Absorbent article with upright gathers and leg cuffs
The absorbent article's innovative design with nonwoven barrier cuff strips and pretensioned elastic elements in leg cuffs addresses the challenge of providing a leak-proof and comfortable fit by distributing pressure evenly and enhancing breathability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025536090
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-11
AI Technical Summary
Disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, face challenges in providing a leak-proof and comfortable fit without causing discomfort or skin irritation due to high tensioned elastic elements.
The absorbent article features a design with nonwoven barrier cuff strips and leg cuffs that include pretensioned elastic elements, where the leg cuffs are constructed with folded portions and spaced elastic elements to distribute pressure evenly, ensuring a soft and breathable fit.
The design provides a leak-proof and comfortable fit by reducing skin pressure and enhancing breathability, with soft, elastic leg cuffs that conform to the wearer's skin, minimizing discomfort and leakage risks.
Smart Images
Figure 2025540437000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article having first and second waist edges and first and second side edges, the absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article being configured to be worn panty-like with the waist edges defining a waist opening and the side edges defining leg openings.
[0002] A nonwoven outer cover layer covers the backsheet and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article, which further includes a pair of elasticized standing gathers and a pair of elasticized leg cuffs. [Background technology]
[0003] Disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, which are applied to the lower body of the wearer and secured around the body like underwear, are typically provided with elastic elements to create a liquid barrier and improve the body fit of the article. The form-fitting fit of the disposable absorbent article around the waist and legs of the wearer keeps the article in close contact with the body of the wearer, reducing the risk of liquid leakage from the absorbent article. The placement of elastic upright gathers, also known as "raised barriers" or "inner barriers," on the inside of the absorbent article can further prevent leakage.
[0004] Further important aspects of this type of article are that it is soft and comfortable to wear and does not cause chafing of the sensitive skin in the genital area. A further concern is that the tensioned elastic elements may exert high pressure on the wearer's skin, particularly around the wearer's legs, which may cause discomfort and redness. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The features of claim 1 make it possible to realize a disposable absorbent article that is leak-proof and comfortable. Variations of the present disclosure are set forth in the dependent claims.
[0006] Disclosed herein is an absorbent article having first and second waist edges extending in a transverse direction of the absorbent article, and first and second side edges extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a liquid-impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a nonwoven outer cover layer covering the backsheet and forming the outer surface of the absorbent article; - a pair of longitudinally extending nonwoven barrier cuff strips symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip on each side of a longitudinal centerline, each nonwoven barrier cuff strip comprising an upstanding gathered portion and a leg cuff portion, the upstanding gathered portion being defined between a longitudinally extending freestanding gathered edge and a longitudinally extending upstanding gathered hinge line, the barrier cuff strips attached to the topsheet along the upstanding gathered hinge line, the barrier cuff strips having one or more pretensioned elastic elements disposed along the freestanding gathered edge; a pair of upright gathers constituting the upright gathered portion of the barrier cuff strip; - a pair of longitudinally extending leg cuffs symmetrically positioned along the first and second side edges, each leg cuff being positioned transversely outward of an upstanding gathered portion of a corresponding barrier cuff strip; Equipped with Each leg cuff is - a leg cuff portion of a corresponding nonwoven barrier cuff strip, the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip extending transversely between an upstanding gathered hinge line and a leg cuff fold line along which the nonwoven barrier cuff strip is folded to form a leg cuff fold, the leg cuff fold line extending longitudinally and dividing the leg cuff portion of the barrier cuff strip into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together forming the leg cuff fold; - a plurality of spaced apart pretensioned elastic elements extending longitudinally inward of the leg cuff fold and attached between the first and second portions of the leg cuff fold; - a side portion of the outer cover layer overlapping the leg cuff portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip, the side portion of the outer cover layer being joined to the leg cuff fold, the side edge of the side portion of the outer cover layer being spaced apart from the leg cuff fold line; It is equipped with:
[0007] The articles disclosed herein may be in the form of open-type diapers comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.
[0008] The open-type diaper disclosed herein comprises a pair of side flaps disposed on one of the first or second waist edges, each side flap extending transversely from a proximal attached end to a free distal end, and a fastener disposed at the distal end of the side flap.
[0009] The open-type diaper may alternatively be a belted diaper that is closed by connecting the ends of a belt provided at the waist edge of the article.
[0010] The absorbent articles disclosed herein may be disposable articles intended to be discarded after a single use, or may be absorbent inserts configured for use with a reusable holder, typically incorporating fastening means for fastening the absorbent article / holder combination in a panty-like fashion around the torso of the wearer of the article.
[0011] The absorbent article disclosed herein is configured to be worn around a wearer's lower body and includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween. A nonwoven outer cover layer is layered on top of the backsheet on the outer surface of the absorbent article. A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips are attached to the topsheet along upright gather hinge lines that divide the barrier cuff strips into upright gathered portions and leg cuff portions. The upright gathered portions of the barrier cuff strips form part of a pair of elasticized upright gathers. The leg cuff portions of the barrier cuff strips form part of a pair of leg cuffs positioned outside the upright gathers. A first portion of the leg cuff portion of each nonwoven barrier cuff strip is folded over a second portion of the leg cuff portion of the barrier cuff strip along a leg cuff fold line, forming a leg cuff fold between the first and second portions of the leg cuff portion of the barrier cuff strip. Each leg cuff fold contains a plurality of spaced apart pretensioned elastic elements extending inwardly of the leg cuff fold and attached between the first and second leg cuff fold portions. The side portions of the outer cover layer overlap the leg cuff portions of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip and are joined directly or indirectly to the leg cuff folds, with the side edges of the outer cover layer side portions positioned a certain distance from the leg cuff fold lines. By positioning the outer cover layer away from the leg cuff fold lines, there is no free edge of material at the outermost, i.e., outer leg cuff side edges, which may make the leg cuffs feel softer.
[0012] The distance between the side portions of the outer cover layer and the fold lines of the leg cuffs may be at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, and most preferably at least 10 mm.
[0013] The absorbent article has a nonwoven outer cover layer laminated on a liquid-impermeable backsheet to form the outer fabric-like surface of the absorbent article. The side portions of the nonwoven outer cover layer can extend transversely outside the liquid-impermeable backsheet. Alternatively, the nonwoven outer cover and the backsheet can have the same width. In the latter case, the nonwoven outer cover and the backsheet can be laminated together in advance, or, if the width of the backsheet is narrower than the width of the nonwoven outer cover, they can be laminated in-line during the manufacture of the absorbent article.
[0014] When the liquid impervious backsheet and outer cover layer have equal widths, they can be positioned so that their side edges are equidistant from the leg cuff fold lines, which are the outer leg cuff side edges, by at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, and most preferably at least 10 mm.
[0015] A pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips are disposed, with the upright gathered portion of each barrier cuff strip forming a portion of the upright gathers and the leg cuff portion of each barrier cuff strip forming a portion of an elastic leg cuff, the leg cuffs being disposed transversely outward of the upright gathers, and each barrier cuff strip is attached to the topsheet along an upright gather hinge line, which divides the barrier cuff strip into the upright gathered portion and the leg cuff portion.
[0016] The barrier cuff strips are attached directly to the topsheet along the upstanding gathered hinge lines without any intervening components between the barrier cuff strips and the topsheet.
[0017] The articles disclosed herein are gentle on the skin and comfortable to wear because all body-contacting surfaces are constructed from soft nonwoven fabric. The leg cuffs are particularly soft due to pretensioned elastic elements located within the leg cuff folds, forming the leg cuff's folded outer edge. The spaced apart pretensioned elastic elements cause the nonwoven fabric at the leg cuff folds to contract, creating soft, airy, and evenly distributed wrinkles on the surface of the leg cuff. The wrinkled elastic portions of the leg cuffs act as a cushioning distance between the wearer's body and the elastic elements. Thus, under the influence of the contraction forces from the elastic elements distributed across the width of each leg cuff, the leg cuff portions of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip form soft, bulky, yet highly conforming leg cuffs.
[0018] When the article is worn, the upper leg cuff folds become the portions of the leg cuff folds that face the wearer and the lower leg cuff folds become the portions of the leg cuff folds that face the garment.
[0019] A first portion of each barrier cuff strip may be folded back along a fold line of the leg cuff at the wearer's side of the absorbent article, and in this folded configuration, the first portion of the barrier cuff strip is folded over and joined to the second portion of the barrier cuff strip at the wearer's side of the absorbent article.
[0020] Alternatively, the first portion of each barrier cuff strip may be folded back along the fold line of the leg cuff on the garment-facing side of the absorbent article. In this folded configuration, the first portion of the barrier cuff strip is folded under the second portion of the barrier cuff strip and joined to the second portion of the barrier cuff strip on the garment-facing side of the absorbent article. In such a configuration, an inner portion of the first portion of the leg cuff portion of each barrier cuff strip overlaps the liquid-permeable topsheet, and the leg cuff edges of the leg cuff portions of the barrier cuff strip are positioned transversely inward relative to the side edges of the topsheet. The leg cuff edges of the leg cuff portions of the barrier cuff strip may be positioned between the second portion of the leg cuff and the topsheet or between the topsheet and the backsheet.
[0021] The side edges of the side portions of the outer cover layer are spaced transversely from the leg cuff fold lines. Leg edge portions of the leg cuff folds located between the side edges of the side portions of the outer cover layer and the leg cuff fold lines may accommodate two or more elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements of the leg cuff folds. The leg edge portions of each leg cuff fold extending transversely outward from the corresponding side edges of the side portions of the outer cover layer constitute portions of the leg cuffs that are more susceptible to deformation than portions of the leg cuffs where the leg cuff folds are attached to the outer cover layer and / or the liquid-impermeable backsheet. This allows the nonwoven material of the leg edge portions of the leg cuffs to gather longitudinally with a lower contraction force than that required to achieve the same degree of gathering in portions of the leg cuffs where the leg cuff folds are attached to the outer cover layer and / or the liquid-impermeable backsheet. Additionally, the leg edge portions of the leg cuffs are more transversely compressible than the portions of the leg cuffs where the leg cuff folds are attached to the outer cover layer and / or the liquid impermeable backsheet, thereby providing transverse compressibility for the leg cuffs and contributing to cushioning of the wearer's legs.
[0022] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the leg cuffs may be relatively wide. Each leg cuff may be stretchable across a majority of its width by a plurality of elastic elements. The width of the leg cuff may be in the range of 20 to 60 millimeters, preferably 30 to 60 millimeters. The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements may be distributed across an area of the leg cuff having a width of at least 40% of the width of the leg cuff, preferably at least 50% of the width of the leg cuff.
[0023] In the absorbent article disclosed herein, the plurality of elastic elements may be composed of at least 3 elastic elements, preferably at least 4 elastic elements, and may be composed of 3 to 15 elastic elements, preferably 4 to 10 elastic elements, more preferably 5 to 10 elastic elements, and most preferably 5 to 7 elastic elements.
[0024] The elastic element may be an elastic thread, an elastic cord, or an elastic band.
[0025] The elastic elements in the plurality of elastic elements within each leg cuff may be spaced transversely at intervals of 1 to 8 millimeters, preferably 3 to 8 millimeters. The elastic elements may be evenly spaced throughout the stretchable region of the leg cuff or may be spaced at different intervals across the width of the leg cuff. For example, the elastic elements may be spaced closer together in the inner portion of the leg cuff than in the outer portion to provide a closer fit in the inner portion of the leg cuff.
[0026] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the elastic portion of each leg cuff may have a width, measured in the transverse direction between the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements and the innermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements, of 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters, preferably 20 millimeters to 35 millimeters.
[0027] In the leg cuffs of the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the elastic portion of each leg cuff has a width of 20 millimeters to 60 millimeters measured in the transverse direction between the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements and the innermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements, the number of elastic elements in the elastic portion of the leg cuff is in the range of 4 to 7, and the spacing between the elastic elements is 4 to 6 millimeters.
[0028] The leg cuff folds may be positioned so as not to overlap the topsheet. If the transverse widths of the backsheet and the outer cover layer are the same, the leg cuff folds may be directly attached to the liquid-impermeable backsheet. If the transverse extent of the outer cover layer is greater than that of the backsheet, the leg cuff folds may be directly attached to the outer cover layer. Thus, the outer cover layer may be directly joined to the leg cuff folds without any intervening components, or may be indirectly joined to the leg cuff folds by being joined to an intervening backsheet. By not using a topsheet to directly or indirectly join the leg cuff folds to the outer cover layer, the number of material layers and interlayer joints in the inner portion of each leg cuff may be reduced. This may avoid a decrease in the flexibility and fit of the inner portion of the leg cuff.
[0029] Alternatively, the leg cuff folds may be positioned to overlap the topsheet, which reduces the risk of the leg cuff folds becoming detached and exposing the elastic.
[0030] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, all or substantially all of the elastic elements in each leg cuff fold may be located in an outer portion of the leg cuff fold that does not overlap with the liquid impermeable backsheet, thereby providing the elastic portions of the leg cuffs with excellent breathability, flexibility, and contractility.
[0031] The nonwoven material used for the outer cover and barrier cuff strips may include one or more spunbond layers and, optionally, one or more meltblown layers. The nonwoven material of the nonwoven barrier strips may be different from the nonwoven material of the outer cover that forms the leg cuff folds. The nonwoven barrier cuff strips may be formed from a relatively high loft material. The basis weight of the material comprising the nonwoven barrier strips is 10 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 The nonwoven material may range from 0.1 to 1.0 mm. The nonwoven material may be made from thermoplastic polymer fibers or filaments such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven material may be formed by a variety of processes, including spunbonding, airlaying, meltblowing, and bonded carded web formation. The nonwoven layer may be composed of a laminate of nonwoven materials, such as SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond) nonwoven materials and SS (spunbond / spunbond) nonwoven materials. The thermoplastic polymer material comprising the nonwoven layer may be polypropylene, bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or a mixture of these materials. The nonwoven barrier strip is preferably composed of a hydrophobic material. The nonwoven barrier cuff strip may be a single layer of nonwoven material.
[0032] The pretensioned elastic element(s) disposed along the free-standing gathered edge of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip may be disposed at the folded-over portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip at the free-standing gathered edge. The pretensioned elastic element(s) in the upright gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip may consist of any suitable number of pretensioned elastic elements. However, the pretensioned elastic element(s) are preferably one, two, or three elastic elements disposed parallel to each other along the edge of the upright gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip. The spacing between the elastic elements in the upright gathered portion of the nonwoven barrier cuff strip may be 2 to 5 millimeters. The elastic elements may be in the form of one or more elastic threads, strings, or bands.
[0033] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements in the leg cuff portion of each barrier cuff strip can be attached between the first and second leg cuff fold portions by adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the elastic elements, such that the first and second leg cuff fold portions are indirectly joined to one another via the elastic elements. Alternatively, or in addition, adhesive can be applied to one or both of the first and second leg cuff fold portions.
[0034] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, one or more elastic elements disposed at an inner portion of each leg cuff fold may have a greater tensile resistance than one or more elastic elements disposed at an outer portion of the leg cuff fold. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more elastic elements disposed at an inner portion of the leg cuff fold may be spaced closer together than the elastic elements disposed at the outer portion of the leg cuff fold.
[0035] The one or more elastic elements disposed in the inner portion of each leg cuff fold may have a linear density (dtex) greater than the linear density of the one or more elastic elements disposed in the outer portion of the leg cuff fold.
[0036] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements in each leg cuff are preferably adapted so that the outermost elastic element of the plurality of elastic elements is positioned within 5 millimeters of the fold line of the leg cuff fold, preferably within 3 millimeters of the fold line of the leg cuff fold, and most preferably within 1 millimeter of the fold line of the leg cuff. The outermost elastic element of each leg cuff may be positioned such that there is no distance between the fold line of the leg cuff fold and the outermost elastic element.
[0037] The leg cuffs of the absorbent articles disclosed herein have clear, neat, and distinct features that allow easy visual identification of the absorbent article. In conventional absorbent articles, leg cuffs are typically located between the transversely extending side portions of the topsheet and the backsheet, or between the side portions of upright gathered material and the backsheet. This configuration results in unsightly wrinkled, relatively stiff, and chafing side edges on the transversely outer side of the elastic elements. When wearing an article with such non-stretchable side portions, it is necessary to ensure that the side portions are folded over, and to avoid placing the article on the wearer with the elastic side portions folded over the absorbent body. Wearing the article with the elastic side portions folded over can result in a poor fit and ultimately lead to leakage of body fluids from the article.
[0038] The absorbent articles disclosed herein have soft, corrugated, lofty, and well-defined leg cuffs that automatically position themselves correctly when the wearer puts on the article, without requiring any special attention or manipulation. The elastic leg cuffs conform to the wearer's skin, creating a highly comfortable, form-fitting, leak-proof outer barrier. By distributing the elastic elements across the entire width of the leg cuffs, the risk of the leg cuffs exerting unnecessary pressure on the wearer's skin is significantly reduced or completely eliminated.
[0039] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the side edges of the outer nonwoven cover layer are positioned inward of the leg cuff fold lines of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips in the cross direction, and by avoiding the outer nonwoven cover layer extending up to the leg cuff fold lines or laterally outboard of the leg cuff fold lines, the side edges of the absorbent article's leg cuffs are defined by the soft, elastically deformable folded edges of the leg cuff folds.
[0040] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the outer nonwoven cover layer and / or liquid-impermeable backsheet may be attached to the leg cuff folds by adhesive uniformly distributed in the attachment area between the outer nonwoven cover layer and / or liquid-impermeable backsheet and the leg cuff folds, or by uniformly distributed thermal or ultrasonic bonding. Thus, the adhesive is preferably uniformly distributed throughout the attachment area between the leg cuff portions of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips and the tops of the side portions of the outer cover layer and / or backsheet. The adhesive may be applied by any suitable technique, such as slot coating.
[0041] The corrugations formed in the leg cuff by the elastic elements are visible on both the inner, wearer side and the outer, garment side of the leg cuff. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0042] The absorbent articles disclosed herein are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0043] [Figure 1] 1 shows a plan view of a stretched absorbent article in the form of a diaper, viewed from the side intended to face the wearer when the diaper is in use. [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross section of the diaper taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 shows leg cuff details. [Figure 4] 10 shows details of an alternative leg cuff. [Figure 5] 10 shows details of an alternative leg cuff. [Figure 6] 10 shows details of an alternative leg cuff. [Figure 7] 2 shows a perspective view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1 ready to be donned by a wearer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Various aspects of the absorbent articles disclosed herein are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the absorbent articles defined in the claims.
[0045] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components, such as layers of material, are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0046] Referring to Figure 1, an absorbent article 1 in the form of an open diaper is shown. In Figure 1, the absorbent article 1 is shown in an unfolded, flat state, with all elastic elements and components in a stretched state, giving the absorbent article 1 a generally two-dimensional appearance. Figure 1 shows the absorbent article as viewed from the inner surface facing the wearer. Measurements of distances and dimensions of the actual absorbent article should be taken with the absorbent article fully stretched and ungathered, as shown in Figure 1.
[0047] The pant-type article 1 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T.
[0048] The absorbent article 1 has a first waist edge 2 and a second waist edge 4, and a first side edge 6 and a second side edge 8. The first waist edge 2 of the absorbent article 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a rear waist edge, and the second waist edge 4 of the absorbent article 1 is a front waist edge. The first waist edge 2 and the second waist edge 4 extend in a transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1, and the side edges 6, 8 extend in a longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 can be divided in the longitudinal direction L into a front portion 3, a rear portion 5, and a crotch portion 7 located between the front portion 3 and the rear portion 5.
[0049] The absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet 9 and a liquid-impermeable backsheet 10. An absorbent core 11 is disposed between the topsheet 9 and the backsheet 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the topsheet 9 has a topsheet first side edge 9' and a topsheet second side edge 9", and the backsheet 10 has a backsheet first side edge 10' and a backsheet second side edge 10".
[0050] The absorbent article 1 further comprises a nonwoven outer cover layer 18 which covers the backsheet 10 and forms the outer surface of the absorbent article 1 .
[0051] The pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are arranged extending in the longitudinal direction L, with one barrier cuff strip 21, 22 symmetrically arranged on either side of a longitudinal centerline Lc perpendicular to the transverse centerline Lt. Each nonwoven barrier cuff strip 21, 22 has an upright gathered portion 21', 22' defined between a free-standing gathered edge 23, 24 extending in the longitudinal direction L and an upright gathered hinge line 25, 26 also extending in the longitudinal direction L. A pair of elastic upright gathers 29, 30 constituting the upright gathered portions 21', 22' of the barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are arranged on the topsheet 9.
[0052] Each barrier cuff strip 21, 22 is attached directly to the topsheet 9 along an upstanding gathered hinge line 25, 26 and has one or more pretensioned elastic elements 27, 28 disposed along the free-standing gathered edge 23, 24. The elastic elements may be elastic cords, threads, or bands disposed at intervals along the free-standing gathered edge 23, 24. In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, the number of elastic elements 27, 28 disposed along the free-standing gathered edge 23, 24 is typically one, two, or three. The elastic elements 27, 28 are generally disposed parallel to one another at intervals of 2 to 5 millimeters, with the outermost elastic elements disposed at the free-standing gathered edge 23, 24.
[0053] The absorbent article 1 further comprises a pair of leg cuffs 31, 32 extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged symmetrically along the first side edge 6 and the second side edge 8, each of which is arranged outside the upright gathered portions 21', 22' of the corresponding barrier cuff strips 21, 22.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 2 , each leg cuff 31, 32 includes a corresponding leg cuff portion 21″, 22″ of the corresponding barrier cuff strip 21, 22. The leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are defined in the transverse direction T between the upstanding gathered hinge lines 25, 26 and leg cuff fold lines 36, 38 about which the nonwoven barrier cuff strips 21, 22 are folded. Leg cuff folds 35, 37 are formed between the first portions 21a, 22a and the second portions 21b, 22b of the leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ of the barrier cuff strips 21, 22. The leg edges of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 are aligned with the side edges 6, 8 and fold lines 36, 38 of the absorbent article 1. The width W of the leg cuff is defined in the transverse direction T between the leg edges of the leg cuff folds 35,37 and the upstanding gathered hinge lines 25,26.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first portion 21a, 22a of the leg cuff portion 21″, 22″ of each barrier cuff strip is on top of the leg cuff fold 35, 37, is folded back along the leg cuff fold lines 36, 38, and is attached to the second portion 21b, 22b of the leg cuff portion 21″, 22″ of the barrier cuff strip 21, 22 on the wearer's side of the absorbent article 1.
[0056] In the alternative folding variation shown in Figures 3-5, the first portion 21a, 22a of the leg cuff portion 21", 22" of each barrier cuff strip is underneath the leg cuff fold 35, 37, folded back along the leg cuff fold lines 36, 38, and attached to the second portion 21b, 22b of the leg cuff portion 21", 22" of the barrier cuff strip 21, 22 on the garment-facing side of the absorbent article 1.
[0057] A plurality of spaced apart pretensioned elastic elements 41, 42 are disposed in each leg cuff fold 35, 37. The elastic elements 41, 42 extend in the longitudinal direction L inside the leg cuff fold 35, 37 and are attached, for example by adhesive, between the first portion 21 a, 22 a and the second portion 21 b, 22 b of the leg cuff fold 35, 37.
[0058] The side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 extend outward in the transverse direction T on each side of the absorbent core 11 and overlap the leg cuff portions 21″, 22″ of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips 21, 22. The side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are joined to corresponding leg cuff folds 35, 37, and the side edges 51, 52 of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 are positioned a distance d1 from the leg cuff fold lines 36, 38.
[0059] The portions of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 located transversely outward of the side edges 51, 52 of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18 constitute leg edge portions 53, 54 of the leg cuff folds 35, 37. The leg edge portions 53, 54 of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 each accommodate two of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 within the respective leg cuff folds 35, 37. The leg edge portions 53, 54 are softer and more conformable than the portions of the leg cuffs 31, 31 located transversely between the upstanding gathered hinge lines 25, 26 and the side edges 51, 52 of the side portions 33, 34 of the outer cover layer 18. This allows the nonwoven material of the leg edge portions 53, 54 to be gathered in the longitudinal direction L with a lower contraction force than would be required to achieve the same degree of gathering in the portions of the leg cuffs where the leg cuff folds are attached to the outer cover layer and / or liquid-impermeable backsheet. Furthermore, while the elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg edge portions 53, 54 resist complete collapse of the nonwoven material of the leg edge portions 53, 54, the leg edge portions 53, 54 of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 have a higher compressibility in the transverse direction T than the portions of the leg cuffs where the leg cuff folds are attached to the outer cover layer and / or liquid-impermeable backsheet. This allows the leg edge portions of the leg cuffs to provide compressibility in the transverse direction of the leg cuffs, contributing to cushioning of the wearer's legs.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a portion of an absorbent article with leg cuff 32 disposed along second side edge 8. A plurality of elastic elements 42, represented by five individual elastic elements, are disposed at leg cuff fold 37 at a spacing d2. As noted above, the upright gather / leg cuff arrangement shown in FIG. 3 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, the only difference being that first portion 22a of leg cuff portion 22" of barrier cuff strip 22 forms the lower portion of leg cuff fold 37 rather than the upper portion, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0061] The upright gather / leg cuff configuration shown in Figure 4 has the same leg cuff fold configuration as Figure 3, but differs from the upright gather / leg cuff configuration of Figure 3 in that the leg cuff fold 37 has four elastic elements 42 instead of five. This difference in the number of elastic elements indicates that the number of elastic elements can vary within the ranges disclosed herein, for example, depending on the size of the article.
[0062] Although the elastic elements are shown as being equally spaced and distributed across the width of the leg cuff, the spacing d2 can be varied as disclosed herein to, for example, produce a closer fit at the inner portion of the leg cuff than at the leg edge portions of the leg cuff. Additionally, as disclosed herein, the linear density of the elastic elements, and therefore generally the diameter of the elastic elements, can also be varied in different portions of the leg cuff.
[0063] A further difference between the upright gathers / leg cuff configuration shown in FIG. 4 and the upright gathers / leg cuff configuration shown in FIG. 3 is that the backsheet 10 in the embodiment of FIG. 4 has the same width as the outer cover layer 18, and the second side edge 10" of the backsheet 10 is positioned the same distance d1 from the outer leg cuff side edge 44 as the side edge 52 of the outer cover layer 18. This configuration of the backsheet 10 and outer cover layer 18 can be advantageous in manufacturing the absorbent articles disclosed herein because it allows the backsheet and outer cover layer to be manufactured separately as a liner laminate that is applied as a single, integrated component.
[0064] The upright gather / leg cuff configuration shown in FIG. 5 has the same leg cuff fold configuration as FIG. 4, but differs from the upright gather / leg cuff configuration of FIG. 4 in that the leg cuff fold 37 has five elastic elements 42. Furthermore, the leg cuff edge of the first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22" of the barrier cuff strip 22 is positioned below the liquid permeable topsheet 9. In this position, the liquid permeable topsheet 9 and the topsheet's second side edge 9" overlap a portion of the first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22" of the barrier cuff strip 22. The topsheet and the first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22" are joined to each other at the overlapping portions by a longitudinal seal (not shown). The first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22" may further be joined to the liquid impermeable backsheet 10.
[0065] The upright gather / leg cuff configuration shown in FIG. 6 has the same leg cuff fold configuration as FIG. 5, but differs in that the leg cuff edge of the first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22″ of the barrier cuff strip 22 is disposed on top of the liquid-permeable topsheet 9. In other words, a portion of the first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22″ is disposed between the topsheet 9 and the second portion 22b of the leg cuff portion 22″. The topsheet 9 and the first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22″ are joined to each other at their overlapping portions by a longitudinal seal (not shown). The first portion 22a of the leg cuff portion 22″ may be further attached to the second portion 22b of the leg cuff portion 22″.
[0066] In Figures 5 and 6, the widths of the liquid impervious backsheet 9 and the nonwoven outer cover are the same, but the widths may differ due to the overlap of the topsheet 9 and the leg cuff portions 22a.
[0067] In all embodiments, the width of the leg cuffs 31, 32 may range from 20 to 60 millimeters, and the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 may be distributed over an area of each leg cuff having a width of at least 40% of the width of the leg cuff, preferably at least 50% of the width of the leg cuff. The width of the elasticized portions of the leg cuffs 31, 32 may range from 20 to 40 millimeters.
[0068] The elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in each leg cuff 31, 32 may be suitably attached between the first portion 21a and the second portion 22a, 21b, 22b of the leg cuff fold 35, 37 by adhesive. The adhesive may be applied to the elastic elements and / or one or both of the first portion 21a, 22a and the second portion 21b, 22b of the leg cuff fold 35, 37. Alternatively, the elastic elements may be secured to the leg cuff fold 35, 37 by heat welding or ultrasonic welding, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2021 / 037352 A1.
[0069] The elastic elements may be elastic threads, bands, strings, etc. All of the elastic elements may be of the same type and have the same elastic properties. Alternatively, one or more elastic elements located on the inner portions of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 may have a greater tensile resistance than one or more elastic elements located on the outer portions of the leg cuff folds 35, 37. As an example, the elastic elements on the leg edge portions 53, 54 of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 may have a lower tensile resistance than the other elastic elements of the leg cuff folds 35, 37.
[0070] One or more elastic elements in the inner portions of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 may have a higher linear density (dtex) than the linear density of one or more elastic elements located in the outer portions of the leg cuff folds 35, 37. As an example, the linear density of the elastic elements in the leg edge portions 53, 54 of the leg cuff folds 35, 37 may be lower than the linear density of other elastic elements in the leg cuff folds 35, 37.
[0071] 1 , a first side flap 12 is disposed at the rear waist edge 2 of the rear portion 5 of the absorbent article 1 and extends from the first side edge 6 in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1, and a second side flap 13 is disposed at the rear waist edge 2 of the rear portion 5 and extends from the second side edge 8 in the transverse direction T of the absorbent article 1. The first side flap 12 and the second side flap 13 are fastening flaps and include fasteners 14, 15 for fastening the absorbent article 1 around the lower body of a wearer in a pant-like configuration. Such fastening flaps are an optional feature of the absorbent articles disclosed herein, such as pant-type diapers or belt-type diapers.
[0072] The first and second side flaps 12, 13 must be securely fastened along the side edges 6, 8 so that they do not detach from the absorbent article when tensioned and subjected to lateral pulling forces during donning. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 may be made of any suitable material known in the art, such as a fibrous nonwoven. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 may be elastic or elastically stretchable at least in the transverse direction of the absorbent article 1. The first and second side flaps 12, 13 may be breathable and are preferably soft and pliable to provide good conformability and comfort.
[0073] The first and second side flaps 12, 13 shown in Figures 1 and 7 are provided with fastening elements 14, 15, which may be selected from any suitable type of fastening element, such as adhesive fasteners or mechanical fasteners. A common type of mechanical fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0074] 1 and 7, the fastening elements 14, 15 are shown as hook-type fasteners, i.e., fasteners having multiple protruding elements that can engage with a corresponding loop-type fastener, such as a loop-type nonwoven material. The loop-type fasteners may be provided on a portion of the nonwoven outer cover layer 18 that overlies the backsheet 10 on the outer, garment-facing surface of the absorbent article 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, a dedicated fastener-receiving area 20 formed by a fastener-receiving material may be located on the outer, garment-facing surface of the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1.
[0075] The fastening elements 14, 15 may be adhesive fastener tapes arranged to be attached to a receiving area located on the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1. As a further option, the first and second side flaps 12, 13 may be arranged to be attached to third and fourth side flaps located on opposite waist edges. Furthermore, the first and second side flaps 12, 13 may have a transverse extension large enough that the first and second side flaps 12, 13 can be fastened to each other like a belt. Furthermore, in a hook-and-loop fastening configuration, it may be understood that the hook-type fastening elements are arranged on the receiving surface and the loop-type fastening elements are arranged on the first and / or second side flaps.
[0076] The illustrated third and fourth side flaps 16 and 17 are optional in the absorbent articles disclosed herein. The third and fourth side flaps 16 and 17 may be made of generally the same material as the first and second side flaps 12 and 13. However, it is not suitable to use an elastic material for the third and fourth side flaps 16 and 17. In the absorbent article 1 of FIGS. 1 and 7, the third and fourth side flaps 16 and 17 are positioning flaps that function as gripping members when applying the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1 to the wearer's abdomen.
[0077] As best shown in Figure 1, the plurality of elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 preferably extend only along the portions of the side edges 6, 8 that are located between the first side edge flap 12 and the third side edge 16 for the first side edge 6, and between the second side edge flap 13 and the fourth side edge 15 for the second side edge 8. This means that the major portions of the leg cuffs 31, 32 are located in the crotch region 7 of the absorbent article 1. Similarly, the elastic elements 27, 28 in the upright gathers 29, 30 are preferably positioned as shown in Figure 1 so that the elastic elements 27, 28 do not extend all the way to the end edges 2, 4 of the absorbent article 1. The non-elasticated portions of the upright gathers 29, 30 are secured to the topsheet along securing lines 39. As a result, under the influence of the elastic force of the elastic elements 27, 28, the portion of the absorbent article 1 located between the upright gathers 29, 30 takes on a pouch-like usage form in the crotch region 7 as shown in FIG.
[0078] The absorbent article 1 shown in Figures 1 and 7 may further include, as an option, a waist elastic member 18. The waist elastic member 19 is disposed at the rear waist edge 2 and extends transversely along only a portion of the rear waist edge 2. Any type of waist elastic member known in the art may be used. Additionally, the absorbent article 1 may also include a waist elastic member in the front portion 3 of the absorbent article 1.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the absorbent article 1 is removed from the package and folded in preparation for application to a wearer, the upright gathers 29, 30 are lifted from the topsheet 9 as a result of the contractile forces exerted on the free-standing gathered edges 23, 24 by the pretensioned elastic elements 27, 28 disposed on the upright gathers 29, 30. The elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 gather the nonwoven material in the leg cuff folds 35, 37, thereby forming fluffy, breathable leg cuffs 31, 32 with a wide, skin-contacting inner surface across which the contractile forces from the elastic elements 41, 42 in the leg cuffs 31, 32 are distributed. The leg cuffs 31, 32 are elastically compressible in the thickness direction. Additionally, due to the presence of the leg edge portions 53, 54, the leg cuffs 31, 32 are also elastically compressible in the lateral, or transverse, direction. Thus, the leg cuffs fit comfortably against the wearer's legs, with little or no chafing or other discomfort caused by the leg cuffs.
[0080] Further, as shown in Figure 7, the wide, generally band-shaped elastic leg cuffs 31, 32 are bulky, shape-stable and self-correcting when the absorbent article is placed on the wearer.
[0081] The absorbent core 11 is disposed between the topsheet 9 and the backsheet 10 and is configured to absorb liquids, such as urine and other bodily fluids, that pass through the topsheet 9. The absorbent core 11 may have a single-layer or laminated structure. The absorbent core 11 may comprise any conventional material suitable for absorbing excreted bodily waste, such as cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials including hydrogel foam materials, and nonwoven materials. The absorbent core may also include non-absorbent components, such as stiffening elements, molding elements, and binders. Various types of liquid-receiving and liquid-distribution materials may also be included in the core.
[0082] The absorbent core 11 may be a three-dimensional core with varying absorbent content in different regions. The core may have features such as embossing, liquid acquisition cavities, or liquid distribution channels. The absorbent core may also have different characteristics such as density, absorbent content, and absorbent capacity in different regions. The absorbent core 11 may include a core cover in which an absorbent material is sandwiched between an upper core cover layer and a lower core cover layer. Such a core cover may be made of tissue or nonwoven material and is provided in addition to the topsheet 9 and backsheet 10.
[0083] The liquid-permeable topsheet 9 can include or consist of a nonwoven material. Other suitable topsheet materials include tow fibers, porous foams, apertured plastic films, laminates, and combinations of these materials. The optimal topsheet material is soft, non-irritating to the skin, readily permeable to body fluids, and exhibits low rewetting of absorbed body fluids.
[0084] The liquid impervious backsheet 10 can be any conventional liquid impervious material, such as a thin plastic film (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene film). The backsheet material can be breathable to allow vapors to escape from the absorbent body while preventing liquid penetration. [Explanation of symbols]
[0085] 1. Absorbent articles 2. First West Edge 3 Front part 4 Second West Edge 5 Rear part 6 First Side Edge 7 Crotch area 8 Second Side Edge 9 Topsheet 9´ Topsheet first side edge 9" topsheet second side edge 10 Back Seat 10´ Backsheet first side edge 10" Backsheet Second Side Edge 11 Absorption Core 12 First side flap 13 Second side flap 14, 15 Zipper 18 outer cover layer 21, 22 Barrier cuff strips 21´, 22´ standing gathered part 21" and 22" leg cuffs 21a, 22a First part 21b, 22b Second part 23, 24 Gathered edge 25, 26 Gathered hinge line 27, 28, 41, 42 Elastic elements 29, 30 Elastic upright gathers 31, 32 Leg cuffs 33, 34 Side part 35, 37 Leg cuff fold 36, 38 Leg cuff fold lines 39 Fixed line 51, 52 Side Edge 53, 54 Leg edge part
Claims
1. An absorbent article (1) having a first waist edge (2) and a second waist edge (4) extending in a transverse direction (T) of the absorbent article (1), and a first side edge (6) and a second side edge (8) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the absorbent article (1), a liquid-permeable topsheet (9), a liquid-impermeable backsheet (10); an absorbent core (11) placed between said topsheet (9) and said backsheet (10); - an outer cover layer (18) of nonwoven fabric covering the backsheet (10) and forming the outer surface of the absorbent article (1); a pair of nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and symmetrically arranged with one barrier cuff strip (21, 22) on each side of a longitudinal centerline (Lc), each nonwoven barrier cuff strip (21, 22) comprising an upright gathered portion (21', 22') and a leg cuff portion (21', 22'), the upright gathered portion (21', 22') being a free-standing gathered portion extending in the longitudinal direction (L); nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) defined between free-standing gathered edges (23, 24) and upstanding gathered hinge lines (25, 26) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), the barrier cuff strips (21, 22) being attached to the topsheet (9) along the upstanding gathered hinge lines (25, 26) and having one or more pretensioned elastic elements (27, 28) disposed along the free-standing gathered edges (23, 24); a pair of upright gathers (29, 30) constituting the upright gathered portions (21', 22') of the barrier cuff strips (21, 22); a pair of leg cuffs (31, 32) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and symmetrically arranged along the first side edge (6) and the second side edge (8), each of the leg cuffs (31, 32) being arranged outward in the transverse direction (T) from the upright gathered portions (21', 22') of the corresponding barrier cuff strips (21, 22); In an absorbent article (1) comprising: Each of the leg cuffs (31, 32) comprises: - leg cuff portions (21", 22") of corresponding nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22), the leg cuff portions (21", 22") of said nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) being aligned with said upstanding gathered hinge lines (25, 26) and leg cuff fold lines (36, 38) along which the nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are folded to form leg cuff folds (35, 37). and the leg cuff fold lines (36, 38) extend in the longitudinal direction (L) and divide the leg cuff portions of the barrier cuff strips (21, 22) into first portions (21a, 22a) and second portions (21b, 22b), the first portions (21a, 22a) and second portions (21n, 22b) together forming the leg cuff folds (35, 37); a plurality of spaced apart pretensioned elastic elements (41, 42) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) inside the leg cuff folds (35, 37) and attached between the first (21 a, 22 a) and second (21 b, 22 b) parts of the leg cuff folds (35, 37); - side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) overlapping the leg cuff portions (21", 22") of the nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22), the side portions (33, 34) being joined to the leg cuff folds (35, 37), the side edges (51, 52) of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) being positioned at a distance (d1) from the leg cuff fold lines (36, 38); An absorbent article (1) comprising:
2. 2. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first portion (21a, 22a) of the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of each barrier cuff strip (21, 22) is folded back along the leg cuff fold line (36, 38) and attached to a second portion (21b, 22b) of the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of the barrier cuff strip (21, 22) on the wearer's side of the absorbent article (1).
3. 2. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first portion (21a, 22a) of the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of each barrier cuff strip (21, 22) is folded back along the leg cuff fold line (36, 38) and attached to a second portion (21b, 22b) of the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of the barrier cuff strip (21, 22) on a garment-facing side of the absorbent article (1).
4. 4. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 3, wherein an inner portion of the first portion (21a, 22a) of the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of each barrier cuff strip (21, 22) overlaps the liquid-permeable topsheet (9), and a leg cuff edge of the leg cuff portion (21", 22") of each barrier cuff strip (21, 22) is positioned inward in the transverse direction (T) relative to a side edge (9") of the topsheet (9).
5. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the leg edge portions (53, 54) of the respective leg cuff folds (35, 37) located between the side edges (51, 52) of the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18) and the leg cuff fold lines (36, 38) comprise two or more elastic elements among the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) in the leg cuff folds (35, 37).
6. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width (W) of each leg cuff (31, 32) measured in the transverse direction (T) from the upstanding gathered hinge lines (25, 26) to the leg cuff fold lines (36, 38) is in the range of 20 millimeters to 60 millimeters.
7. 7. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 6, wherein the elastic elements of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) in each leg cuff (31, 32) are distributed over an area of the leg cuff (31, 32) having a width in the transverse direction (T) that is at least 40% of the width (W) of the leg cuff (31, 32), preferably at least 50% of the width (W) of the leg cuff (31, 32).
8. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) in each leg cuff (31, 32) is constituted by at least three elastic elements, preferably at least four elastic elements.
9. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 8, wherein said elastic elements (41, 42) have a spacing (d2) in said transverse direction (T) ranging from 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably ranging from 3 mm to 8 mm.
10. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid impervious backsheet (10) and the nonwoven outer cover layer (18) have the same width in the transverse direction (T).
11. 11. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 10, wherein there is no overlap between the leg cuff folds (35, 37) and the topsheet, and the leg cuff folds (35, 37) are directly attached to the liquid impervious backsheet (10).
12. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonwoven outer cover layer (18) has a greater extent in the transverse direction (T) than the liquid impervious backsheet (10).
13. 13. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 12, wherein there is no overlap between the leg cuff folds (35, 37) and the topsheet (9), and the leg cuff folds (35, 37) are directly attached to the side portions (33, 34) of the outer cover layer (18).
14. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein all or substantially all of the plurality of elastic elements (41, 42) in each of the leg cuff folds (35, 37) are arranged in portions of the leg cuff folds (35, 37) that do not overlap with the liquid impermeable backsheet (10).
15. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the leg edge portions (53, 54) are arranged outside the liquid impervious backsheet (10) in the transverse direction (T).
16. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said nonwoven barrier cuff strips (21, 22) are a single layer of nonwoven material.
17. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic elements (41, 42) of the plurality of elastic elements are attached between the first (33', 33") and second (34', 34") portions of the leg cuff folds (35, 37) by adhesive.
18. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more elastic elements arranged in the inner portions of the leg cuff folds (35, 37) have a greater tensile resistance than one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer portions of the leg cuff folds (35, 37).
19. 19. The absorbent article (1) according to claim 18, wherein the linear density (dtex) of one or more elastic elements in the inner portions of the leg cuff folds (35, 37) is higher than the linear density of one or more elastic elements arranged in the outer portions of the leg cuff folds (35, 37).
20. The absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a pair of side flaps (12, 13) arranged on one of the first waist edge (2) or the second waist edge (4), each side flap (12, 13) extending in the transverse direction (T) from a proximal attached end to a free distal end, and comprising a fastener (14, 15) arranged at the distal end of the side flap (12, 13).