Absorbent article having a weak path with a crack initiation zone

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article including a first belt and a second belt, wherein the first belt and / or the second belt includes one or more weak paths. Each of the one or more base materials forming the belt has a material tear strength, and the weak path has a path tear strength. The material tear strength is greater than the path tear strength such that when the user tears along one or more weak paths, the tear propagates along the weak path rather than in an unintended tearing direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to absorbent articles having a front and / or rear waist region including one or more weak paths.

Background Art

[0002] Some absorbent articles have components including 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, a plurality of elastic strands are joined to the nonwoven fabric while the plurality of 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 extensible to the extent that the elastic strands can be extended 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 opposing end regions of the front and rear belts are connected to each other at 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. The regions of the elastic strands can then be intermittently stopped along the length of the elastic laminate by cutting the elastic strands in the region where they are connected to the chassis, which is sometimes referred to as abdominal elastic cutting.

[0004] Some caregivers of older incontinent infants or toddlers 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 feces-containing product can be unhygienic and inconvenient. For example, pulling the product downwards can cause feces to smear onto the user's legs. In other instances, the caregiver may be able to tear the joined side using force. Next, the force used can lead to a rapid release of energy from the diaper, making it impossible for the caregiver to control the product and allowing feces to spill out. In contrast, removal and disposal of conventional open or taped diaper forms containing fasteners can be easily achieved 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 roughly cylindrical shape, and then the fasteners are secured around the rolled, soiled diaper and the leg openings are closed for hygienic disposal.

[0005] To avoid the need to remove soiled diaper pants from the wearer by sliding the soiled diaper pants under the wearer's legs or by tearing the joined side seams, some diaper pants can be configured to have a tear line in a front belt or a rear belt. Such a tear line can include a stitch line that allows a caregiver to more easily separate the belt along the stitch line. When the belt is separated, the diaper pants can be more easily removed from the wearer without the need to slide the diaper pants onto the wearer's legs, similar to a conventional open-tape diaper configuration. However, due to the position of the wearer, there may be cases where the caregiver is not positioned at a location along such a tear line where the belt is cut along the tear line. Thus, the caregiver may tear the belt in an unintended manner, tearing the belt at a location other than along the stitch line. This can make it more difficult to remove the product. For example, if it is difficult to remove the diaper, the caregiver may need to use both hands to initiate and complete the tearing operation. For example, some tear lines may require the caregiver to grip the belt on both sides of the tear line and pull in opposite directions to initiate and complete the tearing process. As a result, it is necessary to tear such a belt with both hands, which can add difficulty to the process of removing the diaper pants from a baby or child who is moving or trying to move during the diaper removal process.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As a result, it would be beneficial to create a pants-style article that provides the caregiver with the ability to remove and dispose of soiled products in a manner similar to a conventional open diaper configuration. Further, it would be beneficial to provide the diaper pants with a weakened path configured such that the tearing action can be initiated and completed so that the belt separates only along the weakened path and not at other locations on the diaper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second side edge extending in the longitudinal direction that is laterally separated from the first side edge by a first edge and a second edge longitudinally separated from the first edge, and a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis, the first belt including a first substrate, the first substrate including a first weak path, at least a portion of the first weak path extending at a path angle of less than 90 degrees from a lateral centerline of the first belt, the first substrate having a material tear strength and a material basis weight by a tear strength test method, the first weak path having a path tear strength by the tear strength test method, the material tear strength of the first substrate being greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path, and the material tear strength of the first substrate being at least 2 N greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path.

[0008] In another form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second side edge extending in the longitudinal direction that is laterally separated from the first side edge by a first edge and a second edge longitudinally separated from the first edge, and a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis and having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, the first belt including a weak path, at least a portion of the weak path extending at a path angle of less than 90 degrees from the lateral centerline of the first belt, the first belt having a material tear strength and a material basis weight by a tear strength test method, the weak path having a path tear strength by the tear strength test method, and the material tear strength of the first belt being at least 2 N greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path.

[0009] In yet another form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally separated from the first side edge portion by a first edge portion and a second edge portion longitudinally separated from the first edge portion; a first belt including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, the first belt further including a laterally extending inner edge portion and a laterally extending outer edge portion, the outer edge portion being disposed longitudinally outside the inner edge portion; and a weak path within the first belt extending between the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the first belt. The first belt has a material tear strength and a first belt basis weight according to a tear strength test method, the weak path has a path tear strength according to the tear strength test method, the tear strength of the first belt divided by the basis weight of the substrate is greater than 0.2 N / gsm, the tear strength of the weak path divided by the first basis weight is greater than 0.05 N / gsm and less than 0.15 N / gsm, the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is the tear strength delta, and the tear strength delta divided by the material basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm.

[0010] In yet another form, the absorbent article is a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally separated from the first side edge portion by a first edge portion and a second edge portion longitudinally separated from the first edge portion; and a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis and having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. The first belt includes a first substrate and a weak path, the first substrate of the first belt includes a nonwoven fabric having a majority of fibers oriented in a fiber orientation direction, the weak path has a path angle, and at least a portion of the path angle of the weak path is less than 90 degrees from the fiber orientation direction. The first substrate has a tear strength and a substrate basis weight according to a tear strength test method, the weak path has a tear strength according to the tear strength test method, and the tear strength of the first substrate is greater than the tear strength of the weak path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following glossary may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. An “absorbent article” refers to an implement that absorbs and confines body exudates, and more particularly, an implement that is placed in contact with or in proximity to the body of a 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 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 use than some other element or surface. “Facing the clothing” indicates that an element or surface is further away from the wearer during use 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, which includes any material that, when a force is applied to its relaxed initial length, can stretch or elongate to an elongated length that exceeds 10% of the initial length and, when the applied force is released, substantially returns to its initial length. Examples of elastomeric materials include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands, and other sheet-like structures.

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

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

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

[0018] As used herein, the term "nonwoven" refers to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, etc. Nonwovens 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 placement and movement of the material can be described as flowing in the machine direction from upstream to downstream of the process through a certain process.

[0020] In this specification, the term "cross direction" (CD) is used to refer to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the machine direction.

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

[0022] "Decitex", also known as Dtex, is a measurement used in the fiber industry to measure 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 has 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 contacts the inner surface of the opposite waist region without integrally fastening or connecting the waist regions. Examples of tape diapers with 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 edge and a continuous leg opening at the outer edge. The pants may be configured to have a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous closed leg opening before the article is applied to the wearer. The pants may be preformed or pre-fastened by various techniques including, but not limited to, using any re-closable 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] "Closed form" means that, upon packaging, the waist regions on opposite sides of each other are joined either permanently or re-closably to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

[0026] "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 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 one or more weak paths 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, 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. The absorbent article may further include a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed 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. The first belt may further include a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being disposed longitudinally outside the inner edge.

[0028] As will be described in more detail below, the first belt and / or the second belt can include one or more weak paths. For example, a weak path within the first and / or second belt may extend between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt. The weak path can extend to a proximal end on the inner edge and a distal end on the outer edge of the first belt. Similarly, the weak path can include a single tear zone, or a first tear zone and a second tear zone. Such a weak path configuration provides a feature that enables the elastic belt of the diaper pants to be relatively easily torn along the weak path when removing the diaper pants from the wearer, avoiding the need to remove the diaper pants by sliding them over the wearer's legs. The tearing strength required to tear along the weak path may be significantly less than the tearing strength for tearing the belt so that the tear propagates only along the weak path and not to other regions of the belt. Further, the weak path can be configured to enable a caregiver or the wearer to initiate and / or completely tear the belt with one hand when removing the diaper pants from the wearer.

[0029] Figures 1-2B show an example of an absorbent article 100 in the form of diaper pants 100P that can include components constructed in accordance with the configurations disclosed herein. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of diaper pants 100P in a pre-fastened configuration. FIG. 2A shows a plan view of diaper pants 100P with a portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer and towards the observer, and FIG. 2B shows a plan view of diaper pants 100P with a portion of the diaper facing towards the wearer and towards the observer. Diaper pants 100P include a chassis 102 and an annular elastic belt 104. As will be described in further detail below, a first elastic belt 106 and a second elastic belt 108 are integrally joined to form the annular elastic belt 104.

[0030] 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 inseam to the rear waist of the wearer. To provide a further reference frame for this description, 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 may include a longitudinal centerline 124c and a transverse centerline 126c. The longitudinal centerlines 124a, 124b, 124c are perpendicular to the transverse centerlines 126a, 126b, 126c.

[0031] 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 portion 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.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2A, the peripheral edge of the chassis 102 may be defined by a first longitudinal side edge 128, a second longitudinal 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 located the same as or longitudinally outward from the front waist edge 121 that extends laterally within the front waist region 116 and the rear waist edge 122 that extends laterally within the rear waist region 118. 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 a portion of the wearer's waist. 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.

[0033] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may include a backsheet 136. The backsheet 136 may also define a surface 134 facing the clothing, outside 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 steam to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable).

[0034] Also as described above, the diaper pants 100P may include a topsheet 138. The topsheet 138 may also define all or a part of the surface 132 facing the wearer, inside 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 be made from 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.

[0035] 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 laterally in the front waist region 116, and may also have a rear edge 150 that faces longitudinally and extends laterally in the rear waist region 118. The absorbent assembly may have a right side edge 152 that extends longitudinally, and may have a left side edge 154 that is on the opposite side laterally and extends longitudinally. Both of the 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 disposed at least partially 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 to help reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg region. Exemplary leg cuffs 156 may 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.

[0038] 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 re-closable fastening system disposed on or adjacent to the sides of the belt that face each other in the transverse direction.

[0039] 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. As 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 108 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 opening 112. It should be understood that the first belt 106 and the second belt 108 may be permanently or re-fastenablely 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 separable bond such as a mechanical or adhesive fastener.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 also defines a laterally extending outer edge 107a and a laterally extending inner edge 107b, and the second elastic belt 108 defines a laterally extending outer edge 109a and a laterally extending inner edge 109b. The outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 107b, and the outer edge 109a of the second belt 108 is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 109b. In this way, as shown in FIG. 1, the outer edge 112a of one leg opening can be defined by the laterally extending inner edge 107b of the first elastic belt 106, the laterally extending inner edge 109b of the second elastic belt 108, and a portion of the first longitudinal or right edge 128 of the chassis 102. Further, the outer edge 112b of the other leg opening can be defined by the laterally extending inner edge 107b, the laterally extending inner edge 109b, and a portion of the second longitudinal or left edge 130 of the chassis 102. The laterally extending outer edges 107a, 109a can also define the front waist edge 121 and the laterally extending rear waist edge 122 of the diaper pants 100P.

[0041] 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 edges 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 to 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 edges 107b, 109b.

[0042] 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 portion 107a of the first elastic belt 106 may include the lateral width of W1D, and the laterally extending inner edge portion 107b may include the lateral width of W1P, and W1D and W1P are equal or substantially equal. In addition, the laterally extending outer edge portion 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include the lateral width of W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b may include the lateral width of W2P, and W2D and W2P are equal or substantially equal.

[0043] 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 portion 109a and the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b of the second elastic belt 108 have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 2D, the laterally extending outer edge portion 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include the lateral width of W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b may include the lateral width of W2P, and W2D is greater than W2P.

[0044] In some configurations, both the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may include lateral 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.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2C-2E, the first elastic belt 106 may define a longitudinal length LT1 that extends between the laterally extending outer edge 107a and the laterally extending inner edge 107b, and the second elastic belt 108 may define a longitudinal length LT2 that extends between the laterally extending outer edge 109a and the 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.

[0046] 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, less than, or greater 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.

[0047] 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, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2F, and 3C. It should also be understood that the diaper pants 100P having a continuous outer cover as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2F, and 3C may also be configured to include various aspects of the vulnerable paths and fastener components described herein.

[0048] 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 the first longitudinal edge 162e and the second longitudinal edge 162f to define a first lateral width W1, and the second substrate 164 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 164e and the second longitudinal edge 164f to define a second lateral width W2.

[0049] 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 to 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.

[0050] 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 be connected to and / or overlap the chassis 102. In some configurations, the folded portion 162g of the first substrate 162 may 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 unjoined to the chassis 102 and / or the second substrate 164 to form a pocket having an opening directed 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 garment. 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 can 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. FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2 show the configuration of the first belt 106, but it should be understood that such a configuration may also be applied to the second belt 108.

[0051] 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, can 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, etc., and may also include 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 material and an outer hydrophobic non-elastic non-woven material. It should be understood that the belts may be configured in a variety of ways, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0142828 (A1) and Chinese Patent Application No. 2021 / 077843, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] One or more substrates of the belt can include fibers. The properties of these fibers may be the same or different between the surface facing the outer clothing of the belt and the surface facing the inner wearer. Further, the properties of these fibers may be present in one or more substrate layers forming the belt. These fibers can be processed by spunbond, carding, wetlaid, meltblown, hydroentangling, hydrojet, or other methods, as is known in the art. The nonwoven fabric may be a composite material such as a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) material. For example, at least one of the surface facing the outer clothing of the substrate and the surface facing the inner wearer may include a carded nonwoven fabric material. At least one of the surface facing the outer clothing of the belt and the surface facing the inner wearer may include a substrate having a plurality of fibers that are hydroentangled or have been subjected to hydrojet treatment. Further, the substrate can include a plurality of fibers having a denier of less than about 1.5 or less than about 1.25 or less than about 1, specifically enumerating all 0.1 increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0053] The fibers of the substrate of the present disclosure may include single-component fibers or multicomponent fibers such as, for example, bicomponent fibers or tricomponent fibers. As used herein, multicomponent fibers mean fibers containing two or more chemical species or materials (i.e., multi-constituent fibers). The fibers may include petroleum-derived resins, recycled resins, and / or bio-derived resins such as, for example, polylactic acid from Nature Works, polyethylene and / or polypropylene from Braskem, and polybutylene terephthalate from Lanxess. The fibers may have a cross-section of, for example, circular, triangular, trilobal, or other shapes. In many cases, different polymer components have different melting temperatures, viscosities, glass transition temperatures, crystallinities, and / or crystallization rates. Multicomponent fibers such as bicomponent fibers may include a sheath / core configuration, a side-by-side configuration, an island-in-sea configuration, and / or an eccentric configuration, or may have other configurations. As an example, in the context of bicomponent fibers, a fiber including a core / sheath configuration may be composed of a first polymer forming the core of the fiber and a second polymer partially or completely surrounding the first polymer and forming the sheath of the fiber. For example, the substrate may include parallel bicomponent fibers of polypropylene-polyethylene.

[0054] The fibers of the substrate of the present disclosure may include crimped fibers. These crimped fibers may be included on at least one of the surface facing the clothing on the outside of the belt and the surface facing the wearer on the inside. Crimped fibers can result when different polymer components of a multi-component fiber have different melting temperatures, viscosities, glass transition temperatures, crystallinities, and / or crystallization rates and are arranged in an eccentric sheath / core or juxtaposed configuration within the fiber. When the multi-component fiber cools after formation, the first polymer component may solidify and / or shrink at a faster rate than the second polymer component, while the second polymer component may have sufficient rigidity to resist compression along the longitudinal fiber axis. The continuous fibers may deform and curl up when the strain on the fibers is released, thereby causing what is known as "crimp" within the fibers. The crimp of the fibers aids in the flexibility and loft of the nonwoven web, which is desirable to the consumer. Additional details of fibers suitable for inclusion in the substrates discussed herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0337910, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] The elastic material 167 can be positioned between the surface 162d facing the wearer of the first substrate 162 and the surface 164c facing the clothing of the second substrate 164. 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 can be an elastic film used to form a zero-strain elastic laminate that includes an elastic film, and the elastic film is bonded to one or more nonwoven layers and then undergoes sufficient mechanical deformation or activation to weaken the nonwoven layers and allow the laminate to elastically stretch and recover.

[0056] 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 combined together and / or with other components such as the chassis 102 by adhesives and / or mechanical couplings. It should be understood that the adhesives and mechanical joining methods can be used alone or in combination with each other.

[0057] 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 ultrasonic devices. In some configurations, the mechanical coupling device may apply a coupling that joins the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 together, and / or may act to capture or immobilize discrete lengths of the contracted elastic strands within the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0058] The first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 can also be understood to be combined using various methods and apparatuses for generating various elastomeric laminates as described in U.S. Patent Publications 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.

[0059] 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, pore 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.

[0060] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include belt elastic materials 167 configured in various ways with respect to each other and with respect 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 and includes various elastic members, elastic features and arrangements, and processes for assembly as disclosed 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). 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.

[0061] 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 Dtex value of the elastic strands 168 may be constant or vary along the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 in the stretched state may be sandwiched and joined between the non-shrunk substrate layers. When the elastic material 167 is relaxed, the elastic material 167 returns to the non-stretched 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 may be joined to the substrate continuously or intermittently along the interface between the elastic material 167 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 incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] 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 lateral 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 it should also be understood that such elastic strands 168 can be utilized with other elastic strands to create the first and second elastic belts 106, 108 including 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 may be greater than 500. In some configurations, the average Dtex of one or more elastic strands 168 may be from about 10 to about 1500, specifically listing all 1 Dtex increments within the above - mentioned range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the plurality of elastic strands 168 may include an average strand spacing of 4 mm or less. In some configurations, the plurality of elastic strands 168 may include an average strand spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, specifically listing all 0.01 mm increments within the above - mentioned range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the plurality of elastic strands 168 may include an average strand spacing greater than 4 mm. In some configurations, the average pre - strain of each of the plurality of elastic strands may be from about 50% to about 400%, specifically listing all 1% increments within the above - mentioned range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the elastic strand 168 includes 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%.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In some configurations, as shown in FIG. 2A, the elastic strand 168 may be referred to herein as an outer waist elastic member 170 and an inner waist elastic member 172. The elastic strand 168 (e.g., the outer waist elastic member 170) may extend continuously laterally between the opposing first end region 106a and the second end region 106b of the first elastic belt 106, and between the opposing first end region 108a and the second end region 108b of the second elastic belt 108. Some elastic strands 168, such as the inner waist elastic member 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.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2A, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be composed of 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. A portion 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 has elasticity by an elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172, and the low-elongation zone 701 may include a cutting line that separates the elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be cut in a non-bonded region where the elastic material is not bonded to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. Thereby, the elastic material 167 retreats from the non-bonded region and forms the low-elongation zone 701. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 can be cut into several separate 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 relatively lower elasticity than the high-elongation zone 703. The individually cut and elastically contracted elastic material 167 does not add a substantial amount of elasticity to the low-elongation zone 701. Thus, when a force is applied, the high-elongation zone 703 becomes 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 elongate to an elongated length exceeding 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 or may be composed of the non-elastic or “non-elastic” low-elongation zone 701.

[0066] As described above, the diaper pants 100P described with reference to FIGS. 1-3C can include one or more vulnerable paths within the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. For example, FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B show an exemplary diaper pants 100P having a first belt 106 that includes a vulnerable path 700. The vulnerable path 700 may be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106 to be relatively easily torn along the vulnerable path 700, such as when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. FIG. 5A shows a view of the diaper pants 100P of FIG. 4, showing the first belt 106 after being torn along the vulnerable path 700 through both the outer longitudinal outer lateral extending edge 107a and the inner lateral extending edge 107b of the first belt 106. Thus, the first elastic belt 106 shown in FIG. 5A is separated by opposing tear lines 705. It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 may be torn along both vulnerable paths 700 of FIG. 5A. For example, FIG. 5B shows the diaper pants of FIG. 4 showing the front belt torn along two vulnerable paths 700. As shown in FIG. 5B, 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 vulnerable path 700.

[0067] As will be described in more detail below, the frangible path 700 can include 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, if an elastic strand 168 is cut, the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 can be torn without tearing the uncut elastic strands 168. It should be understood that the diaper pants 100P can include various amounts of frangible paths 700 that can be disposed at various locations, define various shapes, and extend over 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 its 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 can extend over a total length that is greater than, equal to, or less than the first belt length. In some configurations, the frangible line 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.

[0068] In some configurations, for the diaper pants 100P, one or both of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may be configured to include one or more weak paths 700. The weak paths 700 may be disposed at various positions on the first and second elastic belts 106, 108. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, 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 disposed partially or entirely laterally between the first and second side seams 178, 180 and the chassis 102.

[0069] In some configurations, the weak paths 700 may be configured and / or arranged to provide access to other mechanisms such as a disposal mechanism and / or to function with other mechanisms. For example, the diaper pants 100P shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B include a fastener component 707 disposed on the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be disposed between the first elastic belt 106 and the chassis 102. The fastener component 707 may be configured to releasably connect to other parts of the diaper pants 100P, such as 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 can be removed from the wearer for disposal, rolled up or folded, and the fastener component 707 can be connected to another part of the diaper pants 100P to help maintain the diaper pants 100P in a disposable configuration.

[0070] 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 can 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 can include a loop element adapted to releasably connect to the hook surface of 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 joining, adhesive joining, or both. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be integrally formed from the material of the elastic belts 106, 108. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be printed and / or may include materials of various different colors so that the fastening component 707 is visible from the outside of the diaper pants 100P.

[0071] As described above, the fastening component 707 can include a hook material that can releasably engage a substrate, such as a non-woven fabric on the outer surface of the diaper pants 100P. For example, the fastening component 707 may include a substrate including hooks, and the substrate may be joined 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 can be joined to the elastic belts 106, 108 in various ways, such as 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 a configuration where they at least partially overlap. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may include other types of fasteners known in the art.

[0072] It should be understood that the fastening component 707 can include any of a variety of shapes, including rectangular or other polygonal, circular, elliptical, shapes with external protrusions or recesses, 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 can have a lateral width of from about 5 mm to about 100 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the ranges listed above, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 can have a longitudinal length of from about 10 mm to about 100 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the ranges listed above, 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 between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal centerlines 126a, 126 of the elastic belts 106, 108. The fastening component 707 can include an array of two or more fastening elements spaced apart. The fastening component 707 may have a color that is visible through any layer of the elastic belts 106, 108 where the fastening component 707 is located. The elastic belts 106, 108 and / or the chassis 102 can include a print or other indication that highlights the location, function, and / or use of the fastening component 707 to a caregiver. The adhesive or adhesive pattern for attaching the fastening component 707 to the elastic belts 106, 108 may be visually or tactilely different from the surrounding belt material to provide a signal or the advantage of mechanical gripping to a caregiver.

[0073] The frangible path 700 may include frangible lines 704 configured in various ways, arranged at various positions and orientations relative to each other, defined by various shapes, and capable of extending over various lengths. For example, in some configurations, the frangible line 704 can include individual cut lines that penetrate some or all of the layers of the elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the frangible line 704 includes discrete bonds where the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are fused to each other. In some configurations, the frangible line 704 can have a linear, curved, or regular or irregular shape and can include one or more of perforations, adhesions, openings, or mechanically thinned regions of a material such as a nonwoven fabric, 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.

[0074] As described above, an absorbent article 100, such as the diaper pant 100P, may be configured to have a frangible path 700 that includes frangible lines 704 arranged in various ways to assist in improving the ability of a caregiver to remove the soiled diaper pant 100P from the wearer without having to slide the soiled diaper pant 100P onto the wearer's leg. As described above, the frangible path 700 can be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 to be relatively easily torn along the frangible path 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100P from the wearer. Further, the frangible path 700 may also be configured to provide access to a fastener component 707 that can be used to help hold the soiled product in a disposal configuration. The following provides an illustration of an exemplary implementation of the frangible path 700 on the diaper pant 100P in relation to the above description of various details of the absorbent article 100, the fastener component 707, the frangible path 700, and the frangible lines 704. It should be understood that the discussion of the frangible path 700 in the first elastic belt 106 herein may also apply to the frangible path 700 in the second elastic belt 108.

[0075] It should be understood that the frangible path 700 may be disposed at various positions and / or orientations relative to 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. For example, the diaper pants 100P shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B can include one or more frangible paths 700 that extend between a distal end 808 on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and a proximal 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 can 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 can include the frangible line 704 as described above.

[0076] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b may be arranged 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 arranged in 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 arranged 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 arranged in 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 arranged 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 arranged laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178, and / or may be arranged 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 arranged 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 808b 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 808b may be arranged laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.

[0077] It should also be understood that the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b may be disposed 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 disposed in 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 disposed 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 disposed in 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 disposed 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 disposed laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178, and / or may be disposed 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 disposed 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 disposed laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.

[0078] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b may be arranged 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 arranged 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. 6B2, the first distal end 808a and / or the first proximal end 810a may be arranged 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. 6B2, the second distal end 808b and / or the second proximal end 810b may be arranged 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 the torn portions of the first and / or second side seams 178, 180.

[0079] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6B, the first belt 106 may also include a gripping 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 gripping region 801 may include an accessible opening 802 in the first belt 106 and may include a fastener component 707 disposed adjacent to the accessible opening 802. The accessible opening 802 may include a slit and / or an opening in the first belt 106 and may extend through some or all of the layers of the first belt 106. It should be understood that such a slit or opening may be curved and / or linear. The accessible opening 802 may also be considered a part of the weak path 700.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6B, the diaper pants 100P can include a first gripping region 801a including a first accessible opening 802a of the first belt 106 and a second gripping region 801b including a second accessible opening 802b. The first and second accessible openings 802a, 802b may be located 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 disposed in the central region 106c of the first belt 106 and may be disposed 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. Further, the first fastener component 707a may be disposed adjacent to the first accessible opening 802a, and the second fastener component 707a may be disposed adjacent to the second accessible opening 802a. The first weak path 700a may include 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 weak path 700b may include 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.

[0081] It should be understood that the weak path 700 can include one or more functional zones. Next, the weak path can include a transition zone that can operably connect such zones to facilitate the propagation of cracks along the weak path 700 from one zone to another. The weak lines within the transition zone may be of a particular length and / or angle with respect to the lateral centerline and row spacing, for example, to serve to provide a desired propagation of material breakage when removing the product from the wearer. It should be understood that the length, angle, and spacing of the transition zone can be different from the length, angle, and spacing of the adjacent weak lines.

[0082] For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may include a first initial tear zone 815a extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first transition zone 817a. Additionally, the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may include a first secondary tear zone 819a extending from the first transition zone 817a to the first distal end 808a. The first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may also include a second initial tear zone 815b extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the second transition zone 817b. Further, the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may include a second secondary tear zone 819b extending from the second transition zone 817b to the first proximal end 810a. The first transition zone 817a can be operably connected to the first secondary tear zone 819a to assist in facilitating the propagation of a tear along the first vulnerable path 700a from the first initial tear zone 815a to the first secondary tear zone 819a. Continuing to refer to FIG. 6B, the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b may include a first initial tear zone 815a extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the first transition zone 817a. Additionally, the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b may include a secondary tear zone 819a extending from the first transition zone 817a to the second distal end 808b. The first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b may also include a second initial tear zone 815b extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second transition zone 817b. Further, the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b may include a second secondary tear zone 819b extending from the second transition zone 817b to the second proximal end 810b. The second transition zone 817b can be operably connected to the second secondary tear zone 819b to assist in facilitating the propagation of a tear along the second vulnerable path 700b from the second initial tear zone 815b to the second secondary tear zone 819b.

[0083] The accessible opening 802 can assist a caregiver or the wearer in accessing and / or gripping the fastener component 707 within the gripping region 801 with a finger or thumb. The caregiver or user can then pull on the gripping region 801 to begin tearing the first belt 106 along the vulnerable path 700. In some configurations, the tear line can propagate laterally outwardly simultaneously from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 towards the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b. As will be described in more detail below, the diaper pants 100P can also be configured such that the tear line propagating along the first tear zone 813a and the tear line propagating along the second tear zone 813b can reach the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. It should also be understood that some of the diaper pants 100P herein may be configured to include a vulnerable path 700 that extends through or around the fastener component 707 without an accessible opening. Next, the user can pinch and / or pull on the belt in which the vulnerable path 700 is disposed at or adjacent to the fastener component 707 to initiate the tearing process along the vulnerable path 700.

[0084] 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. Next, 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. The portion of the vulnerable path may extend to define an angle of less than about 90 degrees, or less than about 80 degrees, or less than about 75 degrees, or less than about 65 degrees, or less than about 45 degrees, or less than about 35 degrees, or less than about 25 degrees with respect to the outer edge 107a and / or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Thus, the vulnerable path can define an overall length that is greater 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.

[0085] As described above, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 can be relatively easily torn along the vulnerable path 700, such as when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. In addition, the first belt 106 is separable along the first vulnerable path 700a and the second vulnerable path 700b, and may define a first belt zone 831, a second belt zone 832, and a third belt zone 833 disposed laterally between the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832.

[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, the user can grip the first belt 106 within the gripping region 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or a thumb through the accessible opening 802 to grip a portion of the first belt 106 and the fastener component 707. For example, referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, a caregiver can insert a finger or thumb through the first accessible opening 802a and grip the first belt 106 and the first fastener 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 opposing second hand of the caregiver may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the central region 106c of the first belt 106. Next, the user's first hand can apply a pulling force Fp to the first gripping region 801a of the first belt 106 outwardly from the wearer to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the first vulnerable path 700a, as shown in FIG. 6C.

[0087] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6C, a pulling force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) may be applied to the first gripping region 801a in a direction generally toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or in a direction away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may simultaneously propagate along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a extends from the first accessible opening 802a along the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a, longitudinally and transversely, partially through and adjacent to the first fastener component 707a, and then generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 and in a direction D1 toward the first distal end 808a of the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b extends from the first accessible opening 802a along the second tear zone 813b of the first vulnerable path 700a, partially through and adjacent to the first fastener component 707a, longitudinally and transversely, generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, and in a direction D2 toward the first proximal end 810a of the first end region 106a of the first belt 106.

[0088] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a to the first transition zone 817a along the first initial tear zone 815a of the first weak path 700a. Then, from the first transition zone 817a, the first tear line 705a may propagate to the first distal end 808a along the first secondary tear zone 819a. Additionally, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a to the second transition zone 817b along the second initial tear zone 815b of the first weak path 700a. Then, from the second transition zone 817b, the second tear line 705b may propagate to the first proximal end 810a along the second secondary tear zone 819b. As will be described in more detail below, the first weak path 700a can be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can reach the first distal end 808a and the first proximal end 810a, respectively, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6D, the first belt 106 may be separable along the first weak path 700a to define a first belt zone 831. For example, the first belt zone 831 may be formed when the first tear line 705a propagates through the first distal end 808a and the second tear line 705b propagates through the first proximal end 810a. As shown in FIG. 6D, the first edge 831a of the first belt zone 831 is formed by tearing the first weak path 700a. Further, the first edge 833a of a third belt zone 833, which will be described 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. Additionally, the first belt zone 831 may include a first fastener component 707a. As will be described below, the first belt zone 831 may include all or a portion of the first fastener component 707a.

[0090] Since the first belt zone 831 is defined by tearing the first belt 106 along the first vulnerable path 700a, the user can proceed to define the second belt zone 832 by tearing the first belt 106 along the second vulnerable path 700b. Referring now to FIGS. 6D and 6E, the caregiver can insert a finger or thumb through the second accessible opening 802b and grasp the first belt 106 and the second fastener component 707b with the first hand. The second hand on the opposite side of the caregiver may be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the opposing second hand of the caregiver may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the central region 106c of the first belt 106. Next, as shown in FIG. 6E, the user's first hand can apply a pulling force Fp outward from the wearer to the second gripping region 801b of the first belt 106 to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the second vulnerable path 700b.

[0091] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6E, a tensile force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) is applied to the second gripping region 801b in a direction generally towards the second end region 106b of the first belt 106 and / or in a direction away from the first belt 106. When the tensile force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can simultaneously propagate 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, longitudinally and transversely, along the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b, partially through and adjacent to the second fastener component 707b, and then generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, in a direction D1 towards the second distal end 808b of the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b propagates from the second accessible opening 802b, longitudinally and transversely, partially through and adjacent to the second fastener component 707b, along the second tear zone 813b of the second vulnerable path 700b, generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, and towards the second proximal end 810b of the second end region 106b of the first belt 106, in a direction D2.

[0092] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may propagate from the second accessible opening 802b along the first initial tear zone 815a of the second weak path 700b to the first transition zone 817a. Then, from the first transition zone 817a, the first tear line 705a may extend along the first secondary tear zone 819a to the second distal end 808b. Additionally, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the second accessible opening 802b along the second initial tear zone 815b of the second weak path 700b to the second transition zone 817b. Then, from the second transition zone 817b, the second tear line 705b may propagate along the second secondary tear zone 819b to the second proximal end 810b. As will be described in more detail below, the second weak path 700b may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can reach the second distal end 808b and the second proximal end 810b, respectively, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6F, the first belt 106 may be separable along the second weak path 700b 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 through 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. Additionally, 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. Further, the second belt zone 832 may include the second fastener 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.

[0094] The splitting process has been described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6F as splitting the first belt along a first weak path 700a before splitting the first belt along a second weak path 700b. However, it should be understood that the splitting of the first belt 106 along the weak path 700 can occur in a variety of different orders and different ways. For example, the first belt 106 may be split along the second weak path 700b to define a second belt zone 832 before the first belt 106 is split along the first weak path 700a to define a first belt zone 831. In another example, the first belt 106 may be split 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.

[0095] When the first belt 106 is split along the weak path 700 to define a first belt zone 831, a second belt zone 832, and a third belt zone 833, the diaper pants 100P can be removed from the wearer in a manner similar to a conventional taped diaper. After being removed from the wearer, the diaper pants 100P may be placed in a disposal configuration.

[0096] As described above, the weak path 700 can be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can propagate so as to reach the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810, respectively, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Such simultaneous propagation of the tear and termination of the tear can help provide a convenient and confident experience for the caregiver in removing the diaper pants. As described above, if one of the first tear line 705a or the second tear line propagates to the distal end 808 or the proximal end 810 significantly ahead of the other tear line, the pulling force required to complete the tear can be reduced. Next, the reduction in force can cause the caregiver to believe that the tear is complete and can stop the tearing process before completion. Thus, the caregiver may need to initiate a second tearing action to complete the tearing process.

[0097] As described above, the vulnerable path 700 can include individual vulnerable lines 704. In some configurations, the total length of the vulnerable lines 704 in the first tear zone 813a may be equal to or substantially equal to the total length of the vulnerable lines 704 in the second tear zone 813b. In some configurations, the total length of the vulnerable lines 704 in the first tear zone 813a may be different from the total length of the vulnerable lines 704 in the second tear zone 813b. The total length of the vulnerable lines 704 in the first tear zone 813a may be different from the total length of the vulnerable lines 704 in the second tear zone 813b by about 1% to about 10%.

[0098] As described above, the vulnerable path 700 may be configured to have first and second tear zones 813a, 813b, and the first and second tear lines 705a, 705b propagate through the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810, respectively. In some configurations, the vulnerable path 700 may be configured to have first and second tear zones 813a, 813b, and the first tear line 705a or the second tear line 705b may propagate through the distal end 808 or the proximal end 810, respectively, before the other one.

[0099] It should be understood that the vulnerable path 700 may be configured to have accessible openings 802, a first tear zone 813a, and a second tear zone 813b arranged such that the lengths of the first and second tear zones are not equal or not substantially equal, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7B1. For example, as described in more detail below, the vulnerable paths shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B include a first step of tearing the belt along the first and second initial tear zones 815a, 815b to the first and second transition zones 817a, 817b, and then a second step of simultaneously tearing the first and second secondary tear zones 819a, 819b from the first and second transition zones 817a, 817b to the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810, respectively, and may be configured to operate in a two-stage tearing process.

[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, the user can grasp the first belt 106 within the grasping region 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or the thumb through the accessible opening 802 to grasp a portion of the first belt 106 and the fastener component 707. For example, referring to FIGS. 7B and 7C, a caregiver can insert a finger or thumb through the first accessible opening 802a and grasp the first belt 106 and the first fastener component 707a with the first hand. The second hand on the opposite side of the caregiver can be used to help stabilize the wearer, as described above. Next, the user's first hand can apply an initial tear force fit (generally represented by a curved arrow) outwardly from the wearer to the first grasping region 801a of the first belt 106 to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the first initial tear zone 815a and the second initial tear zone 815b, as shown in FIG. 7C. When the initial tear force fit is applied, the first tear line 705a can propagate longitudinally and transversely around the first fastener component 707a from the accessible opening 802 along the first initial tear zone 815a, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, and then propagate to the first transition zone 817a. Additionally, the second tear line 705b may propagate transversely from the accessible opening 802 along the second initial tear zone 815b to the second transition zone 817b.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7D and 7E, when the first initial tear zone 815a and the second initial tear zone 815b are completely separated, a tensile force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) can be applied to the first gripping region 801a in a direction generally towards the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or outwardly away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the tensile force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can propagate simultaneously along the first secondary tear zone 819a and the second secondary tear zone 819b, respectively. The first tear line 705a can propagate from the first transition zone 817a along the first secondary tear zone 819a of the first vulnerable path 700a, generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, in a direction D1 towards the first distal end 808a of the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. At the same time, the second tear line 705b can propagate from the second transition zone 817b along the second secondary tear zone 819b of the first vulnerable path 700a, generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, and in a direction D2 towards the first proximal end 810a of the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. The second vulnerable path 700b can be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can reach the second distal end 808b and the second proximal end 810b, respectively, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0102] It should be understood that the vulnerable path 700 may be configured in various different ways having various zones of different lengths. The belt may include one or more substrates, and the vulnerable path may extend through each of the one or more substrates. It should also be understood that the vulnerable paths extending through two or more substrates forming the belt may be aligned such that the vulnerable path of the first substrate is aligned with the vulnerable path of the second substrate. Alternatively, the vulnerable paths extending through two or more substrates forming the belt may not be aligned or may be partially misaligned such that at least a portion of the vulnerable path of the first substrate is offset from the vulnerable path of the second substrate.

[0103] Figures 8A-8D illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the diaper pants 100P having different weak paths 700. As shown in FIG. 8A, the weak path 700 may include a first weak path 700a and a second weak path 700b. Each of the first weak path 700a and the second weak path 700b may include a first tear zone 813a and a second tear zone 813b. Transition zones 817a, 817b may join the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b. Each of the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b may form a path angle β with respect to the lateral centerline of the belt 126a. The path angle β of the first tear zone 813a and the path angle β of the second tear zone 813b may be the same or different. As shown in FIG. 8A, the path angle β of the first tear zone 813a is smaller than the path angle β of the second tear zone 813b. Further, the length of the first tear zone 813a may be longer or shorter than the length of the second tear zone 813b. Alternatively, the length of the first tear zone 813a may be substantially the same as the length of the second tear zone 813b. The diaper pants 100P may also include a fastener component 707 as described above. The fastener component 707 may be arranged such that a portion of the weak path 700 surrounds a portion of the fastener component 707, and the fastener component 707 may be arranged such that the distance from the center of gravity of the fastener component 707 to the outer edge 107a of the belt is not equal to the distance from the center of gravity of the fastener component 707 to the inner edge 107b of the belt, the distance being the shortest straight-line distance between these features.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8B, the weak path 700 may include a single tear zone 813. The tear zone 813 may extend between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the belt. The weak path 700 may have a path angle β with respect to the lateral center line 126a of the belt, as shown in FIG. 8B. Each of the first weak path 700a and the second weak path 700b may form a path angle with respect to the lateral center line 126a, and each of these path angles may be the same or different. The diaper pants 100P may also include a fastener component 707. The fastener component 707 may be disposed adjacent to the weak path 700. The weak path 700 may intersect a portion of the fastener component 707. The fastener component 707 may be arranged such that the fastener component 707 does not overlap the lateral center line 126a of the belt. The center of gravity of the fastener component 707 may be arranged such that the distance between the centers of gravity of the fastener component 707 is closer to either the first outer edge 107a of the belt or the inner edge 107b of the belt, and the distance is the shortest straight-line distance between these features.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 8C, the vulnerable path 700 may include a first vulnerable path 700a and a second vulnerable path 700b. Each of the first vulnerable path 700a and the second vulnerable path 700b may include a first tear zone 813a and a second tear zone 813b. The transition zone 817 can join the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b. Each of the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b may form a path angle β with respect to the lateral center line of the belt 126a. The path angle β of the first tear zone 813a and the path angle β of the second tear zone 813b may be different. As shown in FIG. 8C, the path angle β of the first tear zone 813a is larger than the path angle β of the second tear zone 813b. The path angle β of the first tear zone 813a is about 90 degrees from the lateral center line of the belt, and the path angle β of the second tear zone 813b is less than 90 degrees from the lateral center line of the belt. Further, the length of the first tear zone 813a may be shorter than that of the second tear zone 813b. The diaper pants 100P may also include a fastener component 707 as described above. The fastener component 707 may be arranged such that a part of the vulnerable path 700 intersects the fastener component 707, and the fastener component 707 may be arranged such that the distance from the center of gravity of the fastener component 707 to the outer edge portion 107a of the belt is not equal to the distance from the center of gravity of the fastener component 707 to the inner edge portion 107b of the belt, the distance being the shortest straight-line distance between these features.

[0106] Further, as shown in each of FIGS. 8A to 8C, the diaper pants 100P may include an accessible opening 802. The accessible opening 802 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the lateral center line of the belt. The accessible opening 802 may be arranged adjacent to the fastener component or at least a part of the fastener component.

[0107] As described above, referring to FIGS. 6C, 7D, 7E, and 8A-8C, the pulling force Fp may be applied generally in a direction toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or outwardly away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may propagate along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. Alternatively, when the force Fp is applied, the tear line may propagate along the tear zone 813. However, due to the direction in which the pulling force is applied, the tear may propagate in an unintended tear direction UTD, as shown in FIG. 8D. The unintended tear direction UTD is any tear of the belt other than along the vulnerable path when the user is attempting to tear along the vulnerable path. It should be understood that this tear may occur in one or more layers of the belt. If the tear propagates in the unintended tear direction UTD rather than along the vulnerable path, this will prevent the removal of the absorbent article. For example, if a portion of the tear extends within a portion of the belt rather than along the vulnerable path, the caregiver may sense or feel a change in force and, thus, may be able to stop the tearing operation assuming that the tear along the tear zone is complete. Recognizing that the tear is not complete, the caregiver may have to re-grasp the belt and, in a separate step, complete the tear of the incompletely torn vulnerable path. The initiation, stopping, and resumption of such a tearing process may require the user to use both hands and may require additional time to complete the removal of the article from the wearer. In another example, if the tear propagates in an unintended tear direction, the caregiver may not be able to complete the tear to remove the absorbent article in the same manner as a tape-type absorbent article, or may be forced to remove the absorbent article over the wearer's leg, resulting in the contents of the absorbent article not being secured and being next to the wearer's skin during removal. Therefore, it is important to design the vulnerable path so that the tear propagates along the vulnerable path rather than along the unintended tear direction UTD.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the weak path 700 can extend in a first path direction FPD, and the force that tears the FT can be in a second direction. The first path direction FPD can be different from the force that tears the FT in the second direction. Alternatively, the first path direction FPD may be the same as the force that tears the FT in the second direction. When the first path direction FPD is different from the tearing force FT in the second direction, there is a high possibility that the tear is trying to propagate in an unintended tear direction UTD. As described above, in this specification, a substrate having a weak path, also referred to as a material, can be weakened in one or more directions due to the properties of the material. For example, the weak path may extend through at least a portion of the nonwoven material. The nonwoven material may include a plurality of fibers that are oriented in a fiber orientation direction and have a bonding pattern that holds the fibers together to form the nonwoven fabric. When the force that tears the weak path FT includes a force component in a direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to the weakest direction of the material in which the weak path extends, the path tear strength needs to be sufficiently smaller than the material tear strength in order to prevent tearing in the unintended tear direction. FIGS. 9A-9C show various examples of the weak path 700 having a weak path direction and a tearing force FT in a certain direction, and the tearing force FT includes a horizontal force that tears the component FT H and a vertical force that tears the component FT V . Due to the tearing force FT having a direction component that is substantially parallel to the weakest material direction or the weakest substrate direction, the tear can easily propagate outside the weak path.

[0109] It has been found that in order to avoid tearing of one or more layers of the belt and / or substrate in an unintended tear direction, the tear strength of each substrate must be greater than the tear strength of the weak path. The difference between the tear strength of the substrate and the tear strength of the weak path is such that when the user tears the belt along the weak path, the tear remains on the weak path.

[0110] The characteristics of the belt determine the material tear strength. The belts 106, 108 may include one or more substrates such as the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164 and may be composed of various materials. As described above, 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., polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene fiber), or a woven web or non-woven web made of a combination of natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers; or a coated woven or non-woven web, etc., and may include the second substrate 164 which can be manufactured from such materials. 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. The type of material used for one or more substrates of the belt affects the material tear strength. It should also be understood that the belt may include a single substrate or the belt may include two or more substrates.

[0111] Furthermore, nonwoven belts are generally manufactured using a variety of techniques in which fibers are placed on a carrier and one or more bonding patterns can be used to secure the fibers of the substrate. The machine direction MD, in the direction in which the carrier is moving and in which the fibers are placed, is the direction in which most of the fibers of the substrate are oriented, which is referred to herein as the fiber orientation direction. Thus, the fiber orientation direction is substantially parallel to the machine direction MD. The shape and frequency of the adhesion throughout the substrate also affect the strength of the belt. Thus, the belt can be stronger along a particular axis given the fiber orientation direction and the characteristics of the bonding pattern. Exemplary bonding patterns of various configurations are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017 / 0000663; 2014 / 0088535; 2016 / 0324698; and 2016 / 0101003; and U.S. Patents Nos. 9,993,369; 10,028,866; and 9,408,761 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference). Generally, the larger the open area, the area without bonding, the lower the material strength. The substrate may be the surface facing the outer garment, the surface facing the inner wearer, or an intermediate layer of the belt, and may include a plurality of fibers having a denier of less than about 1.5, or less than about 1.3, or less than about 1.2, or less than about 1, specifically enumerating all 0.1 increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0112] Furthermore, the belt and the one or more substrates forming the belt can have a basis weight. Generally, the higher the basis weight of the substrate and / or the belt, the greater the tear strength of the belt and / or the substrate. Each substrate layer can have a basis weight that provides sufficient tear strength. The basis weight of the one or more substrates may be optimized to achieve the desired tear strength with the desired flexibility and breathability. Stated another way, the higher the basis weight of the one or more substrates, the greater the rigidity of the one or more substrates. Thus, the basis weight can be selected to provide the necessary strength to the substrate while being soft and comfortable against the wearer's skin during use. The basis weight of the belt can be less than about 60 gsm, or less than about 50 gsm, or less than about 45 gsm, or less than about 40 gsm, or less than about 35 gsm, or less than about 30 gsm, or less than about 25 gsm, or less than about 20 gsm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 gsm increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The basis weight of the belt is the sum of the basis weights of each substrate layer used to form the belt, and can be one or more substrates. The substrate can have a basis weight of less than about 30 gsm, or less than about 25 gsm, or less than about 20 gsm, or less than about 15 gsm, or less than about 10 gsm, or less than about 8 gsm, or from about 6 gsm to about 30 gsm, or about 8 gsm or about 20 gsm, or from about 8 gsm to about 11 gsm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 gsm increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0113] It should be understood that the substrate may contain a flexibility enhancer additive to enhance the flexibility of the substrate. Thus, higher basis weight materials can be used to achieve higher strength, and a flexibility enhancer additive can be used to impart flexibility to the substrate. The flexibility enhancer additive can be added to the composition in its as-is form, diluted, and / or as a masterbatch in a polyolefin polymer such as, for example, polypropylene, polystyrene, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, or a propylene-α-olefin copolymer. The composition suitable for producing the fibers described herein may contain one or more flexibility enhancer additives present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 10 wt%, or 0.05 wt% to 5 wt%, or 0.3 wt% to 1 wt%, or 0.01 wt% to 1 wt%, or 0.2 wt% to 0.5 wt% of the fibers, specifically listing all 0.1% increments within the ranges listed above, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Exemplary flexibility enhancer additives of various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,993,369, which is incorporated herein by reference. The flexibility enhancer additive may be on one side, such as the surface of the belt facing the clothing or the surface facing the wearer. The flexibility enhancing additive may be present in different amounts on each of the surface of the belt facing the clothing and the surface of the belt facing the wearer.

[0114] At least a portion of the vulnerable path 700 may be at a path angle β with respect to the lateral centerline of the resilient belts 126a, 126b through which the vulnerable path can extend. The vulnerable path angle β may be less than 90 degrees, or less than 85 degrees, or less than 75 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 25 degrees, or less than 15 degrees, specifically listing all 0.1-degree increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The vulnerable path angle β may be from 0 degrees to 85 degrees, or from about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees, or from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees, specifically listing all 0.1-degree increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A - 8D, the vulnerable path 700 may include one or more vulnerable paths such as a first vulnerable path 700a and a second vulnerable path 700b. Each of the first vulnerable path 700a and the second vulnerable path 700b may be from the path angle β with respect to the lateral centerline of the first resilient belt 126a. FIGS. 9A - 9C show examples of the vulnerable path 700 having a vulnerable path angle β with respect to the lateral centerline 126a. It should be understood that the vulnerable path angle may be applied to the entire vulnerable path, or one or more portions of the vulnerable path may have a vulnerable path angle as described herein.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the weak path 700 may be at a path angle α with respect to the fiber orientation direction 720 of the substrate along which the weak path extends. The fiber orientation direction 720 is, as described above, the direction in which the majority of the fibers are oriented and is substantially parallel to the machine direction in which the fibers are laid during the manufacturing process. The path angle α may be less than 90 degrees, or less than 80 degrees, or less than 75 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 25 degrees, or less than 15 degrees, specifically enumerating all 0.1 degree increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The weak path angle α may be from 0 degrees to 85 degrees, or from about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees, or from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees, specifically enumerating all 0.1 degree increments within the above ranges, and all ranges formed therein or thereby. For example, FIGS. 9D - 9E show examples of weak paths 700 having a weak path angle α with respect to the fiber orientation direction 720. The fiber orientation direction may be substantially parallel to the transverse centerline 126a of the belt, or may be at an angle with respect to the transverse centerline of the belt. Generally, the greater the weak path angle α with respect to the fiber orientation direction 720, the higher the likelihood that the tear will propagate in an unintended tearing direction, and thus the greater the difference between the path tear strength and the material tear strength for preventing the tear from propagating in an unintended tearing direction.

[0116] To prevent tearing in an unintended tear direction UTD, it has been found that the tear strength of one or more substrates forming the belt, referred to herein as material tear strength, must be greater than the tear strength of the weak path, referred to herein as path tear strength. In other words, the path tear strength must be less than the material tear strength. More specifically, the difference between the path tear strength and the material tear strength can be more than about 2 N, or more than about 3 N, or more than about 5 N, or more than about 8 N, or more than about 10 N, or more than about 15 N, or more than about 20 N, or from about 4 N to about 30 N, or from about 4 N to about 25 N, or from about 5 N to about 20 N, or from about 10 N to about 20 N, or from about 15 N to about 20 N, according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method disclosed herein, and specifically enumerate all 0.1 N increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Generally, the greater the difference between the path tear strength and the material tear strength, the lower the likelihood that tearing will propagate in an unintended tear direction. However, the strength must be balanced with flexibility and other material properties so that the substrate can be comfortably used against the wearer's skin. Each of the material tear strength and the path tear strength can be such that the belt maintains the proper position of the absorbent article during use, the path tear strength maintains the closure of the belt during use, and the weak path opens easily during removal of the diaper pants. The path tear strength can be more than about 2 N, or more than about 3 N, or more than about 5 N, or more than about 10 N, or more than about 15 N, or from about 2 N to about 20 N, or from about 2 N to about 16 N, or from about 5 N to about 10 N, or from about 6 N to about 8 N, according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method, and specifically enumerate all 0.1 N increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The material tear strength can be more than about 2 N, or more than about 4 N, or more than about 6 N, or more than about 8 N, or more than about 12 N, or more than about 20 N, or more than about 25 N, or more than about 30 N, or from about 4 N to about 40 N, or from about 7 N to about 25 N, or from about 8 N to about 20 N, or from about 8 N to about 15 N, or from about 8 N to about 10 N, and specifically enumerate all 0.1 N increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It should be understood that the weak path can include one or more tear zones, as described above.FIG. 10 graphically shows the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength that can each be calculated using the trapezoidal tear strength test method. It should also be understood that the belt can include one or more substrate layers and one or more elastic members. The elastic member is cut in the region of the vulnerable path so as not to prevent tearing along the vulnerable path.

[0117] The difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength can also be explained with reference to the basis weight of one or more of the materials used in the belt. Generally, the higher the basis weight of the material, the stronger the material. Materials with a higher basis weight can result in a greater difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength. However, materials with a higher basis weight also generally have an increase in material stiffness, a decrease in breathability, and require a greater amount of raw material for manufacturing. Thus, by normalizing the material tear strength and the path tear strength by the basis weight, it is possible to determine a material or substrate that is strong enough to inhibit or prevent tearing in an unintended tearing direction while balancing the properties of the material such as flexibility, breathability, and raw material usage. The following parameters have been found to result in a substrate that includes a vulnerable path that tears along the vulnerable path and minimizes the likelihood that the tear will propagate in an unintended tearing direction. The material tear strength divided by the basis weight of the substrate or belt, referred to herein as the material basis weight, is greater than 0.2 N / gsm, or greater than about 0.3 N / gsm, or greater than about 0.4 N / gsm, or from about 0.2 N / gsm to about 0.4 N / gsm, or from about 0.3 N / gsm to about 0.5 N / gsm, specifically listing all 0.01 N / gsm increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It should be understood that this includes each substrate layer individually or the belt including all substrate layers. It should also be understood that each substrate layer may have a different basis weight and thus the material tear strength may be divided by the basis weight to obtain different values. Further, it has been found that the path tear strength divided by the material basis weight is greater than about 0.05 N / gsm and less than about 0.15 N / gsm to achieve tearing along the vulnerable path for a given material. Still further, the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is referred to herein as the tear strength delta.The tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material must be greater than 0.2 N / gsm, or greater than about 0.3 N / gsm, or between about 0.2 N / gsm and about 0.4 N / gsm. Specifically, all increments of 0.01 N / gsm within the ranges listed above and all ranges formed therein or thereby are enumerated. It must be strong enough to inhibit tearing in unintended directions and have a substrate preferred by consumers, which may be due in part to flexibility or breathability.

[0118] In addition to having sufficient tear strength, the belt may also be flexible so that the diaper pants are easy to wear. The belt can have one or more surfaces with an average TS7 value of about 10 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 7 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 5 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 1 dB V 2 rms to about 10 dB V 2 rms, or about 2 dB V 2 rms to about 8 dB V 2 rms, and can specifically enumerate all 0.1 dB V 2 rms increments within the above ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Additionally or alternatively, the belt can have one or more surfaces with an average TS750 value of about 75 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 50 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 25 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 15 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 10 dB V 2 rms to about 100 dB V 2 rms, or about 10 dB V 2 rms to about 80 dB V 2 rms, or about 15 dB V 2 rms to about 75 dB V 2 rms, and can specifically enumerate all 0.1 dB V 2Enumerate the rms increase and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The base material of the belt is about 11 dB V2rms or less, or about 10 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 5 dB V 2 rms or less, or about 1 dB V 2 rms to about 11 dB V 2 rms, or about 1.5 dB V 2 rms to about 6 dB V 2 rms, or about 2 dB V 2 rms to about 4 dB V 2 It can include one or more surfaces having an average TS750 value of rms, and enumerate for each range for each increment of 0.1 dB V 2 The lower the values of TS7 and TS750, the higher the flexibility, which is highly desirable in absorbent articles. Consumers may find absorbent articles with high TS7 and TS750 values uncomfortable and / or snagging or undesirable.

[0119] The following are some exemplary embodiments. The data for Examples 1 - 10 are shown in Table 1 below. Each of Examples 1 - 10 includes a base material having a weak path at a path angle of 35 degrees with respect to the machine direction MD or the fiber orientation direction of the base material. Each base material of Examples 1 - 10 has a basis weight and specific material properties as shown in Table 1. The path tear strength and material tear strength of each of the base material and the weak path were generated using the trapezoidal tear strength test method disclosed herein. Examples 1 - 10 include a bonding pattern as shown in one of FIGS. 11A - 11B and FIGS. 12A - 12B.

[0120] As described herein, by using the tear strength of the material divided by the basis weight, the tear strength of the weak path divided by the basis weight, and the delta obtained by subtracting the tear strength of the weak path from the tear strength of the material, it is possible to determine which substrate has sufficient strength while balancing other properties of the substrate such as stiffness, breathability, and raw material usage. Increasing the basis weight to a relatively high level has an adverse effect on the flexibility of the product, skin comfort, and cost. By normalizing the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength by the basis weight, a material can be obtained that is less likely to tear in an unintended tear direction and has a desired tear strength that is soft and breathable enough for use in a panty diaper 100P.

[0121] Example 1 includes a substrate having a relatively high basis weight of 30 gsm, which indicates a strong material. Since the material tear strength is sufficiently greater than the path tear strength, the possibility of this substrate tearing in an unintended tear direction is low. However, in Example 1, since the delta tear strength, which is the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength, divided by the basis weight is less than 0.185 N / gms, this substrate is less than 0.2 N / gsm, which is not preferable. This substrate is too rigid, has a high manufacturing cost, and may not be preferable to consumers when in contact with the skin. Each of Examples 2 to 7 has a material tear strength (delta greater than 2 N) that is sufficiently greater than the path tear strength, so the possibility of these substrates tearing in an unintended tear direction is low. Furthermore, each of Examples 2 to 7 has a tear strength delta divided by a basis weight of approximately 0.2 N / gsm, indicating that these are materials that do not tear in an unintended tear direction, are relatively cost-effective, soft, and preferable to consumers in contact with the skin. Additionally, each of Examples 2 to 7 has a material tear strength divided by a basis weight of approximately 0.3 N / gsm, indicating a substrate having sufficient strength based on the basis weight of the material. Examples 8 and 9 include substrates having a material tear strength approximately 2 N greater than the path tear strength. However, each of Examples 8 and 9 has a material tear strength divided by a basis weight less than 0.3 N / gm and a tear strength delta less than 0.2 N / gsm, indicating that these substrates do not have sufficient tear strength when normalized by the basis weight and have a high possibility of tearing in an unintended tear direction. Example 10 includes a substrate having a relatively low basis weight, and the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is less than 2 N. The substrate of Example 10 has a high possibility of tearing in an unintended tear direction because the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is minimal. Also, the substrate of Example 10 does not have sufficient strength because the basis weight is relatively low.

[0122] In summary, a substrate having a difference in material tear strength and path tear strength of at least 2N, more preferably at least 3N, and a material tear strength divided by basis weight of at least 0.2N / gsm, more preferably at least 0.3N / gsm, and a delta divided by basis weight of at least 0.2N / gsm, more preferably at least 0.3N / gsm, has sufficient strength to avoid tearing in an unintended tearing direction while the user tears along a weak path to remove or inspect the contents of the diaper pants, and has desired properties such as flexibility, breathability, and conscious use of raw materials.

[0123]

Table 1

[0124] Referring to the various aspects of the figures described above, it should be understood that the gripping region 801 and the accessible opening 802 may be disposed at various positions in the first end region 106a, the second end region 106b, and / or the central region 106c of the first belt 106. The gripping region 801 and the accessible opening 802 may be disposed 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 opening 802b may be disposed 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 disposed 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 disposed 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 disposed 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.

[0125] It should also be understood that the accessible opening 802 may be disposed at various positions relative to the fastener component 707. For example, in some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be disposed longitudinally between the fastener component 707 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be disposed longitudinally between the fastener component 707 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be disposed laterally inside the fastener component 707. It should also be understood that two or more accessible openings 802 may be disposed adjacent to the fastener component 707. As will be described in more detail below, the accessible opening 802 may also be configured to partially or entirely penetrate the fastener component 707 and the fastener component 707 may be divided into two or more parts.

[0126] As described above, the accessible opening 802 may include a slit and / or an opening in the first belt 106, may be curved, and / or may be straight. It should be understood that the accessible opening 802 may 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 that extends along a line laterally so as to define an angle of from 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 enumerating 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 in the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1-mm increments within the above range, and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0127] As described above, the diaper pants 100P can include one or more fastener components 707 adapted to be releasably connected to at least one other component of the diaper pants 100P in a disposable configuration. It should be understood that the fastener 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. The fastener components 707 can include a lateral centerline that is 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 fastener components 707 can include a longitudinal centerline that is 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.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 8AA1, in some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be disposed on and connected to 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 fastener 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 such as shown in FIG. 8AA1, the fastener 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 fastener component 707 may be configured as a separate individual 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. 13, an adhesive 716 may connect the base 717 of the fastener component 707 to the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first belt 106. It should be understood that the fastener 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 can be configured in various ways. For example, the base 717 can include a thermoplastic film. In some configurations, the base 717 can include a laminate in which various layers are joined to each other, as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0045931(A1). For example, the base 717 can include a thermoplastic film layer combined with a nonwoven layer. It should be understood that such layers may be joined to each other in various ways such as by adhesive, mechanical coupling, and / or extrusion bonding. In some configurations, the fastener 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. 14 for example.

[0129] A portion of the chassis 102 may overlap with the surface 115b facing the wearer inside the first belt 106 so as to define a chassis overlapping region 850. Accordingly, the chassis overlapping 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 contact between the fastener component 707 and the wearer's skin while the diaper pants 100P are being worn, the fastener component 707 may be disposed 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 overlapping region 850 where the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 overlap the chassis 102. For example, the fastener 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 fastener component 707 may be sandwiched between the second base material 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 fastener component 707 may be disposed laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 and the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102. The fastener component 707 may also be disposed longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. The fastener component 707 may be disposed adjacent to the vulnerable path 700. An accessible opening 802, which may be considered part of the vulnerable path 700, may be disposed adjacent to the fastener component 707. Accordingly, the vulnerable path 700 can partially surround the fastener component 707. In some configurations, the vulnerable path 700 extends through the fastener component 707 and can effectively divide the fastener component 707 into a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion. As described above, the first fastener portion is separated from the second fastener portion when the vulnerable path is torn.When the ripping operation is completed, the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 include the first fastener portion, and the third belt zone 833 includes the second fastener portion separated from the respective first fastener portions during the ripping of the vulnerable path 700.

[0130] Both the vulnerable path 700 and the accessible opening 802 extend through the fastener component and can effectively divide the fastener component 707 into a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion. The accessible opening 802 may generally include a longitudinally oriented slit. Further, the accessible opening 802 may extend through the fastener component 707 and be entirely disposed within the outer side portion of the fastener component. It should be understood that such a slit may be linear and / or curved. In some configurations, the longitudinally extending accessible opening 802 can define a length dimension in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Further, in some configurations, the longitudinally extending accessible opening 802 may also be curved to extend laterally in the range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, specifically enumerating all 0.1 mm increments within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

[0131] In another configuration, the diaper pants 100P may include one fastener component 707 joined to the surface 115b facing the wearer of the first belt 106 at a position overlapping the longitudinal centerline 124c of the chassis 102. The longitudinal centerline of the fastener component 707 may coincide with or be close to the longitudinal centerline 124c of the chassis 102. The weak path 700 can divide the fastener component 707 into first and second fastener components of substantially the same size and geometric shape. The accessible opening 802 can be disposed at or near the transverse edge inside the longitudinal direction of the fastener component 707. Outside the longitudinal direction of the transverse edge of the fastener component 707, the weak path 700 may extend longitudinally and transversely up to the waist edge 121 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. A caregiver or the wearer can access and grip the fastener component 707 through the accessible opening 802, and then separate the weak path 700 into the first and second fastener components.

[0132] The components of the absorbent article described herein may be at least partially composed of bio-based components as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521 (A1). For example, the superabsorbent polymer components may be 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.).

[0133] 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 Method B of ASTM D6866-10.

[0134] 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 nonwovens, 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 streams. Exemplary secondary streams may include plastic, superabsorbent polymer, and cellulose fibers such as pulp. These secondary 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.

[0135] Test Method Trapezoid Tear Strength Test Method The trapezoid tear strength test method is used to characterize the tear strength of individual substrates and laminates that can be nonwoven substrates, regardless of the presence of a weak path. This method is based on ASTM D5733-99, which is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, for trapezoid tear MD as shown in Figure 3 of ASTM D5733-99, the tear propagation is generally along the longitudinal machine direction of the material being tested. In particular, the trapezoid tear strength test method can be performed strictly in the MD direction or in a direction specified by the angle of rotation with respect to MD.

[0136] Identification and Preparation of Test Specimens Substrates and laminates are generally cut as belts from the finished product, regardless of the presence of a weak path. The side seams are first manually separated, and then the belt portion is separated from the chassis, optionally using a separation aid such as cryogenic freezing spray. The constituent substrates may be further excised from the laminate by an additional process in which the substrate layer of the laminate and any elastic members or other elements present are also separated, optionally using a separation aid such as cryogenic freezing spray. In some cases, substrates and laminates that are available as rollstock can be tested directly, regardless of the presence of a weak path.

[0137] For substrates and laminates that are available as rollstock and have no weak path, at least six test specimens are prepared as illustrated and described for the Trap Tear MD specimens in Section 7 of ASTM D5733-99. Substrates and laminates that are part of a finished article are separated from the article and sampled similarly. Generally, the MD direction of the belt substrates and laminates is along the width direction, transverse direction, of the finished product, which is assumed unless there is clear evidence to the contrary, and an alternative MD is indicated. The test specimens are then prepared as illustrated and described for the Trap Tear MD specimens in Section 7 of ASTM D5733-99, and such test specimens are considered to be at 0° with respect to the MD axis. Multiple articles are used as needed to collect the required number of test specimens.

[0138] Test specimen preparation is the same for substrates and laminates in the case of non-zero rotation where the trapezoid is away from the MD direction. In this case, note the non-zero rotation angle and report it subsequently along with the tear strength results.

[0139] When the vulnerable path is examined on the substrate or laminate on the roll stock or collected from the finished product, the vulnerable path is first identified and inspected. A portion of the vulnerable path of interest is identified. Then, trapezoidal test specimens as shown in Figure 2 of ASTM D5733-99 are cut such that the vulnerable path generally extends vertically (along the 75 mm dimension) across the trapezoid and generally the notch at the top of the trapezoid is horizontally centered to represent the start of the tear along the vulnerable path. Six test specimens are prepared in this manner.

[0140] Use and reporting of tensile testing machine For the sample of interest, as described in Section 10 of ASTM D5733-99, the prepared test specimen is attached to a tensile testing machine and pulled. The crosshead speed is 8.5 mm / s.

[0141] All test specimens (with or without vulnerable path(s)) of the substrate or laminate sample are tested and for each tested specimen, the load in Newtons (N) is plotted against the crosshead displacement in millimeters (mm). Generally, these plots include an initial region where the load increases, a plateau where the force fluctuates to some extent but does not increase or decrease overall, and a sharp end point representing potential complete fracture separation. For each test specimen, the load is averaged in the plateau region (starting at either the start of the plateau or 6 mm crosshead displacement, which occurs at a greater crosshead displacement and ending at the end of the plateau region), which is the tear force of the test specimen and is recorded to the nearest 0.01 N. The average (arithmetic mean) of the tear forces of all test specimens is calculated and reported as the path tear strength for the test specimens with a vulnerable path and the material tear strength for the test specimens without a vulnerable path. The path tear strength and material tear strength are reported to the nearest 0.01 N in Newtons. For samples with a vulnerable path, the angle with respect to the MD where the tear occurred is also reported.

[0142] Flexibility test method The TS7 and TS750 values are measured using an EMTEC Tissue Softness Analyzer (“Emtec TSA”) (Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) connected to a computer running Emtec TSA software (version 3.19 or equivalent). According to Emtec, the TS7 value correlates with the softness of the actual material, and the TS750 value correlates with the felt smoothness / roughness of the material. The Emtec TSA has a rotor with a vertical blade that rotates on the test sample at a specified calibrated rotational speed (set by the manufacturer) and a contact force of 100 mN. Contact between the vertical blade and the test piece generates vibrations that produce sounds that are recorded by a microphone within the instrument. The recorded audio file is then analyzed by the Emtec TSA software.

[0143] Sample Preparation Substrates and laminates are generally cut as belts from the finished product. First, the side seams are manually separated, and then the belt portion is separated from the chassis, optionally using a separation aid such as an ultra-low temperature freezing spray. The constituent substrates may be further excised from the laminate by an additional process in which the substrate layer of the laminate and any elastic members or other elements present are also separated, optionally using a separation aid such as an ultra-low temperature freezing spray. In some cases, substrates and laminates that are available as roll stock can be directly tested regardless of the presence of a weak path. Test specimens are prepared by cutting out square or circular specimens from the final product. The test specimens are cut to lengths and widths (or diameters in the case of circular specimens) of approximately 90 mm, up to approximately 120 mm. If the final product has an individual cross-section of the elastic region (i.e., the elastic region is shorter than the nonwoven facing layer in one or more dimensions), a set of linear test specimens with a length of 76 mm ± 3 mm in the primary elongation direction and a width of 100 mm ± 3 mm in the perpendicular direction is cut from the product portion, and the elastic region is placed at the center of the linear test specimens. The test specimens are selected to avoid wrinkles or folds within the test area, unless they are inherent to the specimen, such as a waveform. For testing, eight substantially identical replicate specimens are prepared. Before performing the TSA test, all specimens are equilibrated for at least 1 hour at the TAPPI standard temperature and relative humidity conditions (23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2%). The TSA test is also performed under TAPPI conditions.

[0144] Test Procedure Calibrate the equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions using a one-point calibration method with the Emtec reference standard ("Reference 2 Specimen"). If these reference specimens are not available, use a suitable reference specimen provided by the manufacturer. Calibrate the equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions so that the results are equivalent to those obtained using a one-point calibration method with the Emtec reference standard ("Reference 2 Specimen").

[0145] Attach the test sample to the apparatus, ensuring that the sample is properly clamped in the TSA apparatus with its first surface facing upward. For samples having individual sections in the elastic region, confirm that the elastic region is centered under the Emtec vertical blade and then perform the test according to the manufacturer's instructions. When the test is complete, the software displays the values of TS7 and TS750. Record each of these values in 0.01 dB V 2 rms units. Then remove and dispose of the test piece from the instrument. This test is performed separately on the first surface of four replicate samples and the second surface of another four replicate samples.

[0146] Determine the average (using a simple numerical average) of the four test result values of TS7 and TS750 obtained from the first surface, and perform the same procedure for the four test result values of TS7 and TS750 obtained from the second surface. Report the individual average values and standard deviations of TS7 and TS750 for both the first and second surfaces on a particular test sample to the nearest 0.01 dB V 2 rms.

[0147] 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 the target extracted from the 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 the article, provided by the manufacturer or measured experimentally, are used in the equations described below, in which the length-weighted average of the decitex values between the elastic fibers present is determined.

[0148] The length of the elastic fibers present in the article or sample extracted from the article, respectively, is calculated from the overall dimensions of the component or sample of the article having the component, if known, and the elastic fiber prestrain ratio associated with the component or sample of the article having the component. Alternatively, the dimensions and / or elastic fiber prestrain ratio are not known, and the absorbent article or sample extracted from the absorbent article is disassembled to remove all the elastic fibers. This disassembly can be performed, for example, with gentle heating to soften the adhesive, using a low temperature spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT), or with a suitable solvent that removes the adhesive but does not expand, alter, or destroy the elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in the relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm.

[0149] Calculating the average Dtex The relaxation length L present in the absorbent article or a sample extracted from the absorbent article i and fiber decitex value d i (either obtained from manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) i For each of the absorbent articles, the average Dtex of the absorbent article or samples extracted from the absorbent article is defined as follows:

[0150]

number

[0151] If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specification, it is determined experimentally as described below, and the resulting fiber decitex value is used in the above formula to determine the average Dtex.

[0152] Experimental determination of fibre decitex values. For each of the elastic fibers taken from an absorbent article or a sample extracted from an absorbent article according to the above procedure, for each elastic fiber L k measure the relaxed length and record it to the nearest millimeter (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, and imaged at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate the fiber cross-section. To minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross-section, orient the fiber cross-section as perpendicular as possible to the detector. The shape of the fiber cross-section varies, 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 ) to the nearest 0.1 μm 2 . The decitex d k of the k-th measured elastic fiber is calculated as follows:

[0153]

Equation

[0154] Average strand spacing 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 one. Average strand spacing = d / (n - 1) where n > 1 Report in 0.1 mm increments.

[0155] 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 for 2 hours at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity and then test under the same environmental conditions.

[0156] 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 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.

[0157] 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 placed within 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, but then trimming can be done after closing the grip. Zero the load cell. The sample should have minimal sag and a force on the load cell of less than 0.05 N. Start the test program.

[0158] From the data, calculate force (N) versus elongation (mm). Calculate the average pre-strain from the inflection point of the curve corresponding to the elongation 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 elongation when these two lines intersect and calculate the pre-strain % from this elongation 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.

[0159] Combination An absorbent article comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second side edge extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separated from the first end edge; and a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis, the first belt including a first substrate including a first weak path, at least a portion of the first weak path extending at a path angle of less than 90 degrees from a lateral centerline of the first belt, the first substrate having a material tear strength and a material basis weight according to a trapezoidal tear strength test method, the first weak path having a path tear strength according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method, the material tear strength of the first substrate being greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path, and the material tear strength of the first substrate being at least 2 N greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path. The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein the material tear strength of the first substrate divided by the material basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein the material tear strength of the first substrate divided by the material basis weight is greater than 0.3 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first weak path has a path angle of from about 0 degrees to about 75 degrees from a lateral centerline of the first belt. The absorbent article according to paragraph A4, wherein the path angle is from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees from a lateral centerline of the first belt. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the material basis weight is from about 8 gsm to about 30 gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein the first belt includes a second substrate having a second weak path, and the first substrate and the second substrate are joined to form the first belt. The absorbent article according to paragraph A7, wherein the second substrate has a second material tear strength according to a trapezoidal tear strength test method, the second substrate has a second material basis weight, and the second material tear strength divided by the second material basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph A7, wherein the first vulnerable path and the second vulnerable path are aligned. The absorbent article according to paragraph A8, wherein the basis weight of the material is different from the basis weight of the second material. The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is the tear strength delta, and the tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph A11, wherein the tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.3 N / gsm. An absorbent article comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal direction extending from the first side edge portion and laterally separated from the first side edge portion by a first edge portion and a second edge portion longitudinally separated from the first edge portion. A chassis including a second side edge portion, and a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis and having a longitudinal center line and a lateral center line substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center line, the first belt including a vulnerable path, at least a portion of the vulnerable path extending at a path angle of less than 90 degrees from the lateral center line of the first belt, the first belt having a material tear strength and a basis weight according to a trapezoidal tear strength test method, the vulnerable path having a path tear strength according to a trapezoidal tear strength test method, and the material tear strength of the first belt being at least 2 N greater than the path tear strength of the first vulnerable path. Absorbent article. The absorbent article according to paragraph B1, wherein the material tear strength divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph B1, wherein the path tear strength divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.05 N / gsm and less than 0.15 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph B1, wherein the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is the tear strength delta, and the tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph B4, wherein the tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.3 N / gsm. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the path angle is from about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees from the lateral centerline of the first belt. Absorbent article according to paragraph B1, wherein the first belt has a first substrate, and the first substrate is a nonwoven fabric. Absorbent article according to paragraph B7, wherein the nonwoven fabric is composed of a plurality of fibers, and most of the plurality of fibers include a fiber orientation direction. Absorbent article according to paragraph B8, wherein the fiber orientation direction is substantially parallel to the lateral centerline of the first belt. An absorbent article, comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction, a first edge portion, and a second edge portion longitudinally separated from the first edge portion, the second side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally separated from the first side edge portion; a first belt including a surface facing the inner wearer and a surface facing the outer clothing, the first belt further including a laterally extending inner edge portion and a laterally extending outer edge portion, the outer edge portion being disposed longitudinally outside the inner edge portion; a fragile path within the first belt extending between the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the first belt; wherein the first belt has a material tear strength and a first belt basis weight according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method, the fragile path has a path tear strength according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method, the tear strength of the first belt divided by the basis weight of the substrate is greater than 0.2 N / gsm, the tear strength of the fragile path divided by the first basis weight is greater than 0.05 N / gsm and less than 0.15 N / gsm, the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is the tear strength delta, and the tear strength delta divided by the material basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. Absorbent article according to paragraph C1, wherein the first belt includes a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline, and at least a portion of the fragile path extends at a path angle of less than 90 degrees from the lateral centerline of the first belt. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surface of the first belt facing the outer clothing contains polyethylene. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surface of the first belt facing the outer clothing contains a material including polypropylene-polyethylene side-by-side bicomponent fibers. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the material contains a softening agent additive. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1, wherein the surface of the first belt facing the outer clothing contains a material having crimped fibers. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1, wherein the surface of the first belt facing the outer clothing contains a carded nonwoven fabric. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the surface of the first belt facing the outer clothing contains a material having a plurality of fibers with an average diameter of less than 1.5 denier. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the surface of the first belt facing the outer clothing contains a material having a plurality of hydro-jetted fibers. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the first belt includes a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate forms the surface facing the outer clothing, the second substrate forms the surface facing the inner clothing, each of the first substrate and the second substrate has a material tear strength by a trapezoidal tear strength test method, and the second substrate has a material tear strength different from that of the first substrate. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the basis weight of the first belt is less than 45 gsm. The absorbent article according to paragraph C11, wherein the basis weight of the first belt is less than 40 gsm. D1. An absorbent article comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and a second side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally separated from the first side edge portion by a first end edge portion and a second end edge portion longitudinally separated from the first end edge portion; and a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis and having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, the first belt including a first substrate and a weakening path, the first substrate of the first belt including a nonwoven fabric having a majority of fibers oriented in a fiber orientation direction, the weakening path having a path angle, at least a portion of the path angle of the weakening path being less than 90 degrees from the fiber orientation direction, the first substrate having a tear strength and a substrate basis weight according to a trapezoidal tear strength test method, the weakening path having a tear strength according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method, the tear strength of the first substrate being greater than the tear strength of the weakening path. D2. The absorbent article according to paragraph D1, wherein the path angle is from about 0 degrees to about 75 degrees from the fiber orientation direction. D3. The absorbent article according to paragraph D1, wherein the path angle is from about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees from the fiber orientation direction. D4. The absorbent article according to paragraph D1, wherein the path angle is from about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees from the fiber orientation direction. D5. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the material tear strength of the first substrate divided by the basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. D6. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the path tear strength divided by the basis weight is greater than 0.05 N / gsm and less than 0.15 N / gsm. D7. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is at least 4 N. D8. The absorbent article according to paragraph D7, wherein the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is at least 6 N. D9. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the path tear strength is greater than 8 N. D10. The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the fiber orientation direction is substantially parallel to the tensile force.

[0160] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the recited exact numerical values. 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".

[0161] 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 hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that such document is prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that such document alone or in combination with any other one or more references teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, in the event of any conflict between the meaning or definition of any term in this document and the meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to such term in this document shall prevail.

[0162] 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 within the scope of the invention are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** An absorbent article, comprising a chassis including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis including a first side edge portion extending in a longitudinal direction, and a second side edge portion extending in the longitudinal direction and laterally separated from the first side edge portion by a first edge portion and a second edge portion longitudinally separated from the first edge portion; a first belt joined to a portion of the chassis, the first belt including a first substrate, the first substrate including a first weak path; wherein at least a portion of the first weak path extends at a path angle of less than 90 degrees from a lateral centerline of the first belt; the first substrate has a material tear strength and a material basis weight according to a trapezoidal tear strength test method, and the first weak path has a path tear strength according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method; the material tear strength of the first substrate is greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path; the material tear strength of the first substrate is at least 2 N greater than the path tear strength of the first weak path; an absorbent article. **Claim 2** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the material tear strength of the first substrate divided by the material basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. **Claim 3** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the material tear strength of the first substrate divided by the material basis weight is greater than 0.3 N / gsm. **Claim 4** The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the first weak path has a path angle of about 0 degrees to about 75 degrees from the lateral centerline of the first belt. **Claim 5** The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the path angle is about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees from the lateral centerline of the first belt. **Claim 6** The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the material basis weight is about 8 gsm to about 30 gsm. **Claim 7** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first belt includes a second substrate having a second weak path, and the first substrate and the second substrate are joined to form the first belt. **Claim 8** The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the second substrate has a second material tear strength according to the trapezoidal tear strength test method, the second substrate has a second material basis weight, and the second material tear strength divided by the second material basis weight is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. Claim 9 The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the first weak path and the second weak path are aligned. Claim 10 The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the basis weight of the material is different from the basis weight of the second material. Claim 11 The difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is tear strength delta, and the tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.2 N / gsm. The absorbent article according to claim 1. Claim 12 The absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the tear strength delta divided by the basis weight of the material is greater than 0.3 N / gsm. Claim 13 The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the material tear strength and the path tear strength is at least 6 N. Claim 14 The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the path tear strength is greater than 8 N. Claim 15 The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first substrate is a non-woven fabric.

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