Absorbent article having a standing gather and a leg cuff

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) such as an open-type diaper includes a liquid-permeable topsheet (9), a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core (11) disposed between the topsheet (9) and the backsheet (10). The absorbent article (1) has a nonwoven outer cover layer (18), and the nonwoven outer cover layer (18) overlaps the backsheet (10), forms the outer surface of the absorbent article (1), and has side portions (33, 34). The side portions (33, 34) extend laterally outside the backsheet and are formed into leg cuff folding portions (35, 37). The leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) are elastic by a plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) arranged at intervals. A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are arranged in a state where the standing gather portions (21', 22') of the respective barrier cuff strips (21, 22) form a part of the standing gathers (29, 30). The barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are attached to the topsheet (9) along the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26) and have one or a plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements (27, 28) arranged along the free-standing gather edges (23, 24). A pair of leg cuffs (31, 32) are arranged outside the standing gathers (29, 30), and each leg cuff includes a folded and elastic side portion (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) and a leg cuff portion of the corresponding nonwoven barrier strip (21, 22). The leg cuff portions (21'', 22'') of the nonwoven barrier strips (21, 22) overlap at least one of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article having first and second waist edges and a first side edge, and including a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. A nonwoven outer cover layer overlaps the backsheet and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article. The article further includes a pair of elastic standing gathers and a pair of elastic leg cuffs. A pair of side flaps are disposed on one of the waist edges, and the side flaps are provided with fasteners for fastening the absorbent article around the wearer's body in a pant-like manner.

Background Art

[0002] Disposable absorbent articles (e.g., disposable diapers applied to the lower body of a wearer and fastened around the wearer's body as a pair of underpants) generally have elastic elements to create a fluid barrier and to improve the body conformity of the article. A good body-conforming fit of the disposable absorbent article around the wearer's waist and legs ensures that the article is held in close contact with the wearer's body, thereby reducing the risk of fluid leakage from the absorbent article. Additional leakage protection can be obtained by disposing elastic standing gathers, also known as "raised barriers" or "inner barriers", inside the absorbent article.

[0003] A further important aspect of this type of article is that they are comfortable to wear and do not cause abrasion of sensitive skin in the genital area. A further concern is that the tensioned elastic elements may cause discomfort and red markings by exerting high pressure on the wearer's skin (especially around the wearer's legs).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A disposable absorbent article having good leakage safety and comfort can be realized by the features of claim 1. Modifications of the present disclosure are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] Disclosed herein is an absorbent article having a first waist edge and a second waist edge extending in the transverse direction of the absorbent article, and a first side edge and a second side edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, - A liquid-permeable topsheet having a first side edge of the topsheet and a second side edge of the topsheet, - A liquid-impermeable backsheet having a first side edge of the backsheet and a second side edge of the backsheet, - An absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, - A nonwoven outer cover layer overlapping the backsheet and forming the outer surface of the absorbent article, - A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips extending in the longitudinal direction and symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip on each side of the longitudinal center line. Each nonwoven barrier cuff strip includes a standing gather portion, and the standing gather portion is defined between a free-standing gather edge extending in the longitudinal direction and a standing gather hinge line extending in the longitudinal direction. The barrier cuff strip is attached to the topsheet along the standing gather hinge line and has one or more elastic elements arranged along the free-standing gather edge. A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips - A pair of standing gathers including a standing gather portion of a barrier cuff strip, and - A pair of leg cuffs extending longitudinally and symmetrically disposed along first and second side edges, each leg cuff being disposed outside the standing gather portion of the corresponding barrier cuff strip, the pair of leg cuffs comprising each leg cuff comprising - A side portion of an outer cover layer extending transversely outside the corresponding backsheet side edge, the side portion of the outer cover layer being folded back on itself along a longitudinally extending fold line, dividing the side portion of the outer cover layer into a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions together forming a leg cuff fold portion having a free edge defined by the fold line, the leg cuff width in the transverse direction being between the fold line in the leg cuff fold portion and the standing gather hinge line, the side portion, and - A plurality of spaced-apart pre-tensioned elastic elements extending longitudinally inside the leg cuff fold portion and attached between the first and second portions of the leg cuff fold portion, and - A leg cuff portion of the corresponding non-woven barrier cuff strip defined between the standing gather hinge line and the outer leg cuff edge of the non-woven barrier cuff strip, the outer leg cuff edge of the non-woven barrier cuff strip being parallel to the fold line in the leg cuff fold portion, the leg cuff portion of the non-woven barrier strip overlapping at least one of the plurality of elastic elements, the leg cuff portion comprising an absorbent article.

[0007] The articles disclosed herein can be in the form of an open diaper, including a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. Alternatively, the absorbent article can be a pant-type absorbent article having a closed side seam.

[0008] An open diaper as disclosed herein can include a pair of side flaps disposed on one of the first or second waist edges, each side flap extending transversely from an attached proximal end to a free distal end and including a fastener disposed at the distal end of the side flap.

[0009] The attached ends of the side flaps of the absorbent article as disclosed herein can be attached to the absorbent article between the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip and the side portion of the outer cover layer. A plurality of elastic elements may not extend longitudinally into the location of attachment of the side flaps.

[0010] The open diaper can alternatively be a diaper with a belt closed by connecting the ends of the belt provided at the waist edge of the article to each other.

[0011] The absorbent article has a nonwoven outer cover layer that overlaps the backsheet, forms the outer surface of the absorbent article, and has side portions that extend laterally outside the backsheet and are formed into leg cuff folding portions, each leg cuff folding portion being elastic by a plurality of spaced-apart elastic elements. A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips are arranged such that the standing gather portion of each barrier cuff strip forms part of the standing gathers, the barrier cuff strips being attached to the topsheet along the standing gather hinge line and having one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements arranged along the free-standing gather edge. A pair of leg cuffs are arranged outside the standing gathers, each leg cuff including a folded and elastic side portion of the outer cover layer and a leg cuff portion of the corresponding nonwoven barrier strip. The leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier strip overlaps at least one of the plurality of elastic elements.

[0012] The barrier cuff strip is directly attached to the topsheet without an intervening component between the barrier cuff strip and the topsheet along the standing gather hinge line.

[0013] Articles such as those disclosed herein are comfortable to wear against the skin because all body-contacting surfaces of the article are composed of a soft nonwoven material. A pre-tensioned elastic element in the leg cuff is disposed inside the leg cuff fold, providing a leg cuff with a folded outer edge, so that the leg cuff is particularly soft. A plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements spaced apart cause the nonwoven material in the leg cuff fold to contract and form soft, airy, evenly distributed wrinkles on the surface of the leg cuff. The wrinkled and stretchable portion of the leg cuff acts as a cushioning distance means between the wearer's body and the elastic element. Moreover, on the inner side facing the wearer of the article, the leg cuff includes a leg cuff portion of a nonwoven barrier cuff strip, which forms an additional gatherable cushioning layer of the leg cuff. Thus, under the influence of the contraction force from the elastic elements distributed across the width of each leg cuff, the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip, together with the nonwoven material in the leg cuff fold, forms a soft, bulky but still highly body-conforming leg cuff.

[0014] The leg cuffs are highly breathable because they are mainly composed of a nonwoven material. A liquid-impermeable backsheet can extend into the leg cuff in the inner portion of each leg cuff up to a maximum of 50% of the width of the leg cuff, for example, up to a maximum of 40% of the width of the leg cuff or up to a maximum of 30% of the width of the leg cuff. The liquid-impermeable backsheet can extend further into the leg cuff, up to a larger portion of the width of each leg cuff, for smaller-sized articles than for larger-sized articles.

[0015] It may be preferable that all or substantially all of the elastic elements in each leg cuff are arranged on the outer portion of the leg cuff without a liquid-impermeable backsheet. Such an arrangement of the elastic elements is particularly beneficial for obtaining high breathability in the leg cuff and for utilizing the full cushioning effect from the two nonwoven layers on the side facing the wearer of the leg cuff.

[0016] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements in each leg cuff are preferably applied in a state where the outermost elastic element among the plurality of elastic elements is arranged at 5 millimeters or less, preferably 3 millimeters or less, and most preferably 1 millimeter or less from the folding line in the leg cuff folding portion. The outermost elastic element in each leg cuff can be arranged such that there is no distance (i.e., it is arranged on the folding line) between the folding line in the leg cuff folding portion and the outermost elastic element.

[0017] The leg cuffs of the absorbent article as disclosed herein are clearly defined, orderly, and distinct features that can be easily identified by visual inspection of the absorbent article. In prior art absorbent articles, the leg elastics are generally arranged between the laterally extending side portions of the topsheet and the backsheet or between the side portions of the standing gather material and the backsheet. Such an arrangement results in a frilly, sagging, non-elastic side edge portion that extends laterally outward of the elastic element. When wearing an article with such a non-elastic side portion, it is necessary to confirm that the side portion is folded in order to avoid the elastic side portion being folded onto the absorbent body portion when the article is applied to the wearer (which leads to an inadequate fit and ultimately to leakage of body fluids from the article).

[0018] Absorbent articles as disclosed herein have soft, wavy, bulky, and well-defined leg cuffs that are correctly positioned when the article is applied to the wearer without the need for manipulation of the leg cuffs. The stretchable leg cuffs conform to the wearer's skin and form a very conformable and comfortable outer leakage barrier. By having elastic elements distributed across the width of the leg cuffs, the risk of the leg cuffs exerting unduly high pressure on the wearer's skin is considerably reduced or even eliminated.

[0019] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be attached to the upper portion of the leg cuff fold in a state where the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip overlaps all or substantially all of the plurality of elastic elements, thereby forming a cushioning layer across the entire surface of the stretchable portion of the leg cuff.

[0020] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the leg cuffs can be relatively wide. Each leg cuff can have a major portion of the width of the stretchable leg cuff by a plurality of elastic elements. The width of the leg cuff can be in the range of 20 millimeters to 60 millimeters, preferably in the range of 30 millimeters to 60 millimeters, and the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements can be distributed across a region of the leg cuff having a width that is at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, of the width of the leg cuff.

[0021] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the first portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be continuous with the central portion of the outer cover layer, the central portion of the outer cover layer overlapping the backsheet, and the second portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be the folded portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer.

[0022] When the article is worn, the upper part of the leg cuff folding portion faces the wearer, and the lower part of the leg cuff folding portion is the part facing the clothing of the leg cuff folding portion.

[0023] The first part of the side portion of the non-woven outer cover layer (i.e., the part continuous with the central part of the outer cover layer) can be the lower part of the leg cuff folding portion when viewed in the direction from the topsheet, and the second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be the upper part of the leg cuff folding portion when viewed in the direction from the topsheet. In this folding configuration, the second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer is folded back onto the first part of the side portion of the outer cover layer (i.e., on the topsheet side of the absorbent article). Such a configuration may be beneficial in that there is no distinct boundary between the leg cuff and the central part of the outer cover layer. A firm anchor fixation of the end portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be obtained by fixing the end portion of the folded second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer between the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0024] Alternatively, the first part of the outer cover layer can be the upper part of the leg cuff folding portion when viewed in the direction from the topsheet, and the second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer can be the lower part of the leg cuff folding portion when viewed in the direction from the topsheet. In this folding configuration, the second part of the side portion of the outer cover layer is folded back below the first part of the side portion of the outer cover layer (i.e., on the backsheet side of the absorbent article).

[0025] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the plurality of elastic elements can be composed of at least 3 elastic elements, preferably at least 4 elastic elements. The plurality of elastic elements can be composed of 3 to 15 elastic elements, preferably 4 to 10 elastic elements, more preferably 5 to 10 elastic elements, and most preferably 5 to 7 elastic elements.

[0026] The elastic element can be an elastic thread, string, or elastic band, and preferably can be an elastic thread.

[0027] The elastic elements among the plurality of elastic elements in each leg cuff can be spaced 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters, preferably 3 millimeters to 8 millimeters, apart in the transverse direction. The elastic elements can be applied at equal intervals across the stretchable region of the leg cuff, or can be applied at different intervals across the width of the leg cuff. As an example, the elastic elements can be applied at a smaller interval in the inner portion of the leg cuff than in the outer portion of the leg cuff to achieve a tighter fit along the inner portion of the leg cuff.

[0028] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the stretchable portion of each leg cuff can have a width of 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters, preferably 20 millimeters to 35 millimeters, when measured in the transverse direction between the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements and the innermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements.

[0029] In a leg cuff of an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the stretchable portion of each leg cuff can have a width of 10 millimeters to 60 millimeters when measured in the transverse direction between the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements and the innermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements, can have a number of elastic elements in the stretchable portion of the leg cuff within a range of 4 to 7, and can have an interval between elastic elements of 4 millimeters to 6 millimeters.

[0030] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the outer leg cuff edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be positioned at or inward of the fold line in the leg cuff fold when viewed in the transverse direction. By avoiding the leg cuff portion of the barrier cuff strip extending laterally outward of the fold line in the leg cuff fold, the side edge of the leg cuff and the side edge of the absorbent article will be defined by the soft and elastically deformable folded edge of the leg cuff fold.

[0031] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the outer leg cuff edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be positioned at least 4 mm inward of the fold line in the leg cuff fold when viewed in the transverse direction, for example, so as to avoid a fringe near the side edge of the leg cuff, thereby promoting the feel of the soft and elastic folded edge.

[0032] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be attached to the leg cuff folding portion by an adhesive uniformly distributed over the attachment area between the nonwoven barrier cuff strip and the leg cuff folding portion, or by a uniformly distributed thermobond or ultrasonic bond. Thus, the adhesive is uniformly distributed over the attachment area between the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip and the upper portion of the side portion of the outer cover layer. The adhesive can be applied by any suitable technique such as slot coating. The purpose of creating a uniform attachment between the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip and the leg cuff folding portion is to ensure that the contraction force from the pre-tensioned elastic elements spaced apart at the leg cuff folding portion is transmitted to the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip in a uniform manner, causing the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip to gather in a controlled manner to form a corrugated shape. One example of achieving this is by adhesive slot coating.

[0033] The attachment portion can be arranged such that the outermost longitudinal edge of the attachment area is within at least 5 mm, preferably 10 mm, inside the leg cuff folding portion. By arranging the outermost longitudinal edge of the attachment area inside the leg cuff folding portion, the outermost portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can remain free of the attachment portion, and thus its soft characteristics are preserved.

[0034] The nonwoven materials used for the outer cover material and the barrier cuff strip can include one or more spunbond layers and optionally one or more meltblown layers. The nonwoven material in the nonwoven barrier strip can be different from the nonwoven material of the outer cover material where the leg cuff fold is formed. The nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be formed from a relatively bulky material. The basis weight of the material in the nonwoven barrier strip can be in the range of 8 g / m 2 to 25 g / m 2 . The nonwoven material can be made from thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments (such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and combinations thereof). The nonwoven material can be formed by any of a variety of different processes such as spunbonding, air laying, meltblowing, or bonded carded web formation processes. The nonwoven layer can be made from a co-formed lamina of nonwoven materials such as SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond) nonwoven material or SS (spunbond / spunbond) nonwoven material. The thermoplastic polymer material in the nonwoven layer can be polypropylene, or a bicomponent fiber of polypropylene and polyethylene, or a combination of such materials. It may be preferable for the nonwoven barrier strip to be composed of a hydrophobic material. The nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be a single layer of nonwoven material.

[0035] One or more pre-tensioned elastic elements disposed along the free-standing gathered edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be disposed in the folded portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip at the free-standing gathered edge. The ends of the folded portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be attached, for example, to the standing gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip so as to surround one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements. It is also possible to provide an adhesive on one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements. The one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements in the standing gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can include any suitable number of pre-tensioned elastic elements. However, the one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements are preferably one, two, or three elastic elements disposed parallel to each other at the edge portion of the standing gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip. The spacing between the elastic elements in the standing gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip can be from 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters. The one or more elastic elements can be in the form of one or more elastic threads, strings, or bands.

[0036] The waveforms formed in the leg cuff by the elastic elements can be seen on both the inner side facing the wearer of the leg cuff and the outer side facing the garment, but have a slightly different appearance due to the nonwoven barrier cuff strip adding softness and bulk to the inner side of the leg cuff.

[0037] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements can be attached by an adhesive between a first portion and a second portion of the leg cuff fold. The adhesive can be applied to the elastic elements, whereby the first and second portions of the leg cuff fold are indirectly attached to each other by the elastic elements.

[0038] In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, one or more elastic elements disposed within the inner portion of each leg cuff folding portion can have a greater tensile resistance than one or more elastic elements disposed within the outer portion of the leg cuff folding portion. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, one or more elastic elements disposed within the inner portion of the leg cuff folding portion can be disposed with a smaller spacing than the elastic elements disposed within the outer portion of the leg cuff folding portion.

[0039] One or more elastic elements disposed within the inner portion of each leg cuff folding portion can have a higher linear density (dtex) than the linear density of one or more elastic elements disposed within the outer portion of the leg cuff folding portion.

[0040] Also disclosed herein, as an alternative aspect, is an absorbent article having a first waist edge and a second waist edge extending in the transverse direction of the absorbent article, and a first side edge and a second side edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, - A liquid-permeable topsheet having a first side edge of the topsheet and a second side edge of the topsheet, - A liquid-impermeable backsheet having a first side edge of the backsheet and a second side edge of the backsheet, - An absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, - A nonwoven outer cover layer overlapping the backsheet and forming the outer surface of the absorbent article, - A pair of non-woven barrier cuff strips that extend in the longitudinal direction and are symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip on each side of the longitudinal center line. Each non-woven barrier cuff strip includes a standing gather portion, which is defined between a free-standing gather edge extending in the longitudinal direction and a standing gather hinge line extending in the longitudinal direction. The barrier cuff strip is attached to the top sheet along the standing gather hinge line and has one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements arranged along the free-standing gather edge. A pair of non-woven barrier cuff strips. - A pair of standing gathers, including the standing gather portion of the barrier cuff strip. - A pair of leg cuffs that extend in the longitudinal direction and are symmetrically arranged along the first and second side edges. Each leg cuff is arranged outside the standing gather portion of the corresponding barrier cuff strip. A pair of leg cuffs. Including Each leg cuff - A tube structure that extends transversely outside the standing gather hinge line and has an outer tube edge that defines a leg cuff folding edge. The leg cuff width is between the outer tube edge and the standing gather hinge line in the transverse direction. A tube structure. - A plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements arranged at intervals and extending in the longitudinal direction, arranged inside the tube structure. - A leg cuff portion of the corresponding non-woven barrier cuff strip, which is defined between the standing gather hinge line and the outer leg cuff edge of the non-woven barrier cuff strip. The outer leg cuff edge of the non-woven barrier cuff strip is parallel to the outer tube edge of the tube structure, and the leg cuff portion of the non-woven barrier cuff strip overlaps at least one of the plurality of elastic elements. A leg cuff portion. An absorbent article that includes

[0041] In such an article, the tube structure can be attached to the backsheet and / or the outer cover sheet. The tube structure can be disposed between the leg cuff portion of the corresponding nonwoven barrier cuff strip and the backsheet and / or the outer cover sheet.

[0042] The same benefits as previously described herein are achieved by this absorbent article. An elastomeric element pre-tensioned within the leg cuff is disposed inside the tube structure, providing the leg cuff with a folded outer edge of the leg cuff, so that the leg cuff is particularly soft. A plurality of spaced-apart pre-tensioned elastomeric elements cause the nonwoven material at the leg cuff fold to contract and form a soft, fluffy, evenly distributed wrinkle on the surface of the leg cuff.

[0043] The backsheet can be the same width as the outer cover sheet, or it can be narrower than the outer cover sheet width. The backsheet can extend partially into the leg cuff or not at all. Thus, the tube structure can be disposed to completely or partially overlap the backsheet, or can be disposed completely outside the side edges of the backsheet in the transverse direction, such that the tube structure is disposed directly on the outer cover sheet.

[0044] The tube structure can be disposed at least partially outside the outer edge of the outer cover sheet in the transverse direction. The leg cuff can thereby be composed of three sheets and can be soft and flexible.

[0045] The tube structure can be formed by a continuous piece of sheet material that is folded around a plurality of elastic elements and joined by a longitudinally extending joint so as to form the tube structure.

[0046] The tube structure can be attached to the side facing the wearer of the outer cover sheet. Alternatively, the tube structure can be attached to the side facing the garment of the outer cover sheet.

[0047] Alternative leg cuff embodiments can be combined with one or more of the features as described above to obtain similar advantages.

[0048] For example, the outer leg cuff edge of the non-woven barrier cuff strip can be disposed on or inward of the outer tube edge when viewed in the transverse direction.

[0049] Also, the leg cuff portion of the non-woven barrier cuff strip can be attached to the tube structure by an adhesive that is uniformly distributed over the attachment area between the non-woven barrier cuff strip and the tube structure, or by a uniformly distributed thermobond or ultrasonic bond as previously disclosed herein.

[0050] Furthermore, the sheet material used for the tube structure can be the same as that disclosed above with respect to the outer cover material and the barrier cuff strip. As already disclosed, the leg cuffs are very breathable since they are mainly composed of non-woven materials. The dimensions of the leg cuffs can be the same as those already disclosed herein.

[0051] Moreover, the plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements spaced apart within the tube structure can have the same characteristics and distribution as those previously disclosed herein.

[0052] Alternative leg cuffs can be placed within an open diaper and can include a pair of side flaps or belts with fasteners, as disclosed herein.

[0053] Absorbent articles such as those disclosed herein will be further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 6c

Figure 6d

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0055] The different aspects of the absorbent article as disclosed herein will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the claimed absorbent article.

[0056] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components such as layers of material are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, an absorbent article 1 in the form of an open diaper is shown. The absorbent article 1 is shown in FIG. 1 in an unfolded flat condition, with all elastic elements and components in an extended state, such that the absorbent article 1 generally appears two-dimensional. FIG. 1 shows the article from the surface facing the wearer on the inside of the article. Any measurements of distance and dimensions are made with the absorbent article in a fully stretched, non-gathered condition as shown in FIG. 1.

[0058] The pant-type article 1 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T.

[0059] The absorbent article 1 has a first waist edge 2, a second waist edge 4, and first and second side edges 6, 8. The first waist edge 2 of the absorbent article 1 shown in FIG. 1 is the rear waist edge, and the second waist edge 4 of the absorbent article 1 is the front waist edge. The first and second waist edges 2, 4 extend in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1, and the side edges 6, 8 extend in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 can be divided in the longitudinal direction L into a front portion 3, a rear portion 5, and a crotch portion 7 positioned between the front portion 3 and the rear portion 5.

[0060] The absorbent article 1 includes a liquid-permeable topsheet 9 and a liquid-impermeable backsheet 10. The absorbent core 11 is disposed between the topsheet 9 and the backsheet 10. The topsheet 9 has a first side edge 9' and a second side edge 9'' of the topsheet as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the backsheet 10 has a first side edge 10' and a second side edge 10'' of the backsheet.

[0061] The absorbent article 1 further includes a nonwoven outer cover layer 18 that overlaps the backsheet 10 and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article 1.

[0062] A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction L, and are symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip 21, 22 on each side of the longitudinal center line Lc perpendicular to the transverse center line Lt. Each nonwoven barrier cuff strip 21, 22 includes standing gather portions 21', 22'. The standing gather portions 21', 22' of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are defined between free standing gather edges 23, 24 extending in the longitudinal direction L and standing gather hinge lines 25, 26 extending in the longitudinal direction L. A pair of raised elastic standing gathers 29, 30 including the standing gather portions 21', 22' of the barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are disposed on the topsheet 9.

[0063] Therefore, the standing gather portions 21', 22' of the barrier cuff strips 21, 22 form part of the standing gathers 29, 30.

[0064] Each barrier cuff strip 21, 22 is directly attached to the topsheet 9 along the standing gather hinge lines 25, 26 and has one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements 27, 28 disposed along the free-standing gather edges 23, 24. The one or more elastic elements can be elastic strings, threads, or bands applied at intervals along the free-standing gather edges 23, 24. In an absorbent article as disclosed herein, the number of elastic elements 27, 28 disposed along the standing gather edges 23, 24 is typically one, two, or three. The elastic elements 27, 28 are typically disposed parallel to each other with a spacing between 2 millimeters and 5 millimeters, and the outermost elastic elements are disposed at the free-standing gather edges 23, 24.

[0065] The absorbent article 1 further includes a pair of leg cuffs 31, 32 that extend in the longitudinal direction L and are symmetrically disposed along the first and second side edges 6, 8, and each leg cuff 31, 32 is disposed outward of the standing gather portions 21', 22' of the corresponding barrier cuff strips 21, 22.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the leg cuffs 31, 32 each include side portions 33, 34 of an outer cover layer that extend transversely outward of the corresponding backsheet side edges 10', 10'', and the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are folded back onto themselves along folding lines 36, 38 that extend in the longitudinal direction L, dividing the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 into first portions 33', 34' and second portions 33'', 34'', and the first and second portions 33', 33''; 34', 34'' together form leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 having free edges defined by the folding lines 36, 38, and the leg cuff width W is defined in the transverse direction T between the free edges of the leg cuff folding lines 36, 38 and the standing gather hinge lines 25, 26.

[0067] The first portions 33', 34' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are shown in FIG. 2 so as to be continuous with the central portion 18' of the outer cover layer 18, and the central portion 18' of the outer cover layer 18 overlaps the backsheet 10. The second portions 33'', 34'' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are the folded portions of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first portions 33', 34' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 constitute the lower portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 when viewed in the direction from the top sheet 9, and the second portions 33'', 34'' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 constitute the upper portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 when viewed in the direction from the top sheet 9. The upper portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 are folded back on the lower portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 and are fixed between the top sheet 9 and the backsheet 10. Accordingly, the top sheet 9 and the backsheet 10 are directly connected to each other along the side edges of the absorbent core 11 as seen in FIG. 2 and are directly connected to the folded portion of the outer cover layer fixed between the top sheet 9 and the backsheet 10. The folded portion of the outer cover layer includes inner ends 47, 48. The side portion of the backsheet facing the garment is directly attached to the central portion of the outer cover sheet.

[0069] As described herein, the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are alternatively such that the first portions 33', 34' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 that are continuous with the central portion 18' of the outer cover layer 18 form the upper portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 when viewed in the direction from the top sheet, and the folded second portions 33'', 34'' form the lower portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 when viewed in the direction from the top sheet 9, and can be folded. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are folded back onto themselves at the sides facing the outer clothing of the absorbent article 1.

[0070] A plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements 41, 42 arranged at intervals are disposed in respective leg cuff folding portions 35, 37. The elastic elements 41, 42 extend in the longitudinal direction L inside the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 and are attached, for example, by an adhesive, between the first portions 33', 34' and the second portions 33'', 34'' of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37.

[0071] The width of the leg cuffs 31, 32 can be in the range of 20 millimeters to 60 millimeters, and the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 can be distributed over a region of each leg cuff having a width that is at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, of the width of the leg cuff. The width of the stretchable portion of the leg cuffs 31, 32 can be in the range of 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters.

[0072] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in each leg cuff 31, 32 can be appropriately attached by an adhesive between the first and second portions 33', 34'; 33'', 34'' of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37. The adhesive can be applied to the elastic elements and / or to one or both of the first and second portions 33, 34 of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37. Alternatively, the elastic elements can be anchored into the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 by heat welding or ultrasonic welding, as disclosed in, for example, WO2021 / 037352A1.

[0073] The elastic elements can be elastic threads, bands, strings, etc. All the elastic elements can be of the same type and have the same elastic properties. Alternatively, one or more elastic elements disposed in the outer portion of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 can have a greater tensile resistance than one or more elastic elements disposed in the inner portion of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37.

[0074] One or more elastic elements in the outer portion of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 can have a higher linear density (dtex) than the linear density of one or more elastic elements disposed in the inner portion of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37.

[0075] Each leg cuff 31, 32 further includes the leg cuff portions 21'', 22'' of the corresponding non-woven barrier strips 21, 22. The leg cuff portions 21'', 22'' of the non-woven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are defined between the standing gather hinge lines 25, 26 and the outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the non-woven barrier cuff strips 21, 22. The outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the non-woven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are parallel to the folding lines 36, 38 at the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 and overlap at least one of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg cuff portions 21'', 22'' of the non-woven barrier strips 21, 22 overlap all of the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37, and the outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the leg cuff portions 21'', 22'' coincide with the folding lines 36, 38 at the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18. It should be understood that the outer leg cuff edges 43, 44 of the leg cuff portions 21'', 22'' may not coincide with the folding lines 36, 38 and may be arranged inward of the folding lines 36, 38 at the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18.

[0076] Figure 3 shows a simplified detail of a portion of the leg cuff 32 disposed along the second side edge. The plurality of elastic elements 42, represented by five individual elastic elements, are disposed in the leg cuff folding portion 37 with a spacing d between the individual elastic elements. The elastic elements are shown with equal spacing between all of the elastic elements. However, the spacing may vary at different portions of the leg cuff 32. By way of example, the spacing between the individual elastic elements may be smaller at the outer portion of the leg cuff 32 closer to the folding line 38 than at the inner portion of the leg cuff 32 closer to the standing gather hinge line 26 (not shown in Figure 3).

[0077] The leg cuff portion 22'' of the non-woven barrier cuff strip 22 overlaps all of the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 42 at the leg cuff folding portion 37, but is attached to the second upper portion 34'' of the leg cuff folding portion 37 only in the region of the second portion 34'' of the leg cuff folding portion 37 corresponding to the locations of four of the plurality of elastic elements 42 disposed at a distance from the folding line 38. The leg cuff portion 22'' of the non-woven barrier cuff strip 22 is attached to the second portion 34'' of the leg cuff folding portion 37 by an adhesive 46, and the outermost portion of the leg cuff portion 22'' of the non-woven barrier cuff strip 22 remains unattached to the leg cuff folding portion 37. Thus, the adhesive is not disposed immediately adjacent to the side edge of the absorbent article 1. The adhesive attachment between the leg cuff folding portion and the leg cuff portion 22'' of the non-woven barrier cuff strip 22 can increase the structural stability of the leg cuff 32 by increasing the bending resistance of the leg cuff. This is an effect of the adhesive attachment that may be beneficial to the overall functionality of the leg cuff, but may be disadvantageous to the softness of the portion of the leg cuff along the side edge 8. However, it should be understood that the adhesive region 46 can also extend to the folding line 38 at the leg cuff folding portion 37.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 3 is a highly schematic exploded view of the leg cuff 32), the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements 42 is positioned at the folding line 38 such that there is no extra material outside the outermost elastic element. This may be an ideal positioning of the outermost elastic element. However, due to manufacturing tolerances, the positioning of the outermost elastic element in the actual absorbent article 1 may deviate somewhat from the position shown in FIG. 3.

[0079] As disclosed herein, the leg cuff portion 22'' of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip 22 can be attached to the leg cuff fold 37 by an adhesive, which is uniformly distributed across the attachment area between the barrier cuff strip 22 and the upper portion 34'' of the leg cuff fold 37, creating a uniform attachment between the leg cuff portion 22'' of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip 22 and the leg cuff fold 37 such that the contraction force from the pre-tensioned elastic elements 42 spaced apart in the leg cuff fold 37 is transmitted to the leg cuff portion 22'' of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip 22 in a substantially equal manner across the entire attachment area. Thereby, when the elastic elements contract, the leg cuff portion 22'' of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip 22 gathers with the material in the leg cuff fold 37 to form a soft corrugation within the leg cuff 32 in a controlled and orderly manner.

[0080] Also, as seen in FIG. 3, the second portion 34'' of the leg cuff fold 37 is fixed to the backsheet 10 along the backsheet side edge 10'' at the inner end 48 of the second portion 34'' of the leg cuff fold 37. As seen in FIG. 2, the inner ends 47, 48 of the second portions 33'', 34'' of the side portions 33, 34 are inserted between the top sheet 9 and the backsheet 10 and are fixed between the top sheet 9 and the backsheet 10. The attachment is done by an adhesive. However, it should be understood that the leg cuff portion 22'' of the nonwoven barrier strip 22 may alternatively be attached by thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, all of the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 42 are disposed in a portion of the leg cuff fold 37 where the backsheet 10 is absent. This may be a desired arrangement to provide maximum breathability to the leg cuff 32, but the backsheet 10 can alternatively extend into the leg cuff 32 and be arranged to overlap the innermost of the plurality of elastic elements 42.

[0081] The first side flap 12 is disposed at the rear waist edge 2 on the rear portion 5 of the absorbent article 1 and extends from the first side edge 6 in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1. The second side flap 13 is disposed at the rear waist edge 2 on the rear portion 5 and extends from the second side edge 8 in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 are attachment flaps and are provided with fasteners 14, 15 for fixing the absorbent article 1 in a pant-like configuration around the lower part of the wearer's body trunk. Such attachment flaps are an optional feature of the absorbent article as disclosed herein, for example, in absorbent articles such as pant-type diapers or diapers with belts.

[0082] When the absorbent article is worn, the first and second side flaps 12, 13 are tensioned and need to be firmly anchored along the side edges 6, 8 to ensure that they do not come off the article when subjected to a tensile force applied in the lateral direction. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 can be made of any suitable material known in the art, such as a fibrous nonwoven material. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 may be elastic, or elastically stretchable, at least in the transverse direction of the absorbent article 1. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 may be breathable and are preferably soft and flexible to provide good body conformity and comfort.

[0083] The first and second side flaps 12, 13 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 are provided with fastener elements 14, 15, and the fastener elements 14, 15 can be of any suitable type, such as an adhesive or a mechanical fastener. A common type of mechanical fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0084] In the absorbent article 1 of FIGS. 1 and 4, the fastener elements 14, 15 are shown as hook-type fasteners (i.e., fasteners having a plurality of projecting elements that can engage with a corresponding loop-type fastener such as a loop-type nonwoven material). The loop-type fastener can be provided by a portion of the nonwoven outer cover layer 18 that overlaps the backsheet 10 on the outer surface facing the garment of the absorbent article 1. Alternatively, a dedicated fastener receiving area 20 formed of a fastener receiving material can be disposed on the outer surface facing the garment of the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0085] Alternatively, the fastener elements 14, 15 can be adhesive fastener tapes, which are arranged to be attached in a receiving area disposed in the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1. A further option is that the first and second side flaps 12, 13 are arranged to be attached to third and fourth side flaps disposed on opposite waist edges. Moreover, the first and second side flaps 12, 13 can have a lateral extension large enough so that the first and second side flaps 12, 13 can be fastened to each other in a belt-like manner. In a hook-and-loop type fastener arrangement, it should be further understood that the hook-type fastener elements can be disposed on the receiving surface, while the loop-type fastener elements are disposed on the first and / or second side flaps.

[0086] The third and fourth side flaps 16, 17, as shown in the figures, are optional for the absorbent article as disclosed herein. The third and fourth side flaps 16, 17 can be made of generally the same material as the first and second side flaps 12, 13. However, elastic materials are not very suitable for use in the third and fourth side flaps 16, 17. In the absorbent article 1 of FIGS. 1 and 4, the third and fourth side flaps 16, 17 are positioning flaps that serve as grip members when applying the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 over the wearer's abdomen.

[0087] As best seen in FIG. 1, the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 are preferably positioned between the first side flap 12 and the third side flap 16 with respect to the first side edge 6, and between the second side flap 13 and the fourth side flap 15 with respect to the second side edge 8, extending only along a portion of the side edges 6, 8 such that the main portions of the leg cuffs 31, 32 are positioned in the crotch portion 7 of the absorbent article 1. Similarly, the elastic elements 27, 28 in the standing gathers 29, 30 are preferably arranged as shown in FIG. 1 such that the elastic elements 27, 28 do not extend to the end edges 2, 4 of the absorbent article 1. The non-elastic portions of the standing gathers 29, 30 are fixed to the topsheet along a fixed line 39. Thereby, under the influence of the elastic force in the elastic elements 27, 28, the portion of the absorbent article 1 positioned between the standing gathers 29, 30 takes a pouch-shaped in-use configuration in the crotch portion 7, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0088] The absorbent article 1 of FIGS. 1 and 4 further includes an optional waist elastic member 19. The waist elastic member 19 is positioned at the rear waist edge 2 and extends transversely along only a part of the rear waist edge 2. As is known in the art, any type of waist elastic can be used. Moreover, the absorbent article 1 can also include a waist elastic in the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1.

[0089] As seen in FIG. 4, when the absorbent article 1 is removed from the package and folded in preparation for application to the wearer, the standing gathers 29, 30 are lifted from the topsheet 9 as a result of the contraction force acting on the free-standing gather edges 23, 24 by the pre-tensioned elastic elements 27, 28 disposed on the standing gathers 29, 30. The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 gather the non-woven material in the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 and the non-woven material in the leg cuff portions 21'', 22'' of the non-woven barrier cuff strips 21, 22, thereby creating a soft and breathable leg cuff 31, 32 which is elastically compressible in the thickness direction of the leg cuffs 31, 32 and which has a wide inner surface that contacts the skin and the contraction force from the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 is dispersed over that surface. Thereby, the leg cuffs fit closely around the wearer's legs in a comfortable manner such that the risk of abrasion or other discomfort is virtually eliminated by the leg cuffs.

[0090] As further seen in FIG. 4, the wide, stretchable leg cuffs 31, 32 are bulky and shape-stable and automatically assume the correct position when the absorbent article is applied to the wearer.

[0091] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the leg cuffs 31, 32 each include side portions 33, 34 of an outer cover layer that extend transversely outward of the corresponding backsheet side edges 10', 10''. The side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are folded back onto themselves along folding lines 36, 38 that extend in the longitudinal direction L, dividing the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 into first portions 33', 34' and second portions 33'', 34''. The first and second portions 33', 33''; 34', 34'' together form leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 having free edges defined by the folding lines 36, 38. The leg cuff width W is defined in the transverse direction T between the free edges of the leg cuff folding lines 36, 38 and the standing gather hinge lines 25, 26.

[0092] The first portions 33', 34' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are shown in FIG. 5 as being continuous with the central portion 18' of the outer cover layer 18, and the central portion 18' of the outer cover layer 18 overlaps the backsheet 10.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 5, the first portions 33', 34' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 constitute the upper portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 when viewed in the direction from the top sheet 9, and the second portions 33'', 34'' of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 constitute the lower portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 when viewed in the direction from the top sheet 9. The lower portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 are folded back under the upper portions of the leg cuff folding portions 35, 37 and are attached to the outer cover layer 18.

[0094] Alternative leg cuffs including a tube structure 50 are shown in highly schematic FIGS. 6a-6d. An elastic element 42 is disposed inside the tube structure 50. The leg cuff portion 22'' of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip 22 overlaps the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 42. In FIG. 6a, the backsheet 10 is narrower in the transverse direction than the outer cover sheet 18, and the tube structure 50 is attached to the outer cover sheet 18. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6b, the tube structure 50 can also be attached to the backsheet. As can be seen in FIGS. 6c-6d, the tube structure can also be attached to the side portion of the outer cover sheet 18 facing the garment. Also, the tube structure can also be partially disposed outside the outer edge of the outer cover sheet 18 (not shown).

[0095] The absorbent core 11 is disposed between the topsheet 9 and the backsheet 10 and is arranged to absorb liquids (such as urine or other body fluids, etc.) that have passed through the topsheet 9. The absorbent core 11 can be a single-layer structure or a layered structure. The absorbent core 11 can include any conventional material suitable for absorbing discharged body waste, such as cellulose fluff pulp, tissue layers, superabsorbent polymers (superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials including hydrogel foam materials, or nonwoven materials, etc. The absorbent core can include non-absorbent components (such as reinforcing elements, shaping elements, binders, etc.). Also, various types of liquid-receiving materials and liquid-distributing materials can also be included in the core.

[0096] The absorbent core 11 can be a three-dimensionally shaped core having different amounts of absorbent material in different portions of the core. Features such as embossing, fluid acquisition cavities, and fluid distribution channels can be provided in the core. Also, properties of the absorbent core, such as density, amount of absorbent material, and absorbency capacity, can be varied in different portions of the absorbent core. The absorbent core 11 can include a core cover that sandwiches the absorbent material between an upper core cover layer and a lower core cover layer. Such a core cover can be a tissue material or a nonwoven material and is provided in addition to the topsheet 9 and the backsheet 10.

[0097] The liquid-permeable topsheet 9 can include a nonwoven material or can be composed of a nonwoven material. Other suitable topsheet materials include tow fibers, porous foams, plastic films and laminates with apertures, and combinations of such materials. The materials that are best suited as topsheet materials are soft and non-irritating to the skin, are easily penetrated by body fluids, and exhibit low rewet of the absorbed body fluids.

[0098] The liquid-impermeable backsheet 10 can be any conventional liquid-impermeable material such as a thin plastic film (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene film). The backsheet material can be breathable so as to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent body while still preventing liquid from passing through the backsheet material.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0099] 1 Absorbent article 2 First waist edge 3 Front portion 4 Second waist edge 5 Rear portion 6 First side edge 7 Crotch portion 8 Second side edge 9 Top sheet 9’ First side edge of the top sheet 9’’ Second side edge of the top sheet 10 Back sheet 10’ First side edge of the back sheet 10’’ Second side edge of the back sheet 11 Absorbent core 12 First side flap 13 Second side flap 14 Fastening element 15 Fastening element 16 Third side flap 17 Fourth side flap 18 Outer cover layer 18’ Central part 19 Waist elastic member 20 Fastening element receiving area 21 Non-woven barrier cuff strip 21’ Standing gather part 21’’ Leg cuff part 22 Non-woven barrier cuff strip 22’ Standing gather part 22’’ Leg cuff part 23 Free-standing gather edge 24 Free-standing gather edge 25 Standing gather hinge line 26 Standing gather hinge line 27 Elastic element 28 Elastic element 29 Standing gather 30 Standing gather 31 Leg cuff 32 Leg cuff 33 Side part 33’ First part 33’’ Second part 34 Side part 34’ First part 34’’ Second part 35 Leg cuff folding part 36 Folding line 37 Leg cuff folding part 38 Folding line 39 Fixed line 41 Elastic element 42 Elastic element 43 Outer leg cuff edge 44 Outer leg cuff edge 46 Adhesive 47 Inner end 48 Inner end 50 Tube structure 51 Outer tube edge d Spacing L Longitudinal direction Lt Transverse direction center line Lc Longitudinal direction center line T Transverse direction W Leg cuff width

Claims

1. An absorbent article (1), having a first waist edge part (2) and a second waist edge part (4) extending in the transverse direction (T) of the absorbent article (1), and a first side edge part (6) and a second side edge part (8) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article (1), - A liquid-permeable topsheet (9) having a first side edge part (9') and a second side edge part (9'') of the topsheet, - A liquid-impermeable backsheet (10) having a first side edge part (10') and a second side edge part (10'') of the backsheet, - An absorbent core (11) disposed between the topsheet (9) and the backsheet (10), - A non-woven outer cover layer (18) overlapping the backsheet (10) and forming the outer surface of the absorbent article (1), - A pair of non-woven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip (21, 22) on each side of the longitudinal center line (Lc). Each non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) includes a standing gather part (21', 22'). The standing gather part (21', 22') is defined between a free-standing gather edge (23, 24) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and a standing gather hinge line (25, 26) extending in the longitudinal direction (L). The barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are attached to the topsheet (9) along the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26) and have one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements (27, 28) arranged along the free-standing gather edges (23, 24). A pair of non-woven barrier cuff strips (21, 22), - A pair of standing gathers (29, 30) including the standing gather parts (21', 22') of the barrier cuff strips (21, 22), - A pair of leg cuffs (31, 32) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and symmetrically arranged along the first and second side edges (6, 8), each leg cuff (31, 32) being disposed outside the standing gather portions (21', 22') of the corresponding barrier cuff strips (21, 22). Including Each leg cuff (31, 32) is - Side portions (33, 34) of an outer cover layer (18) extending in the transverse direction (T) outside the corresponding backsheet side edges (10', 10''), being folded back onto itself along folding lines (36, 38) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), dividing the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) into a first portion (33', 34') and a second portion (33'', 34''), the first and second portions (33', 33'', 34', 34'') together forming leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) having free edges defined by the folding lines (36, 38), the leg cuff width (W) in the transverse direction (T) being between the folding lines (36, 38) and the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26) in the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37). Side portions (33, 34) and - A plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements (41, 42) arranged at intervals and extending in the longitudinal direction (L) inside the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) and attached between the first portion (33', 34') and the second portion (33'', 34'') of the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37). - A leg cuff portion of the corresponding non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22), which is defined between the standing gather hinge line (25, 26) and the outer leg cuff edge (43, 44) of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22), and the outer leg cuff edge (43, 44) of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) is parallel to the folding line (36, 38) at the leg cuff folding portion (35, 37), and the leg cuff portion (21'', 22'') of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) overlaps at least one of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42), the leg cuff portion An absorbent article (1) comprising. **Claim 2** The absorbent article (1) further comprises a pair of side flaps (12, 13) disposed on one of the first or second waist edges (2, 4), and each side flap (12, 13) extends in the transverse direction (T) from the attached proximal end to the free distal end, and the absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, comprising fasteners (14, 15) disposed at the distal ends of the side flaps (12, 13). **Claim 3** The leg cuff portion (21'', 22'') of each non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) is attached to the corresponding leg cuff folding portion (35, 37) in a state where the leg cuff portion (21'', 22'') of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) overlaps all or substantially all of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) at the leg cuff folding portion (35, 37), the absorbent article (1) according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 4** The width of each leg cuff (31, 32) is in the range of 20 millimeters to 60 millimeters, and the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) in each leg cuff (31, 32) are at least 40% of the width (W) of the leg cuff (31, 32), preferably at least 50% of the width (W) of the leg cuff (31, 32), and are distributed over the region of the leg cuff (31, 32) having a width in the transverse direction (T), the absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5** The first portions (33', 34') of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) are continuous with the central portion (18') of the outer cover layer (18), the central portion (18') of the outer cover layer (18) overlaps the backsheet (10), and the second portions (33'', 34'') of the side portions of the outer cover layer (18) are folded portions of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18). The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first portions (33', 34') of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) are the lower portions of the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) when viewed in the direction from the topsheet (9), and the second portions (33'', 34'') of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) are the upper portions of the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) when viewed in the direction from the topsheet (9). The absorbent article (1) according to claim 5.

7. The inner ends of the second portions (33'', 34'') of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) are fixed between the topsheet (9) and the backsheet (10). The absorbent article (1) according to claim 6.

8. The plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) in each leg cuff (31, 32) are constituted by at least three elastic elements, preferably at least four elastic elements. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The elastic elements (41, 42) are arranged at intervals of 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 8 mm, in the transverse direction (T). The absorbent article (1) according to claim 8.

10. The outer leg cuff edges (43, 44) of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are arranged at or inward of the folding lines (36, 38) in the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) when viewed in the transverse direction (T). The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The leg cuff portions (21'', 22'') of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are attached by an adhesive to the second portions (33'', 34'') of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18), and the adhesive is uniformly distributed over the attachment area between the leg cuff portions (21'', 22'') of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) and the second portions (33'', 34'') of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18). The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. The backsheet (10) extends into the leg cuffs (31, 32) at the inner portions of the respective leg cuffs (31, 32) by up to 50% of the maximum width of the leg cuff, for example, by up to 40% of the maximum width of the leg cuff or by up to 30% of the maximum width of the leg cuff. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. All or substantially all of the elastic elements in each leg cuff (31, 32) are arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff (31, 32) without the liquid-impermeable backsheet (10). The absorbent article (1) according to claim 12.

14. The nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are a single layer of nonwoven material. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) are attached by an adhesive between the first and second portions (33', 33'', 34', 34'') of the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37). The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. One or more elastic elements arranged in the inner portion of the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37) have a greater tensile resistance than one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer portion of the leg cuff folding portions (35, 37). The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The one or more elastic elements in the inner part of the leg cuff folding parts (35, 37) have a linear density (dtex) higher than that of the one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer part of the leg cuff folding parts (35, 37), the absorbent article (1) according to claim 16.

18. An absorbent article (1), comprising a first waist edge part (2) and a second waist edge part (4) extending in the transverse direction (T) of the absorbent article (1), and a first side edge part (6) and a second side edge part (8) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article (1). - A liquid-permeable topsheet (9) having a first side edge part (9') and a second side edge part (9'') of the topsheet. - A liquid-impermeable backsheet (10) having a first side edge part (10') and a second side edge part (10'') of the backsheet. - An absorbent core (11) disposed between the topsheet (9) and the backsheet (10). - A non-woven outer cover layer (18) overlapping the backsheet (10) and forming the outer surface of the absorbent article (1). - A pair of non-woven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip (21, 22) on each side of the longitudinal center line (Lc). Each non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) includes a standing gather part (21', 22'), and the standing gather part (21', 22') is defined between a free standing gather edge (23, 24) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and a standing gather hinge line (25, 26) extending in the longitudinal direction (L). The barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are attached to the topsheet (9) along the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26) and have one or more pre-tensioned elastic elements (27, 28) arranged along the free standing gather edges (23, 24), a pair of non-woven barrier cuff strips (21, 22). - A pair of standing gathers (29, 30) including the standing gather portions (21', 22') of the barrier cuff strips (21, 22); - A pair of leg cuffs (31, 32) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and symmetrically arranged along the first and second side edges (6, 8), wherein each leg cuff (31, 32) is disposed outside the standing gather portion (21', 22') of the corresponding barrier cuff strip (21, 22); comprising; Each leg cuff (31, 32) is; - A tube structure (50) having an outer tube edge portion (51) that extends in the transverse direction (T) outside the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26) and defines a leg cuff folding edge portion, and the leg cuff width (W) in the transverse direction (T) is between the outer tube edge portion (51) and the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26); - A plurality of pre-tensioned elastic elements (41, 42) disposed inside the tube structure (50) and extending at intervals in the longitudinal direction (L); - A leg cuff portion of the corresponding non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22), defined between the standing gather hinge lines (25, 26) and the outer leg cuff edges (43, 44) of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22), wherein the outer leg cuff edges (43, 44) of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) are parallel to the outer tube edge portion (51) of the tube structure (50), and the leg cuff portion (21'', 22'') of the non-woven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) overlaps at least one of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42); An absorbent article (1).

19. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 18, wherein the tube structure (50) is attached to the backsheet (10) and / or the outer cover sheet (18).

20. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the tube structure (50) is disposed between the leg cuff portions (21'', 22'') of the corresponding non-woven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) and the backsheet (10) and / or the outer cover sheet (18).

21. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the tube structure (50) is at least partially disposed outside the outer edge of the outer cover sheet (18) in the transverse direction (T).

22. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the tube structure (50) is formed by a continuous piece of sheet material that is folded around the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) and joined by a longitudinally extending joint so as to form the tube structure (50).

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