Absorbent article with laminate bond pattern

Abstract

To provide a bond pattern which balances strength, comfort, and extensibility for stretch laminates, and maximizes desired laminate properties.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent article also includes a chassis having a top sheet, back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. An elastic laminate may be joined to the chassis in one of the first and second waist regions. The elastic laminate includes an ultrasonically bonded laminate 10 having a bond pattern. The bond pattern includes a plurality of repeating units, and each repeating unit includes a closed cell unit. The bonds in the bond pattern include a Bond Separation Distance of about 3.5 mm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles having stretch laminates with bonding patterns. [Background technology]

[0002] Elastomeric laminates are used in a variety of products, including absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, incontinence articles, feminine hygiene pads). Such laminates typically include an elastomeric layer that provides stretch to the laminate and an outer layer that is less stretchable but is suitable for providing durability and desirable tactile properties. In this way, the laminate allows the components of the article to have close, comfortable contact with the wearer while providing desirable aesthetic qualities.

[0003] Layers of elastomeric laminates can be combined by various means, including, for example, thermal bonding in gathered laminate configurations where corrugations are present in one or more layers. When bonding layers, manufacturers must balance strength, extensibility, and comfort considerations. However, these considerations often counteract each other. For example, more bonds may provide greater laminate strength, but it may also compromise extensibility. Similarly, more resilient materials may provide greater tear resistance, but less flexibility or breathability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, there is a continuing need to balance strength, comfort, and extensibility in stretch laminates. There is also a need to provide bond patterns that maximize desired laminate properties while minimizing undesirable properties. There is also a need to deliver laminate properties through bond patterns. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent article comprises a chassis having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The elastic laminate may be joined to the chassis in one of the first waist region or the second waist region. The elastic laminate comprises an ultrasonically bonded laminate having a bonding pattern comprising a plurality of repeating units, each repeating unit comprising a first closed-cell unit. The bonds in the closed-cell bonding pattern have a bond separation distance of 3.5 mm or less.

[0006] An absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region. The absorbent article comprises a chassis having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An elastic laminate may be joined to the chassis in one of the first waist region or the second waist region. The elastic laminate comprises an ultrasonically bonded laminate having a first coverstock layer, a second coverstock layer, and an elastic film disposed between the first coverstock layer and the second coverstock layer. The elastic laminate comprises a bonding pattern comprising a plurality of repeating units. Each repeating unit comprises a first closed-cell unit having a first ratio of stretched enclosed area to relaxed enclosed area on a first outer surface of at least 1.2.

[0007] An absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region. The absorbent article comprises a chassis having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The elastic laminate may be joined to the chassis in one of the first waist region or the second waist region. The elastic laminate comprises an ultrasonically bonded laminate having a primary substrate and a secondary substrate. The primary substate has a first outer surface and an opposing first inner surface. The secondary substrate has a second outer surface and an opposing second inner surface. An elastomeric film may be disposed between the primary substrate and the secondary substrate. The elastic laminate comprises a first bonding pattern disposed in the first region, the first bonding pattern comprising a percent bond area of ​​at least 3%. The first bonding pattern comprises a plurality of closed-cell units having a ratio of stretched enclosed area to relaxed enclosed area of ​​at least 1.2. The elastic laminate includes a second bonding pattern disposed in a second region, the first region and the second region do not overlap, and the second bonding pattern does not include closed cell units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary laminate according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary laminate according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B]1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary pattern according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a laminate according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an outer surface of a laminate according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary laminate according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view of another exemplary laminate according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.The absorbent article is shown in a flat, uncontracted state. [Figure 18A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent pant. [Figure 18B] 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent pant precursor structure prior to joining of the front and rear belt sections. FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a package according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 1 is an illustration of a bonding pattern according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1 is an illustration of a bonding pattern according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] definition "Absorbent article" means a device that absorbs and contains bodily exudates, and more particularly, a device that is placed against or proximate to the wearer's body to absorb and contain various bodily exudates. Examples of absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant diapers (i.e., diapers with preformed waist and leg openings, such as those exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers or pant diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, and the like.

[0010] "Elastic," "elastomeric," and "elastically extensible" refer to the ability of a material or portion of a material to stretch at least 30% without rupture or failure at a given load in one of the directions according to the Hysteresis Test described herein, and for the elastic material or component to exhibit at least 70% recovery (i.e., have less than 30% set) when the load is released. Stretchability, which may also be referred to as strain, percent strain, engineering strain, draw ratio, or elongation, as well as recovery and set, may each be measured by the Hysteresis Test described in more detail below. Materials that are not elastic are referred to as inelastic. As used herein, a laminate is elastic if at least 20% of the area of ​​the laminate meets the definition of elastic herein. In this context, the percent area of ​​the laminate is determined when the laminate is in a fully stretched state.

[0011] "Extensible" means the ability to stretch or elongate without rupture or breakage by at least 30% according to step 5(a) of the Hysteresis Test herein. As used herein, a laminate is extensible if at least 20% of the area of ​​the laminate meets the definition of extensible herein. In this situation, the percentage of the area of ​​the laminate is determined when the laminate is in a fully stretched state. If the laminate does not meet the definition of elastic above, but meets the definition of extensible provided in this paragraph, the laminate is an extensible laminate.

[0012] "Fully stretched" in relation to a laminate means: (1) for a corrugated laminate, the laminate is fully stretched when the corrugations are substantially flattened by stretching the laminate while ensuring that the non-elastic substrate of the laminate is not plastically deformed; and (2) for a laminate without corrugations, the laminate is considered fully stretched without any such stretching (i.e., non-corrugated laminates are fully stretched in their relaxed state). "Relaxed" in relation to a laminate means at rest with substantially no external forces acting on the laminate other than gravity.

[0013] A "unit" is the smallest building block of a pattern, the geometric arrangement of which defines the characteristic image of the pattern and the repetition in space of which is necessary to reconstruct the pattern. A pattern may be formed from one or more units. A "repeating unit" is a unit that is substantially the same (i.e., slight variations in dimension, shape, and / or size) or is the same and occurs multiple times within the pattern, and the unit may be rotated, mirrored, or otherwise reoriented. A repeating unit is considered to be substantially the same if its size and / or shape is within 10% of another repeating unit.

[0014] "Closed-cell unit" means a unit that is discernible as a shape having a perimeter to the human eye with 20 / 20 vision at a distance of 12 inches, where the perimeter is formed by at least five bonds that substantially enclose an area free of permanent bonds with a bond separation distance of less than about 3.5 mm according to the Bond Measurement Test Method. The perimeter may be formed by discontinuous bonds. For example, separate bonds that are sufficiently small and / or close together that an observer sees a shape substantially surrounded by the perimeter. Adjacent bonds along the perimeter of the closed-cell unit have a bond separation distance of about 3.5 mm or less. Closed-cell units may share bond sites with each other to form closed cells.

[0015] A "temporary bond" in reference to a laminate means that the bond will release when the laminate is stretched in the cross direction by at least 15 mm from the laminate's relaxed state. A permanent bond will remain intact when the laminate is stretched in the cross direction by at least 15 mm from the laminate's relaxed state.

[0016] overview As shown in FIG. 1, laminate 10 includes a first coverstock layer 12 and an elastomeric layer 14. The laminate can include a second coverstock layer 16, with the elastomeric layer 14 sandwiched between the first and second coverstock layers. The coverstock layer materials can be inelastic. Additional layers can be included (e.g., additional nonwovens, nonelastic materials, elastic materials, or extensible materials). The laminate can be extensible. In various embodiments, the laminate is elastomeric. Two or more laminate layers can be joined by multiple bonds 30, as shown in FIG. 2. The bonds can be ultrasonic bonds 31, which can join the nonwoven layers through the elastomeric layers. Ultrasonically bonded laminates can be formed by any suitable process, including, but not limited to, those described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 10,568,775, 10,568,776, and 10,575,993. The bond can be of any suitable shape or size such that two or more laminate layers are joined.

[0017] As illustrated in Figure 2, the laminate includes a first bond pattern 200. The first bond pattern 20 has a first repeating unit 202. The first bond pattern 20 includes closed-cell units 204. The closed-cell units of the first bond pattern are at least 25 mm in length according to the Bond Measurement Test Method herein. 2 or approximately 41 mm 2 ~Approx. 129mm 2 Additionally or alternatively, the closed cell units of the first bonding pattern comprise a stretched enclosed area of ​​at least about 19 mm according to the Stretch Ratio Test Method herein. 2 , or approximately 19 mm 2 ~about 60mm 2 , or about 40 mm 2 ~approx. 110mm 2 , or about 50 mm 2 ~approx. 120mm 2Additionally or alternatively, the closed-cell units of the bond pattern comprise a ratio of stretched envelope area to relaxed envelope area of ​​at least 1.2, or from about 1.2 to about 2, or from about 1.5 to about 2.5. Additionally or alternatively, the bonds of the first bond pattern may comprise a bond separation distance of from about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm, or from about 1.2 mm to about 3.5 mm, or from about 1.5 mm to about 2 mm, or less than about 3.5 mm, according to the Bond Measurement Test Method herein. Other patterns may also exist. The ears 130 and / or waistband 180 of the absorbent article may comprise a laminate as described herein. These and other features will be described in more detail below.

[0018] Laminate As described above, the laminate 10 includes one or more coverstock layers 12, 16 and an elastomeric layer 14. The coverstock layer materials can be selected from nonwovens, films, and / or any other type of web-based material. In various embodiments, one or more coverstock layers include a nonwoven. Any suitable nonwoven may be used in the laminate 10. Suitable nonwovens may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, or not more than about 30 gsm, or not more than about 22 gsm, or not more than about 17 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 22 gsm. Suitable nonwovens include, but are not limited to, spunbond, spunlaid, meltblown, spunmelt, solvent-spun, electrospun, carded, film-fibrillated, melt-film-fibrillated, air-laid, dry-laid, wet-laid staple fibers, and other nonwoven web materials formed partially or entirely from polymeric fibers, as known in the art. In a non-limiting example, the nonwoven fabric includes a meltblown layer. Additionally or alternatively, the nonwoven fabric can include a spunbond layer. In a non-limiting example, the nonwoven fabric includes two or more spunbond layers. In a further non-limiting example, one or more nonwoven fabrics can include an SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) configuration. Alternatively, one or more of the nonwoven fabrics in the ear sections of the absorbent article may not include a meltblown layer. While meltblown layers have been found to strengthen bonds in ear sections requiring adhesion (given that meltblown layers inhibit the diffusion of adhesion through the porous nonwoven structure), meltblown layers often lack strength. In some embodiments, the nonwoven fabric consists essentially of spunbond layers. In some non-limiting examples, both the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric include at least two spunbond layers, or three or more spunbond layers. The fibers of the nonwoven fabric may be joined by multiple thermal point bonds, as is known in the art. In a non-limiting example, the nonwoven fabric may include about 20% or less bond area (in terms of those thermal point bonds).

[0019] The nonwoven web may be formed primarily of polymeric fibers. In some embodiments, suitable nonwoven fibrous materials may include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, nylons, or specifically polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and / or blends thereof. In some embodiments, the fibers may be formed from PP / PE blends such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,266,392. The nonwoven fibers may be formed from or include components such as aliphatic polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides, or other biopolymers as additives or modifiers. Additional useful nonwoven fabrics, fiber compositions, fiber and nonwoven fabric formations, and related methods are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,645,569, 6,863,933, and 7,112,621, as well as U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10 / 338,603, 10 / 338,610, and 13 / 005,237. The individual fibers of the nonwoven fabric layer may be monocomponent or multicomponent (including bicomponent). Multicomponent fibers can be bicomponent, comprising various polymer components in a core-sheath or side-by-side arrangement, for example. The individual components may comprise polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or copolymers thereof, or polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides, or other biopolymers. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric may comprise a blend of various fibers, for example, selected from the polymer fiber types listed above. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers may exhibit a spiral crimp having a helical shape. According to one example, the fibers can include bicomponent fibers, which are individual fibers, each comprising a different material, typically a first polymeric material and a second polymeric material. The use of side-by-side bicomponent fibers is believed to be beneficial for imparting a spiral crimp to the fibers.Examples of potentially suitable crimped or "crimped" bicomponent fibers and nonwovens formed therefrom are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,382,400, 5,418,045, 5,707,468, 6,454,989, 6,632,386, 5,622,772, and 7,291,239. For purposes of this specification, the use of nonwovens formed from bicomponent or multicomponent pleated fibers, such as those described in the immediately preceding patents and / or patent applications, may be desirable as one or both nonwoven layers because they can feel particularly soft to the touch (providing comfort to the wearer on the inside and an aesthetically pleasing appearance on the outside) and are generally quite flexible. In other non-limiting examples, the nonwoven need not have crimped fibers.

[0020] When laminate 10 includes more than one nonwoven, the nonwovens can have the same basis weight or different basis weights. Similarly, the nonwovens can have the same layer configuration (e.g., SSS) or different layer configurations (e.g., SMS).

[0021] The elastomeric layer 14 comprises one or more elastomeric materials that provide elasticity to at least a portion of the layer 14. Non-limiting examples of elastomeric materials include films (e.g., polyurethane films, films derived from rubber and / or other polymeric materials), elastomeric coatings applied to another substrate (e.g., hot melt elastomers, elastomeric adhesives, printed elastomers, or elastomers coextruded onto another substrate), elastomeric nonwovens, scrims, etc. The elastomeric materials may be formed from elastomeric polymers, including styrene derivatives (e.g., styrenic block copolymer materials), polyesters, polyurethanes, polyetheramides, polyolefins, combinations thereof, or any suitable known polymers having elastomers, including, but not limited to, coextruded VISTAMAXX®. Exemplary elastomers and / or elastomeric materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,618,350, 6,410,129, 7,819,853, 8,795,809, 7,806,883, 6,677,258, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0258210.Commercially available elastomeric materials include KRATON (a styrenic block copolymer available from Kraton Chemical Company, Houston, TX), SEPTON (a styrenic block copolymer available from Kuraray America, Inc., New York, NY), VECTOR (a styrenic block copolymer available from TSRC Dexco Chemical Company, Houston, TX), ESTANE (a polyurethane available from Lubrizol, Inc., Ohio), PEBAX (a polyether-based block amide available from Arkema Chemicals, Philadelphia, PA), HYTREL (a polyester available from DuPont, Wilmington, DE), VISTAMAXX (a homopolyolefin and random copolymer, and blends of random copolymers available from EXXON Mobile, Spring, TX), VERSIFY (a homopolyolefin and random copolymer, and blends of random copolymers available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan), and INFUSE (a Dow Chemical block copolymers available from the Company).

[0022] In a non-limiting example, elastomeric layer 14 comprises film 15. The film may be single layer or multiple layers. The film may be extensible or elastic in the transverse and / or longitudinal directions. The film may be pre-processed, e.g., pre-activated, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,533,067. Additionally or alternatively, elastomeric layer 14 may be perforated.

[0023] The elastomeric layer may be shorter than the laminate itself in one or more dimensions of the laminate. For example, the elastomeric layer may have a maximum dimension Y in the stretch direction, and the laminate may have a maximum dimension W in the stretch direction. In various embodiments, the stretch direction is the transverse direction. The maximum dimension is measured when the laminate is in a relaxed state. In a non-realistic example, Y may be at least about 10 mm less than W. In certain embodiments, Y is at least about 20%, or about 25% to about 100%, or about 35% to about 85%, or about 80% or less of W. In various embodiments, the stretch direction is the transverse direction. Additionally or alternatively, the elastomeric layer may have dimensions equal to one or more dimensions of the laminate. For example, the elastomeric layer may have substantially the same longitudinal length of the laminate across the transverse width of the laminate. In some embodiments, the elastomeric layer can have a basis weight of from about 5 to about 150 gsm, or from about 10 to about 100 gsm, or less than about 150 gsm.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, laminate 10 may include a primary region 18 defined by the perimeter of elastomeric material 14 and one or more inelastic regions 20, 22. Primary region 18 includes elastic region 32 and one or more non-stretch zones 34. In the elastic regions, the laminate is elastically extensible. In the non-stretch zones, the laminate may not be elastic despite the presence of the elastomeric layer. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the primary region comprises at least about 20%, or from about 30% to about 100%, or up to about 80% of the total area of ​​the laminate. The laminate may further include one or more inelastic regions. In certain embodiments, laminate 10 includes first inelastic region 20, which extends laterally outward from first laminate edge 9 of the laminate and is adjacent to elastic region 18 at first elastomeric material edge 17. The laminate may further include a second inelastic region 22, which may extend laterally inward from the second laminate edge 11 and may be adjacent to the elastic region 18 at the second elastomeric material edge 19. The first inelastic region and the second inelastic region may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the laminate 10 includes a gathered laminate 24 in which one of the layers distorts at a greater angle than the remaining layers during lamination. Thus, the low-extensibility layer (i.e., the coverstock layers 12, 16) will form gathers when the laminate 24 is in a relaxed state. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elastomeric layer distorts while the nonwoven is in a relaxed state during lamination. The elastomeric layer may stretch in one or more directions. Corrugations then form in the nonwoven layer when the subsequently formed laminate 24 is in a relaxed state. When making a gathered laminate, the elastomeric layer is stretched in the stretch direction (i.e., the intended direction of stretch in the final product). The stretch direction may be the cross direction. In a non-limiting example, the elastomeric layer is stretched in a direction corresponding to the cross direction of the article. In other words, after lamination, when the laminate is joined to the chassis, the laminate will be oriented so that the laminate can stretch in the cross direction of the article (i.e., the laminate is cross-directionally extensible).

[0026] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the layers of the laminate are joined by one or more bonds 30. The bonds may be any suitable shape, and multiple shapes may be utilized within the laminate. In various embodiments, the bonds may be ultrasonic bonds 31. The bonds may be arranged in one or more patterns 200. Each pattern may include one or more closed-cell units 204. The repeating closed-cell units form one or more repeat units 202. The repeat units are the same or substantially the same closed-cell units that repeat in the bond pattern. Thus, a first repeat unit includes a first closed-cell unit having substantially the same shape, and a second repeat unit includes a second closed-cell unit having substantially the same shape, but with a different shape than the first closed-cell unit and the second closed-cell unit. It should be understood that the closed-cell units of different repeat units may differ in at least one of shape and size. A bond pattern may include closed-cell units where each closed-cell unit is the same or substantially the same shape and / or size. The bond pattern may include closed cell units that are different, e.g., different shapes and / or sizes. Certain closed cell units may be the same or substantially the same as certain other closed cell units in the bond pattern, and certain other closed cell units may be different. For example, the bond pattern may include closed cell units having only hexagonal shapes, or the bond pattern may include some closed cell units having hexagonal shapes and some closed cell units having triangular shapes. The laminate may include a first bond pattern 200a having one or more repeating closed cell units 204. Additionally or alternatively, the first bond pattern 200 may have a percent bond area of ​​at least about 3%, or from about 3% to about 7%, according to the bond measurement test method herein. The first bond pattern may at least partially overlap the primary region 18.

[0027] 3A-12B provide examples of bond patterns having closed-cell units. The closed-cell unit includes a perimeter 206 formed by five or more permanent bonds 30. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a closed-cell unit 204. FIG. 3A illustrates multiple closed-cell units forming a bond pattern, and FIG. 3B illustrates a portion of the bond pattern and the perimeter 206 formed by each of the closed-cell units. The perimeter 206 is shown as a dashed line for illustrative purposes and to better understand the present disclosure, but the dashed line does not form part of the bond pattern. The perimeter 206 is formed by connecting adjacent individual bonds. It should be understood that the perimeter of a first closed-cell unit may form part of the perimeter of a second closed-cell unit.

[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-6B, for example, a bond pattern can include a first closed-cell unit 204a and a second closed-cell unit 204b. As above, each adjacent bond in the bond pattern can form a perimeter. The first closed-cell unit 204a can have a first perimeter, and the second closed-cell unit 204b can have a second perimeter. The first perimeter can form part of the second perimeter, or the first perimeter can be separate from the second perimeter. Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, for example, a bond pattern can include a first closed-cell unit 204a, a second closed-cell unit 204b, and a third closed-cell unit 204c. As above, each adjacent bond in the bond pattern can form one or more perimeters. The first closed-cell unit 204a may have a first perimeter, the second closed-cell unit 204b may have a second perimeter, and the third closed-cell unit 204c may have a third perimeter. The first perimeter, second perimeter, and third perimeter may each share a portion of their perimeter with each other, or the first perimeter, second perimeter, and third perimeter may each be separate. A portion of the perimeter of one closed-cell unit 204a may form a portion of the perimeter of another closed-cell unit 204b or multiple other closed-cell units 204b, 204c.

[0029] The closed-cell units may be any shape identifiable as having a perimeter formed by at least five bonds that substantially enclose an area. For example, the closed-cell units may be various shapes, including polygonal, heart-shaped, circular, oval, and combinations thereof. A bond pattern may include closed-cell units each having the same shape, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. A bond pattern may include closed-cell units having different shapes, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, and 11A. Some bond patterns may include two or more closed-cell units 204a, 204b having different shapes. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a bond pattern may include a first closed-cell unit 204a and a second closed-cell unit 204b. The first closed-cell unit 204a may be a hexagonal-shaped closed-cell unit, and the second closed-cell unit 204b may be a diamond-shaped closed-cell unit. 5A and 6A illustrate additional examples of bonded patterns having first and second closed-cell units with different shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, for example, a bonded pattern can include a first closed-cell unit 204a, a second closed-cell unit 204b, and a third closed-cell unit 204c. Each of the first closed-cell unit 204a, the second closed-cell unit 204b, and the third closed-cell unit 204c has a different shape. It should also be noted that the various closed-cell units can be substantially the same shape but different sizes.

[0030] One or more portions of the closed cell unit may be formed with a perimeter having individual, discontinuous bond sites, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 8-10. The individual bond sites forming the perimeter are not connected. In an area of ​​discontinuous bonds, adjacent bonds along the perimeter of the closed cell unit may have a bond separation distance of about 3.5 mm or less, or about 3 mm or less, or from about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm, according to the Bond Measurement Test Method herein. Further to the above, in an area with discontinuous bonds, the perimeter may have at least about 5 bonds, or at least about 6 bonds, or at least about 10 bonds, or from about 5 bonds to about 20 bonds. In a non-limiting example, the bonds may be at least about 0.36 mm apart according to the Bond Measurement Test Method herein. 2 , or at least about 0.50 mm 2 , or at least about 1.0 mm 2 , or approximately 0.36 mm 2 ~about 0.64mm 2 , or approximately 0.38 mm 2 ~about 0.85mm 2 , or approximately 0.40 mm 2 ~approx. 1.0 mm 2 , or about 0.45 mm 2 ~about 1.5mm 2 , or about 0.5 mm 2 ~approximately 2mm 2 The bonding area may be a discrete area of ​​1000 μm.

[0031] A closed-cell unit includes an enclosing portion 208 substantially surrounded by a perimeter 206, as illustrated in, for example, FIGS. 7 and 8 . The closed-cell unit may not include any permanent bonds 30 that are less than 3.5 mm from all other bonds forming the closed-cell unit. Bonds that are more than 3.5 mm from the bonds that form the closed-cell unit are not part of the closed-cell unit. Stated differently, permanent or temporary bonds that are more than 3.5 mm from the bonds of the closed-cell unit do not form part of the closed-cell unit. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B , permanent and / or temporary bonds may be placed within the enclosing portion such that the permanent and / or temporary bonds are more than about 3.5 mm from the bonds that form the closed-cell unit. Temporary bonds 30t may be placed within the enclosing portion of the closed-cell unit, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . The temporary bonds 30t can be any distance from the permanent bonds that form the closed-cell unit. The use of additional bonds within the enclosed portion can protect the laminate layers from delamination during processing or handling without negating the benefits of the closed-cell unit. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the enclosed portion of the closed-cell unit does not include permanent or temporary bonds.

[0032] Closed cell units must be at least 35mm in diameter according to the Bond Measurement Test Method. 2 , or at least about 50 mm 2 , or at least about 60 mm 2 , or approximately 35 mm 2 ~approx. 120mm 2 , or about 40 mm 2 ~about 90mm 2When multiple closed-cell units are present in the pattern, each closed-cell unit may have a different stretching enclosed area. For example, a first closed-cell unit 204a may have a first enclosed portion and a second closed-cell unit may have a second enclosed portion, with the first and second enclosed portions having different stretching enclosed areas. In a non-limiting example, the second closed-cell unit may have a stretching enclosed area that is smaller or larger than the stretching enclosed area of ​​the first closed-cell unit. It should be understood that each closed-cell unit may have substantially the same stretching enclosed area.

[0033] The closed cell units must be at least 19 mm in length according to the stretch ratio test method. 2 , or at least about 25 mm 2 , or at least about 40 mm 2 , or approximately 19 mm 2 ~about 60mm 2 , or about 25 mm 2 ~about 70mm 2 , or about 30 mm 2 ~approx. 100mm 2 When multiple closed-cell units are present in the pattern, each closed-cell unit can have a different relaxed surrounded area. For example, a first closed-cell unit 204a can have a first surrounded portion and a second closed-cell unit 208b can have a second surrounded portion, with the first and second surrounded portions having different relaxed surrounded areas. In a non-limiting example, the second closed-cell unit can have a relaxed surrounded area that is smaller or larger than the relaxed surrounded area of ​​the first closed-cell unit. It should be understood that each closed-cell unit can have substantially the same relaxed surrounded area.

[0034] Bonding patterns with closed-cell units, as discussed herein, allow for a relatively large area of ​​nonwoven fabric to come together when the laminate is in a contracted state, without the risk of having uncontrolled areas of unbonded regions that could tear, for example. Furthermore, these bond patterns with closed-cell units allow for a more cushioned feel against the wearer's skin, potentially resulting in less pressure and skin marking for the wearer. The bond patterns discussed herein also allow for relatively greater breathability by providing more pores in the film. Furthermore, the bond patterns provide a visual indication of the amount of stretch when the ears are engaged.

[0035] It is also contemplated that a first bond pattern may include closed-cell units and areas of unsurrounded bond patterns. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a bond pattern may include separate closed-cell units 204. Each separate closed-cell unit has a perimeter that does not share a perimeter with another closed-cell unit. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, for example, a bond pattern may include closed-cell units and individual bonds arranged in a line. It should also be understood that a bond pattern may include one or more closed-cell units and areas of unsurrounded bond patterns that share a perimeter with one another.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, one or more closed-cell units may have a stretched-enclosed-area to relaxed-enclosed-area ratio of at least about 1.2, or at least about 2, or at least about 2.2, or from about 1.2 to about 2.5. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that units having a stretched-enclosed-area to relaxed-enclosed-area ratio within the above ranges have a three-dimensional appearance and provide loft, breathability, and / or cushioning to the caregiver and / or wearer while providing sufficient bonding to ensure continuous lamination and integrity. In embodiments where the first bonding pattern includes multiple closed-cell units, the first closed-cell unit may have a first stretched-enclosed-area to relaxed-enclosed-area ratio, and the second closed-cell unit may have a second stretched-enclosed-area to relaxed-enclosed-area ratio. The first stretched-enclosed-area to relaxed-enclosed-area ratio and the second stretched-enclosed-area to relaxed-enclosed-area ratio may be the same. The first stretched to relaxed enclosure area ratio and the second stretched to relaxed enclosure area ratio can be different. The first stretched to relaxed enclosure area ratio can be at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 20%, or between about 1% and about 50% greater than the second stretched to relaxed enclosure area ratio.

[0037] In some embodiments, the laminate may have a first coverstock layer 12 including a first outer surface 210 and a second coverstock layer 16 including a second outer surface 212, as shown in FIG. 13 . The first and second coverstock layers may be made of different materials and have different basis weights, layer configurations, and extensibility. For example, the first coverstock layer may include a nonwoven fabric, and the second coverstock layer may include a nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, the first coverstock layer may include a first nonwoven fabric, and the second coverstock layer may include a second nonwoven fabric, such that the first and second nonwoven fabrics differ in at least one of basis weight, layer configuration (e.g., SS, SMS, etc.), and extensibility. In another non-limiting example, the first and second coverstock layers have the same construction materials, but one of the two layers includes a surface treatment or coating that causes a change in material properties, such as extensibility, tensile strength, flexibility, or a combination thereof. In embodiments in which the first and second coverstock layers are different, the same bond pattern 200 may result in different appearances and / or different ratios of stretched to relaxed enclosed area on the first and second outer surfaces 210, 212. For example, the bonds may be relatively darker and more visually apparent on the second outer surface 212 than on the first outer surface 210, as illustrated in FIG.

[0038] The area of ​​the laminate including the first bonding pattern may have a 50% unload force of about 0.2 N / in or more, or about 0.3 N / in or more, or about 0.35 to about 1 N / in according to the Hysteresis Test Method herein, with ranges recited herein in 0.05 N / in increments.

[0039] The laminate may include a first bond pattern 200a and a second bond pattern 200b, as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. The second bond pattern may differ from the first bond pattern in at least one of bond shape, number of bonds, number of closed-cell units (or absence of closed-cell units), repeat unit shape, enclosed area of ​​the closed-cell units, bond density, bond area, and combinations thereof. The second bond pattern may be positioned outside the first bond pattern, such that the two patterns are in a non-overlapping relationship. As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the second bond pattern may be disposed along one or more edges of the laminate. In this manner, the second bond pattern may at least partially surround or frame at least a portion of the first bond pattern or the entire first bond pattern. The second bonding pattern may at least partially overlap the non-stretch region 34, the non-elastic region 20, the fastening system 148, and / or the reinforcing layer 160 (e.g., a folded substrate or an additional substrate added to the laminate to enhance integrity).

[0040] The first and second bond patterns can overlap at a transition zone. The overlap between the first and second bond patterns at the transition zone can be less than about 5 mm, or less than about 3 mm, or less than about 1 mm.

[0041] In embodiments having multiple bond patterns, such as first bond pattern 200a and second bond pattern 200b, first bond pattern 200a and second bond pattern 200b may have different bond densities. The first percent bond area may be at least about 3%, or from about 3% to about 7%, according to the Bond Measurement Test Method herein. The second percent bond area may be at least about 4%, or from about 4% to about 10%, according to the Bond Measurement Test Method herein. The percent bond area ratio between patterns may be about 1.00 to about 3.00, or from about 1.1 to about 2.5, or from about 1.5 to about 2, according to the Bond Dimension Test Method herein. For example, the percent bond area ratio may be about 1.1 or about 1.6.

[0042] The second bond pattern 200b may include one or more repeating units 202c. The second bond pattern 200b may not include any closed-cell units. Alternatively, the second bond pattern may include one or more closed-cell units having any of the characteristics described herein. The closed-cell units in the second bond pattern may include a stretched to relaxed envelope area ratio that is smaller than the stretched to relaxed envelope area ratio of the closed-cell units in the first bond pattern. In a non-limiting example, the closed-cell unit having the largest surface area in the first bond pattern may be larger than the surface area of ​​each of the closed-cell units in the second bond pattern. The ratio of the stretched to relaxed enclosed area of ​​the largest first pattern of closed cell units can be at least about 1%, or at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 50%, or between about 1% and about 50% greater than the ratio of the stretched to relaxed enclosed area of ​​the closed cell units in the second bonded pattern.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the laminate has an air permeability of at least about 1 m according to the air permeability test method herein. 3 / m 2 / min, or approximately 1m 3 / m 2 / min ~ approx. 125m 3 / m 2 / min, or approximately 2m 3 / m 2 / min ~ approx. 50m 3 / m 2 / min.

[0044] The bonding pattern of the laminate can coordinate with other portions of the absorbent article. For example, the bonding pattern of the laminate can coordinate with patterns on the chassis, such as the topsheet and / or backsheet, ears, fasteners, and / or waist features. The matching pattern can be a pattern formed by mechanically changing the structure of the material or by adding material to form the pattern, such as by printing.

[0045] Articles containing laminates 17, a laminate 10 of the present disclosure may be incorporated into an absorbent article 100, such as a disposable absorbent article. The laminate may be attached to one or more layers of a chassis 120 by chassis attachment bonds 102. The chassis attachment bonds may include ultrasonic bonds, adhesive bonds, mechanical bonds, or combinations thereof.

[0046] 17 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent article 100 in a flat, uncontracted state. The body-facing surface 115 of the absorbent article 100 faces the viewer. The absorbent article 100 includes a longitudinal centerline 105 and a lateral centerline 110.

[0047] The absorbent article 100 includes a chassis 120. The absorbent article 100 and chassis 120 are shown as having a first waist region 114, a second waist region 118 opposite the first waist region 114, and a crotch region 116 located between the first waist region 114 and the second waist region 118. The waist region 114 and the waist region 118 generally comprise those portions of the absorbent article that encircle the waist of the wearer when worn. The waist region 114 and the waist region 118 may include elastic members 155 that gather around the waist of the wearer to improve fit and containment. The crotch region 116 is the portion of the absorbent article that is generally positioned between the legs of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

[0048] The outer periphery of the chassis 120 is defined by longitudinal edges 112 and waist edges (a first waist edge 113 in the first waist region 114 and a second waist edge 119 in the second waist region 118). The chassis 120 may have opposing longitudinal edges 112 oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 105. However, for a better fit, the longitudinal edges 112 may be curved or angled to create an "hourglass" shaped article when viewed in plan, as shown, for example, in FIG. 17. The chassis 120 may have opposing lateral edges 113, 119 (i.e., the first waist edge 113 and the second waist edge 119) oriented generally parallel to the lateral centerline 110.

[0049] The chassis 120 may include a liquid pervious topsheet 124, a backsheet 126, and an absorbent core 128 between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 126. The topsheet 124 may be joined to the core 128 and / or the backsheet 126. The backsheet 126 may be joined to the core 128 and / or the topsheet 124. It should be appreciated that other structures, elements, or substrates may be positioned between the core 128 and the topsheet 124 and / or the backsheet 126. In some embodiments, an acquisition distribution system 127 is disposed between the topsheet 126 and the absorbent core 128.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the chassis 120 comprises the main structure of the absorbent article 100, with other features added to form a composite absorbent article structure. The topsheet 124, backsheet 126, and absorbent core 128 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, although absorbent article constructions are generally described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,860,003, 5,151,092, 5,221,274, 5,554,145, 5,569,234, 5,580,411, and 6,004,306.

[0051] Components of disposable absorbent articles can be at least partially composed of biosourced content, as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007 / 0219521 (A1), 2011 / 0139658 (A1), 2011 / 0139657 (A1), 2011 / 0152812 (A1), and 2011 / 0139659 (A1), including, but not limited to, topsheets, backsheet films, backsheet nonwovens, ear / ear laminates, leg gasket systems, superabsorbents, acquisition layers, core wrap materials, adhesives, fastening systems, and landing zones. In at least one embodiment, a component of a disposable absorbent article comprises a biobased content value of about 10% to about 100%, or about 25% to about 75%, or about 50% to about 60%, using ASTM D6866-10, Method B. To determine the biobased content of any component using the ASTM D6866-10 methodology, a representative sample of the component must be obtained for testing. In at least one embodiment, a component of a disposable absorbent article can be ground into fine particles of less than about 20 mesh using known grinding methods (e.g., a Wiley® mill), and a representative sample of a suitable mass can be removed from the randomly mixed particles.

[0052] The laminate 10 of the present disclosure may form or be a part of one or more components of an article, including, but not limited to, ears, waist features, belts, and combinations thereof.

[0053] Top sheet The topsheet 124 is generally the portion of the absorbent article 100 that may at least partially contact or be positioned more proximal to the wearer. Suitable topsheets 124 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fibers or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 124 is generally supple, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 124 is liquid pervious, allowing liquids to readily penetrate through its thickness. The topsheet 124 may be apertured. The topsheet may be apertured by overbonding the material and then ring-rolling to break the overbonds, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097.

[0054] Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antimicrobial agent, a surfactant, and / or other benefit agent. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, there will typically be holes present to allow body exudates to pass through the topsheet.

[0055] absorbent core The absorbent core 128 can include a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp, commonly referred to as airfelt crepe paper batting; meltblown polymers, including coform; chemically stiffened, modified, or crosslinked cellulose fibers; tissue, including tissue wrappers and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose-free, contains less than 10% by weight cellulose fibers, less than 5% by weight cellulose fibers, less than 1% by weight cellulose fibers, trace amounts of cellulose fibers, or no cellulose fibers. It should be understood that trace amounts of cellulosic material do not substantially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility, and absorbency of the substantially cellulose-free portion of the absorbent core. Among other advantages, when at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose-free, this portion of the absorbent core is believed to be significantly thinner and more flexible than a similar absorbent core containing more than 10% by weight of cellulose fibers. The amount of absorbent material, e.g., absorbent particulate polymer material, present in the absorbent core can vary, but in certain embodiments, 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 some embodiments, the absorbent core may include one or more channels 129, which are substantially free of absorbent particulate polymer material. The channels 129 may extend in the longitudinal or transverse direction. The absorbent core may further include two or more channels. The channels may be straight, curved, angled, or any operable combination thereof. In a non-limiting example, two channels are symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis.

[0056] back seat The backsheet 126 is generally positioned so as to be at least a portion of the garment facing the surface of the absorbent article 100. The backsheet 126 may be joined to a portion of the topsheet 124, the absorbent core 128, and / or any other layers of the absorbent article by any attachment method known to those skilled in the art. The backsheet 126 may be designed to prevent bodily exudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbent article 100 from soiling articles that may come into contact with the absorbent article 100, such as bed sheets and undergarments. In certain embodiments, the backsheet 126 is substantially water-impermeable. The backsheet may be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing or at least inhibiting body exudates from passing through the backsheet.

[0057] The backsheet 126 may also be comprised of two or more layers. The backsheet 126 may include an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover material 40 may include bonding patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features. The outer cover material 40 may be a nonwoven material, such as a hydroentangled nonwoven material. The inner layer may be made from a substantially liquid-impermeable film, such as a polymeric film. The outer cover and inner layer may be joined to each other by adhesive or any other suitable material or method.

[0058] Ears / fasteners The absorbent article 100 may include one or more ears 130, including, for example, a front ear 132 located in a first waist region and / or a back ear 134 located in a second waist region. The ears 130 may be integral with the chassis or may be separate elements joined to the chassis 120 at chassis attachment bonds 102 that may join one or more layers of the ear to the chassis. The ears 130 may be extensible or elastic. The ears 130 may be formed from one or more nonwoven webs, woven webs, knit fabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges, foams, scrims, or combinations and / or laminates of any of the foregoing.

[0059] In some embodiments, the ear 130 may comprise an elastomer, which makes the ear extensible. In certain embodiments, the ear 130 may be formed of an extensible laminate, such as a nonwoven / elastomeric laminate or a nonwoven / elastomeric / nonwoven laminate, which also makes the ear extensible. The ear 120 may be extensible in the cross direction of the article. In some embodiments, the ear is elastic in the cross direction. In further embodiments, the ear 130 may stretch more in the cross direction than in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the ear may stretch more in the longitudinal direction than in the cross direction. In certain non-limiting examples, the ear may include one or more inelastic regions along with separate elastic regions.

[0060] In some embodiments, the ears comprise a laminate of one or more nonwovens and one or more elastic materials, such as laminate 10 having any of the features or laminate layers described herein.

[0061] Any suitable nonwoven fabric may be used in the ears 130. Suitable nonwoven fabrics may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, or less than about 30 gsm, or less than about 17 gsm, or from about 10 gsm to about 17 gsm. Typically, lower basis weight nonwoven fabrics reduce the overall strength of the ears. However, ears designed in accordance with the principles herein can achieve high strength despite the lower basis weight nonwoven fabric. When the ears 130 include two or more nonwoven fabrics, the nonwoven fabrics may have the same or different basis weights. Similarly, the nonwoven fabrics may have the same or different layer structures. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabrics in the ears may have the same or different characteristics in the backsheet, topsheet, leg gasket system, and / or waist features.

[0062] The selvages may be, for example, ultrasonically bonded selvages as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 674,559. The selvages may be gathered laminate 24. Alternatively, the selvages may be activated by processes disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0082418, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,167,897, 5,993,432, 5,156,793, 5,167,897, 7,062,983, and 6,843,134.

[0063] The ears may be joined to the chassis at chassis attachment bonds 102. In some non-limiting examples, the chassis attachment bonds are located in inelastic regions of the ears.

[0064] The absorbent article 100 may also include a fastening system 148, which when fastened interconnects the first waist region 116 and the rear waist region 118, creating a waist circumference that can encircle the wearer while the absorbent article 100 is being worn. The fastening system 148 may include fastening elements 150, such as, for example, tape tabs, hook and loop fastening components, interengaging fasteners such as tabs and slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and / or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. The absorbent article may include landing zones where the fastening elements may engage and / or release tapes that protect the fastening elements from damage prior to use. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,848,594, 4,662,875, 4,846,815, 4,894,060, 4,946,527, 5,151,092, and 5,221,274. An exemplary interengaging fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,432,098. In some embodiments, the fastening system 148 and / or the element 150 are foldable.

[0065] The fastening system 148 may be joined by any suitable means to any suitable portion of the article 100. The fastening system may be joined to the ears between layers.

[0066] Leg Gasket System The absorbent article 100 may include a leg gasketing system 170 attached to the chassis 120, which may include one or more cuffs. The leg gasketing system may include a pair of barrier leg cuffs 172. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a single piece of material bonded to the absorbent article, thereby extending upward from the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article and providing improved containment of fluids and other body exudates near the junction of the wearer's torso and legs. The barrier leg cuffs are bounded by proximal edges that are joined directly or indirectly to the topsheet 124 and / or backsheet 126, and free edges 175 that are intended to contact the wearer's skin and form a seal. In some embodiments, the free edges 175 include folded edges. The barrier leg cuffs 172 extend at least partially between the front waist edge 113 and the back waist edge 119 of the absorbent article on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 105 and are at least in the crotch region. The barrier leg cuffs may be joined to the chassis of the article at their proximal edges by a bond which may be achieved by a combination of adhesive, melt bonding, or other suitable joining processes.

[0067] The barrier leg cuffs may be integral with the topsheet 124 or backsheet 126, or may be separate materials joined to the chassis of the article. Each barrier leg cuff 172 may include one, two, or more elastic elements 155 adjacent its free edge 175 to provide a better seal.

[0068] In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 172, the article may include gasket cuffs 176 joined to the chassis of the absorbent article, particularly the topsheet 124 and / or backsheet 126, and positioned externally relative to the barrier leg cuffs 172. The gasket cuffs 176 may provide a better seal around the wearer's thighs. The gasket cuffs may include a proximal edge and a free edge 177. The free edge 177 may include a folded edge. Each gasket cuff may include one or more elastic elements 155 in the chassis of the absorbent article between the topsheet 124 and the backsheet 126 in the area of ​​the leg openings. All or a portion of the barrier leg cuffs and / or gasket cuffs may be treated with a lotion or another skin care composition.

[0069] In a further embodiment, the leg gasketing system includes a barrier leg cuff integrated with the gasket cuff. Suitable leg gasketing systems that may be part of the absorbent article are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62 / 134,622, 14 / 077,708, U.S. Patent Nos. 8,939,957, 3,860,003, 7,435,243, and 8,062,279.

[0070] Elastic waist feature As shown in FIG. 17 , the absorbent article 100 may include at least one elastic waist feature 180 to help provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature 180 is generally intended to contract to dynamically fit the wearer's waist. Elastic waist features include waistbands, waist cuffs having pockets formed from portions of the waist feature 180 that are detached from the chassis 120, and waist panels designed to fit securely around the wearer's abdomen. Non-limiting examples of elastic waist features are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13 / 490,543, 14 / 533,472, and 62 / 134,622. The waist feature 180 may be joined to the chassis 120 in the first waist region 114 and / or the second waist region 118. The waist feature may be used in conjunction with ears 130 to provide the desired stretch and flexibility to properly fit the article to the wearer. The waist feature may include laminate 10 having any of the features described herein. The waist feature may be extensible or elastic in the lateral and / or longitudinal directions. In some embodiments, waist feature 180 includes belt 220. The waist feature may be attached to the chassis at waist feature bond 182.

[0071] Adult or infant pants absorbent articles In some embodiments, the article 100 may include absorbent pants 300 as shown in Figures 18A and 18B. The absorbent pants may include a chassis 120, a belt 320 positioned around the waist of the wearer, and optionally a leg gasket system 170. Figure 18B illustrates an exemplary precursor structure to the pants of Figure 18A in an open configuration laid out flat and laterally stretched for elastic-induced contraction. In final assembly of the pants, the front belt portion 322 is joined to the back belt portion 323 at seam 324, which may be permanent or refastenable. To form pants 300, the precursor structure may be folded at or about lateral centerline 110 with topsheet 124 facing inward, and the longitudinal edges of the front 322 belt and rear 323 belt portions may be joined at seams 324 to form a pant structure having leg openings, front waist edges, and rear waist edges. In this manner, pants 300 may include a preformed, continuous waist opening and preformed, continuous leg openings for the wearer when pants 300 are worn.

[0072] The front belt portion 322 and the back belt portion 323 may be the outermost structures forming the front and back regions of the pants 300. The pants may include an outer wrap 326 that encases the entire front, crotch, and back regions and forms the outermost pant-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the backsheet outer cover forms the outer wrap. The outer wrap 326 may be formed from one or more sections of a nonwoven web, which, if desired, can be cut to a contour that provides a suitably adjusted leg opening edge contour.

[0073] The belt 320 may include a laminate 10 of the present disclosure having any of the features described above, including one or more nonwoven layers and one or more elastomeric layers. The laminate layers may be joined by ultrasonic bonding.

[0074] According to some non-limiting examples, the nonwoven fabric used in the belt portions may include materials that provide good recovery when external pressure is applied and then removed.

[0075] The elastomeric layer of a waist feature, such as a belt portion, may include one or more elastic members 155. The elastic members 155 may be elastomeric fibers, such as LYCRA® fiber available from INVISTA (Wichita, KS), in various decitex levels. The elastic members 155 may also include any heat-shrinkable elastic material known in the art. Other suitable elastics may be made of a variety of other materials, including, but not limited to, rubber, styrene ethylbutylene styrene, styrene ethylene propylene styrene, styrene ethylene propylene styrene, styrene butadiene styrene, styrene isoprene styrene, polyolefin elastomers, elastomeric polyurethanes, and other elastomeric materials known in the art, as well as combinations thereof. In some non-limiting examples, the elastic members may be extruded strand elastics having any number of strands (or filaments). In some embodiments, the elastic members may have a decitex ranging from 50 to 2000, or any integer value for any decitex value within this range. However, one skilled in the art can select an appropriate decitex based on the desired amount of shrinkage and other principles discussed herein. In a further embodiment, the elastic member can be in the form of a film. Examples of films are described in prior patent applications (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0040826). The film can be made using various resins combined in at least one of several sublayers, which provide the film with different benefits.

[0076] It should be noted that the elastic member 155 may take on a number of configurations: for example, the width may vary, a single strand or multiple parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material may be used, various shapes may be used including straight and curved, or various cross-sectional shapes may be used (e.g., round, rectangular, square, etc.).

[0077] The layers of the waist feature (e.g., belt portion) and / or chassis 120 may be joined together around the elastic strands 155 by adhesive deposited between the layers, by heat bonding, by pressure bonding, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, one or more elastic members may be strips or sections of film formed from an elastomeric material. When the elastic members are elongated, it may be desirable for the strands 155 to be oriented with their longer dimension in the transverse direction, or even substantially aligned in the transverse direction, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 18B.

[0078] Other configurations of the belt portion or waist feature may include at least 3 waist elastic members, at least 5 elastic members, at least 10 waist elastic members, or at least 15 waist elastic members, or from about 2 to about 35 waist elastic members, or from about 5 to about 25 waist elastic members.

[0079] In one embodiment, adjacent elastic members 155 are spaced from one edge of the member to the other edge of the member by a longitudinal distance of at least 3.5 mm, optionally at least 4 mm, optionally at least 4.5 mm, optionally at least 5 mm, optionally at least 5.5 mm, optionally at least 6 mm, optionally at least 6.5 mm, optionally at least 7 mm, optionally at least The elastic members may be spaced apart at a longitudinal distance of 7.5 mm, optionally at least 8 mm, optionally at least 8.5 mm, optionally at least 9 mm, optionally at least 9.5 mm, optionally at least 10 mm, optionally at least 10.5 mm, optionally at least 11 mm, optionally at least 11.5 mm, and optionally at least 12 mm. The spacing between the elastic members may be the same or different along the longitudinal length of the waist feature. For example, the spacing between adjacent elastic members may be uniformly 7 mm, or may vary (i.e., two adjacent elastic members may be 3 mm apart, and two may be 6.5 mm apart, etc.).

[0080] During manufacture of the waist feature, the elastic members 155 may be pre-strained a desired amount for incorporation into the waist feature. Upon subsequent relaxation of the waist feature, the elastic members will contract laterally toward their unstrained length. This may gather the layers of the waist feature, forming wrinkles or creases with ridges and valleys generally extending in the z-direction across the length of the elastic members 155.

[0081] In a further embodiment, the elastics may be individually coated with adhesive ("coated strands") prior to incorporation into the waist laminate to adhere the components of the waist feature laminate. Various coating methods and techniques, including strand coating methods and techniques, are shown, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,340,648, 5,501,756, 5,507,909, 6,077,375, 6,200,635, 6,235,137, 6,361,634, 6,561,430, 6,520,237, 6,582,518, 6,610,161, 6,613,146, 6,652,693, 6,719,846, and 6,737,102. The adhesive used can be a resilient and flexible hot melt adhesive (such as OMNIMELT BLOCKS22H2401F available from Bostik, Inc., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, or ZEROCREEP™ such as AVANCE) suitable for attaching pre-strained elastic materials to substrates.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the corners of the front and / or rear belt portions may be cut, as suggested in FIG. 18B . The corners may be cut along a straight line or along a cut path that is curved, either concave or convex, relative to the remaining areas of the belt portions, as may be desired to create a particular curved leg edge profile. In conjunction with such cuts and the elastic strand configurations described above, it may be desirable to provide a bond between the layers along the edges of each belt portion 322, 323. Such a bond can help prevent any separation of the layers along the edges, which could contribute to an uneven appearance, and can also help efficiently pull the rear belt portion laterally inward toward the central chassis 120 under the contractile force of the elastic strands below the seam 324. The bond may be effected, for example, by mechanical / pressure bonding as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,854,984 and 4,919,738, by heat bonding or welding, or by the deposition of an adhesive between the layers. In a non-limiting example, such bonds may form a pattern along the edges, and may generally supplement any bonds between layers that hold the respective belt portions 322, 23 together as a laminate structure.

[0083] The side seams 324 may be permanent or refastenable. A permanent seam may be formed between the front and rear belt portions by any joining mechanism, such that the front and rear belt portions cannot be forcibly separated without significant damage to one or both of the front and rear belt portions or without including a mechanism that allows for substantial reattachment or refastening. Bonds that form permanent seams may include pressure bonds, heat bonds / welding, ultrasonic bonds, or adhesive bonds. A refastenable seam may be formed between the front and rear belt portions by any mechanism configured to allow for substantially non-destructive, forcible separation of the front and rear belt portions and subsequent substantial reattachment or refastening in the same location. One example of such a mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastening system, such as a VELCRO fastening system. Hook components of suitable size and shape may be joined to one of the front or rear belt portions along its longitudinal edge at locations where they may engage together to form seam 224, and may be joined to the other of the front or rear belt portions along its longitudinal edge. Examples are shown in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 61 / 787,416, 61 / 787,332, and 61 / 666,065.

[0084] Exemplary belt and absorbent pant constructions are disclosed in US patent application Ser. Nos. 14 / 598,783 and 14 / 032,595.

[0085] package The absorbent article 100 of the present disclosure may be placed in a package. The package may include a polymer film and / or other materials. Graphics and / or indicia relating to the characteristics of the absorbent article may be formed, printed, positioned, and / or disposed on an exterior portion of the package. Each package may include multiple absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packed under compression to reduce the package size while providing a sufficient amount of absorbent articles per package. Packaging the absorbent articles under compression allows caregivers to easily handle and store the package and also allows manufacturers to reduce distribution costs due to the size of the package.

[0086] Thus, a package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an in-bag stacking height of less than about 110 mm, less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm, less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm according to the In-Bag Stacking Height Test described herein. Alternatively, a package of absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an in-bag stacking height of between about 70 mm and about 110 mm, between about 70 mm and about 105 mm, between about 70 mm and about 100 mm, between about 70 mm and about 95 mm, between about 70 mm and about 90 mm, between about 70 mm and about 85 mm, between about 72 mm and about 80 mm, or between about 74 mm and about 78 mm according to the In-Bag Stacking Height Test described herein.

[0087] 19 illustrates an exemplary package 1000 containing a plurality of absorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002 into which the plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are placed. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks 1006.

[0088] Test Method Bond measurement test method The bond measurement test method is performed on reflected light microscopy images generated using a stereoscopic optical microscope (such as a Zeiss V20 Stereoscope) and a mounted camera (such as a Carl Zeiss AxioCam MRc5). Images containing at least one single repeat unit of the bond impression pattern are acquired while the sample is fully stretched and backed with a black background. If the area of ​​the single repeat pattern is too large for stereoscopic imaging, images can be collected using a DSLR camera (such as a Pentax R20D) or a scanner (such as an Epson Perfection V750 Pro Flatbed Scanner) capable of at least 50 microns / pixel resolution. Measurements are performed using image analysis software (such as Image Pro Plus software version 7.0.0.591, Media Cybernetics, USA) calibrated so that distances within the image can be accurately measured to the nearest 50 microns. For the purposes of this method, a bond impression is the intentional joining of two or more layers and the deformed area caused during the bonding process (e.g., reduced caliper at the bonding site). Prior to testing, the samples are preconditioned under the same environmental conditions at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours.

[0089] Before and during image acquisition, the specimen is fully stretched and held in a planar stretched state. For corrugated laminates, the specimen is fully stretched when the corrugations are substantially flattened by stretching the laminate, ensuring that the inelastic substrate of the laminate is not plastically deformed. For laminates without corrugations, the specimen is considered fully stretched without such stretching.

[0090] Percent Bond Area Open the image in image analysis software and identify single repeat units within the pattern of bond impressions and non-bonded areas. Draw a region of interest (ROI) encompassing the single repeat unit. Calculate and record the area of ​​the single repeat unit ROI. Next, use the irregular area tool to trace around each individual separate bond impression or portion thereof enclosed within the single repeat unit ROI and record their individual areas. Calculate the sum of all individual separate bond impression areas or portions thereof within the single repeat unit. Calculate the percent bonded area as follows:

[0091]

number

[0092] This procedure is repeated for a total of three replicate repeat units. The arithmetic mean of the three values ​​is calculated and reported as percent bound area rounded to the nearest 0.1%.

[0093] The arithmetic mean of all recorded areas was calculated, excluding any partial individual separate bonded impression areas, to within 0.01 mm 2 Report as discrete bond area rounded to the nearest unit.

[0094] bond separation distance The bond separation distance is defined as the shortest (minimum) linear distance between the perimeters of any two individual bond sites within a single closed-cell unit (see, e.g., Figure 20). Image analysis software is used to measure and record the bond separation distance for all distinct bond sites that make up the perimeter of the identified single closed-cell unit. This procedure is repeated for a total of three replicate closed-cell units. The arithmetic mean of the recorded values ​​is calculated and reported as the bond separation distance, rounded to the nearest 0.1 mm.

[0095] Expandable Enclosure Area The stretched enclosed area is defined as the area within a closed-cell unit when the sample is in a fully stretched state. Identify the closed-cell unit in the image and use image analysis software to outline the perimeter of the enclosed cell. The perimeter of the closed-cell unit cell is drawn by connecting the separate bonds that make up the enclosed cell. (See, for example, Figure 21.) Measure and record the area of ​​the identified closed-cell unit. This procedure is repeated for a total of three replicate closed-cell units. Calculate and report the arithmetic mean of the three values, rounded to the nearest whole number mm. 2 Report as stretched enclosed area rounded to the nearest unit.

[0096] Draw ratio test method While the sample is in its relaxed state, use a fine-tip pen / marker to draw two parallel lines perpendicular to the primary direction of stretch, indicating the edges of the extensible portion of the substrate. Measure the distance between the parallel lines and record it as the relaxed cross-direction width (W0) of the extensible portion of the substrate.

[0097] Grasp the sample outside the stretchable area defined by the drawn line and stretch the sample sideways on a flat surface until the sample is fully stretched, at which point it is clamped in place.

[0098] For corrugated laminates, the sample is fully stretched when the corrugations are substantially flattened by stretching the laminate, ensuring that the inelastic substrate of the laminate is not plastically deformed.

[0099] The distance between the parallel lines was measured to determine the stretched width (W) of the extensible portion of the substrate. S ) and record it as

[0100] The stretch ratio is W S / W0 ratio.

[0101] This procedure is repeated for three substantially similar replicate samples. The arithmetic mean of the three replicate values ​​is calculated and reported as the stretch ratio, rounded to the nearest tenth.

[0102] Relaxed Enclosure Area Calculate the relaxed envelope area by dividing the stretch envelope value obtained from the Bond Measurement Test Method by the stretch ratio value. Convert the calculated relaxed envelope area value to a whole number of mm. 2 Round to the nearest unit and report.

[0103] Hysteresis Test Method Hysteresis testing can be used for various specified strain or load values. Hysteresis testing utilizes a commercially available tensile testing machine (e.g., manufactured by Instron Engineering Corp. (Canton, MA), SINTECH-MTS Systems Corporation (Eden Prairie, MN), or equivalent) interfaced with a computer. The computer is used to control the test speed and other test parameters and to collect, calculate, and report data. Testing is performed under laboratory conditions of 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% humidity. Test specimens are conditioned for 24 hours prior to testing.

[0104] Cut test specimens to the dimensions listed in the table below for the test being performed. When collecting laminate samples from the web or product, care should be taken to collect specimens with one bond pattern being evaluated. If a sample cannot be cut without two bond patterns, the sample should be tested such that only a single bond pattern is within the gauge length.

[0105] Test Protocol 1. Select the appropriate grips and load cell. The grips must have one flat surface and be wide enough to grip the specimen along its entire width. They must also provide sufficient force and a suitable surface to ensure the specimen does not slip during testing. The grips should be pneumatic grips with one flat surface and an opposing surface designed to concentrate the entire gripping force along a single line perpendicular to the direction of the test stress, with a semicircular projection (radius = 6 mm, e.g., part number 56-163-827 from MTS Systems Corp.) to minimize specimen slippage, or equivalent. The load cell should be selected so that the tensile response from the specimen being tested is 25% to 75% of the load cell capacity used. Calibrate the testing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Set the distance between the grips (gauge length) for each test performed (table below). 3. Place the specimen on the flat surface of the grip so that the uniform width is aligned perpendicular to the gauge length. Attach the specimen so that the direction of expansion and contraction of the specimen is the test direction. Secure the specimen in the upper grip, allowing it to hang slack, and then close the lower grip. 4. Preload: Set the preload with 0.05 N slack and set the preload crosshead speed to 13 mm / min. This means that data collection begins when the slack is removed with a force of 0.05 N (at a constant crosshead speed of 13 mm / min). The strain is measured at the adjusted gage length (l ini ), where the adjusted gage length is the length of the specimen between the grips of the tensile tester at a force of 0.05 N. This adjusted gage length is the initial specimen length, which corresponds to 0% strain. The percent strain at any point in the test is defined as the change in length relative to the adjusted gage length divided by the adjusted gage length and multiplied by 100. 5(a). First Cycle Load: Pull the specimen to a given load or strain at a constant crosshead speed as defined in the table below for the test. The length of the extended specimen between the grips is defined as l. max Report as. 5(b). First Cycle Unloading: The specimen is held at the load or strain of step 5(a) for 30 seconds, and then the crosshead is moved back to its starting position (0% strain or initial specimen length, l) at the constant crosshead speed defined in step 5(a) above. ini ) back. 5(c). Hold the specimen in the relaxed position for 1 minute. 5(d). Second cycle: Repeat steps 5(a) and 5(b).

[0106] [Table 1]

[0107] A computer data system records the force applied to the sample during the test as a function of the applied strain. From the resulting data generated, the following quantities are collected and reported: i. The length of the specimen between the grips at a preload of 0.05 N sag, rounded to the nearest 0.001 mm (l ini ). ii. The length of the specimen between the grips on the first cycle at a given strain (l max ). iii. The length of the specimen between the grips at the second cycle load force of 0.07 N (l), rounded to the nearest 0.001 mm. ext ). iv. Force at 50% strain during the first load cycle (reported as load force at 50%) rounded to the nearest 0.01 N / in for laminate performance test setup. v. Force at 50% strain during the second unloading cycle (reported as unload force at 50%) rounded to the nearest 0.01 N / in for laminate performance test setup.

[0108] Rounded to the nearest 0.01%, (l ext -l ini ) / (l max -l ini ) * % cure defined as 100%.

[0109] The test is repeated on three separate samples and the mean and standard deviation are reported.

[0110] Air Permeability Test Method The air permeability of a laminate or substrate (e.g., a film, nonwoven, or article component) is determined by measuring the standardized air flow rate through the test sample driven by a specific pressure drop. This test is particularly suitable for materials with relatively high gas permeability, such as nonwovens and perforated selvedge laminates. ASTM D737 was used with the following modifications:

[0111] Use a Textest FX 3300 instrument or equivalent available from Textest AG, Switzerland, or Advanced Testing Instruments ATI, Spartanburg, SC, USA. Follow the procedures described in the TEXTEST FX 3300 Air Permeability Tester manual, under "Airtightness Test and Function and Calibration Checks," in the operating instructions. If a different instrument is used, follow the same rules for airtightness and calibration as per the manufacturer's instructions.

[0112] The sample is tested while in a relaxed state. Care should be taken to prepare the sample with the test pattern and to eliminate the secondary pattern, if present.

[0113] The test pressure drop was set to 500 Pa and 1 cm 2 Use an area test head (FX3300-5 model) or equivalent. Record the results to three significant figures. Calculate the average of the five specimens to obtain the air permeability value (m 3 / m 2 / min).

[0114] Test method for stacking height inside a bag The stack height of a package of absorbent articles within a bag is measured as follows.

[0115] device A thickness tester is used that includes a flat, rigid horizontal sliding plate. The thickness tester is configured so that the horizontal sliding plate is free to move vertically while always maintaining a horizontal orientation directly above a flat, rigid horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a device suitable for measuring the gap between the horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate to within ±0.5 mm. The horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of the absorbent article package that contacts each plate (i.e., each plate extends beyond the contact surface of the absorbent article package in all directions). The horizontal sliding plate applies a downward force of 850±1 grams-force (8.34 N) to the absorbent article package, which can be achieved by placing a suitable weight in the center of the top surface of the horizontal sliding plate that does not contact the package, so that the total mass of the sliding plate plus the additional weight equals 850±1 grams.

[0116] Test Procedure The absorbent article package is equilibrated at 23±2° C. and 50±5% relative humidity prior to measurement.

[0117] Raise the horizontal sliding plate and center the absorbent article package under it so that the absorbent articles within the package are oriented horizontally (see Figure 19). Any handles or other packaging features on the surface of the package that would contact any of the plates are folded flat against the surface of the package to minimize their effect on the measurement. Slowly lower the horizontal sliding plate until it contacts the top surface of the package, then release it. 10 seconds after releasing the horizontal sliding plate, measure the gap between the horizontal plates to within ±0.5 mm. Five identical packages (same size package and same number of absorbent articles) are measured, and the arithmetic mean is reported as the package width. Calculate "in-bag stack height" = (package width / number of absorbent articles per stack) x 10 and report within ±0.5 mm.

[0118] Examples / Combinations: 1. An absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region; a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastic laminate joined to the chassis in one of the first waist region or the second waist region, wherein the elastic laminate comprises: a primary substrate having a first outer surface and an opposing first inner surface, a secondary substrate having a second outer surface and an opposing second inner surface, and an elastomeric film disposed between the primary substrate and the secondary substrate; a first bond pattern comprising a percent bonded area of ​​at least 3% disposed in a first region, the first bond pattern comprising a plurality of closed-cell units having a stretched enclosed area to relaxed enclosed area ratio of at least 1.2; an ultrasonically bonded laminate having a second bonding pattern disposed in a second region, wherein the first region and the second region do not overlap and the second bonding pattern does not include closed-cell units; 2. The absorbent article of paragraph 1, wherein the second bonding pattern at least partially overlaps a non-stretched region, a non-elastic region, a reinforced region, a fastening system, or a combination thereof, of the elastic laminate. 3. The absorbent article of paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the second bond pattern is in a position that does not overlap the first bond pattern and comprises a percent bond area that is at least 3%.

[0119] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm." Furthermore, for all numerical ranges specified in this application, the range should be understood to include all numerical increments within the recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. For example, numerical increments may include 0.1 mm, 1 gsm, and / or 0.1 mm. 2 It could be.

[0120] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference(s). Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0121] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region; a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastic laminate joined to the chassis in one of the first waist region or the second waist region, the elastic laminate comprising: an ultrasonically bonded laminate having a first bonding pattern comprising a plurality of first repeating units, each first repeating unit comprising a first closed-cell unit; An absorbent article wherein the bonds in said first bond pattern comprise a bond separation distance of 3.5 mm or less.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein said first bond pattern comprises a first percent bond area of ​​at least 3%.

3. 3. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bond separation distance is 3 mm or less.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said elastic laminate is elastic in the transverse direction.

5. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first closed-cell units are selected from the group consisting of polygonal, heart-shaped, circular, oval, and combinations thereof.

6. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first closed cell comprises a perimeter formed from at least 10 bonds.

7. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said primary closed cells comprise a ratio of stretched enclosed area to relaxed enclosed area of ​​at least about 1.

2.

8. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a second repeat unit.

9. The absorbent article of claim 8 , wherein said second repeat unit comprises a second closed-cell unit.

10. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ultrasonically bonded laminate comprises a second bonding pattern.

11. 11. The absorbent article of claim 10, wherein said second bond pattern comprises a second percent bond area, said second percent bond area being at least 3%.

12. 12. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the second bonding pattern at least partially overlaps a non-elasticated region, a reinforced region, a fastening system, or a combination thereof of the elastic laminate.

13. An absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region; a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; an elastic laminate joined to the chassis in one of the first waist region or the second waist region, the elastic laminate comprising: a first coverstock layer, a second coverstock layer, and an elastic film disposed between the first coverstock layer and the second coverstock layer; an ultrasonically bonded laminate having a first bonding pattern including a plurality of first repeating units, each first repeating unit including a first closed-cell unit having a first ratio of stretched enclosed area to relaxed enclosed area on a first outer surface of at least 1.

2.

14. 14. The absorbent article of claim 13, wherein bonds in the first bond pattern include a bond separation distance of 3.5 mm or less, and the first coverstock layer and the second coverstock layer differ by material, basis weight, layer construction, extensibility, or a combination thereof.

15. 15. The absorbent article of claim 13 or 14, comprising a second closed-cell unit comprising a second ratio of stretched enclosed area to relaxed enclosed area that is less than the first ratio of the stretched enclosed area to the relaxed enclosed area.

16. 16. The absorbent article of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the ultrasonically bonded laminate comprises a second bond pattern, the second bond pattern being in a position that does not overlap with the first bond pattern and comprising a percent bond area that is at least 3%, and the second bond pattern at least partially overlaps with a non-stretch region, a non-elastic region, a reinforced region, a fastening system, or a combination thereof of the elastic laminate.

Images