Absorbent products with improved packing efficiency

Abstract

Absorption product comprising: a package (100) having an interior (102) and an outer surface (112) and a plurality of double-folded disposable absorbent articles (10) arranged within the interior (102) of the pack (100) to form a stack (106), the stack (106) being compressed along a compression stack axis (110) such that the pack (100) has a pack width (108) defined as the maximum distance between the two highest points of bulge along the same compression stack axis (110) of the pack (100), wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles (10) comprises a topsheet (18), a backsheet (26), an absorbent core (14) containing less than 10 wt.% cellulose fibers, disposed between the topsheet (18) and the backsheet (26), a first waist region (30), a second waist region (32), a crotch region (34) extending longitudinally between the first (30) and second waist regions (32), and a fastening element (46) extending laterally out of the second waist region (32) and adapted to be releasably connected to a landing region in the first waist region (30), wherein the absorbent product has a stack height in the bag of less than 80 mm, and the stack height in the bag is calculated from the package width divided by the number of disposable absorbent articles (10) per stack multiplied by 10, wherein the absorbent product has a compression in the bag of 58% to 62%.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to absorbent products and, more particularly, to packages containing flexible, disposable absorbent articles that exhibit improved package efficiency, resulting in smaller, more environmentally friendly products. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, training pants, training pants, adult incontinence underwear, absorbent inserts, and the like, absorb and contain body exudates. Such absorbent articles are intended to prevent body exudates from soiling, wetting, or otherwise contaminating clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come into contact with a wearer of the absorbent articles. Absorbent articles can be worn for several hours in a dry state or in a state laden with urine (or other body exudates). Efforts are being made to continually improve the fit and comfort of such absorbent articles in both the wet and dry states.

[0003] Many current absorbent articles, especially those with airfelt (or cellulose) absorbent cores, are soft and flexible when initially placed in underwear, but become stiffer when wet. Such properties of flexibility and subsequent stiffness are also found in absorbent articles with other types of cores. Furthermore, such airfelt (or cellulose) absorbent articles tend to be bulky. Overall, conventional absorbent articles using airfelt (or cellulose) are bulky and somewhat uncomfortable to wear.

[0004] Furthermore, such airfelt (or cellulose) absorbent articles are inefficient to transport because the large amount of air space in such articles (for example, between the cellulose fibers) results in fewer absorbent articles per package and fewer packages per box. Although product compression can increase the packing efficiency of airfelt (or cellulose) absorbent articles, excessive compression reduces the absorbency of such absorbent articles. Furthermore, excessive compression can reduce the aesthetic appeal of such absorbent articles by making the product stiff and uncomfortable to wear or by reducing the apparent softness of individual components of the absorbent article, such as the absorbent core.When cellulosic absorbent diapers are compressed to achieve a thin shape, hard spots often form within the diapers, resulting in a stiffer diaper and a lack of uniformity in the absorbent material.

[0005] Due to the high volume-to-weight ratio of conventional airfelt absorbent articles, the transport and packaging of such articles are limited by volume rather than weight. In other words, when packaging and / or transporting conventional airfelt absorbent articles, a maximum container or vehicle volume is reached before the maximum container or vehicle weight capacity or payload is reached. This leads to transport inefficiency due to the fact that the maximum payload of the container or vehicle is not fully utilized. Essentially, transport capacity is lost due to the amount of air within the transported absorbent articles.

[0006] Improvements have been made to absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, by using an absorbent polymer material (sometimes known as superabsorbent polymers), such as a particulate polymer absorbent material. Particulate polymer absorbent material absorbs liquid and expands and can be particularly effective when the particulate absorbent polymer is arranged in a specific pattern, arrangement, or matrix that optimizes absorbency, fit, and / or comfort. Combinations of airfelt cores and absorbent polymer materials result in diapers that are thinner, more flexible, and more absorbent than previous diapers. This type of diaper construction is now predominant and has been used for some time. However, these diapers are still considered to some extent to be bulky, stiff when wet, and inefficient for transportation to various storage locations.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to have an even thinner, less bulky diaper that is more comfortable to use, remains flexible when wet, and is more cost-effective to transport to different storage locations. One way to reduce bulk is to reduce or eliminate airfelt from the absorbent core. The difficulty with this approach is that it would also require the particulate polymeric absorbent material to remain in its intended location within the absorbent article, without the airfelt core contributing to immobilizing the material, regardless of whether the absorbent article is dry or wet. Several recent publications have disclosed diapers with reduced or eliminated airfelt cores combined with immobilized particulate polymeric absorbent materials.For example, an absorbent article having a substantially airfelt-free absorbent core is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. US 2008 / 0 312 617 A1.

[0008] US 2008 / 0312624 A1 also discloses a multi-folded absorbent product with a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core. A special folding of the absorbent products allows for particularly space-efficient packaging, which is particularly advantageous for transport, storage, and product presentation.

[0009] Although the aforementioned applications disclose an absorbent core for an absorbent article having a substantially airfelt-free absorbent core, there is still a need for a mechanism to avoid hard, stiff spots in the article as a result of compression to fit into a package. Furthermore, there is a need for a mechanism to fully optimize product delivery and transportation for such articles (optimizing from the standpoint of more articles per unit volume and less packaging per number of packaged articles). These types of transportation efficiencies lower the environmental impact of transporting such articles by reducing the number of pallets and trucks required to transport the articles to various warehouse locations and stores. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention relates to an absorbent product according to claim 1. Optional features are included in the dependent claims.

[0011] Further disclosed is another absorbent product comprising a package having an interior and an outer surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles has a topsheet; a backsheet; a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first waist region; a second waist region; a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions; and a fastener extending laterally from the second waist region and configured to be releasably connected to a landing region in the first waist region. The absorbent product has an in-bag stack height of less than about 80 mm, as measured according to an in-bag stack height test.

[0012] Further disclosed is another absorbent product comprising a package having an interior and an exterior surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles has a topsheet; a backsheet; a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first waist region; a second waist region; a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions; and a fastener extending laterally from the second waist region and configured to be releasably connected to a landing region in the first waist region. The absorbent product has a calculated bag utilization factor of less than about 0.030 m 2 / diaper / m on.

[0013] Further disclosed is another absorbent product comprising a package having an interior and an outer surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles comprises a chassis comprising a topsheet; a backsheet; a first waist region; a second waist region; and a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent product has an in-bag stack height of less than about 80 mm, as measured by an in-bag stack height test, and the disposable absorbent articles have a longitudinal bending stiffness of less than about 355 N / m, as measured by a stiffness test.

[0014] Further disclosed is another absorbent product comprising a package having an interior and an outer surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles comprises a chassis consisting of a topsheet; a backsheet; a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first waist region; a second waist region; and a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent product has an in-bag stack height of less than about 80 mm, as measured according to an in-bag stack height test.

[0015] Further disclosed is another absorbent product comprising a package having an interior and an exterior surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles comprises a chassis comprising a topsheet; a backsheet; a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a first waist region; a second waist region; and a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent product has a calculated pouch utilization factor of less than about 0.030 m 2 / diaper / m on.

[0016] Further disclosed is another absorbent product comprising a package having an interior and an outer surface; and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles has a topsheet; a backsheet; a first waist region; a second waist region; a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions; and a fastener extending laterally from the second waist region and configured to be releasably connected to a landing region in the first waist region. The absorbent articles are selected from the group consisting of baby and toddler diapers. The absorbent product has a pouch stack height of less than about 80 mm, as measured by a pouch stack height test. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Although the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter considered to be the invention, it is believed that the various embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article having a substantially airfelt-free absorbent core; Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an absorbent core layer of the absorbent article of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an absorbent core according to another embodiment; Fig.5A is a side view of a package of absorbent articles according to one embodiment, showing the package width. The outer surface is shown transparent for clarity; Fig. Figure 5B is a side view of a package of absorbent articles according to one embodiment, showing the package height. The outer surface is shown transparent for clarity; Fig. 5C is a perspective view of a package of absorbent articles according to one embodiment, showing the package depth; Fig. Figure 6A is a front plan view showing a stiffness test fixture with an upper fixture and a lower fixture. Fig. Figure 6B is a front plan view showing the stiffness test fixture with the upper fixture holding a test specimen. Fig.Figure 6C is a detailed front plan view of the upper bracket; Fig. 6D is a detailed view of the plunger blade of the Fig. 6C; Fig. Figure 6E is a detailed right-side view of the upper bracket; Fig. Figure 6F is a detailed top view of the lower bracket; Fig. 7A is a side view of an absorbent article folded twice; Fig. Figure 7B is a side view of an absorbent article folded three times;

[0018] The illustrations herein are not necessarily to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] "Absorbent articles" refer to devices that absorb and retain bodily exudates, and more specifically, to devices placed against or near the wearer's body to absorb and retain the various exudates released by the body. Absorbent articles may include diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence underwear.

[0020] "Absorbent core" refers to a structure typically disposed between a topsheet and backsheet of an absorbent article to absorb and retain liquid received by the absorbent article, and may comprise one or more substrates, absorbent polymeric material disposed on the one or more substrates, a thermoplastic composition on the particulate polymeric absorbent material, and at least a portion of the one or more substrates for immobilizing the particulate polymeric absorbent material on the one or more substrates. In a multi-layer absorbent core, the absorbent core may also include a topsheet. The one or more substrates and the topsheet may comprise a nonwoven fabric. Further, the absorbent core may be substantially cellulosic.The absorbent core comprises the one or more substrates, the absorbent polymer material, the thermoplastic composition, optionally the cover layer, and optionally glue as an excipient.

[0021] “Absorbent polymer material,” “absorbent gelling material,” “AGM,” “superabsorbent,” and “superabsorbent material” are used interchangeably herein and refer to substantially water-insoluble polymer particles capable of absorbing at least 5 times their weight of a 0.9% salt aqueous solution via an osmotic mechanism.

[0022] “Particulate polymeric absorbent material” is used herein to mean a polymeric absorbent material that is in particulate form such that it is flowable when dry.

[0023] "Region of particulate polymeric absorbent material," as used herein, refers to the region of the core where the first substrate and the second substrate are separated by a plurality of superabsorbent particles. A boundary of the region of particulate polymeric absorbent material is defined by the perimeter of overlapping shapes. Some insignificant superabsorbent particles may be present outside this perimeter between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0024] "Containment system" means a structure that serves as a temporary container for body fluids until the absorbent core can absorb the fluids. The containment system may be in direct contact with the absorbent core and located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The containment system may comprise a single layer or multiple layers, such as an upper containment layer directed toward the wearer's skin and a lower containment layer directed toward the wearer's clothing. The containment system may function to contain a surge of fluid, such as a stream of urine.

[0025] “Airfelt” or “cellulose” are used interchangeably herein and refer to ground wood pulp, which is a form of cellulose fiber.

[0026] “Single-use” is used in its usual sense and means an article that is thrown away or disposed of after a limited number of uses over varying periods of time, for example, less than about 20 uses, less than about 10 uses, less than about 5 uses, or less than about 2 uses.

[0027] "Diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent individuals around the abdomen to enclose the waist and legs of the wearer, and which is specifically adapted to absorb and contain urine and fecal excretions. As used herein, the term "diaper" also includes "diaper pants," as defined below.

[0028] “Fiber” and “thread” are used interchangeably.

[0029] A "nonwoven" is a film, sheet, or mat product made of directionally or randomly oriented fibers bonded together by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, and excludes paper and products that are woven, knitted, tufted, joined by stitches using binder yarns or threads, or felted by wet milling, whether additionally needled or not. The fibers may be natural or synthetic in origin and may be stapled or continuous filaments or produced in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm and come in several different forms: short fibers (known as staple or chopped fibers), continuous individual fibers (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yarn).Nonwovens can be manufactured using many processes, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding. The basis weight of nonwovens is typically expressed in grams per square meter.

[0030] "Infant diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally intended for babies from approximately 0 to 6 months of age. Within this group of diapers, four sizes are commonly used: preterm (up to approximately 6 pounds), newborn (up to approximately 10 pounds), infant size 1 (generally from approximately 8 to 14 pounds), and infant size 2 (generally from approximately 12 to 18 pounds). Design features of this type of diaper are typically focused on benefits such as softness and / or gentleness against the skin.

[0031] "Baby diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally intended for babies from approximately 6 to 12 months of age. Within this group of diapers, five sizes are commonly used: size 3 (from approximately 16 to 28 pounds), size 4 (from approximately 22 to 37 pounds), size 5 (over approximately 27 pounds), size 6 (over approximately 35 pounds), and size 7 (over approximately 41 pounds). Design features of this type of diaper are typically focused on benefits such as fit and stretch, allowing the baby more flexibility when crawling or walking.

[0032] "Toddler diapers" refers to an absorbent article generally intended for babies older than approximately 12 months and at a stage where they may be learning to use a toilet. Within this group, there are three common sizes: size 4 (from approximately 16 to 34 pounds), size 5 (from approximately 30 to 40 pounds), and size 6 (over approximately 37 pounds). It is common for design features of this type of diaper to focus on benefits such as fit and ease of application / removal, allowing the child greater comfort while learning to use a toilet. These diapers may be designed as pants or training pants, as defined below, or may simply be larger diapers. The overlapping weight ranges for the various sizes described above are intended to accommodate different sizes and shapes of babies within each developmental stage.

[0033] "Pants" or "training pants," as used herein, refer to disposable garments having a waist opening and leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. A pant may be applied to the wearer by tucking the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant into place around the wearer's lower torso. A pant may be preformed using any suitable method, including, but not limited to, joining sections of the article together using resealable and / or non-resealable connections (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive material, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). A pant may be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article (e.g., side-attached, front-waist attached).Although the term "pants" is used herein, pants are also commonly referred to as "closed diapers," "pre-fastened diapers," "pull-on diapers," "training pants," and "diaper pants." Suitable pants are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse et al. on September 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234, issued to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487, issued to Ashton on September 19, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,489, issued to Johnson et al. on September 19, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464, issued to Van Gompel et al. on July 10, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,861, issued to Nomura et al. on March 3, 1992; US 2003 / 0 233 082 A1 entitled "Highly Flexible And Low Deformation Fastening Device", filed on June 13, 2002; US 5 897 545 A, issued to Kline et al. on April 27, 1999; US 5 957 908 A, issued to Kline et al. on September 28, 1999, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0034] "Substantially cellulose-free" or "substantially airfelt-free" is used herein to describe an article, such as an absorbent core, that contains less than 10% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 5% cellulosic fibers, less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no cellulosic fibers, or no more than an intangible amount of cellulosic fibers. An intangible amount of cellulosic material would not materially affect the thinness, flexibility, or absorbency of an absorbent core. For example, the weight percentage of cellulosic fibers for an absorbent core is calculated based on the total weight of particulate polymeric absorbent material and cellulosic fibers found in the absorbent core.

[0035] "Substantially continuously distributed," as used herein, indicates that within the region of particulate polymeric absorbent material, the first substrate and the second substrate are separated by a plurality of superabsorbent particles. It is recognized that insignificant random areas of contact between the first substrate and the second substrate may be present within the region of particulate polymeric absorbent material. Areas of random contact between the first substrate and the second substrate may be intentional or unintentional (e.g., manufacturing artifacts), but they do not form geometries such as pillows, pockets, tubes, quilt patterns, and the like.

[0036] "Thermoplastic adhesive material," as used herein, is intended to encompass a polymer composition from which fibers are formed and applied to the superabsorbent material with the intent of immobilizing the superabsorbent material in both the dry and wet states. The thermoplastic adhesive material of the present invention forms a fiber network over the superabsorbent material.

[0037] “Thickness” and “strength” are used interchangeably herein.

[0038] "In-bag compression", as used here, is one minus the height of a stack of 10 diapers in millimeters, measured under compression within a multi-bag (in-bag stack height), divided by the height of a stack of 10 diapers of the same type before compression, multiplied by 100; ie (1 - in-bag stack height / pre-compression stack height) x 100, expressed as a percentage.

[0039] An absorbent article having a substantially airfelt-free absorbent core is disclosed in US 2008 / 0 312 617 A1 by The Procter and Gamble Company and hereby incorporated by reference. An absorbent article having a substantially airfelt-free absorbent core, such as a diaper, is disclosed in Fig. 1. The diaper 10 is shown in its flat, uncontracted state (i.e., without elastically induced contraction), and portions of the diaper 10 are cut away to more clearly show the underlying structure of the diaper 10. A portion of the diaper 10 that contacts a wearer has Fig. 1 to the viewer. The diaper 10 may generally comprise a base unit 12 and an absorbent core 14 disposed within the base unit.

[0040] The basic unit 12 of the diaper 10 in Fig.1 may comprise the main body of the diaper 10. The chassis 12 may comprise an outer cover 16 including a topsheet 18, which may be liquid pervious, and / or a backsheet 20, which may be liquid impervious. The absorbent core 14 may be disposed between the topsheet 18 and the backsheet 20. The chassis 12 may also include side panels 22, elasticized leg cuffs 24, and an elastic waist feature 26.

[0041] The leg cuffs 24 and the elastic waist feature 26 may each typically include elastic members 28. An end portion of the diaper 10 may be configured as a first waist region 30 of the diaper 10. An opposite end portion of the diaper 10 may be configured as a second waist region 32 of the diaper 10. An intermediate portion of the diaper 10 may be configured as a crotch region 34 extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions 30 and 32. The waist regions 30 and 32 may include elastic members positioned around the wearer's waist to provide improved fit and containment (elastic waist feature 26). The crotch region 34 is the portion of the diaper 10 that, when the diaper 10 is worn, is generally disposed between the wearer's legs.

[0042] The diaper 10 is in Fig.1 with its longitudinal axis 36 and its transverse axis 38. A perimeter 40 of the diaper 10 is defined by the outer edges of the diaper 10, with the longitudinal edges 42 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 36 of the diaper 10 and the end edges 44 between the longitudinal edges 42 generally parallel to the transverse axis 38 of the diaper 10. The base unit 12 may also include a fastening system, which may include at least one fastening element 46 and at least one provided landing area 48.

[0043] The diaper 10 may also include other features as are known in the art, including front and back flap panels, waist closure features, elastic bands, and the like, to provide improved fit, containment, and aesthetic properties. Such additional features are well known in the art and are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 3,860,003 and 5,151,092.

[0044] To hold the diaper 10 in place around the wearer, at least a portion of the first waist region 30 may be secured by the fastener elements 46 to at least a portion of the second waist region 32 to form leg opening(s) and a waist of the article. When secured, the fastening system carries a tensile load around the article waist. The fastening system may allow the wearer of an article to hold an element of the fastening system, such as the fastener element 46, and connect the waist region 30 to the second waist region 32 at at least two locations. This may be accomplished by manipulating the bond strengths between the fastener elements. In one embodiment, the fastener element 46 may include adhesive strip fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, button-and-loop fasteners, snaps, pins, belts, and the like, and combinations thereof.Typically, the fastening element 46 is configured to be refastenable or resealable. In some embodiments, the fastening element 46 may be configured to cooperate with or otherwise connect to a fastening element, for example, the outer cover 16. In other embodiments, the fastening element may be a fastener engagement portion 48. The fastener engagement portion 48 may be a piece of loop material disposed on the outer cover 16 in the front waist region 30 and is configured to cooperate with a hook-type fastening element 46. In alternative embodiments, the engagement portion 48 may be a film configured to cooperate with an adhesive tape strip fastening element 46.

[0045] The diaper 10 may be provided with a resealable fastening system or, alternatively, may be provided in the form of a pant-type diaper. If the absorbent article is a diaper, it may include a resealable fastening system attached to the chassis to secure the diaper to the wearer. If the absorbent article is a pant-type diaper, the article may have at least two side panels attached to the chassis and to each other to form a pant. The fastening system and each of its components may include any material suitable for such use, including, but not limited to, plastics, films, foams, nonwovens, woven fabrics, paper, laminates, fiber-reinforced plastics, and the like, or combinations thereof. The materials from which the fastening means are constructed may be flexible.The flexibility can allow the fastening system to adapt to the shape of the body, thus reducing the likelihood that the fastening system will irritate or injure the wearer's skin.

[0046] For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis 12 and the absorbent core 14 may form the main structure of the diaper 10, to which other features are added to form the diaper composite structure. Although the topsheet 18, the backsheet 20, and the absorbent core 14 may be assembled in a number of well-known configurations, some diaper configurations are generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145, entitled "Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature," issued to Roe et al. on Sep. 10, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234, entitled "Disposable Pull-On Pant," issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306, entitled "Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible Side Panels," issued to Robles et al. on December 21, 1999; described.

[0047] The upper class 18 in Fig.1 may be fully or partially elasticized, or may be foreshortened to provide a void between the topsheet 18 and the absorbent core 14. Exemplary structures comprising elasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elastically Extensible Topsheet," issued to Allen et al. on August 6, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775, entitled "Trisection Topsheets for Disposable Absorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets," issued to Freeland et al. on December 14, 1993.

[0048] The backsheet 26 may be bonded to the topsheet 18. The backsheet 20 may prevent the exudates absorbed by the absorbent core 14 and contained within the diaper 10 from soiling other external articles that may contact the diaper 10, such as bedsheets and undergarments. The backsheet 26 may be substantially impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and may comprise a laminate of a nonwoven fabric and a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc., Terre Haute, Ind., USA, and sold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964.Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the diaper 10 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the backsheet 10. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as those manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Comicroporous., in Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co. of Bay City, Tex., under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composites comprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, under the designation HYTREL Blend P18-3097. Such breathable composites are described in more detail in PCT Application No. WO 95 / 16746, published June 22, 1995, in the name of E.I. DuPont.Other breathable backsheets comprising nonwoven webs and formed apertured films are described in US Pat. No. 5,571,096, issued to Dobrin et al. on November 5, 1996.

[0049] The backing layer may have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of more than approximately 2000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 3000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 5000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 6000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 7000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 8000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 9000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 10000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 11000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 12000 g / 24 h / m 2 , more than approximately 15000 g / 24 h / m 2 measured according to WSP 70.5 (08) at 37.8 °C and 60 % relative humidity.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the diaper 10 of Fig. 1, taken along the section line 2-2 of Fig.1. Starting from the wearer-facing side, the diaper 10 may comprise the topsheet 18, the components of the absorbent core 14, and the backsheet 20. The diaper 10 may also comprise an acquisition system 50 disposed between the liquid-permeable topsheet 18 and the backsheet 20. In one embodiment, the diaper 10 may comprise an acquisition system 50 disposed between the liquid-permeable topsheet 18 and a wearer-facing side of the absorbent core 14. The acquisition system 50 may be in direct contact with the absorbent core 14. The acquisition system 50 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers, such as an upper acquisition layer 52 facing the wearer's skin and a lower acquisition layer 54 facing the wearer's clothing. The acquisition system 50 may function to contain a surge of liquid, such as a stream of urine.In other words, the acquisition system 50 can serve as a temporary storage for liquid until the absorbent core 14 can absorb the liquid.

[0051] The lower acquisition layer 54 may have a high fluid absorption capacity. Fluid absorption is measured in grams of absorbed fluid per gram of absorbent material and is expressed by the "maximum absorption" value. High fluid absorption therefore corresponds to a high capacity of the material and is advantageous because it ensures the complete absorption of fluids intended to be absorbed by an acquisition material. The lower acquisition layer 54 may have a maximum absorption of approximately 10 g / g.

[0052] A relevant attribute of the upper acquisition layer 54 is its mean desorption pressure, MDP. The MDP is a measure of the capillary pressure required to dewater the lower acquisition layer 54 to approximately 50% of its capacity at 0 cm of capillary suction height under an applied mechanical pressure of 0.3 psi. In general, a relatively low MDP can be beneficial. The lower MDP can enable the lower acquisition layer 54 to efficiently dewater the upper acquisition material: The ability of the lower acquisition layer 54 to move liquid vertically via capillary forces is directly influenced by gravity and the opposing capillary forces related to desorption of the lower acquisition layer. Minimizing these capillary forces can positively impact the performance of the lower acquisition layer 54.However, the lower acquisition layer may also have adequate capillary wicking to dewater the overlying layers (particularly, the upper acquisition layer 52 and the topsheet 18) and temporarily retain liquid until the liquid can be removed from the absorbent core components. Therefore, the lower acquisition layer 54 may have a minimum MDP of greater than 5 cm. Further, the lower acquisition layer 54 has an MDP value of less than about 20.5 cm H2O, or less than about 19 cm H2O, or less than about 18 cm H2O to provide rapid uptake.

[0053] In one embodiment, the absorbent core 14 is as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, is generally disposed between the topsheet 18 and the backsheet 20 and comprises two layers, a first absorbent layer 60 and a second absorbent layer 62. As best shown in Fig.3, the first absorbent layer 60 of the absorbent core 14 comprises a substrate 64, a particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 on the substrate 64, and a thermoplastic composition 68 on the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66, and at least portions of the first substrate 64 as an adhesive for covering and immobilizing the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 on the first substrate 64. The first absorbent layer 60 of the absorbent core 14 may also include a cover layer (not shown) on the thermoplastic composition 68.

[0054] How best in Fig. 2 and Fig.4, the second absorbent layer 62 of the absorbent core 14 may similarly also comprise a substrate 72, a particulate polymeric absorbent material 74 on the second substrate 72, and a thermoplastic composition 76 on the particulate polymeric absorbent material 74, and at least a portion of the second substrate 72 for immobilizing the particulate polymeric absorbent material 74 on the second substrate 72. Although not shown, the second absorbent layer 62 may comprise a cover layer.

[0055] The substrate 64 of the first absorption layer 60 may be referred to as a dust layer and has a first surface 78 ( Fig.3) facing the backsheet 20 of the diaper 10 and a second surface 80 facing the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66. Similarly, the substrate 72 of the second absorbent layer 62 may be referred to as a core cover and has a first surface facing the topsheet 18 of the diaper 10 and a second surface facing the particulate polymeric absorbent material 74. The first and second substrates 64 and 72 may be adhesively secured together around the perimeter to form a wrap around the particulate polymeric absorbent materials 66 and 74 to retain the particulate polymeric absorbent materials 66 and 74 within the absorbent core 14.

[0056] The substrates 64 and 72 of the first and second absorbent layers 60 and 62 may be a nonwoven material. The nonwoven materials may be porous and may have a pore size of approximately 32 micrometers.

[0057] As in Fig. 2 and Fig.4, the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 and 74 is deposited on the respective substrates 64 and 72 of the first and second absorbent layers 60 and 62 in clusters 90 of particles to form a grid pattern including land areas 94 and bonding areas 96 between the land areas 94. As defined herein, land areas 94 are areas where the thermoplastic adhesive material does not directly contact the nonwoven substrate or the auxiliary adhesive; bonding areas 96 are areas where the thermoplastic adhesive material directly contacts the nonwoven substrate or the auxiliary adhesive. The bonding areas 96 in the grid pattern contain little or no particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 and 74. The land areas 94 and bonding areas 96 can have a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, any polygon shape, and the like.

[0058] The size of the land surfaces 94 can vary. The width of the land surfaces 94 can range from approximately 8 mm to approximately 12 mm. The connecting surfaces 96, on the other hand, can have a width or greater span of less than approximately 5 mm, less than approximately 3 mm, less than approximately 2 mm, less than approximately 1.5 mm, less than approximately 1 mm, or less than approximately 0.5 mm.

[0059] The connecting surfaces 96 can be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern. In one embodiment, the arrangement of land surfaces 94 and connecting surfaces 96 forms an angle that can be 0 degrees, greater than 0 degrees, 15 to 30 degrees, or from about 5 to about 85 degrees, or from about 10 to about 60 degrees, or from about 15 to about 30 degrees.

[0060] The first and second absorbent layers 60 and 62 can be combined to form the absorbent core 14 such that the layers are staggered and the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 is distributed substantially continuously across the absorbent polymer surface. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 is distributed substantially continuously across the absorbent polymer material surface, although absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 is distributed discontinuously across the first and second substrates 64 and 72 in clusters 90. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent layers can be staggered such that the land surfaces 94 of the first absorbent layer 60 face the bonding surfaces 96 of the second absorbent layer 62 and the land surfaces of the second absorbent layer 62 face the bonding surfaces 96 of the first absorbent layer 60.When the land surfaces 94 and the connecting surfaces 96 have a suitable size and arrangement, the resulting combination of absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 is a substantially continuous layer of absorbent polymer material on the absorbent polymer material surface of the absorbent core 14 (i.e., the first and second substrates 64 and 72 do not form a plurality of pockets each containing a cluster 90 of particulate absorbent polymer material 66 therebetween).

[0061] In a particular embodiment, the amount of absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 may vary along the length of the core. The amount of absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 present in the absorbent core 14 may vary, but in certain embodiments, it is present in the absorbent core in an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 95% by weight of the core. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent core 14 comprises the first and second substrates 64 and 72, the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74, and the thermoplastic composition 68 and 76. In such an embodiment, the absorbent core 14 is substantially cellulosic.

[0062] It has been found that for most absorbent articles, such as diapers, liquid release occurs predominantly in the front half of the diaper. The front half of the absorbent core 14 should therefore have the greatest absorbent performance of the core. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the front half of the absorbent core 14 may comprise more than about 60% of the superabsorbent material, or more than 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% of the superabsorbent material. The front half is defined as the area between: the midpoint on the longitudinal axis 36 and the end edge 44 located in the first waist region 30.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may further comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, capable of conforming to a shape, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body exudates. In such embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may comprise a variety of liquid-absorbing materials used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as meltblown polymers, including co-molded absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, or any other known absorbent material or combination of materials. The absorbent core 14 may further comprise minor amounts (typically less than about 10%) of materials such as adhesives, waxes, oils, and the like.

[0064] Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbents are described in US 4,610,678 A (Weisman et al.); US 4,834,735 A (Alemany et al.); US 4,888,231 A (AngStadt); US 5,260,345 A (DesMarais et al.); US 5,387,207 A (Dyer et al.); US 5,397,316 A (LaVon et al.); and US 5,625,222 A (DesMarais et al.).

[0065] In one embodiment, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 may serve to cover and at least partially immobilize the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 may be substantially uniformly disposed within the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74, between the polymers. However, in a particular embodiment, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 may be provided as a fibrous layer that is at least partially in contact with the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 and partially in contact with the substrate layers 64 and 72 of the first and second absorbent layers 60 and 62. Fig.4 shows such a structure, and in this structure, the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 is provided as a discontinuous layer, and a layer of fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 is placed on the layer of absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 such that the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 is in direct contact with the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74, but also in direct contact with the second surfaces 80 and 84 of the substrates 64 and 72, the substrates not being covered by the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74. This imparts a substantially three-dimensional structure to the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76, which is in itself essentially a two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness compared to the dimension in the length and width directions.In other words, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 ripples between the absorbent polymer material 68 and 76 and the second surfaces of the substrates 64 and 72.

[0066] This allows the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 to provide voids to cover the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74, thereby immobilizing this material. From a further aspect, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 bonds to the substrates 64 and 72, thus securing the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 to the substrates 64 and 72. Some thermoplastic adhesive materials also penetrate both the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 and the substrates 64 and 72, thereby providing further immobilization and fixation. Of course, the thermoplastic adhesive materials disclosed herein, while providing greatly improved wet immobilization (i.e.immobilization of absorbent material when the article is wet or at least partially loaded), but these thermoplastic adhesive materials can also provide very good immobilization of absorbent material when the absorbent core 14 is dry. The thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 may also be referred to as a hot melt adhesive.

[0067] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it has been found that the thermoplastic adhesive materials most suitable for immobilizing the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 combine good cohesive and adhesive behavior. Good adhesion can promote good contact between the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 and the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 and 74 and the substrates 64 and 72. Good cohesion reduces the likelihood of the adhesive breaking, particularly as a result of external forces, particularly stretching. When the absorbent core 14 absorbs liquid, the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 swells, exposing the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 to external forces.In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 can allow such swelling without breaking and without imparting excessive compressive forces that would prevent the absorbent polymer material 66 and 74 from swelling.

[0068] According to certain embodiments, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 may comprise a single thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers having a softening point, as determined by ASTM Method D-36-95 "Ring and Ball," in the range between 50°C and 300°C, or alternatively, the thermoplastic adhesive material may be a hot melt adhesive comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other diluents, such as tackifying resins, plasticizers, and additives, such as antioxidants. In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer typically has a molecular weight (MW) greater than 10,000 and a glass transition temperature (Tg) typically below room temperature, or -6°C > Tg < 16°C. In certain embodiments, typical concentrations of the polymer in a hot melt adhesive range from about 20 to about 40 wt. %.In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic polymers can be insensitive to water. Exemplary polymers are (styrenic) block copolymers, including ABA triblock structures, AB diblock structures, and (AB)p radial block copolymer structures, where the A blocks are non-elastomeric polymer blocks, typically comprising polystyrene, and the B blocks are unsaturated conjugated diene or (partially) hydrogenated versions thereof. The B block is typically isoprene, butadiene, ethylene / butylene (hydrogenated butadiene), ethylene / propylene (hydrogenated isoprene), and mixtures thereof.

[0069] Other suitable thermoplastic polymers that can be used are metallocene polyolefins, which are ethylene polymers produced using single-site or metallocene catalysts. In these, at least one comonomer can be polymerized with ethylene to produce a copolymer, terpolymer, or higher polymer. Also suitable are amorphous polyolefins or amorphous polyalphaolefins (APAO), which are homopolymers, copolymers, or terpolymers of C2 to C8 alpha olefins.

[0070] In embodiments, the tackifying resin typically has a MW of less than 5,000 and a Tg of typically above room temperature, typical concentrations of the resin in a hot melt adhesive range from about 30 to about 60%, and the plasticizer has a low MW of typically less than 1,000 and a Tg of below room temperature, with a typical concentration of about 0 to about 15%.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 is in the form of fibers. In some embodiments, the fibers have an average thickness of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, or from about 1 to about 35 micrometers, and an average length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 30 mm. To improve the adhesion of the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 to the substrates 64 or 72 or any other layer, particularly to another nonwoven layer, such layers may be pretreated with an auxiliary adhesive.

[0072] The absorbent core 14 may also include an auxiliary adhesive, not shown in the figures. The auxiliary adhesive may be adhered to the first and second substrates 64 and 72 of the respective first and second absorbent layers 60 and 62 prior to applying the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 and 74 to enhance the adhesion of the particulate polymeric absorbent materials 66 and 74 and the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 to the respective substrates 64 and 72. The auxiliary adhesive may also assist in immobilizing the particulate polymeric absorbent material 66 and 74 and may comprise the same thermoplastic adhesive material as described above or may comprise other adhesives, including, but not limited to, sprayable hot melt adhesives, such as HB. Fuller Co. (St. Paul, MN) Product Number HL-1620-B.The auxiliary adhesive may be applied to the substrates 64 and 72 by any suitable means, but according to certain embodiments, they may be applied in about 0.5 to about 1 mm wide grooves spaced about 0.5 to about 2 mm apart.

[0073] In addition to being thin, flexible, absorbent, and more comfortable to wear, these types of absorbent articles have an unexpected advantage. These absorbent articles can be compressed more during manufacturing, packaging, and storage than previous airfelt core absorbent articles without resulting in an increase in product stiffness in use due to overcompression. Increasing compressibility provides several cost-saving benefits: lower transportation costs, lower storage / warehouse costs, reduced packaging costs, reduced shelf / display costs, lower disposal costs, etc. Increasing compressibility also provides smaller package sizes by reducing the stack thickness in the bag or the stack height in the bag for unopened packs of absorbent articles, resulting in more environmentally friendly packaging.

[0074] Absorbent products according to the present disclosure have an in-pouch stack height of less than about 80 mm according to the in-pouch stack height test described herein. In one embodiment, absorbent products according to the present disclosure can have an in-pouch stack height of less than about 78 mm, and in another embodiment, less than 76 mm according to the in-pouch stack height test described herein. In another embodiment, absorbent products can have an in-pouch stack height of from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, and in yet another embodiment, from about 74 mm to about 78 mm.

[0075] Typically, products such as absorbent articles are not sold individually, but are sold in packages containing multiple absorbent articles. For example, smaller absorbent articles, such as infant diapers, may be sold in packages of thirty or more diapers, while toddler training pants may be sold in packages of twelve to eighteen training pants. In one embodiment, the absorbent articles are packaged in a multi-pouch. In another embodiment, the package may be a plastic "shrink-wrap container." As described in Fig.As shown in Figure 5a, the package 100 is a multi-pouch. The package 100 has an interior space 102, an exterior surface 112, and a height, width, and depth dimension. The package 100 may have any shape known in the art. For example, the package may have a polyhedral shape defining or forming a polyhedral wrap. The interior space 102 defines an interior space to contain absorbent articles 104. In one embodiment, the absorbent articles may all be identical to one another.

[0076] The absorbent articles 104 are arranged to form a stack 106 within the interior space 102. The articles may be stacked in any direction. As used herein, the term "stack" refers to an ordered arrangement. For example, the articles may be stacked vertically, horizontally, or at any angle within the interior space of the package. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 5a, the pack 100 has a pack width 108, which is defined as the maximum distance between the two highest points of bulge along the same compression stack axis 110 of the pack. Absorbent articles according to the present disclosure are double-folded, as shown in Fig. 7a, and not folded three times as in Fig. 7b. Other suitable folding techniques are also contemplated, for example, rolled or double-folded. The package 100 may also include a mechanism or means for accessing the interior, for example, a gusset, a perforation line, tabs, adhesive openings, or any other means known in the art.

[0077] The package 100 may be made of different materials or substantially the same type of material. The package 100 may be made of a single layer or a laminate. The material may comprise a tubular or cast film in a blend of high-density polyethylene and linear high-density polyethylene, metallocenes, ethylene-vinyl acetate, Surlyn, polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, and / or nylon.

[0078] The number of absorbent articles in a pack depends on several factors, including folded dimensions, weight, and a target compressibility range. For example, infant diaper backsheets (0-6 months) are expected to feel very soft to consumers when holding or cuddling their baby. To prevent a reduction in backsheet softness, these diapers are typically only compressed between 30-38% within the product package, also known as in-bag compression, based on the number of diapers contained in the pack.

[0079] Backsheets for baby diapers (6-12 months) and toddler diapers (12-24+ months) do not have these softness requirements because mothers do not spend as much time holding and cuddling babies within this age group. Within this age group, diaper performance requirements (other than absorbency) primarily concern stretch, flexibility, and fit and are related to babies learning to crawl and walk. Diaper stiffness is an important product characteristic for these diapers and can be negatively affected by overcompression of the product within the package. These diapers are typically compressed to between approximately 50 and 57% within the product package. Compressing these diapers beyond 57% results in overall diaper stiffness associated with core overcompression.

[0080] Pants and training pants (24+ months) are designed with a focus on changeability. Easy donning and doffing, as well as side-opening features, are the two most important elements of these diapers. Absorbency and softness are neglected to promote potty training and minimize product costs. Therefore, diapers in this range are occasionally overcompressed beyond 57% to reduce material and transportation costs. However, the roughness of the backsheet and the stiffness of the overall diaper are considered product disadvantages in the pants category.

[0081] We have surprisingly discovered that for baby and toddler sized, substantially airfelt-free diapers, the target compressibility range can be increased without compromising the diaper's aesthetic attributes (stiffness / flexibility, softness, etc.) that are important to consumers. According to the present invention, the absorbent products exhibit an in-pouch compression of about 58% to about 62%, in another embodiment, from about 58.5% to about 61.5%, and in yet another embodiment, from about 59% to about 61%. Furthermore, for absorbent products with substantially airfelt-free diapers, the in-pouch compression can be increased while simultaneously reducing stiffness and increasing flexibility.In one embodiment, absorbent products according to the present disclosure may include absorbent articles having a longitudinal flexural stiffness of less than about 355 N / m according to the stiffness test described herein. In another embodiment, absorbent products may include absorbent articles having a longitudinal flexural stiffness of less than about 325 N / m, and in another embodiment, less than about 310 N / m. In another embodiment, absorbent products may include absorbent articles having a longitudinal flexural stiffness of from about 285 N / m to about 355 N / m, and in another embodiment, from about 295 N / m to about 345 N / m.

[0082] The effects of overcompression of diapers with Airfelt cores, measured in terms of stiffness, are illustrated in Table 1 below: TABLE 1 LONGITUDINAL BENDING STIFFNESS RESULTS FOR EXAMPLE DIAPERS AND PANTIES Example Longitudinal bending stiffness (N / m) 1 699 2 530 3 619 4 641 5 554 6 470 7 507 average 574 8 414 9 429 10 474 11 494 12 Not recorded due to a malfunction of the device 13 392 14 437 average 440 15 528 16 579 17 582 18 427 19 539 20 446 21 553 average 522 22 286 23 325 24 325 25 355 26 299 27 285 28 286 average 309

[0083] Examples 1-7 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING DESIGN (size 3 / 4T; bag count 23; lot no. b1919719F 19.1).

[0084] Examples 8-14 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS CRUISERS (size 5; number in bag 28; lot no. 9200U01766 05:16)

[0085] Examples 15-21 are commercially available airfelt diapers distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS CRUISERS (size 5; number in pouch: 25; lot no. 9242U01764 11:50). Ten of these diapers were removed from the pouch and compressed under conditions similar to Examples 22-28, i.e., a height of 40 mm for 2 seconds (intended to simulate compression during transfer from the manufacturing line to the packer for absorbent articles according to the present disclosure) and then held for 24 hours at a height of 74 mm (intended to simulate compression in the pouch for absorbent articles according to the present disclosure). This demonstrates that current airfelt diapers compressed under conditions similar to Examples 22-28 adversely affect product stiffness.

[0086] Examples 22-28 are embodiments of absorbent articles according to the present disclosure (Size 5; Pouch Count 40; Lot No. 9244U01762X1504). These examples were less stiff and thus more flexible than the other comparative diapers and pants with airfelt cores from Examples 1-21 above.

[0087] The stiffness is measured with the following test. Fig. 6a and Fig.6b illustrate a stiffness test fixture 300 used to measure stiffness. The stiffness test fixture 300 includes a constant strain rate tensile testing machine 302 with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance under TestWorks 4 software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA) equipped with a 25 N load cell. The test fixture 300 also includes an upper movable test fixture 304 and a lower stationary test fixture 306. A plunger vane 308 is used as the upper movable test fixture 304, and base support platforms 310 are used as the lower stationary test fixture 306. The entire test is conducted in a climate-controlled room at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. As discussed in more detail below, during the stiffness test, the upper fixture 304 is moved from a first position as shown in Fig.7a, into a second position, as shown in Fig. 7b, to grip and bend a test specimen 312 disposed in the lower stationary test fixture 306.

[0088] Components of the plunger wing 308 are constructed of aluminum to maximize the available load cell capacity. A shaft 314 is machined to fit the tensile testing machine and includes a clamp ring 316 to stabilize the plunger wing 308 and maintain its alignment perpendicular to the base support platforms 310. The plunger wing has a length 318L of 300 mm, a height 318H of 65 mm, and a thickness 318T of 3.25 mm, and includes a material contact rim 320 with a continuous radius 322 of 1.625 mm. A clamp 324, equipped with set screws 326, is used to level the wing, and a main set screw 328 is used to hold the plunger wing 308 firmly in place after adjustment.

[0089] As in Fig. 6a and Fig.As shown in Figure 6b, the lower test fixture 306 is attached to the tensile testing machine 302 by a shaft 330 and a clamping ring 332. The two support platforms 310 are movably mounted on a rail 334. The two support platforms each have a test surface 336 with a width 336W of 85 mm and a length of 300 mm (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). The test surfaces 336 are made of polished stainless steel so that they have a minimal coefficient of friction. Each platform 310 has a digital position monitor 338 that reads the individual platform positions (rounded to the nearest 0.01 mm) and set screws 340 to lock the positions of the platforms 310 after adjustment. The two platforms form a gap 342 with an adjustable gap width 344. The two platforms 310 are square at the gap edge, and the plate edges must be parallel from front to back.The surfaces 364 must be at the same height to be arranged within the same plane.

[0090] A test specimen 312 may include an absorbent article, for example, in Fig.1. The following is a description of the steps followed to perform a stiffness test to determine the longitudinal bending stiffness of a test specimen 312. To test the longitudinal bending stiffness of a test specimen, the plunger vane is accurately aligned (± 0.02 mm) so that the plunger vane is perpendicular to the top surfaces 364 of the support platforms 310 and has no offset relative to the gap edges 366. Using the position monitors 338, the width 344 of the gap 342 is precisely set to 50.00 ± 0.02 mm between the two gap edges 366 of the support platforms 310, with the plunger vane 308 precisely centered (± 0.02 mm) in the gap 342. The tensile testing machine is programmed for a compression test. The measuring length is set to 25 mm from the material contact edge 320 of the plunger wing 308 to the upper surfaces 364 of the support platforms 310.The deflection head is set to lower at 500 mm / min for a distance of 50 mm. The data acquisition rate is set to 200 Hz.

[0091] Test specimens are preconditioned at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. During preconditioning, the test specimens should remain compressed and sealed within their packaging until shortly before testing. The test specimen is tested in the same folded configuration it had in the packaging and should not be tested more than once.

[0092] To test the longitudinal bending stiffness, the test specimen is placed flat on the upper surfaces 364 of the support platforms 310 across the gap 342 with the top side 358 facing up. The test specimen is positioned with the longitudinal axis 36 parallel to the length dimension of the plunger vane 308 and centered in the transverse 38 and longitudinal 346 directions under the plunger vane shaft 314. The load cell is tared, and the tensile testing machine and data acquisition are started.

[0093] The software is programmed to calculate the maximum peak force (N) and stiffness (N / m) from the force (N) versus displacement (m) curves. Stiffness is calculated as the line of the force / displacement curve for the linear portion of the curve, using a minimum distance of at least 25% of the total peak force to calculate the line. Stiffness is recorded to the nearest 0.1 N / m. At least five samples are measured in this way for a given product, and the stiffness values ​​are aggregated to calculate an average and standard deviation.

[0094] Consumers generally prefer smaller, more environmentally friendly packaging for products. As mentioned above, the increase in compressibility provides smaller package sizes and thus reduces the amount of packaging materials, such as film material, required per pack of absorbent articles. One way to compare the amount of packaging materials used for absorbent articles is to calculate a bag or film utilization factor by measuring the pack width, height, and depth and calculating a specific surface area of ​​the pack using the equation: specific surface area = (width × height × 2) + (width × depth × 2) + (height × depth × 2). This specific surface area of ​​the pack is then divided by the number of diapers in the bag, i.e., the number of absorbent articles in the pack, to yield an area per diaper.However, such a calculation does not account for differences related to diaper size. Therefore, one way to compare the pouch utilization factor for different packs is to normalize for differences in the folded stack length of the absorbent articles within the pack.

[0095] As in Fig. 5a, the package width 108 is defined as the maximum distance between the two highest bulge points along the same compression stack axis 110 of a diaper package. As shown in Fig. 5b, the pack height 120 is defined as the maximum distance between the lower field and the highest point of the upper field. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5c, the pack depth 130 is defined as the maximum distance between the front and rear panels of a diaper pack. Therefore, the pouch utilization factor can be determined using the following equation: Bag utilization factor (m2 / diaper / m) = Specific surface area of ​​the pack (cm2) / Number in the bag Fold stack length (cm) ÷ 100

[0096] Using the averages of Examples 1-5 from Table 2 below, the bag utilization factor is determined as follows: Bag usage factor (m2 / diaper / m) = (16.3cm×40.1cm×2) + (16.3cm×11.0cm×2) + (40.1cm×11.0cm×2) / 3620.6(cm)÷100 = 3.486 / 100 = 0.034 m2 / diaper / m

[0097] In one embodiment, absorbent products according to the present disclosure may have a bag utilization factor of less than 0.031 m 2 / diaper / m. In another embodiment, absorbent products may have a pouch utilization factor of less than about 0.030 m 2 / diaper / m and in another embodiment of less than about 0.029 m 2 / diaper / m. In another embodiment, absorbent products may have a pouch utilization factor of approximately 0.027 m2 / diaper / m to approximately 0.030 m 2 / diaper / m. EXAMPLES

[0098] The following examples provide a comparison between diapers commercially available in the U.S. and diapers with optimized parameters according to the present disclosure. Tables 2-6 show data for various diaper packages (fold stack length, pouch stack height, and pouch utilization factor) measured according to the fold stack length test and the pouch stack height test, as described in detail below. Table 2 Stack height in the bag / results of the bag utilization factor for sample diaper packs (size 3) Example Height (mm) Width (mm) Depth (mm) Number in bag Number of diapers per stack Child's weight range (kg) Folded stack length (mm) Stack height in bag (mm) Bag utilization factor (m 2 / diaper / m) 1. 400 166 110 36 18 7-13 210 92 0,0340 2. 401 163 110 36 18 7-13 206 91 0,0344 3. 400 162 109 36 18 7-13 206 90 0,0340 4. 402 162 110 36 18 7-13 204 90 0,0346 5. 400 164 109 36 18 7-13 206 91 0,0343 Through- 206 91 0,034 cut 6. 211 284 217 - 52 26 7-13 210 109 0,0306 7. 216 289 220 52 26 7-13 209 111 0,0319 8. 213 281 217 52 26 7-13 208 108 0,0309 9. 213 285 218 52 26 7-13 210 110 0,0310 10. 208 274 223 52 26 7-13 208 105 0,0304 Average 209 109 0,031 11. 204 295 102 26 26 7-13 211 113 0,0405 12. 203 293 102 26 26 7-13 210 113 0,0403 13. 205 294 101 26 26 7-13 208 113 0,0409 14. 204 294 104 26 26 7-13 208 113 0,0413 15. 203 297 103 26 26 7-13 207 114 0,0415 Average 209 113 0,041 , 16. 198 327 111 38 38 7-13 200 86 0,0324 17. 197 328 111 38 38 7-13 205 86 0,0316 18. 189 327 111 38 38 7-13 196 86 0,0320 19. 187 329 112 38 38 7-13 196 87 0,0320 20. 194 330 113 38 38 7-13 204 87 0,0318 21. 193 334 114 38 38 7-13 205 88 0,0320 Average 201 87 0,032 22. 203 229 114 31 31 7-13 205 74 0,0301 23. 202 229 114 31 31 7-13 208 74 0,0296 24. 204 230 112 31 31 7-13 207 74 0,0298 25. 204 226 112 31 31 7-13 205 73 0,0297 26. 204 226 113 31 31 7-13 206 73 0,0297 Average 206 74 0,030 27. 393 203 113 52 26 7-13 206 78 0,0275 28. 396 209 111 52 26 7-13 206 80 0,0280 29. 392 207 110 52 26 7-13 204 80 0,0277 30. 391 206 112 52 26 7-13 202 79 0,0281 31. 392 207 110 52 26 7-13 204 80 0,0277 Average 204 79 0,028

[0099] Examples 1-5 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES SNUG & DRY (size 3; number in bag 36; lot no. UT915306F 10:09; UT915306F 09:50; UT916806B 06:17; UT915306F 09:50; and UT9168068 06:17, respectively).

[0100] Examples 6-10 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS (size 3; number in bag 52; lot no. UT815001B 22:24; BI913412B 00:20; BI913412B 00:20; BI913412B 00:19; and BI913412B 00:20, respectively).

[0101] Examples 11-15 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES PURE & NATURAL (size 3; number in bag 26; lot no. BI914617B 23:58 - Ex. 11 and 12; BI920317B 06:00 - Ex. 13; and BI920317B 01:19 - Ex. 14 and 15).

[0102] Examples 16-21 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS CRUISERS (size 3; number in bag 76; lot no. 9154U01142 02:35 15817 - Ex. 16 and 17; 9192U01142 09:41 38287 - Ex. 18 and 19; and 9095U01142 11:03 25875 - Ex. 20 and 21).

[0103] Examples 22-26 are embodiments of absorbent products according to the present disclosure (Size 3; Number in Bag 31; Lot No. 9242U01762X1028; 9242U01762X1009 - Ex. 23-26).

[0104] Examples 27-31 are embodiments of absorbent products according to the present disclosure (size 3; number in bag 52; lot no. 9242U01762X1251 - Ex. 27 and 28 and 9242U011762X1317 - Ex. 29-31). Table 3 Stack height in the bag / results of the bag utilization factor for sample diaper packs (size 4) Example Height (mm) Width (mm) Depth (mm) Number in bag Number of diapers per stack Child's weight range (kg) Folded stack length (mm) Stack height in bag (mm) Bag utilization factor (m 2 / diaper / m) 32. 230 262 116 31 31 10-17 228 85 0,0332 33. 219 254 118 31 31 10-17 226 82 0,0318 34. 222 267 116 31 31 10-17 222 86 0,0337 35. 230 262 118 31 31 10-17 227 85 0,0336 36. 221 261 116 31 31 10-17 219 84 0,0335 Average 224 84 0,033 37. 212 340 220 32 32 10-17 218 106 0,0555 38. 220 336 222 32 32 10-17 223 105 0,0553 39. 215 339 224 32 32 10-17 221 106 0,0557 40. 209 337 218 32 32 10-17 215 105 0,0551 41. 211 337 219 32 32 10-17 215 105 0,0556 Average 218 106 0,055 42. 218 255 109 23 23 10-17 226 111 0,0412 43. 217 258 108 23 23 10-17 227 112 0,0411 44. 216 255 109 23 23 10-17 222 111 0,0417 45. 217 257 108 23 23 10-17 226 112 0,0411 46. 216 254 108 23 23 10-17 226 110 0,0406 Average 225 111 0,041 47. 218 233 110 27 27 10-17 225 86 0,0331 48. 218 233 111 27 27 10-17 222 86 0,0337 49. 218 232 111 27 27 10-17 225 86 0,0337 50. 217 239 111 27 27 10-17 219 89 0,0347 51. 219 233 114 27 27 10-17 221 86 0,0344 Average 222 87 0,034 52. 217 211 112 27 27 10-17 220 78 0,0316 53. 216 208 112 27 27 10-17 216 77 0,0317 54. 216 210 112 27 27 10-17 220 78 0,0313 55. 216 209 112 27 27 10-17 220 77 0,0312 56. 212 212 112 27 27 10-17 219 79 0,0313 Average 219 78 0,031 57. 212 344 121 46 46 10-17 221 75 0,0276 58. 213 344 117 46 46 10-17 220 75 0,0274 59. 213 345 120 46 46 10-17 220 75 0,0278 60. 214 349 118 46 46 10-17 221 76 0,0278 61. 211 348 119 46 46 10-17 222 76 0,0274 Average 221 75 0,028

[0105] Examples 32-36 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES SNUG & DRY (size 4; number in bag 31; lot no. PA913908B 20:06; BI917716B 22:41; WP 920310 F; PA913908B 20:05; and WP 9203 10 F, respectively).

[0106] Examples 37-41 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS (size 4; number in bag 64; lot no. UT916502B 2049 #9917; BI916812X 10:15 82616; BI919112X 11:16 331403; UT917102F 10:01 4548; and UT917102F 09:57, respectively).

[0107] Examples 42-46 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES PURE & NATURAL (size 4; number in bag 23; lot no. BI911212B 21:24 - Ex. 42-44 and BI911212B 21:18 - Ex. 45 and 46).

[0108] Examples 47-51 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS CRUISERS (size 4; number in bag 27; lot no. 9200 UO1129 21:15 - Ex. 47-49; 9194UO1129 11:46; and 9214 UO1754 19:30, respectively).

[0109] Examples 52-56 are embodiments of absorbent products according to the present disclosure (size 4; number in bag 27; lot no. 924762U01762X1755 - Ex. 52, 53 and 55; and 924762U01762X1754 - Ex. 54 and 56).

[0110] Examples 57-61 are embodiments of absorbent products according to the present disclosure (size 4; number in bag 46; lot no. 9247U01762X10:36). Table 4 Stack height in the bag / results of the bag utilization factor for sample diaper packs (size 5) Example Height (mm) Width (mm) Depth (mm) Number in bag Number of diapers per stack Child's weight range (kg) Folded stack length (mm) Stack height in bag (mm) Bag utilization factor (m 2 / wind-del / m) 62. 235 304 120 35 35 12+ 232 87 0,0335 63. 234 304 121 35 35 12+ 229 87 0,0340 64. 234 295 119 35 35 12+ 236 84 0,0320 65. 235 294 118 35 35 12+ 230 84 0,0327 66. 234 302 122 35 35 12+ 232 86 0,0335 67. 235 305 121 35 35 12+ 233 87 0,0336 Average 232 86 0,033 68. 224 256 111 23 23 12+ 230 111 0,0418 69. 230 , 258 112 23 23 12+ 231 112 0,0429 70. 221 254 111 23 23 12+ 223 110 0,0424 71. 223 255 111 23 23 12+ 223 111 0,0429 72. 224 253 111 23 23 12+ 226 110 0,0422 Average 227 111 0,042 73. 215 261 104 20 20 12+ 221 131 0,0477 74. 217 264 102 20 20 12+ 221 132 0,0483 75. 215 261 102 20 20 12+ 224 130 0,0468 76. 222 269 95 20 20 12+ 227 134 0,0469 77. 214 262 104 20 20 12+ 223 131 0,0473 Average 223 132 0,047 78. 212 268 117 28 28 12+ 220 96 0,0367 79. 211 269 118 28 28 12+ 218 96 0,0372 80. 210 267 118 28 28 12+ 220 95 0,0365 81. 212 . 270 117 28 28 12+ 219 96 0,0371 82. 212 271 120 28 28 12+ 221 97 0,0373 83. 211 271 121 28 28 12+ 220 97 0,0375 Average 220 96 0,037 84. 214 302 120 40 40 12+ 223 76 0,0284 85. 213 304 118 40 40 12+ 226 76 0,0278 86. 216 304 120 40 40 12+ 225 76 0,0285 87. 216 302 119 40 40 12+ 225 76 0,0282 88. 216 304 118 40 40 12+ 222 76 0,0286 Average 224 76 0,028

[0111] Examples 62-67 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES SNUG & DRY (size 5; number in bag 35; lot no. PA919002B 04:11 - Ex. 62 and 63; BI907015X 02:03 16.118 - Ex. 64 and 65; and PA915502F 17:00 - Ex. 66 and 67).

[0112] Examples 68-72 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS (size 5; number in bag 23; lot no. PA914807X 17:15; PA914907X 02:04; and PA917707B 04:55, respectively - Ex. 70-72).

[0113] Examples 73-77 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES PURE & NATURAL (size 5; number in bag 20; lot no. UT918102F 16:33 - Ex. 73-75; UT907802F 14:11; and UT918102F 14:45, respectively).

[0114] Examples 78-83 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS CRUISERS (size 5; number in bag 56; lot no. 9208UO1130 08:07 02501 - Ex. 78-81 and 9292UO1130 21:12 46676 - Ex. 82 and 83).

[0115] Examples 84-88 are embodiments of absorbent products according to the present disclosure (size 5; number in bag 40; lot no. 9244U01762X1504). Table 5 Stack height in the bag / results of the bag utilization factor for sample diaper packs (size 6) Example Height (mm) Width (mm) Depth (mm) Number in bag Number of diapers per stack Child's weight range (kg) Folded stack length (mm) Stack height in bag (mm) Bag utilization factor (m 2 / diaper / m) 89. 233 253 218 40 20 16+ 233 127 0,0354 90. 241 252 216 40 20 16+ 235 126 0,0356 91. 227 259 223 40 20 16+ 233 130 0,0359 92. 232 256 212 40 20 16+ 239 128 0,0341 93. 227 261 217 40 20 16+ 237 131 0,0348 Average 235 128 0,035 94. 237 219 , 108 20 20 16+ 238 110 0,0425 95. 235 220 108 20 20 16+ 240 110 0,0420 96. 233 220 110 20 20 16+ 235 110 0,0430 97. 237 217 111 20 20 16+ 238 109 0,0428 98. 232 219 111 20 20 16+ 237 110 0,0426 Average 238 110 0,043 99. 188 228 115 20 20 16+ 235 114 0,0386 100. 189 232 113 20 20 16+ 233 116 0,0392 101. 192 232 114 20 20 16+ 235 116 0,0395 102. 192 234 116 20 20 16+ 235 117 0,0401 103. 192 231 115 20 20 16+ 235 116 0,0396 Average 235 116 0,039

[0116] Examples 89-93 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES SNUG & DRY (size 6; number in bag 40; lot no. PA901405B 03:52; PA901405B 03:54; WP 823109F; PA8142055 15:17; and PA901505F 14:41, respectively).

[0117] Examples 94-98 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS (size 6; number in bag 34; lot nos. PA913107X 11:39; PA913107X 11:37; PA913207X 01:32; PA919007F 10:19; and PA910207X 23:21, respectively).

[0118] Examples 99-103 are commercially available Airfelt diapers distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS CRUISERS (size 6; number in bag 20; lot no. 9141UO17642235 - Ex. 81-84 and 9155UO17641647). Table 6 Stack height in the bag / results of the bag utilization factor for sample diaper packs (training pants) Example Height (mm) Width (mm) Depth (mm) Number in bag Number of diapers per stack Child's weight range (kg) Folded stack length (mm) Stack height in bag (mm) Bag utilization factor (m 2 / diaper / m) 104. 272 249 125 27 27 17-29 274 92 0,0359 105. 277 248 123 27 27 17-29 275 92 0,0359 106. 276 258 117 27 27 17-29 274 96 0,0361 107. 275 256 117 27 27 17-29 278 95 0,0353 108. 272 246 125 27 27 17-29 272 91 0,0359 Average 272 93 0,036 109. 294 205 130 21 21 27-57+ 293 98 0,0407 110. 295 206 129 21 21 27-57+ 290 98 0,0412 111. 288 209 129 21 21 27-57+ 286 100 0,0414 112. 291 205 129 21 21 27-57+ 287 98 0,0410 113. 286 209 130 21 21 27-57+ 286 100 0,0413 Average 288 98 0,041 114. 266 166 124 15 15 17-29 268 111 0,0486 115. 268 169 121 15 15 17-29 268 113 0,0488 116. 269 170 122 15 15 17-29 270 113 0,0490 117. 269 169 122 15 15 17-29 268 113 0,0492 118. 270 167 122 15 15 17-29 269 111 0,0488 Average 269 112 0,049 119. 300 205 121 21 21 27-57+ 302 98 0,0387 120. 299 209 121 21 21 27-57+ 298 100 0,0396 121. 291 205 126 21 21 27-57+ 288 98 0,0404 122. 296 205 127 21 21 27-57+ 295 98 0,0401 123. 291 207 127 21 21 27-57+ 293 99 0,0401 Average 295 98 0,040 124. 216 279 132 44 44 8-15 211 63 0,0271 125. 220 279 132 44 44 8-15 215 63 0,0269 126. 219 277 134 44 44 8-15 215 63 0,0269 127. 219 279 134 44 44 8-15 218 63 0,0267 128. 218 279 132 44 44 8-15 216 63 0,0266 Average 215 63 0,027 129. 232 172 134 23 23 15-18 235 75 0,0348 130. 233 176 132 23 23 15-18 235 77 0,0352 131. 233 175 132 23 23 15-18 235 76 0,0350 132. 229 175 134 23 23 15-18 231 76 0,0355 133. 232 176 129 23 23 15-18 231 77 0,0352 Average 233 76 0,035 134. 240 156 130 19 19 17-23 240 82 0,0390 135. 241 156 130 19 19 17-23 238 82 0,0395 136. 243 156 130 19 19 17-23 240 82 0,0394 137. 238 152 133 19 19 17-23 239 80 0,0388 138. 243 153 133 19 19 17-23 235 81 0,0402 Average 238 81 0,039 139. 209 204 129 26 26 8-15 211 78 0,0350 140. 211 205 129 26 26 8-15 208 79 0,0358 141. 213 201 130 26 26 8-15 212 77 0,0351 142. 213 199 129 26 26 8-15 215 77 0,0342 143. 213 199 130 26 26 8-15 214 77 0,0345 Average 212 78 0,035 144. 227 176 131 23 23 15-18 228 77 0,0354 145. 227 174 132 23 23 15-18 228 76 0,0353 146. 231 175 131 23 23 15-18 229 76 0,0355 147. 230 172 132 23 23 15-18 227 75 0,0355 148. 226. 178 133 23 23 15-18 230 77 0,0355 Average 228 76 0,035 149. 238 158 130 19 19 17-23 238 83 0,0394 150. 237 158 131 19 19 17-23 236 83 0,0398 151. 238 157 131 19 19 17-23 238 83 0,0394 152. 239 158 132 19 19 17-23 238 83 0,0399 153. 240 158 132 19 19 17-23 241 83 0,0395 Average | 238 83 0,040 154. 214 196 129 26 26 8-15 ' 219 75 0,0333 155. 215 196 128 26 26 8-15 218 75 0,0334 156. 218 195 128 26 26 8-15 218 75 0,0337 157. 215 196 129 26 26 8-15 218 75 0,0336 158. 210 202 126 26 26 8-15 217 78 0,0334 Average 218 76 0,033 159. 230 182 124 23 23 15-18 233 79 0,0347 160. 230 182 128 23 23 15-18 232 79 0,0355 161. 231 182 126 23 23 15-18 231 79 0,0354 162. 226 170 131 23 23 15-18 233 ' 74 0,0337 163. 230 171 131 23 ' 23 15-18 233 74 0,0343 Average 232 77 0,035 164. 236 160 130 19 19 17-23 237 84 0,0396 165. 235 161 131 19 19 17-23 236 85 0,0400 166. 236 160 131 19 19 17-23 238 84 0,0396 167. 235 160 135 19 19 17-23 240 84 0,0399 168. 236 163 133 19 19 17-23 239 86 - 0,0403 Average 238 85 0,040 169. 212 197 124 26 26 8-15 215 76 0,0311 170. 213 190 123 26 26 8-15 215 73 0,0322 171. 214 190 122 26 26 8-15 215 73 0,0322 172. 211 194 127 26 26 8-15 215 75 0,0330 173. 211 202 125 26 26 8-15 214 78 0,0339 Average . 215 75 0,033 174. 230 172 131 23 23 15-18 235 75 0,0341 175. 232 173 131 23 23 15-18 233 75 0,0348 176. 228 171 131 23 23 15-18 233 74 0,0341 177. 226 172 132 23 23 15-18 235 75 0,0338 - 178. 226 171 131 23 23 15-18 234 74 0,0337 Average - 234 75 0,034 179. 237 160 131 19 19 17-23 239 84 0,0396 180. 235 161 131 19 19 17-23 240 85 0,0393 181. 235 161 131 19 19 17-23 238 85 0,0397 182. 233 154 132 19 19 17-23 239 81 0,0383 183. 234 154 133 19 19 17-23 240 81 0,0384 Average 239 83 0,039 184. 219 265 118 26 26 7-15 218 102 0,0406 185. 216 265 120 26 26 7-15 220 102 0,0402 186. 219 267 118 26 26 7-15 220 103 0,0405 187. 220 269 120 26 26 7-15 220 103 0,0412 188. 219 266 118 26 26 7-15 215 102 0,0413 Average 219 102 0,041 189. 222 231 122 23 23 14-18 228 100 0,0406 190. 224 229 119 23 23 14-18 225 100 0,0407 191. 225 228 117 23 23 14-18 224 99 0,0405 192. 225 228 117 23 23 14-18 228 99 0,0398 193. 225 226 116 23 23 14-18 227 98 0,0395 Average 226 99 0,040 194. 218 263 117 26 26 7-15 222 101 0,0394 195. 219 265 116 26 26 7-15 224 102 0,0392 196. 215 266 118 26 26 7-15 216 102 0,0406 197. 217 267 116 26 26 7-15 220 - 103 0,0399 198. 218 263 117 26 26 7-15 220 101 0,0397 Average 220 102 0,040 199. 222 220 122 23 23 14-18 224 96 0,0399 200. 225. 220 122 23 23 14-18 228 96 0,0396 201. 226 224 121 23 23 14-18 225 97 0,0406 202. 228 228 121 23 23 14-18 224 99 0,0416 203: 233 225 124 23 23 14-18 226 98 0,0420 Average 225 97 0,041 204. 245 213 119 17 17 17-29 256 125 0,0490 205. 247 212 120 17 17 17-29 255 125 0,0496 206. 245 214 118 17 17 17-29 255 126 0,0492 207. 248 212 119 17 17 17-29 252 125 0,0501 208. 241 215 119 17 17 17-29 247 126 0,0505 Average 253 125 0,050 209. 260 171 119 13 13 26-39 265 132 0,0556 210. 258 171 121 13 13 26-39 263 132 0,0562 211. 249 170 120 13 13 26-39 252 131 0,0565 212. 249 171 120 13 13 26-39 255 132 0,0561 213. 249 171 118 13 13 26-39 254 132 0,0558 Average 258 131 0,056 214. 248 216 118 17 17 17-29 256 127 0,0498 215. 244 214 119 17 17 17-29 253 126 0,0496 216. 250 212 118 17 17 17-29 255 125 0,0496 217. 245 213 120 17 17 17-29 247 125 0,0510 218. 245 214 121 17 17 17-29 245 126 0,0518 Average 251 126 0,050

[0119] Examples 104-108 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES GOOD NITES (Girls' SM; Quantity in Bag 27; Lot Nos. PA19915B 23:25 - Ex. 104, 105 and 108; PA916113X 17:29 - Ex. 106; and PA916113X 17:31 - Ex. 107).

[0120] Examples 109-113 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES GOOD NITES (girls' L-XL; number in bag 21; Lot No. PA920414F 17:46 - Ex. 109 and 110; PA915614B 01:54; PA915414F 10:38; and PA915614B 01:52).

[0121] Examples 114-118 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES GOOD NITES (Boy SM; Quantity in Bag 15; Lot Nos. PA917215F15:09; PA917915F 16:02; PA917915F 16:04; PA916315F 10:44; and PA917915F 16:04, respectively).

[0122] Examples 119-123 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES GOOD NITES (Boy L-XL; Quantity in Bag 21; Lot No. PA919613F 14:33 - Ex. 119 and 120; and PA920914F 18:05 - Ex. 121-123).

[0123] Examples 124-128 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING DESIGN (Girls' 2T / 3T; Quantity in Pouch 44; Lot Nos. PA920017F 07:03; PA920910B 03:55; PA919917B 06:28; and PA920910B 04:17, respectively - Exs. 127 and 128). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0124] Examples 129-133 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING DESIGN (Girls' 3T / 4T; Quantity in Pouch 23; Lot Nos. BI919619B 20:40; BI917919B 05:35 - Ex. 130-132; and PA917009X 19:14, respectively). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0125] Examples 134-138 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING DESIGN (Girls 4T / 5T; Pouch Count 19; Lot No. PA921018F 10:48). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0126] Examples 139-143 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING DESIGN (Boy 2T / 3T; Pouch Count 26; Lot No. PA922610F08:48 - Ex. 139 and 140; PA921210B23:28; PA92120B23:21; and PA92120B23:20). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0127] Examples 144-148 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING, DESIGN (Boy 3T / 4T; Quantity in Pouch 23; Lot No. PA92189B02:00 - Ex. 144-147 and PA919312B03:07). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0128] Examples 149-153 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES LEARNING DESIGN (Boy 4T / 5T; Pack Quantity 19; Lot No. PA920718F 12:39 - Ex. 139-142; and PA915818X 03:06). These particular examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0129] Examples 154-158 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES, COOL ALERT (Girls 2T / 3T; Pack Size 26; Lot No. PA914610X 01:46 - Ex. 154-157; and UT911011F 09:25). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0130] Examples 159-163 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES COOL ALERT (Girls 3T / 4T; Quantity in Pouch 23; Lot Nos. UT911812B 23:34 - Exs. 159 and 160; UT919412F07:36 - Exs. 161; and BI917219B 03:11 - Exs. 162 and 163). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core, as defined herein.

[0131] Examples 164-168 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES COOL ALERT (Girls' 4T / 5T; Quantity in Pouch 19; Lot No. UT909610B 23:35 - Ex. 164-166; and BI912818F 08:46 - Ex. 167 and 168). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0132] Examples 169-173 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES COOL ALERT (Boy 2T / 3T; Quantity in Pouch 26; Lot No. WP919510F - Ex. 169-172; and PA914810X 18:23). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0133] Examples 174-178 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES COOL ALERT (Boy 3T / 4T; Quantity in Pouch 23; Lot No. UT917312B 21:51 - Ex. 174 and 175; UT917312B 17:43 - Ex. 176 and 177; and UT917312F 17:42). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0134] Examples 179-183 are commercially available airfelt training pants distributed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark HUGGIES COOL ALERT (Boy 4T / 5T; Quantity in Pouch 19; Lot No. BI910818B 23:42 - Ex. 179 and 180; PA911418X 02:48-Ex. 181; and BI919918B 01:34-Ex. 182 and 183). These specific examples do not have a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core as defined herein.

[0135] Examples 184-188 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS EASY UPS (girls' size 4; number in bag 26; lot no. 9215U0175512:45; 9214U0175516:19 - Ex. 185-187; and 9214U175512:46).

[0136] Examples 189-193 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS EASY UPS (girls' size 5; number in bag 23; lot no. 914U0112806:15; 9205U0175520:33; and 918U0175517:44 - Ex. 191-193).

[0137] Examples 194-198 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS EASY UPS (Boy Size 4; Quantity in Bag 26; Lot No. 9109U01701R06:26 - Ex. 194 and 195; 9191U0175503:59 - Ex. 196 and 197; and 9109UI701R06:25):

[0138] Examples 199-203 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS EASY UPS (Boy Size 5; Quantity in Bag 23; Lot No. 9227U0175510:51 - Ex. 199 and 200; 9123U0175504:27; 9207U175519:34; and 9207U0175519:30).

[0139] Examples 204-208 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS UNDERJAMS (girls' size S / M; number in bag 17; lot no. 9213U0112601:47 - Ex. 204-207; and 9156U0112600:34).

[0140] Examples 209-213 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS UNDERJAMS (girls' size L / XL; number in bag 13; lot nos. 9030U0112620:06; 9030U0112616:52; and 9136U0112600:40 - Exs. 211-213).

[0141] Examples 214-218 are commercially available Airfelt training pants distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark PAMPERS UNDERJAMS (Boy Size S / M; Quantity in Pouch 17; Lot Nos. 9091U0112623:43; 9147U0112621:33; 9212U0112618L54; and 9220U0112603:23 - Exs. 217 and 218). TEST PROCEDURES

[0142] The testing methods and apparatus described below may be useful in testing the embodiments of the present disclosure: STIFFNESS TEST

[0143] The stiffness test is described in detail above. Stacking height in bag

[0144] The stack height in the bag is determined as follows: Device • Universal Diaper Packaging Tester (UDPT) (Model No. M-ROEL; Equipment No. MK-1071) with a horizontal sliding plate (horizontal plate that moves up and down in a vertical plane) for adding weights. It is always balanced by a suspended weight to ensure that no downward force is added to the diaper package by the horizontal sliding plate assembly. The UDPT is available from Matsushita Industry Co. LTD, 7-21-101, Midorigaokacho, Ashiya-city, Hyogo, Japan. Postal Code: 659-0014. • A weight of 850 g (± 5 g). Definitions • As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5a, the pack width 108 is defined as the maximum distance between the two highest bulge points along the same compression stack axis 110 of a diaper pack. • Stack height in bag = (pack width / number of diapers per stack) × 10 diaper inserts. Calibration of the device • Pull the horizontal sliding plate down until its bottom touches the base plate of the tester. • Set the digital meter located on the side of the horizontal sliding scale to zero. • Lift the horizontal sliding plate upwards from the base plate of the tester. Test procedures • Place one side panel of the diaper pack along its width in the center of the tester's base plate. Ensure that the vertical sliding plate (a vertical plate that moves left and right in a horizontal plane) is pulled to the right so that it does not touch the pack to be tested. • Place the 850g weight on the vertical sliding plate. • Slowly lower the horizontal sliding plate until its bottom lightly touches the desired highest point of the pack. • Measure the pack width in mm (distance from the top of the base plate to the top of the diaper pack). Record the value displayed on the digital measuring device. • Remove the 850g weight. • Lift the horizontal sliding plate off the diaper pack. • Remove the diaper pack. Calculation / recording • Calculate and record the “stack height in the bag” = (pack width / number of diapers per stack) × 10. • Record the sample specification, ie the full description of the product tested (brand name / size of the product). • The determined value for each width measurement is recorded to an accuracy of 1 mm.

[0145] At least five diaper packs with the same number of diapers are measured in this way for a given product, and the bag stack height values ​​are aggregated to calculate an average and standard deviation. • The manufacturing date of the measured package is recorded (from the package code). • Record the test date and the analysis method used. FOLDING STAPLE LENGTH

[0146] The folding stack length is determined as follows: device • Universal Diaper Packaging Tester (UDPT) (Model No. M-ROEL; Equipment No. MK-1071) with a horizontal sliding plate (horizontal plate that moves up and down in a vertical plane) for adding weights. It is always balanced by a suspended weight to ensure that no downward force is added to the diaper package by the horizontal sliding plate assembly. The UDPT is available from Matsushita Industry Co. LTD, 7-21-101, Midorigaokacho, Ashiya-city, Hyogo, Japan. Postal Code: 659-0014. • A weight of 850 g (± 5 g). DEFINITIONS • As in Fig. 7a and Fig.7b, the diaper beginning 142 is the outer diaper fold of an absorbent article, and the diaper end 140 is the end of the outer end flap of an absorbent article. • As further stated in Fig. 7a and Fig. As shown in Figure 7b, the stack length is the average length of the folded diaper 144 out of 10 diapers. Calibration of the device • Lift the horizontal sliding plate from the base of the tester so that stacks of diapers can be placed on the base of the tester. • Move the vertical sliding plate (vertical plate that moves left and right in a horizontal plane) to the left until it touches the vertical anchored plate. • Set the digital gauge located on the side of the horizontal sliding plate to zero. • Move the vertical sliding plate to the right so that stacks of diapers can be placed on the base plate of the tester. Staple length manufacturing • Place 10 diapers one on top of the other on the tester's base plate. For diapers with adhesive tape, the side of the application area inside the UDPT faces up. For pants, the front side inside the UDPT faces up. • Place the stack of 10 diapers along the length of the folded diaper (“start” facing the vertical anchored plate) on the base plate of the tester so that good contact is established between the stack and the vertical anchored plate. Test procedures • Place the 850g weight on the horizontal sliding plate. • Slowly lower the horizontal sliding plate until its bottom lightly touches the stack of diapers. Release the plate so that it rests on the stack of diapers. • Allow the stack to condition under the weight for 15 seconds. • Move the vertical sliding plate toward the anchored vertical plate until it touches the end of the first diaper. Stop the vertical plate as soon as it comes into contact with the end of the first diaper. • Record the value displayed on the digital meter. • Remove the 850g weight. • Lift the horizontal sliding plate from the stack of diapers. • Remove the pile of diapers. Calculation / recording • The stack length value is recorded for at least five samples (5 diaper packs with the same number of diapers) for a given product, and the folded stack length values ​​are aggregated to calculate an average and standard deviation. • Record the sample specification, ie the full description of the product tested (brand name / size of the product). • The manufacturing date of the measured package is recorded (from the package code). • Record the test date and the analysis method used.

[0147] The application also discloses the following: 1. An absorption product comprising: a package with an interior and an exterior surface and a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior of the package, each of the disposable absorbent articles comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, a substantially cellulose-free absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending longitudinally between the first and second waist regions, and a fastening element extending laterally from the second waist region and configured to be releasably connected to a landing region in the first waist region, wherein the absorbent product has an in-bag stack height of less than about 80 mm as measured according to an in-bag stack height test. 2. The absorbent product of claim 1, wherein the absorbent product has a stack height in the bag of less than about 78 mm. 3. The absorbent product of claim 1, wherein the absorbent product has a stack height in the bag of about 72 mm to about 80 mm. 4. An absorbent product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent product has a calculated bag utilization factor of less than about 0.030 m 2 / diaper / m. 5. An absorbent product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent product has a calculated bag utilization factor of approximately 0.027 m 2 / diaper / m to approximately 0.030 m 2 / diaper / m. 6. An absorbent product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core consists essentially of a first and a second substrate, particulate polymeric absorbent material and thermoplastic adhesive material. 7. An absorbent product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particulate polymeric absorbent material is present in the absorbent core in an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core. 8. The absorbent product of any preceding claim, wherein the disposable absorbent articles have a longitudinal flexural stiffness of less than about 355 N / m as measured according to a stiffness test method. 9. The absorbent product of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the disposable absorbent articles have a longitudinal flexural stiffness of less than about 325 N / m as measured according to a stiffness test method. 10. The absorbent product of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the disposable absorbent articles have a longitudinal flexural stiffness of about 285 N / m to about 355 N / m as measured according to a stiffness test. List of reference symbols: 10 diapers 12 basic units 14 Absorption core 16 outer cover 18 upper class 20 Lower class 22 page fields 24 elasticated leg cuffs 26 elastic waist element 28 elastic elements 30 first waist area 32 second waist area 34 crotch area 36 Longitudinal axis 38 Transverse axis 40 circumference 42 longitudinal edges 44 end margins 46 Fastening element 48 Fastener application area 50 recording system 52 upper recording layer 54 lower recording layer 60 first absorption layer 62 second absorption layer 64 first substrate 66 particulate polymeric absorbent material 68 thermoplastic composition 72 second substrate 74 particulate polymeric absorbent material 76 thermoplastic composition 78 first surface 80 second surface 90 clusters 94 web area 96 connecting surface 100 pack 102 Interior 104 absorbent articles 106 stacks 108 pack width 110 Compression stack axis 112 Exterior surface 300 Stiffness test device 302 tensile testing machine 304 mobile test device 306 lower stationary test facility 308 plunger wings 310 base support platforms 312 test specimens 314 Wave 316 clamping ring 318H altitude 318T thickness 320 material contact edge 322 radius 324 bracket 326 adjusting screws 328 Main adjusting screw 330 Wave 332 clamping ring 334 Rail 336 test surface 336W width 338 digital position monitor 340 adjusting screws 342 gap 344 gap width 346 Longitudinal direction 364 upper surfaces

Claims

[1] An absorption product comprising: a package (100) having an interior (102) and an outer surface (112) and a plurality of double-folded disposable absorbent articles (10) arranged within the interior (102) of the pack (100) to form a stack (106), the stack (106) being compressed along a compression stack axis (110) such that the pack (100) has a pack width (108) defined as the maximum distance between the two highest points of bulge along the same compression stack axis (110) of the pack (100), wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles (10) comprises a topsheet (18), a backsheet (26), an absorbent core (14) containing less than 10 wt.% cellulose fibers, disposed between the topsheet (18) and the backsheet (26), a first waist region (30), a second waist region (32), a crotch region (34) extending longitudinally between the first (30) and second waist regions (32), and a fastening element (46) extending laterally out of the second waist region (32) and adapted to be releasably connected to a landing region in the first waist region (30), wherein the absorbent product has a stack height in the bag of less than 80 mm, and the stack height in the bag is calculated from the package width divided by the number of disposable absorbent articles (10) per stack multiplied by 10, wherein the absorbent product has a compression in the bag of 58% to 62%. [2] The absorbent product of claim 1, wherein the absorbent product has a stack height in the bag of less than 78 mm. [3] The absorbent product of claim 1, wherein the absorbent product has a stack height in the bag of at least 72 mm and less than 80 mm. [4] An absorbent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent core consists essentially of a first (64) and a second substrate (72), particulate polymeric absorbent material (66, 74) and thermoplastic adhesive material. [5] The absorbent product of claim 4, wherein the particulate polymeric absorbent material (66, 74) is present in the absorbent core (14) in an amount greater than 80% by weight of the absorbent core (14). [6] The absorbent product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the disposable absorbent articles (10) have a longitudinal bending stiffness of less than 355 N / m. [7] The absorbent product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the disposable absorbent articles (10) have a longitudinal bending stiffness of less than 325 N / m. [8] The absorbent product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the disposable absorbent articles (10) have a longitudinal bending stiffness of 285 N / m to 355 N / m. [9] An absorbent product according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent core (14) comprises superabsorbent material (66, 74), and wherein more than 60% of the superabsorbent material (66, 74) is provided in a front half of the absorbent core (14).

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