Absorbent article having a fragile path adapted to tear propagation between regions of a laminate having a different number of substrate layers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article including a first belt and a second belt. The first belt and / or the second belt can include a first region and a second region, the first region including a first number of substrate layers, the second region including a second number of substrate layers, the first number of substrate layers being greater than the second number of substrate layers. Additionally, the first belt and / or the second belt may comprise one or more frangible paths including a first frangible line positioned in the first region, a second frangible line positioned in the second region, and at least one transitional frangible line extending partially through the first region and the second region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent article having an anterior and / or posterior lumbar region containing one or more vulnerable pathways. [Background technology]

[0002] Some absorbent articles have components including an elastomer laminate. Such an elastomer laminate may include an elastic material bonded to one or more nonwoven fabrics. The elastic material may include an elastic film and / or elastic strands. In some laminates, multiple elastic strands are bonded to a nonwoven fabric while the strands are stretched, and as a result, when the elastic strands relax, the nonwoven fabric forms folds, thereby creating corrugations and wrinkles. The resulting elastomer laminate is stretchable to the extent that the elastic strands can be stretched by the corrugations.

[0003] Furthermore, the absorbent article in the form of a diaper pants may be constructed using an absorbent chassis connected to front and rear elastic belts, where the opposing end regions of the front and rear belts are connected to each other at the side seams. In some examples, the elasticity of the front and rear belts may be removed in the region where the absorbent chassis is connected to the belts. Thus, in some conversion configurations adapted to assemble such diaper pants, an elongated elastic strand is bonded between two continuous nonwoven webs to form an elastic laminate. Then, each region of the elastic strand may be intermittently deactivated along the length of the elastic laminate by cutting the elastic strand in the area connected to the chassis, which is sometimes called a tummy elastic cut.

[0004] Some caregivers of older infants or toddlers with incontinence may prefer closed-pants-type disposable absorbent items to allow application and removal from the child while the child is standing. One drawback of this product form is that removal and disposal of the fecal-containing product can be unsanitary and inconvenient. For example, pulling down the product may cause feces to soil the user's legs. In another example, the caregiver may use force to tear open the bound sides. The force used may lead to a rapid release of energy from the diaper, causing the caregiver to lose control of the product and feces to spill out. In contrast, removal and disposal of conventional open-type or tape-type diaper forms with fasteners can be easily achieved while the child is lying on their back. In this case, the fasteners are opened, the diaper is removed from under the child and rolled up into a nearly cylindrical shape, and the fasteners are then secured around the rolled-up soiled diaper, closing the leg openings for sanitary disposal.

[0005] To avoid having to remove soiled diaper pants from the wearer by sliding them off their legs or tearing the joined side seams, some diaper pants may be constructed with tear lines on the front or back belt. Such tear lines may include perforations that allow caregivers to more easily separate the belt along the perforation line. Once the belt is separated, the diaper pants can be removed from the wearer more easily without having to slide them off their legs, similar to conventional open-tape diaper designs.

[0006] Some belts may be constructed as a laminate of bonded substrate layers, and some regions of the belt may contain more substrate layers than other regions. In some configurations, the boundary between regions with a relatively larger number of substrate layers and regions with a relatively smaller number of substrate layers may be defined by the edges of the substrate layers. Thus, the tear line of such a belt may extend across the edges of the substrate between regions with a relatively larger number of substrate layers and regions with a relatively smaller number of substrate layers, which may make it difficult for a caregiver to reliably tear the belt along the tear line. For example, some perforations in the tear line may be arranged and / or configured so that the tear propagates from regions with a relatively smaller number of substrate layers across the edges of the substrate layers into regions with a relatively larger number of substrate layers. Next, because the force required to traverse the substrate edge and peel the belt through a relatively larger area of ​​substrate layers is relatively greater, the peel may not be able to continue following the perforation at the transition between the two areas and may propagate in an undesirable direction along the belt where relatively little force is required to continue the peel. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] As a result, it would be beneficial to create a pant-type item that provides caregivers with the ability to remove and dispose of soiled products in the same manner as conventional open-type diapers. In addition, it would be beneficial to provide diaper pants having a fragile path configured to complete the tearing operation by reliably propagating the tear in the intended direction, from a relatively smaller area of ​​the base material layer, across the edges of the base material layer, to a relatively larger area of ​​the base material layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a first belt including an inner wearer-side surface and an outer garment-side surface, further including a transversely extending inner edge and a transversely extending outer edge, the outer edge being located longitudinally outward of the inner edge, the first belt further including a first region and a second region, the first region including a first number of base material layers, the second region including a second number of base material layers, the first number of base material layers being greater than the second number of base material layers, and a second belt, wherein the transversely opposing end portions of the second belt are located at the first and second side seams. A chassis comprising a second belt connected to the laterally opposed end portions of the first belt and forming a waist opening, a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the longitudinally opposed end regions of the chassis comprise a chassis connected to the first belt and the second belt, and a vulnerable path within the first belt including a first vulnerable line positioned in the first region, a second vulnerable line positioned in the second region, and at least one transitional vulnerable line extending partially through the first and second regions.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for assembling an absorbent article includes the steps of: advancing a first substrate, which includes a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side, and further including a first edge and a second edge separated transversely from the first edge, in a machine direction; applying adhesive to the second surface of the first substrate so as to define a zone of adhesive extending in the machine direction; and folding the first substrate along a fold so that a first portion of the first substrate faces a second portion of the first substrate. Steps include: folding, the edge of the first substrate extends in the machine direction through the adhesive zone to define a first adhesive zone and a second adhesive zone, the first edge of the first substrate and the first portion of the first substrate are bonded to the second portion of the first substrate, and the second adhesive zone extends transversely from the first edge of the first substrate toward the second edge of the first substrate; providing a second substrate which includes a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side, further comprising a first edge and a second edge transversely separated from the first edge; and providing a second substrate which includes a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side The steps of forming an elastic laminate are: positioning an extended elastic strand between a substrate and a second substrate, and bonding a first substrate together with a second substrate, wherein a first portion of the first substrate is positioned between a second surface of the first substrate and a first surface of the second substrate, and a second bonding zone bonds the second surface of the first substrate to the first surface of the second substrate, and the elastic laminate includes a first region containing a first number of substrate layers and a second region containing a second number of substrate layers, and a first edge of the first substrate defines the boundary between the first region and the second region. The method includes the steps of forming, forming, forming a weak path in an elastic laminate, wherein the weak path includes a first weak line in a first region, a second weak line in a second region, and at least one transitional weak line, the at least one transitional weak line extending across a first edge of a first substrate to both the first and second regions, providing a chassis comprising a body-side surface and a clothing-side surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body-side surface and the clothing-side surface, and bonding the chassis to an elastic laminate.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the absorbent article is a first belt including an inner wearer-side surface and an outer garment-side surface, further including a transversely extending inner edge and a transversely extending outer edge, the outer edge being located longitudinally outward of the inner edge, the first belt further including a first region and a second region, the first region including a first number of base material layers, the second region including a second number of base material layers, the first number of base material layers being greater than the second number of base material layers, the first base material comprising a transversely extending first edge and a transversely extending The second substrate comprises a second edge, a first surface, and a second surface on the opposite side, the second substrate comprising a first edge extending laterally, a second edge extending laterally, a first surface, and a second surface on the opposite side, the second surface of the first substrate facing the first surface of the second substrate, the first substrate is folded along a fold such that a first portion of the first substrate faces a second portion of the first substrate, the first portion extends longitudinally between the fold and the first edge of the first substrate, and Part 2 extends longitudinally between the fold and the second edge of the first base material, the first edge of the first base material extends transversely through the adhesive zone to define the first adhesive zone and the second adhesive zone, the first adhesive zone extends longitudinally from the first edge of the first base material toward the fold, and the second adhesive zone extends longitudinally from the first edge of the first base material toward the fold, the first belt and the second belt, the transversely opposing end portion of the second belt is the first side A chassis comprising a second belt connected to the laterally opposed end portion of the first belt at the seam and the second side seam to form a waist opening, a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the longitudinally opposed end region of the chassis comprises the chassis connected to the first belt and the second belt, and a vulnerable path in the first belt including vulnerable lines positioned in the first region and the second region. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a diaper pants in a pre-assembled configuration. [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of a diaper pants with a continuous outer cover in a pre-fastened configuration. [Figure 2A] This is a plan view of a diaper pant, with the diaper portion facing away from the wearer facing the observer. [Figure 2B] This is a plan view of a diaper pant, with the part of the diaper facing the wearer facing the observer. [Figure 2C] This is a plan view illustrating the first and second belt size and shape characteristics of a diaper pant, where the diaper portion facing away from the wearer is directed towards the observer. [Figure 2D] This is a plan view illustrating the first and second belt size and shape characteristics of a diaper pant, where the diaper portion facing away from the wearer is directed towards the observer. [Figure 2E] This is a plan view illustrating the first and second belt size and shape characteristics of a diaper pant, where the diaper portion facing away from the wearer is directed towards the observer. [Figure 2F] This is a plan view of a diaper pant with a continuous outer cover, where the diaper portion facing away from the wearer is directed towards the observer. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the diaper pants of Figure 2A along line 3-3, showing first and second elastic belts having panel layers. [Figure 3A] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a first belt having panel layers, where one panel layer is folded over another panel layer. [Figure 3A1] This is a cross-sectional detail view of another exemplary configuration, where the first belt has panel layers, and one panel layer is folded over another panel layer. [Figure 3A2] This is a cross-sectional detail view of another exemplary configuration, where the first belt has panel layers, and one panel layer is folded over another panel layer. [Figure 3B] This is a detailed cross-sectional view of a second belt, which has panel layers, with one panel layer folded over another. [Figure 3C]Cross-sectional view of the diaper pants of FIG. 2F taken along line 3C-3C, showing the first and second elastic belts having a panel layer and a continuous outer cover. [Figure 4A] Perspective view of a diaper pant having a weak path in the front belt and adjacent to an absorbent chassis. [Figure 4B] Perspective view of the diaper pant of FIG. 4A showing the front belt torn along one of the weak paths. [Figure 4C] Perspective view of the diaper pant of FIG. 4A showing the front belt torn along two weak paths. [Figure 5A] View showing the diaper pant of FIG. 4C rolled up on itself longitudinally. [Figure 5B] View showing the diaper pant of FIG. 5A with fastening components connected to the backsheet of the chassis to maintain the diaper pant in a discarded configuration. [Figure 6A] Perspective view of a diaper pant having a weak path. [Figure 6B] Front plan view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6B1] Front view of another configuration of a diaper pant having a weak path with distal and proximal ends positioned on a side seam. [Figure 6C] Front view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6B when the first weak path is torn. [Figure 6D] Front view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6C after the first weak path is completely torn. [Figure 6E] Front view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6D when the second weak path is torn. [Figure 6F] Front view of the diaper pant of FIG. 6E after the second weak path is completely torn. [Figure 7A] Perspective view of a diaper pant having another configuration of a weak path. [Figure 7B] Front view of the diaper pant of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C]Figure 7B is a front view of the diaper pants when the first vulnerable pathway is torn along the first and second initial tearing zones. [Figure 7D] Figure 7C is a front view of the diaper pants after the first vulnerable pathway has been torn along the first and second initial tearing zones. [Figure 7E] Figure 7D is a front view of the diaper pants when the first vulnerable pathway is torn along the first and second secondary tearing zones. [Figure 7F] Figure 7E is a front view of the diaper pants after the first vulnerable pathway has been completely torn apart. [Figure 8A] Figure 6A is a detailed diagram of the fastening component configuration. [Figure 8AA1] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the fastening component along line 8AA-8AA. [Figure 8AA2] This is a cross-sectional view of a fastening component along line 8AA-8AA in Figure 8A, where the fastening component is integrally formed from the belt component. [Figure 9A] Figure 7A is a detailed diagram of another fastening component configuration. [Figure 9B] This is a detailed diagram of another fastening component configuration. [Figure 10] This is a front view of a diaper with a different configuration of vulnerable pathways. [Figure 11] This is a detailed front view of the first belt of the diaper pants. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the first belt in Figure 11, along line 12-12, showing that the first base material has a folded portion sandwiched between the first base material and the second base material. [Figure 12A] This is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the first belt, in which the first base material includes a folded portion sandwiched between the first base material and the second base material, and an elastic strand is bonded between the folded portion and the second base material. [Figure 12B] This is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the first belt, in which the first base material includes a folded portion configured such that the second base material is sandwiched between the folded portion and the first base material. [Figure 12C]This is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the first belt, which includes the first and second substrates, in which the third substrate is bonded to the second substrate. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the vulnerable lines of the first belt's vulnerable path. [Figure 14A] This is a schematic diagram of assembly variations that can be used to assemble the 100P diaper pants. [Figure 14B] This is a schematic diagram of assembly variations that can be used to assemble the 100P diaper pants. [Figure 14C] This is a schematic diagram of assembly variations that can be used to assemble the 100P diaper pants. [Figure 14D] This is a schematic diagram of assembly variations that can be used to assemble the 100P diaper pants. [Figure 14E] This is a schematic diagram of assembly variations that can be used to assemble the 100P diaper pants. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] definition The following glossary of terms may be useful in understanding this disclosure.

[0013] "Absorbent articles" refer to devices that absorb and contain bodily exudates, and more specifically, devices that are placed in contact with or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. Examples of absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on diapers (i.e., diapers with pre-formed waist and leg openings as shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,120,487), refastened diapers or diaper-type diapers, incontinence briefs and underwear, diaper holders and liners, panty liners, absorbent inserts, and feminine hygiene clothing such as menstrual pads.

[0014] "Body side" and "clothing side" refer to the relative position of an element, its surface, or a group of elements, respectively. "Body side" indicates that the element or surface is closer to the wearer when worn than any other element or surface. "Clothing side" indicates that the element or surface is further away from the wearer when worn than any other element or surface (i.e., the element or surface is closer to the wearer's clothing that may be worn over a disposable absorbent article).

[0015] The terms “elastic,” “elastomer,” or “elastomerous” refer to materials that exhibit elastic properties, including any material that, when a force is applied to its initial relaxed length, can be stretched or elongated to a length exceeding 10% of its initial length, and which substantially returns to approximately its initial length when the applied force is released. Examples of elastomer materials include elastomer films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands, and other sheet-like structures.

[0016] As used herein, the term “joined” includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by directly adhering it to that element, as well as configurations in which one element is indirectly attached to another element by adhering it to an intermediate member(s) and then adhering that intermediate member(s) to another element.

[0017] As used herein, the term “distal” is used to describe a position that is placed away from the center or attachment point of the body, and the term “proximal” is used to describe a position that is placed closer to the center or attachment point of the body.

[0018] In this specification, the term “substrate” is used to describe a material that is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in the XY plane) and whose thickness (in the Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1 / 10 or less) compared to its length (in the X direction) and width (in the Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include webs, layers (one or more) or fibrous materials, nonwoven fabrics, polymer films or films and foils such as metallic foils. These materials may be used individually or may consist of two or more layers laminated together. Therefore, a web is a substrate.

[0019] In this specification, the term “nonwoven fabric” refers to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, and carding. Nonwoven fabrics do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0020] In this specification, the term “machine direction” (MD) is used to refer to the direction of material flow through a process. In addition, the relative arrangement and movement of materials can be described as flowing in the machine direction, from upstream to downstream of a process.

[0021] In this specification, the term “cross direction” (CD) is used to refer to a direction substantially perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0022] "Pre-strain" refers to the strain imposed on an elastic or elastomer material before it is combined with another element of an elastomer laminate or absorbent article. Pre-strain is calculated using the following equation: Pre-strain = ((Elongation length of the elastic material - Relaxation length of the elastic material) / Relaxation length of the elastic material) * Determined by 100.

[0023] Decitex, also known as Dtex, is a measurement used in the textile industry to measure yarn or filament. 1 decitex = 1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if a yarn or filament weighs 500 grams per 10,000 linear meters, then that yarn or filament has 500 decitex.

[0024] The term "tape-type diaper" (also known as "open-type diaper") refers to a disposable absorbent article having an initial anterior lumbar region and an initial posterior lumbar region that are not fastened, pre-fastened, or connected to each other when packaged and before being applied to the wearer. Tape-type diapers may be folded along the transverse centerline with the inner surface of one lumbar region in contact with the inner surface of the opposite lumbar region, without the lumbar regions being fastened or joined together as a single unit. Examples of tape-type diapers of various suitable configurations include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335, 5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118,041, 6,153,209, 6,410,129, and 6,426. This is disclosed in U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016, 6,825,393, and 6,861,571, as well as in U.S. Patent Publications 2013 / 0072887(A1), 2013 / 0211356(A1), and 2013 / 0306226(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] In this specification, the term “pants” (also referred to as “training pants,” “pre-closed diapers,” “diaper pants,” “pants-type diapers,” and “pull-on diapers”) refers to a disposable absorbent article designed for an infant or adult wearer, having a continuous outer-edge waist opening and continuous outer-edge leg openings. Pants may be configured to have a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous closed leg opening before the article is applied to the wearer. Pants may be pre-formed or pre-fastened by a variety of techniques, including but not limited to joining parts of the article together using any refastening and / or permanent closing member (e.g., seams, heat bonding, pressure welding, adhesives, adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, etc.). Pants may be pre-formed at any location along the outer periphery of the article in the waist region (e.g., sides fastened or joined, front waist fastened or joined, rear waist fastened or joined). Examples of diaper pants in various configurations are found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 7,569,039, and U.S. Patent Application Publications 2003 / 0233082(A1) and 2005 / 010776. Disclosed in Nos. 4(A1), 2012 / 0061016(A1), 2012 / 0061015(A1), 2013 / 0255861(A1), 2013 / 0255862(A1), 2013 / 0255863(A1), 2013 / 0255864(A1), and 2013 / 0255865(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] "Closed configuration" means that, during packaging, the lumbar regions on opposite sides are joined either permanently or in a re-fastening manner to form continuous lumbar and leg openings.

[0027] "Open configuration" means that the lumbar regions on opposite sides are not joined in the initial state to form a continuous lumbar and leg opening, but include closing means such as a fastening system for joining the lumbar regions to form a lumbar and leg opening before or during application of the article to the wearer.

[0028] This disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising an elastic laminate, and more particularly to an absorbent article having an elastic laminate in an anterior lumbar region and / or a posterior lumbar region having a vulnerable path. In some configurations, the absorbent article may comprise a first belt and a second belt, each belt comprising a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region. The first end region of the first belt is connected to the first end region of the second belt, and the second end region of the first belt is connected to the second end region of the second belt to form a lumbar opening. The absorbent article may also further comprise a chassis comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The chassis may further comprise a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region. The first end region of the chassis may be connected to the central region of the first belt, and the second end region of the chassis may be connected to the central region of the second belt. The first belt may further include a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge being located longitudinally outward of the inner edge.

[0029] As will be described in more detail below, the first belt and / or the second belt may include a first region and a second region, the first region including a first number of substrate layers, the second region including a second number of substrate layers, and the first number of substrate layers being greater than the second number of substrate layers. In addition, the first belt and / or the second belt may include one or more vulnerability paths including a first vulnerability line located in the first region, a second vulnerability line located in the second region, and at least one transition vulnerability line extending partially through the first and second regions.

[0030] In some configurations, the first and / or second belt may include a first base material and a second base material. The first base material may include a first edge extending laterally, a second edge extending laterally, a first surface, and a second surface on the opposite side. The second base material may also include a first edge extending laterally, a second edge extending laterally, a first surface, and a second surface on the opposite side. The second surface of the first base material may be in a relationship with the first surface of the second base material. The first base material is folded along a fold such that a first portion of the first base material is in a relationship with a second portion of the first base material. The first portion extends longitudinally between the fold and the first edge of the first base material, and the second portion extends longitudinally between the fold and the second edge of the first base material. The first edge of the first base material may extend laterally through an adhesive zone. Next, at least one transitional weakening line extends across the adhesive zone, separating the first edge of the first substrate. As will be described in more detail below, ensuring that the first edge of the first substrate is securely severed by the weakening line and securely adhered to another substrate layer helps ensure that the tear propagates along the weakening line without unintentionally propagating in undesirable directions along the belt.

[0031] Figures 1 to 2B show an embodiment of an absorbent article 100 in the form of a diaper pants 100P, which may include components constructed according to the configuration disclosed herein. Specifically, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a diaper pants 100P in a pre-fastened configuration. Figure 2A shows a plan view of the diaper pants 100P with the portion of the diaper facing away from the wearer facing the observer, and Figure 2B shows a plan view of the diaper pants 100P with the portion of the diaper facing the wearer facing the observer. The diaper pants 100P includes a chassis 102 and an annular elastic belt 104. As will be further detailed below, a first elastic belt 106 and a second elastic belt 108 are joined together to form the annular elastic belt 104.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 2B consecutively, the diaper pants 100P and the chassis 102 each include a first waist region 116, a second waist region 118, and a crotch region 119 positioned between the first and second waist regions. The chassis 102 may also be described as including a first end region 116a, a second end region 118a, and a crotch region 119 positioned between the first and second end regions 116a and 118a. The first waist region 116 may be configured as a front waist region, and the second waist region 118 may be configured as a rear waist region. The diaper 100P may also include a front waist edge 121 extending laterally in the front waist region 116, and a rear waist edge 122 facing longitudinally and extending laterally in the rear waist region 118. To provide a reference framework for this study, the diaper 100P and chassis 102 in Figures 2A and 2B are shown including a longitudinal axis 124 and a transverse axis 126. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 124 may extend through the front waist edge 121 and through the rear waist edge 122. The transverse axis 126 may extend through a first longitudinal or right edge 128 and a second longitudinal or left edge 130 of the chassis 102. As described above, the longitudinal axis 124 extends perpendicularly through the front waist edge 121 and the rear waist edge 122, and the transverse axis 126 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 124. When the diaper pants 100P are worn, the longitudinal direction may extend from the wearer's front waist through the crotch to the wearer's rear waist. To provide a further framework for this study, the diaper 100P is shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 18B, where the first elastic belt 106 includes a longitudinal centerline 124a and a transverse centerline 126a, the second elastic belt 108 includes a longitudinal centerline 124b and a transverse centerline 126b, and the chassis 102 includes a longitudinal centerline 124c and a transverse centerline 126c. The longitudinal centerlines 124a, 124b, and 124c are perpendicular to the transverse centerlines 126a, 126b, and 126c.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 2B, the diaper pants 100P may include an inner, body-facing surface 132 and an outer, clothing-facing surface 134. The chassis 102 may include a backsheet 136 and a topsheet 138. The chassis 102 may also include an absorbent assembly 140, which includes an absorbent core 142 disposed between a portion of the topsheet 138 and the backsheet 136. As will be described in more detail below, the diaper 100P may also include other features such as leg elastics and / or leg cuffs to enhance the fit around the wearer's legs.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2A, the periphery of the chassis 102 may be defined by a first longitudinal side edge 128, a second longitudinal side edge 130, a first laterally extending end edge 144 located within the first waist region 116, and a second laterally extending end edge 146 located within the second waist region 118. Both the side edges 128 and 130 extend longitudinally between the first end edge 144 and the second end edge 146. As shown in Figure 2A, the laterally extending end edges 144 and 146 may be located longitudinally inward from the front waist edge 121 which extends laterally in the front waist region 116, and longitudinally inward from the rear waist edge 122 which extends laterally in the rear waist region 118. In some configurations, the laterally extending edges 144 and 146 may be adjacent to or longitudinally outward from the laterally extending front waist edge 121 in the front waist region 116 and the laterally extending rear waist edge 122 in the rear waist region 118. When the diaper pants 100P are worn on the wearer's lower torso, the front waist edge 121 and rear waist edge 122 may surround the wearer's waist. At the same time, the side edges 128 and 130 may surround at least a portion of the wearer's legs. The crotch region 119 may also be generally positioned between the wearer's legs, and the absorbent core 142 extends from the front waist region 116 through the crotch region 119 to the rear waist region 118.

[0035] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may include a backsheet 136. The backsheet 136 may also define the clothing-side surface 134 on the outside of the chassis 102. The backsheet 136 may also include a woven or nonwoven material, a polymer film such as a polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic film, and / or a multilayer or composite material including a film and a nonwoven material. The backsheet may also include an elastomer film. An example backsheet 136 may be a polyethylene film with a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Furthermore, the backsheet 136 can prevent excrement from passing through the backsheet 136 while allowing vapor to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable).

[0036] As mentioned above, the diaper pants 100P may also include a top sheet 138. The top sheet 138 may also define all or part of the wearer-side surface 132 on the inside of the chassis 102. The top sheet 138 may be liquid permeable, allowing liquids (e.g., menstrual blood, urine and / or liquid feces) to permeate through its thickness. The top sheet 138 may be made from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials, perforated or hydroformed thermoplastic films, perforated nonwovens, porous foams, mesh foams, mesh thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic scrims. The woven or nonwoven materials may include natural fibers such as wood fibers or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If the top sheet 138 contains fibers, the fibers may be treated by spunbonding, carding, wet processes, meltblown processes, water entanglement, or other methods known in the art. The top sheet 138 may be selected from bulky nonwoven top sheets, perforated film top sheets, and perforated nonwoven top sheets. Exemplary perforated films may include those described in U.S. Patents No. 5,628,097, No. 5,916,661, No. 6,545,197, and No. 6,107,539, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may also include an absorbent assembly 140 joined to the chassis 102. As shown in Figure 2A, the absorbent assembly 140 may have a front edge 148 extending laterally in the front waist region 116, and a rear edge 150 facing longitudinally and extending laterally in the rear waist region 118. The absorbent assembly may have a right edge 152 extending longitudinally, and a left edge 154 facing laterally and extending longitudinally, and both the side edges 152 and 154 of the absorbent assembly may extend longitudinally between the front edge 148 and the rear edge 150. The absorbent assembly 140 may additionally include one or more absorbent cores 142 or absorbent core layers. The absorbent core 142 may be at least partially disposed between the top sheet 138 and the back sheet 136, and may be formed in various sizes and shapes suitable for the diaper. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core of this disclosure are described in U.S. Patents 4,610,678, 4,673,402, 4,888,231, and 4,834,735, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] Some embodiments of the absorbent core may include a fluid storage core containing a reduced amount of cellulosic air felt material. For example, such a core may contain about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even less than about 1% of cellulosic air felt material. Such a core may primarily contain an absorbent gel material in an amount of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100%, in which case the remainder of the core contains a microfiber adhesive (where applicable). Such cores, microfiber adhesives, and absorbent gel materials are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,599,335, 5,562,646, 5,669,894, and 6,790,798, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2004 / 0158212(A1) and 2004 / 0097895(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] As described above, diaper 100P may also include an elastic leg cuff 156. The leg cuff 156 may be a leg band, side flap, barrier cuff, elastic cuff, or gasketing cuff, and should be understood to be referred to as such in some cases. The elastic leg cuff 156 may be constructed in a variety of ways that help reduce leakage of body exudate in the leg area. Exemplary leg cuffs 156 may include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, 4,909,803, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009 / 0312730(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] As described above, the diaper pants may be manufactured to have an annular elastic belt 104 and may be provided to consumers in a packaged configuration with the front waist region 116 and the rear waist region 118 connected to each other before being applied to the wearer. Thus, the diaper pants may have a waist opening 110 with a continuous outer edge and a leg opening 112 with a continuous outer edge, as shown in Figure 1. The annular elastic belt may be formed by joining a first elastic belt to a second elastic belt using a permanent side seam or using an openable and re-closeable fastening system located on or adjacent to the laterally opposing sides of the belt.

[0041] As described above, the annular elastic belt 104 may be defined by the first elastic belt 106 connected to the second elastic belt 108. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 extends between the first longitudinal side edge 111a and the second longitudinal side edge 111b, defining the first and second opposing end regions 106a, 106b and the central region 106c. The second elastic belt 108 extends between the first longitudinal side edge 113a and the second longitudinal side edge 113b, defining the first and second opposing end regions 108a, 108b and the central region 108c. When measured in an extended state, the distance between the first longitudinal side edge 111a and the second longitudinal side edge 111b defines the pitch length PL of the first elastic belt 106, and the distance between the first longitudinal side edge 113a and the second longitudinal side edge 113b defines the pitch length PL of the second elastic belt 108. The central region 106c of the first elastic belt is connected to the first waist region 116 or the first end region 116a of the chassis 102, and the central region 108c of the second elastic belt 108 is connected to the second waist region 118 or the second end region 118a of the chassis 102. As shown in Figure 1, the first end region 106a of the first elastic belt 106 is connected to the first end region 108a of the second elastic belt 108 at the first side seam 178, and the second end region 106b of the first elastic belt 106 is connected to the second end region 108b of the second elastic belt 108 at the second side seam 180, defining the annular elastic belt 104 and the waist opening 110 and leg opening 112. It should be understood that the first belt 106 and the second belt 108 may be permanently or refastenably connected to each other at the first side seam 178 and the second side seam 180. The side seams 178 and 180 may include permanent connections such as thermal, pressure, or adhesive connections, or they may be releasable connections such as mechanical or adhesive fasteners.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first elastic belt 106 also defines a laterally extending outer edge 107a and a laterally extending inner edge 107b, and the second elastic belt 108 defines a laterally extending outer edge 109a and a laterally extending inner edge 109b. The outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 107b, and the outer edge 109a of the second belt 108 is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 109b. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, the outer edge 112a of one leg opening can be defined by the laterally extending inner edge 107b of the first elastic belt 106, the laterally extending inner edge 109b of the second elastic belt 108, and the portion of the first longitudinal or right-side edge 128 of the chassis 102. Furthermore, the outer edge portion 112b of the other leg opening may be defined by the laterally extending inner edge portion 107b, the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b, and the portion of the second longitudinal or left-side edge portion 130 of the chassis 102. The laterally extending outer edges 107a and 109a may also define the front waist edge portion 121 and the laterally extending rear waist edge portion 122 of the diaper pants 100P.

[0043] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may define different sizes and shapes. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may define a curved contour. For example, the inner lateral edges 107b and 109b of the first and / or second elastic belts 106 and 108 may include nonlinear or curved portions in the opposing end regions of the first and second. Such a curved contour may help define a desired shape for a leg opening 112, such as a relatively rounded leg opening. In addition to having a curved contour, the elastic belts 106 and 108 may include elastic strands 168 extending along a nonlinear or curved path that may coincide with the curved contour of the inner lateral edges 107b and 109b.

[0044] Figure 2C shows a configuration in which both the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 define a generally rectangular shape. For example, as shown in Figure 2C, the laterally extending outer edge 107a of the first elastic belt 106 may include a laterally width W1D, and the laterally extending inner edge 107b may include a laterally width W1P, where W1D and W1P are equal or substantially equal. In addition, the laterally extending outer edge 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include a laterally width W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge 109b may include a laterally width W2P, where W2D and W2P are equal or substantially equal.

[0045] In some configurations, at least one of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may include lateral edges having different lengths. For example, Figure 2D shows a configuration in which the first elastic belt 106 defines a substantially rectangular shape, as described with reference to Figure 2C, and the second elastic belt 108 has a laterally extending outer edge 109a and a laterally extending inner edge 109b of different lengths. As shown in Figure 2D, the laterally extending outer edge 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include a lateral width W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge 109b may include a lateral width W2P, where W2D is greater than W2P.

[0046] In some configurations, both the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may include lateral edges having different lengths. For example, Figure 2E shows a configuration in which the laterally extending outer edge 107a and laterally extending inner edge 107b of the first elastic belt 106 have different lengths, and the laterally extending outer edge 109a and laterally extending inner edge 109b of the second elastic belt 108 have different lengths. As shown in Figure 2E, the laterally extending outer edge portion 107a of the first elastic belt 107 may include a laterally extending width W1D, and the laterally extending inner edge portion 107b may include a laterally extending width W1P, where W1D is greater than W1P. The laterally extending outer edge portion 109a of the second elastic belt 108 may include a laterally extending width W2D, and the laterally extending inner edge portion 109b may include a laterally extending width W2P, where W2D is greater than W2P.

[0047] Referring to Figures 2C to 2E, the first elastic belt 106 may define a longitudinal length LT1 extending between a transversely extending outer edge 107a and a transversely extending inner edge 107b, and the second elastic belt 108 may define a longitudinal length LT2 extending between a transversely extending outer edge 109a and a transversely extending inner edge 109b. In some configurations, LT1 may be equal to LT2. In some configurations, LT1 may be less than or greater than LT2. Referring again to Figures 2C to 2E, in some configurations, W1D may be equal to W1P, or W1D may be different from W1P. In some configurations, W2D may be equal to W2P, or W2D may be different from W2P. In some configurations, W1D and / or W1P may be equal to or different from W2D and / or W2P.

[0048] Referring to Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may also each include a first base material 162 and a second base material 164. The first base material 162 may be oriented to define at least a portion of the garment-side surface 115a and garment-side surface 117a of the first elastic belt 106 of the second elastic belt 108, and the second base material 164 may be oriented to define at least a portion of the wearer-side surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106 and the wearer-side surface 117b of the second elastic belt 108. The first base material 162 may extend over a maximum length L1 from the proximal edge 162b to the distal edge 162a, and the second base material 164 may extend over a maximum length L2 from the proximal edge 164b to the distal edge 164a. It should be understood that the distal edge 162a and / or proximal edge 162b of the first base material 162 may be linear and / or curved, and / or parallel or non-parallel to each other. Similarly, it should be understood that the distal edge 164a and / or proximal edge 164b of the second base material 164 may be linear and / or curved, and / or parallel or non-parallel to each other. Therefore, the maximum length L1 refers to the longest longitudinal distance between the distal edge 162a and proximal edge 162b of the first base material 162, and the maximum length L2 refers to the longest longitudinal distance between the distal edge 164a and proximal edge 164b of the second base material 164. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to, less than, or greater than L2. In some configurations, L1 may be less than or equal to LT1, and L2 may be less than or equal to LT2. In some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first base material 162 may define at least a portion of the anterior waist edge 121 and / or at least a portion of the posterior waist edge 122, and / or the distal edge 164a of the second base material 164 may define at least a portion of the anterior waist edge 121 and / or at least a portion of the posterior waist edge 122. Therefore, in some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first base material 162 and / or the distal edge 164a of the second base material 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110.

[0049] It should also be understood that the first base material 162 and / or the second base material 164 may extend continuously from the first belt 106 to the second belt 108. For example, the first base material 162 may be configured to define a continuous outer cover 162' that extends continuously from the first waist edge 121 to the second waist edge 122, as shown in Figures 1A, 2F, and 3C. It should also be understood that the diaper pants 100P having a continuous outer cover as shown in Figures 1A, 2F, and 3C may also be configured to include various embodiments of the vulnerable pathways and fastening components described herein.

[0050] It should be understood that the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 may define various lateral widths that are equal or unequal. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the first substrate 162 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 162e and the second longitudinal edge 162f to define a first lateral width W1, and the second substrate 164 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 164e and the second longitudinal edge 164f to define a second lateral width W2.

[0051] In some configurations, the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162 and / or the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 may extend laterally across the backsheet 136. As shown in Figures 2A to 3, the first substrate 162 includes a garment-side surface 162c and an opposite wearer-side surface 162d, and the second substrate 164 includes a garment-side surface 164c and an opposite wearer-side surface 164d.

[0052] In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include at least a folded portion of the first base material 162 and / or the second base material 164. For example, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a folded portion 162g of the first base material 162 that extends longitudinally between the fold 162h and the transverse edge 162i of the first base material 162. Thus, the folded portion 162g of the first base material 162 may be connected to the wearer-side surface 164d of the second base material 164. In some configurations, the folded portion 162g of the first base material 162 may also be connected to and / or overlap the chassis 102. Therefore, the folded portion 162g of the first base material 162 may also be connected to the wearer-side surface 162d of the first base material 162. In some configurations, a portion of the folded portion 162g of the first base material 162 may be left unconnected to the chassis 102 and / or the second base material 164 to form a pocket having an opening oriented toward the transverse centerline 162c of the chassis 102. In another example, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a folded portion of the second base material 164 that extends longitudinally between the fold and the transverse edge of the second base material 164. Therefore, the folded portion of the second base material 164 may be connected to the garment-side surface 162c of the first base material 162. Therefore, in some configurations, the fold of the first base material 162 and / or the fold of the second base material 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110. It should be understood that various lumbar configurations may be used. For example, as shown in Figure 3A1, the folded portion 162g may be sandwiched between the second base material 164 and the backsheet 136. In another example shown in Figure 3A2, the second base material 164 may be sandwiched between the folded portion 162g and the backsheet 136. Figures 3A1 and 3A2 show the configuration of the first belt 106, but it should be understood that such a configuration can also be applied to the second belt 108.

[0053] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may contain the same material and / or have the same structure. In some embodiments, the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt may contain different materials and / or have different structures. It should also be understood that the components of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108, such as the first base material 162 and / or the second base material 164, can be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, the first and / or second belts may include the first base material 162 and / or the second base material 164, which may be manufactured from materials such as plastic film; perforated plastic film; natural materials (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene fibers), or woven or nonwoven webs made of a combination of natural and / or synthetic fibers; or coated woven or nonwoven webs. In some configurations, the first and / or second belts may include a first base material 162 and / or a second base material 164 comprising a synthetic fiber nonwoven web, and may also include an extensible nonwoven fabric. In some configurations, the first and second elastic belts may include an inner hydrophobic nonstretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic nonstretchable nonwoven material. It should be understood that the belts may be constructed in various ways, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0142828(A1) and Chinese Patent Application No. 2021 / 077843, both of which are incorporated by reference.

[0054] The elastic material 167 may be positioned between the wearer-side surface 162d of the first substrate 162 and the garment-side surface 164c of the second substrate 164. It should be understood that the elastic material 167 may include one or more elastic elements extending along the length of the elastic belt, such as strands, ribbons, elastic films, or panels. As shown in Figures 2A and 3, the elastic material 167 may include a plurality of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be an elastic film used to form a zero-strain elastic laminate, which includes an elastic film bonded to one or more nonwoven layers and subsequently subjected to sufficient mechanical deformation or activation to weaken the nonwoven layers and allow the laminate to elastically stretch and recover.

[0055] It should also be understood that the first base material 162, the second base material 164, and / or the elastic material 167 of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be joined together and / or to other components such as the chassis 102 by adhesive and / or mechanical bonding. It should also be understood that adhesive and mechanical bonding methods may be used individually or in combination with each other.

[0056] In some configurations, when assembled to form a first elastic belt 106 and / or a second elastic belt 108, an adhesive may be applied to at least one of the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167. In some configurations, when assembled to form a first elastic belt 106 and / or a second elastic belt 108, a mechanical bonding device may apply a mechanical bond to at least one of the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167. Such a mechanical bond may be applied using heat, pressure, and / or ultrasonic devices. In some configurations, the mechanical bonding device may apply a bond that bonds the first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 together, and / or act to capture or fix separate lengths of contracted elastic strands within the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0057] The first substrate 162, the second substrate 164, and / or the elastic material 167 are all incorporated herein by reference by U.S. Patent Application Publications 2018 / 0168878(A1), 2018 / 0168877(A1), 2018 / 0168880(A1), 20180 / 170027(A1), 2018 / 0169964(A1), 2018 / 0168879(A1), 2018 / 0170026(A1), 2018 / 0168889(A1), 2018 / 0168874(A1), and 2018 / 0168875(A1). It should also be understood that various elastomer laminates can be formed by bonding them together using various methods and apparatus, as described in Nos. 2018 / 0168890(A1), 2018 / 0168887(A1), 2018 / 0168892(A1), 2018 / 0168876(A1), 2018 / 0168891(A1), 2019 / 0070042(A1), 2019 / 0070041(A1), 2021 / 0282797A1(A1), and 2021 / 0275362(A1), and combinations thereof.

[0058] It should be understood that the components of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 can be assembled in various ways and in various combinations to produce various desirable features that may differ along the transverse width and / or longitudinal length of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108. Such features may include, for example, Dtex value, joint pattern, hole arrangement, elastic positioning, average Dtex value, average pre-strain value, wrinkle frequency, wrinkle wavelength, height value, and / or contact area. It should be understood that different features may be imparted to various components, such as the first base material 162, the second base material 164, and the elastic material 167, before and / or during the assembly stage of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0059] It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include belt elastic material 167 of various configurations arranged relative to each other and relative to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. As described above, the elastic material 167 may include a configuration of one or more elastic elements such as strands, ribbons, films, or panels positioned in various arrangements. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 is incorporated herein by reference in all of the following: Nos. 2018 / 0168889(A1), 2018 / 0168874(A1), 2018 / 0168875(A1), 2018 / 0168890(A1), 2018 / 0168887(A1), 2018 / 0168892(A1), 2018 / 0168876(A1), 2018 / 0168891(A1), 2019 / 0298586(A1), 2019 / 0070042(A1), 2018 / This may include various elastic bodies, elastic characteristics and structures, and processes for assembly, as described in Nos. 0168878(A1), 2018 / 0168877(A1), 2018 / 0168880(A1), 2018 / 0170027(A1), 2018 / 0169964(A1), 2018 / 0168879(A1), 2018 / 0170026(A1), 2019 / 0070041(A1), 2021 / 0282797(A1), and 2021 / 0275362(A1). It should also be understood that the elastic material 167 described herein may be composed of the same or different colors at various different locations on the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108.

[0060] In some embodiments, the elastic material 167 may be configured as elastic strands 168 arranged longitudinally at regular intervals. In other embodiments, the elastic strands 168 may be arranged longitudinally at different intervals. In some configurations, the Dtex value of the elastic strands 168 may be constant along the longitudinal direction or may vary. In some configurations, the stretched elastic material 167 may be sandwiched and bonded between non-shrinking substrate layers. When the elastic material 167 is relaxed, it returns to its non-stretched state, causing the substrate layers to shrink. The elastic material 167 may provide a desired change in shrinkage force within the area of ​​the annular elastic belt. It should be understood that the chassis 102 and elastic belts 106, 108 may be configured in ways different from those depicted in the accompanying figures. It should also be understood that the elastic material 167 may be bonded to the substrate continuously or intermittently along the interface between the elastic material 167 and the substrate. In some configurations, the elastic strand 168 may be in the form of an extruded elastic strand, which may also be bonded to the first substrate 162 and / or the second substrate 164 in a pre-corrugated configuration, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,681,302, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] For example, as described above with reference to embodiments with reference to Figures 2A and 3, the elastic material 167 considered herein may be in the form of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may be parallel to each other and / or to the transverse axis 126. It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be configured to contain varying amounts of elastic strands 168. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 may be grouped into pairs. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may contain about 10 to about 1500 elastic strands 168. The elastic strands 168 described herein may include various Dtex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values, and such elastic strands 168 may be used together with other elastic strands to produce first and second elastic belts 106, 108 including elastic strands 168 with various combinations of Dtex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values. For example, in some configurations, the average Dtex of one or more elastic strands 168 may be greater than 500. In some configurations, the average Dtex of one or more elastic strands 168 may be about 10 to about 1500, specifically including all 1 Dtex increments within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, multiple elastic strands 168 may include an average strand spacing of 4 mm or less. In some configurations, multiple elastic strands 168 may include an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the above range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the multiple elastic strands 168 may include an average strand spacing greater than 4 mm. In some configurations, the average pre-strain of each of the multiple elastic strands may be approximately 50% to approximately 400%, specifically including all 1% increments within the above range and all ranges within or formed thereby. In some configurations, the elastic strands 168 include an average strand spacing of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 4 mm and an average Dtex of approximately 10 to approximately 500.In some configurations, the elastic strand 168 may have an average pre-strain of approximately 75% to approximately 300%.

[0062] In some configurations, the first set of elastic strands may contain a first mean pre-strain of about 75% to about 300%, and the second set of elastic strands may contain a second mean pre-strain greater than the first mean pre-strain. In some configurations, the first set of elastic strands may contain an average strand spacing of about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an average Dtex of about 10 to about 500, and the second set of elastic strands may contain an average strand spacing greater than about 4 mm and an average Dtex greater than about 450.

[0063] In some configurations, as shown in Figure 2A, the elastic strands 168 may be referred to herein as the outer waist elastic body 170 and the inner waist elastic body 172. The elastic strands 168 (e.g., the outer waist elastic body 170) may extend continuously laterally between the opposing first end regions 106a and second end regions 106b of the first elastic belt 106, and between the opposing first end regions 108a and second end regions 108b of the second elastic belt 108. Some elastic strands 168, such as the inner waist elastic body 172, may be configured with discontinuities in areas where the first and second elastic belts 106, 108 overlap with a portion of the chassis 102, such as the absorbent assembly 140.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2A, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may be configured with a low-stretch zone 701 and a high-stretch zone 703. The first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may include a first high-stretch zone 703a and a second high-stretch zone 703b separated laterally by the low-stretch zone 701. Parts of the chassis 102, such as the backsheet 136 and the absorbent assembly 140, may be connected to the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 in the low-stretch zone 701 of the first lumbar region 116 and / or the second lumbar region 118. The high-stretch zone 703 may be elasticized by elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172, and the low-stretch zone 701 may include cutting lines separating the elastic material 167 such as elastic strands 168, 172. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be cut in unbonded regions where the elastic material is not bonded to the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. Thus, the elastic material 167 recedes from the unbonded regions, forming a low-stretch zone 701. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may be cut into several separate pieces. The low-stretch zone 701 then defines regions of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108, which have relatively lower elasticity than the high-stretch zone 703. The separate pieces of elastic material 167 that are cut and elastically contracted do not add a corresponding amount of elasticity to the low-stretch zone 701. Thus, when a force is applied, the high-stretch zone 703 stretches longer than the low-stretch zone 701. As defined above, the terms “elastic,” “elastomer,” or “elastomerous” refer to materials exhibiting elastic properties, including any material that, when a force is applied to its relaxed initial length, can be stretched or elongated to an extended length exceeding 10% of its initial length, and which substantially returns to approximately its initial length when the applied force is released. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 may consist of an elastic high-elongation zone 703 and a non-elastic, i.e., “inelastic” low-elongation zone 701.

[0065] As described above, the diaper pants 100P described with reference to Figures 1 to 3C may include one or more fragile paths within the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. For example, Figures 4A to 4C show an exemplary diaper pants 100P having a first belt 106 including a fragile path 700. The fragile path 700 may be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106 to be torn relatively easily along the fragile path 700, such as when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. Figure 4B shows a diagram of the diaper pants 100P from Figure 4A, showing the first belt 106 after being torn along the fragile path 700 through both the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b that extend laterally in the outer longitudinal direction of the first belt 106. Thus, the first elastic belt 106 shown in Figure 4B is separated by opposing tear lines 705. It should be understood that the first elastic belt 106 may be torn along both weak paths 700 in Figure 4B. For example, Figure 4C shows the diaper pants of Figure 4A with the front belt torn along the two weak paths 700. As shown in Figure 4C, the central region 106c of the first elastic belt 106 may remain attached to the chassis 102 even after the first and second opposing end regions 106a, 106b are separated from the central region 106c by tearing the elastic belt 106 along the weak paths 700.

[0066] As will be described in more detail below, the fragile path 700 includes a plurality of fragile lines 704 configured such that all elastic strands 168 in the first elastic belt 106 are detached at least once within the fragile path 700. Detachment of the elastic strands 168 in the fragile path 700 helps to make it relatively easy to tear the first elastic belt 106 along the fragile path 700. For example, when the elastic strands 168 are detached, the first base material 162 and the second base material 164 of the first elastic belt 106 only need to be torn, and the uncut elastic strands 168 do not need to be torn either. It should be understood that the diaper pants 100P may contain varying amounts of fragile paths 700, which can be located in various places, define various shapes, and extend to various lengths. For example, the first elastic belt 106 may include a first belt length defined by the longitudinal distance between the proximal edge 107b and the distal edge 107a, and the vulnerable path 700 may extend over the entire length from the outermost edge of the vulnerable line 704 closest to the proximal edge 107b of the first belt 106 to the outermost edge of the vulnerable line 704 closest to the distal edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the vulnerable path 700 may extend over a length greater than, equal to, or less than the first belt length. In some configurations, the vulnerable line 704 may extend over a length from a first end to a second end, and the sum of all lengths of the vulnerable lines 704 in the vulnerable path 700 may be greater than the entire length of the vulnerable path.

[0067] In some configurations, the diaper pants 100P may be configured such that one or both of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 include one or more vulnerable paths 700. The vulnerable paths 700 may be located at various locations on the first and second elastic belts 106, 108. For example, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the vulnerable paths 700 may extend to overlap with the chassis 102. In some configurations, the vulnerable paths 700 may extend linearly and / or curved and / or have curved portions. In some configurations, the vulnerable paths 700 may extend longitudinally over the entire length or less than the entire length of the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. In some configurations, the vulnerable paths 700 may be located partially or entirely laterally between the first and second side seams 178, 180 and the chassis 102.

[0068] In some configurations, the vulnerable path 700 may be configured and / or positioned to provide access to and / or function with other feature parts, such as a feature part for disposal. For example, the diaper pants 100P shown in Figures 4A to 4C includes a fastening component 707 positioned on the wearing-side surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be positioned between the first elastic belt 106 and the chassis 102. The fastening component 707 may be configured to be refastened to other parts of the diaper pants 100P, such as the first elastic belt 106, the second elastic belt 108, or the clothing-side surface of the chassis 102. Therefore, if the first elastic belt 106 is torn along the fragile path 700, the diaper pants 100P may be removed from the wearer and rolled up or folded for disposal, and the fastening component 707 may be connected to another part of the diaper pants 100P to help maintain the diaper pants 100P in a disposal configuration. For example, Figure 4C shows the diaper pants 100P after the first elastic belt 106 has been torn along two fragile paths. Figure 5A shows the diaper pants 100P of Figure 4C with the chassis 102 rolled up longitudinally over itself. Also, Figure 5B shows the diaper pants 100P of Figure 5A with the fastening component 707 re-fastened to the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102 to maintain the diaper pants 100P in a disposal configuration. In some configurations, when tearing the elastic belt along the weak path 700, the tearing process may begin by tearing from the outer edge 107a or the inner edge 107b of the elastic belt 106. As will be discussed in more detail below, in some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 may also include fastening components 707 and openings such as slits located adjacent to or near the weak area 700 to help facilitate the initiation of tearing the weak path 700 in the longitudinal region of the elastic belt 106 between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b.

[0069] It should also be understood that the fastening component 707 may be composed in various ways, such as a hook, loop, and / or adhesive. For example, the fastening component 707 may include a hook element or adhesive that is designed to be refastened to another surface of the diaper pants 100P. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may include a loop element that is designed to be refastened to a hook surface on the diaper pants 100P. The fastening component 707 may be a separate element connected to the elastic belt 106 in various ways, such as mechanical bonding, adhesive bonding, or both. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be integrally formed from the material of the elastic belts 106, 108. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be printed and / or may include materials of various different colors so that the fastening component 707 is visible from the outside of the diaper pants 100P.

[0070] As previously mentioned, the fastening component 707 may include a hook material that can be refastened to a base material, such as a nonwoven fabric, on the outer surface of the diaper pants 100P. For example, the fastening component 707 may include a base material containing a hook, which is bonded to elastic belts 106, 108, such as a second base material 164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven fabric. It should be understood that the base material may be bonded to the elastic belts 106, 108 in various ways, such as mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and / or adhesive bonding, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the hook may be integrally formed from the second base material 164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven fabric. The fastening component 707 may include one material, or a combination of two or more materials arranged in at least partially overlapping configurations. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may include other types of fasteners known in the art.

[0071] It should be understood that the fastening component 707 may include any of the many different shapes, including rectangular or other polygonal shapes, circular, elliptical shapes, shapes having external protrusions or recesses or combinations thereof, or one or more lines or geometric shapes forming an array. It should also be understood that the fastening component 707 may include a variety of sizes. For example, in some configurations, the fastening component 707 may have a lateral width of approximately 5 mm to approximately 100 mm, specifically including all 0.1 mm increments within the above range and all ranges within or formed therein. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 10 mm to approximately 100 mm, specifically including all 0.1 mm increments within the above range and all ranges within or formed therein. The fastening components 707 may be aligned parallel to the transverse centerlines 126a, 126b of the elastic belts 106, 108, or oriented at an angle of 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal centerlines 126a, 126 of the elastic belts 106, 108. The fastening components 707 may include an array of two or more spaced fastening elements. The fastening components 707 may have a color that is visible through any layer of the elastic belts 106, 108 on which the fastening components 707 are located. The elastic belts 106, 108 and / or chassis 102 may include printing or other markings that highlight to the caregiver the location, function, and / or use of the fastening components 707. The coupling or coupling pattern that attaches the fastening components 707 to the elastic belts 106, 108 may be visually or tactilely distinct from the surrounding belt material to provide the caregiver with a signal or mechanical gripping advantage.

[0072] It should also be understood that the weak path 700 may include weak lines 704, which are composed in various ways, positioned in various locations and orientations relative to each other, defined by various shapes, and extending over various lengths. For example, in some configurations, the weak lines 704 include discrete cutting lines that penetrate some or all of the layers of the elastic belt 106. In some configurations, the weak lines 704 include discrete joints where the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are fused to each other. In some configurations, the weak lines 704 may be linear, curved, or have regular or irregular geometric shapes, and may include one or more of the following: perforations, joints, apertures, or mechanically thinned areas of material such as nonwoven fabric, or a combination thereof. It should also be understood that the weak lines 704 may be formed at different lengths and intervals to achieve different separation forces.

[0073] As described above, the absorbent article 100, such as the diaper pants 100P, may be configured to have a fragile path 700, which includes a fragile line 704 configured and arranged in various ways, to help improve the caregiver's ability to remove the soiled diaper pants 100P from the wearer without having to remove the soiled diaper pants from the wearer by sliding them off the wearer's legs. As described above, the fragile path 700 may be configured to allow the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 to be torn relatively easily along the fragile path 700, such as when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. In addition, the fragile path 700 may also be configured to provide access to a fastening component 707 that can be used to help hold the soiled product in a disposal configuration. The following provides a consideration of exemplary embodiments of the fragile path 700 on the diaper pants 100P in the context of the above description of various details of the absorbent article 100, the fastening component 707, the fragile path 700, and the fragile line 704. It should be understood that the discussion of vulnerable paths 700 in the first elastic belt 106 in this specification may also apply to vulnerable paths 700 in the second elastic belt 108.

[0074] It should be understood that the vulnerable pathways 700 may be located in various locations and / or orientations relative to other components of the absorbent article 100 and / or may be configured to function in various ways to facilitate the removal of the diaper pants from the wearer. For example, the diaper pants 100P shown in Figures 6A and 6B may include one or more vulnerable pathways 700 extending between the distal end 808 on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and the distal end 810 on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the diaper pants 100P includes a first vulnerable pathway 700a and a second vulnerable pathway 700b within the first belt 106. The first vulnerable path 700a may extend between the first distal end 808a on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and the first proximal end 810a on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. The second vulnerable path 700b may extend between the second distal end 808b on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 and the second proximal end 810b on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. It should be understood that the first and second vulnerable paths 700a and 700b may include the vulnerable line 704 as described above.

[0075] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b may be located at various lateral positions on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be located in the central region 106c of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be located laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be located in the first end region 106a and / or the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned laterally outward from the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a and / or the second distal end 808b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the first side seam 178 of the chassis 102, and / or between the second longitudinal edge 130 and the second side seam 180 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a may be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal end 808a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal end 808b may be aligned laterally with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal end 808b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.

[0076] It should also be understood that the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b may be positioned at various lateral locations on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be located in the central region 106c of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second distal end 810b may be located laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be located in the first end region 106a and / or the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned laterally outward from the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the first side seam 178 of the chassis 102, and / or between the second longitudinal edge 130 and the second side seam 180 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a may be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal end 810a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal end 810b may be aligned laterally with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal end 810b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.

[0077] It should be understood that the first distal end 808a and the second distal end 808b may be positioned at various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Also, the first proximal end 810a and the second proximal end 810b may be positioned at various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations as shown in Figure 6B1, the first distal end 808a and / or the first proximal end 810a may be positioned on the first side seam 178 at longitudinally inward positions of the outer edge 107a and longitudinally outward positions of the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6B1, the second distal end 808b and / or the second proximal end 810b may be positioned on the second side seam 180 at longitudinally inward positions of the outer edge 107a and longitudinally outward positions of the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Thus, completing the tearing process of the first belt 106 may also require tearing portions of the first and / or second side seams 178, 180.

[0078] Continuing to refer to Figure 6B, the first belt 106 may also include a gripping area 801 that provides a place where a user can grasp a portion of the first belt 106 and initiate the process of tearing the first belt along the vulnerable path 700. The gripping area 801 may also include an accessible opening 802 within the first belt 106, and a fastening component 707 positioned adjacent to the accessible opening 802. The accessible opening 802 may include a slit and / or opening within the first belt 106 and may penetrate some or all of the layers of the first belt 106. It should be understood that such a slit or opening may be curved and / or straight. The accessible opening 802 may also be considered part of the vulnerable path 700.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6B, the diaper pants 100P may include within the first belt 106 a first gripping area 801a including a first accessible opening 802a and a second gripping area 801b including a second accessible opening 802b. The first and second accessible openings 802a, 802b may be located between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. The first and second accessible openings 802a, 802b may also be located within the central area 106c of the first belt 106, and may be located between the first longitudinal edge 128, the second longitudinal edge 130, and the first transverse edge 144 of the chassis 102. In addition, the first fastening component 707a may be positioned adjacent to the first accessible opening 802a, and the second fastening component 707a may be positioned adjacent to the second accessible opening 802a. The first vulnerable path 700a may include a first tear zone 813a extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first distal end 808a, and a second tear zone 813b extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first proximal end 810a. The second vulnerable path 700b may include a first tear zone 813a extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second distal end 808b, and a second tear zone 813b extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second proximal end 810b.

[0080] It should be understood that the vulnerable path 700 may include one or more functional zones. The vulnerable path may then include transition zones that can operably connect such zones to help facilitate the propagation of tear along the vulnerable path 700 from one zone to another. The vulnerable lines within the transition zones may have a specific length and / or angle with respect to the transverse centerline and column spacing to help provide the desired propagation of material failure, for example, when the product is removed from the wearer. It should be understood that the length, angle, and spacing of the transition zones may differ from the length, angle, and spacing of adjacent vulnerable lines.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may include a first initial tear zone 815a extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the first transition zone 817a. In addition, the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may include a secondary tear zone 819a extending from the first transition zone 817a to the first distal end 808a. The first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may also include a second initial tear zone 815b extending from the first accessible opening 802a to the second transition zone 817b. Furthermore, the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a may include a second secondary tear zone 819b extending from the second transition zone 817b to the first proximal end 810a. The first transition zone 817a can operably connect the first initial tear zone 815a to the first secondary tear zone 819a to help facilitate the propagation of tear from the first initial tear zone 815a to the first secondary tear zone 819a along the first vulnerable path 700a. Continuing to refer to Figure 6B, the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b may include a first initial tear zone 815a extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the first transition zone 817a. In addition, the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable pathway 700b may include a secondary tear zone 819a extending from the first transition zone 817a to the second distal end 808b. The first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable pathway 700b may also include a second initial tear zone 815b extending from the second accessible opening 802b to the second transition zone 817b. Furthermore, the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable pathway 700b may include a second secondary tear zone 819b extending from the second transition zone 817b to the second proximal end 810b. The second transition zone 817b can operably connect the second initial tear zone 815b to the second secondary tear zone 819b, helping to facilitate the propagation of tear from the second initial tear zone 815b to the second secondary tear zone 819b along the second vulnerable path 700b.

[0082] As will be described in more detail below, the accessible opening 802 may help provide a caregiver or wearer with access to and / or grasping the fastening component 707 in the gripping area 801 with their fingers or thumb. The caregiver or wearer may then pull the gripping area 801 to begin tearing the first belt 106 on the fragile path 700. In some configurations, the tear line may propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, laterally outward from the central area 106c of the first belt 106 toward the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810. It should also be understood that the diaper pants 100P may be configured such that the tear line propagating along the first tear zone 813a and the tear line propagating along the second tear zone 813b reach the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, respectively. It should also be understood that some diaper pants 100P in this specification may be configured to include a vulnerable path 700 extending through or around a fastening component 707 without an accessible opening. The user can then initiate a tearing process along the vulnerable path 700 by pinching and / or pulling a belt in which the vulnerable path 700 is located on or adjacent to the fastening component 707.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6B, the vulnerable path 700 may be configured to extend laterally inward from the distal end 808 and / or the proximal end 810. Next, each portion of the vulnerable path 700 may extend to define an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the outer edge 107a and / or inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. Thus, the vulnerable path may define an overall length longer than the longitudinal length LT1 of the first belt 106 and / or the longitudinal length LT2 of the second belt 108 as described above with reference to Figures 2C to 2E.

[0084] As described above, the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 can be relatively easily torn along the fragile path 700, for example, when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. As will be described later with reference to Figures 6A to 6F, the fragile path 700 may be configured to allow a caregiver or wearer to begin and / or completely tear the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 with one hand when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer. In addition, the first belt 106 may be separable along the first fragile path 700a and the second fragile path 700b so as to define the first belt zone 831, the second belt zone 832, and the third belt zone 833 located laterally between the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832.

[0085] Referring here to Figures 6A and 6B, when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, the user may grasp the first belt 106 within the gripping area 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or thumbs into the accessible opening 802 and grasping a portion of the first belt 106 and fastening component 707. For example, referring to Figures 6B and 6C, the caregiver may insert a finger or thumb through the first accessible opening 802a and grasp the first belt 106 and the first fastening component 707a with their first hand. The caregiver's opposite second hand may be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposite second hand may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer in the central area 106c of the first belt 106. Next, the user's first hand may apply a tensile force Fp to the first gripping area 801a of the first belt 106 so as to move outward from the wearer in order to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the first vulnerable path 700a, as shown in Figure 6C.

[0086] Continuing to refer to Figure 6C, a tensile force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) can be applied to the first gripping region 801a generally toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or outward toward the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a along the first tear zone 813a of the first vulnerable path 700a, partially through and adjacent to the first fastening component 707a in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and then from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 towards the first distal end 808a in the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. Simultaneously, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a, along the second tear zone 813b of the first vulnerable path 700a, in a direction D2 that is generally transversely outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 toward the first proximal end 810a in the first end region 106a of the first belt 106, partially passing through and adjacent to the first fastening component 707a in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0087] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a along the first initial tear zone 815a of the first vulnerable path 700a to the first transition zone 817a. From the first transition zone 817a, the first tear line 705a may then propagate along the first secondary tear zone 819a to the first distal end 808a. In addition, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the first accessible opening 802a along the second initial tear zone 815b of the first vulnerable path 700a to the second transition zone 817b. From the second transition zone 817b, the second tear line 705b may then propagate along the second secondary tear zone 819b to the first proximal end 810a. It should be understood that the first vulnerable pathway 700a may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can reach the first distal end 808a and the first proximal end 810a simultaneously or almost simultaneously, respectively.

[0088] As shown in Figure 6D, the first belt 106 may be separable along the first vulnerable path 700a to define the first belt zone 831. For example, the first belt zone 831 may be formed after the first tear line 705a propagates through the first distal end 808a and the second tear line 705b propagates to the first proximal end 810a. As shown in Figure 6D, the first edge 831a of the first belt zone 831 is formed by tearing the first vulnerable path 700a. In addition, the first edge 833a of the third belt zone 833, which will be discussed in more detail below, is also formed by tearing the first vulnerable path 700a. The first belt zone 831 may extend from the first edges 831a of the first and second tear lines 705a, 705b to the first side seam 178 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In addition, the first belt zone 831 may include the first fastening component 707a. As will be described later, the first belt zone 831 may include all or part of the first fastening component 707a.

[0089] With the first belt zone 831 defined by tearing the first belt 106 along the first vulnerable path 700a, the user may proceed to define the second belt zone 832 by tearing the first belt 106 along the second vulnerable path 700b. Referring here to Figures 6D and 6E, the caregiver may insert a finger or thumb through the second accessible opening 802b and grasp the first belt 106 and the second fastening component 707b with the first hand. The caregiver's opposite second hand may be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposite second hand may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer in the central region 106c of the first belt 106. Next, the user's first hand may apply a tensile force Fp outward toward the wearer toward the second gripping area 801b of the first belt 106 in order to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the second vulnerable path 700b, as shown in Figure 6E.

[0090] Continuing to refer to Figure 6E, a tensile force Fp (generally represented by the arrow) is applied to the second gripping region 801b, generally toward the second end region 106b of the first belt 106 and / or outward away from the first belt 106. When the tensile force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can propagate simultaneously along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b, respectively. The first tear line 705a may propagate from the second accessible opening 802b along the first tear zone 813a of the second vulnerable path 700b, partially through and adjacent to the second fastening component 707b in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and then from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 towards the second distal end 808b in the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. Simultaneously, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the second accessible opening 802b, along the second tear zone 813b of the second vulnerable path 700b, in a direction D2 that is generally transversely outward and longitudinally inward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, in a longitudinal and transverse direction, partially passing through and adjacent to the second fastening component 707b, toward the second proximal end 810b in the second end region 106b of the first belt 106.

[0091] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may propagate from the second accessible opening 802b along the first initial tear zone 815a of the second vulnerable path 700b to the first transition zone 817a. From the first transition zone 817a, the first tear line 705a may then propagate along the first secondary tear zone 819a to the second distal end 808b. In addition, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the second accessible opening 802b along the second initial tear zone 815b of the second vulnerable path 700b to the second transition zone 817b. From the second transition zone 817b, the second tear line 705b may then propagate along the second secondary tear zone 819b to the second proximal end 810b. It should be understood that the second vulnerable pathway 700b may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b reach the second distal end 808b and the second proximal end 810b simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, respectively.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6F, the first belt 106 may be separable along the second vulnerable path 700b to define the second belt zone 832 and the third belt zone 833. For example, the second belt zone 832 may be formed after the first tear line 705a has propagated through the second distal end 808b and the second tear line 705b has propagated to the second proximal end 810b. As shown in Figure 6F, the first edge 832a of the second belt zone 832 is formed by tearing the second vulnerable path 700b. In addition, the second edge 833b of the third belt zone 833 is also formed by tearing the second vulnerable path 700b. The second belt zone 832 may extend from the first edge 832a of the first and second tear lines 705a, 705b to the second side seam 180 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In addition, the second belt zone 832 may include the second fastening component 707b. The third belt zone 833 may extend laterally between the first edge 833a and the second edge 833b and may remain connected to the chassis 102.

[0093] The tearing process has been described above with reference to Figures 6A to 6F, where the first belt 106 is torn along the first vulnerable path 700a before the first belt is torn along the second vulnerable path 700b. However, it should be understood that the tearing of the first belt 106 along the vulnerable paths 700 may be carried out in various different orders and in different ways. For example, the first belt 106 may be torn along the second vulnerable path 700b to define the second belt zone 832 before the first belt 106 is torn along the first vulnerable path 700a to define the first belt zone 831. In another example, the first belt 106 may be torn simultaneously along the first vulnerable path 700a and the second vulnerable path 700b to define the first belt zone 831, the second belt zone 832, and the third belt zone 833.

[0094] Once the first belt 106 is torn along the fragile path 700, defining the first belt zone 831, the second belt zone 832, and the third belt zone 833, the diaper pants 100P can be removed from the wearer in a manner similar to that of a conventional tape-type diaper. After being removed from the wearer, the diaper pants 100P may be placed in the disposal configuration described above with reference to Figures 5A and 5B by rolling and / or folding the chassis 102 longitudinally over itself. The first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 may be used to further roll the diaper pants 100P over itself. Additionally, fastening components 707 on the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 may be connected to other parts of the diaper pants 100P to help maintain the diaper pants 100P in the disposal configuration.

[0095] As described above, the fragile path 700 may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b propagate to reach the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810 simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, respectively. Such simultaneous tear propagation and termination may help provide caregivers with a convenient and reliable diaper pant removal experience. If one of the first tear line 705a or the second tear line propagates significantly ahead of the other through the distal end 808 or the proximal end 810, respectively, the tensile force required to complete the tear may be reduced. This reduction in force may then lead the caregiver to believe that the tear is complete and stop the tearing process before completion. Thus, the caregiver may need to initiate a second tearing action to complete the tearing process.

[0096] Referring here to Figures 7A and 7B, when removing the diaper pants 100P from the wearer, the user may grasp the first belt 106 within the gripping area 801 by inserting one or more fingers and / or thumbs into the accessible opening 802 and grasping a portion of the first belt 106 and fastening component 707. For example, referring to Figures 7B and 7C, the caregiver may insert a finger or thumb through the first accessible opening 802a and grasp the first belt 106 and the first fastening component 707a with their first hand. As described above, the caregiver's second hand on the opposite side may be used to help stabilize the wearer. Next, the user's first hand may apply an initial tensile force Fit (generally represented by a curved arrow) to the first gripping area 801a of the first belt 106, away from the wearer, to initiate tearing of the first belt 106 along the first initial tear zone 815a and the second initial tear zone 815b, as shown in Figure 7C. Once the initial tear force Fit is applied, as shown in Figures 7C and 7D, the first tear line 705a may propagate longitudinally and transversely from the accessible opening 802 along the first initial tear zone 815a, around the first fastening component 707a, and then to the first transition zone 817a. In addition, the second tear line 705b may propagate transversely from the accessible opening 802 along the second initial tear zone 815b to the second transition zone 817b.

[0097] Referring to Figures 7D and 7E, once the first initial tear zone 815a and the second initial tear zone 815b are completely separated, a tensile force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) can be applied to the first gripping region 801a, generally toward the first end region 106a of the first belt 106 and / or outward away from the first belt 106 and the wearer. When the tensile force Fp is applied, the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b can propagate simultaneously along the first secondary tear zone 819a and the second secondary tear zone 819b, respectively. The first tear line 705a can propagate from the first transition zone 817a along the first secondary tear zone 819a of the first vulnerable path 700a, generally outward in the transverse and longitudinal directions from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, in a direction D1 toward the first distal end 808a within the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. Simultaneously, the second tear line 705b can propagate from the second transition zone 817b along the second secondary tear zone 819b of the first vulnerable path 700a, generally outward in the transverse and longitudinal directions from the central region 106c of the first belt 106, in a direction D2 toward the first proximal end 810a within the first end region 106a of the first belt 106. As shown in Figures 7E and 7F, the second vulnerable pathway 700b may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b reach the second distal end 808b and the second proximal end 810b simultaneously or almost simultaneously, respectively.

[0098] Referring to the various aspects of the figures above, it should be understood that the gripping area 801 and the accessible opening 802 can be positioned at various locations within the first end area 106a, the second end area 106b, and / or the central area 106c of the first belt 106. The gripping area 801 and the accessible opening 802 may be positioned between the first longitudinal side edge 111a, the second longitudinal side edge 111b, the outer edge 107a, and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, the first accessible opening 802a and / or the second accessible opening 802b may be positioned entirely laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106 and / or the first side seam 178. In some configurations, the second accessible opening 802b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106 and / or the second side seam 180. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a and / or the second accessible opening 802b may be longitudinally positioned between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, and / or longitudinally positioned between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first accessible opening 802a may extend across the first longitudinal edge 128 and / or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102, and / or the second accessible opening 802b may extend across the second longitudinal edge 130 and / or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102.

[0099] It should also be understood that the accessible opening 802 may be positioned at various locations relative to the fastening component 707. For example, in some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be positioned longitudinally between the fastening component 707 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be positioned longitudinally between the fastening component 707 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be positioned laterally inward of the fastening component 707. It should also be understood that two or more accessible openings 802 may be positioned adjacent to the fastening component 707. As will be discussed in more detail below, the accessible opening 802 may also be configured to extend partially or completely through the fastening component 707, dividing the fastening component 707 into two or more parts.

[0100] As described above, the accessible opening 802 may have slits and / or openings in the first belt 106, and may be curved and / or straight. It should also be understood that the accessible opening 802 may be oriented in various ways. For example, the accessible opening 802 may be oriented approximately perpendicular to the outer edge 107a and / or inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may be oriented approximately parallel to the outer edge 107a and / or inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may include slits extending along a transverse line that define angles of approximately 0 to approximately 45 degrees with respect to the outer edge 107a and / or inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, specifically including all of the 1-degree increments within the range described above, and all ranges within or formed thereof. In some configurations, the accessible opening 802 may have a length dimension ranging from approximately 5 mm to approximately 50 mm, specifically including all 0.1 mm increments within the aforementioned range, and all ranges within or formed thereby.

[0101] As described above, the diaper pants 100P may include one or more fastening components 707 that are re-fastened to at least one other component of the diaper pants 100P in the disposal configuration. It should be understood that the fastening components 707 may consist of various shapes and sizes and may be positioned in various locations relative to the other components of the diaper pants 100P. For example, as shown in Figures 8A and 9A, the fastening component 707 may include a lateral centerline 126d oriented substantially parallel to the lateral centerline 126a of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the lateral centerline 126b of the second elastic belt 108 and / or the lateral centerline 126c of the chassis 102. The fastening component 707 may include a longitudinal centerline 124d oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline 124a of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the longitudinal centerline 124b of the second elastic belt 108 and / or the longitudinal centerline 124c of the chassis 102.

[0102] As shown in Figure 8AA1, in some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be positioned on and connected to the wearer-side surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 in the region where the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 overlap with the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be sandwiched between the second base material 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, such as those shown in Figure 8AA1, the fastening component 707 includes a hook 715 protruding from a base 717, the hook 715 extending from the first belt 106 toward the backsheet 136. The fastening component 707 may be configured as a separate individual element that can be connected to the wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106 in various ways. For example, as shown in Figure 7AA1, the adhesive 716 may connect the base 717 of the fastening component 707 to the wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106. It should be understood that the fastening component 707 may be connected to the first belt 106 by mechanical bonding in addition to or instead of adhesive. It will be recognized that the base 717 can be configured in various ways. For example, the base 717 may include a thermoplastic film. In some configurations, the base 717 may include a laminate having various layers bonded together, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2021 / 0045931A1. For example, the base 717 may include a thermoplastic film layer bonded to a nonwoven fabric layer. It should be understood that such layers may be bonded together in various ways, such as adhesive, mechanical bonding, and / or extrusion bonding. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be integrally formed from the material of the first belt 106, as shown in Figure 8AA2, for example, or it may be integrally formed from the material and attached to the first belt.

[0103] For example, as shown in Figure 6B, a portion of the chassis 102 may overlap with the inner wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106 to define a chassis overlap region 850. In this way, the chassis overlap region 850 may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102, and longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. To help prevent the fastening component 707 from coming into contact with the wearer's skin while the diaper pants 100P are being worn, the fastening component 707 may be positioned on and connected to the wearer-side surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106 and / or the wearer-side surface 117b of the second elastic belt 108 in the chassis overlap region 850 where the first elastic belt 106 and / or the second elastic belt 108 overlap with the chassis 102. For example, the fastening component 707 may be sandwiched between the wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106 and the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be sandwiched between the second base material 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastening component 707 may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 and the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102. The fastening component 707 may also be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. As shown in Figure 7A, the fastening component 707 may be positioned adjacent to the vulnerable path 700. An accessible opening 802, which can be considered part of the vulnerable path 700, may be positioned adjacent to the fastening component 707. Therefore, the vulnerable path 700 can partially surround the fastening component 707. In some configurations, such as those shown in Figure 9B, the vulnerable path 700 may extend through the fastening component 700, effectively dividing the fastening component 707 into a first fastening portion 707' and a second fastening portion 707''. The first fastening portion 707' is separated from the second fastening portion 707'' when the vulnerable path is torn apart.Upon completion of the tearing operation, the first belt zone 831 and the second belt zone 832 include the first fastening portion 707', and the third belt zone 833 includes the second fastening portion 707'' which was separated from the respective first fastening portion 707' during the tearing of the weak path 700.

[0104] In the configurations shown in Figures 6A and 8A, both the vulnerable path 700 and the accessible opening 802 may extend through the fastening component, effectively dividing the fastening component 707 into a first fastening portion 707' and a second fastening portion 707''. The accessible opening 802 shown in Figure 8A may include a slit that is generally oriented longitudinally. In addition, the accessible opening 802 may extend through the fastening component 707 and be entirely located within the outer edge of the fastening component. It should be understood that such a slit may be linear and / or curved. In some configurations, the longitudinally extending accessible opening 802 may specify a length dimension in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, specifically including all 0.1 mm increments within the aforementioned range, and all ranges within or formed therein. In addition, in some configurations, the longitudinally extending accessible opening 802 may also be curved to extend laterally in a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 20 mm, specifically including all 0.1 mm increments within the aforementioned range, and all ranges within or formed therein.

[0105] In an alternative configuration shown in Figure 10, the diaper pants 100P may include a fastening component 707 coupled to the wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106 at a location overlapping with the longitudinal centerline 124c of the chassis 102. The longitudinal centerline 124d of the fastening component 707 may coincide with or be near the longitudinal centerline 124c of the chassis 102. The vulnerable path 700 can divide the fastening component 707 into a first fastening component 707a and a second fastening component 707b of substantially similar size and shape. The accessible opening 802 may be located on or near the longitudinal inner lateral edge of the fastening component 707. The vulnerable path 700 may extend longitudinally and laterally to the waist edge 121 and inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, longitudinally outward from the lateral edge of the fastening component 707. The caregiver or wearer can access and grasp the fastening component 707 through the accessible opening 802, and then separate the vulnerable path 700 into the first fastening component 707a and the second fastening component 707b.

[0106] It should be understood that the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 may be configured as a laminate that may include regions having a different number of substrate layers, as described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, as described above with reference to Figures 3A, 3B, 3A1, and 3A2, at least one substrate of the first belt and / or the second belt may be folded so as to partially overlap itself and / or another substrate, thereby defining regions of the belt having a different number of substrate layers. In other examples, one or more separate substrates may be connected to specific regions of the belt to define regions of the belt having a different number of substrate layers. As will be described in more detail below, the belt and / or fragile path may be configured to help mitigate problems that may arise with tearing, where tearing propagates along the fragile path from regions with relatively fewer substrate layers to regions with relatively more substrate layers across the edges of the substrate layers. For example, Figures 11-13 show detailed views of the first belt 106, including the vulnerable path 700 described above, with reference to the diaper pants 100P in Figures 6A-6F. The exemplary structures of the first belt 106 and the vulnerable path 700 shown in Figures 11-13 may help ensure that, as the tear propagates across the first belt 106 into an area where the number of substrate layers increases, the tear propagates along the vulnerable line 704 of the vulnerable path 700 without unintentionally propagating in an undesirable direction along the first belt 106. While Figures 11-13 show the configuration of the first belt 106, it should be understood that such a configuration may also be applicable to the second belt 108.

[0107] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first belt 106 comprises an outer garment-side surface 115a and an inner wearer-side surface 115b. The first belt 106 further comprises a transversely extending outer edge 107a and a transversely extending inner edge 107b, the outer edge 107a being located longitudinally outward of the inner edge 107b. The first belt 106 may further include a first region 182 and a second region 184, the first region 182 comprising a first number of base material layers, and the second region 184 comprising a second number of base material layers, wherein the first number of base material layers is greater than the second number of base material layers.

[0108] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first belt 106 may comprise a first base material 162 and a second base material 164 as described above with reference to various figures. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first base material 162 comprises a first edge 162-1 extending laterally, a second edge 162-2 extending laterally, a first surface 162-3, and a second surface 162-4 on the opposite side. The first base material 162 may also be folded along a fold 162-FL, so that a first portion 162-5 of the first base material 162, which may also be called a folded portion, is positioned opposite a second portion 162-6 of the first base material 162. Therefore, the first portion 162-5 extends longitudinally between the fold 162-FL and the first edge 162-1 of the first base material 162, and the second portion extends longitudinally between the fold 162-FL and the second edge 162-2 of the first base material 162.

[0109] Continuing to refer to Figures 11 and 12, the second substrate 164 comprises a transversely extending first edge 164-1, a transversely extending second edge 164-2, a first surface 164-3, and an opposite second surface 164-4. The second surface 162-4 of the first substrate 162 may be oriented to face the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164. In addition, the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 may be positioned or sandwiched between the second surface 162-4 of the first substrate 162 and the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164. It should be understood that the first portions 162-5 and 162-6 of the second substrate 162, as well as the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164, can be joined to each other in various ways, such as adhesives and / or mechanical bonds as described above. In the configuration shown in Figure 12, the first surface 162-3 of the first substrate 162 within the second portion 162-6 may at least partially define the outer garment-side surface 115a of the first belt 106. In addition, the second surface 164-4 of the second substrate 164 may at least partially define the inner wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106. Furthermore, a portion of the first portion 162-5 of the second belt 162 that remains uncovered by the second substrate 164 may at least partially define the inner wearer-side surface 115b of the first belt 106.

[0110] For illustrative purposes, Figures 11 and 12 include reference lines RF-1, RF-2, and RF-3 that generally represent exemplary locations of the edges of the first region 182 and the second region 184, where the first region 182 may extend longitudinally between RF-1 and RF-2, and the second region 184 may extend longitudinally between RF-2 and RF-3. The first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 may coincide with reference line RF-2 and thus define the boundary 184 between the first region 182 and the second region 184 of the first belt 106. In addition, the first edge 164-1 of the second base material 164 may coincide with the reference line RF-1, and therefore the first region 182 of the first belt 106 may extend longitudinally from the first edge 164-1 of the second base material 164 to the first edge 162-1 of the first base material 162. Furthermore, the second edge 162-2 of the first base material 162 and the second edge 164-2 of the second base material 164 may adjacently define the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106 and may coincide with the reference line RF-3, and therefore the second region 184 of the first belt 106 may extend longitudinally from the first edge 162-1 of the first base material 162 to the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106.

[0111] It should be understood that the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 shown in Figure 12 may include different arrangements, configurations, and / or relative positions to define various different locations of the boundary between the first region 182 and the second region 184 in the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first edge 164-1 of the second substrate 164 may be adjacent to the fold 162-FL of the first substrate 162, and thus the first region 182 of the first belt 106 may extend longitudinally from the first edge 164-1 and fold 162-FL of the second substrate 164 to the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162. In further configurations, the first edge 164-1 of the second base material 164 may extend longitudinally outward from the fold 162-FL of the first base material 162, and therefore the first region 182 of the first belt 106 may extend longitudinally from the fold 162-FL to the first edge 162-1 of the first base material 162. In some configurations, the fold 162-FL may define the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106, and therefore the first region 182 of the first belt 106 may extend longitudinally from the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106 to the first edge 162-1 of the first base material 162. In some configurations, the second edge 162-2 of the first base material 162 and the second edge 164-2 of the second base material 164 do not have to be adjacent, and therefore the second region 184 of the first belt 106 may extend longitudinally from the first edge 162-1 of the first base material 162 to either the second edge 162-2 of the first base material 162 or the second edge 164-2 of the second base material 164.

[0112] As mentioned above, the first region 182 of the first belt 106 contains more layers of substrate than the second region 184 of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first region 182 of the first belt 106 may comprise at least three layers of substrate, and the second region 184 of the first belt 106 may comprise at least two layers of substrate. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first region 182 of the first belt 106 may comprise three layers of substrate, e.g., the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162, the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162, and the second substrate 164. Alternatively, the second region 184 of the first belt 106 may comprise two layers of substrate, i.e., the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164.

[0113] As described above, it should be understood that the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 may also include elastic material 167 sandwiched and bonded between at least two layers of the base material. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first belt 106 may include elastic material 167 configured as individual elastic strands 168 bonded between the first base material 162 and the second base material 164. For example, the first region 182 and / or the second region 184 of the first belt 106 may include elastic strands 168. As shown in Figure 12, the elastic strands 168 may be bonded between the first portion 162-5 and the second portion 162-6 of the first base material 162, and between the second surface 162-4 of the first base material 162 and the first surface 164-3 of the second base material 164. As shown in Figure 12A, the elastic strand 168 may be bonded between the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 and the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164, and between the second surface 162-4 of the first substrate 162 and the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164. In some configurations, in addition to the elastic strand 168 bonded between the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 and the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164 as shown in Figure 12A, the elastic strand 168 may also be bonded between the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 and the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162 as shown in Figure 12.

[0114] As described above, the fragile path 700 may be configured so that, during the tearing process, the tear propagates along the fragile path 700 in a desired direction across the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108. For example, in the configuration described above with reference to Figures 6A to 6F, the first belt 106 may be configured so that tearing is intended to be initiated by the user at the gripping area 801 and / or accessible opening 802 of the first belt 106. The user may apply a tensile force Fp outward from the wearer to the first gripping area 801a of the first belt 106 in order to continue tearing the first belt 106 along the fragile path 700 so that the tear line 705 can propagate toward the distal end 808 and the proximal end 810. It should be understood that the application of such desired tear propagation to the first belt configuration shown in Figures 11-13 may require the tear line to propagate from the gripping region 801 and / or accessible opening 802, across the second region 184, across the first edge 162-1 of the second substrate 162, and then into and across the second region 184 toward the distal end 808. As previously stated, the first belt 106 and / or fragile path may be configured in various ways to help increase the possibility of consistent and continuous propagation of the tear line 705 along the fragile path 700 from the second region 184 to the first region 182.

[0115] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the vulnerable path 700 includes individual vulnerable lines 704. In particular, the vulnerable path may include a first vulnerable line 704a located in a first region 182, a second vulnerable line 704b located in a second region 184, and at least one transitional vulnerable line 704T that passes through the boundary 186 between the first region 182 and the second region 184 and extends partially through the first region 182 and the second region 184. As described above, the boundary 186 may be defined by a first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162, and therefore, at least one transitional vulnerable line 704T may extend across the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162. As described above, the vulnerable lines 704 herein may include discrete cutting lines. Therefore, at least one transitional weak line 704T can cut through the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162. In some configurations, the first weak line 704a includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of the first region 182, the second weak line 704b includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of the second region 184, and at least one transitional weak line 704T includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layers of the first region 182 and the second region 184. In some configurations, at least one transitional weak line 704T may be configured as a joint that fuses the substrate materials together at the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162.

[0116] It should be understood that the weak lines 704 of the weak path 700 may be configured in various ways to help ensure that at least one transition weak line 704T extends across a boundary 186, such as the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162, taking into account the full range of potential manufacturing overlap tolerances. For example, it should be understood that various numbers of transition weak lines 704T may be used. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the weak path 700 may include a first transition weak line 704Ta and a second transition weak line 704Tb. In another example, the transition weak line 704T may be relatively longer than the other weak lines. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the first weak line 704a may extend over a first length LW1, the second weak line 704b may extend over a second length LW2, and the transition weak line 704T may extend over a third length LW3. Thus, the third length LW3 may be greater than the first length LW1 and the second length LW2. In some configurations, the transitional weak line 704T may extend over a length LW3 of approximately 4 mm to approximately 15 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the range described above, and all ranges within or formed therein. In some configurations, the first weak line 704a may extend over a length LW1, and / or the second weak line 704b may extend over a length LW2 of approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the range described above, and all ranges within or formed therein. It should also be understood that the first length LW1 may be equal to or different from the second length LW2. In some configurations, the transitional vulnerability line 704T may extend within the first region 182 and / or the second region 184 for a distance of at least about 10 mm from a boundary 186, such as the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162. In some configurations, the transitional vulnerability line 704T may have different features or characteristics from those of the first vulnerability line 704a and / or the second vulnerability line 704b. For example, the transitional vulnerability line 704T may include different lengths, shapes, and / or widths from those of the first vulnerability line 704a and / or the second vulnerability line 704b.In some configurations, the transitional weak line 704T may be linear, and the first weak line 704a and / or the second weak line 704b may be nonlinear. In some configurations, the transitional weak line 704T may be nonlinear, and the first weak line 704a and / or the second weak line 704b may be linear. In some configurations, the transitional weak line 704T may be in the form of a pressure coupling, and the first weak line 704a and / or the second weak line 704b may be in the form of a cutting line. In some configurations, the transitional weak line 704T may be in the form of a cutting line, while the first weak line 704a and / or the second weak line 704b may be in the form of a pressure coupling.

[0117] It should be understood that having a weakening line 704 extending across a boundary 186, such as the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162, can help ensure a continuous transition of the propagation of the tear line across the substrate edge along the weakening path 700 when it propagates from the second region 184 to the first region 182. If there is no transition weakening line 704T extending across the substrate edge, the force required to maintain the tear propagation from the second region 184 to the first region 182 may have to increase considerably in order to continue the tear through the unweakened substrate edge. Then, the tear may unintentionally propagate in a direction away from the weakening path 700.

[0118] It should also be understood that the first vulnerable line 704a and the second vulnerable line 704b may be configured in various ways to help maintain a relatively constant force necessary to continue tear propagation through the first region 182 and the second region 184 along the vulnerable path 700. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the first vulnerable line 704a may be separated from each other by a first separation distance LWSD1, and the second vulnerable line 704b may be separated from each other by a second separation distance LWSD2. Since the first region 182 contains more layers of substrate than the second region 184, the force required to maintain tear propagation through the layers of substrate in the first region 182 may be greater than the force required to maintain tear propagation through the layers of substrate in the second region 182. Therefore, in some configurations, the first separation distance LWSD1 may be smaller than the second separation distance LWSD2 to help reduce the difference between the forces required to sustain tear propagation through the first region 182 and the second region 184. In some configurations, the first separation distance LWSD1 and / or the second separation distance LWSD2 may be greater than about 0 mm and about 3 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the range described above, and all ranges within or formed therein. It should also be understood that the first vulnerable lines 704a and / or the second vulnerable lines 704b may be arranged in columns, as shown in Figure 13. Therefore, it should be understood that the columns of the first vulnerable lines 704a may be separated from each other by a first column separation distance RSD1, and the columns of the second vulnerable lines 704b may be separated from each other by a second column separation distance RSD2. In some configurations, the first column separation distance RSD1 may be equal to or different from the second column separation distance RSD2. In some configurations, the first column separation distance RSD1 and / or the second column separation distance RSD2 may be approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the above range, and all ranges within or formed thereby.

[0119] In addition to the aforementioned configurations of the vulnerable path 700 and vulnerable line 704, the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 may also include structural features that can help ensure that tears propagating through the belt laminate transition relatively smoothly from a second region 184 of a relatively smaller number of substrate layers, across the edges of the substrates, such as the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162, through a first region 182 of a relatively larger number of substrate layers. For example, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the first belt 106 may include adhesive 188 applied to define an adhesive zone 190 located between the first portion 162-5 and the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162. Therefore, the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 extends laterally through the adhesive zone 190, which then bonds the first edge 162-1 to the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162. As shown in Figure 13, the adhesive zone 190 may extend longitudinally over a length AZL to help ensure that the first edge 162-1 is consistently bonded to the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162, taking into account manufacturing process tolerances. In some configurations, the length AZL of the adhesive zone 190 may be about 5 mm to about 15 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the range described above, and all ranges within or formed therein.

[0120] Continuing to refer to Figures 11 to 13, the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 may extend laterally through the adhesive zone 190 to define the first adhesive zone 192 and the second adhesive zone 194. The first adhesive zone 192 may extend longitudinally from the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 toward the fold 162-FL by a distance AZ1. The second adhesive zone 194 may extend longitudinally from the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 toward the second edge 162-2 away from the fold 162-FL by a distance AZ2. In some configurations, distance AZ1 may be equal to or different from distance AZ2. In some configurations, distances AZ1 and / or distance AZ2 may be about 5 mm to about 10 mm, specifically including all 0.01 mm increments within the range described above, and all ranges within or formed therein.

[0121] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the vulnerable path 700 extends across the adhesive zone 190, and at least one transitional vulnerable line 704T extends at least partially across the adhesive zone 190. In the region where the vulnerable path intersects the first edge 162-1 between the first region 182 and the second region 184, bonding the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 with the second portion 162-6 of the second substrate 162 may help facilitate a relatively smooth transition of tear propagation from the second region 184 to the first region 182. More specifically, the adhesive zone 190 may help prevent the first edge 162-1 and the first portion 162-5 from unintentionally separating from the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162 (which may interfere with the intended tear propagation along the vulnerable path 700). It should be understood that the adhesive zone 190 may extend laterally across the first belt 106 over different distances. For example, the adhesive zone 190 may extend from the first edge 111a to the second edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the adhesive zone 190 may extend laterally over a relatively short distance across the weak path 700. In addition, the adhesive 188 in the first adhesive zone 192 may bond the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 to the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162. Furthermore, the adhesive 188 in the second adhesive zone 194 may bond the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164 to the second surface 162-4 of the first substrate 162 in the second portion 162-6. Therefore, the second substrate 164 is positioned to cover the second adhesive zone 194, which may help prevent unintended contact between the wearer and the adhesive 188 in the second adhesive zone 194.

[0122] While the above description is provided in the context of the belt configurations referenced in Figures 12 and 12A, it should be understood that the first belt 106 may be constructed in various ways to define first regions 182 and second regions 184 of different numbers of substrate layers. For example, as shown in Figure 12B, the first belt 106 may be configured such that a first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 is positioned opposite the second surface 164-4 of the second substrate 164. In addition, the adhesive zone 190 is positioned between the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 and the second surface 164-4 of the second substrate 164, such that the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 is bonded to the second surface 164-4 of the second substrate 164. In the configuration shown in Figure 12C, the adhesive zone 190 may bond a separate third substrate 196 to the second substrate 164. Therefore, the first belt 106 may include a first region 182 positioned longitudinally between two second regions 184. As shown in the figure, the first region 182 may comprise a third base material 196 and portions of the first and second base materials 162, 164. In addition, the first belt 106 may comprise a first second region 184a extending longitudinally from an inner edge 107b to the third base material 196, and a second second region 184b extending longitudinally from an outer edge 107a to the third base material 196. It should be understood that the first belt 106 and / or the second belt 108 may include one or more first regions 182 and one or more second regions 184.

[0123] It should be understood that the absorbent articles described herein may be assembled in various ways using various types of devices configured to perform various deformations in various assembly sequences. For example, Figures 14A to 14E show schematic diagrams of assembly deformations that may be used to assemble the diaper pants 100P having the belt and fragile path configuration described herein.

[0124] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, when assembling the diaper pants 100P, the first base material 162 may advance in the mechanical direction MD. The first base material 162 may include a first edge 162-1 and a second edge 162-2 separated from the first edge in the transverse direction (CD). The first base material 162 may further comprise a first surface 162-3 and a second surface 162-4 on the opposite side. At least one elastic strand 168 may be bonded to the second surface 162-4 of the first base material 162. Adhesive 188 may also be applied to the second surface 162-4 of the first base material 162 to define a zone 190 of adhesive extending in the mechanical direction MD. Continuing to refer to Figure 14B, the first substrate 162 may be folded along fold line 162-FL such that the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 is positioned opposite the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162. The first edge 162-1 and the second edge 162-2 of the first substrate 162 may extend in the mechanical direction MD through the adhesive zone 190 to define the first adhesive zone 192 and the second adhesive zone 194. The first edge 162-1 and the second edge 162-2 of the first substrate 162, as well as the first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162, are bonded to the second portion 162-6 of the first substrate 162. The second adhesive zone extends in the transverse direction CD between the first edge 162-1 and the second edge 162-2 of the first substrate 162.

[0125] Referring here to Figure 14C, a second substrate 164 may be provided, comprising a first edge 164-1 and a second edge 164-2 separated from the first edge 164-1 in the transverse direction CD. The second substrate 164 may further comprise a first surface 164-3 and a second surface 164-4 on the opposite side. Multiple stretched elastic strands 168 may be positioned and bonded between the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164. Continuing to refer to Figure 14C, the elastic laminate 200 may also be formed by bonding the first substrate 162 together with the second substrate 164, with a first portion 162-5 of the first substrate 162 positioned between the second surface 162-4 of the first substrate 162 and the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164. The second bonding zone 194 can bond the second surface 162-4 of the first substrate 162 to the first surface 164-3 of the second substrate 164. Next, the elastic laminate 200 includes a first region 182 containing a first number of substrate layers and a second region 184 containing a second number of substrate layers, with the first edge 162-1 and the second edge 162-2 of the first substrate 162 defining a boundary 186 between the first region 182 and the second region 184.

[0126] Referring here to Figure 14D, the vulnerable path 700 may be formed within the elastic laminate 200, and the vulnerable path 700 is a vulnerable line 704. In some examples, the vulnerable path 700 may be configured similarly to the vulnerable paths described above with reference to Figures 11 to 13, and may comprise a first vulnerable line 704a in a first region 182, a second vulnerable line 704b in a second region 184, and at least one transitional vulnerable line 704T, the at least one transitional vulnerable line 704T extending across the first edge 162-1 of the first substrate 162 into both the first region 182 and the second region 186.

[0127] As shown in Figure 14E, the elastic laminate 200 may be processed into a first elastic belt laminate 200a and / or a second elastic belt laminate 200b (represented by the dashed arrow "A"). The first elastic belt laminate 200a and the second elastic belt laminate 200b may be separated from each other in the transverse direction CD. The adhesive 854 may be applied intermittently to the first elastic belt laminate 200a and the second elastic belt laminate 200b. As shown in Figure 8C, the adhesive 854 may be applied in a pattern defining the bonding area 852. The opposing end areas of the chassis 102 may then be permanently joined with the adhesive 854 in the overlapping area 850 on the first elastic belt laminate 200a and / or the second elastic belt laminate 200b (represented by the dashed arrow "B"). During subsequent assembly operations, the chassis 102 may be folded so that the first elastic belt stack 200a faces the second elastic belt stack 200b (indicated by the dashed arrow "C"). The joint 246 may be applied to the overlapping belt stacks 200a and 200b. Subsequently, separate diaper pants 100P may be formed by separating the first and second belt stacks 200a and 200b into first and second belts 106 and 108 by cutting the first and second belt stacks 200a and 200b adjacent to the joint 246 along the transverse direction CD (indicated by the dashed arrow "D"). Thus, the joint 246 may be divided to define the first and second side seams 178 and 180, respectively.

[0128] Average decitex (average DTEX) The average Dtex method is used to calculate the average Dtex of elastic fibers present in a complete article or in a sample of the subject extracted from an article, on a length-weighted basis. The Dtex value is the mass in grams of fibers present in 10,000 meters of that material in a relaxed state. The Dtex value of elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers is often reported by the manufacturer as part of the specifications of the elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers. The average Dtex can be calculated from these specifications, if available. Alternatively, if these specified values ​​are unknown, the Dtex value of individual elastic fibers is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of ​​the relaxed fiber using a suitable microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the fiber composition by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and then calculating the mass in grams of fibers present in 10,000 meters of fiber using literature values ​​for the density of the composition. The decitex values ​​for individual elastic fibers removed from a complete article or a sample extracted from an article, provided by the manufacturer or measured experimentally, are used in the formula described below, in which the length-weighted average of the decitex values ​​among the present elastic fibers is determined.

[0129] The length of each elastic fiber present in an article or a sample extracted from an article is calculated, if known, from the overall dimensions of the component of the article or the sample, and the elastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with the component of the article or the sample. Alternatively, if the dimensions and / or elastic fiber pre-strain ratio are unknown, the absorbent article or a sample extracted from an absorbent article is disassembled and all elastic fibers are removed. This disassembly can be performed, for example, by gently heating to soften the adhesive and using a low-temperature spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT), or by using a suitable solvent that removes the adhesive without expanding, altering, or destroying the elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded to the nearest millimeter (mm).

[0130] Calculation of average Dtex The relaxation length L present in absorbent articles or samples extracted from absorbent articles. i and fiber decitex value d i The individual elastic fiber f (either obtained from the manufacturer's specifications or measured by experiment) i For each of these, the average Dtex of the absorbent article or the sample extracted from the absorbent article is defined as follows:

[0131]

number

[0132] If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from the specifications, it shall be determined experimentally as described below, and the resulting fiber decitex value(s) shall be used in the above formula to determine the average Dtex.

[0133] Determination of fiber decitex values ​​by experiment For each of the elastic fibers taken from an absorbent article or a sample extracted from an absorbent article according to the above procedure, for each elastic fiber L k measure the relaxed length and record it to the nearest millimeter (mm). Each elastic fiber is analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition, and its density ρ k is determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed by SEM. The fiber is cut vertically at three approximately equal positions along its length using a sharp blade to create a clean cross-section for SEM analysis. The three fiber sections with these cross-sections exposed are mounted in a relaxed state on an SEM specimen holder, sputter-coated with gold, introduced into the SEM and analyzed, and imaged at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate the fiber cross-section. To minimize any diagonal distortion in the measured cross-section, the fiber cross-section is oriented as perpendicular as possible to the detector. The shape of the fiber cross-section varies, and some fibers are composed of multiple individual filaments. In any case, the area of each of the three fiber cross-sections is determined (e.g., for a circular fiber, the diameter; for an elliptical fiber, the major and minor axes; and for more complex shapes, using image analysis), and the average of the three areas a k of the elastic fiber is recorded in square micrometers (μm 2 ) in units of 0.1 μm 2 . The decitex d k of the measured k-th elastic fiber is calculated as follows:

[0134]

Equation

[0135] Average strand spacing Using a ruler calibrated against a certified NIST ruler and accurate to within 0.5 mm, measure the distance between two distal strands within a section to within 0.5 mm, and then divide by the number of strands in that section minus 1. Mean strand spacing = d / (n-1) where n > 1 Report in units of 0.1 mm.

[0136] Mean pre-distortion The mean pre-strain of the sample is measured using a constant-speed elongation tensile testing machine with a load cell in which the measured force is within 1% to 90% of the cell's limit (a preferred instrument is the MTS Insight with Testworks 4.0 Software, available from MTS Systems Corp. (Eden Prairie, MN)). Prior to analysis, the articles are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours, and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

[0137] After adjusting the initial gauge length, the tensile testing machine is programmed to perform elongation until fracture. First, the crosshead is raised to a force of 0.05 N at 10 mm / min. The gauge at this point is set to the adjusted gauge length. The crosshead is raised at a speed of 100 mm / min until the sample fractures (the force decreases by 20% after the maximum peak force). The crosshead is returned to its original position. Force and elongation data are obtained at a speed of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

[0138] Set the nominal gauge length to 40 mm using a caliper block and zero the crosshead. Insert the specimen into the grip so that the center of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the upper grip. The specimen may be folded perpendicular to the tensile axis and positioned within the grip to achieve this position. After closing the grip, any excess material can be trimmed. Insert the specimen into the lower grip and close it. The strip can be folded again, and then trimmed after closing the grip. Zero the load cell. The specimen should have minimal slack, but the force on the load cell should be less than 0.05 N. Start the test program.

[0139] From the data, calculate the force (N) versus extension (mm). Calculate the mean pre-strain from the bend in the curve corresponding to the extension when the nonwoven fabric in the elastic body is engaged. Plot two lines corresponding to the region of the curve before the bend (mainly the elastic body) and the region after the bend (mainly the nonwoven fabric). Read the extension when these two lines intersect, and calculate the pre-strain % from this extension and the corrected gauge length. Record the pre-strain % as 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean of three replicated test specimens for each elastomer laminate, and the mean pre-strain in 0.1% units.

[0140] combination A1. An absorbent article comprising a first belt including an inner wearer-side surface and an outer garment-side surface, further comprising a transversely extending inner edge and a transversely extending outer edge, the outer edge being located longitudinally outward of the inner edge, the first belt further comprising a first region and a second region, the first region comprising a first number of base material layers, the second region comprising a second number of base material layers, the first number of base material layers being greater than the second number of base material layers, and a second belt, wherein the transversely opposing end portions of the second belt are located transversely to the first belt at the first side seam and the second side seam. A chassis comprising a second belt connected to an end portion facing each other in the direction and forming a waist opening, a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the end regions of the chassis facing each other in the longitudinal direction are connected to the first belt and the second belt, and the absorbent article comprises a chassis and a vulnerable path in the first belt including a first vulnerable line positioned in the first region, a second vulnerable line positioned in the second region, and at least one transitional vulnerable line extending partially through the first region and the second region. A2. The absorbent article according to paragraph A1, wherein a first weak line extends over a first length, a second weak line extends over a second length, and at least one transition weak line extends over a third length, the third length being longer than the first and second lengths. A3. The absorbent article described in paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the first weak lines are separated from each other by a first separation distance, the second weak lines are separated from each other by a second separation distance, and the first separation distance is less than the second separation distance. A4. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the first weak line includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of the first region, the second weak line includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of the second region, and at least one transition weak line includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of both the first and second regions. A5. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A4, wherein the first belt comprises a first base material and a second base material, the first base material comprising a first edge extending laterally, a second edge extending laterally, a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side, the second base material comprising a first edge extending laterally, a second edge extending laterally, a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side, the second surface of the first base material facing the first surface of the second base material, the first base material being folded along a fold such that a first portion of the first base material faces a second portion of the first base material, the first portion extending longitudinally between the fold and the first edge of the first base material, and the second portion extending longitudinally between the fold and the second edge of the first base material. A6. The absorbent article as described in paragraph A5, wherein the first edge of the first substrate extends laterally through the adhesive zone to define a first adhesive zone and a second adhesive zone, the first adhesive zone extends longitudinally from the first edge of the first substrate toward the fold, and the second adhesive zone extends longitudinally from the first edge of the first substrate toward the fold. A7. The absorbent article according to paragraph A6, wherein at least one transitional weak line extends across the adhesive zone and separates the first edge of the first substrate. A8. The absorbent article according to paragraph A6, wherein the adhesive in the first bonding zone bonds the first portion of the first substrate to the second portion of the first substrate, and the adhesive in the second bonding zone bonds the first surface of the second substrate to the second surface of the first substrate within the second portion. A9. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A5 to A8, wherein the first edge of the first substrate defines the boundary between the first region of the first belt and the second region of the first belt. A10. The absorbent article according to paragraph A9, wherein the first region of the first belt extends longitudinally from the first edge of the second substrate to the first edge of the first substrate. A11. The fold defines the outer edge of the first belt, as described in any one of paragraphs A5 to A10 of the absorbent article. A12. The absorbent article according to paragraph A11, wherein the second region of the first belt extends longitudinally from the first edge of the first base material to the inner edge of the first belt. A13. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A5 to A12, wherein the first surface of the first substrate within the second portion at least partially defines the outer garment-side surface of the first belt. A14. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A5 to A13, wherein the second surface of the second substrate at least partially defines the inner wearer-side surface of the first belt. A15. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A5 to A14, further comprising a gripping portion positioned between the first and second edges of the first belt. A16. The absorbent article according to paragraph A15, wherein when a tensile force is applied to the gripping area toward the first side seam and / or away from the first belt, a tear line propagates along the weak path across the second area, the first edge of the first substrate, and the first area. A17. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A16, wherein the vulnerable path within the first belt extends between the proximal end on the inner edge of the first belt and the distal end on the outer edge of the first belt. A18. The absorbent article according to paragraph A17, wherein at least one transitional vulnerability line comprises a first transitional vulnerability line and a second transitional vulnerability line, the first transitional vulnerability line being laterally spaced from the second transitional vulnerability line. A19. The absorbent article described in paragraph A18, wherein the first fragility line defines a tear zone in a first region extending from the distal end to the first transitional fragility line. A20. The absorbent article according to paragraph A19, further comprising an accessible opening within the first belt, wherein a second weak line defines a tear zone in a second region extending from the accessible opening to the second transitional weak line. A21. The absorbent article according to paragraph A21, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps with the inner wearer-side surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region, and an accessible opening within the first belt is located within the chassis overlap region. A22. The absorbent article described in paragraph A21, wherein the distal end is positioned laterally between the chassis overlapping region and the first side seam. A23. The absorbent article according to paragraph A21, further comprising a fastening component positioned between the inner wearer-side surface of the first belt and the backsheet. A24. The absorbent article described in paragraph A21, wherein the accessible opening includes a slit in the first belt. A25. The absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs A1 to A24, wherein the first belt further comprises a first elastic material sandwiched between at least two base material layers in a second region. A26. The absorbent article according to paragraph A25, wherein the first belt further comprises a second elastic material sandwiched between at least two base material layers in a first region. A27. The absorbent article described in paragraph A26, wherein the first elastic material and the second elastic material include elastic strands. B1. A method for assembling an absorbent article, comprising the steps of: advancing a first substrate, which includes a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side, and further including a first edge and a second edge separated transversely from the first edge, in the machine direction; applying adhesive to the second surface of the first substrate so as to define a zone of adhesive extending in the machine direction; and folding the first substrate along a fold so that a first portion of the first substrate is positioned opposite a second portion of the first substrate. Steps include: folding the first substrate and providing a second substrate, which includes a first surface and an opposite second surface, and further comprising a first edge and a second edge separated transversely from the first edge; and providing a second substrate, which includes a first surface and an opposite second surface, and further comprising a first edge and a second edge separated transversely from the first edge; and providing a second substrate and a first substrate and a second substrate The steps of forming an elastic laminate by positioning an extended elastic strand between a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein a first portion of the first substrate is positioned between a second surface of the first substrate and a first surface of the second substrate, and a second bonding zone bonds the second surface of the first substrate to the first surface of the second substrate, and the elastic laminate includes a first region comprising a first number of substrate layers and a second region comprising a second number of substrate layers, and a first edge of the first substrate defines the boundary between the first region and the second region. A method comprising the steps of forming; forming a weak path in an elastic laminate, wherein the weak path includes a first weak line in a first region, a second weak line in a second region, and at least one transitional weak line, the at least one transitional weak line extending across a first edge of a first substrate to both the first and second regions; providing a chassis comprising a body-side surface and a clothing-side surface, and an absorbent core positioned between the body-side surface and the clothing-side surface; and bonding the chassis to an elastic laminate. B2. The method according to paragraph B1, further comprising the step of bonding at least one elastic strand to a second surface of a first substrate, the folding step further comprising positioning the first portion of the first substrate opposite the second portion of the first substrate such that at least one elastic strand is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. C1. An absorbent article comprising a first belt including an inner wearer-side surface and an outer garment-side surface, further comprising a transversely extending inner edge and a transversely extending outer edge, the outer edge being located longitudinally outward of the inner edge, the first belt further comprising a first region and a second region, the first region comprising a first number of base material layers, the second region comprising a second number of base material layers, the first number of base material layers being greater than the second number of base material layers, the first base material comprising a transversely extending first edge and a transversely extending second edge The first substrate comprises a portion, a first surface, and a second surface on the opposite side, the second substrate comprising a first edge extending laterally, a second edge extending laterally, a first surface, and a second surface on the opposite side, the second surface of the first substrate facing the first surface of the second substrate, the first substrate is folded along a fold such that the first portion of the first substrate faces the second portion of the first substrate, the first portion extends longitudinally between the fold and the first edge of the first substrate, and the second portion A first belt and a second belt, wherein the laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are the first side seam and A chassis comprising a second belt connected at a second side seam to a laterally opposed end portion of a first belt to form a waist opening, a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the longitudinally opposed end regions of the chassis are connected to the first belt and the second belt, and the absorbent article comprises a chassis and a vulnerable path in the first belt including vulnerable lines positioned in the first region and the second region. C2. The absorbent article according to paragraph C1, wherein the adhesive in the first bonding zone bonds the first portion of the first substrate to the second portion of the first substrate, and the adhesive in the second bonding zone bonds the first surface of the second substrate to the second surface of the first substrate within the second portion.

[0141] Bio-based components for building blocks The components of absorbent articles described herein may be at least partially composed of bio-based components, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521(A1). For example, superabsorbent polymer components may be made bio-based by deriving them from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and methods for producing it are further described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521, as well as U.S. Patents No. 8,703,450, No. 9,630,901, and No. 9,822,197. Other components, such as nonwoven fabric and film components, may include bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Patent Publications 2011 / 0139657, 2011 / 0139658, 2011 / 0152812, and 2016 / 0206774, and U.S. Patent No. 9,169,366. Exemplary bio-based polyolefins for use in this disclosure include polymers available under the designations SHA7260®, SHE150®, or SGM9450F® (all available from Braskem SA).

[0142] The absorbent article components may contain bio-based component values ​​of approximately 10% to approximately 100%, approximately 25% to approximately 100%, approximately 40% to approximately 100%, approximately 50% to approximately 100%, approximately 75% to approximately 100%, or approximately 90% to approximately 100%, for example, using Method B of ASTM D6866-10.

[0143] Bio-based absorbent materials suitable for recycling The components of the absorbent articles described herein may be recycled for other uses, whether or not they are formed at least partially from recyclable materials. Examples of recyclable absorbent article materials include nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process may involve using an autoclave to sterilize the absorbent articles, after which the absorbent articles may be shredded and separated into different by-product streams. Exemplary by-product streams may include plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and cellulose fibers such as pulp. These by-product streams may be used in the manufacture of fertilizers, plastic manufacturing articles, paper products, viscose, building materials, absorbent pads for pet or hospital beds, and / or for other uses. Further details relating to absorbent articles that aid in recycling, recyclable diaper designs, and diaper designs with recyclable bio-based components are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0192723, published on June 27, 2019.

[0144] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm."

[0145] All documents referenced herein, including any patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, and any patent applications or patents on which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless explicitly stated to be excluded or limited. No reference to any document shall be deemed prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor shall it be deemed to teach, suggest or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any one or more other references. Furthermore, in the event of any conflict between the meaning or definition of any term in this document and any meaning or definition of the same term in any document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to the term in this document shall prevail.

[0146] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Absorbent articles, A first belt (106) comprising an inner wearer-side surface (115b) and an outer garment-side surface (115a), further comprising a transversely extending inner edge (107b) and a transversely extending outer edge (107a), wherein the outer edge (107a) is located longitudinally outward of the inner edge (107b), and the first belt (106) further comprising a first region (182) and a second region (184), wherein the first region (182) comprises a first number of base material layers, and the second region (184) comprises a second number of base material layers, wherein the first number of base material layers is greater than the second number of base material layers, A second belt (108), wherein the laterally opposing end portions (108a, 108b) of the second belt (108) are connected to the laterally opposing end portions (106a, 106b) of the first belt (106) at the first side seam (178) and the second side seam (180), forming a waist opening (110), and the second belt (108) A chassis (102) comprising a top sheet (138), a back sheet (136), and an absorbent core (140) positioned between the top sheet (138) and the back sheet (136), wherein the longitudinally opposing end regions (116a, 118a) of the chassis (102) are connected to the first belt (106) and the second belt (108), and the chassis (102) is... A vulnerable path (700) within the first belt (106) includes a first vulnerable line (704a) located in the first region (182), a second vulnerable line (704b) located in the second region (184), and at least one transitional vulnerable line (704T) extending partially through the first region (182) and the second region (184), The second region (184) includes a gripping region (801) that initiates the process of tearing the first belt (106), The at least one transitional weak line (704T) is located between the gripping region (801) and the outer edge (107a), An absorbent article wherein the first weak line (704a) extends over a first length, the second weak line (704b) extends over a second length, and the at least one transition weak line (704T) extends over a third length, the third length being longer than the first and second lengths.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first weak line (704a) is separated from each other by a first separation distance, and the second weak line (704b) is separated from each other by a second separation distance, and the first separation distance is smaller than the second separation distance.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first weak line (704a) includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of the first region (182), the second weak line (704b) includes discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layer of the second region (184), and the at least one transition weak line (704T) comprises discrete cutting lines that penetrate part or all of the layers of the first region (182) and the second region (184).

4. The first belt (106) includes a first base material (162) and a second base material (164), The first substrate (162) comprises a first edge (162-1) extending laterally, a second edge (162-2) extending laterally, a first surface (162-3), and a second surface (162-4) on the opposite side. The second substrate (164) comprises a first edge (164-1) extending laterally, a second edge (164-2) extending laterally, a first surface (164-3), and a second surface (164-4) on the opposite side. The second surface (162-4) of the first substrate (162) is in a relationship where it faces the first surface (164-3) of the second substrate (164). The first substrate (162) is folded along the fold line (162-FL) such that the first portion (162-5) of the first substrate (162) faces the second portion (162-6) of the first substrate (162). The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first portion (162-5) extends longitudinally between the fold (162-FL) and the first edge (162-1) of the first base material, and the second portion (162-6) extends longitudinally between the fold (162-FL) and the second edge (162-2) of the first base material (162).

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the first edge (162-1) of the first substrate (162) extends laterally through the adhesive zone (190) to define a first adhesive zone (192) and a second adhesive zone (194), the first adhesive zone (192) extends longitudinally from the first edge (162-1) of the first substrate (162) toward the fold (162-FL), and the second adhesive zone (194) extends longitudinally from the first edge (162-1) of the first substrate (162) toward the fold (162-FL).

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the at least one transitional fragility line (704T) extends across the adhesive zone (190) and separates the first edge (162-1) of the first substrate (162).

7. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the adhesive (188) in the first bonding zone (192) bonds the first portion (162-5) of the first substrate (162) to the second portion (162-6) of the first substrate (162), and the adhesive (188) in the second bonding zone (194) bonds the first surface (164-3) of the second substrate (164) to the second surface (162-4) of the first substrate (162) within the second portion (162-6).

8. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the first edge (162-1) of the first substrate (162) defines the boundary between the first region (182) and the second region (184) of the first belt (106).

9. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the first region (182) of the first belt (106) extends longitudinally from the first edge (164-1) of the second base material (164) to the first edge (162-1) of the first base material (162).

10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein the fold (164-FL) defines the outer edge (107a) of the first belt (106).

11. The absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein the second region (184) of the first belt (106) extends longitudinally from the first edge (162-1) of the first base material (162) to the inner edge (107b) of the first belt (106).

12. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the first surface (162-3) of the first substrate (162) within the second portion (184) at least partially defines the outer garment-side surface (115a) of the first belt (106).

13. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the second surface (164-4) of the second base material (164) at least partially defines the inner wearer-side surface (115b) of the first belt (106).

14. The vulnerable path (700) within the first belt (106) extends between the proximal end (810) on the inner edge (107b) of the first belt (106) and the distal end (808) on the outer edge (107a) of the first belt (106). The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the chassis (102) overlaps with the inner wearer-side surface (115b) of the first belt (106) to define a chassis overlap region (850), and an accessible opening (802) within the first belt (106) is located within the chassis overlap region (850).

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