer cover layer covers the bottom sheet and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article. The article also includes a pair of elasticized upright pleats and a pair of elasticized leg cuffs. A pair of side flaps are arranged at one of the waist edges, and the side flaps are provided with fasteners for fastening the absorbent article around the body of the wearer in a trouser-like manner. Background Art

[0002] Disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, are applied to the lower torso of the wearer and fastened around the body of the wearer as underpants. The disposable absorbent articles are usually provided with elastic elements to create a fluid barrier and improve the body conformity of the article. The good body fit of the disposable absorbent article around the waist and legs of the wearer of the article ensures that the article remains in close contact with the body of the wearer, thereby reducing the risk of fluid leaking out of the absorbent article. Additional leakage protection can be obtained by arranging elasticized upright gathers (also called "raised barriers" or "inner barriers") inside the absorbent article.

[0003] Another important aspect of such articles is that they are comfortable to wear and that they do not cause irritation to the sensitive skin in the genital area. Another problem is that the tensioned elastic elements may cause discomfort and red marks by exerting high pressure on the wearer's skin, particularly around the wearer's legs. Summary of the invention

[0004] A disposable absorbent article with good leakage safety and comfort can be achieved by the features of claim 1. Variants of the disclosure are set out in the dependent claims.

[0005] Disclosed herein is an absorbent article having a first waist edge and a second waist edge extending in a transverse direction of the absorbent article and a first side edge and a second side edge extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising:

[0006] - a liquid-permeable topsheet having a topsheet first side edge and a topsheet second side edge;

[0007] - a liquid impermeable backsheet having a backsheet first side edge and a backsheet second side edge;

[0008] - an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet;

[0009] - a nonwoven outer cover layer which covers the backsheet and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article;

[0010] - a pair of nonwoven barrier cuffs extending in the longitudinal direction and symmetrically arranged, one barrier cuff on each side of the longitudinal centerline, each nonwoven barrier cuff comprising an upright pleat portion defined between a free upright pleat edge extending in the longitudinal direction and an upright pleat hinge line extending in the longitudinal direction, the barrier cuff being attached to the top sheet along the upright pleat hinge line and having one or more elastic elements arranged along the free upright pleat edge;

[0011] - a pair of upright pleats, the upright pleats comprising an upright pleat portion of the barrier cuff;

[0012] - a pair of leg cuffs extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged symmetrically along the first side edge and the second side edge, each leg cuff being arranged outside the upright pleat portion of the corresponding barrier cuff; and

[0013] in

[0014] Each leg cuff includes:

[0015] - a side portion of the outer cover layer extending in the transverse direction outside the corresponding side edge of the backsheet, the side portion of the outer cover layer being folded back on itself along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction, the fold line dividing the side portion of the outer cover layer into a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is adjacent to a central portion of the outer cover layer and the second portion is an upturned portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer facing the nonwoven barrier cuff, the first portion and the second portion together forming a leg cuff fold having a free edge defined by the fold line and a leg cuff width in the transverse direction between the fold line and the upright pleat hinge line in the leg cuff fold;

[0016] - a plurality of spaced apart pre-tensioned elastic elements extending in the longitudinal direction inside the leg cuff fold and attached between the first and second portions of the leg cuff fold; and

[0017] - a corresponding leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier tape, the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier tape being defined between the upright pleat hinge line and an outer leg cuff edge of the nonwoven barrier tape, the outer leg cuff edge of the nonwoven barrier tape being parallel to a fold line in the leg cuff fold, wherein the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier tape is attached to the second portion of the outer covering layer by means of a first bonding portion, and the first portion of the outer covering layer is attached to the second portion of the outer covering layer by means of a second bonding portion.

[0018] The outer longitudinal edge of the top sheet is arranged on the inner side of the first bonding portion in the transverse direction. The first bonding portion does not cover the top sheet. The top sheet can be attached to the second part of the outer cover layer.

[0019] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the first bonding portion may be arranged inwardly of the pretensioned elastic element in the lateral direction such that the first bonding portion does not overlap with any spaced-apart pretensioned elastic element or the rebound channel of the pretensioned elastic element (if any).

[0020] The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion at least partially overlap each other in the lateral direction.

[0021] The second binding portion can overlap with the egative film at least in part. In such a configuration, the second binding portion can cover the egative film completely, or partially cover the egative film, for example, across the side edge of the egative film. On the other hand, the second binding portion can be arranged between the side edge of the egative film and the pretensioned elastic element.

[0022] The absorbent article is divided into a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion between the front portion and the rear portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The absorbent article may include a first side wing arranged on the rear portion of the absorbent article and extending from the first side edge in the transverse direction of the absorbent article, and may also include a second side wing arranged on the rear portion and extending from the second side edge in the transverse direction of the absorbent article. Each side wing is arranged on the rear portion at the rear waist edge, in other words, more towards the rear waist edge than towards the chassis portion.

[0024] The first bonding portion may be arranged on the front part and / or the rear part and extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. In other words, the first bonding portion is not arranged at the base part of the absorbent article. By arranging the first bonding portion only at the rear part and / or the front part, the amount of bonding material (such as adhesive) along the leg cuff is kept to a minimum, which contributes to the softness of the leg cuff. By arranging the first bonding portion only at the rear part and / or the front part, the bonding of the leg cuff is strengthened at the location where the side flap is arranged.

[0025] The second bonding portion extends in the longitudinal direction from the first waist edge to the second waist edge.In other words, the second bonding portion is arranged at the leg cuff fold along the front portion, the back portion and the chassis portion of the absorbent article.

[0026] The second joint may include a first portion and a second portion arranged a first distance d2 from each other, such as separated by a non-joined portion. The first distance d2 between the first portion and the second portion of the second joint may be between 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0027] The second bonding portion may be arranged at a second distance d1 from the innermost pretensioning elastic element in the transverse direction, and the second distance d1 is not greater than 12 mm, preferably not greater than 8 mm.

[0028] In the absorbent disclosed herein, the first bonding portion and / or the second bonding portion is an adhesive bonding portion. Alternatively, the bonding portion may be heat sealed, embossed, or include a combination of different bonding techniques.

[0029] The first bonding portion is preferably stronger than the second bonding portion.

[0030] If the first bond is an adhesive bond, the first adhesive bond may include 10-30 gsm, preferably 15-25 gsm of adhesive material. If the second bond is an adhesive bond, the second adhesive bond may include 5-25 gsm, preferably 5-15 gsm of adhesive material.

[0031] In the absorbent disclosed herein, the central portion of the outer cover layer may cover the backsheet. The backsheet may be narrower in the lateral direction than the outer cover layer.

[0032] At least a portion of the folded-over second portion of the outer cover may overlap the backsheet.

[0033] The side edge of the backsheet may be arranged at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, from the leg cuff fold line. In other words, the third distance d3 between the side edge of the backsheet and the outer edge of the fold is at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm. The fold line of the leg cuff is the outer edge of the fold.

[0034] The backsheet is attached to the outer cover layer by a third joint, and the width of the third joint may be less than the width of the backsheet in the transverse direction. The article as disclosed herein may be in the form of an open diaper, which includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Alternatively, the absorbent article may be a pant-type absorbent article with closed side seams.

[0035] An open diaper as disclosed herein may include a pair of side flaps arranged at one of the first waist edge or the second waist edge, each side flap extending in the transverse direction from a proximal attachment end to a free distal end, and including a fastener arranged at the distal end of the side flap. The proximal attachment end is attached along the respective longitudinal side edge of the front portion and / or the back portion.

[0036] The attachment ends of the side flaps of the absorbent article as disclosed herein may be attached to the absorbent article between the leg cuff portions of the nonwoven barrier cuff and the side portions of the outer cover.The plurality of elastic elements may not extend longitudinally into the attachment locations of the side flaps.

[0037] Alternatively, the open diaper can be a belt diaper, which is closed by connecting the ends of the belt arranged at the waist edge of the article to each other. The absorbent article has a nonwoven outer cover layer, which covers the backsheet and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article, and the nonwoven outer cover layer has a side portion extending laterally outside the backsheet and formed as a leg cuff fold, each leg cuff fold being elasticized by a plurality of spaced elastic elements. A pair of nonwoven barrier cuffs are arranged so that the upright pleat portion of each barrier cuff forms a part of the upright pleat, the barrier cuffs are attached to the top sheet along the upright pleat hinge line, and have one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements arranged along the free upright pleat edges. A pair of leg cuffs are arranged outside the upright pleats, each leg cuff comprising a folded elasticized side portion of the outer cover layer and a corresponding leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier tape. The leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier tape covers at least one elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements.

[0038] The barrier cuff is directly attached to the topsheet without any intermediate components between the barrier cuff and the topsheet along the standing pleat hinge lines.

[0039] Articles as disclosed herein are skin-friendly and comfortable to wear because all body contact surfaces of the article are made of soft nonwoven materials. The leg cuffs are particularly soft because the pre-tensioned elastic elements in the leg cuffs are arranged inside the leg cuff folds, thereby providing the leg cuffs with folded outer edges. A plurality of spaced pre-tensioned elastic elements shrink the nonwoven material in the leg cuff folds and form soft, light and evenly distributed wrinkles on the surface of the leg cuffs. The pleated elasticized portion of the leg cuff serves as a buffer distance structure between the wearer's body and the elastic elements. In addition, on the inner side of the article facing the wearer, the leg cuff includes a leg cuff portion of a nonwoven barrier cuff band, which forms an additional pleated buffer layer of the leg cuff. Therefore, under the influence of the contractile force from the elastic elements distributed on the width of each leg cuff, the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff band forms a soft, bulky but highly body-fitting leg cuff together with the nonwoven material in the leg cuff folds.

[0040] Since the leg cuffs are mainly composed of nonwoven material, they are highly breathable. The liquid impermeable backsheet may extend into the leg cuffs in the inner portion of each leg cuff to up to 50% of the leg cuff width, for example up to 40% of the leg cuff width or up to 30% of the leg cuff width. The liquid impermeable backsheet may extend into the leg cuffs to a greater portion of each leg cuff width in articles of smaller sizes than in articles of larger sizes.

[0041] It may be preferred that all or substantially all of the elastic elements in each leg cuff are arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff which is free of the liquid-impermeable backsheet. Such an arrangement of the elastic elements is particularly advantageous for obtaining a high breathability in the leg cuff and for a full cushioning effect from the two nonwoven layers on the wearer-facing side of the leg cuff.

[0042] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements in each leg cuff are preferably applied so that the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements is arranged no more than 5 mm from the fold line in the leg cuff fold, preferably no more than 3 mm from the fold line in the leg cuff fold, and most preferably no more than 1 mm from the fold line in the leg cuff fold. The outermost elastic element in each leg cuff may be arranged so that there is no distance between the fold line in the leg cuff fold and the outermost elastic element, i.e. arranged at the fold line.

[0043] The leg cuffs of absorbent articles as disclosed herein are well-defined, neat and distinct features that are easily identified by visual inspection of the absorbent article. In prior art absorbent articles, leg elastics are typically arranged between the topsheet and the laterally extending side portions of the backsheet or between the side portions of the standing pleat material and the backsheet. This arrangement results in hemmed, floppy, non-elasticized side edge portions laterally outboard of the elastic elements. When donning an article having such non-elasticized side portions, it is necessary to ensure that the side portions are folded out to avoid the article being applied to the wearer with the elastic side portion absorbent folded in, which can result in poor fit and ultimately leakage of body fluids from the article.

[0044] The absorbent article as disclosed herein has soft, corrugated, bulky and well-defined leg cuffs which are correctly positioned when the article is applied to the wearer without requiring any manipulation of the leg cuffs. The elasticized leg cuffs fit closely against the wearer's skin, forming a highly fitting and comfortable external leakage barrier. By distributing the elastic elements over the width of the leg cuffs, the risk of the leg cuffs exerting unduly high pressures on the wearer's skin is significantly reduced or even eliminated.

[0045] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, a leg cuff portion of a nonwoven barrier cuff may be attached to an upper portion of the leg cuff fold, wherein the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff covers all or substantially all of the plurality of elastic elements, thereby forming a cushioning layer over the entire surface of the elasticized portion of the leg cuff.

[0046] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the leg cuffs may be relatively wide. Each leg cuff may have a major portion of the leg cuff width elasticized by a plurality of elastic elements. The width of the leg cuff may be in the range of 20 mm to 60 mm, preferably in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm, and the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements may be distributed over an area of ​​the leg cuff having a width of at least 40%, preferably at least 50% of the width of the leg cuff.

[0047] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, a first portion of the side portion of the outer cover may be adjacent to a central portion of the outer cover, the central portion of the outer cover covering the backsheet, and a second portion of the side portion of the outer cover may be a folded portion of the side portion of the outer cover.

[0048] When the article is worn, the upper portion of the leg cuff fold will face the wearer and the lower portion of the leg cuff fold will be the garment-facing portion of the leg cuff fold.

[0049] As viewed in the direction from the top sheet, the first part of the side portion of the nonwoven outer cover layer, i.e., the portion adjacent to the center portion of the outer cover layer, can be the lower part of the leg cuff fold, and as viewed in the direction from the top sheet, the second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be the upper part of the leg cuff fold. In this folded configuration, the second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer is folded back on top of the first part of the side portion of the outer cover layer, i.e., on the top sheet side of the absorbent article. This configuration can be beneficial because there is no clear boundary between the leg cuff and the center portion of the outer cover layer. By fixing the end of the folded second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer between the top sheet and the back sheet, a secure anchoring of the end of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be obtained.

[0050] Alternatively, the first portion of the outer cover layer, as viewed in the direction of the top sheet, may be the upper portion of the leg cuff fold, and the second portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer, as viewed in the direction of the top sheet, may be the lower portion of the leg cuff fold. In this folded configuration, the second portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer is folded back below the first portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer, i.e. on the backsheet side of the absorbent article.

[0051] In the absorbent article disclosed herein, the plurality of elastic elements may be composed of at least 3 elastic elements, preferably at least 4 elastic elements. The plurality of elastic elements may be composed of 3 to 15 elastic elements, preferably 4 to 10 elastic elements, more preferably 5 to 10 elastic elements, and most preferably 5 to 7 elastic elements.

[0052] The elastic element may be an elastic thread, a cord or an elastic band, preferably an elastic thread.

[0053] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements in each leg cuff may be spaced 1 mm to 8 mm apart in the transverse direction, preferably 3 mm to 8 mm apart. The elastic elements may be applied at equal intervals across the elasticized area of ​​the leg cuff, or may be applied at different intervals across the width of the leg cuff. For example, the elastic elements may be applied at smaller spacings in the inner portion of the leg cuff than in the outer portion of the leg cuff to achieve a tighter fit along the inner portion of the leg cuff.

[0054] In the absorbent article as disclosed herein, the elasticized portion of each leg cuff may have a width of 20 to 40 mm, preferably 20 to 35 mm, as measured in the transverse direction between the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements and the innermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements.

[0055] In the leg cuffs in the absorbent article as disclosed herein, the elasticized portion of each leg cuff may have a width of 10 mm to 60 mm measured in the transverse direction between the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements and the innermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements, the number of elastic elements in the elasticized portion of the leg cuff is in the range of 4 to 7, and the spacing between the elastic elements is 4 to 6 mm.

[0056] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the outer leg cuff edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff may be arranged at or inside the fold line in the leg cuff fold as seen in the transverse direction. By avoiding the leg cuff portion of the barrier cuff to extend laterally outside the fold line in the leg cuff fold, the side edges of the leg cuff and the side edges of the absorbent article will be defined by the soft, elastically deformable folded edges of the leg cuff fold.

[0057] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the outer leg cuff edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff can be arranged at least 4 mm inside the fold line in the leg cuff fold as seen in the transverse direction, for example to avoid a raised edge close to the side edge of the leg cuff, thereby promoting a soft and elastic fold edge experience.

[0058] In absorbent articles as disclosed herein, the leg cuff portion of a nonwoven barrier cuff can be attached to the leg cuff fold using an adhesive uniformly distributed on the attachment area between the nonwoven barrier cuff and the leg cuff fold or using a thermal bond or ultrasonic bond uniformly distributed. Therefore, the adhesive is uniformly distributed on the attachment area between the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff and the upper portion of the side portion of the outer cover. The adhesive can be applied by any suitable technique, such as slit coating. The purpose of producing uniform attachment between the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff and the leg cuff fold is to ensure that the contractile force of the pre-tensioned elastic element spaced apart in the leg cuff fold is transferred to the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff in a uniform manner, thereby causing the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff to be pleated and corrugated in a controlled manner. An example of achieving this is by adhesive slit coating.

[0059] The nonwoven material used for the outer cover material and the barrier cuff may include one or more spunbond layers and optionally one or more meltblown layers. The nonwoven material in the nonwoven barrier tape may be different from the nonwoven material of the outer cover material forming the leg cuff fold. The nonwoven barrier cuff may be formed of a relatively bulky material. The basis weight of the material in the nonwoven barrier tape may be 8 g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2 The nonwoven material can be made of thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments, such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and combinations thereof. The nonwoven material can be formed by any of a variety of different methods, such as spunbond, airlaid, meltblown or bonded carded web formation methods. The nonwoven layer can be made of a co-formed layer of a nonwoven material, such as SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond) nonwoven material or SS (spunbond / spunbond) nonwoven material. The thermoplastic polymer material in the nonwoven layer can be a bicomponent fiber of polypropylene or polypropylene and polyethylene, or a combination of these materials. It can be preferred that the nonwoven barrier tape is made of a hydrophobic material. The nonwoven barrier cuff can be a single-layer nonwoven material.

[0060] One or more pretensioned elastic elements arranged along the free upright pleat edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff can be arranged in the folded portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff at the free upright pleat edge. The end of the folded portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff can be attached to the upright pleat portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff, for example to surround the one or more pretensioned elastic elements. The one or more pretensioned elastic elements can also be provided with adhesive. The one or more pretensioned elastic elements of the upright pleat portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff can include any suitable number of pretensioned elastic elements. However, the one or more pretensioned elastic elements are preferably 1, 2 or 3 elastic elements arranged parallel to each other in the edge portion of the upright pleat portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff. The spacing between the elastic elements on the upright pleat portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff can be 2 to 5mm. The one or more elastic elements can be in the form of one or more elastic lines, ropes or belts.

[0061] The corrugations formed in the leg cuff by the elastic elements are visible on both the inside, wearer facing, and outside, garment facing, sides of the leg cuffs, but have a slightly different appearance due to the added softness and bulk of the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff tape on the inside of the leg cuffs.

[0062] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, an elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements may be attached between the first and second portions of the leg cuff fold by means of an adhesive. An adhesive may be applied to the elastic element, whereby the first and second portions of the leg cuff fold are indirectly attached to each other by means of the elastic element.

[0063] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the one or more elastic elements arranged in the inner portion of each leg cuff fold may have a greater resistance to stretch than the one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff fold. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more elastic elements arranged in the inner portion of the leg cuff fold may be arranged at a smaller spacing than the elastic elements arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff fold.

[0064] The one or more elastic elements arranged in the inner portion of each leg cuff fold may have a higher linear density (dtex) than the one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff fold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The absorbent article disclosed herein will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a stretched-out absorbent article in the form of a diaper as viewed from the side intended to face the wearer during use of the diaper;

[0067] Figure 2 Shown along Figure 1 The line II-II in the Figure 1 A cross section of a diaper in;

[0068] Figure 3A - C shows a cross section of a leg cuff variant disclosed herein;

[0069] Figure 4 Shown is a diagram of a device ready to be applied to a wearer. Figure 1 A perspective view of an absorbent article in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Various aspects of the absorbent articles disclosed herein will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings.The embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting the claimed absorbent articles.

[0071] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that various components, such as material layers, are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 , shows an absorbent article 1 in the form of an open diaper. The absorbent article 1 is Figure 1 1 is shown in an unfolded and flat state, wherein all elastic elements and components are in a stretched state, so that the absorbent article 1 appears to be substantially two-dimensional. Figure 1 The article is shown viewed from the inner surface of the article facing the wearer. Any measurements of distances and dimensions are made with the absorbent article in the position shown. Figure 1 Shown in fully extended, non-pleated condition.

[0073] The trouser-type article 1 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T.

[0074] The absorbent article 1 has a first 2 and a second 4 waist edge and a first 6 and a second 8 side edge. Figure 1 The first waist edge 2 of the absorbent article 1 shown is a rear waist edge, and the second waist edge 4 of the absorbent article 1 is a front waist edge. The first waist edge 2 and the second waist edge 4 extend in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1, and the side edges 6, 8 extend in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 can be divided in the longitudinal direction L into a front portion 3, a rear portion 5, and a crotch portion 7 located between the front portion 3 and the rear portion 5.

[0075] The absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 9 and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 10. An absorbent core 11 is disposed between the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 10. The top sheet 9 has a top sheet first side edge 9' and a top sheet second side edge 9", and the back sheet 10 has a back sheet first side edge 10' and a back sheet second side edge 10", such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0076] The absorbent article 1 further comprises a nonwoven outer cover layer 18 which covers the backsheet 10 and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article 1 .

[0077] A pair of nonwoven barrier cuffs 21, 22 are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction L, and one barrier cuff 21, 22 is symmetrically arranged on each side of the longitudinal centerline Lc perpendicular to the transverse centerline Lt, each nonwoven barrier cuff 21, 22 comprising a standing pleat portion 21', 22'. The standing pleat portions 21', 22' of the nonwoven barrier cuffs 21, 22 are defined between free standing pleat edges 23, 24 extending in the longitudinal direction L and standing pleat hinge lines 25, 26 extending in the longitudinal direction L. A pair of raised elasticized standing pleats 29, 30 are arranged on the top sheet 9, the raised elasticized standing pleats comprising the standing pleat portions 21', 22' of the barrier cuffs 21, 22.

[0078] Thus, the upstanding pleat portions 21 ′, 22 ′ of the barrier cuffs 21 , 22 form part of the upstanding pleats 29 , 30 .

[0079] Each barrier cuff 21, 22 is directly attached to the top sheet 9 along the standing pleat hinge line 25, 26 and has one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements 27, 28 arranged along the free standing pleat edges 23, 24. The one or more elastic elements may be elastic cords, threads or bands applied spaced apart along the free standing pleat edges 23, 24. In the absorbent article disclosed herein, the number of elastic elements 27, 28 arranged along the standing pleat edges 23, 24 is typically 1, 2 or 3. The elastic elements 27, 28 are typically arranged parallel to each other at a spacing of 2 to 5 mm, with the outermost elastic elements being arranged at the free standing pleat edges 23, 24.

[0080] The absorbent article 1 further comprises a pair of leg cuffs 31, 32. The leg cuffs 31, 32 extend in the longitudinal direction L and are symmetrically arranged along the first 6 and second 8 side edges, each leg cuff 31, 32 being arranged outside the upright pleated portion 21', 22' of the corresponding barrier cuff 21,22.

[0081] like Figure 2As shown, the leg cuffs 31, 32 each include a side portion 33, 34 of the outer covering layer, which extends outside the corresponding side edges 10', 10" of the backsheet in the transverse direction, and the side portions 33, 34 of the outer covering layer 18 are folded back on themselves along folding lines 36, 38 extending in the longitudinal direction L, and the folding lines 36, 38 divide the side portions 33, 34 of the outer covering layer 18 into a first portion 33', 34' and a second portion 33", 34", and the first portion 33', 34' and the second portion 33", 34" together form a leg cuff fold 35, 37, and the leg cuff fold 35, 37 has a free edge defined by the folding lines 36, 38 and a leg cuff width W defined in the transverse direction T between the free edge of the leg cuff fold lines 36, 38 and the upright pleat hinge lines 25, 26.

[0082] The first portions 33', 34' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are Figure 2 The second portions 33", 34" of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are folded over the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in the figures, as viewed from the direction of the top sheet 9, the first parts 33′, 34′ of the side parts 33, 34 of the outer covering layer 18 constitute the lower parts of the leg cuff folds 35, 37, and as viewed from the direction of the top sheet 9, the second parts 33″, 34″ of the side parts 33, 34 of the outer covering layer 18 constitute the upper parts of the leg cuff folds 35, 37. The upper parts of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 are folded back on top of the lower parts of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 and fixed between the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 10 are directly connected to each other along the side edges of the absorbent core 11 and directly connected to the tucked-in portion of the outer cover layer fixed between the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 10. The tucked-in portion of the outer cover layer includes inner ends 47, 48. The garment-facing side of the back sheet is directly attached to the central portion of the outer cover sheet.

[0084] A plurality of spaced apart pretensioning elastic elements 41, 42 are arranged in each leg cuff fold 35, 37. The elastic elements 41, 42 extend in the longitudinal direction L inside the leg cuff fold 35, 37 and are attached between the first portion 33', 34' and the second portion 33", 34" of the leg cuff fold 35, 37, for example by adhesive.

[0085] The width of the leg cuffs 31, 32 may be in the range of 20 mm to 60 mm, and the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 may be distributed over an area of ​​each leg cuff that is at least 40% of the width of the leg cuff, preferably at least 50% of the width of the leg cuff. The width of the elasticized portion of the leg cuffs 31, 32 may be in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0086] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in each leg cuff 31, 32 may be suitably attached between the first portion 33', 34' and the second portion 33", 34" of the leg cuff fold 35, 37 by means of an adhesive. The adhesive may be applied to the elastic elements, and / or to one or both of the first portion 33 and the second portion 34 of the leg cuff fold 35, 37. Alternatively, the elastic elements may be anchored in the leg cuff fold 35, 37 by means of heat welding or ultrasonic welding, for example as disclosed in WO2021 / 037352A1.

[0087] The elastic elements may be elastic threads, straps, cords, etc. All elastic elements may be of the same type and have the same elastic properties. Alternatively, one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 may have a greater resistance to stretching than one or more elastic elements arranged in the inner portion of the leg cuff folds 35, 37.

[0088] The one or more elastic elements in the inner part of the leg cuff fold 35 , 37 may have a higher linear density (dtex) than the one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer part of the leg cuff fold 35 , 37 .

[0089] Each leg cuff 31, 32 also includes a leg cuff portion 21", 22" of a corresponding nonwoven barrier tape 21, 22. The leg cuff portions 21", 22" of the nonwoven barrier cuff tapes 21, 22 are defined between the upright pleat hinge lines 25, 26 and the outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the nonwoven barrier cuff tapes 21, 22. The outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the nonwoven barrier cuff tapes 21, 22 are parallel to the fold lines 36, 38 in the leg cuff folds 35, 37 and cover at least one elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ of the nonwoven barrier tapes 21, 22 cover all elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuff folds 35, 37, and the outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ coincide with the fold lines 36, 38 in the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18. It should be understood that the outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ may not coincide with the fold lines 36, 38 and may be arranged on the inner side of the fold lines 36, 38 in the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18.

[0090] The leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff band 22 covers all elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 42 in the leg cuff fold 37. The leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff band 22 is attached to the second portion 34″ of the leg cuff fold 37 by adhesive so that the outermost portion of the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff band 22 is not attached to the leg cuff fold 37. In this way, no adhesive is arranged adjacent to the side edge of the absorbent article 1. The adhesive attachment between the leg cuff fold and the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff band 22 can increase the structural stability of the leg cuff 32 by increasing the bending resistance of the leg cuff. This is an effect of adhesive attachment, which may be beneficial to the overall function of the leg cuff, but may be detrimental to the softness of the portion of the leg cuff along the side edge 8.

[0091] As disclosed herein, the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 can be attached to the leg cuff fold 37 with an adhesive that has been evenly distributed over the attachment area between the barrier cuff 22 and the upper portion 34″ of the leg cuff fold 37, thereby creating a uniform attachment between the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 and the leg cuff fold 37, so that the contractile force from the spaced-apart pre-tensioned elastic elements 42 in the leg cuff fold 37 is transmitted to the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 in a substantially equal manner over the entire attachment area. Therefore, when the elastic element contracts, the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 is pleated together with the material in the leg cuff fold 37 and forms soft ripples in the leg cuff 32 in a controlled and neat manner.

[0092] Also like Figure 3A -C, the second portion 34" of the leg cuff fold 37 is secured to the backsheet 10 along the backsheet side edge 10" at the inner end 48 of the second portion 34" of the leg cuff fold 37 using a second bonding portion 71. However, it should be understood that the leg cuff portion 22" of the nonwoven barrier tape 22 may alternatively be attached by heat welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0093] As disclosed herein, the leg cuff portion 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 is attached to the second portion 34″ of the outer cover layer 18 by means of a first bond 70 at the rear portion 5 of the absorbent article. The first portion 33′, 34′ of the outer cover layer 18 is attached to the second portion 33″, 34″ of the outer cover layer 18 by means of a second bond 71. The second bond 71 at least partially overlaps the backsheet 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A -C.

[0094] exist Figure 3A In the embodiment, the first bonding portion 70 overlaps with the second bonding portion 71. Figure 3BIn the embodiment, the first bonding portion overlaps with the second portion 71 b of the second bonding portion 71. The second portion 71 b is arranged at a first distance d2 from the first portion 71 a of the second bonding portion 72, and the first portion 72 a overlaps with the bottom sheet 10.

[0095] exist Figure 3C In the embodiment, the first bonding portion 70 is arranged on the outer side of the second bonding portion 71, that is, the first bonding portion 70 and the second bonding portion 71 do not overlap. Figure 3C In other words, the second bonding portion 71 is arranged at a fourth distance d4 from the leg cuff folding line 38, and the fourth distance d4 is equal to the third distance d3 from the side edge 10 ″ of the backsheet 10 to the leg cuff folding line 38.

[0096] The backsheet 10 is attached to the outer cover layer 18 by the third bonding portion 72. The width of the third bonding portion 72 is smaller than the width of the backsheet 10. Figure 3A -C.

[0097] The second engaging portion 71 is arranged at a second distance d1 from the innermost pretensioning elastic element 41 , 42 in the lateral direction.

[0098] exist Figure 3A In the example shown in FIG. 1-B, the first bonding portion 70 is arranged on the inner side of the pretensioning elastic elements 41, 42 in the lateral direction, so that the first bonding portion 70 does not overlap with any of the pretensioning elastic elements 41, 42 that are spaced apart. Figure 3A In all the examples shown in -C, the first bonding portion 70 is arranged on the outer side of the outer edge of the bottom sheet 10 in the lateral direction so as not to overlap with the bottom sheet 10. Figure 3C Not shown in the figure, the second distance d1 in this example can also make the first joint portion 70 not overlap with the innermost pre-tensioning elastic element, nor overlap with the side edge 10 ″ of the bottom sheet 10 .

[0099] The first side flap 12 is arranged on the rear portion 5 of the absorbent article 1 at the rear waist edge 2 and extends from the first side edge 6 in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1, and the second side flap 13 is arranged on the rear portion 5 at the rear waist edge 2 and extends from the second side edge 8 in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1. The first side flap 12 and the second side flap 13 are attachment flaps and are provided with fasteners 14, 15 for fixing the absorbent article 1 in a pant-like configuration around the lower torso of the wearer's body. Such attachment flaps are an optional feature of the absorbent article as disclosed herein, for example, in an absorbent article that is a pant diaper or a belt diaper.

[0100] The proximal attachment ends of the side flaps 12, 13 are arranged between the second portions 33", 34" of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover 18 and the nonwoven barrier cuff 22. The side flaps are attached to the second portions 33", 34" of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover 18 and the nonwoven barrier cuff 22.

[0101] The first side flap 12 and the second side flap 13 are attached to the leg cuff portion 22" of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 and the second portion 34" of the outer cover 18 at the rear portion 5 of the absorbent article 1. Similarly, Figure 1 The third and fourth side flaps 16 , 17 are shown attached to the leg cuff portions 22 ″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff 22 and the second portion 34 ″ of the outer cover 18 at the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 .

[0102] The first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 are tensioned when the absorbent article is put on, and need to be firmly anchored along the side edges 6, 8 to determine that they will not fall off the article when exposed to the pulling force applied laterally. The first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 can be made of any suitable material known in the art, such as a fiber nonwoven material. The first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 can be elastic or elastically stretchable at least in the lateral direction of the absorbent article 1. The first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 can be breathable, and are preferably soft and flexible to provide good body conformability and comfort.

[0103] Figure 1 and Figure 4 The first and second side flaps 12, 13 are shown provided with fastening elements 14, 15 which may be of any suitable type, such as adhesive or mechanical fasteners. One common type of mechanical fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

[0104] exist Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the absorbent article 1 of FIG. 1 , the fastening elements 14, 15 are shown as hook-type fasteners, i.e., fasteners having a plurality of protruding elements that can engage with corresponding loop-type fasteners, such as loop-type nonwoven materials. The loop-type fasteners can be provided by a portion of the nonwoven outer cover layer 18 covering the backsheet 10 on the garment-facing outer surface of the absorbent article 1. Alternatively, a dedicated fastener receiving area 20 formed of a fastener receiving material can be arranged on the garment-facing outer surface of the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0105] Alternatively, the fastening elements 14, 15 may be adhesive fastening tapes arranged to be attached to a receiving area arranged on the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1. Another option is that the first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 are arranged to be attached to a third side wing and a fourth side wing arranged at opposite waist edges. In addition, the first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 may have a lateral extension large enough to allow the first side wing 12 and the second side wing 13 to be fastened to each other in the manner of a belt. It should also be understood that in a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, the hook-type fastening elements may be arranged on the receiving surface, while the loop-type fastening elements are arranged on the first side wing and / or the second side wing.

[0106] The third side flap 16 and the fourth side flap 17 as shown in the figure are optional for the absorbent article disclosed herein. The third side flap 16 and the fourth side flap 17 can be made of substantially the same material as the first side flap 12 and the second side flap 13. However, elastic materials are less suitable for use in the third side flap 16 and the fourth side flap 17. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the absorbent article 1 in , the third side flap 16 and the fourth side flap 17 are positioning flaps that serve as gripping members when the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 is applied to the abdomen of the wearer.

[0107] like Figure 1 As best shown, the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 preferably extend only along the portion of the side edges 6, 8 located between the first and third side flaps 12, 16 for the first side edge 6 and between the second and fourth side flaps 13, 15 for the second side edge 8, so that a major portion of the leg cuffs 31, 32 is located in the crotch portion 7 of the absorbent article 1. Likewise, the elastic elements 27, 28 in the standing pleats 29, 30 are preferably as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The arrangement shown is such that the elastic elements 27, 28 do not extend all the way to the end edges 2, 4 of the absorbent article 1. The non-elastic portions of the upright pleats 29, 30 are secured to the top sheet along securing lines 39. Thus, under the influence of the elastic forces in the elastic elements 27, 28, the portion of the absorbent article 1 located between the upright pleats 29, 30 assumes a bag-like use configuration in the crotch portion 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0108] Figure 1 and Figure 4 The absorbent article 1 in the embodiment of the present invention further comprises an optional waist elastic member 19. The waist elastic member 19 is located at the rear waist edge 2 and extends in the lateral direction only along a portion of the rear waist edge 2. As known in the art, any type of waist elastic member can be used. In addition, the absorbent article 1 can also include a waist elastic member at the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1.

[0109] like Figure 4As shown, when the absorbent article 1 has been taken out of the package and has been folded open to be ready for application to the wearer, the upright gathers 29, 30 are lifted from the top sheet 9 due to the contraction force exerted on the free upright gather edges 23, 24 by the pre-tensioned elastic elements 27, 28 arranged on the upright gathers 29, 30. The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 pleat the nonwoven material in the leg cuff folds 35, 37 and the nonwoven material in the leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuffs 21, 22 together, thereby producing a fluffy and breathable leg cuff 31, 32, which is elastically compressible in the thickness direction of the leg cuffs 31, 32 and has a wide skin-contacting inner surface, on which the contraction force from the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 is distributed. The leg cuffs thus fit closely around the legs of the wearer in a comfortable manner, with virtually no risk of chafing or other discomfort caused by the leg cuffs.

[0110] As in Figure 4 As can be seen further in the figure, the wide elasticized leg cuffs 31, 32 are bulky and shape-stable and automatically assume the correct position when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer.

[0111] Absorbent core 11 is arranged between top sheet 9 and back sheet 10, and is arranged to absorb liquid, such as urine or other body fluids, that has passed through top sheet 9. Absorbent core 11 can be a single-layer structure, or a layered structure. Absorbent core 11 can include any conventional materials suitable for absorbing the body waste discharged, such as cellulose fluff pulp, tissue paper layer, superabsorbent polymer (superabsorbent), absorbent foam material including hydrogel foam material, nonwoven material, etc. Absorbent core can include non-absorbent components, such as reinforcing element, shaping element, adhesive, etc. Various types of liquid receiving and liquid distribution materials can also be included in the core.

[0112] The absorbent core 11 can be a three-dimensionally shaped core with different amounts of absorbent material in different parts of the core. The core can be provided with features such as embossing, fluid collection chambers, and fluid distribution channels. The properties of the absorbent core, such as density, amount of absorbent material, and absorption capacity can also vary in different parts of the absorbent core. The absorbent core 11 can include a core cover, sandwiching the absorbent material between an upper core cover layer and a lower core cover layer. Such a core cover can be a tissue paper material or a nonwoven material, and is provided in addition to the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 10.

[0113] Liquid permeable top sheet 9 may comprise or be made of nonwoven material. Other suitable top sheet materials include tow fibers, porous foams, apertured plastic films and laminates and combinations of these materials. The material most suitable as top sheet material is soft and non-irritating to the skin, is easily penetrated by body fluids, and shows low rewetting of the absorbed body fluids.

[0114] The liquid impermeable backsheet 10 may be any conventional liquid impermeable material, such as a thin plastic film, for example, a polyethylene or polypropylene film. The backsheet material may be breathable to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent body while still preventing liquid from passing through the backsheet material.

Claims

1. An absorbent article (1) having a first waist edge (2) and a second waist edge (4) extending in a transverse direction (T) of the absorbent article (1) and a first side edge (6) and a second side edge (8) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article (1), the absorbent article (1) comprising: - a liquid-permeable topsheet (9) having a topsheet first side edge (9') and a topsheet second side edge (9"); - a liquid-impermeable backsheet (10) having a backsheet first side edge (10') and a backsheet second side edge (10"); - an absorbent core (11) arranged between said top sheet (9) and said back sheet (10); - a nonwoven outer cover layer (18) which covers the backsheet (10) and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article (1); - a pair of nonwoven barrier cuffs (21, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged symmetrically with one barrier cuff (21, 22) on each side of a longitudinal center line (Lc), each nonwoven barrier cuff (21, 22) comprising an upright pleat portion (21', 22') defined between a free upright pleat edge (23, 24) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and an upright pleat hinge line (25, 26) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), the barrier cuffs (21, 22) being attached to the top sheet (9) along the upright pleat hinge line (25, 26) and having one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements (27, 28) arranged along the free upright pleat edge (23, 24); - a pair of upright pleats (29, 30), said upright pleats (29, 30) comprising said upright pleated portions (21', 22') of said barrier cuffs (21, 22); - a pair of leg cuffs (31, 32) extending in said longitudinal direction (L) and arranged symmetrically along said first side edge (6) and said second side edge (8), each leg cuff (31, 32) being arranged outside said upright pleated portion (21', 22') of the corresponding barrier cuff (21, 22); and in Each leg cuff (31, 32) comprises: - side portions (33, 34) of the outer covering layer (18), the side portions (33, 34) extending in the transverse direction (T) outside the corresponding side edges (10', 10") of the backsheet, the side portions (33, 34) of the outer covering layer (18) being folded back on themselves along folding lines (36, 38), the folding lines (36, 38) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and dividing the side portions (33, 34) of the outer covering layer (18) into a first portion (33', 34') and a second portion (33", 34"), wherein the first portion (33', 34') is folded back on the outer covering layer (18) along a folding line (36, 38) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and dividing the side portions (33, 34) of the outer covering layer (18) into a first portion (33', 34') and a second portion (33", 34") ), the second portion (33", 34") being a folded-up portion of a side portion (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) facing the nonwoven barrier cuff (22), the first portion (33', 34') and the second portion (33", 34") together forming a leg cuff fold (35, 37), the leg cuff fold (35, 37) having a free edge defined by the fold line (36, 38) and a leg cuff width (W) in the transverse direction (T) between the fold line (36, 38) in the leg cuff fold (35, 37) and the upright pleat hinge line (25, 26); - a plurality of spaced-apart pre-tensioning elastic elements (41, 42) extending in said longitudinal direction (L) inside said leg cuff fold (35, 37) and attached between said first portion (33', 34') and said second portion (33", 34") of said leg cuff fold (35, 37); and - a leg cuff portion of a corresponding nonwoven barrier cuff (21, 22), the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff (21, 22) being defined between the upright pleat hinge line (25, 26) and an outer leg cuff edge (43, 44) of the nonwoven barrier cuff (21, 22), the outer leg cuff edge (43, 44) of the nonwoven barrier cuff (21, 22) being parallel to the fold line (36, 38) in the leg cuff fold (35, 37), wherein the leg cuff portion (22″) of the nonwoven barrier cuff (22) is attached to the second portion (33″, 34″) of the outer covering layer (18) by means of a first bonding portion (70), and the first portion (33′, 34′) of the outer covering layer is attached to the second portion (33″, 34″) of the outer covering layer (18) by means of a second bonding portion (71).

2. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first bonding portion (70) is arranged on the inner side of the pretensioning elastic element (41, 42) in the transverse direction so that the first bonding portion (70) does not overlap with any spaced-apart pretensioning elastic element (41, 42).

3. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first bonding portion (70) and the second bonding portion (71) at least partially overlap each other in the transverse direction.

4. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bonding portion (71) at least partially overlaps the backsheet (10).

5. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article (1) is divided into a front part (3), a rear part (5), and a crotch part (7) located between the front part (3) and the rear part (5) in the longitudinal direction (L), and wherein the absorbent article (1) includes a first side wing (12), which is arranged on the rear part (5) of the absorbent article (1) and extends from the first side edge (6) in the transverse direction (T) of the absorbent article (1), and the absorbent article (1) includes a second side wing (13), which is arranged on the rear part (5) and extends from the second side edge (8) in the transverse direction (T) of the absorbent article (1).

6. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article (1) is divided into a front part (3), a rear part (5), and a crotch part (7) located between the front part (3) and the rear part (5) in the longitudinal direction (L), and wherein the first bonding portion (70) is arranged on the front part (3) and / or the rear part (5) and extends in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article (1).

7. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second joining portion (71) extends in the longitudinal direction (L) from the first waist edge (2) to the second waist edge (4).

8. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bonding portion (71) comprises a first part (71a) and a second part (71b), the first part (71a) and the second part (71b) being arranged at a first distance (d2) from each other so as to be separated by a non-bonding portion.

9. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first distance (d2) between the first portion (71a) and the second portion (71b) of the second bonding portion (71) is between 1 mm and 15 mm.

10. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bonding portion (71) is arranged at a second distance (d1) from the most inwardly pre-tensioned elastic element (41, 42) in the lateral direction, and the second distance (d1) is not greater than 12 mm, preferably not greater than 8 mm.

11. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bond (70) and / or the second bond (71) is an adhesive bond.

12. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first bonding part (70) comprises 10-30 gsm, preferably 15-25 gsm, of adhesive material.

13. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second bonding part (71) comprises 5-25 gsm, preferably 5-15 gsm, of adhesive material.

14. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a central portion (18') of the outer cover layer (18) covers the backsheet (10).

15. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backsheet (10) is narrower in transverse direction than the outer covering sheet (18).

16. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the folded-over second portion (33", 34") of the outer cover layer (18) overlaps the backsheet (10).

17. An absorbent article (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the respective side edge (10', 10") of the backsheet (10) is arranged at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm from the leg cuff folding line (36, 38).

18. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backing film (10) is attached to the outer covering layer (18) by means of a third bonding portion (72), wherein the width of the third bonding portion (72) is smaller than the width of the backing film (10).

19. An absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of each non-woven barrier cuff (21, 22) is attached to a corresponding leg cuff fold (35, 37), wherein the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of the non-woven barrier cuff (21, 22) covers all or substantially all of the multiple elastic elements (41, 42) in the leg cuff fold (35, 37).

20. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner ends of the second parts (33", 34") of the side parts (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) are fixed between the top sheet (9) and the back sheet (10).

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