Disposable absorbent pants-type items

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent pants-type article (1). The article has a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse extension along the transverse direction (T). The article comprises a front section (3), a rear section (4), and a crotch section (5) located between the front and rear sections and connecting the front and rear sections. The absorbent assembly is positioned such that the center of the absorbent assembly is located in the crotch section. At least one of the front and rear sections comprises a first leg elastic member (25) located along a first leg edge (18) of at least one of the front and rear sections, and a second leg elastic member (26) located along a second leg edge (19) of at least one of the front and rear sections, each leg elastic member comprising one or more elastic elements that extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction. The first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between a first layer (4a) and a second layer (4b) contained in at least one of the front and rear sections, and the first and second layers are joined to each other. At least one of the front and rear sections further comprises a set of elastic twisted yarns (400a) that extend substantially or completely in the transverse direction of the article. The first leg elastic member ends at or near the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member ends at or near the second leg edge. This disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent pants-type article. This disclosure further relates to a laminated web material (501) and a method for forming the laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a disposable absorbent pants-type article.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent pants-type article comprising a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section located between the front and rear sections. This disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent pants-type article. This disclosure further relates to a laminated web material and a method for forming a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a disposable absorbent pants-type article. [Background technology]

[0002] In the technology of disposable absorbent pants, particularly in the technology of disposable absorbent pants intended for use by adult users, the articles must meet high requirements for absorbency and leak prevention, while simultaneously having a fit and comfort and an appearance similar to specially made underwear. Disposable absorbent articles are articles that are discarded after a single use and are not intended to be restored by washing or other means for repeated use.

[0003] This type of pant-style article is a relatively complex product involving multiple components that are assembled in a rapid process to form an absorbent article. Such components typically include nonwoven fabric components, barrier components, and elastic components, as well as an absorbent core which may be provided in the form of an absorbent assembly, the absorbent assembly including a barrier layer and a liquid-permeable top sheet enclosing the absorbent core together.

[0004] Yarn elastic laminations, formed by sandwiching pretensioned elastomer yarns between layers of web materials such as nonwoven web materials, are used to create pant-style garments with a body fit similar to that of high-quality woven underwear. Furthermore, it is common to place pretensioned elastic elements along all or selected portions of the waist and leg openings of the pant-style garment to enhance fit and leak protection.

[0005] Numerous methods are known for providing filamentous elastic laminations. Adhesive bonding methods involve the application of adhesive to bond pretensioned elastomer yarns between layers of web material. Welding bonding methods involve the application of welded joint patterns to bond pretensioned elastomer yarns between layers of web material. Welded joints can be fabricated by thermal or ultrasonic bonding. Furthermore, regardless of the bonding method used, requirements for the breathability, adaptability, and flexibility of the filamentous lamination impose other requirements on the bonding method, such as with respect to the size and distribution of the joint.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known that elastic members are provided along the waist and leg openings of disposable absorbent panty-type articles to meet high requirements for fit and comfort, while simultaneously meeting equally high requirements for absorbency and leak protection.

[0007] To manufacture disposable absorbent pants on an industrial scale, it is desirable that the elastic components can be supplied using cost-effective methods and at high production speeds, and that the product as a whole be suitable for manufacturing at high production speeds using efficient methods. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 09771 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3788997 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 106160 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 4025412 [Patent Document 5] European Patent No. 3519162 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, there is a continued need for improved or alternative fibrous elastic laminations in disposable absorbent panty-type articles, and a continued need for improved or alternative methods for forming such fibrous elastic laminations, as well as for methods for manufacturing disposable absorbent panty-type articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In a first embodiment, the need is fulfilled by a disposable absorbent pant-type article according to claim 1, thereby providing a disposable absorbent pant-type article such as a pant diaper, sanitary pant, or incontinence pant. The article has a longitudinal extension along its length and a transverse extension along its cross direction. The article comprises a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section located between the front and rear sections and connecting the front and rear sections. An absorbent assembly is positioned such that the center of the absorbent assembly is located in the crotch section. The front section is joined to the rear section by a first front section side edge being joined to a first rear section side edge at a first side seam and a second front section side edge being joined to a second rear section side edge at a second side seam, such that the article forms a waist opening defined by the waist edge of the front section and the waist edge of the rear section, a first leg opening defined by a first leg edge of the front section and the first leg edge of the rear section, and a second leg opening defined by a second leg edge of the front section and the second leg edge of the rear section. At least one of the front and rear sections comprises a first leg elastic member positioned along a first leg edge of at least one of the front and rear sections, and a second leg elastic member positioned along a second leg edge of at least one of the front and rear sections, each leg elastic member comprising one or more elastic elements that extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction. The first leg elastic member ends at or near the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member ends at or near the second leg edge.

[0011] Disposable absorbent pant-type articles can be adult incontinence articles, infant diapers, training pants, swim pants, disposable underwear, sanitary pants for female use, and the like. Disposable absorbent articles are articles intended to be discarded after a single use and not restored by washing or other means for repeated use. In the present disclosure, disposable absorbent pant-type articles may be referred to as "pant-type articles" or simply "articles".

[0012] The article has a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction and a transverse extension along the transverse direction. These two directions are perpendicular to each other. All measurements and percentages of distances and dimensions are provided assuming that the article is in a fully extended and not gathered state, that is, in an extended flat state.

[0013] The front region and the rear region can be formed by separate panels, that is, by a front body panel and a rear body panel. In that case, the crotch region is formed by a part of the absorbent assembly such that a part of the absorbent assembly spans the gap between the front body panel and the rear body panel.

[0014] Alternatively, the front region, the rear region, and the crotch region may be made from a chassis forming a single piece. It is also possible to form the front region and the crotch region as a single piece and have a separate panel for the rear region, or to form the rear region and the crotch region as a single piece and have a separate panel for the front region.

[0015] Optionally, the front region and the rear region can be formed to include no more than two layers of sheet material, which may be referred to as a lower layer and an upper layer.

[0016] In some variations, at least one of the lower and upper layers of the front and rear regions is formed by a respective single continuous material sheet. The absence of additional layers of web material can be advantageous in terms of breathability, comfort, sustainability, and economy. However, it may also be feasible for at least one of the front and rear regions to be formed by a combination panel of the type described herein.

[0017] The absorbent assembly typically includes an absorbent core. In that case, the absorbent assembly can include an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and a liquid-impermeable backsheet, with the absorbent core typically being sandwiched between the liquid-permeable topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backsheet. The absorbent core can have any useful shape, such as an hourglass shape, rectangular, T-shaped, etc., as is technically known.

[0018] The side seam can be a generally band-shaped joint formed by ultrasonic welding or thermal welding. The side seam generally has a width on the order of 5 to 10 millimeters in order for the pant-type article to have sufficient strength to withstand the forces to which the article is exposed during manufacture and to allow sufficient manufacturing tolerances when cutting an individual pant-type article from a precursor web. It is also known to make side seams with a width less than 5 mm.

[0019] It is generally desirable that a soiled pant-type article can be easily removed without having to pull the article down over the user's legs. For this reason, the side seam is generally made so that it can be broken by hand force to allow the user or caregiver to pull the side seam apart before removing the soiled pant-type article. The pant-type article can be a reclosable article, meaning that, for example, the side seam can be opened by hand to check whether the article needs to be soiled and replaced, and then the side seam can be closed again if it is determined that the article is in a state that allows further use. The reclosure ability is generally provided using a fastening element, such as a snap-fastener type fastener.

[0020] At least one of the front and rear sections comprises a first leg elastic member and a second leg elastic member. Thus, the rear section alone, the front section alone, or both the rear and front sections may comprise the first and second leg elastic members terminating at or near the leg edge, as disclosed herein.

[0021] The fact that the first and second leg elastic members extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction means that the leg elastic members are at least partially curved or inclined so that they span across the longitudinal extension. Each leg elastic member can form an angle of at least 10 degrees with the transverse direction over at least a portion of its longitudinal extension, for example, over at least 20% of the longitudinal extension of the leg elastic member. For example, each leg elastic member can form an angle of 10 to 80 degrees with the transverse direction over at least a portion of its longitudinal extension, for example, over at least 20% of the longitudinal extension of the leg elastic member. Thus, each leg elastic member can be a curved leg elastic member, such as those generally known in the art of absorbent articles.

[0022] A leg elastic member comprises one or more elastic elements, for example, in the form of a string, thread, twisted yarn, or band. The terms “elastic” and “elastomer” are used in parallel as used herein. Each leg elastic member may comprise a number of individual elastic elements, such as 2 to 15 individual elastic elements, 2 to 10 individual elastic elements, or 2 to 6 individual elastic elements. The individual elastic elements may be applied spaced apart from each other along the leg edge. The individual elastic elements may be positioned at equal distances from each other, or they may have varying spacings. Typically, the individual elastic elements in at least one of the front and rear sections are attached in a stretched state. Therefore, in a relaxed state, the individual elastic elements contract, typically causing localized wrinkles in at least one of the front and rear sections.

[0023] The first leg elastic member terminates at or near the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member terminates at or near the second leg edge. This allows the end of each leg elastic member to be positioned at the positive edge of the leg edge, for example, if the leg elastic member is fully attached to the material of at least one of the front and rear sections. Alternatively, the end of each leg elastic member may be set back slightly from the positive edge of the leg edge, such as within a range of 0mm to 20mm or 3mm to 10mm, to allow for the elastic pull-back effect when the tensile force used during the manufacture of the disposable absorbent pant-type article is released. The first and second leg elastic members are typically mirror images of each other.

[0024] Therefore, the first and second leg elastic members each have an end located on or near the respective leg edge. These ends of the first and second leg elastic members face away from the absorbent assembly, i.e., these ends are far from the absorbent assembly. As described herein, the first and second leg elastic members may also have an end facing the absorbent assembly, i.e., these ends are located on or near the absorbent assembly.

[0025] Disposable absorbent panty-type articles, such as those disclosed herein, may have elastic waist features. The elastic waist features can form a continuous waistband surrounding the waist opening of the disposable absorbent panty-type article, or can be applied only to selected portions of the waist opening, such as along only the central portions of the waist edges of the front and rear sections, or along only the waist edge of the rear section.

[0026] The elastic waist feature can completely overlap the anterior and / or posterior regions and can share waist edges with the corresponding anterior and / or posterior regions. The elastic waist feature can be applied to the waist edges of the anterior and / or posterior regions and can protrude beyond the waist edges of the corresponding anterior and / or posterior regions.

[0027] An elastic waist feature may comprise one or more elastic elements. A waist feature may comprise multiple elastic twists or elastic bands. Alternatively, an elastic waist feature may comprise, or consist of, bands of elastic material, such as elastic nonwoven fabric, elastic foam, or elastic membrane. An elastic waist feature may be attached to the front and / or rear sections as a prefabricated component, such as a waistband component comprising two layers of carrier web with elastic twists or bands attached between them. Alternatively, an elastic waist feature comprising elastic elements such as twists or bands may be formed directly on the front or rear section by applying the elastic elements along the waist edge of the front or rear section, and then covering the elastic elements with a cover web, such as a nonwoven cover web.

[0028] In some variations, the elastic waist feature may be a component of a disposable absorbent panty-type article that is separate from the material of the front and back sections. In other variations, the elastic waist feature may be an integrated waist portion of the front and / or back sections of the absorbent article.

[0029] Numerous options are known for forming elastic waist features in the front and / or rear sections and can be combined with this disclosure. For example, different modifications described in WO2018 / 09771A1 may be used in the front and / or rear sections as described herein. For example, different modifications described in EP3788997A1 may be used in the front and / or rear sections as described herein.

[0030] In the disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the present invention, the first and second leg elastic members are independent of the side seam, that is, they are not included in the side seam. This differs from the prior art solution in which the leg elastic members terminate at the side seam and are thus included in the side seam. As a result, shorter leg elastic members can be used in the article according to the present invention compared to articles of the same size according to the prior art. This further reduces the material cost of the article according to the present invention.

[0031] Furthermore, because shorter leg elastic members are used, less adhesive may be required to adhere the leg elastic members to at least one of the materials in the front and rear sections, compared to articles of the same size in the prior art. This results in a lower adhesive cost for the article according to the present invention compared to articles of the same size in the prior art. Moreover, since adhesives can unnecessarily harden at least one of the materials in the front and rear sections, less adhesive reduces this risk.

[0032] Furthermore, in conventional pant-type articles in which leg elastic members are included in the side seams, it is important that the adhesive used to bond the leg elastic members between the first and second layers is not applied to the side seam area. This is because the side seams are preferably ultrasonically welded, and adhesive in the ultrasonically welded area of ​​the side seam can adversely affect the ultrasonic welding capability due to adhesive contamination of the horn and / or anvil. To accurately control adhesive application, a high requirement is set for precise control of starting and stopping the adhesive application equipment, and a high requirement is also set for precise programming of the equipment performed by the operator. With the solution proposed herein, the leg elastic members are not included in the side seams. Therefore, the risk of adhesive contamination during welding of the side seams can be eliminated. In addition, designs involving adhesive application can be simplified.

[0033] Preferably, the first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between the first and second layers and joined by an adhesive located in one or more of the first and second layers. The adhesive may be applied across the first and / or second layers in a pre-selectable pattern. Preferably, the side seams are ultrasonically welded seams. To eliminate the risk of adhesive contamination as described above, the disclosure enables certain advantages when the first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between the first and second layers and joined by an adhesive located in one or more of the first and second layers, the adhesive is present across the first and / or second layers in a pre-selectable pattern, and the side seams are ultrasonically welded seams. For example, the pre-selectable pattern may cause the adhesive to extend to or substantially extend to the first / second leg edges.

[0034] Furthermore, since the leg elastic members are not included in the side joints, the elastic material of the leg elastic members can be selected without needing to consider suitability for the joining method used in the side joints.

[0035] Optionally, the first and second leg elastic members terminate at their respective cut ends. Thus, one or more elastic members are cut off. As a result, the leg elastic members have distinct ends. Preferably, the cutting of the leg elastic members is carried out when making the leg cutouts during the manufacture of disposable absorbent pant-type articles.

[0036] The first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between a first layer and a second layer, which are included in at least one of the front and rear sections, and the first and second layers are joined to each other. The first layer can form either the upper or lower layer of the article. The second layer can form either the upper or lower layer of the article. Thus, either the first or second layer can face the wearer of the article.

[0037] Optionally, the first and second layers are joined to each other by an adhesive located on the first layer, the second layer, and one or more of the first and second leg elastic members. When located on two or more of the first layer, the second layer, and the first and second leg elastic members, the same or different adhesives may be used in different locations, for example, having different curing rates. When the adhesive is applied to the first or second layer, the adhesive may be applied in a pre-selectable pattern and therefore not across the entire surface.

[0038] As mentioned above, optionally, the first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between the first and second layers and joined by an adhesive located in one or more of the first and second layers. The adhesive may be applied across the first and / or second layers in a pre-selectable pattern.

[0039] As an alternative or supplement to adhesive, the first and second layers may be joined to each other using welding, such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

[0040] At least one of the front and rear sections further comprises a set of elastic yarns that stretch substantially or completely in the transverse direction of the article. The elastic yarns of the set may be positioned at equal distances from each other, or may have varying spacing, such as being closer to each other in zones where greater elasticity is desired. Typically, the elastic yarns of the set adhere to the first and second layers when stretched. Thus, in the relaxed state, each of the first and second layers forms wrinkles along the set of elastic yarns. Thus, at least one of the front or rear section can be stretched from the relaxed state to the stretched state, in which the set of elastic yarns is stretched out along the transverse direction, reducing or completely flattening the wrinkles in the first and second layers.

[0041] Optionally, the first and second layers, included in at least one of the front and rear sections, are joined to each other by an adhesive positioned on the elastic yarns of the set of elastic yarns, and / or by a welded joint pattern associated with the elastic yarns of the set of elastic yarns, with the set of elastic yarns sandwiched between the first and second layers. Thus, the adhesive in the set of elastic yarns and / or the welded joint pattern is an alternative to or complement to the aforementioned joining of the first and second layers to each other.

[0042] The welded joint pattern may comprise pairs of adjacent welded joints to attach individual strands of elastic twists of a set, for example, by attaching each twist of the set individually. The welded joints are preferably arranged so that the elastic twists are mechanically trapped between the welded joints. For example, each of the elastic twists of a set may be mechanically trapped between the adjacent welded joints of a plurality of pairs of adjacent welded joints.

[0043] Optionally, at least one of the front and rear sections comprises a first and second leg elastic twist extending substantially or completely in the transverse direction. The first leg elastic twist terminates at a first leg edge at a longitudinal position between the first leg elastic member and the first side seam. The second leg elastic twist terminates at a second leg edge at a longitudinal position between the second leg elastic member and the second side seam. Thus, the first and second upper elastic twists can provide elasticity in the respective leg edge zones between the end of the leg elastic member and the side seam. The term "longitudinal position" as used herein refers to a position found in the longitudinal direction of the article.

[0044] The first and second leg-top elastic twists may be formed by a single elastic twist extending from the first leg edge to the second leg edge. Alternatively, the first and second leg-top elastic twists may be formed by two separate elastic twists with a gap between them, for example, to allow space for an absorbent core.

[0045] Optionally, at least one of the front and rear sections comprises a first leg-side elastic twisted yarn substantially or completely extending in a transverse direction intersecting the first leg elastic member, and a second leg-side elastic twisted yarn substantially or completely extending in a transverse direction intersecting the second leg elastic member. Thus, the leg-side elastic twisted yarn ends at the leg edge, further away from the side seam than the leg elastic member.

[0046] The first leg-side elastic twist and the second leg-side elastic twist may be formed by a single elastic twist extending from the first leg edge to the second leg edge. Alternatively, the first leg-side elastic twist and the second leg-side elastic twist may be formed by two separate elastic twists with a gap between them, for example, to allow space for an absorbent core.

[0047] Optionally, the first and second leg-side elastic twists and / or the first and second leg-side elastic twists form or constitute a set of elastic twists that stretch substantially or completely in the transverse direction of the article. As mentioned above, the individual elastic elements may be positioned at equal distances from each other or may have varying spacings. Furthermore, the individual elastic elements are typically supplied in a stretched state when the article is manufactured.

[0048] Optionally, the first leg edge has a longitudinal extension when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the article, and the first leg elastic member ends at a longitudinal position of the first leg edge that, when determined from the lower end of the first side seam, is located within a range of 1% to 60%, preferably 10% to 50%, and more preferably 20% to 40% of the longitudinal extension. The second leg edge has a longitudinal extension when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the article, and its longitudinal extension is typically the same as that of the first leg edge. The second leg elastic member ends at a longitudinal position of the second leg edge that, when determined from the lower end of the second side seam, is located within a range of 1% to 60%, preferably 10% to 50%, and more preferably 20% to 40% of the longitudinal extension. This results in a gap between the side seam and the leg elastic member. The lower end of the side seam is the end of the side seam closest to the leg edge. The upper end of the side seam is located at or near the waist feature. The lower end of the side seam is the opposite end of the side seam. Therefore, when the wearer of the absorbent material stands up, the lower end is downward.

[0049] Optionally, the first leg elastic member ends at a longitudinal position located within a range of 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably 10 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 55 mm, when determined from the lower end of the first side joint, and the second leg elastic member ends at a longitudinal position of the second leg edge located within a range of 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably 10 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 55 mm, when determined from the lower end of the second side joint.

[0050] Optionally, the first leg elastic member extends along a distance in the range of 50% to 99%, preferably 55% to 95%, more preferably 60% to 90%, of the length of the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member extends along a distance in the range of 50% to 99%, preferably 55% to 95%, more preferably 60% to 90%, of the length of the second leg edge. Thus, the length of each leg edge is measured along the edge itself following its curvature, and therefore extends in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0051] Optionally, the first leg elastic member extends along the first leg edge for a distance of 150 to 300 mm, preferably 165 to 285 mm, more preferably 180 to 270 mm, and the second leg elastic member extends along the second leg edge for a distance of 150 to 300 mm, preferably 165 to 285 mm, more preferably 180 to 270 mm. Thus, the extension along each leg edge is measured along the edge itself following its curvature, and therefore extends in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0052] Optionally, the first leg elastic member extends at least from the absorbent assembly to the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member extends at least from the absorbent assembly to the second leg edge. The first and second leg elastic members may also extend downward to at least a portion of the absorbent assembly, but optionally, the leg elastic members do not extend continuously under the entire width of the absorbent assembly. This avoids the risk of wrinkling the absorbent assembly, specifically the absorbent core, that would result from using leg elastic members that extend across the entire width of the absorbent assembly. This can be achieved by intentionally interrupting the leg elastic members in the central region of the article, for example by cutting out the leg elastic members, so that a gap is provided in the absorbent assembly. A method for achieving this is described in the referenced WO2018 / 106160A1.

[0053] Optionally, the first leg elastic member extends along a longitudinal length of less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the total longitudinal length of at least one of the front and rear sections, and the second leg elastic member extends along a longitudinal length of less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the total longitudinal length of at least one of the front and rear sections.

[0054] Optionally, the disposable absorbent panty-type article comprises first and second crotch elastic members extending along the respective longitudinal sides of the absorbent assembly. Thereafter, the crotch elastic members form an elastic portion around the leg opening.

[0055] Optionally, in a disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the present invention, at least one of a front section and a rear section comprises a combined panel, the combined panel comprising a first panel portion and a second panel portion when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the first panel portion and the second panel portion being connected by a connecting region. The first panel portion comprises a first lower layer and a first upper layer, the first lower layer and the first upper layer overlapping in the first panel portion such that the first lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined panel and the first upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined panel. The first panel portion further comprises at least a partial set of elastic yarns sandwiched between the first lower layer and the first upper layer, the elastic yarns being arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first panel portion is joined by the first lower layer being joined to the first upper layer by a welded joint pattern that attaches at least a partial set of elastic yarns between the first lower layer and the first upper layer. The second panel portion comprises a second lower layer and a second upper layer, wherein the second lower layer and the second upper layer are superimposed on the second panel portion such that the second lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined panel and the second upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined panel, and the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member are sandwiched between the second lower layer and the second upper layer, and the second panel portion is joined by the second lower layer being joined to the second upper layer by adhesive bonding, thereby adhering the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member between the second lower layer and the second upper layer.

[0056] The first panel portion further comprises at least a subset of the set of elastic yarns of the article. Thus, the elastic yarns in the first panel portion may constitute or be included in the set of elastic yarns of the article. There may be other subsets of the set of elastic yarns of the article included in the second panel portion sandwiched between the second lower layer and the second upper layer. The subsets of the first panel portion may differ from the subsets of the second panel portion with respect to elastic yarn characteristics such as the longitudinal spacing between the elastic yarns and / or the diameter of the elastic yarns.

[0057] A second aspect of the present invention is a method for forming a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a laminated web material for a disposable absorbent pant-type article, wherein the laminated web material is continuous when viewed in the machine direction and has a width between a first side edge and a second side edge in the intersecting direction, and the method is S110: A step of feeding the lower web towards the machine, S120: A step of feeding the upper web toward the machine, S125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns in the direction of the machine, S130: A step of feeding a continuous leg elastic member containing one or more elastic elements, S140: A step of positioning the continuous leg elastic member such that the continuous leg elastic member extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the width of the laminated web material, S150: To form a laminated web material, the elastic twists of the set of continuous elastic twists are arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction, by joining the lower web to the upper web and sandwiching the set of continuous elastic twists between the lower web and the upper web, and This includes methods.

[0058] As used herein, the terms lower web and upper web refer to the way in which the lower web and upper web are typically provided in the manufacturing equipment. In disposable absorbent pants, the lower web can form either the inside of the article, i.e., the side that comes into contact with the wearer, or the outside of the article.

[0059] The lower and upper webs are supplied as a continuous unit in the machine direction. They typically have a base weight in the range of 8 to 26 gsm.

[0060] The first edge of the laminated web material is the edge from which the leg cutouts are made. Therefore, the continuous leg elastic member extends adjacently and partially along this edge in the first zone. The continuous leg elastic member is applied in a undulating manner when viewed in the intersecting direction, i.e., forming an undulating wave. Thus, one flat peak of the undulating wave is in the first zone, and the other flat peak of the undulating wave is in the second zone. In the first and second zones, the continuous leg elastic member extends parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction. The wavelength of the undulating wave, when viewed in the transverse direction of the article, corresponds to the width of the disposable absorbent pants-type article. Between the first and second zones, there is a transition zone in which the continuous leg elastic member extends in both the intersecting and machine directions. Further details of the undulation can be derived from the herein description of the first and second leg elastic members in the disposable absorbent pants-type article. Later, when the absorbent assembly is applied to the laminated web material, the absorbent assembly is preferably positioned to overlap with the continuous leg elastic members in the first zone. Furthermore, the leg cutouts preferably extend into the second zone.

[0061] The laminated web material produced by this method can be used as a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a disposable absorbent pant-type article as described herein. Therefore, the details and advantages described herein for the article or its manufacture are also valid for the laminated web material, to the extent applicable.

[0062] The continuous leg elastic members are positioned to extend over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30%, of the width of the laminated web material. This facilitates the manufacture of disposable absorbent pant-type articles, with the first leg elastic member ending at or near the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member ending at or near the second leg edge.

[0063] The method is, S125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns in the direction of the machine, the step of step S150 further includes sandwiching a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns between a lower web and an upper web by attaching the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns between a lower web and an upper web such that the elastic twists of the set of elastic twisted yarns are aligned substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of the machine, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction.

[0064] Continuous elastic twisted yarn imparts elasticity to the transverse direction of the article.

[0065] Optionally, step S140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member such that it extends preferably over a length of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction in a first zone adjacent to the first edge of the laminated web material, in a second zone spaced apart from the first zone in the machine direction and the intersecting direction, in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction, and in a transition zone located between the first and second zones, in both the intersecting and machine directions.

[0066] Optionally, the method includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member such that it intersects with at least one elastic yarn of a set of continuous elastic yarns. Thus, the intersecting elastic yarns can form the leg elastic yarn of the type described herein.

[0067] One or more of steps S110, S120, S125, S130, and S140 may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. These steps may be performed in any order.

[0068] Optionally, step S150 includes joining by applying an adhesive to form an adhesive joint and / or by performing welding, such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

[0069] Optionally, step S150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the set of lower web, upper web, continuous leg elastic members, and continuous elastic twisted yarn. The same or different adhesives may be used in different locations.

[0070] Optionally, step S150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the lower and upper webs in a defined area overlapping the continuous leg elastic member. The same or different adhesives may be used in different locations.

[0071] Optionally, the method is as follows, after step S150: S160: Further includes the step of cutting through a continuous leg elastic member by creating a leg cutout that proceeds from the first side edge of the laminated web material.

[0072] In the methods for forming laminated web materials described herein, the laminated web material may be used to form the front or rear section of a disposable absorbent panty-type article such as a diaper, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants, and continuous leg elastic members may be applied to form leg elastic members in a disposable absorbent panty-type article.

[0073] In embodiments of the present invention, the laminated web material is a combined laminated web, the combined laminated web is continuous when viewed in the machine direction, has a width between a first side edge and a second side edge in an intersecting direction perpendicular to the machine direction, and the combined laminated web has an upper and a lower when viewed in the thickness direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the intersecting direction, the method optionally includes a welding step and an adhesive bonding step, the welding step being feeding a first lower web, a first upper web, and at least a partial set of continuous elastic yarns in the machine direction, and feeding at least a partial set of continuous elastic yarns to the first lower web and the first upper The bonding step includes joining a first lower web to a first upper web by a welding bonding pattern such that the sets of elastic twists are aligned to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction, and the adhesive bonding step includes feeding a second upper web and a second lower web in the machine direction, feeding a continuous leg elastic member, and joining a second lower web to a second upper web by adhesive bonding such that the continuous leg elastic member is aligned to the second lower web and the second upper web such that the continuous leg elastic member is aligned to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction, and the adhesive bonding step includes feeding a second upper web and a second lower web in the machine direction, feeding a continuous leg elastic member

[0074] The present disclosure further includes a method for forming an absorbent pants-type article, comprising the steps of forming a laminated web material according to a second embodiment as described herein, and cutting the laminated web material to form at least one of a front or rear section of an absorbent pants-type article, the method further comprising cutting through a continuous leg elastic member by making a leg cutout that proceeds from a first side edge of the laminated web material.

[0075] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a laminated web material for disposable absorbent pant-type articles such as diapers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants. The laminated web material is continuous when viewed in the machine direction and has a width between a first side edge and a second side edge in the intersecting direction. The laminated web material comprises a lower web, an upper web, a continuous leg elastic member sandwiched between the lower web and the upper web, and a set of continuous elastic twists sandwiched between the lower web and the upper web in the machine direction, wherein the elastic twists of the set of elastic twists are aligned substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction, and the continuous leg elastic member extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 30%, of the width of the laminated web material.

[0076] Laminated web material can be used as a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a disposable absorbent panty-type article as described herein. Therefore, laminated web material can be seen as an intermediate product when manufacturing a disposable absorbent panty-type article. The details and advantages described herein for the article or its manufacture are also valid for laminated web material, to the extent applicable. Laminated web material can be manufactured in the manner described herein.

[0077] The laminated web material further comprises a set of continuous elastic twists sandwiched between the lower web and the upper web in the machine direction, wherein the elastic twists of the set of elastic twists are aligned substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction.

[0078] Optionally, continuous leg elastic members extend, preferably over a length of at least 10 mm, in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction, in a first zone adjacent to the first edge of the laminated web material; in a second zone spaced apart from the first zone, preferably over a length of at least 10 mm, in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction; and in a transition zone located between the first and second zones, extending both in the intersecting direction and the machine direction.

[0079] At least one elastic twist of a set of continuous elastic twists can intersect with a continuous leg elastic member to form a leg elastic twist as described herein for disposable absorbent pant-type articles.

[0080] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent pant-type article such as a pant diaper, sanitary pant, or incontinence pant, wherein the article comprises a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section located between the front and rear sections, and an absorbent assembly is arranged such that the center of the absorbent assembly is located in the crotch section, and the method is M110: A step of feeding the lower web towards the machine, M120: A step of feeding the upper web towards the machine, M125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns in the direction of the machine, M130: A step of feeding a continuous leg elastic member containing one or more elastomer elements, M140: A step of positioning a continuous leg elastic member such that the continuous leg elastic member extends at least partially in the extending direction, which is both in the intersecting direction and the mechanical direction, M150: To form a first laminated web material, the steps include joining the lower web to the upper web and sandwiching the set of continuous elastic twists between the lower web and the upper web such that the elastic twists of the set of continuous elastic twists are aligned substantially parallel to each other and in the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction, M160: A step of positioning the first laminated web material at a location corresponding to either the front or rear section of the article, M170: A step of providing a second laminated web material and positioning the second laminated web material at a position corresponding to the front or rear area of ​​the article, M180: A step of intermittently providing absorbent assemblies that are spaced apart in the mechanical direction, and positioning the absorbent assemblies such that the first end portion overlaps with the first laminated web material and the second end portion overlaps with the second laminated web material, thereby forming a composite web of interconnected precursor articles, M190: A step of cutting through a continuous leg elastic member by creating a leg cutout that extends from the first side edge of the first laminated web material, wherein the leg cutout is positioned between absorbent assemblies when viewed in the machine direction, M200: The step of folding the composite web along a fold line extending in the machine direction, thereby aligning the first edge of the composite web with the second edge of the composite web, M210: A step of joining a first laminated web material to a second laminated web material by forming first and second side seams in each precursor article, wherein the side seams are formed in a direction intersecting along the dividing line between the precursor articles, M220: Steps of cutting individual disposable absorbent panty-type articles from the composite web of the precursor article and This includes methods.

[0081] The method may be used to manufacture a disposable absorbent pants-type article according to the present invention. The method may include one or more steps of a method for forming a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a laminated web material for a disposable absorbent pants-type article disclosed herein, for example, one or more of steps S110 to S160.

[0082] Steps M110, M120, M125, and M130 correspond to steps S110, S120, S125, and S130. See the explanation of steps S110 to S130 disclosed herein.

[0083] In step M140, the continuous leg elastic member is positioned in a pattern such that the leg cutout made in step M190 cuts through the continuous leg elastic member. Thus, the continuous leg elastic member is typically applied in a ridged form when viewed in the intersecting direction. The wavelength of the ridge corresponds to the width of the disposable absorbent pants article when viewed in the transverse direction of the article. Further details of the ridge can be derived from the herein description of the first and second leg elastic members in the disposable absorbent pants article. Step M140 can be carried out as described herein for step S140, but other patterns for positioning the continuous leg elastic member are also feasible, as long as the leg cutout made in step M190 cuts through the continuous leg elastic member.

[0084] Step M150 corresponds to S150. See the description of step S150 disclosed herein. In this step, with reference to step M160, a first laminated web material is formed to form either the front or rear section of a disposable absorbent pant-type article.

[0085] In step M170, a second laminated web material is provided to form the front or rear section of a disposable absorbent pant-type article. The second laminated web material may be formed in the corresponding steps M110 to M150. Alternatively, the second laminated web material can be formed by any of several methods known from the prior art. The second laminated web material may or may not be accompanied by leg elastic members.

[0086] In M180, absorbent assemblies are provided. Each absorbent assembly typically comprises an absorbent core. In this case, the absorbent assembly may comprise an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet, with the absorbent core typically sandwiched between the liquid-permeable top sheet and the liquid-impermeable back sheet. The absorbent core can have any useful shape, such as hourglass, rectangular, or T-shaped, as is technically known.

[0087] The front and rear sections may be formed by separate panels, namely a front body panel and a rear body panel. In this case, step M180 includes the crotch area being formed by a portion of the absorbent assembly such that a portion of the absorbent assembly spans the gap between the front body panel and the rear body panel.

[0088] Alternatively, the front section, rear section, and groin section may be made from a chassis forming a single piece. In this case, the first laminated web material and / or the second laminated web material may be made or provided as part of the chassis. It is also possible to form the front section and groin section as a single piece and have a separate panel for the rear section, or to form the rear section and groin section as a single piece and have a separate panel for the front section.

[0089] In step M190, the leg cutout is made such that a continuous leg elastic member is cut off. Thereafter, when the article is manufactured by the method, the first leg elastic member ends at or near the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member ends at or near the second leg edge.

[0090] Step M200 is performed to prepare a precursor article for which a side seam will be applied in step M210. Finally, the disposable absorbent pant-type article is separated from the subsequent article in step M220.

[0091] Optionally, the method may further include the step of cutting or deactivating a continuous leg elastic member so as to form a set of elastic members separated by an inelastic portion, the inelastic portion being intended to be positioned in an absorbent assembly.

[0092] Either the lower web or the upper web can face the wearer of the item.

[0093] The method may further include a step of providing a waist feature 50 of the type described herein and / or of the type known from the prior art. This step can be performed, for example, immediately before, during, or immediately after step M150.

[0094] Optionally, step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member such that it extends preferably over a length of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction MD in a first zone adjacent to the first edge of the laminated web material, extends preferably over a length of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction in a second zone spaced apart from the first zone, and extends in both the intersecting direction CD and the machine direction MD in a transition zone located between the first and second zones.

[0095] As a result, one flat peak of the undulating wave of the continuous leg elastic member may be in the first zone, and the other flat peak of the undulating wave may be in the second zone. In the first and second zones, the continuous leg elastic member extends parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction. Between the first and second zones, there is a transition zone in which the continuous leg elastic member extends in both the intersecting direction and the machine direction. Later, when the absorbent assembly is applied to the laminated web material, the absorbent assembly is preferably positioned to overlap with the continuous leg elastic member in the first zone. Furthermore, the leg cutouts will preferably extend into the second zone.

[0096] Optionally, step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member such that the continuous leg elastic member extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30%, of the width of the first laminated web material.

[0097] The method is, M125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twists in the direction of the machine, the step of step M150 includes sandwiching a set of continuous elastic twists between a lower web and an upper web by attaching the set of continuous elastic twists between a lower web and an upper web such that the elastic twists of the set of elastic twists are aligned substantially parallel to each other and to the direction of the machine, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction. See the explanation for step S125.

[0098] One or more of steps M110, M120, M125, M130, and M140 may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. These steps may be performed in any order.

[0099] Optionally, step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member with respect to a set of continuous elastic yarns such that the continuous leg elastic member intersects with at least one elastic yarn of the set of continuous elastic yarns. Thus, the intersecting elastic yarns can form the leg elastic yarn of the type described herein.

[0100] Optionally, step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member with respect to the set of continuous yarns such that at least one of the set of continuous elastic yarns ends at the leg cutout without intersecting with the continuous leg elastic member in step M190.

[0101] Optionally, step M150 includes joining by applying an adhesive to form an adhesive joint and / or by performing welding, such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

[0102] Optionally, step M150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the set of lower web, upper web, continuous leg elastic members, and continuous elastic twisted yarn.

[0103] Optionally, step M150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the lower and upper webs in a defined area overlapping the continuous leg elastic member.

[0104] As described in relation to the first aspect, the present disclosure provides the ability to reduce or eliminate the risk of adhesive contamination in a method for forming an absorbent article, wherein step M120 for forming first and second side seams includes forming the first and second side seams by ultrasonic welding. For example, step M150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the lower web and upper web in a defined area overlapping the continuous leg elastic member, and step M120 includes forming the first and second side seams by ultrasonic welding.

[0105] As can be understood from the foregoing, this disclosure relates to articles having a front section and / or a rear section comprising an elastic filament lamination, or to an elastic filament lamination or a method relating to the formation of such articles. In an elastic filament lamination, elasticity is primarily obtained by elastomer yarns sandwiched between a first layer and a second layer. This is in contrast to an elastic membrane lamination, where elasticity may be obtained by an elastic membrane or other elastic material layer that may be optionally further sandwiched between additional layers. Thus, the front section and / or rear section of the article proposed herein, and the elastic lamination as proposed herein, may be without an elastic membrane.

[0106] Modified Combination Panels Considering not only the requirements of durability but also economic efficiency, welding methods may be preferred because they do not require the application of adhesives. However, in in-line continuous fabrication, it has been found that welding methods have difficulty in achieving a secure attachment of pretensioned elements having a curved shape, as may be the case when pretensioned elastic elements are used, for example, along all or selected portions of the leg openings of trouser-type articles.

[0107] Variations of the present invention disclosed herein provide a disposable absorbent pant-type article in which at least one of the front or rear section comprises or constitutes a combination panel. As already mentioned herein, the front and rear sections may be formed by separate panels, namely a front body panel and a rear body panel.

[0108] In such a variation of the disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the present invention, the article has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, the inside of the article faces the wearer when the article is worn, and the outside of the article is away from the wearer when the article is worn, and the article is, - Front main panel and, - Rear main panel and - A crotch region located between the front main panel and the rear main panel, wherein an absorbent assembly having an absorbent core is positioned such that the center of the absorbent core is located in the crotch region and It is equipped with.

[0109] The front body panel is joined to the rear body panel by a first front panel side edge joining to a first rear panel side edge at a first side seam, and a second front panel side edge joining to a second rear panel side edge at a second side seam, such that the article forms a waist opening defined by the waist edge of the front panel and the waist edge of the rear panel, and a pair of leg openings defined by a pair of leg edges of the front body panel and the pair of leg edges of the rear body panel. Thus, there are first and second leg edges in each of the front body panel and the rear body panel.

[0110] Each of the front and rear body panels has an upper and a lower side when viewed in the thickness direction of the article. The terms “upper side” and “lower side” do not refer to any particular orientation in the thickness direction of the article (unless otherwise stated). Instead, the upper side of the body panel is one of the inner and outer sides of the body panel, and the lower side of the body panel is the other of the inner and outer sides of the body panel.

[0111] At least one of the front and rear body panels is a combination panel, the combination panel comprising a pair of leg elastic members positioned adjacent to a pair of leg edges of the combination panel, each leg elastic member extending at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the transverse direction. Thus, each pair of leg elastic members comprises the first and second leg elastic members disclosed herein. Furthermore, the combination panel, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, comprises a first panel portion and a second panel portion, the first and second panel portions connected by a connecting region. The first panel portion extends longitudinally from the connecting region toward the waist edge of the combination panel, and the second panel portion extends longitudinally from the connecting region toward the pair of leg edges of the combination panel. The second panel portion comprises a pair of leg elastic members.

[0112] The first panel portion comprises a first lower layer and a first upper layer, wherein the first lower layer and the first upper layer are overlapped in the first panel portion such that the first lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined panel and the first upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined panel. The first panel portion further comprises a first set of elastomer yarns sandwiched between the first lower layer and the first upper layer, the elastomer yarns being arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first panel portion is joined by the first lower layer being joined to the first upper layer by a welded joint pattern that attaches the first set of elastomer yarns between the first lower layer and the first upper layer. The first set of elastomer yarns may be a partial set or may form the set of elastomer yarns described herein.

[0113] The second panel portion comprises a second lower layer and a second upper layer, where the second lower layer and the second upper layer are overlapped such that the second lower layer forms the lower surface of the composite panel and the second upper layer forms the upper surface of the composite panel. A pair of leg elastic members is sandwiched between the second lower layer and the second upper layer, and the second panel portion is joined by the second lower layer being joined to the second upper layer by adhesive bonding and the pair of leg elastic members being attached between the second lower layer and the second upper layer.

[0114] Optionally, the second panel portion further comprises a second set of elastomer yarns, the elastomer yarns arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the second panel portion is joined by the second lower layer being joined to the second upper layer by adhesive bonding, and by adhering the pair of leg elastic members and the second set of elastomer yarns between the second lower layer and the second upper layer. The optional set of elastomer yarns may be included, for example, as a partial set in the set of elastomer yarns described herein.

[0115] Thanks to a combined panel comprising a first panel portion joined by a welded joint pattern and a second panel portion joined by adhesive, it is possible to provide a front or rear body panel joined by adhesive, which is necessary to enable the attachment of leg elastic members, each leg elastic member extending at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the transverse direction. Thus, by using a welded joint pattern in the first panel portion and an adhesive joint pattern in the second panel portion, a firm attachment of curved or angled leg elastic members can be achieved without sacrificing the breathability and flexibility of the panel material in areas other than those to which the leg elastic members are applied.

[0116] The first panel portion does not include an elastic member that is substantially inclined with respect to the transverse direction T, and therefore can be properly joined by a welded joint pattern.

[0117] In each of the first and second panel sections, the upper and lower layers form the upper and lower surfaces of the combined panel, respectively. Therefore, in each of the first and second panel sections, the combined panel has upper and lower layers, but no additional layers of web material. Front or rear body panels with relatively few layers are beneficial in terms of breathability and are also comfortable in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

[0118] The upper surface is the upper surface forming portion of the panel, that is, the forming portion on the inside or outside of the panel depending on the orientation of the panel in the article. The lower surface is the lower surface forming portion of the panel, that is, the forming portion on the inside or outside of the panel depending on the orientation of the panel in the article.

[0119] In each of the first and second panel sections, a first set of elastomer yarns and a second set of optionally selected elastomer yarns are attached between their respective upper and lower layers when stretched. Thus, in the relaxed state of the combined panel, the upper and lower layers each form wrinkles along the sets of elastomer yarns. The combined panel can be stretched from its relaxed state to an expanded state in which the sets of elastomer yarns are stretched out along the transverse direction T, reducing wrinkles in the combined panel or making it completely flat.

[0120] The first panel section, the second panel section, and the connecting area are transverse sections of the combined panel, extending from the first side edge of the combined panel to the second side edge of the combined panel.

[0121] For example, the first panel portion, the second panel portion, and the connecting region may each be a transverse portion or region of the panel. In other words, the first panel portion, the second panel portion, and the connecting region may each have a continuous length in the longitudinal direction when viewed across the entire width of the combined panel in the transverse direction.

[0122] The welded joint pattern of the first panel section may be provided with pairs of adjacent welds to attach each of the first set of elastomer yarns using such pairs of adjacent welds.

[0123] The welded joints are preferably arranged such that the elastomer strands are mechanically trapped between the welded joints. For example, each of the first set of elastomer strands may be mechanically trapped between multiple pairs of adjacent welded joints.

[0124] Therefore, the first panel portion may have no adhesive, or at least substantially no adhesive.

[0125] Optionally, adhesive bonding of the second panel portion is applied to one or more of the second upper layer, the second lower layer, the second set of optional elastomer yarns, and the leg elastic members.

[0126] Optionally, in the second panel portion, each leg elastic member intersects with at least one elastic yarn from the second set of elastomer yarns.

[0127] In some variations, the connecting region D may be infinitely thin when viewed along the longitudinal direction, meaning the connecting region may take the form of a transverse line connecting, for example, the first panel section and the second panel section.

[0128] In other variations, the connecting region may extend along the longitudinal direction of the article, and for example, the connecting region may include a joint that connects a first panel portion and a second panel portion.

[0129] Such a joint connecting the first panel portion and the second panel portion may be, for example, an adhesive joint or a welded joint.

[0130] Optionally, the connection area has a length of 10 mm or less in the longitudinal direction.

[0131] Optionally, the connecting area has a length in the longitudinal direction of the article that is 20% or less of the total length of the combined panel (in the longitudinal direction of the article). Preferably, the connecting area has a length in the longitudinal direction of the article that is 10% or less of the total length of the combined panel (in the longitudinal direction of the article), such as 7% or 5% or less of the total length of the combined panel (in the longitudinal direction of the article).

[0132] Optionally, the first panel portion has a length in the longitudinal direction of the article, and the length is at least 20% of the total length of the combined panel, such as at least 25% or at least 30%. For example, the first panel portion may have a first length that is less than 65% of the total length of the combined panel in the longitudinal direction of the article. For example, the first panel portion may have a length in the longitudinal direction of the article that is between 25% and 65% of the total length of the combined panel.

[0133] Optionally, the second panel portion has a length in the longitudinal direction of the article that is at least 20% of the total length of at least one of the combined panels in the longitudinal direction of the article, such as at least 25% or at least 30%. For example, the second panel portion may have a length of less than 70% of the total length of the combined panel. For example, the second panel portion may have a length of between 25% and 70% of the total length of the combined panel.

[0134] Optionally, the second and first lower layers are formed from sheets of the same sheet material. This allows the lower side of the combined panel to have a uniform appearance.

[0135] Optionally, the second and first lower layers are formed by a single continuous sheet of material extending across the connection region. This allows the underside of the combined panel to have a uniform appearance with no visible joints in the connection region. Furthermore, in such a variation, the connection region may comprise three or fewer layers of sheet material.

[0136] Each of the first and second panel sections comprises two or fewer layers of sheet material, which is a result of the upper and lower layers of each forming one of the upper and lower surfaces of the combined panel in the first and second panel sections, respectively, and no intervening layer of sheet material being placed between the upper and lower layers.

[0137] When the phrase "the upper layer is joined to the lower layer" is used herein, it is understood that this means the upper layer is joined directly to the lower layer without any interposition of layers of sheet material. However, this does not preclude the inclusion of elastic twisted yarns and / or any leg elastic members in the joining.

[0138] Therefore, optionally, the first panel portion and the second panel portion each comprise two or fewer layers of sheet material, and the connecting region comprises three or fewer layers of sheet material.

[0139] Furthermore, as will be explained later, using a single continuous sheet of material to form the second and first sublayers may be advantageous in manufacturing.

[0140] Furthermore, when the second lower layer and the first lower layer are formed from a single continuous material sheet, and the lower side of the combined panel is on the outside of the absorbent article, this means that the outer surface of the absorbent article is formed from the single continuous material sheet of the combined panel, thereby providing the article with a uniform outer appearance invisible of any joints.

[0141] Optionally, the second upper layer and the first upper layer are formed from separate material sheets.

[0142] Optionally, the second upper layer and the first upper layer may be formed from separate sheets of the same sheet material, for example, from separate sheets of the same sheet material.

[0143] Optionally, in the connection region, the transverse edge portion of the second upper material sheet is positioned to overlap the transverse edge portion of the first upper material sheet in the longitudinal direction, preferably the transverse edge portion of the second upper sheet is positioned above the transverse edge portion of the first upper sheet.

[0144] As a result, the connection region can have a length in the longitudinal direction, as previously proposed, and the length of the connection region in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the length in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal overlap between the first upper layer and the second upper layer.

[0145] Optionally, the upward direction is directed towards the inside of the item, and the downward direction is directed towards the outside of the item.

[0146] Optionally, the adhesive bonding of the second panel portion comprises a first adhesive applied to one of the second upper layer and the second lower layer in a defined area where the leg elastic members overlap, and a second adhesive applied to the other of the second upper layer and the second lower layer, wherein the second adhesive is optionally different from the first adhesive.

[0147] Optionally, the first adhesive is applied substantially continuously over the second upper layer.

[0148] Optionally, the second adhesive may be applied only to a defined area of ​​the second lower layer that overlaps the leg elastic member.

[0149] Optionally, the first adhesive hardens faster than the second adhesive.

[0150] Optionally, the adhesive bonding of the second panel portion includes an adhesive applied to a second set of elastic twisted yarns.

[0151] Optionally, the combination panel further comprises a waist panel portion with a waist border for the combination panel.

[0152] Optionally, the combination panel defines a transverse waist connection area. In this case, the first panel portion extends longitudinally from the connection area to the waist connection area, and the waist panel portion extends longitudinally from the waist connection area to the waist edge of the combination panel.

[0153] Optionally, the waist panel comprises a lower waist layer and an upper waist layer, with a third set of elastomer yarns sandwiched between the lower and upper waist layers, the elastomer yarns arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The waist panel is joined by the lower waist layer being joined to the upper waist layer by a welded joint pattern that attaches the third set of elastomer yarns between the lower and upper waist layers.

[0154] The lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined panel, and the upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined panel.

[0155] Optionally, the length of the waist panel portion in the longitudinal direction of the article is at least 5%, such as 5% to 20% or 5% to 15% of the total length of the combined panel in the longitudinal direction of the article.

[0156] Optionally, the lower and upper waist layers may be formed by folding the same sheet material along the waist edge.

[0157] Optionally, the lower waist layer and the first lower layer may be formed by a single continuous material sheet extending across the transverse waist connection region.

[0158] In some variations, the second sublayer, the first sublayer, and the waist sublayer may be formed by a single continuous material sheet extending across the connection region and the waist connection region.

[0159] The waist upper layer and the first upper layer can each be formed from separate material sheets, and the material sheets are arranged in a longitudinal overlap in the waist connection region.

[0160] In some variations, a single continuous sheet of material can form a first lower layer, a lower waist layer, and an upper waist layer, with the lower waist layer and the upper waist layer being separated by a fold in a single continuous sheet of material extending along the waist edge.

[0161] As used herein, the term “layer” refers to a layer in a laminated material or a layer in a portion of a laminated material, and a layer includes a sheet-formed material or a portion of a sheet-formed material. A “layer” can be joined to another layer by welding or adhesive bonding as disclosed herein, and elastic twisted yarns or members can be sandwiched between the layers.

[0162] The sheet-formed material may be a sheet of any suitable material, such as a nonwoven material.

[0163] Optionally, at least one of the second lower layer, the second upper layer, the first lower layer, the first upper layer, and optionally, the lower waist layer and the upper waist layer, preferably each comprising or consisting of a sheet of nonwoven material.

[0164] Optionally, the nonwoven material has a base weight of 8 to 26 gsm.

[0165] Optionally, the nonwoven material contains thermoplastic fibers, preferably at least 50% thermoplastic fibers, and more preferably at least 80% thermoplastic fibers.

[0166] Optionally, a second set of elastomer yarns, and / or a first set of elastomer yarns, and / or an optional third set of elastomer yarns, have a linear mass density of dtex of 80 to 1200 dtex.

[0167] Optionally, the average longitudinal spacing between yarns in the second set of elastomer yarns in the second panel portion is greater than or equal to the average longitudinal spacing between yarns in the first set of elastomer yarns in the first panel portion.

[0168] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between strands in the first set of elastomer strands in the first panel portion is 2 to 20 mm. For example, the spacing between strands in the first set of elastomer strands may be constant.

[0169] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between strands in the second set of elastomer strands in the second panel section is 2 to 35 mm. For example, the spacing between strands in the first set of elastomer strands may be constant.

[0170] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between strands in the third set of elastomer strands in the waist portion is 2 to 12 mm. For example, the spacing between strands in the first set of elastomer strands may be constant.

[0171] A set of elastic yarns as referred to herein includes multiple elastic yarns.

[0172] For example, each of the first and / or second sets of elastic twisted yarns may contain multiple elastic twisted yarns, i.e., two or more twisted yarns. For example, each of the first and / or second sets of elastic twisted yarns may contain three or more twisted yarns, such as four or more twisted yarns or five or more twisted yarns.

[0173] For example, the third set of elastic twisted yarns (in the waist area) may include multiple elastic twisted yarns, such as two or more twisted yarns or three or more twisted yarns.

[0174] The absorbent core may be positioned in one of three ways: with its central portion located in the groin area; with its front end overlapping the front main panel in the front overlapping area; or with its rear end overlapping the rear main panel in the rear overlapping area.

[0175] Optionally, the absorbent core is positioned to overlap longitudinally with the transverse portion of the connection area of ​​the combined panel.

[0176] Optionally, the front body panel is a combination panel, and the rear body panel is also a combination panel. This means that leg elastic members are provided to the article in both the front and rear body panels.

[0177] Optionally, one of the front and rear body panels is a combined panel (i.e., equipped with leg elastic members), while the other of the front and rear body panels does not have leg elastic members.

[0178] Optionally, one of the front and rear body panels is a composite panel (i.e., equipped with leg elastic members), while the other of the front and rear body panels is not bonded.

[0179] Optionally, the other of the front and rear body panels comprises a main panel portion having a main lower layer and a main upper layer, with a set of elastomer yarns sandwiched between the main lower layer and the main upper layer, the elastomer yarns arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0180] The main section is joined by the main lower layer being joined to the main upper layer by a welding joint pattern.

[0181] Optionally, the main panel portion extends in a direction toward the lower edge of the front body panel and the other rear body panel, respectively.

[0182] As previously mentioned, the front and rear body panels of the article extend from a first side edge to a second side edge. Thus, the front and / or rear body panels may each consist of a single piece of laminated material that extends continuously from the first side edge to the second side edge.

[0183] For example, a composite panel may consist of a piece of composite laminate material cut from a composite laminate material web, as will be explained later.

[0184] This disclosure further relates to a combined laminated material web that can be used in a disposable absorbent panty-type article described herein, wherein at least one of the front or rear section is a combined panel.

[0185] Accordingly, a composite laminated material web for disposable sanitary articles is provided, which is continuous when viewed in the machine direction and has a width between two side edges in an intersecting direction perpendicular to the machine direction. The composite laminated material web has an upper and a lower when viewed in a thickness direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the intersecting direction. The composite laminated material web comprises a first web portion and a second web portion, which are connected by a connecting region such that the first web portion extends from a connecting region extending along the machine direction toward a first side edge of the composite laminated material web in the intersecting direction, and the second web portion extends from the connecting region toward a second side edge of the composite laminated material web in the intersecting direction.

[0186] The first web portion comprises a first lower layer and a first upper layer, wherein the first lower layer and the first upper layer are superimposed in the first web portion such that the first lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined laminated material web and the first upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web. The first web portion further comprises a first set of elastomer yarns sandwiched between the first lower layer and the first upper layer, wherein the elastomer yarns are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction, and the first web portion is joined by the first lower layer being joined to the first upper layer by a weld joint pattern that attaches the first set of elastomer yarns between the first lower layer and the first upper layer, and the second web portion comprises a second lower layer and a second upper layer superimposed in the second web portion such that the second lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined laminated material web and the second upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web. The second web portion further comprises an additional elastic member extending at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the machine direction, the additional elastic member being sandwiched between the second upper layer and the second lower layer. The second web portion is joined by the second lower layer being joined to the second upper layer by adhesive bonding in order to adhere the additional elastic member between the second lower layer and the second upper layer.

[0187] Optionally, the second web portion further comprises a second set of elastomer yarns sandwiched between the second lower layer and the second upper layer, the elastomer yarns being aligned parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction. In this case, the second web portion is joined by the second lower layer being joined to the second upper layer by adhesive bonding in order to adhere the additional elastic member and the second set of elastomer yarns between the second lower layer and the second upper layer.

[0188] Accordingly, a front or rear body panel, which is a combined panel as described herein, can be formed by cutting such a combined material web. Therefore, it is understood that, in order to form a combined panel having any of the optional features described herein in relation to the article of the first embodiment, the corresponding features can be applied to the combined laminated material web of the second embodiment.

[0189] This disclosure further relates to a method for forming a combined laminated material web that can be used in a disposable absorbent panty-type article described herein, wherein at least one of the front or rear sections comprises or constitutes a combined panel. The method includes the steps described above in a fourth embodiment. The method may further include any of the optional steps described above.

[0190] Accordingly, a method is provided for forming a composite laminated material web for disposable sanitary articles, wherein the composite laminated material web is continuous when viewed in the machine direction, has a width between a first side edge and a second side edge in an intersecting direction perpendicular to the machine direction, and has an upper and lower side when viewed in a thickness direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the intersecting direction. The method comprises a welding step and an adhesive bonding step.

[0191] The welding step includes feeding a first lower web, a first upper web, and a first set of continuous elastic yarns in the machine direction, and joining the first lower web to the first upper web by a welding pattern such that the first set of continuous elastic yarns adheres between the first lower web and the first upper web, wherein the first set of elastomer yarns are joined so as to be aligned with each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction.

[0192] The adhesive bonding step includes feeding a second upper web and a second lower web in the machine direction, feeding one or more sets of continuous additional elastic members, and bonding the second lower web to the second upper web by adhesive bonding such that a second set of elastomer yarns and one or more sets of continuous additional elastic members adhere between the second lower web and the second upper web. The additional elastic members extend at least partially in a direction not parallel to the machine direction.

[0193] Optionally, the adhesive bonding step further includes feeding a second set of continuous elastic yarns in the machine direction and bonding the second lower web to the second upper web by adhesive bonding so that the second set of elastomer yarns and one or more sets of continuous additional elastic members adhere between the second lower web and the second upper web. The second sets of elastomer yarns are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction.

[0194] Additional elastic members extending at least partially in a direction not parallel to the machine direction can form leg elastic members in articles including composite panels obtained from composite laminated material webs.

[0195] The fact that additional elastic members extend at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the machine direction means that, when observed in an intersecting direction, each additional elastic member is at least partially curved or inclined so as to span across the CD extension. Each additional elastic member can form an angle of at least 10 degrees with the machine direction over at least a portion of the CD extension, such as, for example, more than 20% of the CD extension of the additional elastic member. For example, each additional elastic member can form an angle of 10 to 80 degrees with the machine direction over at least a portion of the CD extension of the additional elastic member, such as more than 20% of the CD extension of the additional elastic member.

[0196] For example, each additional elastic member may span across a CD extension of at least 50 mm when viewed in the longitudinal intersecting direction.

[0197] For example, each additional elastic member can form an angle of at least 10 degrees with at least one yarn in the second set of elastomer yarns. Preferably, each additional elastic member can form an angle of at least 10 degrees, such as 10 to 80 degrees, with most of the yarns in the second set of elastomer yarns.

[0198] The welding and adhesive bonding steps are performed to form a first web portion in which a first lower web forms the lower surface and a first upper web forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web, and a second web portion in which a second lower web forms the lower surface and a second upper web forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web. The second web portion is connected to the first web portion via a connecting region extending along the machine direction.

[0199] Here, "upper" and "lower" refer to their relative locations when viewed along the thickness direction perpendicular to the intersecting and mechanical directions, rather than to any particular vertical orientation of the combined laminated material web.

[0200] The welding and adhesive bonding steps are performed such that the first and second sets of elastomer yarns adhere between the upper and lower layers when they are stretched relative to their respective upper and lower layers. For example, the elastomer yarns can be stretched to a length of at least twice their slack length, such as at least three times their slack length. Each upper and lower layer can be stretched slightly, i.e., to the amount required to perform the feeding operation. This ensures that the elastomer yarns adhere to their respective upper and lower layers when they are stretched.

[0201] Optionally, the welding step is performed upstream of the adhesive bonding step in the machine direction. This avoids the risk of any adhesives, such as uncured adhesives, adhering to the welding equipment used for the welding step, thereby degrading the function of the welding equipment and / or requiring cleaning.

[0202] Optionally, in the adhesive bonding step, the second set of elastomer yarns are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction, and the additional elastic members extend at least partially in a direction not parallel to the machine direction such that each additional elastic member intersects with at least one elastic yarn from the second set of elastomer yarns.

[0203] Optionally, the welding pattern in the welding step comprises pairs of adjacent welds, as disclosed herein, for attaching each of the first sets of elastomer yarns using such pairs of adjacent welds.

[0204] Optionally, the adhesive bonding in the adhesive bonding step is applied to one or more of the second upper layer, the second lower layer, the second set of elastomer yarns, and the leg elastic members.

[0205] Optionally, the connection area has a width of 10 mm or less in the intersecting direction.

[0206] Optionally, the connection region has a width in the intersecting direction that is 20% or less of the total width of the combined laminated material web, such as 10% or less of the total width of the combined laminated material web. For example, the connection region may have a width in the intersecting direction that is 7% or less or 5% or less of the total width of the combined laminated material web.

[0207] Optionally, the first web portion has a width in the intersecting direction that is at least 20% of the total width in the intersecting direction of the combined laminated material web, such as at least 25% or at least 30%. For example, the first web portion may have a width in the intersecting direction that is less than 65% of the total width of the combined laminated material web. For example, the first panel portion may have a width in the intersecting direction that is between 25% and 65% of the total width of the combined laminated material web.

[0208] Optionally, the second web portion has a width in the intersecting direction that is at least 20% of the total width in the intersecting direction of the combined laminated material web, such as at least 25% or at least 30%. For example, the second web portion may have a width in the intersecting direction that is less than 70% of the total width of the combined laminated material web. For example, the second panel portion may have a width in the intersecting direction that is between 25% and 70% of the total width of the combined laminated material web.

[0209] Optionally, the welding joint step is: The process involves supplying combined lower web material to form the first lower web, The first upper web is joined to the first width portion of the combined lower web material so as to form a first laminated web portion and leave at least a second width portion of the combined lower web material unlaminated. Includes, The adhesive bonding step is, To form a second lower web, the combined lower web material is introduced, The second upper web is joined to the second width portion of the lower web that is not laminated, so as to form a second laminated web portion. Includes.

[0210] Optionally, the second upper web and the first upper web are sent as separate web materials.

[0211] Optionally, the second upper web and the first upper web are formed from webs of the same material.

[0212] Optionally, the method includes feeding the base upper web in the direction of the machine and cutting the base upper web into a long, narrow strip along the direction of the machine so that the second upper web and the first upper web are formed as separate webs from the base upper web.

[0213] Optionally, the adhesive bonding step includes bonding the second upper web to the first upper web in a manner that partially overlaps with the first upper web, when viewed along the intersecting direction, such that the bonding area includes the overlapping portion of the second upper web and the first upper web.

[0214] As previously stated, the method may involve feeding the combined underlayer web material to form a first underlayer web and a second underlayer web so that the combined underlayer web material extends across the connecting region. Thus, the connecting region may be formed to comprise three or fewer layers of sheet material.

[0215] Therefore, optionally, the first panel portion and the second panel portion are formed to comprise two or fewer layers of sheet material (an upper layer and a lower layer, respectively), and the connecting region is formed to comprise three or fewer layers of sheet material.

[0216] When the method involves feeding combined underlayer web material to form a first underlayer web and a second underlayer web such that the combined underlayer web material extends across a connecting region, the first upper web and the second upper web may be optionally applied so as to be separated in the intersecting direction in the combined underlayer web. In such a case, the connecting region will consist of only one layer of sheet material, i.e., the combined underlayer web material.

[0217] In another option, the first and second upper webs can be applied edge-to-edge, as seen in the intersecting direction in the combined lower web. In this case, the connecting region will consist only of the line where the first and second upper webs intersect. In this case, the number of layers in the connecting region will be two or less.

[0218] Optionally, the adhesive bonding step includes applying a second adhesive to one of the second upper and second lower layers in a defined area where the leg elastic members overlap, and a first adhesive to the lower of the second upper and second lower layers, wherein optionally, the second adhesive is different from the first adhesive.

[0219] Optionally, the second adhesive is applied substantially continuously across the second underlying layer.

[0220] Optionally, the first adhesive may be applied only to a defined area of ​​the second upper layer that overlaps the additional elastic member.

[0221] Optionally, the second adhesive hardens faster than the first adhesive.

[0222] Optionally, the adhesive bonding step includes applying adhesive to a second set of elastic twisted yarns.

[0223] Optionally, at least one of a second lower web, a second upper web, a first lower web, a first upper web, and optionally a lower waist web and an upper waist web, preferably each comprising or consisting of a sheet of nonwoven material.

[0224] Optionally, the nonwoven material has a base weight of 8 to 26 gsm.

[0225] Optionally, the nonwoven material contains thermoplastic fibers or is composed of thermoplastic fibers, preferably containing at least 50% thermoplastic fibers, and more preferably containing at least 80% thermoplastic fibers.

[0226] Optionally, a second set of elastomer yarns, and / or a first set of elastomer yarns, and / or an optional third set of elastomer yarns, have a linear mass density of dtex of 80 to 1200 dtex.

[0227] Optionally, the average longitudinal spacing between strands in the second set of elastomer yarns is greater than or equal to the average longitudinal spacing between strands in the first set of elastomer yarns.

[0228] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between strands in the first set of elastomer strands is 2 to 20 mm.

[0229] Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between strands in the second set of elastomer strands is 2 to 35 mm.

[0230] Optionally, the method further comprises a waist forming step, which includes forming a waist laminated web portion of a combined laminated material web, wherein the waist laminated web portion includes the side edges of the combined laminated material web.

[0231] Optionally, the waist-laminated web portion is connected to the first laminated web portion via the waist connection region.

[0232] Optionally, the waist forming step includes feeding a lower waist web, an upper waist web, and a third set of elastomer yarns in the machine direction, and joining the upper waist web to the lower waist web by a weld joint pattern that attaches the third set of elastomer yarns between the lower and upper waist webs, wherein the elastomer yarns are joined substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction.

[0233] Optionally, the waist-forming step is performed upstream of the adhesive bonding step, preferably downstream of the welding bonding step.

[0234] Optionally, in the waist-laminated web portion, the lower waist-layer web forms the lower surface of the combined laminated material web, and the upper waist-layer web forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web.

[0235] Optionally, the waist-laminated web portion has a width in the intersecting direction that is at least 5%, such as 5% to 10% of the total width of the combined laminated material web.

[0236] Optionally, a combined laminated material web is used to form a combined panel which is the front or rear body panel of a disposable pant-like article, and additional elastic members are applied to form leg elastic members in the front or rear body panel.

[0237] Optionally, the method further includes the step of cutting or deactivating additional elastic members so as to form a set of elastic members separated by an inelastic portion, the inelastic portion being intended to connect to the crotch area of ​​an absorbent article. Thus, the set of additional elastic members thus formed may be further cut when forming a front body panel or a rear body panel from a continuous material web so that each set forms one member of a pair of leg elastic members in a first panel and one member of a pair of leg elastic members in a second panel.

[0238] This disclosure also covers the combined laminated material webs produced by the present method, specifically the combined laminated material webs described herein.

[0239] This disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing disposable pant-type articles, which includes the step of providing a combined laminated material web as described herein.

[0240] Accordingly, a method for manufacturing a disposable pants-type article is provided, the method comprising the steps of: providing a combined laminated material web by a method of a third embodiment; forming a disposable pants-type article having a front body panel, a rear body panel, a crotch region positioned between the front body panel and the rear body panel, an absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core whose central part is positioned and disposed in the crotch region; a second front panel side edge coupled to a second rear panel side edge at a second side seam; and a first front panel side edge coupled to a first rear panel side edge at a first side seam, wherein at least one of the front body panel and the rear body panel is formed from a combined laminated material web.

[0241] Optionally, a method for manufacturing a disposable pant-type article includes the steps of providing a rear body panel web and a front body panel web, wherein at least one of the rear body panel web and the front body panel web is a composite laminated material web manufactured according to the third embodiment described above; and intermittently applying absorbent assemblies to the rear body panel web and the front body panel web, wherein the absorbent assemblies are applied spaced apart in the mechanical direction to form a composite web of interconnected precursor articles each comprising an absorbent assembly, with the first end of the core assembly overlapping the rear body panel web and the second end of the core assembly overlapping the front body panel web. The composite web of precursor articles has a front waist edge and a rear waist edge. The method includes the steps of folding the composite web of interconnected precursor articles along fold lines extending in the machine direction, aligning the rear waist edge of the rear body panel web with the front waist edge of the front body panel web; forming first and second side seams in each precursor article, the side seams joining the front body panel web to the rear body panel web and formed along dividing lines between the precursor articles in the intersecting direction; and cutting individual pant-type articles from the composite web of the precursor articles.

[0242] Optionally, the upper side of the combined laminated web faces the inside of the article, and the lower side of the combined laminated web faces the outside of the article.

[0243] Optionally, the method includes the step of positioning the absorbent core in the following states: with the central part of the absorbent assembly located in the groin area; with the front end of the absorbent core overlapping the front body panel web in the front overlapping area; and with the rear end of the absorbent core overlapping the rear body panel web in the rear overlapping area.

[0244] Optionally, the method includes the step of positioning the absorbent assembly so as to overlap at least a portion of the first web portion.

[0245] Optionally, the front body panel web is formed from a second combined laminated material web, and the rear body panel web is formed from a first combined laminated material web, and each of the second and first combined laminated material webs is formed by the method according to the third embodiment described above.

[0246] Optionally, one of the front body panel and the rear body panel is formed from a combined laminated material web formed by the method according to the third embodiment described above, and the other of the front body panel and the rear body panel does not have leg elastic members formed to extend at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the machine direction.

[0247] Optionally, one of the front body panel and the rear body panel is formed from a combined laminated material web formed by the third embodiment described above, and the other of the front body panel and the rear body panel is adhesive-free.

[0248] The front body panel may be formed from a continuous front body panel web extending transversely across the width of the trouser-type article between the second and first front / rear panel side edges, and / or the elastically stretchable rear body panel may be formed from a continuous rear body panel web extending transversely across the width of the trouser-type article between the second and first rear panel side edges.

[0249] In the disposable pants-type articles disclosed herein, an absorbent core can form part of an absorbent assembly, the absorbent assembly comprising an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable top sheet, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet, wherein the absorbent core is sandwiched between the liquid-permeable top sheet and the liquid-impermeable back sheet.

[0250] Disposable pant-type articles as disclosed herein may have elastic waist features as described above. The elastic waist features can form a continuous waistband surrounding the waist opening of the disposable pant-type article, or can be applied only to selected portions of the waist opening, such as along only the central portions of the waist edges of the front and rear body panels, or along only the waist edge of the rear body panel.

[0251] The elastic waist feature can completely overlap the front and / or rear body panels, and can share waist edges with the corresponding front and / or rear body panels.

[0252] The elastic waist feature can completely overlap the front and / or rear body panels, or it can be applied to the waist edges of the front and / or rear body panels, and can protrude beyond the corresponding waist edges of the front and / or rear body panels.

[0253] An elastic waist feature may comprise one or more elastic elements. The waist feature may comprise multiple elastic twists or elastic bands. Alternatively, the elastic waist feature may comprise, or consist of, bands of elastic material, such as elastic nonwoven fabric, elastic foam, or elastic membrane. The elastic waist feature may be attached to the front and / or rear body panels as a prefabricated component, such as a waistband component comprising two layers of carrier web with elastic twists or bands attached between them. Alternatively, an elastic waist feature comprising elastic elements such as twists or bands may be formed directly on the elastic body panel material by applying the elastic elements to the body panel along the waist edge of the body panel, and then covering the elastic elements with a cover web, such as a nonwoven cover web.

[0254] Optionally, in some variations, the elastic waist feature may be a component of a disposable pant-type article that is separate from the main body panel material of the front and rear body panels.

[0255] In other variations, the elastic waist feature may be an integrated waist portion of the front and / or rear body panels of the absorbent article.

[0256] Absorbent articles such as those disclosed herein and methods for their manufacture will be described further hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0257] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a modified disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] Figure 1 is a plan view of the stretched-out item, showing the absorbent assembly and open side seam as seen from the inside of the pant-type garment. [Figure 2b] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first deformation of the rear section 4 of the article in Figure 1, along the longitudinal direction L. [Figure 2c] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction L of a second deformation of a combination panel 4 suitable for forming the rear panel 4 of an absorbent pant-type article. [Figure 2d] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front area 3 of the article in Figure 1, along the longitudinal direction L. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of another variation of the disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method according to the present invention for forming a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a disposable absorbent pants-type article. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the deformation of the laminated web material according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method according to the present invention for manufacturing disposable absorbent pants-type articles. [Figure 7a] This is a plan view of a second deformation of a disposable absorbent pant-type article, shown in an expanded state with the absorbent assembly and open side seams as viewed from the inside of the pant-type article. [Figure 7b]Figure 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction L of the deformation of the combination panel forming the rear panel of the absorbent pants-type article. [Figure 7c] Figure 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the deformation of the front panel of the absorbent pants-type article along the longitudinal direction L. [Figure 8a] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the method for fabricating a composite laminated material web. [Figure 8b] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the method for fabricating a composite laminated material web. [Figure 8c] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the method for fabricating a composite laminated material web. [Figure 8d] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the method for fabricating a composite laminated material web. [Figure 9] This is a plan view of the deformation of a combined laminated material web. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a disposable pant-type article, as shown in Figure 7a, using a composite laminated material web, as shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0258] Different aspects of this disclosure will be described more fully hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to those described herein.

[0259] The drawings are schematic, and the disposable absorbent pant-type articles shown are simplified. It is understood that the articles may include further features such as barrier cuffs and disposable means. It is also understood that the waist elasticity disclosed herein is optional, or that any other suitable type of waist elasticity may be used. Side seams may be re-closable side seams, and the pant-type articles may be provided with fastening elements to provide the ability to re-close the side seams.

[0260] The disposable absorbent pant-like article can be, for example, a pant diaper, a sanitary pant, or an incontinence pant.

[0261] As disclosed herein, the method for making a disposable absorbent pant-like article is described in the context of a disposable absorbent pant-like article having an absorbent assembly. However, it is understood that the method is equally applicable to the making of articles that do not have a pre-made absorbent assembly. The methods as disclosed herein are useful in the making of all kinds of disposable pant-like articles, such as adult incontinence articles, baby diapers, training pants, swimwear, disposable underwear, sanitary pants for female use, and the like.

[0262] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2a, a variation of a disposable absorbent pant-like article 1 of a pant-type incontinence article for an adult user is shown. The pant-like article 1 is shown in an assembled state ready for use in FIG. 1 and in an unfolded flat state with side seams 20, 21 open in FIG. 2a. In FIG. 2a, all elastic elements and components are shown in a stretched state so that the pant-like article 1 generally takes on a two-dimensional shape. FIG. 2a shows the article from the surface facing the wearer on the inside of the article 1.

[0263] The pant-like article 1 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. Any measurement of distance and dimension is made on the pant-like article 1 in a fully stretched and wrinkle-free state as shown in FIG. 2a. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "longitudinal" or "in the longitudinal direction" as used herein refer to the longitudinal direction L of the pant-like article, and the terms "in the transverse direction", "transverse", or "in the transverse direction" refer to the transverse direction T of the pant-like article.

[0264] The pant-type article 1 comprises a front section 3 having a front section lamination, formed from a second laminated web material 521, for example, as described in conjunction with Figure 6. The front section 3 comprises a set of elastic twisted yarns 300a that can be elastically stretched in the transverse direction T. The pant-type article 1 further comprises a rear section 4 having a rear section lamination, formed from a first laminated web material 501, as described below in conjunction with Figures 4 and 6. The rear section 4 comprises a set of elastic twisted yarns 400a that can be elastically stretched in the transverse direction T. The crotch area 5 is positioned between the front section 3 and the rear section 4. The elastic twisted yarns 300a of the front section 3 provide the overall elastic stretchability of the front section 3. The elastic twisted yarns 400a of the rear section 4 provide the overall elastic stretchability of the rear section 4.

[0265] Optionally, in the example illustrated in the deformation depicted in Figure 2a, the set of elastic yarns 400a in the rear section 4 can be divided into a first sub-set 400a1 and a second sub-set 400a2, the first sub-set 400a1 differing from the second sub-set 400a2 with respect to the longitudinal spacing between the elastic yarns and / or with respect to the characteristics of the elastic yarns such as diameter or elasticity. For example, the first sub-set 400a1 can be applied over most of the longitudinal extension of the rear section 4, and the second sub-set 400a2 can be applied adjacent to the leg edges 18, 19 of the rear section 4. Thereafter, the second sub-set 400a2 can be provided to ensure a good fit of the rear section 4 at the leg openings 13, 14 of the absorbent article 1. For example, the second sub-set 400a2 may have longitudinal spacing between each elastic yarn that is less than the longitudinal spacing of the first sub-set 400a1. The second subset 400a2 may have a relatively small number of elastic twisted yarns, such as one to eight, two to six, or three to five.

[0266] Furthermore, the set of elastic yarns 300a in the preceding section 3 can be divided into a first partial set and a second partial set, and the first partial set of elastic yarns differs from the second partial set of elastic yarns in terms of the longitudinal spacing between the elastic yarns and / or in terms of elastic yarn characteristics such as the diameter of the elastic yarns, although this is not shown in Figures 1 and 2a.

[0267] Article 1 is positioned in the crotch area 5 of the pant-type article 1 and further comprises an absorbent assembly 6 that extends forward across the front area 3 and backward across the rear area 4 in the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent assembly 6 spans the gap between the front area 3 and the rear area 4. The absorbent assembly 6 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a separately manufactured component comprising an absorbent core 7, a liquid-permeable top sheet 73, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 72. The absorbent core 7 is sandwiched between the top sheet 73 and the back sheet 72.

[0268] The absorbent assembly 6 is positioned such that its central part 6c is located in the crotch area 5, its front end 6f overlaps with the front area 3 in the front overlap zone, and its rear end 6r overlaps with the rear area 4 in the rear overlap zone.

[0269] The absorbent core 7 shown in the figure has a rectangular shape. However, it is understood that the disclosure is not limited to a rectangular core, and absorbent cores may have any useful shape, such as hourglass shape or T-shape, as is technically known.

[0270] The absorbent assembly 6 is applied to the inner surface of the pant-type article 1, which is the surface intended to face the wearer when the pant-type article 1 is being worn. The inner surface of the absorbent assembly 6 is formed by a liquid-permeable top sheet 73. The absorbent assembly 6 may optionally include a barrier cuff (not shown) extending along the side edges of the absorbent assembly 6.

[0271] The top sheet 73 and the back sheet 72 can both extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent core 7 and can be joined to each other in an edge seal that extends along the periphery of the absorbent core 7 outside the periphery edge of the absorbent core 7. Furthermore, the peripheral edge portion of the absorbent assembly 6 may be formed by only one of the top sheet or the back sheet.

[0272] Absorbent core The absorbent core 7 is placed between the top sheet 73 and the back sheet 72 to absorb liquids such as urine or other bodily fluids that have passed through the top sheet 73. The top sheet 73, the back sheet 72, and the absorbent core 7 can be made of any material suitable for their respective purposes.

[0273] The absorbent core 7 disclosed herein may comprise any conventional material suitable for absorbing excrement, such as cellulose fluff pulp, a tissue layer, a highly absorbent polymer superabsorbent, an absorbent foam material including a hydrogel foam material, or an absorbent nonwoven material.

[0274] The absorbent core 7 may have a single-layer structure or a layered structure. The absorbent core 7 may comprise an appropriate amount of superabsorbent material. Such superabsorbent materials are well known in the field of absorbent articles and consist of water-swellable and water-insoluble materials that can absorb large amounts of fluid in the formation of a hydrogel. The absorbent core 7 may include the superabsorbent material in the form of fibers or particles of absorbent polymer material. For example, the superabsorbent material may be a surface-crosslinked and partially neutralized polyacrylate. The superabsorbent material, such as superabsorbent fibers or particles, may be mixed with one or more other absorbent or liquid-absorbing materials, such as cellulose fluff pulp, and / or placed in pockets or layers in the absorbent core 7.

[0275] The absorbent core 7 may include non-absorbent components such as reinforcing elements, molding elements, and binders. Various types of liquid receiving and liquid distributing elements may be included in the core.

[0276] The absorbent core 7 may further contain components to improve its properties, such as integrity and strength. For example, the absorbent core 7 may contain binders, such as binder fibers. Elastic fibers, chemically reinforced fibers, etc., may be present in the absorbent core 7 to counteract the wetting and collapse of the cellulose fibers. Such fibers may also be useful in maintaining the fluid transport capillary network in the absorbent component so that the absorbent fluid is distributed within the absorbent component and can be absorbed by the superabsorbent material in some parts of the absorbent component outside the initial wetted region of the absorbent article.

[0277] The absorbent core 7 may be a three-dimensionally molded core and may have features such as embossing, fluid trapping cavities, and fluid distribution channels. The properties of the absorbent core 7, such as the density, amount, and absorption capacity of the absorbent material, may be varied in different parts of the absorbent core.

[0278] Top sheet Materials that are well-suited for top sheet applications are those that are soft and non-irritating to the skin, easily penetrated by bodily fluids, and have low re-wetting properties.

[0279] The liquid top sheet 73 is a layer facing the wearer and may comprise or consist of a liquid-permeable nonwoven material. Other suitable top sheet materials include tow fibers, porous foams, meshes, open plastic membranes and laminates, and combinations of such materials. The top sheet may be made from thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic synthetic fibers, membranes, or meshes. The top sheet 73 may consist of a single layer or may have a laminated structure comprising multiple layers, such as two or more layers. The layers may be made from the same material, or some layers, or all layers, may be made from different materials.

[0280] Back seat The liquid-impermeable backsheet 72 can be made of a thin plastic film, such as, for example, a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic non-woven material resistant to liquid penetration, or a laminate of a plastic film and a non-woven fabric. The backsheet material can be made breathable to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent body while preventing liquid from passing through the backsheet material. Materials that can be used for the backsheet 72 include thin, flexible fluid-impermeable plastic films or fluid-impermeable non-woven materials, fluid-impermeable foams, and fluid-impermeable laminates. The backsheet 72 can be formed by a single layer or can be a multi-layer structure in which at least one layer is fluid-impermeable.

[0281] The topsheet and the backsheet can be connected to each other, for example, by adhesive bonding, pasting, or welding by heat or ultrasonic waves. The topsheet and / or the backsheet can be further attached to the absorbent core by any technically known method such as adhesives, heat bonding, welding, sewing, etc.

[0282] The front region and the rear region The front region 3 has a front region waist edge 31 extending in the transverse direction T, a first front region side edge 32 and a second front region side edge 33 extending in the longitudinal direction L, and a front region crotch edge 34 extending in the transverse direction T opposite to the front region waist edge 31. On each transverse side of the absorbent assembly 6, the front region crotch edge 34 forms a first front leg edge 16 and a second front leg edge 17.

[0283] The rear region 4 has a rear region waist edge 41 extending in the transverse direction T, a first rear region side edge 42 and a second rear region side edge 43 extending in the longitudinal direction L, and a rear region crotch edge 44 extending in the transverse direction T opposite to the rear region waist edge 41. On each transverse side of the absorbent assembly 6, the rear region crotch edge 44 forms a first rear leg edge 18 and a second rear leg edge 19.

[0284] In the trouser-type article 1 shown in the figure, the front section 3 is formed from a continuous laminated material web applied in the mechanical direction MD corresponding to the transverse direction T of the trouser-type article 1, for example, from a second laminated web material 521 described in relation to Figure 6. Thereafter, the front section 3 extends across the trouser-type article 1 in the transverse direction T from the first front section side edge 32 to the second front section side edge 33, and in the longitudinal direction L from the front waist edge 31 to the front crotch edge 34.

[0285] The rear section 4 is formed from a continuous laminated material web applied in the mechanical direction MD corresponding to the transverse direction T of the trouser-type article 1, for example, from a first laminated web material 501 described later in relation to Figures 4 and 6. Thereafter, the rear section 4 extends across the trouser-type article 1 in the transverse direction T from the first rear section side edge 42 to the second rear section side edge 43, and in the longitudinal direction L from the rear section waist edge 41 to the rear section crotch edge 44.

[0286] The crotch area 5 is located between the front area 3 and the rear area 4, and is in contact with the front area 3 along the front area crotch edge 34 and with the rear area 4 along the rear area crotch edge 44. The extension of the crotch area 5 in the longitudinal direction L is defined as the distance between the front area crotch edge 34 and the rear area crotch edge 44 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0287] As shown in Figure 1, in order to form a pant-type article 1 having a waist opening 12, a second leg opening 13, and a first leg opening 14, the first front section side edge 32 is intended to be joined to the first rear section side edge 42 at the first side seam 20, as indicated in Figure 2a, and the second front section side edge 33 is intended to be joined to the first rear section side edge 43 at the second side seam 21.

[0288] The waist opening 12 is defined by the front waist border 31 and the rear waist border 41.

[0289] The front section 3 forms a pair of leg edges 16, 17, each leg edge extending transversely on either the left or right side of the absorbent assembly 6. Similarly, the rear section 4 forms a pair of leg edges 18, 19, each leg edge extending transversely on either the left or right side of the absorbent assembly 6. The second leg opening 13 and the first leg opening 14 can be defined between the respective left or right leg edges 16, 17 of the front section 3, the left or right leg edges 18, 19 of the rear section 4, and the corresponding left or right longitudinal sides 83, 84 of the absorbent assembly 6.

[0290] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2a, the leg edges 16 and 17 of the front section 3 extend only in the transverse direction T, but it is also feasible for them to extend in both the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2a, the leg edges 18 and 19 of the rear section 4 extend in both the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L, but it is also feasible for them to extend only in the transverse direction T. However, in the disposable absorbent pants-type article according to the present invention, at least one of the front section 3 and the rear section 4 has leg edges that extend in both the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L.

[0291] Leg elastic member At least one of the front section 3 and the rear section 4 comprises a pair of leg elastic members positioned adjacent to the corresponding pair of leg edges.

[0292] For example, as illustrated in the variations of Figures 1 and 2a, the rear section 4 of the absorbent article 1 comprises a pair of leg elastic members 25, 26 positioned adjacent to a pair of leg edges 18, 19 of the rear section 4. The leg elastic members 25, 26 are positioned along a portion of the leg edges 18, 19 of the rear section 4. The leg edges 18, 19 are curved to form a leg opening that comfortably conforms to the wearer's legs. The curved leg edges 18, 19 mean that the leg edges 18, 19 extend in the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L.

[0293] Each leg elastic member 25, 26 may comprise individual elastic elements, such as 2 to 15 individual elastic elements, 3 to 12 individual elastic elements, or 4 to 10 individual elastic elements. The individual elastic elements may be elastic / elastomer strings, threads, twists, or bands that are spaced apart and applied along the rear leg edge areas of the second and first leg edges.

[0294] Each of the leg elastic members 25 and 26 extends at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the transverse direction T. Thus, the leg elastic members 25 and 26 follow the contours of the leg openings 13 and 14 to allow for an improved fit of the absorbent article around the wearer's legs.

[0295] For example, at least a portion of each leg elastic member 25, 26 may form an angle with the transverse direction T of at least 20 degrees, such as at least 30 degrees with the transverse direction T. For example, at least a portion of each leg elastic member 25, 26 may form an angle with the transverse direction T of at least 20 degrees to 60 degrees, such as at least 30 degrees to 45 degrees with the transverse direction T. For example, in the deformation shown in the figure, at least a portion of each leg elastic member 25, 26 forms an angle with the transverse direction T of at least 40 degrees.

[0296] For example, each leg elastic member 25, 26 can form an angle of at least 20 degrees with respect to the transverse direction T when viewed in the transverse direction T of the rear section 4, over at least 10% of the total width. For example, each leg elastic member can form the angle described above over at least 10%, such as at least 20% of the total width of at least one of the front section 3 and the rear section 4.

[0297] For example, as can be seen in the example in Figure 2a, the leg elastic members 25 and 26 can substantially follow the curved shape of the leg edges 18 and 19.

[0298] As illustrated in Figure 2a, and as can be seen in Figure 2b, which shows a cross-section of the rear section 4 along the longitudinal axis L in Figure 2a, immediately outside the absorbent assembly 6, the rear section 4 comprises a lower layer 4a and an upper layer 4b, with the lower layer 4a forming the lower surface of the rear section 4 and the upper layer 4b forming the upper surface of the rear section 4, with the lower layer 4a and upper layer 4b overlapping. In the product, either the lower layer 4a or the upper layer 4b can form the inside, i.e., the side that comes into contact with the wearer.

[0299] As will be further described later, the lower layer 4a and upper layer 4b sandwich elastic twisted yarn and / or elastic material to form an elastic back section 4. Thanks to the upper layer 4b forming the upper surface of the back section 4 and the lower layer 4a forming the lower surface of the back section 4, the back section 4 can be formed to be relatively thin without using an unnecessary amount of material. The absence of an additional layer of web material in the back section 4 may be advantageous in terms of breathability, comfort, durability, and economy.

[0300] The rear section 4 comprises a set of elastic yarns 400a sandwiched between the lower layer 4a and the upper layer 4b. The elastic yarns 400a are arranged parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. Thereafter, the set of elastic yarns 400a imparts elasticity to the rear section 4 in the transverse direction T.

[0301] The rear section 4 further comprises leg elastic members 25 and 26 positioned adjacent to the leg edges 18 and 19. The leg elastic members 25 and 26 are sandwiched between the upper layer 4b and the lower layer 4a, such as elastic twisted yarn 400a.

[0302] The rear section 4 is joined by adhesive bonding, which is applied to one or more of the upper layer 4b, lower layer 4a, set of elastic twisted yarns 400a, and leg elastic members 25, 26. For this purpose, previously known adhesive techniques may be used.

[0303] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2a, the rear section 4 comprises a first leg elastic twist 401 and a second leg elastic twist 402 extending in the transverse direction T. The first leg elastic twist 401 ends at the first leg edge 18, located between the first leg elastic member 25 and the first side seam 20, as seen in the longitudinal direction L of article 1. The second leg elastic twist 402 ends at the second leg edge 19, located between the second leg elastic member 26 and the second side seam 21, as seen in the longitudinal direction L of article 1. Thus, the first and second upper elastic twists 401, 402 can provide elasticity in the respective zones of the respective leg edges 18, 19 located between the ends of the leg elastic members 25, 26 and the side seams 20, 21.

[0304] In absorbent article 1, the first and second leg-supported elastic yarns 401, 402 are formed by two separate elastic yarns with a gap between them, for example, to allow space for an absorbent core 7. Thus, wrinkles in the absorbent assembly 6 or absorbent core 7 by the first and second leg-supported elastic yarns 401, 402 are avoided. However, when article 1 is manufactured, the first and second leg-supported elastic yarns 401, 402 may be provided as a single continuous elastic yarn, as further described herein.

[0305] Furthermore, the rear section 4 comprises several first leg-side elastic twists 403 extending in the transverse direction T and intersecting the first leg elastic member 25, and several second leg-side elastic twists 404 extending in the transverse direction T and intersecting the second leg elastic member 26. Thus, when viewed in the longitudinal direction L, the leg-side elastic twists 403, 404 end at their respective leg edges 18, 19, which are further from the side seams 20, 21 than the leg elastic members 25, 26.

[0306] The first and second leg-side elastic twists 403, 404 are formed by two separate elastic twists with a gap between them, for example, to allow space for the absorbent core 7. Thus, the absorbent core 7 is prevented from being wrinkled by the first and second leg-side elastic twists 403, 404. However, when article 1 is manufactured, the first and second leg-side elastic twists 403, 404 may be provided as continuous elastic twists, as further described herein.

[0307] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second leg-side elastic twists 401, 402 and the first and second leg-side elastic twists 403, 404 form part of a set of elastic twists 400a that stretch substantially or completely in the transverse direction T of article 1. As mentioned above, the individual elastic elements may be positioned at equal distances from each other or may have varying spacings. Furthermore, the individual elastic elements are typically provided in a stretched state when the article is manufactured.

[0308] The first leg edge 18 has a longitudinal extension L1, as seen in the longitudinal direction L of article 1. The first leg elastic member 25 ends at a longitudinal position of the first leg edge 18, which, when determined from the lower end 20a of the first side seam 20, is located within a range of 1% to 60%, preferably 10% to 50%, and more preferably 20% to 40% of the longitudinal extension L1. This creates a gap between the first side seam 20 and the first leg elastic member 25.

[0309] The second leg edge 19 has a longitudinal extension L2 when viewed in the longitudinal direction L of article 1, and its longitudinal extension L2 is typically the same as the longitudinal extension L1 of the first leg edge 18. The second leg elastic member 26 ends at a longitudinal position of the second leg edge that, when determined from the lower end 21a of the second side seam 21, is located within a range of 1% to 60%, preferably 10% to 50%, and more preferably 20% to 40% of the longitudinal extension L2. Thereafter, there is a gap between the second side seam 21 and the second leg elastic member 26, which is typically the same as the gap for the first leg edge 18.

[0310] When expressed in millimeters instead, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at a longitudinal position on the first leg edge 18, which is located within a range of 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably 10 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 55 mm, when determined from the lower end 20a of the first side joint 20. The second leg elastic member 26 ends at a longitudinal position on the second leg edge 19, which is located within a range of 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably 10 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 55 mm.

[0311] Therefore, the first leg elastic member 25 extends along a distance in the range of 50% to 99%, preferably 55% to 95%, more preferably 60% to 90%, of the length L3 of the first leg edge 18, and the second leg elastic member 26 extends along a distance in the range of 50% to 99%, preferably 55% to 95%, more preferably 60% to 90%, of the length L4 of the second leg edge 19. Thus, the lengths L3 and L4 of the respective leg edges 18 and 19 are measured along the edges 18 and 19 themselves following their curvature, and therefore extend in both the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T.

[0312] Furthermore, the first leg elastic member 25 extends along the first leg edge 18 for a distance in the range of 150 to 300 mm, preferably 165 to 285 mm, and more preferably 180 to 270 mm, and the second leg elastic member 26 extends along the second leg edge 19 for a distance in the range of 15 to 300 mm, preferably 165 to 285 mm, and more preferably 180 to 270 mm.

[0313] The first leg elastic member 25 has a total length W in the longitudinal direction of the rear section 4. B The second leg elastic member 26 extends along the longitudinal length L5, which is less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the total length W of the rear section 4. B It extends along the longitudinal length L6, which is less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30%.

[0314] In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg elastic member 25 extends from the absorbent assembly 6 to the first leg edge 18, and the second leg elastic member 26 extends from the absorbent assembly 6 to the second leg edge 19. The first and second leg elastic members 18, 19 may also extend downward to at least a portion of the absorbent assembly 6, but preferably the leg elastic members do not extend continuously under the entire width of the absorbent assembly 6. This avoids the risk of wrinkling the absorbent assembly 6, and specifically the absorbent core 7, by using leg elastic members 25, 26 that extend across the entire width of the absorbent assembly 6 or absorbent core 7. This can be achieved by intentionally interrupting the leg elastic members in the central region of the article, for example by cutting out the leg elastic members so that a gap is provided for the absorbent core. A method for achieving this is described in the referenced WO2018 / 106160A1.

[0315] Article 1 optionally further comprises first and second crotch elastic members 81, 82 extending along the first and second longitudinal sides 83, 84 of the absorbent assembly 6. Thereafter, the crotch elastic members 81, 82 form an elastic portion around the leg openings 13, 14. The crotch elastic members 81, 82 may comprise one or more elastic elements, for example, in the form of a string, thread, twist, or band, shown as four elastic twists.

[0316] Disposable absorbent pants-type articles 1 as disclosed herein may have an elastic waist feature 50 positioned along the waist opening 12, particularly as shown in Figures 1 and 2a. The elastic waist feature 50 may include one or more elastic elements extending parallel to the front waist edge 31 and / or the rear waist edge 41. One or more elastic waist elements may be incorporated into the front section 3 and / or the rear section 4, or applied as a separate waistband attached to the front waist edge 31 and the rear waist edge 41, or as a separate waistband attached to the front section 3 and / or the rear section 4, where the waistband completely overlaps the corresponding front section 3 and / or the rear section 4 and shares a common waist edge. Disposable absorbent pants-type articles 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6 have an elastic waist feature 50 extending around the entire perimeter of the waist opening 12. However, the elastic waist feature may be positioned along only a portion of the waist opening, such as along only the waist edge of the posterior section, along only the waist edge of the anterior section, or along a portion of one or both of the waist edges of the anterior and / or posterior sections, having a length less than the total length of the corresponding anterior section 3 and / or posterior section waist edge.

[0317] For example, in order to form the elastic waist feature 50, the rear section 4 may include a waist panel portion 4c, as shown in Figure 2b.

[0318] In the waist panel section 4c, the lower waist layer 4c' and the upper waist layer 4c'' are superimposed such that the lower waist layer 4c' forms the lower surface of the rear section 4, and the upper waist layer 4c'' forms the upper surface of the rear section 4.

[0319] The waist panel portion 4c further comprises a set of elastomer waist yarns 400c sandwiched between the lower waist layer 4c' and the upper waist layer 4c'', the elastomer waist yarns 400c are arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction T, and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L, but typically with smaller spacing than the set of elastic yarns 400a, or even adjacent to each other.

[0320] The waist panel portion 4c is connected to the rear section 4 by the waist connection region E. The waist panel portion 4c extends from the waist connection region E to the waist edge 41 of the rear section 4. The waist connection region E is, for example, the length W in the longitudinal direction of the rear section 4. B A relatively short longitudinal length W, such as 10% or 5% or less of the length. E Having this is considered desirable.

[0321] Numerous options are known for forming the waist panel portion 4c in the front section 3 and / or rear section 4 and can be combined with the present disclosure. For example, different modifications described in WO2018 / 09771A1 may be used in the front section and / or rear section as described herein. For example, different modifications described in EP3788997A1 may be used in the front section and / or rear section as described herein.

[0322] Since the waist panel portion 4c has no elastic members extending in any direction other than parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, the waist panel portion 4c may be joined by a welded joint pattern that joins the lower waist layer 4c' to the upper waist layer 4c'' such that a set of elastic waist twisted yarns 400c are attached between them.

[0323] For example, as can be seen in Figure 2b, in some variations, the lower waist layer 4c', the upper waist layer 4c'', and the lower layer 4a can be formed from a single continuous material sheet 40ac'. This allows for a uniform appearance on the underside of the front section 3 and / or rear section 4, which is particularly desirable when the downward direction is the outward direction of the article 1. Furthermore, advantages are obtained in manufacturing, as will be described later. To form the upper waist layer 4c'' from the continuous material sheet 40ac', the sheet 40ac' is folded along the fold edge to form the waist edge 41.

[0324] In the variation shown in Figure 2c, the lower waist layer 4c' and the upper waist layer 4c'' can be formed by a continuous material sheet folding itself along the waist edge 41. In this variation, the material sheet of the upper layer 4b and the material sheet of the lower waist layer 4c' overlap in the waist connection region E in the longitudinal direction L.

[0325] In general, the elastic waist feature 50 can be made by any suitable method known in the technical field. For example, the waist connection region E may have a joint. The waist lower layer 4c' and waist upper layer 4c'' may be positioned to overlap with the lower layer 4a and / or upper layer 4b in the waist connection region E.

[0326] In the illustrated pant-type article 1, only the rear section 4 is equipped with leg elastic members 25 and 26, but the front section 3 may also be equipped with leg elastic members.

[0327] In the deformation shown in Figure 1, the front section 3 of the absorbent article lacks leg elastic members. As seen in Figure 2d, which shows a cross-section of the front section 3 in the longitudinal direction L in Figure 2a, the front section 3 comprises a lower layer 3a and an upper layer 3b, with a set of elastic yarns 300a sandwiched between the lower layer 3a and the upper layer 3b, the elastic yarns 300a are arranged parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, and the elastic yarns 300a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0328] The lower layer 3a is joined to the upper layer 3b, thereby attaching a set of elastic twisted yarn 300a. The lower layer 3a forms the lower surface of the front section 3, and the upper layer 3b forms the upper surface of the front section 3.

[0329] The front area 3 may be provided with a waist feature 50, similar to that described earlier for the rear area 4. In the variation shown in Figure 2d, the front area 3 comprises a waist panel portion 3c having an upper waist panel layer 3c'' and a lower waist panel layer 3c', the lower waist panel layer 3c' being formed by a combined lower panel sheet 30ac', the combined lower panel sheet 30ac' also forming a lower layer 3a, similar to the waist feature 50, as described in relation to Figure 2b. The waist panel portion 3c of the front area 3 may be joined by a welded joint pattern. The waist feature 50 comprises a set of elastomer waist twisted yarns 300c sandwiched between the lower waist layer 3c' and the upper waist layer 3c''.

[0330] The absence of leg elastic members 25, 26 extending in directions other than parallel to the transverse direction T in the front section 3 means that the front section 3 as a whole can be properly joined by a welded joint pattern. Therefore, the front section 3 can be adhesive-free.

[0331] In some variations, the set of elastic yarns 300a in the front section 3 can be divided into a first sub-set 300a1 and a second sub-set 300a2, the first sub-set 300a1 differing from the second sub-set 300a2 with respect to the longitudinal spacing between the elastic yarns and / or with respect to the characteristics of the elastic yarns, such as the diameter of the elastic yarns. For example, the first sub-set 300a1 can be applied over most of the longitudinal extension of the front section 3, and the second sub-set 300a2 can be applied adjacent to the leg edges 16, 17 of the front section 3. Thereafter, the second sub-set 300a2 can be provided to ensure a good fit of the front section 3 at the leg openings 13, 14 of the absorbent article 1. For example, the second sub-set 300a2 may have longitudinal spacing between each yarn that is less than the longitudinal spacing of the first sub-set 300a1. The second subset 300a2 may comprise a relatively small number of elastic twisted yarns, such as one to five twisted yarns, or two to four twisted yarns.

[0332] In other variations, the front section 3 may be provided with leg panel portions that can be formed in the same manner as previously described for the waist panel portions to ensure a good fit of the front section 3 in the leg openings 13, 14 of the absorbent article. Thus, the leg panel portions may be connected to the front section via the leg connection portions, similar to the waist connection portions described previously.

[0333] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2a, the front section 3 and the rear section 4 are formed by two separate panels, namely the front body panel and the rear body panel, respectively. The crotch section 5 is formed by a portion of the absorbent assembly 6 such that a portion of the absorbent assembly 6 spans the gap between the front section 3 and the rear section 4.

[0334] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3, the front section 3', rear section 4', and groin section 5' are made from a chassis 2' that forms a single piece. The absorbent assembly 6' is located in the center of the chassis 2'. This embodiment may have the same and optional features as described herein for the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2a.

[0335] Forming a laminated web material Figure 4 schematically illustrates the method according to the present invention for forming the laminated web material 501. Figure 5 shows an area of ​​the laminated web material 501. The laminated web material 501 is continuous when viewed in the mechanical direction MD and has a width W between the first side edge 503 and the second side edge 505 in the intersecting direction CD.

[0336] The laminated web material 501 can be used as a laminated web material for at least one of the front section 3 or rear section 4 of the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1, as shown in Figure 1, for example. Thus, the laminated web material 501 can be seen as an intermediate product when manufacturing the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1. The details and advantages described herein for article 1 or its manufacture are also valid for the laminated web material 501, to the extent applicable.

[0337] The method is, S110: A step of feeding the lower web 507 to the machine direction MD, S120: A step of feeding the upper web 509 to the machine direction MD, S125: A step of feeding a set 517 of continuous elastic twisted yarn in the machine direction MD, S130: A step of feeding in a continuous leg elastic member 511 containing one or more elastic elements, S140: A step of positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511 such that the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the width W of the laminated web material 501, S150: To form a laminated web material 501, the elastic twists of the set of continuous elastic twists 517 are aligned substantially parallel to each other and in the mechanical direction MD, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction CD, by joining the lower web 507 to the upper web 509 and sandwiching the set of continuous elastic twists 517 between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509, and by sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member 511 between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509, Includes.

[0338] The terms lower web and upper web as used herein refer to the way in which the lower web and upper web are typically supplied in the manufacturing equipment, as illustrated in Figure 4. In the disposable absorbent pant-type article 1, the lower web 507 can form either the inside of article 1, i.e., the side facing the wearer, or the outside of article 1. The lower web 507 and upper web 509 are supplied as a continuous unit in the machine direction.

[0339] The first edge 503 of the laminated web material is the edge from where the leg cutouts are made. Therefore, the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends adjacently along this edge 503 in the first zone Z1. The continuous leg elastic member 511 is applied in a undulating form when viewed in the cross direction CD. Thus, one flat peak 513 of the undulating wave is in the first zone Z1, and the other flat peak 515 of the undulating wave is in the second zone Z2. In the first and second zones Z1 and Z2, the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction MD. The wavelength λ of the undulating wave is, referring to Figure 2a, the width W of the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1 when viewed in the transverse direction T. T This corresponds to the transition zone Z between the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2, where the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends in both the intersecting direction CD and the mechanical direction MD. T Further details of the undulations can be derived from the herein description of the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26 in the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1. Later in manufacturing, when the absorbent assembly 6 is applied to the laminated web material 501, the absorbent assembly 6 is preferably positioned to overlap with the continuous leg elastic member 511 in the first zone Z1. Furthermore, the leg cutout is preferably in the transition zone Z T It extends through this and optionally extends to a second zone Z2.

[0340] The continuous leg elastic member 511 extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30%, of the width W of the laminated web material 501. This facilitates the manufacture of the disposable absorbent pant-type article 1, and as can be seen in Figure 1, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at or near the first leg edge 18, and the second leg elastic member 26 ends at or near the second leg edge 19.

[0341] Figure 4 further shows S125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 in the machine direction MD, the step of step S150 further includes sandwiching a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 between a lower web 507 and an upper web 509, such that the elastic twists of the set of continuous twisted yarns 517 are aligned substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction MD and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction CD.

[0342] Step S140 ensures that the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends preferably over a length of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the mechanical direction MD in a first zone Z1 adjacent to the first edge 503 of the laminated web material 501, in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the mechanical direction MD in a second zone Z2 spaced apart from the first zone Z1 in the mechanical direction MD and the intersecting direction CD, and that a transition zone Z is located between the first and second zones Z1 and Z2. T The further includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511 so that it extends in both the intersecting direction CD and the mechanical direction MD.

[0343] The continuous leg elastic member 511 is positioned to intersect with at least one elastic twist of the set of continuous elastic twists 517. Thus, the intersecting elastic twists can form leg elastic twists 403, 404, as seen in Figure 2a.

[0344] The twists of the set of continuous elastic twists 517 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction MD. Furthermore, Figure 4 shows how the continuous leg elastic members 511 are fed along the machine direction MD. The continuous leg elastic members 511 are positioned to extend at least partially in a direction not parallel to the machine direction MD. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the continuous leg elastic members 511 may be arranged in a ridged pattern suitable for forming leg elastic members 25, 26 in the front section 3 or rear section 4 of the disposable absorbent pant-type article 1.

[0345] Figure 4 also schematically shows the joining step S150. The twisted yarns of the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 and the continuous leg elastic members 511 are sandwiched between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509, and adhesive bonding is applied to form the laminated web material 501 in joining step S150. The adhesive bonding may be applied to one or more of the lower web 507, the upper web 509, the twisted yarns of the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517, and the continuous leg elastic members 511.

[0346] For example, as described herein in relation to Figure 5, the first adhesive may be applied substantially continuously to the lower web 507. Alternatively, the second adhesive may be applied to a defined area 531 of the upper web 509 overlapping the continuous leg elastic member 511. Optionally, the second adhesive and the first adhesive may differ, for example, in that the second adhesive can cure faster than the first adhesive. Furthermore, the adhesive bonding step may include applying the adhesive to the yarns of a set of continuous elastic yarns 517.

[0347] As an addition or supplement to the adhesive, step S150 may include performing welding, such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

[0348] The provision of the waist feature 50 is shown only schematically as providing one or more elastic waist elements 519, which will form an elastomer waist twisted yarn 400c, as described herein for example for Article 1.

[0349] The intermediate product, namely the laminated web material 501, S160: A step of cutting through the continuous leg elastic member 511 by creating a leg cutout that extends from the first side edge 503 of the laminated web material 501. Leg cut - off can be provided thereby. Step S160 can include cut - off through the continuous leg elastic member 511 in the second zone Z2. However, leg cut - off is usually performed when manufacturing the disposable absorbent pant - type article 1 as described later.

[0350] The intermediate product, which is the laminated web material 501, is shown in FIG. 5. The laminated web material 501 is continuous when viewed in the machine direction MD and has a width between a first side edge 503 and a second side edge 505 in the cross - direction CD. The laminated web material 501 includes a lower web 507, an upper web 509, and a continuous leg elastic member 517 sandwiched between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509. The continuous leg elastic member 517 extends at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction in a first zone Z1 adjacent to the first side edge 503 of the laminated web material 501, extends at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction MD in a second zone Z2 spaced from the first zone Z1, and a transition zone Z is positioned between the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2. T extends in both the cross - direction CD and the machine direction MD therein.

[0351] The laminated web material 501 further includes a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 sandwiched between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509 in the machine direction MD. The elastic twisted yarns of the set of elastic twisted yarns 517 are arranged parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction MD and are spaced from each other in the cross - direction CD.

[0352] At least one elastic twisted yarn of the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 intersects the continuous leg elastic member 511 to form the leg - side elastic twisted yarns 403, 404 as seen in FIG. 2a.

[0353] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent pant-type article 1, such as a pant diaper, sanitary pant, or incontinence pant, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, for example, in Figures 1 to 3. The article 1 comprises a front section 3, a rear section 4, and a crotch section 5 located between the front section 3 and the rear section 4, and an absorbent assembly 6 is positioned such that the central part 6c of the absorbent assembly 6 is located in the crotch section 5. The method is as follows: M110: As shown in Figure 4, the step of feeding the lower web 507 in the machine direction MD, M120: As shown in Figure 4, the step of feeding the upper web 509 in the machine direction MD, M125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns in the direction of the machine, M130: A step of feeding in a continuous leg elastic member 511 containing one or more elastomer elements, as shown in Figure 4, M140: A step of positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511, as shown in Figure 4, such that the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends at least partially in the extending direction which is both the intersecting direction CD and the mechanical direction MD, M150: To form the first laminated web material 501 as shown in Figure 4, the elastic twists of the set of continuous elastic twists 517 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the mechanical direction MD, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction CD, the lower web 507 is joined to the upper web 509, and the continuous leg elastic member 511 is sandwiched between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509, the steps being: M160: A step of positioning the first laminated web material 501, as shown in Figure 6, at a position corresponding to either the front section 3 or the rear section 4 of article 1, wherein the rear section 4 is formed. M170: A step of providing a second laminated web material 521 as shown in Figure 6, and positioning the second laminated web material 521 in a position corresponding to the front area 3 or rear area 4 of article 1, M180: A step of intermittently providing absorbent assemblies 6 that are spaced apart in the mechanical direction MD as shown in Figure 6, and positioning the absorbent assemblies 6 such that the first end portion 6r overlaps with the first laminated web material 501 and the second end portion 6f overlaps with the second laminated web material 521, thereby forming a composite web 523 of interconnected precursor articles 525, M190: A step of cutting through a continuous leg elastic member 511 by creating a leg cutout 527 extending from the first side edge 503 of the first laminated web material 501, as shown in Figure 6, wherein the leg cutout 527 is positioned between the absorbent assemblies 6 when viewed in the mechanical direction MD. M200: The step of folding the composite web 523 along the fold line extending in the machine direction MD as shown in Figure 6, thereby aligning the first edge 527 of the composite web 523 with the second edge 529 of the composite web 523, M210: A step in which the first laminated web material 501 is joined to the second laminated web material 521 by forming first and second side seams 20 and 21 in each precursor article 525 as shown in Figure 6, wherein the side seams 20 and 21 are the dividing line L between the precursor articles 525. d Steps formed along the intersecting direction CD, M220: As shown in Figure 6, the step of cutting individual disposable absorbent panty-type articles 1 from the composite web 523 of the precursor article 525 and Includes.

[0354] The method may be used to manufacture a disposable absorbent pants-type article 1 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 5. The method may include one or more steps of a method for forming a laminated web material for at least one of the front or rear sections of a laminated web material for a disposable absorbent pants-type article disclosed herein, for example, one or more of steps S110 to S160.

[0355] Steps M110, M120, M125, and M130 correspond to steps S110, S120, S125, and S130. See the explanation of steps S110 to S130 disclosed herein.

[0356] In step M140, the continuous leg elastic member 511 is positioned in a pattern such that the leg cutout 527 made in step M190 cuts through the continuous leg elastic member 511. Thus, the continuous leg elastic member 511 is typically applied in a ridged form when viewed in the intersecting direction. The wavelength λ of the ridge corresponds to the width of the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1 when viewed in the transverse direction T of the article 1. Further details of the ridge can be derived from the herein description of the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26 in the disposable absorbent pants-type article. Step M140 can be carried out as described herein for step S140, but other patterns for positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511 are also feasible, as long as the leg cutout 527 made in step M190 cuts through the continuous leg elastic member 511.

[0357] Step M150 corresponds to S150. See the description of step S150 disclosed herein. In this step, with reference to step M160, a first laminated web material 501 is formed to form either the front section 3 or the rear section 4 of the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1.

[0358] In step M170, a second laminated web material 521 is provided to form the front section 3 or the other of the rear section 4 of the disposable absorbent pant-type article 1. The second laminated web material may be formed in the corresponding steps M110 to M150. Alternatively, the second laminated web material may be made by any of several methods known from the prior art, for example, as the laminated web material 521 shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment the second laminated web material 521 has no leg cutouts and no leg elastic members.

[0359] In M180, absorbent assemblies 6 are provided. Each absorbent assembly 6 typically comprises an absorbent core 7. In this case, the absorbent assembly may comprise the absorbent core 7, a liquid-permeable top sheet 73, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 72, with the absorbent core 7 typically sandwiched between the liquid-permeable top sheet 73 and the liquid-impermeable back sheet 72. The absorbent core 7 can have any useful shape, such as hourglass, rectangular, or T-shaped, as is technically known.

[0360] The front section 3 and the rear section 4 may be formed by separate panels, namely a front body panel and a rear body panel, as shown in Figure 6 and the articles in Figures 1 and 2. In this case, step M180 includes the crotch area 5 being formed by a portion of the absorbent assembly 6 such that a portion of the absorbent assembly 6 spans the gap between the front body panel and the rear body panel.

[0361] Alternatively, the front, rear, and groin sections may be made from a single chassis 2' forming a single piece, as shown in Figure 3. In this case, the first laminated web material and / or the second laminated web material may be made or provided as part of the chassis 2'. It is also possible to form the front and groin sections as a single piece and have a separate panel for the rear section, or to form the rear and groin sections as a single piece and have a separate panel for the front section.

[0362] In step M190, the leg cutout 527 is made such that a continuous leg elastic member 511 is cut off. As a result, when article 1 is manufactured by the method, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at or near the first leg edge 18, and the second leg elastic member 26 ends at or near the second leg edge 19.

[0363] Step M200 is performed to prepare a precursor article 525 for which side seams 20, 21 will be applied in step M210. Finally, the disposable absorbent pant-type article 1 is separated from the subsequent article in step M220.

[0364] Optionally, the method may further include the step of cutting or deactivating a continuous leg elastic member 511 so as to form a set of elastic members 25, 26 separated by an inelastic portion, the inelastic portion being intended to be positioned in the absorbent assembly 6, as is the case for the absorbent article 1 in Figures 1 and 2.

[0365] Either the lower web 507 or the upper web 509 can face the wearer of the item.

[0366] The method may further include a step of providing waist features of the type described herein and / or of the type known from the prior art. This step may be performed, for example, immediately before, during, or immediately after step M150.

[0367] Optionally, step M140 is a transition zone Z located between the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2, where the continuous leg elastic member extends preferably over a length of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction in a first zone Z1 adjacent to the first side edge 503 of the first laminated web material 501, and extends preferably over a length of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction MD in a second zone Z2 spaced apart from the first zone Z1. T This includes positioning a continuous leg elastic member so that it extends in both the intersecting direction CD and the mechanical direction MD.

[0368] Therefore, one flat peak 513 of the rising wave is in the first zone Z1, and the other flat peak 515 of the rising wave is in the second zone Z2. The wavelength of the rising wave, when viewed in the transverse direction T, is the width W of the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1. T This corresponds to the transition zone Z between the first zone Z1 and the second zone Z2, where the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends in both the intersecting direction CD and the mechanical direction MD. TFurther details of the undulations can be derived from the herein description of the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26 in the disposable absorbent pants-type article 1. When the absorbent assembly 6 is applied to the laminated web material 501 in step M180, the absorbent assembly 6 is preferably positioned to overlap with the continuous leg elastic member 511 in the first zone Z1. Furthermore, the leg cutout is preferably in the transition zone Z T It extends through this and optionally extends to a second zone Z2.

[0369] As shown in Figure 4, step M140 optionally includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511 such that the continuous leg elastic member 511 extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the width W of the first laminated web material 501.

[0370] As also shown in Figure 4, the method is: M125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 in the machine direction MD, the step of step M150 further includes sandwiching a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns 517 between the lower web 507 and the upper web 509, such that the elastic twists of the set 517 are aligned substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction MD and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction CD. See the description for step S125.

[0371] One or more of steps M110, M120, M125, M130, and M140 may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. These steps may be performed in any order.

[0372] In the illustrated embodiment, step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511 with respect to the set of continuous elastic yarns 517 such that the continuous leg elastic member 511 intersects with at least one elastic yarn of the set of continuous elastic yarns 517. Thus, the intersecting elastic yarns can form leg elastic yarns 403, 404 of the type described herein, referring to Figure 2a.

[0373] Optionally, step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member 511 relative to the set of continuous elastic yarns 517 such that at least one of the elastic yarns of the set of continuous elastic yarns 517 ends at the leg cutouts 18, 19 without intersecting with the continuous leg elastic member 511, as shown in Article 1 in Figure 2a.

[0374] Optionally, step M150 includes joining by applying an adhesive to form an adhesive joint and / or by performing welding, such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

[0375] Optionally, step M150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the set of lower web 507, upper web 509, continuous leg elastic members 511, and continuous elastic twisted yarn 517.

[0376] Optionally, step M150 includes applying adhesive to one or more of the lower web 507 and upper web 509 in a defined area 531 that overlaps the continuous leg elastic member 511.

[0377] Modified Combination Panels The embodiments shown in Figures 7a to 7f have many features in common with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2a. However, in these embodiments, at least one of the front section 1003 or the rear section 1004 comprises or constitutes a combination panel. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7a, this is the rear section and is referred to as the rear panel 1004 comprising a combination panel.

[0378] The deformed main panel 1004 in Figure 7a is shown in cross-section in Figure 7b. Each leg elastic member, i.e., the first and second elastic members 1025 and 1026, does not extend all the way to the first rear panel side edge 1042 or the second rear panel side edge 1043, respectively. Therefore, the first leg elastic member 1025 ends at or near the first leg edge 1018, and the second leg elastic member 1026 ends at or near the second leg edge 1019. Therefore, each leg elastic member 1025 and 1026 does not extend all the way to the first rear panel side edge 1042 or the second rear panel side edge 1043, respectively. Therefore, each elastic member 1025 and 1026 does not extend to the first side seam 1020 or the second side seam 1021, respectively. This provides the ability to make the second panel portion 1004b relatively short when viewed in the longitudinal direction L, and therefore the first panel portion 1004a relatively long. A relatively long first panel portion 1004a may be preferred because it is generally desirable to increase the use of welding techniques to reduce the use of adhesive bonding techniques.

[0379] When comparing the markings used for the articles in Figure 1 and Figure 7a, the front main panel 1003 corresponds to the front area 3, and the rear main panel 1004 corresponds to the rear area 4.

[0380] For details on the absorbent core 1006, top sheet 1073, and back sheet 1072, please refer to the above.

[0381] Combination panels Accordingly, as described herein, the example article 1001 depicted in Figures 7a to 7f is a type of disposable pant-type article 1001 according to the present invention, the article 1001 having a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, defining a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T, the inside of the article as seen in the thickness direction is the wearer-facing side of the article which will face the wearer when the article is worn. The outside of the article is the garment-facing side of the article which will face away from the wearer when the article is worn. The article 1001 comprises a front body panel 1003, a rear body panel 1004, and a crotch area 1005 positioned between the front body panel 1003 and the rear body panel 1004. An absorbent assembly 1007 having an absorbent core 1006 is positioned such that the central part 1007c of the absorbent assembly 1007 is positioned in the crotch area 1005. The first front panel side edge 1032 is joined to the first rear panel side edge 1042 at the first side seam 1020, and the second front panel side edge 1033 is joined to the second rear panel side edge 1043 at the second side seam 1021. The article has a waist opening 1012 defined by the waist edge 1031 of the front panel 1003 and the waist edge 1041 of the rear panel 1004. Furthermore, the front body panel 1003 forms a pair of leg edges 1016, 1017, and the rear body panel 1004 forms a pair of leg edges 1018, 1019. The pairs of leg edges of the front and rear panels define a pair of leg openings 1013, 1014.

[0382] Here, each of the front body panel 1003 and the rear body panel 1004 has an upper side facing one of the inside and outside of the article, and a lower side facing the other of the inside and outside of the article 1001. In this context, “up” and “down” are not related to any particular vertical or other orientation of the article 1001, but are merely used to define two opposite directions along the thickness dimensions of the body panels 1003 and 1004.

[0383] At least one of the front body panel 1003 and the rear body panel 1004 includes a pair of leg elastic members 1025, 1026 positioned adjacent to the corresponding pair of leg edges.

[0384] For example, as illustrated in the variations of Figures 7a to 7f, the rear body panel 1004 of the absorbent article 1001 may include a pair of leg elastic members 1025, 1026 positioned adjacent to the pair of leg edges 1018, 1019 of the rear body panel 1004, in a manner corresponding to that described for Figures 1 to 2a.

[0385] In prior art solutions, it has been found difficult to apply leg elastic members 1025, 1026 that extend at least partially in directions other than parallel to the transverse direction T, using techniques involving welded joint patterns.

[0386] Accordingly, the inventors have proposed a combined panel 1004 comprising such leg elastic members 1025, 1026 and comprising a first panel portion 1004a and a second panel portion 1004b when viewed along the longitudinal direction L. In the disclosed combined panel 1004, the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b are joined using different joining techniques, as will be further described later.

[0387] In this specification, the term “combined panel” is used to mean a panel comprising leg elastic members 1025, 1026 that extend at least partially in directions other than parallel to the transverse direction T, and comprising a first panel portion 1004a and a second panel portion 1004b joined using welding and adhesive techniques, respectively, as defined in the appended claims. Variations and features of combined panels will be described further later.

[0388] In the following description, the description relates to the deformation of the absorbent article 1001 as depicted in Figures 7 to 10, and the rear body panel 1004 is a combination panel comprising leg elastic members 1025 and 1026. However, it should be understood that the following description of the combination panel can be equally applied to the front body panel 1003, which is a combination panel comprising leg elastic members.

[0389] As illustrated in Figure 7a and Figure 7b, which shows a cross-section of the combination panel 1004 in Figure 7a along the longitudinal axis L, the first panel portion 1004a comprises a first lower layer 1004a' and a first upper layer 1004a'' which are superimposed on each other, as seen in Figure 7b, such that the first lower layer 1004a' forms the lower surface of the combination panel 1004 and the first upper layer 1004a'' forms the upper surface of the combination panel 1004.

[0390] Similarly, the second panel portion 1004b comprises a second lower layer 1004b' and a second upper layer 1004b'', where the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004b'' are superimposed in the second panel portion 1004b such that the second lower layer 1004b' forms the lower surface of the combined panel 1004 and the second upper layer 1004b'' forms the upper surface of the combined panel 1004.

[0391] The lower surface of the combination panel is the outermost surface of the panel when viewed facing downwards, and the upper surface of the combination panel is the outermost surface of the panel when viewed facing upwards. Therefore, in each of the first and second panel portions 1004a and 1004b, the respective pairs of lower layers 1004a', 1004b' and upper layers 1004a'', 1004b'' form the lower and upper surfaces of the combination panel 1004, that is, they form the inner and outer surfaces of the combination panel.

[0392] As will be further described later, the pairs of first / second lower layers 1004a', 1004b' and first / second upper layers 1004a'', 1004b'' sandwich elastomer yarn and / or elastic members to form the elastic post-panel 1004. In the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b, thanks to the upper layer forming the upper surface of the combined panel 1004 and the lower layer forming the lower surface of the combined panel 1004, the combined panel 1004 can be formed to be relatively thin without using an unnecessary amount of material.

[0393] The first panel section 1004a and the second panel section 1004b are connected by a connection area D.

[0394] The connecting region D joins the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b. Therefore, in the connecting region, the upper and / or lower layers of the first panel portion 1004a may be arranged to overlap, for example, the upper and / or lower layers of the second panel portion 1004b. Different variations of the connecting region D are described further below.

[0395] The first panel portion 1004a extends longitudinally from the connection area D toward the lower edge 1041 of the combined panel 1004, and the second panel portion 1004b extends longitudinally from the connection area D toward the leg edges 1018 and 1019 of the combined panel 1004. For example, the second panel portion 1004b can extend in a continuous longitudinal direction from the connection area D toward the leg edges 1018 and 1019 of the combined panel 1004.

[0396] The second panel section 1004b includes leg elastic members 1025 and 1026. In contrast, the first panel section 1004a does not have leg elastic members 1025 and 1026.

[0397] However, the first panel portion 1004a comprises a first set of elastomer yarns 1400a sandwiched between the first lower layer 1004a' and the first upper layer 1004a''. The elastomer yarns 1400a are arranged parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. Thereafter, the first set of elastomer yarns 1400a imparts elasticity in the transverse direction T to the first panel portion 1004a of the combined panel 1004.

[0398] In the first panel portion 1004a, the first lower layer 1004a' is joined to the first upper layer 1004a'' by a welded joint pattern that attaches a first set of elastomer yarns 1400a between the first lower layer 1004a' and the first upper layer 1004a''. Since the first panel portion 1004a lacks leg elastic members 1025, 1026, that is, it consists only of elastic yarns 1400a substantially aligned with the transverse direction T, numerous techniques for joining with a welded joint pattern are available, which will be further described later. Thus, the first panel portion 1004a may be joined by a welded joint pattern without adhesive.

[0399] The second panel section 1004b comprises the previously mentioned second lower layer 1004b', the second upper layer 1004b'', and leg elastic members 1025, 1026. In some variations, such as those shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the second panel section 1004b further comprises a second set of elastomer yarns 1400b. The leg elastic members 1025, 1026 and the second set of elastomer yarns 1400b are sandwiched between the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004b'', with the elastomer yarns 1400b aligned with each other and substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0400] As a result, the second set of elastomer yarn 1400b imparts elasticity in a direction parallel to the transverse direction T to the second panel portion 1004b of the combined panel 1004.

[0401] The second panel portion 1004b includes leg elastic members 1025 and 1026 positioned adjacent to the leg edges 1018 and 1019. The leg elastic members 1025 and 1026 are sandwiched between the second upper layer 1004b'' and the second lower layer 1004b', such as an optional elastomer yarn 1400b.

[0402] The second panel portion 1004b is joined by adhesive bonding, which is applied to one or more of the second upper layer 1004b'', the second lower layer 1004b', the second set of elastomer yarns 1400b, and the leg elastic members 1025, 1026. For this purpose, previously known adhesive techniques may be used.

[0403] Considering the above, in the combined panel 1004, the first panel portion 1004a is joined using a welded joint pattern, and the second panel portion 1004b is joined using an adhesive. Thus, the adhesive joint is used only where necessary, i.e., to perform the attachment of the leg elastic portions 1025 and 1026. Because the leg elastic portions 1025 and 1026 form a curved shape, joining methods other than the adhesive joint method may be more unsuitable for portion 1004b of the combined panel 1004. By forming the combined panel 1004 of the first portion 1004a and the second portion 1004b joined along a transverse joining region D, different joining methods can be used in the first portion 1004a and the second portion 1004b without resulting in unnecessary consumption of material.

[0404] Optionally, each leg elastic member 1025, 1026 intersects with at least one elastic yarn from a second set of elastomer yarns 1400b, as shown in the illustrated deformation.

[0405] In the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b, the upper layers 1004a'' and 1004b'' form the upper surface, and the lower layers 1004a' and 1004b' form the lower surface of the combined panel 1004. The absence of an additional layer of web material across the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b of the combined panel 1004 may be advantageous in terms of breathability, comfort, durability, and economy.

[0406] The connection area D is intended solely to connect the first panel section and the second panel section, and therefore has the shortest possible length W.D It may be constructed to have the following: In the connection region D, the combination panel 1004 may have three or more layers, such as three or more layers, to provide the desired connection between the first panel portion and the second panel portion.

[0407] For example, the connection area D is 7% or less of the total length W in the longitudinal direction of the combined panel, or 5% or less, and is 10% or less of the total length W in the longitudinal direction of the combined panel. D It may have a longitudinal length W corresponding to 4-5% of the longitudinal length W of the combined panel 1004. D It may have.

[0408] The first lower layer 1004a', the first upper layer 1004a'', the second lower layer 1004b', and the second upper layer 1004b'' may be selected to provide the combined panel 1004 with a relatively uniform appearance despite the division into the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b and the presence of the connecting region D.

[0409] In some variations, such as in the example in Figure 7b, the first sublayer 1004a' and the second sublayer 1004b' are both formed by the same single sheet of material 1040abc' that extends longitudinally across the connecting region D.

[0410] The first upper layer 1004a'' and the second upper layer 1004b'' can be advantageously formed by separate sheets of sheet material, as in the variation shown in Figure 7b. Thereafter, in the fabrication process, each of the separate sheets can be joined together in their respective welding or adhesive joining processes to form the first portion 1004a or the second portion 1004b, respectively.

[0411] Nevertheless, the second upper layer 1004b'' and the first upper layer 1004a'' can still be formed from sheets of the same sheet material. For example, the second upper layer 1004b'' and the first upper layer 1004a'' can be formed from separate sheets cut into elongated strips from the same original (larger) sheet material.

[0412] The deformation in which the first lower layer 1004a' and the second lower layer 1004b' are formed by a single sheet of material 1040ab', 1040abc' extending across the connection region D has the further advantage that the connection region D may comprise a relatively small number of layers of sheet material. For example, as shown in Figure 7b, when the sheet material of the first upper layer 1004a'' and the sheet material of the second upper layer 1004b'' are arranged to overlap in the connection region D, the connection region still comprises three or fewer layers of sheet material.

[0413] Therefore, the combined panel 1004 may comprise a first panel portion 1004a and a second panel portion 1004b connected by a connecting region D, as previously described, wherein the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b each comprise two or fewer layers of sheet material, and the connecting region D comprises three or fewer layers of sheet material. Thus, the connecting region D can be constructed with less impact on the breathability and comfort of the combined panel 1004.

[0414] The first panel portion 1004a has a longitudinal length Wa, which may be a substantial portion of the total length W of the combined panel. For example, the longitudinal length Wa may be at least 20% of the total longitudinal length of the combined panel, such as at least 25% or at least 30%. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal length Wa of the first panel portion 1004a is 30% to 40% of the longitudinal length W of the combined panel 1004. However, it is understood that this percentage may be increased or decreased, for example, depending on the size and model of the absorbent article.

[0415] The second panel portion 1004b has a second longitudinal length Wb which may be a corresponding portion of the total length W of the combined panel 1004. For example, the longitudinal length Wb of the second panel portion 1004b may be at least 20%, such as at least 25% or at least 30% of the total longitudinal length of the combined panel 1004. For example, the second panel portion may have a longitudinal length which is less than 70% of the total longitudinal length of the combined panel 1004. For example, the second panel portion may have a longitudinal length which is between 25% and 70% of the total longitudinal length of the combined panel 1004.

[0416] In the absorbent article 1001, the absorbent assembly 1007 may be positioned such that its central part 1007c is located in the crotch area 1005, its front end 1007f overlaps with the front main panel 1003 in the front overlapping area, and its rear end 1007r overlaps with the rear main panel 1004 in the rear overlapping area.

[0417] As illustrated in Figure 7a, the absorbent assembly 1007 can be positioned to overlap a portion of the connection area D. In other words, the rear end 1007r of the absorbent assembly 1007 extends longitudinally beyond the traversing connection area D in the direction toward the rear waist edge 1041 of the article 1001.

[0418] Furthermore, the trouser-type article 1001 may have an elastic waist feature 1050 positioned along the waist opening 12. The elastic waist feature 1050 may comprise one or more elastic elements extending parallel to the front panel waist edge 1031 and the rear panel waist edge 1041. One or more elastic waist elements can be incorporated into the combined panel 1004, or can be attached to the front panel waist edge 1031 and the rear panel waist edge 1041, or can be applied as a separate waistband attached to the front body panel 1003 and / or the rear body panel 1004 in a waistband that completely overlaps with the corresponding body panels 1003, 1004 and shares a common waist edge. The trouser-type article 1001 shown in Figures 7 to 10 has an elastic waist feature 1050 extending around the entire perimeter of the waist opening 12. However, the elastic waist feature may be positioned along only a portion of the waist opening, such as along only the waist edge of the rear panel, along only the waist edge of the front panel, or along a portion of one or both of the front and rear panel waist edges, having a length less than the total length of the corresponding panel waist edge.

[0419] For example, to form the elastic waist feature 1050, the combined panel 1004 may include a waist panel portion 1004c, as illustrated in Figure 7b.

[0420] In the waist panel portion 1004c, the waist lower layer 1004c' and the waist upper layer 1004c'' are superimposed such that the waist lower layer 1004c' forms the lower surface of the combination panel 1004, and the waist upper layer 1004c'' forms the upper surface of the combination panel 1004.

[0421] The waist panel portion 1004c further comprises a third set of elastomer yarns 1400c sandwiched between the lower waist layer 1004c' and the upper waist layer 1004c'', wherein the elastomer yarns 1400c are arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction T, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0422] The waist panel portion 1004c is joined to the first panel portion 1004a by the waist connection region E. As a result, the first panel portion 1004a extends longitudinally from the connection region D to the waist connection region E. The waist panel portion 1004c extends from the waist connection region E to the waist edge 1041 of the combined panel 1004.

[0423] Similar to the connection area D, it is preferable that the waist connection area E has a relatively short longitudinal length WE, such as 10% or less, or 5% or less, of the total longitudinal length W of the combination panel 1004.

[0424] Numerous options for forming the waist panel portion 1004c in the front or rear body panel are known and can be combined with the present disclosure. For example, different modifications described in WO2018 / 09771A1 may be used in the front or rear body panel as described herein. For example, different modifications described in EP3788997A1 may be used in the front or rear body panel as described herein.

[0425] For example, as depicted in the variation in Figure 7b, the lower waist layer 1004c' and the upper waist layer 1004c'' can be formed by a continuous material sheet folding itself along the waist edge 1041.

[0426] Since the waist panel portion 1004c has no elastic members extending in any direction other than substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, the waist panel portion 1004c can be advantageously joined by a welded joint pattern that joins the lower waist layer 1004c' to the upper waist layer 1004c'' such that a third set of elastic twisted yarns 1400c is attached between them. Here again, this means that adhesive is used in the combined panel 1004 only when required by the need to firmly join the leg elastic members, and otherwise adhesive is avoided.

[0427] In some variations, such as those illustrated in Figure 7f, the lower waist layer 1004c', upper waist layer 1004c'', first lower layer 1004a', and second lower layer 1004b' may be formed from a single continuous material sheet 1040abc'. This allows for a uniform appearance on the underside of the panel, which is particularly desirable when the downward direction is the outward direction of the article 1001. Furthermore, advantages are obtained in manufacturing, as will be described later. To form the upper waist layer 1004c'' from the continuous material sheet 1040abc', the sheet 1040abc' is folded along the fold edge to form the waist edge 1041 of the combined panel 1004.

[0428] In the deformation shown in Figure 7b, the first upper layer 1004a'' and the second upper layer 1004b'' are formed by separate material sheets that overlap in the connection region D. Similarly, the material sheet of the first upper layer 1004a'' and the material sheet of the waist upper layer 1004c'' overlap in the waist connection region E in the longitudinal direction L.

[0429] Figures 7d, 7e, and 7f show different examples of possible cross-sections that penetrate the deformation of the combined panel 1004 as generally shown in Figure 7a when viewed along the longitudinal direction L, and thus show different deformations of the connecting region D and waist feature 1050.

[0430] In the modification shown in Figure 7d, the first lower layer 1004a' and the second lower layer 1004b' are formed from separate material sheets. Furthermore, the first upper layer 1004a'' and the second upper layer 1004b'' are formed from separate material sheets. The connection region D includes a joint 1070 that connects the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b. As can be seen in Figure 7d, the joint 1070 may be applied such that, for example, the first upper layer 1004a'' and the first lower layer 1004a' overlap with the second upper layer 1004b'' and the second lower layer 1004b' in the connection region D. The joint 1070 may be any suitable joint, such as an adhesive joint or a welded joint.

[0431] Furthermore, the combination panel 1004 in the modification shown in Figure 7d includes waist features 1050 in the form of waist panel portion 1004c. In waist panel portion 1004c, the waist lower layer 1004c' and the waist upper layer 1004c'' are superimposed such that the waist lower layer 1004c' forms the lower surface of the combination panel 1004, and the waist upper layer 1004c'' forms the upper surface of the combination panel 1004.

[0432] The waist panel portion 1004c further comprises a third set of elastomer yarns 1400c sandwiched between the lower waist layer 1004c' and the upper waist layer 1004c'', wherein the elastomer yarns 1400c are arranged substantially parallel to each other and in the transverse direction T, and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0433] For example, as depicted in the variation in Figure 7d, the lower waist layer 1004c' and the upper waist layer 1004c'' can be formed by a continuous material sheet folding itself along the waist edge 1041.

[0434] The waist panel portion 1004c is connected to the first panel portion 1004a by the waist connection region E.

[0435] Since the waist panel portion 1004c has no elastic members extending in any direction other than substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, the waist panel portion 1004c can be advantageously joined by a welded joint pattern that joins the lower waist layer 1004c' to the upper waist layer 1004c'' such that a third set of elastic twisted yarns 1400c is attached between them. Here again, this means that adhesive is used in the combined panel 1004 only when required by the need to firmly join the leg elastic members, and otherwise adhesive is avoided.

[0436] The waist connection region E can be constructed by any suitable method. For example, as in the variation shown in Figure 7d, the waist connection region E may include a joint 1071, which may be a joint such as the one described above in relation to the joint 1070 of the connection region D.

[0437] For example, as shown in Figure 7d, the lower waist layer 1004c' and the upper waist layer 1004c'' may be arranged to overlap with the first lower layer 1004a' and the first upper layer 1004a'' in the waist connection region E.

[0438] As previously mentioned, similar to the connection area D, it is preferable that the waist connection area E has a relatively short longitudinal length WE, such as 10% or less, or 5% or less, of the total longitudinal length W of the combination panel 1004.

[0439] In the example of Figure 7d, one each of the second panel portion 1004b, the first panel portion 1004a, and an optional waist panel portion 1004c may be manufactured separately and then joined via joints 1070, 1071 to form a combined panel 1004. Therefore, forming the second laminated web 1004b, the first laminated web 1004a, and the optional waist laminated web, and joining the webs via joints 1070, 1071 to form a combined laminated web having a cross-section as shown in Figure 7d, the combined laminated web may be cut into the rear body panel 1004 during the manufacture of the trouser-type article 1001.

[0440] Figure 7e shows another variation of the combined panel 1004 when viewed in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction of Figure 7a.

[0441] In this modification, the second lower layer 1004b' of the second panel portion 1004b and the first lower layer 1004a' of the first panel portion 1004a are formed by a single continuous material sheet 1040ab' extending across the connecting region D. As seen in Figure 7e, in such a modification, the combined lower layer 1040ab' constitutes the second lower layer 1004b' in the second portion 1004b of the combined panel 1004 and the first lower layer 1004a' in the first portion 1004a of the combined panel 1004. This provides a uniform appearance to the combined panel 1004 when viewed from the lower layer side. For example, as in the illustrated modification, the downward direction can be the outward direction of the article 1001, in which case the uniform appearance of the combined lower layer 1040ab' is visible from the outside of the article 1001. Thus, any joints or overlapping layers can be avoided on the outside of the article 1001. Furthermore, as will be explained later, the second lower layer 1004b' and the first lower layer 1004a' formed by a single continuous material sheet can provide advantageous manufacturing.

[0442] As shown in Figure 7e, the first upper layer 1004a'' of the first panel portion 1004a and the second upper layer 1004b'' of the second panel portion 1004b are formed by separate material sheets that are arranged to overlap in the longitudinal direction L in the connection region D.

[0443] In the example of Figure 7e, the combined panel 1004 further comprises a waist feature 1050. The waist feature 1050 may be any of the waist features, as previously described in relation to the examples of Figure 7b or Figure 7d. For example, in the variation of Figure 7e, the waist feature 1050 may comprise a waist panel portion 1004c that is coupled to the first panel portion 1004a via a coupling portion 1071, as already described in relation to Figure 7d.

[0444] Other deformations are naturally possible besides those depicted in Figures 7 to 10. For example, even in deformations where the lower waist layer 1004c' and the first lower layer 1004a' do not share a continuous material sheet and are joined by a joint 1070 as described in relation to Figure 7d, they may be formed from a single continuous material sheet as described in relation to Figure 7b.

[0445] If connection region D or waist connection region E involves overlap, such as only the overlap between separate sheet materials in the upper layer, the overlap can be in any direction.

[0446] For example, Figure 7f shows a variation roughly similar to that of Figure 7b, except that in this variation, the first upper layer 1004a'' is positioned above the upper waist layer 1004c'' in the waist connection region E, whereas in Figure 7b, the first upper layer 1004a'' is positioned below the upper waist layer 1004c''. The relative arrangement of the layers in the waist connection region E can reflect the order in which the waist portion 1004c and the first panel portion 1004a were formed when the combined panel 1004 was manufactured.

[0447] Different relative arrangements of the first upper layer 1004a'' and the second upper layer 1004b'' are also possible in the connection region D. However, in the connection region D, it may be preferable if the second upper layer 1004b'' is positioned above the first upper layer 1004a'', because this means that the welding pattern of the first panel portion 1004a can be fabricated before the adhesive of the second panel portion 1004b by using a continuous material 1004ab' to form the first lower layer 1004a' and the second lower layer 1004b'. Thus, any hazards associated with adhesive in welding equipment can be avoided.

[0448] Furthermore, the connection region D and / or waist connection region E can be made almost infinitely small. For example, in a deformation where the first upper layer 1004a'' is positioned edge-to-edge with the second upper layer 1004b'' in the continuous material 1004ab' that forms the first lower layer 1004a' and the second lower layer 1004b', the connection region D will consist only of a line between the edge of the first lower layer 1004a' and the edge of the second lower layer 1004b'.

[0449] The first lower layer 1004a', the first upper layer 1004a'', the second lower layer 1004b', and the second upper layer 1004b'' may be selected to provide the combined panel 1004 with a relatively uniform appearance despite the division into the first panel portion 1004a and the second panel portion 1004b and the presence of the connecting region D.

[0450] In some variations, such as in the examples in Figures 7b, 7e, and 7f, the first sublayer 1004a' and the second sublayer 1004b' may be formed by a single sheet of material 1040ab', 1040abc' extending across the connecting region D.

[0451] In other variations, such as in the example in Figure 7d, the second sublayer 1004b' and the first sublayer 1004a' may be formed from different sheets of material 1004a' and 1004b'. While this provides a less uniform appearance than the forms in Figures 7b, 7e, and 7f, in this case the different sheets can still be made from the same sheet material. For example, the first sublayer 1004a' and the second sublayer 1004b' may be formed from separate sheets cut into strips from the same original (larger) sheet material.

[0452] The first upper layer 1004a'' and the second upper layer 1004b'' can be advantageously formed by separate sheets of sheet material, as shown in the figure's deformation. Thereafter, in the fabrication process, each of the separate sheets can be joined together in their respective welding or adhesive joining processes to form the first portion 1004a or the second portion 1004b, respectively.

[0453] Nevertheless, the second upper layer 1004b'' and the first upper layer 1004a'' can still be formed from sheets of the same sheet material. For example, the second upper layer 1004b'' and the first upper layer 1004a'' can be formed from separate sheets cut into elongated strips from the same original (larger) sheet material.

[0454] As shown in Figures 7b, 7e, or 7f, the deformation in which the first lower layer 1004a' and the second lower layer 1004b' are formed by a single sheet of material 1040ab', 1040abc' extending across the connection region D has the further advantage that the connection region D may consist of only three layers of sheet material.

[0455] In the illustrated modification, the rear panel 1004 is merely equipped with leg elastic members and is a combined panel, and therefore comprises a second panel portion 1004b and a rear panel portion 1004a as described above, but it is understood that other modifications are possible. For example, the front panel 1003 may also be equipped with leg elastic members and / or may be a combined panel comprising a first panel portion and a second panel portion as described above.

[0456] However, in some deformations, such as the deformation in Figure 7a, the front body panel 1003 of the absorbent article lacks leg elastic members 1025, 1026. As can be seen in Figure 7a and Figure 7c, which shows a cross-section of the front body panel 1003 in the longitudinal direction L in Figure 7a, the front body panel 1003 comprises a main lower layer 1003a' and a main upper layer 1003a'', with a set of elastomer yarns 1300b sandwiched between the main lower layer 1003a' and the main upper layer 1003a'', the elastomer yarns 1300a are aligned parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, and the elastomer yarns 1300a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0457] In the main portion 1003a, the main lower layer 1003a' is joined to the main upper layer 1003a'' by a welding pattern in order to attach a set of elastomer yarns 1300a.

[0458] In the main portion 1003a, the main lower layer 1003a' forms the lower surface of the front main panel 1003, and the main upper layer 1003a'' forms the upper surface of the front main panel 1003.

[0459] The front main panel 1003 may be provided with a waist feature 1050, as previously described. In the variation shown in Figure 7c, the front main panel 1003 comprises a waist panel portion 1003c having an upper waist panel layer 1003c'' and a lower waist panel layer 1003c', the lower waist panel layer 1003c' being formed by a combined lower panel sheet 1030ac', the combined lower panel sheet 1030ac' also forming a main lower layer 1003a', as well as the waist feature 1050, as described in relation to Figures 7b and 7c.

[0460] Preferably, the waist panel portion 1003c of the front main panel 1003 can be joined by a welded joint pattern, as previously described in relation to the combination panel 1004.

[0461] The absence of leg elastic members 1025 and 1026 extending in directions other than parallel to the transverse direction T in the front body panel 1003 means that the front body panel 1003 as a whole can be properly joined by a welded joint pattern. Therefore, the front body panel 1003 can be adhesive-free.

[0462] In some variations, as depicted in Figures 7a and 7c, the set of elastomer yarns 1300a in the main section 1004a can be divided into a first subset and a second subset, the first subset of elastomer yarns differing from the second subset of elastomer yarns with respect to the longitudinal spacing between the elastomer yarns and / or with respect to elastic yarn characteristics such as the diameter of the elastic yarns. For example, the first subset of elastomer yarns can be applied over most of the longitudinal extension of the main panel section 1003a, and the second subset of elastomer yarns can be applied adjacent to the leg edges 1016, 1017 of the front body panel 1003. Thereafter, the second subset of elastomer yarns can be provided to ensure a good fit of the front panel 1003 at the leg openings 1013, 1014 of the absorbent article 1001. For example, a second subset of elastomer yarns may have longitudinal spacing between each yarn, which is less than the longitudinal spacing of the first subset of elastomer yarns. The second subset of elastomer yarns may comprise a relatively small number of yarns, such as one to five yarns, or two to four yarns, as in the example.

[0463] In other variations, the front panel 1003 may be provided with leg panel portions that can be formed in the same manner as previously described for the waist panel portion to ensure a good fit of the front panel 1003 in the leg openings 1013, 1014 of the absorbent article. Thus, the leg panel portions may be connected to the main panel portion 1003a via the leg connection portion, similar to the waist connection portion C described previously.

[0464] In the variations of Figures 7a and 7b, the second panel portion 1004b comprises a second set of elastic twisted yarns 1400b, which include a relatively small number of twisted yarns 1400b. However, the second set of elastic twisted yarns 1400b may be optionally omitted entirely, such that the second panel portion 1004b does not have an elastic element but does have leg elastic members 1025, 1026.

[0465] Combined laminated material web In the in-line manufacturing of an absorbent article 1001 of a type comprising combination panels, the front body panel 1003 and rear body panel 1004 of the absorbent article 1001, as depicted in Figure 7a, can be achieved by cutting the front body panel and rear body panel from their respective front body panel webs or rear body panel webs.

[0466] Figure 9 schematically shows the deformation of the composite laminate web c1004 that can be cut to form the composite body panel 1004 as previously described. The illustrated composite laminate web c1004 is for forming the composite panel 1004 according to the deformations in Figures 7a and 7b. However, other deformations of the composite laminate web may be formed, such as deformations corresponding to other deformations of the composite panel illustrated herein.

[0467] Therefore, Figure 9 shows a variation of a combined laminated material web c1004 for disposable sanitary articles, where the combined laminated material web is continuous when viewed in the mechanical direction MD and has a width W between two side edges 1500, 1501 in the intersecting direction CD perpendicular to the mechanical direction MD, and the combined laminated material web has an upward direction perpendicular to the mechanical direction and the intersecting direction CD, and a downward direction opposite to the upward direction. The combined laminated material web c1004 comprises a first web portion c1004a and a second web portion c1004b, which are connected by a connecting region D such that the first web portion c1004a extends from the connecting region D along the mechanical direction MD toward a first side edge c1041 of the combined laminated material web in the intersecting direction, and the second web portion c1004b extends from the connecting region D toward a second side edge c1044 of the combined laminated material web in the intersecting direction.

[0468] The first web portion c1004a comprises a first lower layer 1004a' and a first upper layer 1004a'' which are superimposed on each other such that the first lower layer 1004a' forms the lower surface of the combined laminated material web c1004 and the first upper layer 1004a'' forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web c1004.

[0469] Similarly, the second web portion c1004b comprises a second lower layer 1004b' and a second upper layer 1004b'', where the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004b'' are superimposed in the second web portion c1004b such that the second lower layer 1004b' forms the lower surface of the combined laminated material web c1004 and the second upper layer 1004b'' forms the upper surface of the combined laminated material web c1004.

[0470] The first web portion c1004a further comprises a first set of elastomer yarns c1400a sandwiched between a first lower layer 1004a' and a first upper layer 1004a'', the elastomer yarns c1400a being aligned with each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction MD, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction CD, and the first web portion c1004a is joined by the first lower layer 1004a' being joined to the first upper layer 1004a'' by a welding joint pattern for attaching the first set of elastomer yarns c1400a between the first lower layer 1004a' and the first upper layer 1004a''.

[0471] The second web portion c1004b further comprises a second set of elastomer yarns c1400b sandwiched between the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004a', wherein the elastomer yarns c1400b are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction MD, and are spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction CD. The second web portion c1004b further comprises additional elastic members c2500, c2600 extending at least partially in a direction other than parallel to the machine direction MD, the additional elastic members c1025, c1026 sandwiched between the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004b'', the second web portion c1004b is joined by adhesive bonding to the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004b'', the second lower layer 1004b' is joined to the second upper layer 1004b'' by adhesive bonding, and the second set of elastomer yarn c1400b and the additional elastic members c1025, c1026 are joined between the second lower layer 1004b' and the second upper layer 1004b''.

[0472] The additional elastic members c2500, c2600 of the second web portion c1004b are for forming leg elastic members 1025, 1026 in the absorbent article 1001 which includes a composite panel 1004 cut from the composite laminated web c1004. To this end, the additional elastic members c2500, c2600 may extend continuously in a meandering pattern across the second web portion c1004b of the composite laminated web c1004, as shown in the illustrated deformation.

[0473] As will be described in more detail later in relation to the method for forming the absorbent article 1001, the manufacture of the absorbent article 1001 involves cutting away portions of the combined laminated web c1004 to form the leg edges 1018, 1019 of the combined panel 1004, and cutting the combined laminated web c1004 into separate rear panels 1004 by cutting along the intersecting direction along the dotted lines in Figure 9. Thus, in the combined panel 1004, the additional elastic members c2500, c2600 will be positioned adjacent to the leg edges 1018, 1019. Finally, the additional elastic members c2500, c2600 that are continuously extendable as seen in the mechanical direction MD of the combined laminated web c1004 may be cut out centrally or otherwise elastically removed in the central area of ​​each rear panel 1004 so as to form a first elastic member 1025 along the first leg edge 1018 and a second elastic member 1026 along the second leg edge 1019 in the final rear panel 1004. Such cutting out or elastically removing of the additional elastic members c2500, c2600 in the central area of ​​each rear panel 1004 may be carried out before cutting the combined laminated web c1004 into separate rear panels 1004.

[0474] As previously described in relation to article 1001 comprising a rear panel 1004, the combined laminated web c1004 with the first web portion 1004a and the second web portion 1004b as described above can be constructed in different ways, such as those illustrated in relation to Figures 7b-7d or 7f, or in relation to Figures 6a and 6b. Thus, although Figure 9 corresponds to a combined laminated web having a cross-section such as that shown in Figure 7d, it will be understood that the combined laminated web c1004 may be formed according to any one of the variations of Figures 7b-7d or 7f.

[0475] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the features and advantages described above in relation to the exemplary combined panel 1004 are equally applicable to the combined laminated web c1004.

[0476] Method for forming a combined laminated web Figures 8a, 8b, and 8d together show a first variation of a continuous method for forming a combined laminated web for disposable sanitary articles.

[0477] The illustrated modification of the method is for forming a composite laminated material web c1004, as shown in Figure 9, with a cross-section as shown in Figure 7b. This modification is advantageous from a manufacturing standpoint and is considered advantageous for providing a uniform appearance to the subsequent panel 1004. However, the features described in relation to this particular modification may be equally applicable to other modifications of the method for forming a composite laminated material web, for example, according to any one of the cross-sections shown in Figure 7d, Figure 7e, or Figure 7f.

[0478] Therefore, the method described is a method for forming a composite laminated material web c1004 for disposable sanitary articles, the composite laminated material web being continuous when viewed in the mechanical direction MD and having a width W between two side edges c1041, c1044 in the intersecting direction CD perpendicular to the mechanical direction MD. The composite laminated material has an upper side and a lower side when viewed in the thickness direction perpendicular to the mechanical direction MD and the intersecting direction CD.

[0479] Figure 8a schematically illustrates the welding joint step S1100 of the method. Figure 8b shows a continuous combined lower web c1040abc' advanced in the machine direction MD. In the illustrated variation, the combined lower web c1040abc' forms both the first lower layer 1004a' of the first web portion c1004a and the second lower layer 1004b' of the second web portion c1004b of the combined laminated web c1004 that is formed. Furthermore, a continuous first upper web c1004a'' is advanced in the machine direction MD. Figure 8a also shows a first set of continuous elastic twisted yarn c1400a advanced in the machine direction MD so as to be sandwiched between the continuous combined lower web c1040abc' and the continuous first upper web c1004a''.

[0480] The combined lower web c1040abc' has a combined width W0 between the first longitudinal edge 1500 and the second longitudinal edge 1501 in a direction intersecting the machine direction. The first upper web c1004a'' has a first width W1 between the first longitudinal edge 1600 and the second longitudinal edge 1601 in a direction intersecting the machine direction. As shown in the figure, the first width W1 is smaller than the combined width W0.

[0481] In welding step S1100, which is only schematically illustrated, the combined lower web c1040abc' is joined to the first upper web c1004a'' by a welding pattern, with the first set of elastomer yarn c1400a sandwiched between the combined lower web c104abc' and the first upper web c1004a'' such that they are aligned parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction.

[0482] As can be seen in Figure 8a, in this variation, the first upper web c1004a'' is joined to the combined lower web c1040abc' such that, in the intersecting direction CD, the first portion of the combined lower web c1040abc' extends beyond the first upper web c1004a'' toward the first side edge 1500 of the combined lower web c1040abc'. As will be described below, this first portion of the combined lower web c1040abc' will be used to form the waist feature 1050 of the combined laminated web c1004. Therefore, if other forms of the waist feature 1050 are chosen to be used, in other variations, the first upper web c1004a'' may be positioned such that, for example, the first longitudinal edge 1600 coincides with the first side edge 1500 of the combined lower web c1040abc'.

[0483] In this variation, the first upper web c104a'' is joined to the combined lower web c1040abc'' such that, in the intersecting direction CD, the second portion of the combined lower web c1040abc'' extends beyond the first upper web c1004a'' toward the second side edge 1501 of the combined lower web c1040abc''. As will be described below, this second portion of the combined lower web c1040abc'' will be used to form the second lower layer 1004b' of the second web portion c1004b of the combined laminated web c1004.

[0484] Figure 8b shows the deformation of the waist forming step S1150 for forming the waist laminated web portion c1004c of the laminated web c1004.

[0485] In this modification, the first portion of the combined lower web c1040abc', as mentioned above, is folded along the mechanical direction MD on each side of the fold to form the waist lower layer c1004c' and waist upper layer c1004c'' of the waist web portion c1004c of the combined laminated web c1004.

[0486] As shown in Figure 8b, the waist portion set of the continuous elastic twisted yarn c1400c is advanced in the machine direction MD so as to be sandwiched between the lower waist layer c1004c' and the upper waist layer c1004c''.

[0487] As shown in Figure 8b, the folded portion forming the lower waist layer c1004c' has a second width W2 in the intersecting direction extending from the fold to the first side edge 1501 of the combined lower web c1040abc'. The second width W2 may be such that the upper waist layer c1004c'' overlaps the first upper layer c1004a'' in the connecting region C.

[0488] The lower waist layer c1004c' and the upper waist layer c1004c'' are joined by a welding step S1150 which provides a welding joint pattern for attaching a third set of elastic twisted yarn c1400c between the lower waist layer c1004c' and the upper waist layer c1004c''. This allows the waist forming step S1150 to be advantageously carried out upstream of the adhesive joining step S1200, which will be described in more detail later.

[0489] In the illustrated variation, the waist forming step S1150 is performed downstream of the welding step S1100 for forming the first web portion 1004a. However, in other variations, the waist forming step S1150 may be performed upstream of the welding step S1000. In such variations, in the connection region C, the first upper web c1004a'' is positioned above the waist upper web c1004c''.

[0490] Figure 8d schematically illustrates the adhesive bonding step S1200. Figure 8d shows how the second upper web c1004b'' is fed in the machine direction MD together with a second set of continuous elastic yarns c1400b. The second set of continuous elastic yarns c1400b are arranged parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction MD. Furthermore, Figure 8d shows how one or more sets of continuous additional elastic members c2500, c2600 are fed along the machine direction MD. The additional elastic members c2500, c2600 are positioned to extend at least partially in a direction not parallel to the machine direction. For example, as shown in Figure 8d, the additional elastic members c2500, c2600 may be arranged in a wavy pattern suitable for forming leg elastic members in the main body panel formed by the completed combined laminated material web.

[0491] A second set of continuous elastic twisted yarn c1400b and additional elastic members c2500, c2600 are combined and sandwiched between the second portion of the lower web c1040abc'' and the second upper web c1004b'', and adhesive bonding is applied in adhesive bonding step S1200 to form the second laminated web portion c1004b of the continuous laminated web material c1004.

[0492] Adhesive bonding may be applied to one or more of the second upper web c1004b'' and combined lower web c1040abc'', a second set of continuous elastic twisted yarn c1400b, and additional elastic members c2500, c2600.

[0493] For example, as described herein in relation to Figure 9, the first adhesive 1080 may be applied substantially continuously to a second portion of the combined lower web c1040abc' covered by the second upper web c1004b''. Alternatively, the second adhesive may be applied to a defined area 1082 of the second upper web c1004b'' overlapping with additional elastic members c2500, c2600. Optionally, the second adhesive and the first adhesive may differ, for example, in that the second adhesive can cure faster than the first adhesive. Furthermore, the adhesive bonding step may include applying the adhesive to a second set of elastic yarn c1400b.

[0494] The second upper web c1004b'' has a third width W3 between the first longitudinal edge 1700 and the second longitudinal edge 1701. The second upper web c1004b'' may be positioned such that the second longitudinal edge 1701 coincides with the second side edge 1501 of the combined lower web c1040abc''. The third width W3 may be such that the second upper web c1004b'' overlaps with the first upper web c1004a'' in the connection region D.

[0495] Therefore, in this case, a combined laminated web c1004 is formed having a first web portion c1004a having a width Wa corresponding to the subtraction of the width WD of the connection region D and the width WE of the waist connection region E from the first width W1 of the first upper web c1004a''. It should be noted that the first web portion c1004a includes the portion where the first upper web c1004a'' forms the upper surface of the combined laminated web c1004 and the portion where the first lower web c1004a' forms the lower surface of the combined laminated web c1004. The combined laminated web c1004 further has a second web portion c1004b having a width Wb corresponding to the subtraction of the width WD of the connection region D from the third width W3 of the second upper web c1004b''. Finally, the combined laminated web c1004 comprises a waist web portion c1004c having a width Wc corresponding to the subtraction of the width WE of the waist connection region E from the second width W2 of the folded waist upper web c1004c''.

[0496] Figures 8a, 8c, and 8d together show other variations of the method for forming the combined laminated web c1004, in which case the combined laminated web c1004 has a cross-section such as that shown in Figure 7f.

[0497] In this method, the waist forming step S1150 is performed simultaneously with the welding step S1000 for forming the first web portion c1004a. In practice, therefore, the waist forming step S1150 and the welding step S1000 are performed in an integrated welding step S1000, S1150 on the production line using the same welding equipment.

[0498] Therefore, in the integrated welding steps S1000, S1150, which are only schematically illustrated, the combined lower web c1040abc' is joined to the first upper web c1004a'' by a welding joint pattern, with the first set of elastomer yarns c1400a sandwiched between the combined lower web c1004abc' and the first upper web c1004a'' such that they are aligned parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the machine direction. Also in the integrated welding steps S1000, S1150, the first portion of the combined lower web c1040abc' is folded along the machine direction MD such that the first portion forms the lower waist layer c1004c' and upper waist layer c1004c'' of the waist web portion c1004c of the combined laminated web c1004 on each side of the fold. The waist portion set of the continuous elastic twisted yarn c1400c is advanced in the machine direction MD so as to be sandwiched between the lower waist web c1004c' and the upper waist web c1004c''.

[0499] After the integrated welding steps S100 and S1150 are performed, an adhesive bonding step S1200, as described above in relation to Figure 8d, may be performed to form the combined laminated material web c1004.

[0500] In a first variation of the method as shown in Figures 8a, 8b, and 8d, the waist upper layer 1004c'' is positioned above the first upper layer 1004a''. Thus, the first upper web c1004a'' is positioned adjacent to the combined lower web c1040abc', and the combined lower web c1040abc' is then folded to form waist portion c1004c such that the waist upper layer c1004c'' overlaps the first upper web c1004a'' in waist connection region E. Subsequently, the integrated welding steps S100, S1150 are performed. The cross section of the combined laminated material web c1004 is as shown in Figure 7d.

[0501] In a second variation of the method as shown in Figures 8a, 8c, and 8d, the waist upper layer 1004c'' is positioned below the first upper layer 1004a''. Thus, the combined lower web c1040abc' is first folded to form waist portion c1004c with the waist upper layer c1004c'', and then the first upper web c1004a'' is positioned adjacent to the combined lower web c1040abc' so as to overlap the waist upper layer c1004c'' in the waist connection region E. Subsequently, the integrated welding steps S1100, S1150 are carried out. The cross section of the combined laminated material web c1004 is as shown in Figure 7f.

[0502] However, web arrangements resulting in different cross-sections, as shown in Figures 8d and 4f, can be selected as desired, regardless of whether the welding is performed as separate steps or as an integrated step.

[0503] In the welding and adhesive bonding steps described above, these steps are carried out such that each set of elastomer yarns adheres to the upper and lower layers when they are stretched relative to their respective upper and lower layers. For example, the elastomer yarns can be stretched to a length of at least twice their slack length, such as at least three times their slack length. Each upper and lower layer can be stretched slightly, i.e., to the amount required to carry out the feeding operation. This allows the elastomer yarns to adhere to their respective upper and lower layers when they are stretched. Thus, in the slack state of the combined laminated web, where the elastic yarns are contracted, the upper and lower layers can form wrinkles along the elastic yarns. The combined laminated web can stretch along the machine direction from a slack state to a stretched state, and in the stretched state, the wrinkles in the upper and lower layers can be reduced or made considerably flatter. Therefore, the required elasticity of the combined laminated web along the machine direction is achieved.

[0504] The combined laminated material web c1004 can undergo additional manufacturing steps before being fed into a method for forming an absorbent article.

[0505] For example, zones of reduced elasticity may be formed at regular intervals along the combined laminated material web c1004. In particular, such zones of reduced elasticity may be formed where the absorbent assembly 1007 of the formed article 1100 overlaps with the combined laminated material web c1004. In the zones of reduced elasticity, the elasticity along the machine direction provided by the set of elastic twists is removed or significantly reduced.

[0506] To provide a zone of reduced elasticity in the combined laminated material web c1004, known methods involve, for example, deactivation or removal of elastomer strands in the zone. For example, the method may involve cutting or breaking any elastomer strands in the zone.

[0507] Method for forming absorbent articles Figure 10, together with Figure 7a, schematically shows a method for manufacturing a disposable pants-type article 1001, which is a variation of a combination panel, such as the article exemplified above. The method in Figure 10, together with Figure 6, includes the steps previously described in the method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent pants-type article as described above, and optionally includes optional steps.

[0508] The method comprises providing a rear body panel web c1004 and a front body panel web c1003, where at least one of the rear body panel web c1004 and the front body panel web c1003 is a combined laminated material web, for example, as illustrated above.

[0509] As shown in the variation of Figure 10, the method may include feeding a continuous front panel web c1003 and a continuous rear panel web c1004 in the machine direction MD, with the front panel web c1003 and the rear panel web c1004 spaced apart in the intersecting direction CD.

[0510] The front panel web c1003 has a front waist border c1031 and an opposite front crotch border c1034. The rear panel web c1004 has a rear waist border c1041 and an opposite rear crotch border c1044.

[0511] The rear panel web c1004 is spaced apart from the front panel web c1003 in the intersecting direction CD perpendicular to the mechanical direction MD, between the crotch edge c1034 of the front panel web c1003 and the crotch edge c1044 of the rear panel web c1004.

[0512] The separated front panel web c1003 and rear panel web c1004 together form a composite web 1000 for forming interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e.

[0513] As shown in Figure 10, the method further includes applying and adhering absorbent assemblies 1007 to a moving composite web 1000 of interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e. Each absorbent assembly 1007 comprises an absorbent core 1006, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 1072, and a liquid-permeable topsheet 1073, with the absorbent core 1006 sandwiched between the backsheet 1072 and the topsheet 1073.

[0514] Each absorbent assembly 1007 is applied to the composite web 1000 of the precursor article along the centerline of the precursor article extending in the intersecting direction CD.

[0515] The absorbent assemblies 1007 are applied spaced apart in the machine direction MD, with the front end 1007f of each absorbent assembly 1007 overlapping the front panel zone of the front body panel web c1003, and the rear end 1007r of each absorbent assembly 1007 overlapping the rear panel zone of the rear body panel web c1004. The front and / or rear panel zones are provided with reduced elasticity, as previously mentioned. For example, in the front and / or rear panel zones, any elastic twists may be cut off to render the zones non-elastic.

[0516] The absorbent core 1006, backsheet 1072, and topsheet 1073 are of the types described above.

[0517] Leg amputation As shown in Figure 10, after the application and attachment of the absorbent assembly 1006 to the composite web 1000 of interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e, leg cutouts 1170 can be formed between the precursor articles 1100a to 1100e in the composite web 1000 of interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e, with each leg cutout 1170 having a curved configuration as indicated between precursor articles 1100d and 1100e in Figure 10. The leg cutouts form a first leg edge 1018 of the leading precursor article 1100d and a second leg edge 1019 of the following precursor article 1100e.

[0518] After forming the leg cutout 1170, the cutout portion 1173 is removed from the composite web 1100 of the interconnected precursor articles 1100a-1100e, and is not part of any further processing as disclosed herein.

[0519] After the leg cutouts are formed, the absorbent assembly 1006 will be positioned in the center of the composite web 1000 of interconnected precursor articles, between the first leg edge 1018 and the second leg edge 1019 of each of the precursor articles 1100a to 1100e.

[0520] As shown in Figure 10, when the leg edges 1018 and 1019 are formed, the composite web 1000 of the interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e is folded along a fold line extending in the machine direction MD in order to align the waist edge c1031 of the front panel web c1003 with the waist edge c1041 of the rear panel web c1004.

[0521] This corresponds to how the leg amputation is formed in the manner depicted in Figure 6.

[0522] Side seam The first side seam 1020 and the second side seam 1021 are formed in each of the precursor articles 1100a to 1100e along the dividing line Ld between the precursor articles 1100a to 1100e, from the aligned waist edges c1031 and c1041 of the front and rear panel webs c1003 and c1004 to the leg cutout 1170.

[0523] The first side seam 1020 of the preceding precursor article 1100a and the second side seam 1021 of the following precursor article 1100b may be formed as a single wide seal extending along the dividing line Ld, as shown in Figure 10. When the composite web 1000 of the interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e is cut along the dividing line Ld, thereby separating the individual pant-type articles from the chassis web 1100 of the precursor articles 1100a to 1100e, the single wide seal shown in Figure 10 is simultaneously separated into the two side seams 1020 and 1021 of the interconnected precursor articles 1100a and 1100b.

[0524] Alternatively, the side seams 1020, 1021 may be formed as individual seals positioned on each side of the dividing line Ld.

[0525] Side seams can be formed by any method suitable for the purpose, such as by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or using adhesive. In the case of adhesive side seals, the adhesive is generally applied before the chassis web is folded along the fold line Lv.

[0526] waist Referring to Figure 9, the front body panel web c1003 and the rear body panel web c1004 are each formed to include integrated waist panel portions 1003c and 1004c. As mentioned above, the front body panel web c1003 and / or the rear body panel web c1004 may have other types of waist features. For example, the front body panel web c1003 and / or the rear body panel web c1004 may be provided with waist features in the form of a prefabricated band-shaped waist elastic member that may comprise one or more elastic elements such as a band, cord, elastic membrane, or elastic nonwoven fabric. Such a prefabricated band-shaped waist elastic member may be applied to each of the front body panel web c1003 and / or the rear body panel web c1004 before the application of the absorbent assembly 1006 to the precursor web 1100, as shown in Figure 10.

[0527] For example, waist features may be applied along the edges of the front panel web and / or rear panel web before or after cutting the precursor web into individual articles.

[0528] It is also understood that waist elasticity may be added at the waist edge of the composite web of the precursor article at any stage in the process from cutting the individual absorbent pant-type articles from the composite web of the precursor article.

[0529] The trousers article disclosed herein may be of the type shown in the figures and may have a three-part chassis in which an absorbent assembly or crotch panel is connected to the front panel and connected to the rear panel, such that the absorbent assembly extends longitudinally so as to span between the front panel and the rear panel. Alternatively, the trousers article may have a single chassis having a combined laminated web extending over the entire distance between the front panel waist edge and the rear panel waist edge, the combined laminated web constituting at least a portion of each of the front and rear panels and constituting the crotch web material in the crotch area of ​​the trousers article.

[0530] In such alternative embodiments, a combined laminated web can be formed that can form both the front body panel 1003 and the rear body panel 1004 of the absorbent article. In this case, the combined laminated web may comprise at least a front body panel area and a rear body panel area. Furthermore, such a combined laminated web may comprise at least a first web portion and a second web portion as defined in the above example. After application and adhesion of the absorbent assembly 1006 to such a composite web, leg cutouts 1170 can be formed between the precursor articles 1100a to 1100e in the composite web 1000 of interconnected precursor articles 1100a to 1100e, with each leg cutout 1170 having a closed-loop configuration as indicated between precursor articles 1100b and 1100c in Figure 10. Thereafter, the closed-loop leg cutouts 1170 may be formed to provide a first front leg edge and a first rear leg edge of the preceding precursor article and a second front leg edge and a second rear leg edge of the following precursor article.

[0531] However, the method involving a single chassis formed by a combined laminated web may require the use of more material than the three-part chassis solution.

[0532] Welded joints Numerous techniques involving welding joint patterns are known, and these techniques may be used to bond a first set of elastomer yarn 1400a between the first lower layer 1004a' and the first upper layer 1004a'' in the first panel portion 1004a / first web portion c1004a.

[0533] For example, a welded joint pattern may comprise a pair of adjacent welded joints, each provided on each side of the elastomer yarn to attach each of a first set of elastomer yarns 1400a.

[0534] In some variations, such pairs of adjacent welded joints are applied to hold the elastomer yarn in place, primarily by friction and / or by tightening the elastomer yarn.

[0535] For example, in a pair of adjacent welded joints, each elastomer strand is positioned so as to be anchored in a passage defined between such pairs of adjacent welded joints, and the distance across the passage between adjacent welded joints is smaller than the diameter of the elastomer strand when untensioned. The elastic strand is applied between an upper and lower layer in a stretched state, and the upper and lower layers are joined to each other while the elastic strand is held in a stretched state. In a stretched state, the elastic strand has a smaller diameter than when it is loose or untensioned. Thus, the elastic strand is mechanically trapped between adjacent joints in a pair of adjacent joints because the stretched elastic strand can loosen and regain their untensioned diameter.

[0536] In some variations, the application of such pairs of adjacent welded joints involves melting of at least one of the upper layer, lower layer, and elastic twist, such that the pair of adjacent welded joints also involves a fused connection between the upper layer and / or lower layer and the elastic twist.

[0537] The bonding pattern can be formed by ultrasonic bonding or thermal bonding, where the bonding element is formed by locally heating the layers to be bonded together in order to soften or melt the thermoplastic material in the laminated layers and then solidify them in the bond.

[0538] Advantageously, the welded joint pattern includes ultrasonic bonding. The welded joint pattern can be produced using bonding systems such as those described in EP4025412A1 or EP3519162, for example.

[0539] A joint pattern can include multiple individual joints arranged in a regular joint pattern. For example, the individual joints can form a pattern of uniformly distributed individual joints.

[0540] The bonding elements can be distributed across the entire body panel in a regular bonding pattern, that is, in any zone with reduced elasticity. In other words, the bonding pattern is the same in the body panel zone with reduced elasticity as in other parts of the body panel. Alternatively, the reduced elasticity may be achieved, for example, by cutting or breaking the elastic yarn, as is referred to herein.

[0541] The joint pattern may include multiple individual joints. The joint pattern may be uniform across the entire first portion 1004a of the rear body panel 1004.

[0542] A joint pattern may include multiple individual joints arranged, for example, along a straight line or a curve. For example, a joint pattern may include multiple individual joints arranged to form a line that forms an angle with the longitudinal direction L and the intersecting direction CD. Alternatively, a joint pattern may include multiple individual joints arranged to follow a wavy line.

[0543] Adhesive bonding The second panel portion 1004b is joined by adhesive bonding, which is applied to one or more of the second lower layer 1004b', the second upper layer 1004b'', the second set of elastomer yarns 1400b, and the leg elastic members 1025, 1026. For this purpose, previously known adhesive techniques may be used.

[0544] Figure 9, which shows a combined laminated web, illustrates deformation of the adhesive pattern. The same pattern may be applied to the article in Figure 7a, but is not shown here for the sake of clarity in the drawing.

[0545] As seen in Figure 9, the adhesive is applied substantially continuously across the surface of the second upper layer 1004b'' facing the second lower layer 1004b', as indicated by the dashed region 1080.

[0546] Furthermore, the adhesive is applied only to a defined area 1082 on the surface of the second lower layer 1004b' facing the second upper layer 1004b''. The defined area 1082 has size and distribution such that it overlaps with the additional elastic members c2500, c2600, i.e., overlaps with the leg elastic members 1025, 1026 in article 1001 in the second panel portion 1004b. Finally, in the illustrated variation, adhesive is also provided to a second set of elastomer yarns 1400b.

[0547] For example, the second adhesive may be substantially continuous over the second upper layer 1004b'', and the first adhesive may be applied to a defined area of ​​the second lower layer 1004b'. For example, the second adhesive differs from the first adhesive in that it hardens more quickly than the first adhesive. The first adhesive may be intended for bonding elastic members, and the second adhesive may be intended for laminating webs.

[0548] material At least one, preferably each of the lower layer 4, upper layer 1004b, and optionally the lower waist layer 1004c' and upper waist layer 1004c'' comprises or consists of a sheet of nonwoven material. In a variation comprising a combined panel, at least one of the second lower layer 1004b', second upper layer 1004b'', first lower layer 1004a', first upper layer 1004a'', and optionally the lower waist layer 1004c' and upper waist layer 1004c'', preferably each comprises or consists of a sheet of nonwoven material.

[0549] The nonwoven material may contain thermoplastic fibers, preferably containing at least 50% thermoplastic fibers, and more preferably containing at least 80% thermoplastic fibers.

[0550] The nonwoven layers or webs may be any suitable nonwoven material, such as spunbond, airlaid, wetlaid, carded, electrospun, or meltblown nonwovens. The nonwoven materials may be joined by any suitable technique, such as by suturing, water entanglement, ultrasonic welding, or thermal bonding.

[0551] The fibers of nonwoven materials used herein may be synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or mixtures of synthetic and natural fibers. Synthetic fibers include polymers such as polyolefins, polyesters, and polyacrylates, as well as regenerated fibers such as viscose and modal fibers, and can be mono-component, di-component, or multi-component. Natural fibers include, for example, pulp fibers, cotton fibers, flax, and hemp cellulose fibers.

[0552] For layers to be joined by ultrasonic bonding or thermal bonding, the nonwoven material used to form the layers should contain a sufficient amount of thermoplastic fibers to form the bonding elements. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers for use in nonwoven webs, as disclosed herein, include polyethylene, polypropylene, homopolymers and copolymers of other polyolefins, and polyester. Weldable nonwoven webs can have a high content of thermoplastic components, preferably containing at least 50% thermoplastic fibers, and more preferably at least 80% thermoplastic fibers.

[0553] Nonwoven materials may have a basic weight of 8 to 26 gsm, such as 10 to 22 gsm. The elastic material in the elastomer yarn, and / or the leg elastic members, may be any suitable elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers such as thermoplastic polyurethane or styrene block copolymers, or elastane, also known as spandex polyurethane polyurea copolymer. The elastic yarn and / or elastic elements of the leg elastic members may be elastane, available under the trade name "LYCRA," but any suitable elastic yarn can be used.

[0554] The yarn may have a linear mass density of approximately 80 to 1200 dtex.

[0555] The number of elastomer yarns in each panel section and the longitudinal spacing between the yarns in each panel section may be selected to provide the panel with appropriate elasticity and a good fit.

[0556] For example, in the illustrated deformation, the longitudinal spacing between the yarns in the second set of elastomer yarns 1400b in the second panel portion 1004b may be greater than or equal to the longitudinal spacing between the yarns in the first set of elastomer yarns 1400a in the first panel portion 1004a.

[0557] For example, the longitudinal spacing between the yarns in the first set of elastomer yarns 1400a in the first panel portion 1004a can be 2 to 20 mm, the longitudinal spacing between the yarns in the second set of elastomer yarns 1400b can be 2 to 35 mm, and / or the longitudinal spacing between the yarns in the third set of elastomer yarns can be 2 to 12 mm.

[0558] While examples of different modifications are described above with reference to the drawings, other modifications and improvements will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art. For example, the shape and size of the absorbent articles are not limited to those shown in the drawings. Furthermore, features and descriptions such as those described in relation to one of the modifications disclosed herein can be applied to or combined with other modifications disclosed herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0559] 1. Disposable absorbent pants-type items 2' Chassis 3, 3' anterior area 3a lower layer 3b upper layer 3c Waist panel section 3c' lower waist panel layer, lower waist layer 3c'' Upper waist panel layer, upper waist layer 4, 4' posterior area 4a lower layer 4b upper layer 4c Waist panel section 4c' lower back layer 4c'' Upper waist layer 5, 5' crotch area, crotch area 6, 6' Absorbent assembly 6c center 6f Front end, second end portion 6r Rear end, first end portion 7 Absorbent core 12 Waist opening 13. Second leg opening 14. First leg opening 16. First foreleg edge 17. Second foreleg edge 18. Cutting off the edge of the first hind leg. 19. Cutting off the edge of the second hind leg. 20 First side joint 21 Second side joint 20a Lower end of the first side joint 20 21a Lower end of the second side joint 21 25 First leg elastic member 26 Second leg elastic member 30ac' Combination Lower Panel Sheet 31 Anterior lumbar border 32 First frontal area side edge 33. Second frontal area side edge 34 Anterior segment crotch edge 40ac' Continuous Material Sheet 41 Lumbar edge, posterior segment lumbar edge 42 First rear section side edge 43. Second rear section side edge 44 Posterior segment crotch edge 50 Elastic waist features 81 First hip elastic member 82 Second hip elastic member 83 Left longitudinal side, first longitudinal side, first hip elastic member 84 Right longitudinal side, second longitudinal side, second hip elastic member 300a elastic twisted yarn 300a1 First Part Set 300a2 Second Part Set 300c Elastomer Twisted Yarn 400a elastic twisted yarn 400a1 First Part Set 400a2 Second Part Set 400c elastomer twisted yarn, elastic twisted yarn 401 First leg elastic twisted yarn 402 Second leg elastic twisted yarn 403 First leg elastic twisted yarn 404 Second leg elastic twisted yarn 501 First Laminated Web Material 503 First lateral edge 505 Second lateral edge 507 Lower Web 509 Upper Web 511 Continuous leg elastic member 513 One flat top 515 The other flat top 517 Set of continuous elastic twisted yarn, continuous elastic twisted yarn 519 Elastic waist element 521 Second Laminated Web Material 523 Composite Web 525 Interconnected Precursor Articles 527 Leg cut-off, first edge 529 The second connection 531 Defined area 1001 Disposable pants-type items 1003 Front section, front main panel 1004 Rear panel, rear main panel 1004a First panel section 1004a' First lower layer 1004a'' First upper layer 1004b Second panel section 1004b' Second lower layer 1004b'' Second upper layer 1004c' Lower waist layer 1004c'' upper waist layer 1006 Absorbent core 1018 First foot edge 1019 Second foot edge 1020 First side joint 1021 Second side joint 1025 First elastic member, first leg elastic member 1026 Second elastic member, second leg elastic member 1042 First rear panel side edge 1043 Second rear panel side edge 1072 Backseat 1073 Top Sheet 1501 First lateral edge c1004a'' First upper layer c1004c' Lower waist layer c1004c'' Upper waist layer c1040abc' Combination Sub-Web c1400c Continuous Elastic Twisted Yarn C connection area CD crossing direction E Waist connection area L Longitudinal direction, longitudinal axis L1, L2 longitudinal extension Length of the first leg edge of L3, 18 Length of the second leg edge 19 of L4 Length in the longitudinal direction of the first leg elastic member 25 of L5 Length in the longitudinal direction of the second leg elastic member 26 of L6 L d Dividing line MD machine direction T transverse direction W is the width between the first side edge 503 and the second side edge 505, and the width of the first laminated web material 501. W2 Second width W B Longest length W E Length of waist connection area E W T Width of disposable absorbent pants-type item 1 Z1 Zone 1 Z2 Second Zone Z T Transition Zone λ Wavelength of the relief wave

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent pant-type article (1) such as a pant diaper, sanitary pant, or incontinence pant, wherein the article (1) has a longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse extension along the transverse direction (T), and the article (1) - Previous area (3), - Rear area (4), - A joint area (5) located between the front area (3) and the rear area (4), and connecting the front area (3) and the rear area (4) Equipped with, The absorbent assembly (6) is positioned such that the central part (6c) of the absorbent assembly (6) is located in the crotch area (5). The aforementioned area (3) is, The aforementioned article (1) - Waist opening (12) defined by the waist edge (31) of the front area (3) and the waist edge (41) of the rear area (4), - A first leg opening (13) is defined by the first leg edge (16) of the front area (3) and the first leg edge (18) of the rear area (4), and - A second leg opening (14) defined by the second leg edge (17) of the front area (3) and the second leg edge (19) of the rear area (4) To form, The first front section edge (32) is joined to the first rear section edge (42) at the first side joint (20), and the second front section edge (33) is joined to the second rear section edge (43) at the second side joint (21), thereby connecting to the rear section (4). At least one of the front area (3) and the rear area (4) comprises a first leg elastic member (25) positioned along the first leg edge (18) of at least one of the front area (3) and the rear area (4), and a second leg elastic member (26) positioned along the second leg edge (19) of at least one of the front area (3) and the rear area (4), Each leg elastic member (25, 26) comprises one or more elastic elements that extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction (L), The first and second leg elastic members (25, 26) are sandwiched between a first layer (4a) and a second layer (4b) included in at least one of the front region (3) and the rear region (4), and the first and second layers (4a, 4b) are joined to each other. At least one of the front area (3) and the rear area (4) further comprises a set of elastic twisted yarns (400a) that extend substantially or completely in the transverse direction (T) of the article, A disposable absorbent pant-type article (1) wherein the first leg elastic member (25) ends at or near the first leg edge (18), and the second leg elastic member (26) ends at or near the second leg edge (19).

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the first leg elastic member (25) and the second leg elastic member (26) each end at a cut end.

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second layers (4a, 4b) are joined to each other by an adhesive located on the first layer (4a), the second layer (4b), and one or more of the first and second leg elastic members.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first layer and the second layer are joined to each other by welding, for example, ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second layers (4a, 4b) included in at least one of the front region (3) and the rear region (4) are joined to each other by an adhesive positioned on one or more of the elastic yarns of the set of elastic yarns (400a), and / or by a welded joint pattern associated with one or more of the elastic yarns of the set of elastic yarns, and the set of elastic yarns (400a) is sandwiched between the first and second layers (4a, 4b).

6. At least one of the aforementioned front area (3) and the aforementioned rear area (4) is A first leg elastic twisted yarn (401) substantially or completely extends in the transverse direction (T) and ends at the first leg edge (18) at a longitudinal position between the first leg elastic member (25) and the first side joint (21), A second leg elastic twisted yarn (402) substantially or completely extends in the transverse direction (T) and ends at the second leg edge (19) at a longitudinal position between the second leg elastic member (26) and the second side joint (22), and The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the following:

7. At least one of the aforementioned front area (3) and the aforementioned rear area (4) is A first leg-side elastic twisted yarn (403) extends substantially or completely in the transverse direction (T) and intersects with the first leg elastic member (25), A second leg-side elastic twisted yarn (404) extends substantially or completely in the transverse direction (T) and intersects with the second leg elastic member (26) and The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

8. The article according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and second leg-side elastic twists (401, 402) and / or the first and second leg-side elastic twists (403, 404) form part of or constitute a set of elastic twists (400a) that extend substantially or completely in the transverse direction (T) of the article.

9. The first leg edge (18) extends in the longitudinal direction (L １ The first leg elastic member (25) has a longitudinal extension (L) determined from the lower end (20a) of the first side joint (20). １ The first leg edge (18) ends at a longitudinal position located within a range of 1% to 60%, preferably within a range of 10% to 50%, more preferably within a range of 20% to 40%, The second leg edge (19) extends in the longitudinal direction (L ２ The second leg elastic member (26) has a longitudinal extension (L) determined from the lower end (21a) of the second side joint (21). ２ The article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second leg edge (19) ends at a longitudinal position located within a range of 1% to 60%, preferably within a range of 10% to 50%, more preferably within a range of 20% to 40% of the second leg edge (19).

10. The first leg elastic member (25) ends at a longitudinal position of the first leg edge (18) that, when determined from the lower end (20a) of the first side joint (20), is located within a range of 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably within a range of 10 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably within a range of 20 mm to 55 mm. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second leg elastic member (26) ends at a longitudinal position of the second leg edge (19) that, when determined from the lower end (21a) of the second side joint (21), is located within a range of 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably within a range of 10 mm to 70 mm, more preferably within a range of 20 mm to 55 mm.

11. The first leg elastic member (25) has a length (L) of the first leg edge (18). ３ The second leg elastic member (26) extends along a distance that is in the range of 50% to 99%, preferably 55% to 95%, more preferably 60% to 90% of the length (L) of the second leg edge (19). ４ The article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, extending along a distance in the range of 50% to 99%, preferably 55% to 95%, more preferably 60% to 90% of the length

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first leg elastic member (25) extends along the first leg edge (18) for a distance in the range of 150 to 300 mm, preferably 165 to 285 mm, more preferably 180 to 270 mm, and the second leg elastic member (26) extends along the second leg edge (19) for a distance in the range of 150 to 300 mm, preferably 165 to 285 mm, more preferably 180 to 270 mm.

13. The first leg elastic member (25) extends at least from the absorbent assembly (6) to the first leg edge (18), The article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second leg elastic member (26) extends at least from the absorbent assembly (6) to the second leg edge (19).

14. The first leg elastic member (25) has a total length (W) in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the front area (3) and the rear area (4). Ｂ The length in the longitudinal direction (L) is less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of ) ５ ) extends along, The second leg elastic member (26) has a longitudinal length (L Ｂ ), which is less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 30% of the total longitudinal length (W ６ ) of at least one of the front region (3) and the rear region (4), and is an article according to any one of claims 1 to 13 that extends along

15. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising first and second crotch elastic members (83, 84) extending along the respective longitudinal sides (81, 82) of the absorbent assembly (6).

16. At least one of the front area (3) and the rear area (4) comprises a combination panel, the combination panel comprising a first panel portion and a second panel portion when viewed along the longitudinal direction (L), the first panel portion and the second panel portion being connected by a connecting region (D), The first panel portion comprises a first lower layer and a first upper layer, wherein the first panel portion is superimposed such that the first lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined panel and the first upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined panel. The first panel portion further comprises at least a partial set of the elastic yarns sandwiched between the first lower layer and the first upper layer, wherein the elastic yarns are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the transverse direction (T), and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L). The first panel portion is joined by the first lower layer being joined to the first upper layer by a welding joint pattern that attaches at least a partial set of the elastic twisted yarn set between the first lower layer and the first upper layer. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second panel portion comprises a second lower layer and a second upper layer, the second panel portion being superimposed such that the second lower layer forms the lower surface of the combined panel and the second upper layer forms the upper surface of the combined panel, the first leg elastic member (25) and the second leg elastic member (26) are sandwiched between the second lower layer and the second upper layer, the second panel portion is joined by the second lower layer being joined to the second upper layer by adhesive bonding, and the first leg elastic member (25) and the second leg elastic member (26) are attached between the second lower layer and the second upper layer.

17. A method for forming a laminated web material (501) for at least one of the front section (3) or rear section (4) of a disposable absorbent pants-type article (1), wherein the laminated web material (501) is continuous when viewed in the machine direction (MD) and has a width (W) between a first side edge (503) and a second side edge (505) in the cross direction (CD), and the method is: S110: A step of feeding the lower web (507) in the machine direction (MD), S120: A step of feeding the upper web (509) in the machine direction (MD), S125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarn (517) in the machine direction (MD), S130: A step of feeding a continuous leg elastic member (511) containing one or more elastic elements, S140: A step of positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) such that the continuous leg elastic member (511) extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 30% of the width (W) of the laminated web material (501), S150: To form the laminated web material (501), the elastic twists of the set of continuous elastic twists (517) are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction (MD), and spaced apart from each other in the cross direction (CD), by joining the lower web (507) to the upper web (509) and sandwiching the set of continuous elastic twists (517) between the lower web (507) and the upper web (509), the steps of joining the lower web (507) to the upper web (509) and sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member (511) between the lower web (507) and the upper web (509) and Methods that include...

18. Step S140 is the continuous leg elastic member (511) along the first edge (503) of the laminated web material (501) to an adjacent first zone (Z １ In the first zone (Z) in the machine direction (MD) and the intersecting direction (CD), preferably extending over a distance of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction (MD). １ The second zone (Z) is separated from ) ２ In the first and second zones (Z), the first and second zones (Z) extend preferably over a distance of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction (MD), and １ Z ２ The transition zone (Z) located between ) Ｔ The method according to claim 17, comprising positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) so as to extend in both the intersecting direction (CD) and the mechanical direction (MD) in the same manner.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising the step of positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) such that the continuous leg elastic member (511) intersects with at least one elastic twist of the set of continuous elastic twists (517).

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein step S150 comprises joining by applying an adhesive to form an adhesive bond and / or by performing welding such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein step S150 comprises applying an adhesive to one or more of the lower web (507), the upper web (509), the continuous leg elastic member (511), and the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns (517).

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein step S150 includes applying an adhesive to one or more of the lower web (507) and the upper web (509) in a defined area (531) that overlaps the continuous leg elastic member (511).

23. After step S150, S160: The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising the step of cutting through the continuous leg elastic member (511) by creating a leg cutout (527) that extends from the first side edge (503) of the laminated web material (501).

24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the laminated web material (501) is for forming a front section (3) or a rear section (4) of a disposable absorbent pants-type article (1) such as a diaper, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants, and the continuous leg elastic member (511) is applied to form leg elastic members (25, 26) in the disposable absorbent pants-type article (1).

25. The laminated web material is a composite laminated web, which is continuous when viewed in the machine direction, has a width between a first side edge and a second side edge in an intersecting direction perpendicular to the machine direction, and has an upper side and a lower side when viewed in a thickness direction perpendicular to the machine direction and the intersecting direction. The method includes a welding step and an adhesive bonding step, The welding step includes feeding a first lower web, a first upper web, and at least a portion of the set of continuous elastic yarns in the direction of the machine, and joining the first lower web to the first upper web by a welding pattern such that at least a portion of the set of continuous elastic yarns adheres between the first lower web and the first upper web, wherein the sets of elastic yarns are joined so as to be aligned with each other and substantially parallel to the direction of the machine, and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the adhesive bonding step comprises feeding the second upper web and the second lower web in the machine direction, feeding the continuous leg elastic member, and bonding the second lower web to the second upper web by adhesive bonding such that the continuous leg elastic member adheres between the second lower web and the second upper web, wherein the continuous leg elastic member extends at least partially in a direction not parallel to the machine direction.

26. A laminated web material (501) for disposable absorbent pant-type articles (1) such as diapers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants, wherein the laminated web material is continuous when viewed in the mechanical direction (MD), has a width (W) between a first side edge (503) and a second side edge (505) in the intersecting direction (CD), and the laminated web material (501) comprises a lower web (507), an upper web (509), and a continuous leg elastic member sandwiched between the lower web (507) and the upper web (509). A laminated web material (501) comprising (511) and a set of continuous elastic twisted yarns (517) sandwiched between the lower web (507) and the upper web (509), wherein the elastic twisted yarns of the set of elastic twisted yarns (517) are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction (MD), and spaced apart from each other in the cross direction (CD), and the continuous leg elastic members extend over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 30% of the width (W) of the laminated web material (501).

27. The continuous leg elastic member is adjacent to the first zone (Z) along the first edge (503) of the laminated web material (501). １ In the first zone (Z), the first zone (Z) extends in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction (MD), preferably over a distance of at least 10 mm. １ The second zone (Z) is separated from ) ２ In the first and second zones (Z), the first and second zones (Z) extend preferably over a distance of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction (MD). １ Z ２ The transition zone (Z) located between ) Ｔ The laminated web material (501) according to claim 26, which extends in both the crossing direction (CD) and the machine direction (MD) in the same manner.

28. The laminated web material (501) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein at least one of the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns (517) intersects with the continuous leg elastic member (511).

29. Laminated web material (501) for disposable absorbent pant-type articles (1) such as pant diapers, sanitary pants, or incontinence pants, manufactured by the method described in any one of claims 17 to 25.

30. A method for manufacturing a disposable absorbent pant-type article (1) such as a pant diaper, sanitary pant, or incontinence pant, wherein the article comprises a front section (3), a rear section (4), and a crotch section (5) positioned between the front section (3) and the rear section (4), and an absorbent assembly (6) is positioned such that the central part (6c) of the absorbent assembly (6) is positioned in the crotch section (5), The aforementioned method, M110: A step of feeding the lower web (507) in the machine direction (MD), M120: A step of feeding the upper web (509) in the machine direction (MD), M125: A step of feeding a set of continuous elastic twisted yarn (517) in the machine direction (MD), M130: A step of feeding a continuous leg elastic member (511) containing one or more elastic elements, M140: A step of positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) such that the continuous leg elastic member (511) extends at least partially in the extending direction which is in both the intersecting direction (CD) and the machine direction (MD), M150: To form a first laminated web material (501), the elastic twists of the set of continuous elastic twists (517) are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to the machine direction (MD), and spaced apart from each other in the intersecting direction (CD), by joining the lower web (507) to the upper web (509), and sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member (511) between the lower web (507) and the upper web (509), the steps include: M160: A step of positioning the first laminated web material (501) at a position corresponding to either the front section (3) or the rear section (4) of the article (1), M170: Providing a second laminated web material (521) and positioning the second laminated web material (521) at a position corresponding to the other of the front area (3) or the rear area (4) of the article (1), M180: A step of intermittently providing absorbent assemblies (6) that are spaced apart in the mechanical direction (MD), and positioning the absorbent assemblies (6) such that a first end portion (6r) overlaps with the first laminated web material (501) and a second end portion (6f) overlaps with the second laminated web material (521), thereby forming a composite web (523) of interconnected precursor articles (525), M190: A step of cutting through the continuous leg elastic member (511) by creating a leg cutout (527) that extends from the first side edge (503) of the first laminated web material (501), wherein the leg cutout (527) is positioned between the absorbent assemblies (6) when viewed in the machine direction (MD), M200: The step of folding the composite web (523) along a fold line extending in the machine direction (MD) so that the first edge (527) of the composite web (523) aligns with the second edge (529) of the composite web (523), M210: A step of joining the first laminated web material (501) to the second laminated web material (521) by forming first and second side seams (20, 21) in each precursor article (525), wherein the side seams (20, 21) are part of the dividing line (L) between the precursor articles (525). ｄ A step formed along the aforementioned crossing direction (CD), M220: A step of cutting individual disposable absorbent panty-type articles (1) from the composite web (523) of the precursor article (525) Methods that include...

31. Step M140 is the continuous leg elastic member along the first edge (503) of the laminated web material (501) adjacent to the first zone (Z １ In the first zone (Z), the first zone (Z) extends in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction (MD), preferably over a distance of at least 10 mm. １ The second zone (Z) is separated from ) ２ In the first and second zones (Z), the first and second zones (Z) extend preferably over a distance of at least 10 mm in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the machine direction (MD). １ Z ２ The transition zone (Z) located between ) Ｔ The method according to claim 30, comprising positioning the continuous leg elastic member so as to extend in both the intersecting direction (CD) and the mechanical direction (MD) in the same manner.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) such that the continuous leg elastic member (511) extends over less than 40%, preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 30%, of the width (W) of the first laminated web material (501).

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) relative to the set of continuous elastic yarns (517) such that the continuous leg elastic member (511) intersects with at least one elastic yarn of the set of continuous elastic yarns (517).

34. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein step M140 includes positioning the continuous leg elastic member (511) with respect to the set of continuous elastic yarns (517) such that at least one of the elastic yarns of the set of continuous elastic yarns (517) ends at the leg cutouts (18, 19) without intersecting the continuous leg elastic member (511).

35. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein step M150 comprises joining by applying an adhesive to form an adhesive bond and / or by performing welding such as ultrasonic welding and / or thermal welding.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein step M150 comprises applying an adhesive to one or more of the lower web (507), the upper web (509), the continuous leg elastic member (511), and the set of continuous elastic twisted yarns (517).

37. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein step M150 includes applying an adhesive to one or more of the lower web (507) and the upper web (509) in a defined area (531) that overlaps the continuous leg elastic member (511).

Images