Series of absorbent articles with waist gasketing elements

Abstract

A series of personal hygiene articles (10) includes at least a first article and a second article that is larger in size than the first article. The articles each include a rear waist gasketing element (70) between a pair of elastic rear tabs (32). The rear tabs (42) each have an innermost edge (420) having a length (60). The waist gasketing element (70) has a length (70) measured along the longitudinal centerline. For at least the first article and the second article, a ratio of the length (60) of the innermost edge of the back tab to the length of the waist gasketing element is in a range of 1.0 to 3.0. The length of the waist gasketing element of the second article is at least 2 mm longer than the length of the waist gasketing element of the first article. The series may include at least a third article that is larger in size than the second article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to disposable absorbent articles such as diapers that have a waist gasket element capable of containing body exudates such as feces. The absorbent articles can be included in a series of articles of different sizes. Background Art

[0002] Diapers and other similar personal hygiene absorbent articles typically consist of a basic structure that includes a topsheet, an acquisition layer, an absorbent core, and a backsheet. Other components including elastic parts are attached to the basic structure. Most diapers have inner elastic leg cuffs and outer elastic leg cuffs disposed along their longitudinal edges to improve the fit around the wearer's legs. Adhesive diapers also have a pair of rear ear tabs, each ear tab being equipped with a fastening tab that can be buckled to the front of the article, thus forming a waist opening around the wearer's waist. These rear ear tabs are typically elastic components (such as laminates including an elastic film) and are attached to the basic structure of the article at their innermost edges by adhesives and / or mechanical bonding.

[0003] Some adhesive diapers have an elastic waistband disposed along their rear waist edge. These elastic waistbands are typically made of laminates including an elastic film or elastic strands sandwiched between two nonwoven layers. Such elastic waistbands are disposed within the basic structure of the article or attached to the inside on the outside of the article. Such elasticized waistbands provide increased pressure between the skin and the article. This improves the containment of exudates in the rear waist region. Elasticized waistbands are particularly useful for closing the waist gap that may otherwise form when the wearer changes posture (such as a sleeping baby bending forward or lying on its back).

[0004] Recently, waist gasket elements disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the diaper have been proposed. These waist gasket elements can be made of materials similar to the elasticized waistbands and are also placed adjacent to the rear waist edge of the diaper. However, the waist gasket elements (also referred to as waist cuffs) differ from the elasticized waistbands in that they are disposed on the inner side of the absorbent article and in that the innermost edge of the waist gasket element is not attached to the basic structure of the diaper but can be separated from the topsheet to some extent. At least some of the other edges of the waist gasket element are bonded to the basic structure of the diaper. In this way, the waist gasket element can form a pocket capable of containing feces and / or reduce the leakage of urine through the rear waist edge of the article.

[0005] The waist cuff element can be attached to the inner surface (usually the topsheet) of the article in a variety of ways, including mechanical attachment, adhesion, thermal attachment, co-forming, etc. The recently published WO2020 / 242714, WO2021 / 092606, WO2020 / 242715, and WO2021 / 092607 assigned to Procter & Gamble disclose a waist cuff element having at least a portion of the waist cuff element adhered to a base structure and at least a portion of the waist cuff element mechanically attached to the base structure. Thus, the waist cuff element includes an adhesive zone, a first mechanical attachment in a non-adhesive bonding zone, a second mechanical attachment in a second non-adhesive zone, and a self-standing edge.

[0006] Many absorbent articles, particularly diapers, are developed to include a range of articles of different sizes, where each size is suitable for a different stage of physical development of the intended user. This is typically the case for baby diapers, where each size is usually indicated by a number, e.g., 0 or 1 for a newborn and up to size 6 or 7 for an older toddler. The size can additionally or alternatively be indicated by other symbols such as letters (e.g., XS, S, M, L, XL...) or descriptive terms ("newborn", "small", "medium", "large", "extra large"...). Each size is also associated with a predetermined weight range. Manufacturers adapt the articles within such a range of articles by sizing and absorbency capacity of the absorbent article to the intended user. While the numbering and corresponding weight ranges can of course vary between manufacturers, the articles of increasing size within such a range allow caregivers to easily transition from one article to the next as the baby grows.

[0007] To date, little attention has been paid to how to size the rear waist cuff element according to the size of the article to provide maximum benefit. Instead, cost reasons and rationalization have motivated manufacturers to use a standard-sized waist cuff element on the articles within a given range. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a series of personal hygiene products. Each of the products includes: a base structure; a pair of rear ear tabs extending outwardly from the base structure; and a waist girdle element disposed between the rear ear tabs on the wearer-facing side of the base structure. The series includes at least a first product having a first size and a second product having a second size, the second product being larger in size than the first product. The size of the product can be indicated by a marker such as a number and / or by a weight range of a predetermined target user. The marker is typically found on the package and / or on the product itself (e.g., as an imprint on the backsheet). Each of the rear ear tabs has an innermost edge closest to the longitudinal centerline, and the innermost edge has a length measured in the longitudinal direction. The waist girdle element has a length measured along the longitudinal centerline of the product in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, at least for the first and second products, and optionally at least for a third product in the series, and optionally for all products included in the series, it has been found that the ratio of the length of the innermost edge of the rear ear tab to the length of the waist girdle element should be in the range of about 1.0 to about 3.0. In another aspect of the present invention, the length of the waist girdle element of the second product is at least 2 mm longer than the length of the waist girdle element of the first product. The length of the waist girdle element of the second product can be at least 4 mm longer than the length of the waist girdle element of the first product.

[0010] The waist girdle element can include a proximal end edge attached to the base structure, a distal end edge that can be partially upright and away from the base structure, a first side edge, a second side edge, and elastic material. At least a portion of the waist girdle element adheres to the base structure, and at least a portion of the waist girdle element can be mechanically attached to the base structure. The waist girdle element can include an adhesive zone, a first non-adhesive zone, and a second non-adhesive zone.

[0011] The disposable absorbent product can generally further include a leg girdle system that includes a longitudinally extending inner leg cuff and a longitudinally extending outer leg cuff. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a simplified front perspective view of a partially fastened adhesive diaper having a rear waist girdle element;

[0013] Figure 2 is in a flat, unfolded state Figure 1 of the absorbent product on the wearer-facing surface;

[0014] Figure 3Is a plan view seen from the inner side (facing the wearer) of the rear waist region of the diaper, where the waist gasket element is flattened;

[0015] Figure 4 Is a plan view seen from the outer side (facing the clothing) of the rear waist region of the diaper;

[0016] Figure 5 Illustrates a package of the diaper. Detailed Description

[0017] General description of the absorbent article

[0018] An exemplary absorbent article 10 shown in the form of an adhesive diaper according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1 shown. Figure 1 Is a front perspective view of the absorbent article 10, where one of the rear ear tabs 42a in the rear ear tabs has its fastening tab 46a fastened to the landing zone 44, and the other rear ear tab 42b has its fastening tab 46b still loose. Figure 2 Is a plan view of the exemplary absorbent article 10, with the surface facing the wearer facing the observer, in a flat, unfolded state (i.e., the elastic contraction has been unfolded). Figures 1 to 2 The absorbent article 10 of is shown only for illustrative purposes, as the present disclosure can be used to manufacture a variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, resealable pants, or other absorbent articles.

[0019] The absorbent article 10 includes a liquid-permeable topsheet 26, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 at least partially positioned between the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28. The topsheet 26 forms most of the side of the article facing the wearer, and the backsheet 28 forms most of the side of the article facing the clothing. These layers will be discussed further below and together at least partially form the basic structure of the article.

[0020] The absorbent article 10 includes a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a rear waist region 16. The front waist region 12, the crotch region 14, and the rear waist region 16 are each 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10 as measured along the longitudinal centerline 50. The crotch region 14 extends between the front waist region 12 and the rear waist region 16. The absorbent article 10 includes a front edge 18, a rear edge 20 opposite the front edge 18, and longitudinally extending, laterally opposed side edges 22 and 24 extending between the front edge 18 and the rear edge 20. The outer perimeter size of the article is generally substantially defined by the basic structure.

[0021] Typically, the diaper also includes a pair of inner leg cuffs 32 and a pair of outer leg cuffs 34. The pair of inner leg cuffs has an elastified edge 33 that stands upright and away from the base structure, and the pair of outer leg cuffs has an elastic member 35 integrated into the base structure. The absorbent article 10 includes a pair of rear ear tabs 42 in the rear waist region 16. The pair of rear ear tabs extends laterally from the rear waist region 16 of the absorbent article 10. The rear ear tabs 42 may include fastening tabs 46. The rear ear tabs 42 can be fastened (using the fastening tabs 46) to a landing zone area or landing zone material 44 provided on the clothing-facing portion of the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may also have front ear tabs 47 on each side of the front waist region 12. The absorbent article 10 has a central longitudinal axis 50, which theoretically divides the diaper symmetrically into a left half and a right half. A transverse axis 48 extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 50 may also be theoretically defined. For simplicity, other components that are typically present in the diaper are not shown, but for typical applications, they should be considered to be present. Specifically, the absorbent article typically includes one or more acquisition layers positioned between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30 and are not further shown.

[0022] In other cases, the absorbent article can be in the form of pants with a side seam that can be repeatedly fastened. Suitable repeatedly fastenable seams are disclosed in US2014 / 0005020 and US9,421,137.

[0023] Top sheet

[0024] The topsheet 26 is the wearer-facing side portion of the absorbent article 10 that contacts the wearer's skin. The topsheet 26 can be compliant, feel soft, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, at least a part or all of the topsheet can be liquid-permeable, allowing liquid body exudates to easily penetrate through its thickness. Suitable topsheets can be made of a variety of materials (such as non-woven fabrics of open-cell plastic films), but other materials (such as porous foams, reticulated foams, woven materials, woven materials) are also possible. The non-woven fabric can include natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester or polypropylene or bicomponent PE / PP fibers or mixtures thereof) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet can have one or more layers. Any part of the topsheet can be coated with a skin care composition, antibacterial agent, surfactant, and / or other beneficial agents. The topsheet can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or can have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic parts or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, there will typically be pores so that body exudates can pass through the topsheet.

[0025] The topsheet 26 can be joined to the backsheet 28, the absorbent core 30, the inner leg cuffs 32, and the outer leg cuffs 34 and / or to parts of any other layer or component of the article as known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] Backsheet 28

[0027] The backsheet 28 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 10 positioned adjacent the absorbent core 30 on the garment-facing surface. The backsheet 28 can be joined to portions of the topsheet 26, outer cover material, absorbent core 30, and / or any other layer of the absorbent article by any attachment method known to those skilled in the art. The backsheet 28 prevents or at least inhibits soiling of articles such as sheets, undergarments, and / or clothing by the body exudates absorbed and contained by the absorbent core 10. The backsheet is generally liquid-impermeable or at least substantially liquid-impermeable. The backsheet can be, for example, or include a thin plastic film (such as a thermoplastic film) having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other suitable backsheet materials can include breathable materials that allow vapor to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing or at least inhibiting body exudates from passing through the backsheet.

[0028] The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as the backsheet nonwoven) can be joined to the backsheet 28 and cover the backsheet on its garment-facing side. The outer cover material forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 and effectively "covers" the backsheet 28 such that the film is not present on the garment-facing surface. The outer cover material can include adhesive patterns, apertures, and / or three-dimensional features. The outer cover material can be a spunlace nonwoven material.

[0029] Absorbent core 30

[0030] The term "absorbent core" refers to the component of the absorbent article 10 that can absorb and contain liquids such as urine received by the absorbent article. Thus, the absorbent core generally has a high absorbency. The absorbent core includes absorbent material that is typically encapsulated within a core wrapper. The absorbent core is shown disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an exemplary profile is shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 The infrastructure of the article is generally constituted by these layers extending in the same longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0031] The core wrapper can be a single material folded around the absorbent material, or it can include separate top and bottom layers that are bondable or otherwise joined together. The absorbent material generally includes superabsorbent particles, optionally mixed with cellulose fibers. As used herein, "absorbent core" does not include any acquisition-distribution layers or systems, topsheets, or backsheets of the absorbent article.

[0032] As illustrated, the profile of the absorbent core 30 can generally be substantially rectangular, as defined by the longitudinal edges of the core wrapper and the transverse front and rear edges. The absorbent material layer can also have a substantially rectangular perimeter, but cores with non-rectangular perimeters are also commonly used. Specifically, the absorbent material can have a narrower width towards the central region of the core (“hourglass” or “dogbone” shape). In this way, the absorbent material region can have a relatively narrow width in the region of the core intended to be placed in the crotch area of the absorbent article. This can provide, for example, better wearing comfort. Other shapes (such as “T” or “Y”) can also be used for the layer of absorbent material.

[0033] The absorbent material can be any conventional absorbent material known in the art. For example, the absorbent material can include a blend of cellulose fibers and superabsorbent particles (“SAP”), where typically the percentage of SAP is in the range of about 50% to about 75% by weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent material can also be free of cellulose fibers, as known in so-called airlaid-free cores, where the absorbent material consists of or consists essentially of SAP. The absorbent material can also be a high internal phase emulsion foam

[0034] “Superabsorbent polymer” or “SAP” as used herein refers to absorbent materials that are typically crosslinked polymer materials that can absorb at least 10 times their own weight of an aqueous 0.9% saline solution as measured by the “centrifugal retention capacity” (CRC) test (EDANA method WSP 241.2.R3(12)). The SAP can specifically have a CRC value of at least 20 g / g, specifically 20 g / g to g / g. As used herein, “superabsorbent polymer particles” refers to superabsorbent polymer materials in particulate form such that they are capable of flowing in the dry state.

[0035] A variety of absorbent core designs incorporating large amounts of SAP have been proposed in the past, see for example US5,599,335 (Goldman), EP1,447,066 (Busam), WO95 / 11652 (Tanzer), US2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), WO2012 / 052172 (Van Malderen). Specifically, SAP printing techniques as disclosed in US2006 / 024433 (Blessing), US2008 / 0312617 and US2010 / 0051166A1 (both granted to Hundorf et al.) can be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a particular type of absorbent core. The absorbent core may also include one or more adhesives, such as an auxiliary adhesive applied between the inner surface of one (or both) of the core wrapper layers and the absorbent material to reduce leakage of SAP outside the core wrapper. Microfiber adhesive webs can also be used in cores without a breathable mat, as described in the Hundorf reference above. For simplicity, these adhesives are not shown in the drawings. Other core configurations can also be used in the present disclosure, which include a highly fluffed nonwoven substrate (such as a carded nonwoven layer) having a porous structure into which SAP particles have been deposited.

[0036] The absorbent material can be deposited in the form of a continuous layer within the core wrapper. The absorbent material can also be present discontinuously, for example in the form of individual pits or strips of absorbent material encapsulated within the core wrapper and separated from each other by joining regions without material. A continuous layer of absorbent material, specifically SAP, can also be obtained by combining two absorbent layers having a pattern of matching discontinuous absorbent material application, wherein the resulting layer is substantially continuously distributed in the absorbent particulate polymer material region. As taught, for example, in US2008 / 312,622A1 (Hundorf), each absorbent material layer can thus include a pattern having an absorbent material landing region and a joining region without absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material landing region of the first layer substantially corresponds to the joining region without absorbent material of the second layer, and vice versa.

[0037] The basis weight of the absorbent material (the amount deposited per unit surface) can also vary to specifically form a non-uniform distribution of the absorbent material in the longitudinal direction of the core, but also in the transverse direction or in both directions, to provide greater absorbency towards the center and middle of the core. The absorbent core can also include one or more longitudinally (or otherwise) extending channel-forming regions 40, which are regions of the absorbent layer within the absorbent material layer that are substantially free of absorbent material. The top side of the core wrapper can be advantageously bonded to the bottom side of the core through these material-free regions via adhesive, mechanical, or ultrasonic bonding. Example disclosures of such channels in cores without breathable felts can be found in WO2012 / 170778 (Rosati et al.) and US2012 / 0312491 (Jackels). Channels can of course also be formed in absorbent cores comprising a mixture of cellulose fibers and SAP particles. These channels can embody any suitable shape and can provide any suitable number of channels. In other cases, the absorbent core can be embossed to produce an imprint of the channels.

[0038] Inner leg cuff 32 / Outer leg cuff 34

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , for example, the absorbent article 10 can include one or more pairs of inner leg cuffs 32 and one or more pairs of outer leg cuffs 34. The inner leg cuffs 32 can be positioned laterally inside the outer leg cuffs 34. Each of the inner leg cuffs 32 can be formed from a single piece of material that is partially bonded to a layer of the absorbent article 10's infrastructure and has an elastified edge 33 that can stand upright from the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10. As is well known in the art, the inner leg cuffs (also designed to block leg cuffs) provide improved containment of body exudates at the junction of the wearer's torso and legs. The inner leg cuffs 32 are defined by the proximal edge 31 and the free end edge 33 that are directly or indirectly joined to the topsheet and / or backsheet and are intended to contact the wearer's skin and form a seal. The inner leg cuffs 32 are present at least in the crotch region 14 and can extend at least partially to the front waist region 12 and the back waist region 16 of the absorbent article 10 on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis 50. The inner leg cuffs 32 can each include one or more elastic components (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free end edge. These elastic strands provide tension to the inner leg cuffs 32 to rise vertically relative to the wearer-facing side of the article, thus forming a seal around the wearer's thigh. The outer leg cuffs 34 can also be present at least in the crotch region portion 14 of the article and can extend at least further into the front waist region 12 and the back waist region 16 of the article. The outer leg cuffs 34 include longitudinally extending elastic threads 35 that help the outer leg cuffs 34 form a seal around the wearer's legs at least in the crotch portion of the article.

[0040] Collection material

[0041] One or more acquisition materials (not shown for readability) are typically present at least in part between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. The acquisition materials can be hydrophilic materials that provide significant capillary action for urine or other body exudates. These acquisitions help to dehydrate the topsheet 26 to bring the urine closer to and into the absorbent core 30. The acquisition materials can include, for example, one or more nonwoven materials, foams, shaped films, apertured shaped films, cellulose materials, crosslinked cellulose materials, airlaid cellulose nonwovens, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof. Typically, the width and length of the acquisition materials can be less than the width and length of the topsheet 26 and / or the absorbent core 30. The acquisition materials can be a second topsheet in the context of a feminine pad. The acquisition materials can have one or more channels as described above with reference to the absorbent core 30 (including embossed patterns). The channels in the acquisition materials can be aligned or misaligned with the channels in the absorbent core 30. In one example, a first acquisition material can include a nonwoven material oriented towards the topsheet, and a second acquisition material can include a crosslinked cellulose material deposited on the first acquisition material and oriented towards the absorbent core.

[0042] Landing zone 44

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in and, the absorbent article 10 can have a landing zone area 44 formed on a portion of the garment-facing surface of the outer cover material. The landing zone area 44 is typically the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10 as it fastens from the rear to the front. In some cases, the landing zone 44 can be or can include one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the topsheet 26 in the front waist region 12. In essence, the landing zone 44 is configured to receive a fastener 45 disposed on the fastening tab 46 that extends from the rear ear tab 42. Common configurations include, for example, a plurality of loops on the landing zone 44 that are configured to engage a plurality of hooks on the fastener 45, or vice versa.

[0044] Wetting indicator mark / graph

[0045] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure can include graphics and / or wetness indicating markers (not shown for simplicity) visible from the garment-facing surface. The graphics can be printed on the landing zone, the topsheet, and / or other locations. The wetness indicating markers are typically applied to the absorbent core-side of the topsheet such that they can be contacted by body exudates within the absorbent core. In some cases, the wetness indicating markers can form part of the graphics. For example, the wetness indicating markers can appear or disappear and generate / remove characters within some graphics. In other cases, the wetness indicating markers can be coordinated (e.g., same design, same pattern, same color) or uncoordinated with the graphics.

[0046] Rear ear tab 42 and front ear tab 47

[0047] Absorbent article 10 has a pair of rear ear tabs 42 disposed in the rear portion of the article and typically has a pair of front ear tabs 47 disposed in the front portion in the context of an adhesive diaper. In most adhesive diapers, only a pair of front and rear ear tabs may be required. Each of the rear ear tabs 42 may include a discrete fastening tab 46 having a fastener 45 at its distal edge, the fastener being configured to engage the material in the landing zone 44. The rear ear tabs 42 or portions thereof may be elastic or may have elastic sheets. In one example, an elastic film or elastic strands may be positioned intermediate the first nonwoven material and the second nonwoven material. The elastic film may be open-celled or may be non-open-celled. The rear ear tabs may be formed. The rear ear tabs 42 are typically discrete components attached to the infrastructure of the absorbent article by an attachment 420 on the surface facing the wearer, on the surface facing the clothing, or intermediate these two surfaces. The front ear tabs are typically made of a nonwoven material having a basis weight of 10 gsm to 30 gsm.

[0048] Waist girdle element 36

[0049] Absorbent article 10 includes a waist girdle element 36 in the rear portion 16 disposed between the rear ear tabs 42 of the article. The waist girdle element 36 provides improved fit and containment and is typically elastically expandable and contractible to dynamically fit the wearer's waist. The waist girdle element 36 may be substantially rectangular, with its long sides 72, 74 oriented in the lateral direction, but the waist girdle element need not be a perfect rectangle. As Figure 3 shown, the waist girdle element 36 includes a laterally extending proximal end edge 72 and a longitudinally opposite and laterally extending distal end edge 74 (proximal and distal herein are relative to the lateral centerline 48 of the article). The waist girdle element 36 may also have a first side edge 76 and a second side edge 78. Both side edges 76 and 78 extend longitudinally between the proximal end edge 72 and the distal end edge 74. The waist girdle element 36 may be constructed in many different configurations, including those described in US4,515,595 and US5,151,092.

[0050] It should be understood that the waist girdle element 36 may be located in various positions relative to various diaper components. For example, although the distal end edge 74 of the waist girdle element 36 may be adjacent to the rear waist edge 20 of the article, the waist girdle element 36 may also be longitudinally inwardly positioned from the waist edge 20 of the absorbent article, as illustrated. For example, the longitudinal distance between the distal edge 74 of the waist girdle element and the rear edge 20 of the diaper 10 may be at least 5 mm. Such a distance may help to avoid the waist girdle element 36 extending over the rear waist edge 20 of the article in the event of longitudinal misplacement during production.

[0051] Figures 3 to 4 The exemplified lumbar girdle element 36 can be prepared as described in patent applications WO2020 / 242714, WO2021 / 092606, WO2020 / 242715, and WO2021 / 092607. Although not limiting the articles of the present invention, the lumbar girdle element 36 can be attached to a portion of the base structure formed by the topsheet 26 by at least one adhesive disposed in the adhesive zone 170 and one or more mechanical bonds 172, 174 disposed in the corresponding non-adhesive zones. The adhesive zone 170 can be disposed adjacent to the distal end edge 74 of the lumbar girdle element 36, and the mechanical bonds 172, 174 can be disposed on the first side edge 76 and the second side edge 78, respectively, as Figure 3 exemplified. Such embodiments are further disclosed in detail in the four WO publications listed above, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] The lumbar girdle element 36 can comprise or consist of a laminate of an elastic film bonded between a first nonwoven and a second nonwoven. The first nonwoven, the elastic film, and the second nonwoven can be bonded by any suitable technique such as ultrasonic bonding, adhesive bonding, etc. One or both of these nonwovens can be, for example, an elastomeric nonwoven or a non-elastomeric nonwoven. It should also be understood that the first nonwoven and the second nonwoven can be the same size or can have different sizes, and can define the same or different widths and / or lengths. In addition, although the lumbar girdle element can have two nonwoven layers, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a continuous elastic substrate can be constructed as a bilayer laminate having an elastic film bonded to a single nonwoven substrate, such as a bilayer laminate formed of an elastic film and a nonwoven. In addition, instead of an elastic film, the lumbar girdle element can comprise elastic strands or other suitable materials. The laminate of the film and one or more nonwovens can be an extruded bonded laminate. It should also be understood that the lumbar girdle element can be assembled in various ways, such as, for example, as disclosed in US6,572,595; US6,830,780; US7,087,287; and US 7,783,244; and US2018 / 0042778 A1; US2018 / 0042787 A1; US2018 / 0042779 A1; and US2018 / 0042778 A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] Figures 3 to 4The mechanical bonds 76, 78 are shown to depict the mechanical connection of the waist gusset element 36 to the base structure (leg cuffs, topsheet, and backsheet). However, in some configurations, the mechanical connection is between the waist gusset element 36 and the leg cuffs 32 such that the topsheet is not incorporated into the mechanical bonds 76, 78. Additionally, in some configurations, the waist gusset element may be mechanically connected to the topsheet 26 rather than the backsheet 28. Referring to Figures 3 to 4 , the mechanical bonds 76, 78 in the illustrated example are shown extending from the waist gusset element 36 to the backsheet 28 and an intermediate substrate therebetween, such as the leg cuffs 32 and the topsheet 26. The first set of mechanical bonds 76 may be positioned in a first adhesive-free zone, and the second set of mechanical bonds 78 may be positioned in a second adhesive-free zone. The first adhesive-free zone and the second adhesive-free zone may each have a width W1 in the lateral direction. According to various configurations, the width W1 may range from about 5 mm to about 30 mm, or may range from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or may be about 15 mm. Each of the first adhesive-free zone and the second adhesive-free zone may extend at least from the proximal end edge 72 to the distal end edge 74 of the waist gusset element 36 in the longitudinal direction. Although the mechanical bonds 76, 78 may extend through multiple absorbent article components to bond the waist gusset element 36 (as Figures 3 to 4 shown), the mechanical bonds may extend only through the waist gusset element 36 and the topsheet 26, or only through the waist gusset element 36 and the leg cuffs 32, or only through the waist gusset element 36, the topsheet 26, and the leg cuffs 32.

[0054] The central portion of the exemplary waist gusset element 36 is attached to the base structure 26 with an adhesive 170. The waist gusset element 36 may define at least one adhesive zone 170 of the adhesive on the surface of the waist gusset element 36 that is adhered to the base structure.

[0055] The waist gusset element 36 is elastified such that when no counteracting tension is applied, it forms pleats, as Figure 1 illustrated. As Figures 2 to 4 shown, these pleats may be unfolded when the absorbent article is flattened. The width of the waist gusset element 36 may be measured under the tension required to stretch the article. Typically, under these conditions, the width Wg of the waist gusset element will range from 30 mm to 100 mm. In a series according to the present invention (described below), the width Wg of the second article may be higher than the width Wg of the first article. The width of the third article may be greater than the width of the second article.

[0056] When the fastening member 42 is pulled around the wearer's waist and connected to the landing zone 44 on the front waist region to form a closed waist circumference, a direct tension line is formed between the fastening members 42. Offsetting the axis of the waist gasket element 36 from the axis of the tab 46 by a distance can advantageously keep the waist gasket element 36 from aligning with this direct tension line. Thus, constructing the absorbent article 10 such that the waist gasket element axis 36 is spaced from the tab axis can allow the waist gasket element 36 to be exposed to a lower level of force than the level of force to which the fastening member 42 is exposed. Accordingly, the stretchable waist gasket element axis 36 can store energy that can be used to close the gap when the wearer bends, without affecting the overall span of users to whom the article can conform.

[0057] Figures 3 to 4 Also shown is an end structure bond 62 disposed at the rear edge 20 of the diaper. The end bond is a mechanical bond or an adhesive bond that seals the absorbent article, specifically the topsheet and the backsheet are bonded together firmly enough by the end bond 62 to reduce the risk of accidental delamination of the layers of the infrastructure. Also shown in the figure is a staple bond 64, which is typically a thermal bond or a mechanical bond that attaches the inner leg cuff material 32 to the infrastructure, specifically the topsheet 26 in the rear waist region of the article.

[0058] Recycling-friendly and bio-based absorbent articles

[0059] The components of the absorbent article described herein can consist at least in part of bio-based content, as described in US2007 / 0219521A1. For example, the superabsorbent polymer component can be bio-based via its derivation from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and production methods are further described in US2007 / 0219521 and US 8,703,450; US9,630,901 and US9,822,197. Other components such as nonwoven and film components can include bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in US2011 / 0139657, US2011 / 0139658, US2011 / 0152812, and US2016 / 0206772, and US9,169,366. Example bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure include those that can be named SHA7260 ™ 、SHE150 ™ or SGM9450F ™ obtained polymers (all available from Braskem S.A.).

[0060] Absorbent article components can include, for example, a bio-based content value of from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about % to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100% as measured by ASTM D6866-10 Method B.

[0061] Components of the absorbent articles described herein can be recycled for other uses, whether or not they are (at least in part) formed from recyclable materials. Examples of absorbent article materials that can be recycled are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process can use an autoclave to sterilize the absorbent article, and then the absorbent article can be shredded and separated into different by-product streams. Example by-product streams can include plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and cellulose fibers such as pulp. These by-product streams can be used to produce fertilizers, manufacture plastic products, paper products, viscose, building materials, absorbent pads for pets or hospital beds, and / or other uses. More details regarding absorbent articles that facilitate recycling, the design of recycling-friendly diapers, and the design of diapers with recycling-friendly and bio-based components are disclosed in US2019 / 0192723.

[0062] Package

[0063] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure can be placed in a package for transportation from a manufacturing location to a point of sale and / or to a consumer. The package can include a polymer film, a paper box, paper, and / or any other common packaging material. Graphics and / or markings related to the characteristics of the absorbent article, specifically the size and corresponding weight range of the article, can be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and / or placed on an outer portion of the package. Each package typically includes a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles can be stacked under compression to reduce the size of the package while still providing a sufficient quantity of absorbent articles for each package. By encapsulating the absorbent articles under compression, a caregiver can easily handle and store the package, while also providing savings in distribution for the manufacturer due to the size of the package.

[0064] Figure 5 A package 500 including an absorbent article is illustrated. The package includes at least one side 510 that displays information about the article contained in the package, such as the brand 520 of the article, for example Pampers ®, optionally a sub - brand 530, such as "baby - dry". The size 540 of the product (e.g., size 4) and the associated weight range 550 (e.g., 9 kg to 14 kg) are also typically indicated at least on the information side 510. A diagram 560 of the product and a product count 570 may generally be included. As is well known in the art, adhesive diapers for infants and toddlers have an increased weight range, however, this increased weight range may overlap substantially from one size to the next larger size, especially the upper limit of the range increases as moving from one size to the next consecutive size.

[0065] Series

[0066] "Series" means a predetermined system of different absorbent products having different configurations (e.g., different sizes and / or absorbent capacities) and designed to be used in a specific order according to the different needs of potential users. A typical series of absorbent products according to the present invention may specifically include a series of diapers suitable for being gradually used as an infant or toddler develops. Multiple absorbent products of a given specification may be packaged in a package. The product series may thus be packaged in corresponding packaging series. The packages have the same brand and / or sub - brand and / or the same trademark registration and may be available at a common point of sale (e.g., oriented to be adjacent to each other in a given area of a retail store). The product series of the present invention is thus typically packaged in a series of packages having similar packaging elements (e.g., type of packaging material, film, paper, main color, design theme, etc.), which convey to the consumer the information that the different individual packages are part of a larger series. A series generally has the same brand (e.g., "Huggies") and the same sub - brand (e.g., "Pull - Ups"), or as Figure 5 shown, "Pampers" is the main brand and "baby - dry" is the sub - brand. Different products in the series may have the same brand "Huggies" and sub - brand "Little Movers". The differences between the "Pull - Ups" products in the series and the "Little Movers" products in the series may include product form, application method, different fastening designs or other structural elements designed to address differences in physiological or psychological development. Additionally, an obvious difference in the packaging method is that "Pull - Ups" are packaged in a film bag mainly in blue or pink, and "Little Movers" are packaged in a film bag mainly in red.

[0067] Series of absorbent articles according to the invention

[0068] The absorbent article series according to the present invention includes at least a first article and a second article, and the second article is suitable for a wearer with a size larger than that of the first article. A diaper series typically includes more than two articles, such as 4 to 16 different articles, specifically 6 to 14 different articles (including intermediate "P" or "plus" sizes (if any), such as 4+). Each individual article in the series is typically characterized by a size that indicates the rank or order of the specific article within the series (usually using a number, where a smaller number corresponds to a smaller size) and an associated recommended weight range (usually the weight in kg of a baby or toddler recommended for that specific size). The manufacturer will adjust the size and the amount of absorbent material for each size according to the indicated recommended user.

[0069] As Figure 3 shown, each of the rear ear tabs 42 has an innermost edge 420, which is the edge closest to the longitudinal centerline 50, and the innermost edge has a length 60 measured in the longitudinal direction. The waist gasket element 36 has a length 70 measured in the longitudinal direction (if the waist gasket element is not rectangular, the length is measured along the longitudinal axis 50). According to the present invention, it has been found that an improved waist accommodation can be obtained when the ratio obtained by dividing the length 60 of the innermost edge of the rear ear tab by the length 70 of the waist gasket element should be in the range of 1.0 to 3.0, specifically 1.5 to 2.5, more specifically 1.8 to 2.2. Therefore, in a first aspect of the present invention, articles of at least two different sizes within the series have sizes within this range. Preferably, at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 articles within the series of articles have such a ratio within the range of 1.0 to 3.0, specifically 1.5 to 2.5, more specifically 1.8 to 2.2. For each article, at least 50% (or at least 70% or 100% of these articles within the series having a waist gasket element) of the articles within the series having a waist gasket element can have a ratio within the range of 1.0 to 3.0, specifically 1.5 to 2.5, more specifically 1.8 to 2.2 obtained by dividing the length 60 of the innermost edge of the rear ear tab by the length 70 of the waist hoop element.

[0070] On the other hand, although the inventors have found that the ratio obtained by dividing the length of the innermost edge of the rear earpiece by the length of the waistband element loop can advantageously be in the range of 1.0 to 3.0, specifically 1.5 to 2.5, more specifically 1.8 to 2.2, it has also been found that in order to better prevent leakage, the length 70 of the waist gasket element 36 should also increase with the size of the articles in the series. It is not necessary for each size in the series to increase this length compared to the size one size smaller. However, within the series of articles, the length of the waist gasket element of the second article is at least 2 mm longer than the length of the waist gasket element of the first article. This length difference can be at least 4 mm. For a series spanning at least three different articles or even more articles (e.g., a diaper series from newborn to toddler), a third article can be provided in the series, where the length of the waist gasket element of the third article is at least 2 mm longer than the length of the waist gasket element of the second article. The length difference can also be at least 4 mm long.

[0071] In this context, the terms "first" article, "second" article, and "third" article describe articles of different and increasing sizes, however the first size, second size, and third size are not necessarily size number 1, or size number 2, or size number 3 of a given series. Instead, there can be several intermediate sizes between the first size and the second size and between the second size and the third size. This aspect and different aspects of the invention are illustrated in the two exemplary series below.

[0072] Example series 1 (all sizes in mm) :

[0073]

[0074] Example series 1 includes 8 basic sizes and 3 additional sizes (“P”), thus forming a series of 11 articles with a gradually increasing recommended weight range. Compared to their extended base sizes, the size P has a higher limit for their weight range boundaries (+1 = +1 kg). Each of the articles has a ratio obtained by dividing the length of the innermost edge of the rear lug by the length of the waist hoop element hoop within the range of 1.0 to 3.0, specifically 1.5 to 2.5, more specifically 1.8 to 2.2. The articles have three different lengths of waist hoop elements (40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm), which increase with the size of the articles. Thus, here, the articles of sizes 1 to 3 are each the first article according to the invention, and any one of the articles of sizes 3 to 4 is the second article according to the invention, while any one of the articles of sizes 5 to 8 is the third article of the invention, where the ratio 60 / 70 of these third articles is within the claimed range, and the length of the innermost edge of the rear lug is also 5 mm longer than the length of the innermost edge of the rear lug of the second article. Alternatively, the articles of size 5 and above may have a longer waist hoop element length of 55 mm instead of 50 mm in order to obtain even more protection at an acceptable additional material cost.

[0075] Example series 2 (all sizes in mm) :

[0076]

[0077] Example series 2 also includes 8 basic sizes and 3 additional sizes (“P”), thus forming a series of 11 articles with a gradually increasing recommended weight range. Each of the articles has a ratio obtained by dividing the length of the innermost edge of the rear lug by the length of the waist hoop element hoop within the range of 1.0 to 3.0, specifically 1.5 to 2.5, and 7 out of the 8 articles have a ratio within the range of 1.8 to 2.2. The articles have three different lengths of waist hoop elements (40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm). The articles of sizes 1 to 2 are each the first article according to the invention (length 70 = 40 mm), and each of the articles of sizes 3 / P to 4 / P is the second article according to the invention (length 70 = 45 mm), and each of the articles of size 5 and above is the third article according to the invention (length 70 = 50 mm). Optionally, the articles of size 5 and above may have a longer waist hoop element length of 55 mm instead of 50 mm in order to obtain even more protection at an acceptable additional material cost.

[0078] Miscellaneous

[0079] The sizes and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such size is intended to represent the recited value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a size disclosed as "mm" is intended to represent "about mm".

Claims

1. A series of personal hygiene articles (10), comprising at least a first article and a second article, the second article being suitable for a wearer having a larger size than the first article, Each product include: longitudinal centerline (50); a transverse centerline (48); a chassis comprising a topsheet (26), a backsheet (28), an absorbent core (30), and optionally an acquisition material; a pair of rear ears (42) attached to the chassis and extending laterally outward from the chassis; and a waist gasketing element (36) disposed on the wearer-facing side of the article between the rear ears (42); wherein each of the rear ears (42) has an innermost edge (420) having a length (60); wherein said waist gasket element (36) has a length (70) measured along said longitudinal centerline; wherein for at least the first product and the second product, the ratio of the length (60) of the innermost edge of the back ear to the length (70) of the waist loop element is in the range of 1.0 to 3.0; and wherein the length of the waist loop element of the second product is at least 2 mm longer, and preferably at least 4 mm longer, than the length of the waist loop element of the first product.

2. A personal hygiene product series according to claim 1, wherein for at least the first product and the second product, the ratio of the length (60) of the innermost edge of the back ear to the length (70) of the waist gasket element is in the range of 1.5 to 2.5, more preferably 1.8 to 2.

2.

3. A personal hygiene product collection according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least a third product suitable for a wearer having a larger size than the second product; wherein the ratio of the length of the innermost edge of the back ear to the length of the waist gasketing element of the third article is in the range of 1.0 to 3.0, preferably 1.5 to 2.5, more preferably 1.8 to 2.2, and wherein said length of said waist gasketing element of said third article is at least 2 mm longer, preferably at least 4 mm longer than said length of said waist gasketing element of said second article.

4. An array of personal hygiene articles according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising from 3 to 12 articles of different sizes, and wherein at least 50% of the articles in the array have a waist gasketing element.

5. A collection of personal hygiene products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each of these products, the length of the waist gasketing element of the first product, the second product and, if present, the third product is between 30 mm and 60 mm, the length being measured in the longitudinal direction.

6. A range of personal hygiene products according to the preceding claims, wherein the length of the waist looping element of the first product is in the range of 30 mm to 50 mm; and the length of the waist looping element of the second product is in the range of 35 mm to 55 mm; and the length of the waist looping element of the third product, if present, is in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm.

7. A collection of personal hygiene products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the waist gasketing element of at least the first product, the second product and, if present, the third product is in the range of 30 mm to 100 mm, the width being measured in the transverse direction with the waist gasketing element gently stretched to remove any wrinkles.

8. An array of personal hygiene articles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one article, or more than one article, or all of the articles in the array have at least one channel forming area (40) in the absorbent core.

9. A collection of personal hygiene products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the products, or more than one product, or all of the products in the collection have an absorbent core which is substantially free of cellulosic fibers in the absorbent material.

10. A personal hygiene product series according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the waist gasket element (36) is adhered to the base structure in an adhesive zone (170), and at least a portion of the waist gasket element includes mechanical attachments (172, 174) to the base structure in a first adhesive-free zone and a second adhesive-free zone, the first adhesive-free zone being disposed at and adjacent to a first side edge (76) of the waist gasket element (36), and the second adhesive-free zone being disposed at and adjacent to a second side edge (78) of the waist gasket element.

11. A personal hygiene product series according to the preceding claims, wherein the waist gasket element includes a third adhesive-free zone, which is arranged at the proximal end edge (72) of the waist gasket element in the central area of ​​the waist gasket element and is adjacent to it, so that the proximal end edge of the waist gasket element in the central area is not attached to the basic structure.

12. The personal hygiene article array according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the adhesive zone (170) is disposed at and adjacent to the distal end edge (74) of the waist gasketing element.

13. The personal hygiene article array according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein first and second mechanical attachment means (172, 174) extend through the waist gasketing element, the topsheet and the backsheet.

14. A range of personal hygiene articles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the range comprises a different package (500) for each of the articles of different sizes (540) in the range.

15. The array of personal hygiene articles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the personal hygiene articles are taped diapers for infants and / or young children having different recommended weight ranges (550).

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