Absorbent article with crotch adjustment feature to provide better fit and comfort

Abstract

An absorbent article includes a backsheet having an outer cover and a crotch adjustment feature for adjusting a crotch of the absorbent article. The crotch adjustment feature is accessible from the interior of the absorbent article. The crotch adjustment feature includes at least one first fastening element located on a connecting member, such as a strap, and a second fastening element located on the outer cover. The crotch of the absorbent article is adjustable by engaging the at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles intended for personal wear, and more particularly to reusable absorbent articles having crotch adjustment features to provide a better fit and comfort for the wearer. Background Art

[0002] Many absorbent articles intended for personal wear (such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, bandages, medical garments, etc.) are designed to have sufficient absorbency to absorb moisture from liquid body excretions (including urine, menstruation, blood, etc.), keeping them away from the wearer to reduce skin irritation caused by long-term exposure to a moist environment. For example, a diaper is typically arranged and secured on a wearer and positioned to absorb solid, liquid, and semi-liquid excreta by using a set of primary fastening tabs such as adhesive tabs or mechanical (e.g., hook or loop) fastening system tabs.

[0003] Diapers are generally divided into disposable or reusable. Disposable diapers have dominated the market for decades and are typically available in customized sizes based on weight and height to fit children at different stages of growth. Once a child outgrows one size of diaper, the next size range must be purchased.

[0004] Compared with the single-use nature of disposable diapers, reusable diapers can be fully or partially reusable, such that their overall structure is reusable and is generally designed to fit children at different stages of growth. Reusable cloth diapers have been around long before disposable diapers, but they are typically ill-fitting, bulky, and generally not effective at containing liquids and other waste. Improvements have been made to reusable diapers to address the drawbacks of traditional cloth diapers. For example, many reusable diapers include a durable outer shell in which a disposable or reusable absorbent component is provided and can be removed and replaced. Even with such improvements, existing reusable diapers still have problems with fit and comfort when compared to disposable diapers and need further improvement to allow reusable diapers to adapt to children, especially as they grow. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The terms "invention", "the invention", "this invention", and "the present invention" as used in this patent are intended to generally refer to all subject matters of this patent and the following patent claims. Statements containing these terms should be understood as not limiting the subject matter described herein or the meaning or scope of the following patent claims. The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims rather than the present invention content. The present invention content is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some concepts further described in the following detailed description section. The present invention content is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, an absorbent article includes a crotch adjustment feature. The crotch adjustment feature includes a strap having at least one first fastening element, and the strap is connectable to the body-facing side of the outer cover of the absorbent article. The crotch adjustment feature further includes a second fastening element connected to the outer cover. The crotch of the absorbent article can be adjusted by engaging at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, an absorbent article includes a crotch adjustment feature accessible from the interior of the absorbent article. The crotch adjustment feature includes at least one first fastening element and a second fastening element. At least one first fastening element is coupled to a connecting member, and at least one first fastening element selectively engages with the second fastening element to adjust the crotch of the absorbent article.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, an absorbent article includes an outer cover and a crotch adjustment feature. The outer cover includes a body-facing side and an outer-facing side. The crotch adjustment feature includes a connecting member, at least one first fastening element, and a second fastening element. The connecting member is connected to the outer cover and extends over a portion of the body-facing side. At least one first fastening element is coupled to the connecting member. In some embodiments, at least one first fastening element is movable relative to the outer cover. The second fastening element is connected to the outer cover. The crotch of the absorbent article is adjusted by engaging at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element.

[0009] The various specific implementations described in this disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that are not necessarily explicitly disclosed herein but will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after examining the following detailed description and the drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this disclosure and be protected by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The feature parts and components of the following drawings are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. For consistency and clarity, corresponding feature parts and components throughout the drawings may be designated by matching reference numerals.

[0011] Figure 1 A diaper on a user according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 is in an unfolded configuration Figure 1 of the diaper and shows the side of the diaper facing away from the wearer when the diaper is worn.

[0013] Figure 3 is in an unfolded configuration Figure 1 of the diaper and shows the body side of the diaper facing the wearer when the diaper is worn together with the absorbent component.

[0014] Figure 4 is Figure 1 another bottom plan view of the diaper with the absorbent component removed.

[0015] Figure 5 is Figure 1 another bottom plan view of the diaper with the lining material removed.

[0016] Figure 6 is Figure 1 another bottom plan view of the diaper with the first fastening element of the crotch adjustment feature removed.

[0017] Figure 7 Illustrates the first fastening element of the crotch adjustment feature of the diaper according to an embodiment Figure 1 of the diaper.

[0018] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a part of the diaper.

[0019] Figure 9 is Figure 1 another perspective view of a part of the diaper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] This document describes crotch adjustment features for absorbent articles and absorbent articles incorporating such crotch adjustment features. In certain embodiments, the crotch adjustment features described herein can provide a better fit and comfort for the wearer while allowing adjustment of the overall crotch or length of the absorbent article. In various embodiments, the crotch adjustment features described herein can be accessed from the interior of the absorbent article, which can provide a more durable absorbent article compared to traditional methods. In some embodiments, the crotch adjustment features described herein are enclosed within the interior of the absorbent article to prevent and / or minimize contact with the wearer's skin. In certain aspects, enclosing the crotch adjustment features can further enhance the durability of the absorbent article. Enclosing the crotch adjustment features can also minimize or prevent the wearer from accessing the crotch adjustment features during use, which can provide a safety advantage for certain wearers (e.g., infants). Various other benefits and advantages can be achieved using the systems and methods provided herein, and the above advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0021] Although the crotch adjustment features described below are discussed in the context of diapers, and particularly reusable diapers, as absorbent articles, they are in no way limited thereto. On the contrary, embodiments of the crotch adjustment features described herein can be used for crotch adjustment of various absorbent articles as needed.

[0022] Figures 1 to 9 An example of an absorbent article 100 having a crotch adjustment feature 102 according to an embodiment is illustrated. In Figures 1 to 9 this case, the absorbent article 100 is a reusable diaper 101; however, in other embodiments, other absorbent articles can incorporate the crotch adjustment feature 102, and / or the diaper need not be a reusable diaper 101.

[0023] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the diaper 101 generally includes a backsheet 104 having an outer cover layer 106 and a lining material 108. In some embodiments, the outer cover layer 106 is substantially liquid-impermeable to prevent moisture from permeating through the backsheet 104. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, waterproof materials, water-resistant materials, coated materials, laminated materials, nonwovens, etc. Polymer materials (such as, but not limited to, polyester and polyurethane) may be particularly suitable. The lining material 108 is positioned closer to the wearer or in direct contact with the wearer and can thus be formed of materials or in a manner that imparts comfort while still being durable. Such materials include, but are not limited to, polymer materials (e.g., polyester, polyurethane, etc.) and natural and synthetic celluloses (e.g., cotton, rayon, acetate, triacetate, and lyocell). In some embodiments, the lining material 108 is wool or micro-wool material.

[0024] Figure 2Diaper 101 is illustrated in an unfolded and laid - flat state to show the outer - facing side 110 of the backsheet 104, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 Diaper 101 is illustrated in an unfolded and laid - flat state to show the body - facing side 112 of the backsheet 104. Figures 2 to 6 Diaper 101 is illustrated in an unstretched configuration (e.g., not stretched in the lateral direction 116). When worn and / or when stretched in the lateral direction 116, the rear ear portions 126 can be generally in line with the rear portion 120, rather than being angled as Figures 2 to 6 illustrated.

[0025] Diaper 101 generally has a longitudinal direction 114 and a lateral direction 116. In the longitudinal direction 114, diaper 101 includes a front portion 118, a rear portion 120, and a crotch portion 122 located between the front portion 118 and the rear portion 120. In some embodiments, diaper 101 can include a front waist elastics 136 and / or a rear waist elastics 134. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, diaper 101 has a rear waist elastics 134 and a front waist elastics 136. The rear waist elastics 134 and the front waist elastics 136 can be arranged to tighten and hold diaper 101 on the wearer, especially around the wearer's waist. As used herein, "elastic", "elastomeric", etc. refer to the ability of a material or composite to elongate at least about 50% and return to within at least 50% of its initial length upon relaxation.

[0026] The rear portion 120 of diaper 101 includes a pair of rear ear portions 126. Each rear ear portion 126 can include a first primary fastening member 128, which is part of a fastening system for securing diaper 101 around the wearer's waist. The front portion 118 of diaper 101 can include a second primary fastening member 130, and when diaper 101 moves from a loose configuration to a worn configuration, the first primary fastening member 128 can engage the second primary fastening member and secure diaper 101 around the wearer's waist. Figure 1 Diaper 101 on a wearer 103 is illustrated in a worn configuration, where the first primary fastening member 128 is engaged with the second primary fastening member 130. The first primary fastening member 128 and the second primary fastening member 130 can be various suitable devices and mechanisms that are adapted to allow diaper 101 to be adjusted from a loose configuration to a worn configuration and vice versa. As non - limiting examples, the first primary fastening member 128 and the second primary fastening member 130 can be hook - and - loop fasteners, snap fasteners, clamps, hook - and - eye fasteners, adhesive fasteners, sticky fasteners, mechanical fasteners, male / female mating parts, combinations thereof, and / or other desired suitable features.

[0027] The leg cuff 124 may extend in the longitudinal direction 114 and may be adapted to fit around the wearer's leg in use and serve as a mechanical barrier to the lateral flow of bodily excretions. In some embodiments, the leg cuff 124 may be part of the outer cover 106. However, in other embodiments, the leg cuff 124 may be a separate material (e.g., strands of leg elastics) joined to the backsheet 104.

[0028] The diaper 101 may be provided with an absorbent core or material 132. The absorbent material 132 is generally conformable and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid bodily excretions. The absorbent material 132 may include superabsorbent materials, short fibers, binders, etc. and combinations thereof, as known in the art. The absorbent material 132 may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the absorbent material 132 may be formed of any suitable material or material assembly, including but not limited to those disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 9,011,403, issued April 21, 2015, and titled "Absorbent Insert"; U.S. Patent No. 6,710,225, issued March 23, 2004, and titled "Layered Absorbent Structure with a Zoned Basis Weight"; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 086,033, published September 17, 2020, as US2020 / 0289342 and titled "Absorbent Cores and Methods for Forming Absorbent Cores"; and PCT / US2020 / 047736, published March 3, 2022, as WO 2022 / 046030 and titled "Absorbent Structures and Methods for Manufacturing Absorbent Structures", the entire contents of each of these patents being incorporated herein by reference. In the context of a reusable diaper, the absorbent material 132 may be a disposable insert that is removed after use and replaced with a new disposable insert within the backsheet 104, a reusable insert that is cleaned after use and subsequently replaced within the backsheet 104, and / or permanently bonded to or within the backsheet 104 such that both the backsheet 104 and the associated absorbent material 132 are cleaned and reused after use. The absorbent material 132 may be retained within the backsheet 104 in numerous ways, such as by insertion into a pocket within the backsheet 104 or via mechanical retention features or chemical retention features (e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, adhesives, etc.).

[0029] The inner lining material 108 may be attached to the outer covering layer 106 and cover at least a portion of the body-facing side 112. In certain embodiments, the inner lining material 108 is attached to the outer covering layer 106 such that a pocket 111 is defined between the inner lining material 108 and the outer covering layer 106. In various embodiments, and as Figure 4 illustrated, the inner lining material 108 is attached to the outer covering layer 106 at various locations, thereby defining one or more openings 113 leading to the pocket 111.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the diaper 101 is a reusable diaper 101, and the absorbent material 132 can be selectively removed and replaced as needed. In other words, the used absorbent material 132 can be replaced with unused absorbent material 132 while utilizing the same backsheet 104. The absorbent material 132 itself can be disposable or reusable as needed. In other embodiments, the diaper 101 does not need to be reusable (e.g., it can be a disposable diaper), and in such embodiments, the absorbent material 132 can be positioned within the backsheet 104 as needed.

[0031] The diaper 101 can optionally be provided with a liner (not illustrated). When a liner is included, the liner can be disposed in various positions, and the liner can have various shapes or sizes as needed. In one non-limiting example, the liner can be disposed between the inner lining material 108 and the outer covering layer 106. The liner can be permanently held in place or can be removed from the backsheet 104 as needed.

[0032] The absorbent article 100 includes at least one crotch adjustment feature 102 such that the crotch (or length in the longitudinal direction 114) of the absorbent article 100 can be adjusted as needed. In Figures 1 to 9 the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent article includes two crotch adjustment features 102; however, the number of crotch adjustment features 102 should not be considered limiting. In certain embodiments, and as Figures 4 to 9 best illustrated, the crotch adjustment feature 102 can be provided adjacent to the rear portion 120 of the diaper 101. However, in other embodiments, the crotch adjustment feature 102 can be disposed at other locations on the diaper 101, such as but not limited to the front portion 118.

[0033] In some embodiments, the crotch adjustment feature 102 may be disposed within the pocket 111 and between the outer cover layer 106 and the liner material 108 so as to be substantially hidden from views of the outer side 110 and the body-facing side 112 of the backsheet 104. This positioning may impart a more polished appearance to the diaper 101, minimize and / or prevent contact between the crotch adjustment feature 102 and the wearer 103, and / or protect the crotch adjustment feature 102 and provide improved durability therefor.

[0034] Reference Figures 5 to 9 , each crotch adjustment feature 102 includes a connecting member 138, at least one first fastening element 140, and a second fastening element 142.

[0035] The connecting member 138 is connected to the outer cover layer 106 using various techniques or mechanisms as needed. In certain embodiments, and as Figure 7 illustrated, for example, the connecting member 138 may be a strap 144 having opposite ends 146, 148 and a body portion 150 located between the ends 146, 148. In other embodiments, the strap 144 and / or the connecting member 138 may have other shapes or profiles as needed. In various embodiments, at least a portion 152 of the strap 144 may be an elastic material, and optionally, the entire strap 144 may be an elastic material. In certain embodiments, the at least partially elastic connecting member 138 and / or the strap 144 may provide improved comfort and fit for the wearer 103, particularly in the case of adjusting the crotch of the diaper 101. In other embodiments, the strap 144 need not be elastic. In certain embodiments, at least one of the ends 146, 148 may be connected to the outer cover layer 106, and in some embodiments, both ends 146, 148 may be connected to the outer cover layer 106. In certain aspects, the body portion 150 may be separated from the outer cover layer 106 while the ends 146, 148 are attached to the outer cover layer 106 such that the body portion 150 may move relative to the outer cover layer 106.

[0036] At least one first fastening element 140 of each crotch adjustment feature 102 is disposed on and / or coupled to the connecting member 138 such that the at least one first fastening element 140 is connected to the outer cover layer 106 via the connecting member 138. In the illustrated embodiment, each crotch adjustment feature 102 includes three first fastening elements 140; however, the number of first fastening elements 140 provided with the crotch adjustment feature 102 should not be considered limiting. Additionally, when multiple crotch adjustment features 102 are utilized, the number of first fastening elements 140 on one crotch adjustment feature 102 need not be the same as the number of such first fastening elements on another crotch adjustment feature 102.

[0037] As Figure 6 Best exemplified, the second fastening element 142 of each crotch adjustment feature 102 is connected to the outer covering 106. In some embodiments, the second fastening element 142 is connected to the rear portion 120, but this is not required in other embodiments (e.g., if the connecting member 138 and at least one first fastening element 140 are disposed adjacent to the front portion 118). Although a single second fastening element 142 is illustrated as having each crotch adjustment feature 102, in other embodiments, a plurality of second fastening elements 142 may be provided on the outer covering 106.

[0038] At least one first fastening element 140 and a second fastening element 142 can be various suitable devices or mechanisms that are selectively engageable with each other. As a non-limiting example, at least one first fastening element 140 and the second fastening element 142 can be hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, clamps, hook-and-loop closures, adhesive fasteners, sticky fasteners, mechanical fasteners, male / female mating parts, combinations thereof, and / or other desired suitable features. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one first fastening element 140 and the second fastening element 142 are a male snap fastener and a female snap fastener. The rise of the diaper 101 is adjusted by engaging the first fastening element 140 with the second fastening element 142. As a non-limiting example, a user can engage the first fastening element 140 that is farthest from the crotch portion 122 with the second fastening element 142 to provide a first rise adjustment, the user can engage an intermediate first fastening element 140 with the second fastening element 142 to provide a second rise adjustment different from the first rise adjustment, and the user can engage the first fastening element 140 that is closest to the crotch portion 122 with the second fastening element 142 to provide a third rise adjustment different from the second rise adjustment. The elastic nature of at least a portion 152 of the strap 144 allows different first fastening elements 140 to be pulled towards the second fastening element 142, which in turn pulls up the crotch portion 120 of the backsheet 104 to reduce the rise of the diaper 101. In this way, by utilizing the selective engagement between the first fastening element 140 and the second fastening element 142, the rise of the diaper 101 can be effectively "taken in" or "let out". Depending on which of the first fastening elements 140 is engaged with the second fastening element 142, a user can provide various levels of rise adjustment. In other embodiments, the first fastening elements 140 that provide various amounts of rise adjustment can depend on the position of the second fastening element 142 on the outer cover 106. Thus, the rise adjustment feature 102 can provide a better fit and comfort for the wearer 103 while allowing adjustment of the overall rise or length of the absorbent article 100. Additionally or alternatively, because the rise adjustment feature 102 can be accessed from the interior of the absorbent article 100, the entire absorbent article 100 can be more durable, such as but not limited to preventing or minimizing unintentional disengagement from the adjusted rise configuration. As described above, the rise adjustment feature 102 enclosed within the interior of the absorbent article 100 can also prevent and / or minimize contact with the skin of the wearer 103, and such enclosure can further improve the durability of the absorbent article 100.

[0039] The following provides a set of exemplary embodiments (including at least some exemplary embodiments expressly recited as "embodiments" that provide additional descriptions of various example embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein). These embodiments are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting; and the present disclosure is not limited to these example embodiments, but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0040] Embodiment 1. An absorbent article comprising a crotch adjustment feature, the crotch adjustment feature comprising: a strap having at least one first fastening element, wherein the strap is configured to be attached to the body-facing side of the outer cover of the absorbent article; and a second fastening element configured to be attached to the outer cover, wherein the at least one first fastening element is configured to engage the second fastening element to adjust the crotch of the absorbent article.

[0041] Embodiment 2. The absorbent article according to any one of the foregoing or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the absorbent article is a diaper, the diaper comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion located between the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the second fastening element is located on the rear portion.

[0042] Embodiment 3. The absorbent article according to any one of the foregoing or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the at least one first fastening element is a snap.

[0043] Embodiment 4. The absorbent article according to any one of the foregoing or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the absorbent article is a reusable diaper.

[0044] Embodiment 5. The absorbent article according to any one of the foregoing or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the strap comprises an elastic material.

[0045] Embodiment 6. The absorbent article according to any one of the foregoing or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, further comprising: the outer cover; and a lining material covering at least a portion of the body-facing side of the outer cover, wherein the strap and the at least one first fastening element are positioned between the outer cover and the lining material.

[0046] Embodiment 7. The absorbent article according to any one of the foregoing or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the strap is elongate and comprises opposite ends, and wherein the opposite ends of the strap are attached to the outer cover.

[0047] Embodiment 8. An absorbent article comprising a crotch adjustment feature that is accessible from the interior of the absorbent article, wherein the crotch adjustment feature comprises: at least one first fastening element; and a second fastening element, wherein the at least one first fastening element is coupled to a connecting member, and wherein the at least one first fastening element is configured to engage the second fastening element to adjust the crotch of the absorbent article.

[0048] Embodiment 9. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding or following embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the elastic material is connected to the body-facing side of the outer cover layer of the absorbent article.

[0049] Embodiment 10. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding or following embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the absorbent article is a reusable diaper, the reusable diaper comprising an outer cover layer comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion located between the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the second fastening element is located on the rear portion.

[0050] Embodiment 11. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding or following embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the at least one first fastening element comprises a plurality of first fastening elements coupled to the connecting member.

[0051] Embodiment 12. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding or following embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the connecting member comprises an elastic material.

[0052] Embodiment 13. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding or following embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the connecting member has opposite ends and a body portion located between the opposite ends, wherein at least one of the opposite ends is connected to the outer cover layer of the absorbent article, and wherein the body portion is separated from the outer cover layer.

[0053] Embodiment 14. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding or following embodiments or combinations of embodiments, further comprising: an outer cover layer; and a lining material that covers at least a portion of the body-facing side of the outer cover layer, wherein the outer cover layer and the lining material define the interior, and wherein the connecting member and the at least one first fastening element are positioned between the outer cover layer and the lining material.

[0054] Embodiment 15. A method of adjusting the crotch of an absorbent article, the method comprising: engaging at least one first fastening element of a crotch adjustment feature with a second fastening element of the crotch adjustment feature, wherein the at least one fastening element is located on a body-facing side strap connected to an outer cover of the absorbent article, and wherein the second fastening element is connected to the outer cover.

[0055] Embodiment 16. The method according to any one of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein engaging the at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element comprises accessing the crotch adjustment feature from inside the absorbent article.

[0056] Embodiment 17. The method according to any one of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein engaging the at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element comprises pulling up the crotch portion of the absorbent article to reduce the crotch of the absorbent article.

[0057] Embodiment 18. The method according to any one of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the absorbent article is a reusable diaper.

[0058] Embodiment 19. The method according to any one of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the method further comprises adjusting the strap and the at least one first fastening element at a position between the lining material and the outer cover.

[0059] Embodiment 20. The method according to any one of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or combinations of embodiments, wherein the at least one first fastening element comprises a plurality of first fastening members, and wherein adjusting the crotch of the absorbent article comprises engaging one of the plurality of fastening elements with the second fastening element.

[0060] The various aspects, embodiments, specific implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used alone or in any combination. It should be understood that various elements from the concepts of the drawings can be combined without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents shall be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Directional references such as "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" are intended to refer to the orientation illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referenced. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising", "having", "including", and "containing" shall be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including but not limited to"). Unless otherwise specified herein, the recitation of numerical ranges herein is merely intended to be a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value or increment falling within the range, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were recited individually herein. Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise required, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is merely intended to better illustrate embodiments of the present invention and does not pose a limitation to the scope of the present invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is essential for the practice of the present invention.

[0062] As used herein, the term "substantially" means the complete or near-complete range or degree of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a "substantially" enclosed object means that the object is completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. In some cases, the exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may depend on the particular context. However, near-completion will have the same overall result as if absolute and complete completion were obtained.

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for practicing the present invention. The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative configurations, and certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and have been described in detail above. Variations of those preferred embodiments within the spirit of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to appropriately employ these variations, and the inventors intend to practice the present invention in a manner different from that specifically described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather, the present invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Additionally, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the present invention covers any combination of the above elements in all possible variations thereof.

[0064] For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific terms to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description of specific embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. An absorbent article including a crotch adjustment feature, the crotch adjustment feature including: A strap having at least one first fastening element, wherein the strap is configured to be attached to the body-facing side of the outer cover of the absorbent article; And A second fastening element configured to be attached to the outer cover, wherein the at least one first fastening element is configured to engage the second fastening element to adjust the crotch of the absorbent article.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is a diaper, the diaper including a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion located between the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the second fastening element is located on the rear portion.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first fastening element is a snap fastener.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent article is a reusable diaper.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the strap includes an elastic material.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further including: The outer cover; And A lining material covering at least a portion of the body-facing side of the outer cover, Wherein the strap and the at least one first fastening element are positioned between the outer cover and the lining material.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the strap is elongate and includes opposite ends, and wherein the opposite ends of the strap are attached to the outer cover.

8. An absorbent article including a crotch adjustment feature that is accessible from the interior of the absorbent article, wherein the crotch adjustment feature includes: At least one first fastening element; And A second fastening element, Wherein the at least one first fastening element is coupled to a connecting member, and Wherein the at least one first fastening element is configured to engage the second fastening element to adjust the crotch of the absorbent article.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the elastic material is attached to the body-facing side of the outer cover of the absorbent article.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the absorbent article is a reusable diaper, the reusable diaper including an outer cover including a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion located between the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein the second fastening element is located on the rear portion.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the at least one first fastening element includes a plurality of first fastening elements coupled to the connecting member.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member includes an elastic material.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member has opposite ends and a body portion located between the opposite ends, wherein at least one of the opposite ends is attached to the outer cover of the absorbent article, and wherein the body portion is separated from the outer cover.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 8, further comprising: An outer cover layer; And A lining material that covers at least a portion of the body-facing side of the outer cover layer, Wherein the outer cover layer and the lining material define the interior, and wherein the connecting member and the at least one first fastening element are positioned between the outer cover layer and the lining material.

15. A method of adjusting the crotch of an absorbent article, the method comprising: Engaging at least one first fastening element of a crotch adjustment feature with a second fastening element of the crotch adjustment feature, Wherein the at least one fastening element is located on a strap connected to the body-facing side of the outer cover layer of the absorbent article, and Wherein the second fastening element is connected to the outer cover layer.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein engaging the at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element comprises accessing the crotch adjustment feature from the interior of the absorbent article.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein engaging the at least one first fastening element with the second fastening element comprises pulling upward on the crotch portion of the absorbent article to reduce the crotch of the absorbent article.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the absorbent article is a reusable diaper.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method further comprises adjusting the strap and the at least one first fastening element at a location between the lining material and the outer cover layer.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the at least one first fastening element comprises a plurality of first fastening members, and wherein adjusting the crotch of the absorbent article comprises engaging one of the plurality of fastening elements with the second fastening element.

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