Absorbent article having a vulnerable path with an opening facilitation mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article including a first belt and a second belt having a weak path. An accessible opening may also be positioned within the first and / or second belt, and a fastening component may be connected to the belt adjacent to the accessible opening. Such a weak path configuration provides a mechanism that allows the elastic belt of the diaper pants to be relatively easily torn along the weak path when removing the diaper pants from the wearer, and the fastening component may provide a mechanism that helps to maintain the used diaper pants in a disposal configuration. The absorbent article may also include an opening facilitation mechanism, such as an opening operation display and an opening mechanical assistance, and combinations thereof. Such an opening facilitation mechanism may help the user to successfully determine the position and / or function of the fastening component and the weak path, and / or to successfully complete the pants opening operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to absorbent articles having a front waist region and / or a rear waist region that include one or more weak paths with an easy-opening mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Some absorbent articles have components that include an elastomeric laminate. Such an elastomeric laminate can include an elastic material bonded to one or more nonwoven fabrics. The elastic material can include an elastic film and / or elastic strands. In some laminates, multiple elastic strands are connected to the nonwoven fabric while the multiple strands are in an extended state, such that when the elastic strands relax, the nonwoven fabric forms pleats, thereby forming undulations and wrinkles. The resulting elastomeric laminate is stretchable to the extent that the elastic strands can be stretched by the undulations.

[0003] Absorbent articles in the form of diaper pants can also be constructed using an absorbent chassis connected to front and rear elastic belts, and the opposing end regions of the front and rear belts are connected to each other at the side seams. In some examples, the elasticity of the front and rear belts may be removed within the region where the absorbent chassis is connected to the belts. Therefore, in some conversion configurations adapted to assemble such diaper pants, extended elastic strands are adhered between two continuous nonwoven webs to form an elastic laminate. Then, the regions of the elastic strands may be intermittently deactivated along the length of the elastic laminate by cutting the elastic strands in the regions to be connected to the chassis, which is sometimes referred to as tummy elastic cutting.

[0004] Some caregivers of older infants or toddlers with incontinence may prefer closed pant-type disposable absorbent articles to enable application to and removal from the child while the child is in a standing position. One drawback of this product form is that removal and disposal of the product containing feces can be unhygienic and inconvenient. For example, pulling down the product can cause feces to stain the user's legs. In other instances, the caregiver may forcefully tear open the joined side portions. As a result, the force used can cause a rapid release of energy from the diaper, causing the caregiver to lose control of the product and spill feces. In contrast, removal and disposal of conventional open or tape-type diaper forms with fasteners can be easily accomplished while the child is lying on their back. In this case, the fasteners are opened, the diaper is removed from under the child, rolled into a near-cylindrical shape, and then the fasteners are secured around the rolled soiled diaper to close the leg openings for hygienic disposal.

[0005] To avoid having to remove soiled diaper pants from the wearer by slipping them down the wearer's legs or by tearing the joined side seams, some diaper pants can be configured to have a tear line in the front belt or the rear belt. Such a tear line may include perforations that enable the caregiver to more easily separate the belt along the cut line. When the belt is separated, the diaper pants can be more easily removed from the wearer without the need to slip the diaper pants down the wearer's legs, similar to a conventional open tape-type diaper form. However, such a tear line can be utilized more effectively when the caregiver initiates the tearing process at a specific location and / or in the correct tearing direction according to the design intent. If the caregiver cannot easily identify the starting position of the tearing process and / or the intended direction of the tearing process, the difficulty experienced by the caregiver in successfully and easily removing the diaper pants from the wearer may be exacerbated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] As a result, it would be beneficial to create a pant-type article that provides a caregiver with the ability to remove and dispose of soiled products in a manner similar to conventional open diaper configurations. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide an opening facilitation mechanism, such as an opening operation display and / or opening mechanical assistance, to the diaper pants to help the caregiver successfully determine the location and function of the vulnerable path and successfully complete the opening and disposal operations of the pants.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region, a chassis, a first belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the first end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge, the first belt further including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, a first belt, a second belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the second end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt being connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt being connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening, a second belt, a vulnerable path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt, and a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect to at least one other component of the absorbent article, and an opening operation display adapted to facilitate indicating proper separation of the first belt along the vulnerable path.

[0008] In another form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region, a chassis, a first belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, wherein the first end region of the chassis is connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, a first belt, a second belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, wherein the second end region of the chassis is connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt is connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt is connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening, a second belt, a frangible path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt, and a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer adjacent to the accessible opening, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect to at least one other component of the absorbent article, a fastening component, and an opening mechanical assistance adapted to at least one of facilitating access to the fastening component, gripping the fastening component, pulling the fastening component away from the chassis, and separating the first belt along the frangible path.

[0009] In yet another form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region, a chassis, a first belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the first end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, a first belt, a second belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the second end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt being connected to the first end region of the second belt at a first side seam, and the second end region of the first belt being connected to the second end region of the second belt at a second side seam to form a waist opening, a second belt, a frangible path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt, and a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer, the first belt being separable along the frangible path to define a first belt zone and a second belt zone, the first belt zone being laterally between the first side seam and the second belt zone, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect the first belt zone to at least one other component of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration, and at least one release facilitating mechanism being located in at least one of the fastening component, the chassis, and the first belt.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Definition In understanding the present disclosure, the following glossary of terms may be useful.

[0012] "Absorbent article" refers to an appliance that absorbs and confines body exudates, and more particularly, an appliance that is placed in contact with or in proximity to the body of the wearer and absorbs and confines various exudates discharged from the body. Examples of absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers (i.e., diapers having pre-formed waist openings and leg openings as shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,120,487), re-fastenable diapers or pant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and underwear, diaper holders and liners, panty liners, absorbent inserts, feminine hygiene garments such as menstrual pads, and the like.

[0013] "Facing the body" and "facing the clothing" each refer to the relative position of an element, or the surface of an element, or a group of elements. "Facing the body" indicates that an element or surface is closer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. "Facing the clothing" indicates that an element or surface is farther from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is in proximity to the wearer's clothing that can be worn over the disposable absorbent article).

[0014] The terms "elastic," "elastomer," or "elastomeric" refer to a material exhibiting elastic properties, including any material that, when a force is applied to its relaxed initial length, can stretch or elongate to an extended length that exceeds 10% of the initial length and that, when the applied force is released, will substantially recover to approximately the initial length. Examples of elastomeric materials can include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands, and other sheet-like structures.

[0015] As used herein, the term "connected" encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to another element by attaching the one element directly to the other element, as well as configurations in which one element is attached to an intermediate member and the intermediate member is attached to another element such that the one element is indirectly secured to the other element.

[0016] As used herein, the term "distal" is used to describe a position placed away from the center of the body or the attachment point, and the term "proximal" is used to describe a position placed closer to the center of the body or the attachment point.

[0017] As used herein, the term "substrate" is mainly two-dimensional (i.e., the XY plane), and the thickness (Z direction) is relatively small compared to its length (X direction) and width (Y direction) (i.e., 1 / 10 or less). It is used to describe a material. Non-limiting examples of substrates include webs, layers (one or more) or fibrous materials, non-woven fabrics, polymer films or films and foils such as metal foils. These materials may be used alone or may include two or more layers laminated together. Therefore, a web is a substrate.

[0018] As used herein, the term "non-woven fabric" refers to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, and carding. Non-woven fabrics do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0019] As used herein, the term "machine direction" (MD) is used to refer to the direction of the flow of the material passing through the process. In addition, the relative arrangement and movement of the material can be described as flowing in the machine direction from the upstream to the downstream of the process through a certain process.

[0020] As used herein, the term "cross direction" (CD) is used to refer to a direction substantially perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0021] "Pre-strain" refers to the strain imposed on an elastic material or an elastomeric material before it is combined with another element of an elastomeric laminate or an absorbent article. The pre-strain is given by the following equation: pre-strain = ((elongated length of the elastomer - relaxed length of the elastomer) / relaxed length of the elastomer)* It is determined by 100.

[0022] "Decitex", also known as Dtex, is a measurement used in the fiber industry for measuring yarns or filaments. 1 decitex = 1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if a yarn or filament has a weight of 500 grams for 10,000 linear meters, then that yarn or filament will have 500 decitex.

[0023] The term "tape diaper" (also referred to as "open diaper") refers to a disposable absorbent article having an initial front waist region and an initial rear waist region that are not fastened, pre-fastened, or connected to each other during packaging before being applied to the wearer. The tape diaper may be folded around the lateral center line in a state where the inner surface of one waist region is in contact with the inner surface of the opposite waist region without integrally fastening or connecting the waist regions. Examples of tape diapers of various suitable configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,167,897; 5,360,420; 5,599,335; 5,643,588; 5,674,216; 5,702,551; 5,968,025; 6,107,537; 6,118,041; 6,153,209; 6,410,129; 6,426,444; 6,586,652; 6,627,787; 6,617,016; 6,825,393; and 6,861,571, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0072887 (A1); 2013 / 0211356 (A1); and 2013 / 0306226 (A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] As used herein, the term "pants" (also referred to as "training pants", "pre-closed diapers", "diaper pants", "pant-type diapers", and "pull-on diapers") refers to a disposable absorbent article designed for infant or adult wearers and having a continuous waist opening at the outer periphery and a continuous leg opening at the outer periphery. The pants may be configured to have a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous closed leg opening prior to the article being applied to the wearer. The pants may be preformed or pre-fastened by various techniques including, but not limited to, using any re-fastenable and / or permanent closure member (e.g., seams, heat seals, pressure welds, adhesives, adhesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.) to integrally connect a portion of the article. The pants may be preformed at any location along the outer periphery of the article in the waist region (e.g., the sides are fastened or joined, the front waist is fastened or joined, the back waist is fastened or joined). Examples of diaper pants of various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 7,569,039, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003 / 0233082 (A1), 2005 / 0107764 (A1), 2012 / 0061016 (A1), 2012 / 0061015 (A1), 2013 / 0255861 (A1), 2013 / 0255862 (A1), 2013 / 0255863 (A1), 2013 / 0255864 (A1), and 2013 / 0255865 (A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] The "closed configuration" means that, upon packaging, the waist regions on opposite sides are joined either permanently or re-fastenable to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

[0026] The term "open configuration" means that the waist regions on opposite sides of each other are not joined in the initial state so as to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings, but include closing means such as a fastening system for joining the waist regions before or during application of the article to the wearer of the article to form the waist opening and leg openings.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article including an elastic laminate, and more particularly to an absorbent article having an elastic laminate including a weak path in a front waist region and / or a rear waist region. In some configurations, the absorbent article may include a first belt and a second belt, each belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region. The first end region of the first belt is connected to the first end region of the second belt at a first side seam, and the second end region of the first belt is connected to the second end region of the second belt at a second side seam to form a waist opening. The absorbent article may further include a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may further include a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region. The first end region of the chassis may be connected to the central region of the first belt, and the second end region of the chassis may be connected to the central region of the second belt.

[0028] As discussed in more detail below, the first belt and / or the second belt may include one or more vulnerable paths. For example, a vulnerable path within the first and / or second belt may extend between a proximal end and a distal end. An accessible opening may also be positioned within the first and / or second belt. As a result, the vulnerable path may include a first tear zone extending from the accessible opening to the distal end, and a second tear zone may extend from the accessible opening to the proximal end. A fastening component may be connected to the surface of the first belt adjacent the accessible opening that faces the wearer. Such a vulnerable path configuration provides a mechanism that allows the elastic belt of the diaper pants to be relatively easily torn along the vulnerable path when removing the diaper pants from the wearer, and the fastening component may provide a mechanism that helps to maintain the used diaper pants in a disposal configuration. For example, the first belt may be separable along the vulnerable path so as to define a first belt zone and a second belt zone, the first belt zone being laterally between the first side seam and the second belt zone, and the fastening component is adapted to releasably connect the first belt zone to at least one other component of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration.

[0029] It should be understood that it may be beneficial for the user to be able to easily identify and / or locate the accessible opening and the fastening component in order to assist in experiencing the benefits provided by the removal and disposal mechanisms described above. Further, it may be beneficial to provide a mechanism that can assist the user in gripping the fastening component and / or fully opening the vulnerable path. Thus, as discussed in more detail below, the absorbent article may include one or more opening facilitation mechanisms, such as an opening operation indication and an opening mechanical assistance, and combinations thereof. Such opening facilitation mechanisms may help the user to successfully determine the location and / or function of the fastening component and the vulnerable path, and / or to successfully complete the pants opening operation. These opening facilitation mechanisms may be present at various steps during the opening operation to convey visual cues for proper use and opening.

[0030] Figures 1 to 2B show an example of the absorbent article 100 in the form of a diaper pant 100P that may include components constructed according to the configurations disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the diaper pant 100P of a pre-fastened configuration. FIG. 2A shows a plan view of the diaper pant 100P with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer facing the observer, and FIG. 2B shows a plan view of the diaper pant 100P with the portion of the diaper facing the wearer facing the observer. The diaper pant 100P includes a chassis 102 and an annular elastic belt 104. As will be described in more detail below, the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 are integrally joined to form the annular elastic belt 104.

[0031] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 to 2B, the diaper pants 100P and the chassis 102 each include a first waist region 116, a second waist region 118, and a crotch region 119 disposed intermediate the first and second waist regions. It can also be described that the chassis 102 includes a first end region 116a, a second end region 118a, and a crotch region 119 disposed intermediate the first end region 116a and the second end region 118a. The first waist region 116 may be configured as a front waist region, and the second waist region 118 may be configured as a rear waist region. The diaper 100P may also include a front waist edge 121 that extends horizontally in the front waist region 116 and a rear waist edge 122 that faces longitudinally and extends horizontally in the rear waist region 118. To provide a reference frame for this discussion, the diaper 100P and the chassis 102 of FIGS. 2A and 2B are shown as including a longitudinal axis 124 and a transverse axis 126. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 124 may extend through the front waist edge 121 and the rear waist edge 122. The transverse axis 126 may extend through the first longitudinal or right edge 128 of the chassis 102 and through the second longitudinal or left edge 130. As described above, the longitudinal axis 124 extends vertically through the front waist edge 121 and the rear waist edge 122, and the transverse axis 126 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. When the diaper pants 100P are worn, the longitudinal direction may extend from the front waist of the wearer through the crotch to the rear waist of the wearer. To provide a further reference frame for this discussion, the diaper 100P of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 18B is shown, the first elastic belt 106 includes a longitudinal centerline 124a and a transverse centerline 126a, the second elastic belt 108 includes a longitudinal centerline 124b and a transverse centerline 126b, and the chassis 102 includes a longitudinal centerline 124c and a transverse centerline 126c. The longitudinal centerlines 124a, 124b, 124c are perpendicular to the transverse centerlines 126a, 126b, 126c.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B, the diaper pants 100P may include an inner surface 132 facing the body and an outer surface 134 facing the clothing. The chassis 102 may include a backsheet 136 and a topsheet 138. The chassis 102 may also include an absorbent assembly 140 including an absorbent core 142 disposed between a part of the topsheet 138 and the backsheet 136. As will be described in more detail below, the diaper 100P may also include other features such as leg elastic members and / or leg cuffs to enhance the fit around the wearer's legs.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2A, the peripheral edge of the chassis 102 may be defined by a first longitudinally extending side edge 128, a second longitudinally extending side edge 130, a first laterally extending edge 144 disposed within the first waist region 116, and a second laterally extending edge 146 disposed within the second waist region 118. Both side edges 128 and 130 extend longitudinally between the first edge 144 and the second edge 146. As shown in FIG. 2A, the laterally extending edges 144 and 146 may be located longitudinally inward from the front waist edge 121 that extends laterally in the front waist region 116 and from the rear waist edge 122 that extends laterally in the rear waist region 118. In some configurations, the laterally extending edges 144 and 146 may be adjacent to or located longitudinally outward from the front waist edge 121 that extends laterally in the front waist region 116 and the rear waist edge 122 that extends laterally in the rear waist region 118, respectively. When the diaper pants 100P are worn on the lower torso of the wearer, the front waist edge 121 and the rear waist edge 122 may surround the waist portion of the wearer. At the same time, the side edges 128 and 130 may surround at least a portion of the wearer's legs. Also, the crotch region 119 may generally be disposed between the wearer's legs, and the absorbent core 142 extends from the front waist region 116 through the crotch region 119 to the rear waist region 118.

[0034] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may include a backsheet 136. The backsheet 136 may also define a surface 134 facing the clothing on the outside of the chassis 102. The backsheet 136 may also include a woven or non-woven material, a polymer film such as a thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene, and / or a multilayer or composite material including a film and a non-woven material. The backsheet may also include an elastomeric film. The exemplary backsheet 136 may be a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Further, the backsheet 136 can prevent excrement from passing through the backsheet 136 while allowing vapor to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable).

[0035] Also as described above, the diaper pants 100P may include a topsheet 138. The topsheet 138 may also define all or part of the surface 132 facing the wearer on the inside of the chassis 102. The topsheet 138 is liquid-permeable, and liquid (e.g., menstrual blood, urine, and / or liquid feces) may penetrate through its thickness. The topsheet 138 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and non-woven materials, perforated or hydroformed thermoplastic films, perforated non-wovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic scrims. The woven or non-woven material may include natural fibers such as wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If the topsheet 138 includes fibers, the fibers may be treated by a spunbond method, a carding method, a wet method, a meltblown method, a hydroentanglement method, or another method known in the art. The topsheet 138 may be selected from a bulky non-woven topsheet, a perforated film topsheet, and a perforated non-woven topsheet. Exemplary perforated films may include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] As described above, the diaper pant 100P may also include an absorbent assembly 140 joined to the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 2A, the absorbent assembly 140 may have a front edge 148 that extends horizontally in the front waist region 116, and may also have a rear edge 150 that faces longitudinally and extends horizontally in the rear waist region 118. The absorbent assembly may have a right side edge 152 that extends longitudinally, and a left side edge 154 that is on the opposite side in the horizontal direction and extends longitudinally. Both side edges 152 and 154 of the absorbent assembly may extend longitudinally between the front edge 148 and the rear edge 150. The absorbent assembly 140 may additionally include one or more absorbent cores 142 or absorbent core layers. The absorbent core 142 may be at least partially disposed between the topsheet 138 and the backsheet 136, and may be formed in various sizes and shapes that are compatible with the diaper. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,610,678, 4,673,402, 4,888,231, and 4,834,735, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] Some absorbent core embodiments may include a fluid storage core containing a reduced amount of cellulosic airfelt material. For example, such a core may include less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even less than about 1% cellulosic airfelt material. Such a core may primarily include an absorbent gel material in an amount of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100%, in which case the remainder of the core includes a microfiber adhesive (where applicable). Such cores, microfiber adhesives, and absorbent gel materials are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,599,335, 5,562,646, 5,669,894, and 6,790,798, and U.S. Patent Publications 2004 / 0158212(A1) and 2004 / 0097895(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] As described above, the diaper 100P may also include an elastic leg cuff 156. The leg cuff 156 can be a leg band, a side flap, a barrier cuff, an elastic cuff, or a gasketting cuff, and it should be understood that it may be referred to as such in some cases. The elastic leg cuff 156 may be configured in various ways that help reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg region. Exemplary leg cuffs 156 include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, 4,909,803, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0312730(A1), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0039] As described above, the diaper pants are manufactured to have an annular elastic belt 104, and before being applied to the wearer, the front waist region 116 and the rear waist region 118 may be connected to each other and provided to the consumer in a packaged configuration. Thus, the diaper pants may have a continuous outer peripheral waist opening 110 and a continuous outer peripheral leg opening 112 as shown in FIG. 1. This annular elastic belt can be formed by joining a first elastic belt to a second elastic belt using a permanent side seam or using a releasable and reclosable fastening system disposed on or adjacent to the sides of the belt that face each other in the lateral direction.

[0040] As described above, the annular elastic belt 104 may be defined by a first elastic belt 106 connected to a second elastic belt 108. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 extends between a first longitudinal side edge 111a and a second longitudinal side edge 111b, defining first and second opposing end regions 106a, 106b and a central region 106c. The second elastic belt 108 extends between a first longitudinal side edge 113a and a second longitudinal side edge 113b, defining first and second opposing end regions 108a, 108b and a central region 108c. When measured in the extended state, the distance between the first longitudinal side edge 111a and the second longitudinal side edge 111b defines the pitch length PL of the first elastic belt 106, and the distance between the first longitudinal side edge 113a and the second longitudinal side edge 113b defines the pitch length PL of the second elastic belt 108. The central region 106c of the first elastic belt is connected to the first waist region 116 or the first end region 116a of the chassis 102, and the central region 108c of the second elastic belt is connected to the second waist region 118 or the second end region 118a of the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the first end region 106a of the first elastic belt 106 is connected to the first end region 108a of the second elastic belt 108 at the first side seam 178, and the second end region 106b of the first elastic belt 106 is connected to the second end region 108b of the second elastic belt 108 at the second side seam 180, defining the annular elastic belt 104 and the waist opening 110 and the leg openings 112. It should be understood that the first belt 106 and the second belt 108 may be permanently or reattachably connected to each other at the first side seam 178 and the second side seam 180. The side seams 178, 180 may include a permanent bond such as a thermal bond, a pressure bond, or an adhesive bond, or may be a releasable bond such as a mechanical fastener or an adhesive fastener.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 also defines a laterally extending outer edge portion 107a and a laterally extending inner edge portion 107b, and the second elastic belt 108 defines a laterally extending outer edge portion 109a and a laterally extending inner edge portion 109b. The outer edge portion 107a of the first belt 106 is positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge portion 107b, and the outer edge portion 109a of the second belt 108 is positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge portion 109b. In this way, as shown in FIG. 1, the outer peripheral edge portion 112a of one leg opening can be defined by the laterally extending inner edge portion 107b of the first elastic belt 106, the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b of the second elastic belt 108, and a portion of the first longitudinal or right side edge 128 of the chassis 102. Further, the outer peripheral edge portion 112b of the other leg opening can be defined by the laterally extending inner edge portion 107b, the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b, and a portion of the second longitudinal or left side edge 130 of the chassis 102. The laterally extending outer edge portions 107a, 109a can also define the front waist edge 121 and the laterally extending rear waist edge 122 of the diaper pants 100P.

[0042] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 can define different sizes and shapes. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can define a curved profile. For example, the inner lateral edge portions 107b, 109b of the first and / or second elastic belts 106, 108 can include non-linear or curved portions at the first and second opposing end regions. Such a curved profile can help define a desired shape for the leg openings 112, such as relatively rounded leg openings. In addition to having a curved profile, the elastic belts 106, 108 can include elastic strands 168 that extend along a non-linear or curved path that can coincide with the curved profile of the inner lateral edge portions 107b, 109b.

[0043] FIG. 2C shows a configuration in which both the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 generally define a rectangular shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the laterally extending outer edge 107a of the first elastic belt 106 may include the lateral width of W1D, and the laterally extending inner edge 107b may include the lateral width of W1P, and W1D and W1P are equal or substantially equal. In addition, the laterally extending outer edge 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include the lateral width of W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge 109b may include the lateral width of W2P, and W2D and W2P are equal or substantially equal.

[0044] In some configurations, at least one of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may include laterally extending edges having different lengths. For example, FIG. 2D shows a configuration in which the first elastic belt 106 defines a generally rectangular shape as described with reference to FIG. 2C, and the laterally extending outer edge 109a and the laterally extending inner edge 109b of the second elastic belt 108 have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 2D, the laterally extending outer edge 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include the lateral width of W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge 109b may include the lateral width of W2P, and W2D is greater than W2P.

[0045] In some configurations, both the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may include laterally extending edges having different lengths. For example, FIG. 2E shows a configuration in which the laterally extending outer edge 107a and the laterally extending inner edge 107b of the first elastic belt 106 have different lengths, and the laterally extending outer edge 109a and the laterally extending inner edge 109b of the second elastic belt 108 have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 2E, the laterally extending outer edge 107a of the first elastic belt 107 may include the lateral width of W1D, and the laterally extending inner edge 107b may include the lateral width of W1P, where W1D is greater than W1P. The laterally extending outer edge 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include the lateral width of W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge 109b may include the lateral width of W2P, where W2D is greater than W2P.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2C - 2E, the first elastic belt 106 may define a longitudinal length LT1 that extends between a laterally extending outer edge 107a and a laterally extending inner edge 107b, and the second elastic belt 108 may define a longitudinal length LT2 that extends between a laterally extending outer edge 109a and a laterally extending inner edge 109b. In some configurations, LT1 may be equal to LT2. In some configurations, LT1 may be smaller or larger than LT2. Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2C - 2E, in some configurations, W1D may be equal to W1P, or W1D may be different from W1P. In some configurations, W2D may be equal to W2P, or W2D may be different from W2P. In some configurations, W1D and / or W1P may be equal to or different from W2D and / or W2P.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may each also include a first substrate 162 and a second substrate 164. The first substrate 162 may be oriented to define at least a portion of the surface 115a facing the clothing of the first elastic belt 106 and the surface 117a facing the clothing of the second elastic belt 108, and the second substrate 164 may be oriented to define at least a portion of the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first elastic belt 106 and the surface 117b facing the wearer of the second elastic belt 108. The first substrate 162 may extend over a maximum length L1 from the proximal edge 162b to the distal edge 162a, and the second substrate 164 may extend over a maximum length L2 from the proximal edge 164b to the distal edge 164a. It should be understood that the distal edge 162a and / or the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162 may be linear and / or curved, and and / or may be parallel or non-parallel to each other. Also, it should be understood that the distal edge 164a and / or the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 may be linear and / or curved, and and / or may be parallel or non-parallel to each other. Thus, the maximum length L1 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 162a and the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162, and the maximum length L2 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 164a and the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to, smaller than, or larger than L2. In some configurations, L1 may be less than or equal to LT1, and L2 may be less than or equal to LT2. In some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first substrate 162 may define at least a portion of the front waist edge 121 and / or at least a portion of the rear waist edge 122, and and / or the distal edge 164a of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the front waist edge 121 and / or at least a portion of the rear waist edge 122. Thus, in some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first substrate 162 and / or the distal edge 164a of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110.

[0048] It should also be understood that the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164 may extend continuously from the first belt 106 to the second belt 108. For example, the first substrate 162 may be configured to define a continuous outer cover 162' that extends continuously from the first waist edge 121 to the second waist edge 122, such as those shown in FIGS. 1A, 2F, and 3C. It should also be understood that diaper pants 100P having a continuous outer cover, such as those shown in FIGS. 1A, 2F, and 3C, may be configured to include various aspects of the vulnerable paths and fastening components considered herein.

[0049] It should be understood that the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 may define various lateral widths, which may be equal or unequal. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first substrate 162 may extend laterally between a first longitudinal edge 162e and a second longitudinal edge 162f to define a first lateral width W1, and the second substrate 164 may extend laterally between a first longitudinal edge 164e and a second longitudinal edge 164f to define a second lateral width W2.

[0050] In some configurations, the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162 and / or the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 may extend laterally across the backsheet 136. As shown in FIGS. 2A-3, the first substrate 162 includes a surface 162c facing the garment and a surface 162d facing the opposite wearer, and the second substrate 164 includes a surface 164c facing the garment and a surface 164d facing the opposite wearer.

[0051] In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include at least the folded portion of the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 that extends longitudinally between the fold 162h and the lateral edge 162i of the first substrate 162. Thus, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may be connected to the surface 164d of the second substrate 164 facing the wearer. In some configurations, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may also be connected to and / or overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may also be connected to the surface 162d of the first substrate 162 facing the wearer. In some configurations, a portion of the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may be left unbonded to the chassis 102 and / or the second substrate 164, forming a pocket having an opening oriented toward the lateral centerline 162c of the chassis 102. In another example, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a folded portion of the second substrate 164 that extends longitudinally between the fold and the lateral edge of the second substrate 164. Thus, the folded portion of the second substrate 164 may be connected to the surface 162c of the first substrate 162 facing the clothing. Thus, in some configurations, the fold of the first substrate 162 and / or the fold of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110. It should be understood that various waist configurations may be utilized. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A1, the folded portion 162g may be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 and the backsheet 136. In another example shown in FIG. 3A2, the second substrate 164 may be sandwiched between the folded portion 162g and the backsheet 136. Although FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2 show the configuration of the first belt 106, it should be understood that such a configuration may also be applied to the second belt 108.

[0052] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may include the same material and / or may have the same structure. In some embodiments, the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt may include different materials and / or may have different structures. It should also be understood that components of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108, such as the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164, may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, the first and / or second belt may include the first substrate 162, and / or a plastic film; a perforated plastic film; a natural material (e.g., wood fiber or cotton fiber), a synthetic fiber (e.g., a polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene fiber), or a woven or non-woven web of a combination of natural and / or synthetic fibers; or a coated woven or non-woven web, such as the second substrate 164. In some configurations, the first and / or second belt may include the first substrate 162, and / or the second substrate 164 including a non-woven web of synthetic fibers, and may also include an extensible non-woven fabric. In some configurations, the first and second elastic belts may include an inner hydrophobic non-elastic non-woven fabric material and an outer hydrophobic non-elastic non-woven fabric material. The belts may be configured in a variety of ways, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0142828 (A1) and Chinese Patent Application No. 2021 / 077843, both of which are incorporated by reference.

[0053] The elastic material 167 can be positioned between the surface 162d of the first substrate 162 facing the wearer and the surface 164c of the second substrate 164 facing the clothing. It should be understood that the elastic material 167 can include one or more elastic elements extending along the length of the elastic belt, such as strands, ribbons, elastic films, or panels. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the elastic material 167 can include a plurality of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 is an elastic film used to form an elastic laminate with zero strain, which is bonded to one or more nonwoven layers and then subjected to sufficient mechanical deformation or activation to weaken the nonwoven layers and enable the laminate to elastically stretch and recover, and can be an elastic film.

[0054] It should also be understood that the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can be bonded together and / or to other components such as the chassis 102 by adhesives and / or mechanical connections. It should be understood that the adhesive and mechanical joining methods can be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0055] In some configurations, when combined to form the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108, an adhesive can be applied to at least one of the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167. In some configurations, when combined to form the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108, a mechanical coupling device can apply a mechanical coupling to at least one of the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167. Such mechanical joining can be applied with heat, pressure, and / or an ultrasonic device. In some configurations, the mechanical coupling device can apply a coupling that bonds the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 together, and / or can act to capture or immobilize separate lengths of the contracted elastic strands within the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0056] The first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 can all be combined together using various methods and apparatuses for creating various elastomeric laminates, as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2018 / 0168878(A1), 2018 / 0168877(A1), 2018 / 0168880(A1), 2018 / 0170027(A1), 2018 / 0169964(A1), 2018 / 0168879(A1), 2018 / 0170026(A1), 2018 / 0168889(A1), 2018 / 0168874(A1), 2018 / 0168875(A1), 2018 / 0168890(A1), 2018 / 0168887(A1), 2018 / 0168892(A1), 2018 / 0168876(A1), 2018 / 0168891(A1), 2019 / 0070042(A1), 2019 / 0070041(A1), 2021 / 0282797(A1), and 2021 / 0275362(A1), and combinations thereof, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0057] It should be understood that the components of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can be assembled in various ways and in various combinations to create various desirable features that can vary along the lateral width and / or the longitudinal length of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108. Such features can include, for example, Dtex value, joining pattern, hole arrangement, elastic positioning, average Dtex value, average pre-strain value, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, height value, and / or contact area. It should be understood that different features can be imparted to various components, such as the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and the elastic material 167, before and / or during the assembly stage of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0058] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include belt elastic materials 167 of various configurations arranged relative to each other and relative to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. As described above, the elastic material 167 may include a configuration of one or more elastic elements such as strands, ribbons, films, or panels positioned in various arrangements. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2018 / 0168889(A1), 2018 / 0168874(A1), 2018 / 0168875(A1), 2018 / 0168890(A1), 2018 / 0168887(A1), 2018 / 0168892(A1), 2018 / 0168876(A1), 2018 / 0168891(A1), 2019 / 0298586(A1), 2019 / 0070042(A1), 2018 / 0168878(A1), 2018 / 0168877(A1), 2018 / 0168880(A1), 2018 / 0170027(A1), 2018 / 0169964(A1), 2018 / 0168879(A1), 2018 / 0170026(A1), 2019 / 0070041(A1), 2021 / 0282797(A1), and 2021 / 0275362(A1), and may include various elastic members, elastic features and arrangements, and processes for assembly. It should also be understood that the elastic material 167 herein may be configured in the same or different colors at various different locations on the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0059] In some embodiments, the elastic material 167 may be configured as elastic strands 168 disposed longitudinally at regular intervals. In other embodiments, the elastic strands 168 may be disposed at different intervals longitudinally. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 in the extended state may be sandwiched and joined between the non-shrunk substrate layers. In some configurations, the Dtex value of the elastic strands 168 may be constant or variable along the longitudinal direction. When the elastic material 167 is relaxed, the elastic material 167 returns to the non-extended state and causes the substrate layer to contract. The elastic material 167 may provide a desired change in the contraction force within the area of the annular elastic belt. It should be understood that the chassis 102 and the elastic belts 106, 108 may be configured in a manner different from that depicted in the accompanying figures. It should also be understood that the elastic material 167 material may be joined to the substrate continuously or intermittently along the interface between the elastic material 167 material and the substrate. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may be in the form of extruded elastic strands, which may also be joined to the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164 in a pre-corrugated configuration, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,681,302, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0060] For example, as described above with respect to the embodiments with reference to FIGS. 2A-3, the elastic material 167 contemplated herein can be in the form of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may be parallel to each other and / or to the transverse axis 126. It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can be configured to include various amounts of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may be grouped in pairs. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can include from about 10 to about 1500 elastic strands 168. The elastic strands 168 herein may include various Dtex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values, and such elastic strands 168 can be utilized with other elastic strands to create first and second elastic belts 106, 108 that include elastic strands 168 in various combinations of Dtex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values. For example, in some configurations, the average Dtex of one or more elastic strands 168 can be greater than 500. In some configurations, the average Dtex of one or more elastic strands 168 can be from about 10 to about 1500, specifically listing every 1 Dtex increment within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, a plurality of elastic strands 168 can include an average strand spacing of 4 mm or less. In some configurations, a plurality of elastic strands 168 can include an average strand spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, specifically listing every 0.01 mm increment within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, a plurality of elastic strands 168 can include an average strand spacing greater than 4 mm. In some configurations, the average pre-strain of each of the plurality of elastic strands can be from about 50% to about 400%, specifically listing every 1% increment within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 include an average strand spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average Dtex from about 10 to about 500.In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may have an average pre-strain of from about 75% to about 300%.

[0061] In some configurations, the first plurality of elastic strands may include a first average pre-strain of from about 75% to about 300%, and the second plurality of elastic strands may include a second average pre-strain greater than the first average pre-strain. In some configurations, the first plurality of elastic strands may include an average strand spacing of from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, and an average Dtex of from about 10 to about 500, and the second plurality of elastic strands may include an average strand spacing greater than about 4 mm, and an average Dtex greater than about 450.

[0062] In some configurations, as shown in FIG. 2A, the elastic strands 168 may be referred to herein as outer waist elastic members 170 and inner waist elastic members 172. The elastic strands 168 (e.g., outer waist elastic members 170) may extend continuously laterally between the opposing first end regions 106a and second end regions 106b of the first elastic belt 106, and between the opposing first end regions 108a and second end regions 108b of the second elastic belt 108. Some of the elastic strands 168, such as the inner waist elastic members 172, may be configured with discontinuities, for example, within an area where the first and second elastic belts 106, 108 overlap a portion of the chassis 102, such as the absorbent assembly 140.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2A, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be configured with a low-elongation zone 701 and a high-elongation zone 703. The first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a first high-elongation zone 703a and a second high-elongation zone 703b that are laterally separated by the low-elongation zone 701. Portions of the chassis 102, such as the backsheet 136 and the absorbent assembly 140, may be connected to the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 in the low-elongation zone 701 of the first waist region 116 and / or the second waist region 118. The high-elongation zone 703 is provided with elasticity by an elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172, and the low-elongation zone 701 may include a cut line that separates the elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be cut in an unbonded region where the elastic material is not bonded to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. Thus, the elastic material 167 retreats from the unbonded region to form the low-extension zone 701. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be cut into several individual pieces. Next, the low-elongation zone 701 defines a region of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 that has a relatively lower elasticity than the high-elongation zone 703. The separate elastic material 167 that is cut and elastically contracted does not add a significant amount of elasticity to the low-elongation zone 701. Thus, when a force is applied, the high-elongation zone 703 extends longer than the low-elongation zone 701. As defined above, the terms "elastic," "elastomer," or "elastomeric" refer to a material exhibiting elastic properties, which includes any material that, when a force is applied to its relaxed initial length, can stretch or extend to an elongated length that exceeds 10% of the initial length and, when the applied force is released, substantially returns to approximately the initial length. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be composed of the elastic high-elongation zone 703 and may be composed of the low-elongation zone 701 that is not elastic or "non-elastic."

[0064] As described above, the diaper pants 100P described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3C may include one or more weak paths in the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. For example, FIGS. 4A to 4C show an exemplary diaper pants 100P having a first belt 106 that includes a weak path 700. The weak path 700 may be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106 to be relatively easily torn along the weak path 700 when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, etc. FIG. 4B shows a view of the diaper pants 100P from FIG. 4A, showing the first belt 106 after being torn along the weak path 700 through both the laterally extending outer edge portion 107a and the laterally extending inner edge portion 107b of the first belt 106. Accordingly, the first elastic belt 106 shown in FIG. 4B is separated by the opposing tear lines 705. It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 may be torn along both weak paths 700 in FIG. 4B. For example, FIG. 4C is the diaper pants of FIG. 4A showing the front belt torn along two weak paths 700. As shown in FIG. 4C, the central region 106c of the first elastic belt 106 may remain coupled to the chassis 102 after separating the first and second opposing end regions 106a, 106b from the central region 106c by tearing the elastic belt 106 along the weak path 700.

[0065] As discussed in more detail below, the frangible path 700 includes a plurality of frangible lines 704 configured such that all of the elastic strands 168 within the first elastic belt 106 are cut at least once within the frangible path 700. Cutting the elastic strands 168 within the frangible path 700 serves to relatively easily tear the first elastic belt 106 along the frangible path 700. For example, when the elastic strands 168 are cut, the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 need only be torn, and the uncut elastic strands 168 need not also be torn. It should be understood that the diaper pants 100P can include various amounts of frangible paths 700 positioned at various locations, defining various shapes, and extending for various lengths. For example, the first elastic belt 106 may include a first belt length defined by the longitudinal distance between the proximal edge 107b and the distal edge 107a, and the frangible path 700 may extend over the entire length from the outermost edge of the frangible line 704 closest to the proximal edge 107b of the first belt 106 to the outermost edge of the frangible line 704 closest to the distal edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the frangible path 700 may extend over a total length that exceeds, is equal to, or is less than the first belt length. In some configurations, the frangible lines 704 may extend over a length from a first end to a second end, and the sum of the lengths of all of the frangible lines 704 within the frangible path 700 may be greater than the total length of the frangible path.

[0066] In some configurations, the diaper pants 100P may be configured such that one or both of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 include one or more weak paths 700. The weak paths 700 may be located at various locations on the first and second elastic belts 106, 108. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the weak paths 700 may extend so as to overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the weak paths 700 may extend linearly, and / or may be curved, and / or may have curved portions. In some configurations, the weak paths 700 may extend longitudinally over the entire length or less than the entire length of the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. In some configurations, the weak paths 700 may be positioned partially or entirely laterally between the first and second side seams 178, 180 and the chassis 102.

[0067] In some configurations, the weak path 700 may be configured and / or positioned to provide access to and / or function with other mechanisms such as a disposal mechanism. For example, the diaper pants 100P shown in FIGS. 4A-4C include a fastening component 707 positioned on a surface 115b facing the wearing side of the first elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be positioned between the first elastic belt 106 and the chassis 102. The fastening component 707 may be configured to reattachably connect to other portions of the diaper pants 100P, such as, for example, the surface of the first elastic belt 106, the second elastic belt 108, or the chassis 102 facing the clothing. Thus, when the first elastic belt 106 is torn along the weak path 700, the diaper pants 100P may be removed from the wearer and rolled or folded for disposal, and the fastening component 707 may be connected to another portion of the diaper pants 100P to help maintain the diaper pants 100P in a disposal configuration. For example, FIG. 4C shows the diaper pants 100P after the first elastic belt 106 has been torn along two weak paths. FIG. 5A shows the diaper pants 100P of FIG. 4C with the chassis 102 rolled up longitudinally over the diaper pants. Also, FIG. 5B shows the diaper pants 100P of FIG. 5A having a fastening component 707 reattachably connected to the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102 to maintain the diaper pants 100P in a disposal configuration. In some configurations, when tearing the elastic belt along the weak path 700, the tearing process may begin by tearing from the outer edge 107a or the inner edge 107b of the elastic belt 106. As discussed in more detail below, in some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 may also include slits positioned adjacent to or proximate to the fastening component 707 and the weakening region 700 to help facilitate the first elastic belt 106 starting to tear longitudinally between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b along the weak path 700 within the region of the elastic belt 106.

[0068] It should also be understood that the fastening component 707 may be configured in various ways such as hooks, loops, and / or adhesives. For example, the fastening component 707 may include a hook element or an adhesive adapted to releasably connect to another surface of the diaper pants 100P. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may include a loop element adapted to releasably connect to a hook surface on the diaper pants 100P. The fastening component 707 may be a separate element connected to the elastic belts 106 in various ways such as mechanical coupling, adhesive bonding, or both. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be integrally formed from the material of the elastic belts 106, 108.

[0069] As described above, the fastening component 707 may include a hook material that can releasably engage a substrate such as, for example, a non-woven fabric, on the outer surface of the diaper pants 100P. For example, the fastening component 707 may include a substrate that includes hooks, and the substrate may be bonded to the elastic belts 106, 108 such as a second substrate 164 that may be in the form of a non-woven fabric. It should be understood that the substrate may be bonded to the elastic belts 106, 108 in various ways such as, for example, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and / or adhesive bonding, or combinations thereof. In some configurations, the hooks may be integrally formed from a second substrate 164 that may be in the form of a non-woven fabric. The fastening component 707 may include a single material, or a combination of two or more materials arranged in an at least partially overlapping configuration. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may include other fastening types known in the art.

[0070] It should be understood that the fastening component 707 can include any of a wide variety of shapes, including rectangles or other polygons, circles, ellipses, outer convex or concave portions or combinations thereof, or one or more lines or geometric shapes forming an array. It should be understood that the fastening component 707 can include various sizes. For example, in some configurations, the fastening component 707 may have a lateral width of about 5 mm to about 100 mm, specifically, all in 0.1 mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may have a longitudinal length of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, specifically, all in 0.1 mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The fastening component 707 may be aligned parallel to the lateral centerlines 126a, 126b of the elastic belts 106, 108, or may be oriented at an angle of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal centerlines 126a, 126 of the elastic belts 106, 108. The fastening component 707 may include an array of two or more spaced fastening elements.

[0071] It should also be understood that the frangible path 700 can be configured in various ways, positioned at various positions and orientations relative to each other, defined by various shapes, and extend for various lengths, and can include frangible lines 704. For example, in some configurations, the frangible line 704 includes discrete cut lines that penetrate some or all of the layers of the elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the frangible line 704 includes discrete joints where the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are fused to each other. In some configurations, the frangible line 704 may be straight, curved, or have regular or irregular geometric shapes, and may include one or more of perforations, joints, holes, or mechanically thinned regions of materials such as non-woven fabrics, or combinations thereof. It should also be understood that the frangible lines 704 can be formed with different lengths and spacings to achieve different separation forces.

[0072] As described above, the absorbent article 100, such as the diaper pants 100P, may be configured to have a frangible path 700 including frangible lines 704 arranged in various ways to help improve the ability of a caregiver to remove the soiled diaper pants from the wearer without the need to slide the soiled diaper pants off the wearer's legs. As described above, the frangible path 700 may be configured such that the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can be relatively easily torn along the frangible path 700 when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, for example. Additionally, the frangible path 700 may also be configured to provide access to a fastening component 707 that can be used to help hold the soiled product in a disposal configuration. The following provides a discussion of an exemplary implementation of the frangible path 700 on the diaper pants 100P in the context of the above description of various details of the absorbent article 100, the fastening component 707, the frangible path 700, and the frangible lines 704. It should be understood that the discussion of the frangible path 700 within the first elastic belt 106 herein may also apply to the frangible path 700 within the second elastic belt 108.

[0073] The frangible path 700 may be positioned at various positions and / or orientations relative to the other components of the absorbent article 100 and / or may be configured to function in various ways to facilitate removal of the diaper pants from the wearer. It should be understood, for example, that the diaper pants 100P shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B may include one or more frangible paths 700 extending between a distal end 808 on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a distal end 810 on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the diaper pants 100P include a first frangible path 700a and a second frangible path 700b within the first belt 106. The first frangible path 700a may extend between a first distal end 808a on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a first proximal end 810a on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Also, the second frangible path 700b may extend between a second distal end 808b on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a second proximal end 810b on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. It should be understood that the first and second frangible paths 700a, 700b may include a frangible line 704 as described above.

[0074] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b can be located at various lateral positions on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned within the central region 106c of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned within the first end region 106a and / or the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned laterally outside the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178, and / or may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side seam 180. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a may be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal end 808a may be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal end 808a may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.

[0075] It should also be understood that the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b can be located at various lateral positions on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned within the central region 106c of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second distal end 810b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned within the first end region 106a and / or the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned laterally outside the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178, and / or may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side seam 180. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a may be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal end 810b may be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal end 810b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.

[0076] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b can be located at various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Also, the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b may be located at various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations as shown in FIG. 6B1, for example, the first distal end 808a and / or the first proximal end 810a may be located on the first side seam 178 at a position longitudinally inside the outer edge 107a and longitudinally outside the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Also, as shown in FIG. 6B1, the second distal end 808b and / or the second proximal end 810b may also be located on the second side seam 180 at a position longitudinally inside the outer edge 107a and longitudinally outside the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Thus, completing the tearing process of the first belt 106 may also require tearing a portion of the first and / or second side seams 178, 180.

[0077] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6B, the first belt 106 may also include a grip region 801 that provides a location where a user can grip a portion of the first belt 106 and initiate the process of tearing the first belt along the weak path 700. The grip region 801 may include an accessible opening 802 within the first belt 106 and may also include a fastening component 707 positioned adjacent to the accessible opening 802. The accessible opening 802 may include slits and / or openings within the first belt 106 and may penetrate some or all of the layers of the first belt 106. It should be understood that such slits or openings may be curved and / or straight. The accessible opening 802 may also be considered a part of the weak path 700.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6B, the diaper pants 100P may include a first grip region 801a including a first accessible opening 802a and a second grip region 801b including a second accessible opening 802b within the first belt 106. The first and second accessible openings 802a, 802b may be positioned between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. The first and second accessible openings 802a, 802b may also be positioned within the central region 106c of the first belt 106 and may be positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102, the second longitudinal edge 130, and the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102. Additionally, the first fastening component 707a may be positioned adjacent to the first accessible opening 802a, and the second fastening component 707a may be positioned adjacent to the second accessible opening 802a. The first vulnerable path 700a includes a first tear zone 813a extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first distal end 808a and a second tear zone 813b extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first proximal end 810a. The second vulnerable path 700b includes a first tear zone 813a extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second distal end 808b and a second tear zone 813b extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second proximal end 810b. As discussed in more detail below, the accessible opening 802 can assist a caregiver or the wearer in accessing and / or gripping the fastening component 707 within the grip region 801 with a finger or thumb. The caregiver or user can then pull on the grip region 801 to begin tearing the first belt 106 along the vulnerable path 700. In some configurations, the tear lines may propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b laterally outward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 toward the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810. It should also be understood that some diaper pants 100P of the present specification may be configured to include a vulnerable path 700 that extends through or around the fastening component 707 without an accessible opening.As a result, the user may pinch and / or pull the belt at a location where the vulnerable path 700 is located at or adjacent to the fastening component 707 to initiate the tearing process along the vulnerable path 700.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6B, the vulnerable path 700 may be configured to extend laterally inwardly from the distal end 808 and / or the proximal end 810. As a result, a portion of the vulnerable path 700 may extend to define an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Thus, the vulnerable path may define an overall length that is longer than the longitudinal length LT1 of the first belt 106 and / or the longitudinal length LT2 of the second belt 108 described above with reference to FIGS. 2C-2E.

[0080] It should be understood that the grip region 801 and the accessible opening 802 can be arranged at various positions within the first end region 106a, the second end region 106b, and / or the central region 106c of the first belt 106. The grip region 801 and the accessible opening 802 can be positioned between the first longitudinal side edge 111a, the second longitudinal side edge 111b, the outer edge 107a, and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, the first accessible opening 802a and / or the second accessible portion 802b may be positioned entirely laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a and / or the first side seam 178 of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second accessible opening 802b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b and / or the second side seam 180 of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a and / or the second accessible opening 802b may be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, and / or longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a may extend across the first longitudinal edge 128 and / or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102, and / or the second accessible opening 802b may extend across the second longitudinal edge 130 and / or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102.

[0081] It should also be understood that the accessible opening 802 can be arranged at various positions relative to the fastening component 707. For example, in some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be longitudinally positioned between the fastening component 707 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be longitudinally positioned between the fastening component 707 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be positioned laterally inside the fastening component 707. It should also be understood that two or more accessible openings 802 may be arranged adjacent to the fastening component 707. As will be discussed in more detail below, the accessible opening 802 is also configured to extend partially or completely through the fastening component 707 and can divide the fastening component 707 into two or more parts.

[0082] As described above, the accessible opening 802 can include slits and / or openings within the first belt 106, may be curved, and / or may be straight. It should be understood that the accessible opening 802 can also be oriented in various ways. For example, the accessible opening 802 may be oriented generally perpendicular to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be oriented generally parallel to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may include a slit extending along a lateral line so as to define an angle of about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, specifically including all 1-degree increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may define a length dimension within the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, specifically including all 0.1-mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0083] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may include one or more fastening components 707 adapted to releasably connect to at least one other component of the disposable diaper pants 100P. It should be understood that the fastening components 707 may be configured in various shapes and sizes and may be disposed at various positions relative to other components of the diaper pants 100P. As shown in FIG. 7A, the fastening component 707 may include a lateral centerline 126d oriented substantially parallel to the lateral centerline 126a of the first elastic belt 106, and / or the lateral centerline 126b of the second elastic belt 108, and / or the lateral centerline 126c of the chassis 102. The fastening component 707 may include a longitudinal centerline 124d oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline 124a of the first elastic belt 106, and / or the longitudinal centerline 124b of the second elastic belt 108, and / or the longitudinal centerline 124c of the chassis 102.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7AA1, in some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be positioned and connected on the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 in the region where the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations as shown in FIG. 7AA1, the fastening component 707 includes a hook 715 protruding from a base 717, and the hook 715 extends from the first belt 106 toward the backsheet 136. The fastening component 707 may be configured as a separate and distinct element that can be connected to the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first belt 106 in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 7AA1, an adhesive 716 may connect the base 717 of the fastening component 707 to the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first belt 106. It should be understood that the fastening component 707 may be connected to the first belt 106 by mechanical coupling in addition to or instead of the adhesive. It should be understood that the base 717 may be configured in various ways. For example, the base 717 may include a thermoplastic film. In some configurations, the base 717 may include a laminate having various layers bonded to each other, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0045931(A1). For example, the base 717 may include a thermoplastic film layer bonded to a nonwoven layer. It should be understood that such layers may be bonded to each other in various ways, such as by adhesive, mechanical coupling, and / or extrusion bonding. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be integrally formed from the material of the first belt 106, or integrally formed from the material and attached to the first belt, as shown in FIG. 7AA2, for example.

[0085] For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, a portion of the chassis 102 may overlap the surface 115b facing the wearer inside the first belt 106, defining a chassis overlap region 850. Thus, the chassis overlap region 850 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102, and longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. To help prevent the fastening component 707 from contacting the wearer's skin while the diaper pants 100P are being worn, the fastening component 707 may be positioned on and connected to the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the surface 117b facing the wearer of the second elastic belt 108 in the chassis overlap region 850 where the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 overlap the chassis 102. For example, the fastening component 707 may be sandwiched between the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first belt 106 and the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 and the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102. The fastening component 707 may also be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. As shown in FIG. 7A, the fastening component 707 may be positioned adjacent to the vulnerable path 700. An accessible opening 802, which may be considered part of the vulnerable path 700, may be positioned adjacent to the fastening component 707. Thus, the vulnerable path 700 may partially surround the fastening component 707. In some configurations such as shown in FIG. 7B, the vulnerable path 700 may extend through the fastening component 707, effectively dividing the fastening component 707 into a first fastener portion 707' and a second fastener portion 707''.

[0086] As described above, the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102 may include a laminate including a film layer and a nonwoven layer. In some configurations, the nonwoven layer may completely cover the film layer to define the surface 134 facing the clothing of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the nonwoven layer may partially cover the film layer, and thus, both the film layer and the nonwoven layer may define the surface 134 facing the clothing of the chassis 102. For example, in some configurations, the film layer may extend completely between the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106 and the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102, and the nonwoven layer may also extend completely between the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106 and the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 to completely cover the film layer and define the surface 134 facing the clothing of the chassis 102 in the overlapping region 850.

[0087] In some configurations, a portion of the nonwoven layer of the backsheet 136 may be positioned between the fastening component 707 and the first belt 106. For example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7AA1 and 7AA2, the fastening component 707 may include a hook 715 extending toward the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. Thus, the hook of the fastening component 707 may be releasably or reattachably connected to the nonwoven layer of the backsheet 136. In some configurations, the hook of the fastening component 707 may not be releasably or reattachably connected to the film layer of the backsheet 136. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive instead of a hook, and thus, the pressure-sensitive adhesive may releasably connect the fastening component 707 to the backsheet. In some configurations, such a pressure-sensitive adhesive may be configured to releasably or reattachably connect the first belt 106 to the nonwoven layer and / or the film layer of the backsheet 136.

[0088] In another configuration shown in FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7E, both the frangible path 700 and the accessible opening 802 extend through the fastening component, and the fastening component 707 may be effectively divided into a first fastener portion 707' and a second fastener portion 707''. The accessible opening 802 shown in FIG. 7C may include a slit that is generally longitudinally oriented. Additionally, the accessible opening 802 may extend through the fastening component 707 and may be positioned entirely within the outer edge portion of the fastening component. It should be understood that such a slit may be straight and / or curved. In some configurations, the longitudinally extending accessible opening 802 may define a length dimension within the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, specifically, all increments of 0.1 mm within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Additionally, in some configurations, the longitudinally extending accessible opening 802 may also be curved so as to extend laterally within the range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, specifically, all increments of 0.1 mm within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0089] In another configuration shown in FIG. 7F, the diaper pants 100P may include one fastening component 707 connected to the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first belt 106 at a position overlapping the longitudinal center line 124c of the chassis 102. The longitudinal center line 124d of the fastening component 707 may coincide with or be in the vicinity of the longitudinal center line 124c of the chassis 102. The weak path 700 may divide the fastening component 707 into a first fastening component 707a and a second fastening component 707b having substantially the same size and geometric shape. The accessible opening 802 may be disposed at or near the longitudinal inner lateral edge of the fastening component 707. Outside the longitudinal direction of the lateral edge of the fastening component 707, the weak path 700 may extend longitudinally and laterally to the waist edge 121 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. A caregiver or the wearer may access the fastening component 707 through the accessible opening 802, grip it, and then separate the weak path 700 into the first and second fastening components 707a, 707b.

[0090] As described above, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be relatively easily torn along the weak path 700, such as when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6A-6F, the weak path 700 may be configured to allow a caregiver or the wearer to start and / or completely tear the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 with one hand when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. In addition, the first belt 106 may be separable along a first weak path 700a and a second weak path 700b so as to define a first belt zone 831, a second belt zone 832, and a third belt zone 833 positioned laterally between the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, the user may grip the first belt 106 within the grip region 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or the thumb into the accessible opening 802 and gripping a portion of the first 106 and the fastening component 707. For example, referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, the caregiver may insert a finger or thumb into the first accessible opening 802a and grip the first belt 106 and the first fastening component 707a with the first hand. The second hand on the opposite side of the caregiver may be used to assist in stabilizing the wearer. For example, the second hand on the opposite side of the caregiver may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the central region 106c of the first belt 106. The user's first hand may then apply an outward pulling force F in a direction away from the wearer to the first grip region 801a of the first belt 106 to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the first weak path 700a, as shown in FIG. 6C.

[0092] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6C, a force F generally represented by the arrow is applied outwardly to the first grip region 801a in a direction generally toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the force F is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a propagates longitudinally and transversely around the first fastening component 707a from the first accessible opening 802a along the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a, and then generally transversely and longitudinally outward in the direction D1 from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 toward the first distal end 808a at the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a along the second tear zone 813b of the first vulnerable path 700a in a direction D2 that is generally transversely outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 toward the first proximal end 810a at the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. Similar to the figure shown in FIG. 6C, FIG. 7E shows a front plan view of the diaper pants of FIG. 7C when the first vulnerable path 700a is torn. As shown in FIG. 7E, the first fastener portion 707' is separated from the second fastener portion 707'' as the vulnerable path is torn.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6D, the first belt 106 may be separable along the first weak path 700a so as to define a first belt zone 831. For example, the first belt zone 831 may be formed when a first tear line 705a propagates through the first distal end 808a and a second tear line 705b propagates to the first proximal end 810a, and the first belt zone 831 may be formed. As shown in FIG. 6D, a first edge 831a of the first belt zone 831 is formed by tearing the first weak path 700a. In addition, a first edge 833a of the third belt zone 833 (discussed in more detail below) is also formed by tearing the first weak path 700a. The first belt zone 831 may extend from the first edge 831a of the first and second tear lines 705a, 705b to the first side seam 178 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In addition, the first belt zone 831 may include a first fastening component 707a.

[0094] Once the first belt zone 831 is defined by tearing the first belt 106 along the first weak path 700a, the user can proceed to define a second belt zone 832 by tearing the first belt 106 along the second weak path 700b. Referring now to FIGS. 6D and 6E, the caregiver may insert a finger or thumb into the second accessible opening 802b and grip the first belt 106 and the second fastening component 707b with the first hand. The second hand on the opposite side of the caregiver may be used to assist in stabilizing the wearer. For example, the second hand on the opposite side of the caregiver may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer in the central region 106c of the first belt 106. The user's first hand may then apply an outward pulling force F away from the wearer to the second grip region 801b of the first belt 106 to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the second weak path 700b, as shown in FIG. 6E.

[0095] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6E, a force F, generally represented by the arrow, is applied outwardly to the second grip region 801b in a direction generally toward the second end region 106b of the first belt 106 and / or away from the first belt 106. When the force F is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a propagates from the second accessible opening 802b, along the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b, around the second fastening component 707b in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and then from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 in a direction D1 that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward, toward the second distal end 808b at the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. Simultaneously, the second tear line 705b propagates from the second accessible opening 802b, along the second tear zone 813b of the second vulnerable path 700b, from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 in a direction D2 that is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward, toward the second proximal end 810b at the second end region 106b of the first belt 106.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 6F, the first belt 106 may be separable along the second weak path 700b so as to define a second belt zone 832 and a third belt zone 833. For example, the second belt zone 832 may be formed when the first tear line 705a propagates through the second distal end 808b and the second tear line 705b propagates to the second proximal end 810b, and the second belt zone 832 may be formed. As shown in FIG. 6F, the first edge 832a of the second belt zone 832 is formed by tearing the second weak path 700b. In addition, the second edge 833b of the third belt zone 833 is also formed by tearing the second weak path 700b. The second belt zone 832 may extend from the first edge 832a of the first and second tear lines 705a, 705b to the second side seam 180 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In addition, the second belt zone 832 may include a second fastening component 707b. The third belt zone 833 may extend laterally between the first edge 833a and the second edge 833b and may remain connected to the chassis 102. When the tearing operation is completed in the configuration shown in FIGS. 7C-7E, the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 include a first fastener portion 707', and the third belt zone 833 includes a second fastener portion 707'' separated from the respective first fastener portions 707' during the tearing of the weak path 700.

[0097] The tearing process has been described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6F as tearing the first belt 106 along a first weak path 700a before tearing the first belt along a second weak path 700b. It should be understood, however, that the tearing of the first belt 106 along the weak path 700 may be performed in a variety of different orders and in different ways. For example, the first belt 106 may be torn along the second weak path 700b to define a second belt zone 832 before being torn along the first weak path 700a to define a first belt zone 831. In another example, the first belt 106 may be torn simultaneously along the first weak path 700a and the second weak path 700b to define a first belt zone 831, a second belt zone 832, and a third belt zone 833.

[0098] Once the first belt 106 is torn along the weak path 700 to define the first belt zone 831, the second belt zone 832, and the third belt zone 833, the diaper pants 100P can be removed from the wearer in a manner similar to a conventional tape diaper. After being removed from the wearer, the diaper pants 100P may be placed in a disposal configuration as described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B by winding and / or folding the chassis 102 longitudinally onto itself. The first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 may be used to further wrap the diaper pants 100P onto itself. Also, the fastening components 707 on the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 may be connected to another part of the diaper pants 100P to help maintain the diaper pants 100P in the disposal configuration.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the absorbent article may include one or more release facilitation mechanisms 900 that can help the user successfully determine the position and / or function of the fastening component 707 and the weak path 700, and / or successfully complete the pants opening operation. Such release facilitation mechanisms 900 may include release operation displays 902 and release mechanical aids 904, and combinations thereof. FIG. 8A is a front plan view of the diaper pants 100P showing the release facilitation mechanism 900 generally represented by the hatched area, and FIG. 8B is a front plan view of the diaper pants 100P showing an exemplary embodiment of the release facilitation mechanism 900.

[0100] As used herein, the term "release operation display" generally refers to specific marks, colored areas, patterns, and / or textures disposed on and / or adjacent to the disposable absorbent article on the accessible opening 802, the fastening component 707, and / or the weak path 700 to provide a functional attribute. In particular, the functional attribute includes visually and / or tactilely indicating the position of the accessible opening, the fastening component 707, and / or the weak path 700 on the disposable absorbent article 100 during removal and / or disposal by the wearer, and / or facilitating a relatively easy intuitive ability to separate the belt along the weak path 700.

[0101] The opening operation indication 902 may include any visual or tactile difference or signal that enhances the user's ability to identify and / or use components in the process of removing and / or disposing of the diaper pants 100P. All examples in this specification should be considered non-limiting. In some configurations, the opening operation indication 902 may include a visual and / or tactile indication of the location of the accessible opening 802, may be aligned with the accessible opening 802 along at least a portion of the length of the accessible opening 802, or may be disposed adjacent to, or overlapping with, it. In some configurations, the opening operation indication 902 may be disposed on other portions of the first and / or second elastic belts 106, 108, or the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102 that are not adjacent to the accessible opening 802, and may be accompanied by other opening operation indications 902 that perceptually connect the indication to the location of the accessible opening 802. In some configurations, the opening operation indication 902 may be disposed on any material attached to the fastening component 707, or on the side of the fastening component 707 facing the clothing, adjacent to and / or across the accessible opening 802 and / or the vulnerable path 700, as well as on the first and / or second elastic belts 106, 108, or on the chassis 102. In some configurations, the opening operation indication 902 may be formed by mechanically modifying the fastening component 707 so that the color or texture of the material directly beneath the fastening component 707 is adapted to be visible to a user such as a caregiver, including relatively thin and thick portions, regions of relatively high and low opacity, and / or physical holes, separations, and / or slits. In some configurations, the opening operation indication 902 may include a printed indication. As described above with reference to FIG. 2A, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be configured with a low elongation zone 701 and a high elongation zone 703. In some configurations, the low elongation zone 701 may include relatively fewer waveforms than the high elongation zone 703 and may thus appear relatively flat.In some configurations, the release operation display 902 may be disposed in the low-elongation zone to improve the visibility of the printed display.

[0102] In some configurations, the diaper pants 100P may include a release operation display 902 that may include a release mechanical assist 906, which may be configured to assist a user in identifying the location of the accessible release portion 802. In some configurations, the accessible release portion display 906 may be a printed display printed on the first and / or second elastic belts 106, 108, the fastening component 707, and / or the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the accessible release portion display 906 may include, for example, a linear or curved representation of the accessible release portion 802, a geometric shape, a directional pattern such as an arrow, an anthropomorphic pattern such as a hand, a person, and / or an animal, alphanumeric text such as numbers, letters, and / or words, and / or any combination thereof, and / or any other pattern that may indicate the location of the accessible release portion 802. The release operation display portion 902 may also include a component material having a texture or a visually distinct region for one or more regions of the first and / or second belts 106, 108, or the remaining portion of the belt. For example, the surfaces 117a, 117b of the first and / or second belts 106, 108 facing the clothing, such as the first base material 162 of the first and / or second belts 106, 108, may be mechanically deformed, bonded, and / or compressed to provide a visually distinct region indicating the location of the accessible release portion 802 to a user such as a caregiver.

[0103] In some configurations, the diaper pants 100P may include an opening operation display portion 902 that includes a vulnerable path guide 908, which may be configured to assist a user, such as a caregiver, in identifying where separation occurs and / or to provide guidance regarding the direction to pull. In some configurations, the vulnerable path guide 908 may provide a visual and / or tactile indication of the location of the vulnerable path 700, may be aligned with at least a portion of the vulnerable path 700, and / or may be disposed adjacent to and / or overlapping it. The vulnerable path guide 908 may indicate the location and direction of the vulnerable path 700 to assist in guiding the user when completely separating the first and / or second belts 106, 108 along the vulnerable path 700. In some configurations, the vulnerable path guide 908 may be disposed on a portion of the first and / or second belts 106, 108 and / or the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the vulnerable path guide 908 may include printed instructions that include printed linear and / or curved representations of the vulnerable path 700, and / or directional icons, such as arrows, and / or a series or array of relatively small icons along the vulnerable path 700 that indicate the direction in which the user may separate the vulnerable path 700. In some configurations, the vulnerable path guide 908 may include a portion of the first and / or second belt material or the fibers of the belt material that are deformed, flattened, and / or mechanically altered to change either the opacity and / or topography of the belt material or the belt fibers. For example, the vulnerable path guide 908 may include a non-functional vulnerable line positioned adjacent to the vulnerable path, such that the non-functional vulnerable line does not overlap or interfere with the function of the vulnerable path. The non-functional vulnerable line may include a display that includes a plurality of slits disposed in a vertical configuration, or a plurality of lines oriented in a vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 8C. In some configurations, the vulnerable path guide 908 may include two or more types of displays in parallel or in series along at least a portion of the vulnerable path 700.

[0104] In some configurations, the release operation display 902 may include a combination of one or more accessible release portion displays 906 and a frangible path guide 908, which may be physically separated from each other, and / or may be of different types or kinds, and / or may represent a relatively large portion of the release operation display 902. For example, the accessible release portion display 906 may include a color, width, intensity, and / or style that may be different from the color, width, intensity, and / or style of the frangible path guide 908. In some configurations, the accessible release portion display 906 may be visually distinguishable from the frangible path guide 908 and may imply a temporal function of priority with respect thereto. For example, the user's attention and actions may be preferentially directed to the accessible release portion 802 to help enable the start of the opening of the diaper pants, and secondarily, the frangible path guide 908 may show the user the direction of frangible path tear propagation to help maximize the probability that the user successfully opens the diaper pants 100P.

[0105] In some configurations, the release operation indication 902 may include coloring of the fastening component material or other means of highlighting the position of the fastening component 707. For example, the fastening component 707 may be printed such that the fastening component 707 is visible from the outside outside of the diaper pants 100P, and / or may include materials of various different colors. The fastening component 707 may have a color that is visible through any layer of the first and / or second belts 106, 108 in which the fastening component 707 is disposed. As described above with reference to FIGS. 7B and 7D, for example, the accessible opening 802 and / or the vulnerable path 700 may extend through the fastening component 707. Thus, the color of the fastening component 707 may be enhanced or emphasized along the accessible opening 802 and / or the vulnerable path 700, resulting in the formation of the release operation indication 902. The fastening component 707, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7A-7D, when viewing the first surface of the fastening component 707 from the surface facing the outer garment, and as shown in FIGS. 6D-6F, 7E, and 9A-9B, when viewing the second surface (opposite the first surface) of the fastening component 707 that is exposed when torn along the vulnerable path, may appear to be visually different colors. More specifically, one or more layers of the belt may be disposed on the first surface of the fastening component 707, such that the user visualizes the fastening component as being of a first color. Then, when the diaper pants are torn along the vulnerable path, the second surface of the fastening component 707 becomes visible to the user, which is a second color that is different from the first color. The difference between the first color and the second color can be measured by determining a delta E value, as described in AS (trademark) D 2244-02, "Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates".The difference in the delta E value between the first surface and the second surface of the fastening component 707 may be from about 5 to about 70, or from about 5 to about 60, or from about 5 to about 50, specifically, all in 0.01 mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It should be understood that the elastic belts 106, 108 and / or the chassis 102 may include printing or other indications that emphasize the position, function, and / or usage method of the fastening component 707 to the user.

[0106] As used herein, the term "visible from the outside" when used in connection with an indication associated with an article means that, while the article is held in a configuration where the surface facing the clothing is within the field of view, from a reference point for viewing the surface of the article facing the clothing, under standard lighting conditions, a human observer can visually distinguish the indication with the naked eye (standard corrective lenses adapted to compensate for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are acceptable). As used herein, "standard lighting conditions" refers to lighting conditions under which human vision operates efficiently (e.g., where human vision can distinguish complex patterns, shadows, and colors). Specifically, standard lighting conditions may include at least one of a) natural illuminance as felt outdoors during daylight hours, b) illuminance at a distance of 2 meters from a standard 100-watt incandescent white light bulb, or c) CIE D65 standard light illumination at 800 lux for a 1964 CIE standard observer.

[0107] In some configurations, the release operation display 902 may include a coupling or one or more coupling patterns that attach the fastening component 707 to the first and / or second belt 106, 108 and that can be visually or tactilely distinguished from the surrounding belt material. Such a coupling or coupling pattern may provide a display indicating the position of the fastening component 707 and / or provide an advantage of signal or mechanical gripping to the user. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the coupling pattern may include a first coupling pattern including a plurality of individual couplings arranged in a grid pattern and a second coupling pattern including a plurality of individual couplings arranged in a graphical representation such as an arrow. It should be understood that the plurality of individual couplings may be arranged in any graphical representation that assists the user in how the diaper pants interact or how the diaper pants are manipulated. Examples of graphical representations include arrows, lines, bull's eyes, circles, buttons, hearts, bears, smiling faces, and the like. The coupling pattern may include one or more couplings having different colors such that when looking at the outside of the diaper pants, the couplings are a different color than the remaining portion of the fastening component 707 and / or the surface of the outer clothing of the belt facing. It should be understood that different colors include differences in how bright or dark the color appears when looking at the outside of the diaper pants. One or more coupling patterns may also be used to apply a texture to the fastening component to visually distinguish the fastening component from other parts of the diaper pants. Additionally, the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102, such as a film layer, may be colored or printed contrastingly or complementarily. The combination of the coloring of the fastening component 707, the coupling pattern between the fastening component and the belt, and / or the printing of the backsheet may further emphasize the position signal of the fastening component 707. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 may include a region of relatively low opacity to help improve the visibility of any display or other printing disposed on the chassis 102.

[0108] The chassis 102 may include one or more facilitating-opening mechanisms 900 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As described above, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a propagates from the first accessible opening 802a, along the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a, around the first fastening component 707a in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and then from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 in a direction D1 that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward, toward the first distal end 808a at the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b propagates from the first accessible opening 802a, along the second tear zone 813b of the first vulnerable path 700a, in a direction D2 that is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, toward the first proximal end 810a at the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. As shown in FIG. 9A, as the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b propagate, a portion of the chassis 102 is exposed to the user. This portion of the chassis 102 exposed to the user may include one or more opening operation indicators 902. The one or more opening operation indicators 902 may include one or more visual and / or tactile indicators that the user is opening the diaper pants in the intended manner. In some configurations, such as that shown in FIG. 9B, the opening operation indicator 902 may include an indicator printed on the exposed portion of the chassis, such as a backsheet film. The indicator may include, for example, a straight or curved shape, a geometric shape, a printed pattern, a directional design such as an arrow, an anthropomorphic design such as a hand, a person, and / or an animal, alphanumeric text such as numbers, letters, and / or words, and / or any combination thereof, and / or any other design that can distinguish the exposed portion of the chassis from the remaining portion of the chassis and / or the belt. In some configurations, such as that shown in FIG. 9A, the opening operation indicator 902 may include a texture on the exposed portion of the chassis, such as a backsheet film.The texture may include additional substrates or materials disposed on the exposed portions of the chassis, or may be formed from one or more existing layers of the chassis such as a backsheet film. The texture may include, for example, mechanically by embossing or chemically by etching the exposed portions of the chassis to visually show a pattern that brings out flexibility. The texture may include a three-dimensional pattern that is visually appealing to the user.

[0109] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may include one or more opening facilitation mechanisms 900 that may include an opening mechanical assistance 904. The opening mechanical assistance 904 enables the user to physically access the fastening component 707 through the accessible opening 802, firmly grip the fastening component 707, pull the fastening component 707 away from the chassis 102, and / or completely separate the vulnerable path 700 along its entire length to open the diaper pants 100P and release the belt zone used to securely close the soiled diaper pants 100P wound for sanitary disposal. In some configurations, the opening mechanical assistance 904 may include, for example, physical characteristics of the fastening component such as the shape, thickness, rigidity, and / or coefficient of friction of the fastening component, and / or aspects of the fastening component 707 such as the coupling connecting the fastening component 707 to the first and / or second belts 106, 108. In some configurations, the opening mechanical assistance 904 may include characteristics of the first and / or second belts 106, 108, the size, shape, and / or orientation of the accessible opening 802, and / or any separate elements attached to the first and / or second belts 106, 108 or the fastening component 707. The opening mechanical assistance 904 may also include tactile characteristics such as physical flexure of portions of the fastening component 707 to help facilitate both visual recognition and localization of the fastening component 707, for example.

[0110] In some configurations, the release mechanism assist 904 may include a fastening component 707 having a three-dimensional aspect. For example, such a three-dimensional aspect may include a configuration in which a portion of the fastening component 707 bends or curls away from the plane of the fastening component 707 and / or the planes of the first and / or second belts 106, 108 in a direction away from the wearer. The fastening component 707 having a three-dimensional aspect may be more easily gripped by the user. For example, if a portion of the accessible opening 802 is folded into, partially hidden within, or otherwise positioned inside a wrinkle formed while wearing the diaper pants 100P, the three-dimensional aspect may provide a location that helps the user grip the fastening component 707.

[0111] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the fastening component 707 may include a deformation portion in the form of a curl or bend 709 that displaces the distal end region 711 of the fastening component 707 from the planar region of the remainder of the fastening component 707 to form a three-dimensional aspect 713 that may be formed in or adjacent to the accessible opening 802. As a result, a portion of the first belt 106 and / or the distal end region 711 of the fastening component 707 may protrude outwardly from the plane of the surface 115a of the first belt 106 facing the clothing by a distance PD. In some configurations, the distance PD may be from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, specifically, all 0.1 mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the length of the three-dimensional aspect 713 may be from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, specifically, all 0.1 mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Continuing to refer to FIG. 10, the curl or bend 709 within the fastening component may also define a bend angle BA. In a configuration, the bend angle BA may be from about 1 degree to about 180 degrees, specifically, all 1 degree increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It should be understood that the three-dimensional aspect 713 can be formed in the fastening component 707 in various ways, such as by mechanical deformation, mechanical coupling, conforming to and partially following the shape of the accessible opening, thermal expansion, addition of an adhesive or elastic member onto the fastener, deforming the fastening component material by joining the fastening component materials or advancing the fastening component material under tension over a curved surface, or any other means for imparting a Z-direction height transition. In some configurations, in addition to defining the opening mechanical assistance 904, the three-dimensional aspect 713 may also define an opening operation display 902, for example, by casting a shadow from ambient lighting to make the accessible opening 802 more visible.

[0112] In configurations where the release mechanical assistance is intended to facilitate gripping the fastening component 707, pulling it away from the chassis 102, and completely separating the vulnerable path 700, the release mechanical assistance 904 may include a three-dimensional structure and / or a relatively high coefficient of friction in at least a portion of the material of the fastening component 707 or the first and / or second belt materials to assist in providing the user with a relatively more secure grip on the fastening component 707 and / or mechanical advantages that help to successfully pull the fastening component 707 to open the diaper pants 100P. It should be understood that the three-dimensional structure may be provided in various forms such as protrusions, recesses, and / or holes in one or more layers. The three-dimensional structure may be provided in various ways on the fastening component 707 and / or the first and / or second belts 106, 108, for example, by three-dimensional bonding means and patterns of fasteners to the elastic belts such as heat, ultrasonic, or mechanical bonding patterns. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be bonded through the thickness of the fastening component 707, for example, from the inner surface of the hook, through the fastening material, and then to the inner surface material of the first and / or second belts 106, 108. In some configurations, the bonding process may proceed from the outer surface of the first and / or second belts 106, 108, through the thickness of the belts, and then into the fastening component 707. In both such configurations, the three-dimensional mechanical release assistance may be provided through the geometric shape and / or texture of the bond. In some configurations, the release mechanical assistance 904 may be provided by depositing a material such as a molten polymer or adhesive on the fastening component 707 or the first and / or second belts 106, 108 in an area including or adjacent to the fastening component 707. In some configurations, separate pieces of material may be connected to the first and / or second belts in the area of or adjacent to the fastening component 707 by various means known in the art.

[0113] It should be understood that the diaper pants 100P may be packaged for sale in either a physical or virtual store. Accordingly, the package of the diaper pants 100P described herein may include artwork that provides the user with a display of the type of article enclosed therein, including the mode of the removal and disposal mechanism enabled by the enclosed diaper pants. Diaper removal and disposal mechanisms such as fastening component 707, accessible opening 802, and frangible path 700, and / or the manner in which a user may use such mechanisms to remove the diaper pants 100P from the wearer and dispose of the diaper pants in a sanitary manner may be shown, demonstrated, and / or implied by the artwork on the outside of the package. In some configurations, the artwork may include text, photographs, drawings, and / or images. The artwork may show the user, such as a caregiver, the mode of use of the article within the package. For example, the package containing the diaper pants described herein may depict an image of the diaper pants being removed from the wearer by gripping the fastener while the wearer is in a standing or lying position and separating one or more frangible paths 700, or may depict the exchange process in the form of a drawing or sketch. In some configurations, the package containing the diaper pants may include icons showing the open diaper pants and / or the process of applying or removing the diaper pants. The artwork may further include a depiction of the disposal process in which the soiled diaper pants are rolled or folded and then wrapped within the separated belt zones 831, 832 and fastened in such a configuration using the fastening component 707. In some configurations, the advertising medium may include artwork showing the mode of removal and disposal of the diaper pants described herein.

[0114] The components of the absorbent article described herein may be at least partially composed of a bio-based content as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521 (A1). For example, the superabsorbent polymer components may be made bio-based by deriving them from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and methods of manufacture are further described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521, as well as U.S. Patents Nos. 8,703,450, 9,630,901, and 9,822,197. Other components, such as nonwoven and film components, may include bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further considered in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0139657, 2011 / 0139658, 2011 / 0152812, and 2016 / 0206774, as well as U.S. Patent No. 9,169,366. Exemplary bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure include polymers available under the designations SHA7260 (trademark), SHE150 (trademark), or SGM9450F (trademark) (all available from Braskem S.A.).

[0115] The absorbent article components may include, for example, bio-based component values of about 10% to about 100%, about 25% to about 100%, about 40% to about 100%, about 50% to about 100%, about 75% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100% using, for example, Method B of D6866-10 of AS (trademark).

[0116] The components of the absorbent article described herein may be recycled for other uses, regardless of whether they are at least partially formed from recyclable materials. Examples of absorbent article materials that can be recycled are nonwoven fabrics, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process may use an autoclave to sterilize the absorbent article, after which the absorbent article may be shredded and separated into different secondary product streams. Exemplary secondary product streams may include cellulose fibers such as plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and pulp. These secondary product streams can be used in the manufacture of fertilizers, plastic articles, paper products, viscose, building materials, absorbent pads for pet or hospital beds, and / or for other uses. Further details regarding absorbent articles that aid recycling, diaper designs suitable for recycling, and diaper designs of bio-based components suitable for recycling are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0192723, published on June 27, 2019.

[0117] Test Method Average Decitex (Average Dtex) Using the average decitex method, the average Dtex for elastic fibers present in a complete article or in a sample of a target extracted from an article is calculated on a length-weighted basis. The decitex value is the mass in grams of the fibers present in 10,000 meters of that material in a relaxed state. The decitex value of an elastic fiber or an elastic laminate containing elastic fibers is often reported by the manufacturer as part of the specifications of the elastic fiber or elastic laminate containing elastic fibers. The average Dtex can be calculated from these specifications if available. Alternatively, if these specified values are not known, the decitex value of an individual elastic fiber is determined by determining the cross-sectional area of the fiber in a relaxed state via a suitable microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the composition of the fiber via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and then using literature values for the density of the composition to calculate the mass in grams of the fibers present in 10,000 meters of fiber. The decitex values for individual elastic fibers removed from a complete article or a sample extracted from an article, provided by the manufacturer or measured experimentally, are used in the equation described below, in which the length-weighted average of the decitex values between the elastic fibers present is determined.

[0118] If the length of the elastic fibers present in the article or the sample extracted from the article is known, it is calculated from the component or overall dimensions of the article having the component or the sample, and the elastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with the component or the sample of the article having the component. Alternatively, if the dimensions and / or the elastic fiber pre-strain ratio are not known, the absorbent article or the sample extracted from the absorbent article is disassembled and all the elastic fibers are removed. This disassembly can be done, for example, by gently heating to soften the adhesive, using a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT), or using a suitable solvent that removes the adhesive but does not expand, modify, or break the elastic fibers. Measure the length of each elastic fiber in the relaxed state and record it to the nearest millimeter (mm) in millimeters (mm).

[0119] Calculation of average Dtex For each individual elastic fiber f i in the absorbent article or the sample extracted from the absorbent article, having a relaxed length L i (either obtained from the manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) and a fiber decitex value d i the average Dtex of the absorbent article or the sample extracted from the absorbent article is defined as follows:

[0120]

Number

[0121] If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specifications, it is determined experimentally as described below, and the resulting fiber decitex value is used in the above equation to determine the average Dtex.

[0122] Experimental determination of the decitex value of the fiber For each of the elastic fibers taken from an absorbent article or a sample extracted from an absorbent article according to the above procedure, each elastic fiber L k The relaxed length of is measured and recorded to the nearest mm in millimeters (mm). Each elastic fiber is analyzed via FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition, and its density ρ k is determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed via SEM. The fiber is cut vertically at three approximately equal positions along its length using a sharp blade to create a clean cross-section for SEM analysis. The three fiber sections with these exposed cross-sections are mounted in a relaxed state on an SEM specimen holder, sputter-coated with gold, introduced into the SEM, and analyzed, imaging at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate the fiber cross-section. To minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross-section, the fiber cross-section is oriented as perpendicular as possible to the detector. The shapes of the fiber cross-sections vary widely, and some fibers are composed of multiple individual filaments. In any case, the area of each of the three fiber cross-sections is determined (e.g., the diameter of a circular fiber, the major and minor axes of an elliptical fiber, and using image analysis for more complex shapes), and the average of the three areas a k of the elastic fiber is recorded in square micrometers (μm 2 ) units to 0.1 μm 2 units. The decitex d k of the k-th measured elastic fiber is calculated as follows:

[0123]

Equation

[0124] Average strand interval Using a gauge accurate to 0.5 mm calibrated against a certified NIST gauge, measure the distance between two distal strands within a section in 0.5 mm increments and then divide by the number of strands in that section minus 1. Average strand interval = d / (n - 1), where n > 1 Report in 0.1 mm increments.

[0125] Average pre-strain Measure the average pre-strain of the sample on a constant speed tensile testing machine using a load cell where the measured force is within 1% to 90% of the cell's limit (a suitable instrument is MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 Software available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN). Prior to analysis, condition the article at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours and then test under the same environmental conditions.

[0126] After adjusting the initial gauge length, program the tensile testing machine to perform elongation until breakage. First, raise the crosshead at 10 mm / min to a force of 0.05 N. Set the gauge at this point to the adjusted gauge length. Raise the crosshead at a speed of 100 mm / min until the sample breaks (the force drops 20% after the maximum peak force). Return the crosshead to its original position. Force and elongation data are obtained at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

[0127] Set the nominal gauge length to 40 mm using a calibrated caliper block and zero the crosshead. Insert the sample into the grip such that the center of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the upper grip. The sample may be folded perpendicular to the tensile axis and inserted into the grip to achieve this position. After closing the grip, excess material can be trimmed. Insert the sample into the lower gripping part and close it. Once again, the strip can be folded, and then trimmed after closing the grip. Zero the load cell. The sample should have a minimum of slack and a force on the load cell of less than 0.05 N. Start the test program.

[0128] From the data, calculate force (N) vs. extension (mm). Calculate the average pre-strain from the inflection point of the curve corresponding to the extension when the non-woven fabric in the elastomer is engaged. Plot two lines corresponding to the region of the curve before the inflection point (mainly the elastomer) and the region after the inflection point (mainly the non-woven fabric). Read the extension when these two lines intersect and calculate the pre-strain % from this extension and the corrected gauge length. Record the pre-strain % as 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the three replicate test specimens for each elastomer laminate and the average pre-strain in 0.1% units.

[0129] Combination An absorbent article, comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region, a first belt including the first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the first end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outside the inner edge, the first belt further including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, a second belt including the first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the second end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt being connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt being connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening, a weak path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt, a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect to at least one other component of the absorbent article, and an opening operation indicator adapted to facilitate indicating proper separation of the first belt along the weak path.

[0130] The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein the opening operation indicator includes a printed indicator selected from the group consisting of an indicator printed on the fastening component, an indicator printed on the first belt, and an indicator printed on the chassis.

[0131] The absorbent article according to paragraph A2, wherein the printed indicator includes at least one of a geometric shape, a directional shape, an alphanumeric text, and an anthropomorphic shape.

[0132] A4. An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A3, including a low-elongation zone positioned horizontally between high-elongation zones, wherein the printed display is located within the low-elongation zone.

[0133] A5. An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A4, further including an accessible opening within the first belt, wherein the first tear path includes a first tear zone extending from the accessible opening to the distal end and a second tear zone extending from the accessible opening to the proximal end, and the fastening component is adjacent to the accessible opening.

[0134] A6. An absorbent article according to paragraph A5, wherein the opening operation display is adapted to facilitate the placement of the accessible opening.

[0135] A7. An absorbent article according to paragraph A6, wherein the opening operation display includes a printed display including a printed accessible opening display and a printed tear path guide.

[0136] A8. An absorbent article according to paragraph A7, wherein the color of the accessible opening display is different from the color of the printed tear path guide and is visually distinguishable.

[0137] A9. An absorbent article according to paragraph A7, wherein the printing intensity and / or the lateral width of the printed accessible opening display is greater than that of the printed tear path guide and is visually distinguishable from the printed tear path guide.

[0138] A10. An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A5 to A9, wherein the accessible opening and / or the tear path extends through the fastening component, and the color of the fastening component is emphasized along the accessible opening and / or the tear path to form at least a part of the opening operation display.

[0139] A11. An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A10, wherein the opening operation display includes the color of the fastening component that is distinguishable from the color of the belt and the chassis.

[0140] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A11, wherein the opening operation indication includes a three-dimensional coupling pattern that couples the fastening component to the first belt.

[0141] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A12, wherein the opening operation indication includes a molten or solid material disposed on at least one of the fastening component, the first belt, and the chassis.

[0142] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A13, further including at least two opening operation indications arranged in series.

[0143] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A14, wherein the opening operation indication exhibits a temporal function.

[0144] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A15, wherein the opening operation indication is visible from the outside outside the first belt.

[0145] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A16, wherein the opening operation indication is positioned adjacent to or overlapping the weak path.

[0146] An absorbent article, comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region; a first belt including the first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the first end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing; a second belt including the first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the second end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt being connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt being connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening; a frangible path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt; a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer adjacent to an accessible opening, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect to at least one other component of the absorbent article; and an opening mechanical assistance adapted to at least one of facilitating access to the fastening component, gripping the fastening component, pulling the fastening component away from the chassis, and separating the first belt along the frangible path.

[0147] The absorbent article according to paragraph B1, wherein the opening mechanical assistance is selected from the group consisting of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding material and a three-dimensional pattern.

[0148] The absorbent article according to paragraph B2, wherein the three-dimensional bonding pattern is defined by a joint connecting the fastening component to the first belt.

[0149] An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs B1 to B3, wherein the release mechanism is positioned adjacent to or overlapping the fastening component.

[0150] C1. An absorbent article comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region, a first belt including the first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, wherein the first end region of the chassis is connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, a second belt including the first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, wherein the second end region of the chassis is connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt is connected to the first end region of the second belt at a first side seam, and the second end region of the first belt is connected to the second end region of the second belt at a second side seam to form a waist opening, a frangible path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt, and a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer, wherein the first belt is separable along the frangible path to define a first belt zone and a second belt zone, the first belt zone being laterally between the first side seam and the second belt zone, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect the first belt zone to at least one other component of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration, and at least one release facilitating mechanism being located on at least one of the fastening component, the chassis, and the first belt.

[0151] Absorbent article according to paragraph C1, comprising at least one release facilitation mechanism including a release operation display adapted to indicate proper separation of a first belt along a weak path, and a release mechanical assistance adapted to at least one of facilitating access to a fastening component, gripping the fastening component, pulling the fastening component away from the chassis in a direction away from the chassis, and separating the first belt along the weak path.

[0152] Absorbent article according to paragraph C2, wherein the release operation display and the release mechanical assistance include a three-dimensional pattern.

[0153] Absorbent article according to paragraph C3, wherein the three-dimensional pattern is defined by a joint connecting the fastening component to the first belt.

[0154] Absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs C1 to C4, wherein at least one release facilitation mechanism includes a release mechanical assistance defined by a three-dimensional aspect formed by a bent portion in the fastening component.

[0155] Absorbent article according to paragraph C5, wherein a distal end region of the fastening component protrudes outwardly from a surface facing the clothing of the first belt.

[0156] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to 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 the functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0157] All documents cited herein, including any patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, and any patent applications or patents for which this application claims priority or the benefit thereof, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent not expressly excluded or limited. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, any meaning or definition of a term in this document that conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference shall be governed by the meaning or definition given to the term in this document.

[0158] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent 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. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 An absorbent article, a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis further including a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region, a first belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the first end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the first belt, the first belt further including a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being positioned longitudinally outside of the inner edge, the first belt further including a surface facing an inner wearer and a surface facing outer clothing, a second belt including a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region, the second end region of the chassis being connected to the central region of the second belt, the first end region of the first belt being connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt being connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening, a frangible path extending between a proximal end and a distal end within the first belt, a fastening component connected to the surface of the first belt facing the inner wearer, the fastening component being adapted to releasably connect to at least one other component of the absorbent article, an opening operation indicator adapted to facilitate indicating proper separation of the first belt along the frangible path, an absorbent article comprising. Claim 2 The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the opening operation indicator includes a printed indicator selected from the group consisting of an indicator printed on the fastening component, an indicator printed on the first belt, and an indicator printed on the chassis. Claim 3 The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the printed indicator includes at least one of a geometric shape, a directional shape, alphanumeric text, and an anthropomorphic shape. Claim 4 The first includes a low-elongation zone positioned laterally between high-elongation zones, and the printed display is located within the low-elongation zone. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further including an accessible opening within the first belt, the first weak path including a first tear zone extending from the accessible opening to the distal end and a second tear zone extending from the accessible opening to the proximal end, and the fastening component being adjacent to the accessible opening. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the opening operation display is adapted to facilitate the placement of the accessible opening.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the opening operation display includes a printed display including a printed accessible opening display and a printed weak path guide.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the color of the accessible opening display is different from the color of the printed weak path guide and is visually distinguishable.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the printing intensity and / or the lateral width of the printed accessible opening display is greater than that of the printed weak path guide and is visually distinguishable from the printed weak path guide.

10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the accessible opening and / or the weak path extends through the fastening component, and the color of the fastening component is emphasized along the accessible opening and / or the weak path to form at least a part of the opening operation display.

11. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening operation display includes the color of the fastening component that is distinguishable from the color of the belt and the color of the chassis.

12. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening operation display includes a three-dimensional bonding pattern connecting the fastening component to the first belt.

13. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening operation display includes a molten or solid material disposed on at least one of the fastening component, the first belt, and the chassis.

14. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least two opening operation displays arranged in series.

15. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the opening operation display indicates a time function.

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