A disposable absorbent article

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent article (1) in the form of a pant diaper, comprising a chassis having a front portion (3) and a back portion (4) of chassis material and a crotch portion (10) extending between the front portion (3) and the back portion (4); a first front side portion (31) of said front portion (3) being joined to a first back side portion (41) of the back portion (4) in a first side seam (14a) and a second front side portion (33) of the front portion on the opposite lateral side being joined to a second back side portion (42) of the back portion (4) in a second side seam (14b) to define a waist opening (6) and a pair of leg openings (12) together with the crotch portion (10), wherein the chassis extending along a longitudinal axis (X-X) from a front waist opening edge (61a) at the front portion (3) of the chassis to a back waist opening edge (61b) at the back portion (4) of the chassis, wherein at least one tear line (8) is provided in the front portion (3) and / or the back portion (4) and said tear line (8) is spaced from said first seam (14a) or said second side seam (14b), and said tear line (8) is extending along said longitudinal axis (X-X) from the waist opening (6) and to one of the leg openings (12) to facilitate removal of the pant diaper, wherein the tear line (8) is at least one continuous fused line (8´).

Description

[0001] A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to disposable absorbent articles in the form of pant diapers that are intended to be pulled on and which may be torn to facilitate removal. The disclosure relates in particular to improvements in such tear lines by which the pant diaper can be more easily torn.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Infants and young children wear disposable articles such as diapers to absorb and contain bodily exudates. In the first months, such diapers are generally wrapped around and secured with releasable fasteners. As a child ages, toilet training will commence and the child will make the transition to wearing underwear. During this training process, pant diapers may be used in order to accustom the child to wearing underwear. For adults, pant diapers may also be used in various circumstances both in long term care and for temporary conditions.

[0006] Pant diapers are usually elasticated and are pulled on and can be pulled off as with conventional underwear. Nevertheless, removing a soiled diaper by pulling it down the legs is less preferred. For this reason, pant diapers are often designed with front and back panels that are joined together in a manner that they can be removed by separating the front and back panels at the side seams.

[0007] In some articles, the front and back panels are joined at a seam and separation takes place by opening the seam e.g. by disrupting a weld or releasing an adhesive. US5163932 provides an example of a pants diaper where the front and back panels are welded together but where the weld can be disrupted by pulling the panels apart. Alternatively, an additional frangible location may be provided, separate from the seam, where tearing of the diaper material can take place. US20240000638 provides an example of such frangible zones.

[0008] It will be understood that the different approaches have different advantages and disadvantages. Providing for seams that can be opened avoids the requirement of an additional step to form a frangible region. However, the strength of the seam may be compromised and / or the manufacture of the seam may be more complicated. Additionally, the location of the seam e.g. at the hip may not correspond to the most convenient location for grasping the diaper in order to cause separation. On the other hand, a separate frangible region may be conveniently located on the front panel but requires additional manufacturing steps. Furthermore, since pant diapers are generally elasticated, the frangible region crosses the elastic region, which may complicate the design requirements of both the elastic material and the frangible region.

[0009] Existing frangible regions have been made in various ways, including cutting, perforating, melting and combinations of the above. Although some success has been achieved with such frangible regions, most have been found difficult or inconvenient to open.

[0010] It would be desirable to find a solution that allowed convenient removal of a pant diaper that overcame some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] This object may be at least partially achieved with an absorbent article in accordance with claim 1 . Further embodiments are set out in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0013] Accordingly, a disposable absorbent article in the form of a pant diaper, comprising a chassis having a front portion and a back portion of chassis material and a crotch portion extending between the front portion and the back portion is provided. A first front side portion of said front portion being joined to a first back side portion of the back portion in a first side seam and a second front side portion of the front portion on the opposite lateral side being joined to a second back side portion of the back portion in a second side seam to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings together with the crotch portion, wherein the chassis extending along a longitudinal axis from a front waist opening edge at the front portion of the chassis to a back waist opening edge at the back portion of the chassis. At least one tear line is provided in the front portion and / or the back portion and said tear line is spaced from said first seam or said second side seam. Said tear line is extending along said longitudinal axis from the waist opening and to one of the leg openings, to facilitate removal of the pant diaper, wherein the tear line is at least one continuous fused line.

[0014] The disposable pant-type absorbent article is also called pant diaper and it is worn adjacent the body and used for the containment and absorption of bodily exudates, such as urine, blood, faeces and sweat. The pant diaper may be a sanitary pant for absorbing blood or an incontinence pant for absorbing urine and faeces. Alternatively, it is a combination of both. The disposable pant-type absorbent article may hereinafter also be referred to as the absorbent article. Such absorbent articles are usually supplied with elastic members, commonly in the form of one or more elastic threads or an elastic film. In the interests of manufacturing efficiency and economy, the elastic members are located in selected regions of the article, such as leg openings and waist openings, but they may also be arranged in other areas between the waist opening and the leg openings. Elastic members perform one or more functions, such as helping to maintain the article in place on the wearer, providing the article with a suitable three-dimensional form, in order to ensure a snug fit on users of different sizes and helping to seal portions of the article against the skin of the wearer, thus reducing the risk of leakage. The front portion and the back portion are joined together at the side seams and the tear line is spaced from one of the side seams. The front portion and the back portion may be joined by conventional procedures, including welding, stitching, adhesives and the like. The connected front portion and back portion forms together with the crotch portion the waist opening and the pair of leg openings. The side seam may be located at the hip during use. By having the tear line spaced from the side seam it is ensured that the location of the tear line does not interfere with the side seam and that on tearing the tear line, the seam does not interfere with this action. It also allows the tear line to be located at the most convenient location for tearing to take place, preferably on the front portion. The tear line may be spaced from the seam by at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm or more than 20 mm, and may be more than 40 mm. It will be understood that although reference has been given to a tear line, there will generally be two tear lines, each intersecting one of the leg openings. There may also be more than two tear lines.

[0015] The absorbent article may be an otherwise conventional pant diaper having dimensions and materials according to the intended use and will be further described below.

[0016] To get the continuous fused line can for example ultrasound be used. Ultrasound impart energy to the chassis material which is thus caused to melt and can be fused together by the application of pressure. As a result of the fusing of the chassis material, the chassis material can be easily torn to open the diaper. The continuous fused line has been found to facilitate the tear in following the tear line, while ensuring that adequate chassis material remains to preserve the strength of the chassis.

[0017] A continuous line refers to an uninterrupted, unbroken path or trajectory, characterized by the absence of any discontinuities or gaps. This line maintains a consistent connection between all points along its length, ensuring a seamless and smooth progression from one end to the other. According to one example embodiment, said continuous fused line has a longitudinal extension and a transversal extension, the longitudinal extension being greater than the transversal extension.

[0018] By having a continuous fused tearing line extending between the waist opening and the leg opening any elastic in the chassis, i.e. in the front portion and / or the back portion, extending along the perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis, i.e. along a transversal axis of the pant diaper, or along the waist opening or along the leg openings, is crossed once by the continuous fused line. The elastics may for example be elastic threads that have been attached between two nonwoven materials that together forms the chassis material. The elastic that is being crossed by the continuous fused line may become brittle from the heat and the pressure that may be used to accomplish the continuous fused line. Depending on the elastic material, the heat temperature and the pressure the elastic may be cut in only one place. It is advantageously to cut, for example, an elastic thread only once, since then there will not be any small pieces of elastic threads in the chassis material which may not be desired from an aesthetic view.

[0019] According to one example embodiment, the continuous fused line is a substantially straight line.

[0020] According to one example embodiment, said straight line extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] According to one example embodiment, said straight line forms an angle to the longitudinal axis, said angle being less than 20 degrees, such as less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees.

[0022] According to one example embodiment, the continuous fused line is a nonlinear fused line. A non-linear line may also be referred to as a curvilinear shaped line. It may be curved in a regular shape, for example in the form of a sinusoidal shape or saw-tooth shape, or any irregular shape. It may be a group of two or more linear elements each connecting at a single inflection point with an adjacent linear element, or a combination of curvilinear and linear elements.

[0023] According to one example embodiment, a first end of said continuous fused line coincidence with a waist opening edge of said waist opening and / or a second end of said continuous fused line coincidence with a leg opening edge of said leg opening. The waist opening edge may be the front waist opening edge of the front portion or the back waist opening edge of the back portion. The leg opening edge may be the corresponding front leg opening edge of the front portion or the back leg opening edge of the back portion. The leg opening edges are the edges of the front portion and the back portion that is part of forming the leg openings together with the crotch portion.

[0024] According to one example embodiment, a first end of said continuous fused line coincidence with said front waist opening edge or said back waist opening edge of said waist opening and / or a second end of said continuous fused line coincidence with a leg opening edge of said front or back portion of said leg opening.

[0025] It will be understood that users may prefer to attempt to tear at an edge location such as at the waist edge, although tearing at a mid-point of the tear line e.g. by inserting the fingers may also be a method of opening. During tearing, it will be understood that a single tear may travel along the continuous fused line.

[0026] According to one example embodiment, a first end of said continuous fused line is arranged adjacent a waist opening edge of said waist opening and a second end is arranged adjacent to a leg opening edge of said leg opening. The waist opening edge may be the front waist opening edge of the front portion or the back waist opening edge of the back portion. The leg opening edge may be the corresponding front leg opening edge of the front portion or the back leg opening edge of the back portion. The leg opening edges are the edges of the front portion and the back portion that is part of forming the leg openings together with the crotch portion. That is the first and the second ends may respectively be arranged at a distance from the respective waist opening edge and / or leg opening edge. This distance may for example be maximum 5 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm. The distance is measured in the longitudinal direction, i.e. parallel with the longitudinal of the absorbent article.

[0027] According to one example embodiment, a first end of said continuous fused line is arranged adjacent said front waist opening edge or said back waist opening edge of said waist opening and / or a second end is arranged adjacent to a leg opening edge of said front or back portion of said leg opening.

[0028] According to one example embodiment, a notch for start tearing the tear line is arrange at or adjacent one end of said continuous fused line. This may accomplish easier removal of the pant diaper. The notch may preferably be arranged at the waist opening edge of said waist opening. It may however, be arranged at the leg opening edge.

[0029] According to one example embodiment, the continuous fused line has a maximum width that preferably is between 0.1 - 2 mm, more preferably between 0.1 -1 mm. The width of the continuous fused line may be constant or at least substantially constant along its length. Alternatively, the width may vary along its length. The continuous fused line may have a larger width at one or both ends, such as at the waist and / or leg openings, this may facilitate the start of the tearing. The width is to be measured in the perpendicular direction to the extension direction the continuous fused line. According to one example embodiment, the tear line further comprises additional segments of fused chassis material, located to one or both sides of the continuous fused line. The additional segments may be fused to the same degree as the continuous fused line or to a lesser or greater degree. The additional segments may be of any appropriate shape, including straight lines, circles, ovals, chevrons, lenticular. The tear line, i.e. the continuous fused line and the additional segments may have a maximal overall width measured in the perpendicular direction to extension direction the tear line. The maximal overall width is larger than the maximum width of the continuous fused line.

[0030] According to one example embodiment, the tear line further comprises an additional fused line, said additional fused line is a discontinuous fused line of fused chassis material, located to one side of the continuous fused line. There may also be a second additional fused line on the other side of the continuous fused line. The additional fused line can be an additional tear line or just a decoration, for example simulating stiches indicating that the pant diaper can be opened along the tear line. The tear line, i.e. the continuous fused line and the additional fused line may have a maximal overall width measured in the perpendicular direction to extension direction the tear line. The maximal overall width is larger than the maximum width of the continuous fused line. The additional fused line may be fused to the same degree as the continuous fused line or to a lesser or greater degree.

[0031] According to one example embodiment, the tear line is arranged between said crotch portion and said first side seam or said second side seam. Then the tear line will not be influenced by the side seams or the crotch portion.

[0032] According to one example embodiment, said tear line is arranged on the front portion. It may be advantageously to have it on the front portion since it may be easier to access the front portion than the back portion, for example if a person is laying down on its back when the pant diaper shall be removed.

[0033] According to one example embodiment, the continuous fused line comprises chassis material that has been fused by ultrasound. The continuous fused line may be fused in any appropriate manner. A preferred method uses ultrasound to impart energy to the chassis material which is thus caused to melt and can be fused together by the application of pressure. The continuous fused line can be formed using e.g. a rotating sonotrode or in a stamping or reciprocating process. The continuous fused line may be fused to completely melt and / or denature the chassis material but may not cause perforation of the chassis material. Furthermore, the continuous fused line may be fused and / or visible from either the inside or the outside of the chassis or from both sides. In general, the continuous fused line may be at least visible from the outside of the chassis in order that a user can identify the position at which tearing should occur.

[0034] As a result of the fused continuous fused line, the chassis material is weakened and can be torn apart on exerting a force perpendicular to the tear line. The tear line may be constructed such that the circumferential tear strength across the tear line is between 10 N / 25 mm and 35 N / 25 mm, such as between 10 N / 25 mm and 25 N / 25 mm, as measured according to the test procedure set out below.

[0035] According to one example embodiment, the continuous fused line is nonperforated. With non-perforated it is meant that there is no through holes in the continuous fused line due to the fusing of the chassis material. The chassis material is melted in a film-like structure.

[0036] According to one example embodiment, the chassis material, at least at the location of the tear line, comprises extendable elastic material, such as elastic nonwoven material, a laminate of nonwoven materials and elastic threads and / or a laminate of nonwoven materials and an elastic film. The pant diaper preferably has suitably elastic, especially around the waist and leg openings, in order to ensure a snug fit on users of different sizes and prevent leakage. The chassis material may comprise circumferentially extendable elastic material, such as elastic nonwoven material or a laminate of nonwoven materials and elastic threads / film. That is, the elastic material is extendable in the transversal direction, i.e. in the perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis. The elastic material may be present at least at the location of the tear line and the continuous fused line can thus assist in tearing the elastic material. Any suitable elastomeric material may be used including elastomeric films, elastic scrim, heat shrinkable elastic materials, elastomeric film laminates, elastomeric thread laminates, elastomeric stretch laminates, mechanically stretched pretensioned stretch laminates. The elastic threads may be natural or synthetic rubber, including SPANDEX TM, LYCRA TM, or other materials. Examples of elastic non-woven materials may be as given in WO2019070171 . It will be understood that the degree to which the elastic material is denatured at the tear line will depend on the elastic material properties. Most elastic materials are cross-linked and do not melt when exposed to heat. They nevertheless may partially lose their elastic properties and become more brittle and susceptible to rupture.

[0037] According to one example embodiment, the chassis material of the front portion and / or the back portion, at least at the location of the tear line, comprises extendable elastic material, in the form of a laminate of nonwoven materials and elastic threads.

[0038] According to one example embodiment, the chassis material, at least at the location of the tear line, comprises fusible polymeric material, such as nonwoven fibrous polymeric material. The fusible polymeric material may be any suitable material for forming the chassis that is susceptible to melting to form the line segments and create a structure that will act as a tear line. The fusible polymeric material may comprise polyolefin material and may be in the form of an extruded film or a non-woven fibrous material. As noted above, the elastic material of the chassis may not itself melt and at the continuous fused line it may only be the polymeric material that is fused. In some cases, the chassis material may comprise multiple layers of fusible polymeric material, which are fused together to form the continuous fused line.

[0039] According to one example embodiment, at said continuous fused line, the polymeric material is fused together.

[0040] According to one example embodiment, said continuous fused line has a thickness that is less than 30% of the thickness of the adjacent unfused chassis material. The depth to which the continuous fused line is fused will depend on the amount of energy imparted and / or the pressure exerted on the chassis material. The setting of the tooling’s needs to be adapted according to the materials of the articles. The continuous fused line may have a thickness that is less than 30% or less than 20% or less than 15% of the thickness of the adjacent unfused chassis material. It will be understood that this will also at least partially depend on the nature of the chassis material as discussed above. The fusing of elastic threads causes them to weaken or break at the fused location providing for an improved tearing of tear line.

[0041] According to one example embodiment, the depth of the continuous fused line is preferably the same over the whole length of the tear line. This is advantageous from a production point of view since the energy can be more evenly distributed when the continuous fused line is created.

[0042] The continuous fused line may also be comprised of a concatenation of fused curvilinear line segments aligned with the tear line which are linked together and forms a line extending between the waist opening and the leg opening. The fused curvilinear line segments may be designed as described below. Alternatively, the disposable absorbent article may have an additional tear line comprised of a concatenation of fused curvilinear line segments aligned with the additional tear line as described below. As a result of the fusing of the chassis material, it can be easily torn to open the diaper. The curvilinear shape in the direction of the tear line has been found to facilitate the tear in following the tear line, while ensuring that adequate chassis material remains to preserve the strength of the chassis. In this context, aligned with the tear line is intended to denote that each line segment has an extent in the direction of the tear line that is greater than an extent perpendicular to the tear line.

[0043] The curvilinear line segments may have any appropriate overall length, subject to the above requirement that they extend in the direction of the tear line. They may all have the same length or vary in length. The line segments may have a length of at least 7 mm, such as at least 10 mm or more than 15 mm. The number of curvilinear line segments will also depend on their individual length and the length of the tear line. The tear line may comprise between 1 and 100 line segments, such as between 10 and 30 line segments. The tear line may comprise a continuous line segment between the waist opening and the leg opening. The continuous line segment may be formed of overlapping individual curvilinear line segments.

[0044] Furthermore, the curvilinear line segments may have any appropriate width. Each line segment may have a maximum width of less than 4 mm or less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm and may be larger than 0.2 mm. The width of the line segment may be constant or at least substantially constant along its length. Alternatively, the width may vary such as the case of a crescent shaped line segment. Additionally, the width of the line segments may be such that a length to width ratio is greater than 4, or greater than 6 or greater than 10. The line segment(s) may have a larger width at the start and ends of the tear line, such as at the waist and / or leg openings, than the widths of rest of the line segments to facilitate the start of the tearing. The width of the line segments may be at least 30% larger at the waist and / or leg openings than the widths of rest of the line segments along the tear line. In the present context, concatenation is intended to denote that the line segments are arranged in series or as a chain, extending in the direction of the tear line. The individual line segments may be linked together, interleaved, cross or overlap but collectively form a line extending between the waist opening and the leg opening.

[0045] An end of a first line segment may be aligned with and spaced from an end of an adjacent line segment. This is applicable for an additional tear line comprising of a concatenation of fused curvilinear line segments. This is not applicable to a continuous fused line falling under the scope of the claims. The line segments may be arranged in overlapping relation. This may be preferred when the chassis comprises elastic threads that cross the tear line. The overlapping line segments can ensure that each elastic thread is crossed by at least one of the line segments.

[0046] The line segments may overlap such that a first line segment overlaps an adjacent line segment by at least 10 %, or at least 20 %, or at least 40 % of the length of the first line segment. This is not applicable to a continuous fused line falling under the scope of the claims. The overlapping line segments may run parallel to each other in the overlap region. When the degree of overlap is high, the line segments may effectively form two parallel interrupted lines, which together define the tear line.

[0047] The line segments may touch or cross or otherwise join to the extent that individual line segments can still be identified. The line segments may be distanced from each other by a minimal spacing of at least 1 mm, or at least 2 mm or at least 3 mm. In this manner, unfused chassis material remains between the line segments, which ensures the strength and integrity of the chassis. This is not applicable to a continuous fused line falling under the scope of the claims. In the present context, curvilinear is intended to denote that the line segment has at least one curvature. The line segment may be continuously curved or have curved sections connecting straight sections. The line segments may each comprise a single curve, which may be e.g. a crescent, a semi-circle, a sine-wave section or a parabola. Alternatively, at least some line segments may comprise multiple curves e.g. comprising any of the above curves linked together in series. The tear line may comprise a mixture of line segments with both single curves and multiple curves e.g. alternating and / or overlapping.

[0048] In addition to the above defined curvilinear line segments the tear line may comprise additional segments of fused chassis material that do not meet the definition of curvilinear or which are not concatenated or aligned with the tear line. The additional segments may be located to one or both sides of the line segments and may assist in guiding the tear direction during tearing of the chassis at the tear line. The additional segments may be positioned at gaps or interruptions between the line segments and can facilitate tearing of elastic material that may be present. The additional segments may be fused to the same degree as the line segments or to a lesser or greater degree. The additional segments may be of any appropriate shape, including straight lines, circles, ovals, chevrons, lenticular. Additional segments can also be arranged on one or both sides of the continuous fused line of the tear line.

[0049] The absorbent article may be an otherwise conventional pant diaper having dimensions and materials according to the intended use. The crotch portion may be integrally formed with the front portion and the back portion. The front portion, the back portion and the crotch portion may then comprise of a backsheet material and a topsheet material, wherein at least the backsheet may be formed of a material corresponding to an outer surface of the front and back panels. The crotch portion may be provided with leg elastics and standing gathers to assist in sealing around the leg openings. As an alternative, the crotch portion may connect to the front portion and the back portion as a separate element. In such a case the front portion may be a front panel and the back portion may be a back panel and the crotch portion may be a crotch panel comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core provided between the topsheet and the backsheet. The crotch panel may be of any suitable shape, including rectangular and hour glass shapes. It may be provided with leg elastics and standing gathers to assist in sealing around the leg openings.

[0050] The backsheet may have a laminate structure comprising a liquid barrier sheet and a nonwoven layer arranged on top of each other, wherein the nonwoven layer is arranged at an outer side of the crotch portion / panel, facing away from a wearer of the absorbent article when worn. The liquid barrier sheet ensures that liquid cannot penetrate outwards, while the nonwoven layer can provide for a soft touch imitating cloth underwear. It can also provide a good printing surface for the provision of designs.

[0051] When the crotch portion is integrally formed with the front portion and the back portion the liquid barrier sheet may extend over the entire length, in the direction from the front portion towards the back portion, of the crotch portion. The liquid barrier sheet may further extend over at least a portion of the front portion and over at least a portion of the back portion. The outer nonwoven layer may extend over the entire length, from a front portion edge to a back portion edge.

[0052] When the crotch portion connect the front portion and the back portion as a separate element, i.e. the front portion is a front panel and the back portion is a back panel and the crotch portion is a crotch panel, the liquid barrier sheet may extend over the entire length, in the direction from the front panel towards the back panel, of the portion of the crotch panel arranged between the front panel and the back panel. The liquid barrier sheet may further extend over at least a portion of the front panel and over at least a portion of the back panel. The nonwoven layer may extend at least over the entire length, in the direction from the front panel towards the back panel, of the portion of the crotch panel arranged between the front panel and the back panel. The nonwoven layer may not extend over the front panel over a length, in the direction from the front panel towards the back panel, of more than 40 mm. The nonwoven layer may not extend over the back panel over a length, in the direction from the front panel towards the back panel, of more than 40 mm. The width, in the direction perpendicular to the direction from the front panel towards the back panel, of the nonwoven layer may be smaller than the width, in the direction perpendicular to the direction from the front panel towards the back panel, of the liquid barrier sheet.

[0053] The nonwoven layer may be made of thermoplastic polymer material fibers or filaments. The nonwoven layer may be formed by a variety of different processes, such as spunbonding, airlaying, meltblowing or bonded carded web formation processes. In particular, the nonwoven layer may be made of an SMS (spunbond / meltblown / spunbond) or SS (spunbond / spunbond) nonwoven material of polypropylene or bicomponent fibers of polypropylene and polyethylene, or of a combination of such materials. The nonwoven layer may have a basis weight in the range of 10 g / m2to 20 g / m2.

[0054] The liquid barrier sheet may be made of a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic film material, and / or a nonwoven material. For example, the liquid barrier sheet may be formed as a plastic layer, e.g., a thermoplastic layer, or a plastic film, e.g., a thermoplastic film. Forming the liquid barrier sheet of a plastic material, in particular, a thermoplastic film material, allows for a particularly good printability of the liquid barrier sheet.

[0055] The liquid barrier sheet may be a liquid impermeable, breathable or non- breathable layer. The liquid barrier sheet may consist of a single layer or have a laminate structure with a plurality of layers, e.g., two or more layers, three or more layers, or four or more layers. The layers of the liquid barrier sheet may be laminated, bonded or attached to each other, for example, by thermo-mechanical bonding, such as thermosealing, ultrasonic bonding, such as ultrasonic welding, an adhesive or adhesives, stitching or the like.

[0056] In particular, the liquid barrier sheet may be a breathable microporous film. The microporous film may be made of a material comprising at least two basic components, namely a thermoplastic elastomeric polyolefin polymer and a filler. These components and additional other components can be mixed together, heated and subsequently extruded into a mono-layer or multi-layer film using any one of various film-producing processes, such as cast embossed, chill and flat cast, and blown film processes.

[0057] On a dry weight basis, based on the total weight of the microporous film, the film may include from approximately 30 weight-% to approximately 60 weight- % of the thermoplastic elastomeric polyolefin polymer, or blend thereof, and from approximately 40 weight-% to approximately 70 weight-% of the filler. Other components, such as additives and / or ingredients, for example, antioxidants and / or stabilisers and / or pigments, may be included in the film.

[0058] The filler may consist of one or more materials selected from calcium carbonate (CaCOs), various kinds of clay, silica (Si02), alumina, barium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc, barium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, aluminium sulphate, titanium dioxide (Ti02), zeolites, cellulose-type powders, kaolin, mica, carbon, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, pulp powder, wood powder, cellulose derivatives, chitin and chitin derivatives. A suitable coating, such as, for example, stearic acid, may be applied to the filler particles.

[0059] The liquid barrier sheet may have a basis weight in the range of 8 g / m2to 22 g / m2, or 9 g / m2to 20 g / m2, or 10 g / m2to 18 g / m2. The topsheet of the crotch panel or the crotch portion is arranged to face the wearer of the absorbent article when worn. The topsheet is a liquid permeable layer adapted to allow a liquid, such as urine or other bodily fluids, to pass through.

[0060] The topsheet may consist of a single layer or have a laminate structure comprising a plurality of layers, for example, two or more layers. The layers may be made of the same material, or some or all of the layers may be made of different materials. The layer of the topsheet or, for the case of a laminate structure, one, some or all of the layers of the topsheet may be made of a single material or have plural portions made of different materials, e.g., within different parts of the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet.

[0061] The layer of the topsheet or, for the case of a laminate structure, one, some or all of the layers of the topsheet may be a nonwoven material, a perforated plastic film, a plastic or textile mesh, or a liquid permeable foam layer.

[0062] The layer of the topsheet or, for the case of a laminate structure, one, some or all of the layers of the topsheet may be, for example, a hydrophilic, non- apertured nonwoven web of fibers, such as natural fibers, e.g., cotton or pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combination of these fibers.

[0063] The topsheet may have a basis weight in the range of 10 g / m2to 25 g / m2.

[0064] The absorbent core is provided between the topsheet and the backsheet to absorb the liquid, such as urine or other bodily fluids, which has passed through the topsheet. The absorbent core may be made of any suitable absorbent or liquid uptake material, such as one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp, foam, fiber waddings or the like. The absorbent core may contain fibers or particles of absorbent polymer material, in particular, superabsorbent material. Superabsorbent materials have the ability to absorb and retain large quantities of liquid upon formation of a hydrogel. For example, the superabsorbent material may be surface cross-linked, partially neutralised polyacrylates.

[0065] The superabsorbent material, e.g., the superabsorbent fibers or particles, may be mixed with other absorbent or liquid uptake material or materials, such as cellulose fluff pulp, and / or arranged in pockets or layers in the absorbent core. The ratio of superabsorbent material and pulp in the absorbent core may be 0% to 80% pulp fibers and 100% to 20% superabsorbent material.

[0066] The absorbent core may further comprise components for improving the properties of the absorbent core. For example, the absorbent core may comprise a binder or binders, such as binder fibers, and / or a liquid-dispersing material or materials, and / or a liquid acquisition material or materials etc.

[0067] The wearable disposable absorbent article may comprise more than one absorbent core, e.g., two absorbent cores. For example, the absorbent article may comprise an upper absorbent core and a lower absorbent core having different sizes and properties, wherein the upper absorbent core is arranged closer to the wearer of the absorbent article when worn.

[0068] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Other objectives, features and advantages of the example embodiments of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed disclosure, as well as from the drawings. The skilled person realize that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

[0071] Fig. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary pant-type absorbent article i.e. pant diaper comprising a tear line according to a first embodiment, not falling under the scope of the claims;

[0072] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the diaper of Fig. 1 in a flat laid-out state with the joints between the rear side and the front side removed;

[0073] Fig. 2A shows part of the tear line of Figure 2;

[0074] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the pant diaper of Fig. 2 in the direction Ill-Ill;

[0075] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section taken through part of the tear line in Figure 2A in the direction IV-IV;

[0076] Fig. 5 shows different tear lines with curvilinear line segments; and Figs. 6A and 6B show strengths of different tear lines from Example 1 ;

[0077] Fig. 7 shows a similar pant-type absorbent article as in Fig. 1 but with a tear line according to a second embodiment;

[0078] Fig. 7a shows an enlarged view of a part of the pant-type absorbent article in Fig. 7;

[0079] Fig. 8 shows a similar pant-type absorbent article as in Fig. 1 but with a tear line 8 according to a third embodiment; Fig.9 shows an enlarge view of the tear line in Fig. 7 with an additional notch.

[0080] All the figures are highly schematic, not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

[0081] DETAIL DESCRIPTION

[0082] Different aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the enclosed drawings. The absorbent article disclosed herein can, however be realized in many different forms, such as different sizes and absorption levels, and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein.

[0083] Fig. 1 illustrates a pant-type absorbent article 1 according to the present disclosure in the form of a pant diaper. The pant diaper 1 comprising a chassis 2 having a front portion 3 and a back portion 4, that meet at the hip to define a waist opening 6, and a crotch portion 10 extending between the front portion 3 and the back portion 4 forming the crotch portion 10. The front portion 3, the back portion 4 and the crotch portion 10 define together leg openings 12. The front portion 3 is a separate front panel 3 of a chassis material and the back portion 4 is a separate back panel 4 of a chassis material. The crotch portion 10 is formed by a separate crotch panel 10. However, the crotch portion may be integrally formed with the front portion and the back portion.

[0084] The front panel 3 and back panel 4 comprise elasticated chassis material 15 and are joined at side seams 14 formed by weld lines 32. That is a first front side portion 31 of said front portion 3 being joined to a first back side portion 41 of the back portion 4 in a first side seam 14a and a second front side portion 33 of the front portion 3 on the opposite lateral side being joined to a second back side portion 42 of the back portion 4 in a second side seam 14b to define the waist opening 6 and the pair of leg openings 12 together with the crotch portion 10

[0085] The crotch panel 10 in Fig. 1 comprises an inwardly directed topsheet 16, an outwardly directed backsheet 18 and an absorbent core 20, sandwiched between the topsheet 16 and the backsheet 18.

[0086] Also visible in Fig. 1 are tear lines 8 provided in the chassis 2 and extending between the waist opening 6 and the leg openings 12, as will be further explained below. The tear lines in Fig. 1 and 2 are not falling under the scope of the claims.

[0087] Fig. 2 illustrates the absorbent article 1 of Fig. 1 in opened out state, prior to connection at the side seams 14. A longitudinal central axis X-X extends in alignment with the crotch panel 10 and a transverse central axis Y-Y extends perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis X-X through the crotch.

[0088] As can be seen, the front panel 3 and back panel 4 are both generally rectangular and comprise elastic threads 22 which extend transversally. The tear lines 8 comprise a plurality of fused curvilinear line segments 24 that are generally aligned with and extending in the direction of the tear line 8. The line segments 24 are concatenated as a chain to collectively form the tear line 8.

[0089] Figure 2A shows part of the tear line 8 of Figure 2, showing the line segments 24 in greater detail. Each line segment 24 is crescent shaped, with a length Ls of 10 mm and a maximum width Ws of 1 mm. The line segments 24 are arranged to overlap each other in two spaced rows, with a minimum distance Ds between adjacent segments of 2 mm. The resulting overlap is 40%. Each of the elastic threads 22 is thus intersected by at least one of the line segments 24. The overall width of the tear line WTL is 5 mm. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the crotch panel 10 in the direction Ill-Ill of Figure 2. In this view, the absorbent core 20 can be seen sandwiched between the topsheet 16 and the backsheet 18.

[0090] Figure 4 shows a cross-section taken through part of the tear line in Figure 2A in the direction IV-IV. In this view, the chassis material 15 comprises an inner layer 26 and an outer layer 28, with the elastic thread 22 held therebetween fixed by an adhesive applied on the thread at about 0.03 g / m thread. The inner layer 26 and outer layer 28 are both non-woven polyethylene fibre material and completely fuse together under the application of ultrasonic treatment at the line segment 24. A thickness t of the line segment is less than 0.4 mm and around 20% of the surrounding chassis material 15. The elastic threads at the line segment may partially lose their elastic properties and become brittle at the location of the line segments and susceptible to rupture or cuts when the tear line is torn.

[0091] Figure 5 shows a number of different tear lines, in which Fig. 5a is a conventional herringbone or tire-tread pattern not falling under the scope of the claims.

[0092] Fig. 5b is a tear line 8 comprising a continuous line segment 24a with multiple curves and individual line segments 24b each having a single curve. Fig. 5b falls under the scope of the claims.

[0093] Fig. 5c shows a tear line 8 with crescent shaped line segments 24 similar to those of Figure 2 but with additional segments 30 located to either side of the line segments 24. Fig. 5c does not fall under the scope of the claims. The additional segments 30 are fused using ultrasound energy in the same manner and to the same degree as the line segments 24. The additional segments are straight lines having a length of 3 mm, aligned in the direction of the tear line. They are located at positions where the line segments 24 do not overlap, in order to ensure that each elastic thread is intercepted at least at two positions.

[0094] Fig. 5d shows a single row of line segments 24, with a single row of additional segments 30. The line segments 24 are crescent shaped and arranged end to end in the direction of the tear line 8. The additional segments 30 are circular and arranged in a wave like pattern, following the line segments 24. Fig. 5d does not fall under the scope of the claims.

[0095] Fig. 5e shows curvilinear line segments 24, each having two curves in the shape of a sine wave. Each line segment 24 has a length Ls of 30 mm and the line segments mutually overlap by 25%. The width of the tear line WTL is 6 mm. Fig. 5e does not fall under the scope of the claims.

[0096] Test Procedure

[0097] The strength of the tear line is tested on a conventional tensile tester (e.g. Lloyd Instruments or Instron Corporation). Testing takes place in a laboratory environment with a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of about 50%.

[0098] Samples for testing are punched-out as follows with a punching tool 25 mm wide and 50 mm long. Firstly, the area with the tear line is flattened and straightened (but not stretched). The sample is then punched-out with the length dimension being perpendicular to the tear line (i.e. in the transverse direction of the article. Representative samples are taken from the upper, middle and lower sections of the tear line.

[0099] The tensile tester clamps must be at least as wide as the 25 mm sample width. The vertical distance between the clamps (the gauge length) is set so that the tear line and an additional 5 mm of sample material on each side of the tear line can be accommodated. The tear line should be horizontal and centred between the clamps. If slipping occurs (or if handling otherwise can be made easier) tape with a high friction backing can be attached onto the sample end sections. The taped section must then end inside of the clamps, exactly where the test section begins.

[0100] The tensile tester is zeroed, the sample is mounted, and the tensile tester is started. The upper clamp is set to move vertically upwards at a constant speed of 300 mm / min, until the sample breaks apart. The maximum force (in Newtons) encountered during the pull is read. Results are presented in the unit N / 25 mm.

[0101] Example 1

[0102] A first tested material was a 28 gsm (g / m2) elastic nonwoven material (polypropylene and thermoplastic polyurethane spunbond). The material was provided with tear lines formed as three different ultrasonic patterns with a hand-held ultrasonic horn (Branson LPX Handheld Ultrasonic Welder, 30 kHz, 0.55 kW): 1 . A standard tire pattern according to Fig. 5a; 2. A short, curved pattern according to Fig. 2; and 3. a long continuous curved pattern according to Fig. 5b. The length of the line segments and the width of the whole tear line are as shown in Table 1 . The different patterns were made in the same standardised way with a sweeping movement to not break the materials (10 repetitions).

[0103] Table 1. The result is shown in Figure 6A. The long curved continuous ultrasonic pattern required the least force to break requiring 17 N / 25 mm, compared with 32 N / 25 mm for the short curved and 37 N / 25 mm for the tire pattern.

[0104] A further tested material was a threaded nonwoven laminate of two 18 gsm SB / SMS nonwoven sheets with evenly spaced (9 mm) spandex (800 dtex) threads between the sheets. The patterns were patterns 2 and 3 as shown in Table 1.

[0105] The result is shown in Figure 6B. The long curved continuous ultrasonic pattern required the least force to break requiring 22 N / 25 mm, compared with 35 N / 25 mm for the short-curved pattern.

[0106] Fig. 7 shows a similar pant-type absorbent article 1 as in Fig. 1 and will hence not be further described. The only difference is the shape of the tear lines 8 on the front panel 3. The pant-type absorbent article 1 in Fig. 7 comprises two tear lines 8. Each tear line is a straight continuous fused line 8' which extends parallel along the longitudinal axis X-X of the pant diaper 1 between the waist opening 6 and a respective leg opening 12 on the front panel 3, to facilitate removal of the pant diaper. One end, i.e. a first end 81 of the continuous fused line 8' coincidence with a front waist opening edge 61a of said waist opening 6 and the other end, i.e. a second end 82 coincidence with a front leg opening edge 121 of said leg opening 12. During tearing, it will be understood that a single tear may travel along the continuous fused line 8'. As an alternative, the first end of said continuous fused line 8' may be arranged adjacent the front waist opening edge 61a of said waist opening 6 and / or said second end 82 may be arranged adjacent to a leg opening edge 121 of said leg opening 12 (not shown). For example, the first and the second ends may respectively be arranged at a distance from the respective waist opening edge 61 and / or leg opening edge 121 . The distance is measured in the longitudinal direction, i.e. parallel with the longitudinal axis X-X of the pant diaper 1 . This distance may for example be maximum 5 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm. If there is a tear line 8 on the back portion 4, the first end 81 of the continuous fused line 8' may coincidence with a back waist opening edge 61 b of said waist opening 6 and the other end, i.e. the second end 82 coincidence with a back leg opening edge 121 of said leg opening 12.

[0107] In Fig. 7 each tear line 8 extends parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pant diaper, but as an alternative the straight continuous fused line 8' may form an angle to the longitudinal axis. The angle may be less than 20 degrees, such as less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees.

[0108] The continuous fused line 8' has a maximum width Wt which here is 0.7 mm (see Fig 7a, which is an enlarged view of the continuous fused line 8' in Fig. 7). The maximum width Wt is preferably between 0.1 - 2 mm, more preferably between 0.1 -1 mm. The width Wt of the continuous fused line 8' may be constant or at least substantially constant along its length.

[0109] Alternatively, the width may vary along its length. The continuous fused line 8' may have a larger width at one or both ends, such as at the waist and / or leg openings, this may facilitate the start of the tearing. The width is to be measured in the perpendicular direction to extension direction the continuous fused line 8'.

[0110] Fig. 8 shows a similar pant-type absorbent article 1 as in Fig. 1 and will hence not be further described. The only differences are the shape of the tear lines 8 on the front panel 3 and the additional fused lines 9. Each tear line 8 in Fig. 8 is a non-linear continuous fused line 8' which extends along said longitudinal axis between the waist opening 6 and a respective leg opening 12, to facilitate removal of the pant diaper 1. One end, i.e. a first end 81 of the continuous fused line 8' coincidence with the front waist opening edge 61a of said waist opening 6 and the other end, i.e. a second end 82 coincidence with a leg opening edge 121 of said leg opening 12. During tearing, it will be understood that a single tear may travel along the continuous fused line. As an alternative, the first end 81 of said continuous fused line 8' may be arranged adjacent the front waist opening edge 61 a of said waist opening 6 and / or said second end 82 may be arranged adjacent said front leg opening edge 121 of said leg opening 12. For example, the first and the second ends 81 , 82 may respectively be arranged at a distance from the respective waist opening edge and / or leg opening edge. The distance is measured in the longitudinal direction, i.e. parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pant diaper 1 . This distance may for example be maximum be 5 mm, more preferably 2 mm or less.

[0111] The non-linear continuous fused line 8' may extend substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pant diaper or in an angle to the longitudinal axis. The non-linear continuous fused line 8' in Fig. 7 has sinusoidal shape. However, the non-linear continuous fused line, which also may also be referred to as a curvilinear shaped line, is not limited to a sinusoidal shape. It may be curved in a regular shape, for example in the form of a sinusoidal shape or saw-tooth shape, or any irregular shape. It may be a group of two or more linear elements each connecting at a single inflection point with an adjacent linear element, or a combination of curvilinear and linear elements.

[0112] The tear lines 8 in Figs. 7 and 8 are each spaced from the side seams 14a, 14b, i.e. where the front panel / portion 3 and the back panel / portion 4 are joined together. The tear lines 8 are each preferably arranged between a side seam 14a, 14b and the crotch portion / panel 10 with its absorbent core 20. This ensures that the location of the tear line 8 does not interfere with the side seam 14a, 14b and that on tearing the tear line 8, the side seam 14a, 14b does not interfere with this action. It also allows the tear line to be located at the most convenient location for tearing to take place, preferably on the front panel. The tear line may be spaced from the side seam by at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm or more than 20 mm, and may be more than 40 mm. The value is to be measured at a shortest distance between the side seam 14a, 14b and the tear line 8 in the transversal direction from the side seam 14a, 14b at a point closest to the tear line 8 to a point of the tear line 8 that is closest to the side seam 14a, 14b. The transversal direction being parallel with the transversal axis Y of the pant diaper 1 .

[0113] In Fig. 8 an additional fused line 9 is located next to the non-linear continuous fused line 8'. The additional fused line 9 is a discontinuous line which follows the longitudinal extension of the non-linear continuous fused line 8' with an equal transversal distance. The distance may however vary along the longitudinal extension of the non-linear continuous fused line 8'.

[0114] The additional fused line 9 may be spaced from the non-linear continuous fused line 8' preferably between 1-5 mm, more preferably between 1-3 mm. The value is to be measured at a shortest distance between the non-linear continuous fused line 8' and the additional fused line 9 in the transversal direction from the non-linear continuous fused line 8' at a point closest to the additional fused line 9 to a point of the additional fused line 9 that is closest to the non-linear continuous fused line 8'.

[0115] The additional fused line 9 is a discontinuous fused line comprising straight line segments. The additional fused portion 9 can be part of the tear line 8 or be an additional tear line or just a decoration, as here simulating stiches indicating that the pant diaper can be opened along the tear line 8. The line segments may have any appropriate overall length, and they extend in the direction of the tear line. They may all have the same length or vary in length. The line segments may have a length of at least 2 mm but no more than 15 mm, preferably less than 10mm. The number of line segments will also depend on their individual length and the length of the tear line. The additional fused line 9 may comprise between 1 and 100 line segments, such as between 10 and 50 line segments.

[0116] Each line segment may have a maximum width preferably between 0.1 - 2 mm, more preferably between 0.1 -1 mm. The width of the line segment may be constant or at least substantially constant along its length. Alternatively, the width may vary. Additionally, the width of the line segments may be such that a length to width ratio is greater than 4, or greater than 6 or greater than 10. The line segment(s) may have a larger width at the start and ends of the discontinuous fused line, such as at the waist and / or leg openings. The width of the line segments may be at least 30% larger at the waist and / or leg openings than the widths of rest of the line segments along discontinuous fused line. The line segments are arranged in series or as a chain, extending in the direction of the additional fused 9.

[0117] The additional fused line 9 is fused using ultrasound energy in the same manner and to the same degree as the non-linear continuous fused line 8', it may however be fused with a different degree and in a different manner. They may be created in the same step or in different steps.

[0118] The additional fused line 9 is not limited to have the described shape, it may have any suitable shape. It may for example have any of the shapes described in relation to the tear lines in Figs 1- 5E.

[0119] The non-linear continuous fused tear line 8 and the additional fused line 9 is in Fig. 8 arranged on the front panel 3. However, the back panel 4 may also be provided with non-linear continuous fused tear lines 8 and additional fused lines 9. Then the front panel 3 may not have any non-linear continuous fused tear lines 8 and additional fused lines 9 or both the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 may be provided with non-linear continuous fused tear lines 8 and additional fused lines 9.

[0120] Fig.9 shows an enlarge view of the tear line 8 in Fig. 7 at the waist opening 6 with an additional notch 23 for start tearing the tear line 8. The notch 23 is arrange at the front waist opening edge 61a close to the first end 81 of said continuous fused line 8'. The invention has thus been described with reference to the appended figures. It will be understood that the disclosure may be varied within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the shapes and dimensions used for the different line segments forming the tear line may be varied, as indicated above.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A disposable absorbent article (1) in the form of a pant diaper, comprising a chassis having a front portion (3) and a back portion (4) of chassis material and a crotch portion (10) extending between the front portion (3) and the back portion (4); a first front side portion (31) of said front portion (3) being joined to a first back side portion (41 ) of the back portion (4) in a first side seam (14a) and a second front side portion (33) of the front portion on the opposite lateral side being joined to a second back side portion (42) of the back portion (4) in a second side seam (14b) to define a waist opening (6) and a pair of leg openings (12) together with the crotch portion (10), wherein the chassis extending along a longitudinal axis (X-X) from a front waist opening edge (61 a) at the front portion (3) of the chassis to a back waist opening edge (61 b) at the back portion (4) of the chassis, wherein at least one tear line (8) is provided in the front portion (3) and / or the back portion (4) and said tear line (8) is spaced from said first seam (14a) or said second side seam (14b), and said tear line (8) is extending along said longitudinal axis (X-X) from the waist opening (6) and to one of the leg openings (12) to facilitate removal of the pant diaper, wherein the tear line (8) is at least one continuous fused line (8').

2. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the continuous fused line (8') is a substantially straight line.

3. Disposable absorbent article (1) according to claim 2, wherein said straight line extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (X).

4. Disposable absorbent article (1) according to claim 2, wherein said straight line forms an angle to the longitudinal axis (X), said angle being less than 20 degrees, such as less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees.

5. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the continuous fused line (8') is a non-linear fused line.

6. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end (81) of said continuous fused line (8') coincidence with said front waist opening edge (61 a) or said back waist opening edge (61 b) of said waist opening (6) and / or a second end (82) of said continuous fused line coincidence with a leg opening edge (121 , 122) of said front or back portion (3, 4) of said leg opening (12).

7. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end (81) of said continuous fused line (8') is arranged adjacent said front waist opening edge (61a) or said back waist opening edge (61 b) of said waist opening (6) and / or a second end (82) is arranged adjacent to a leg opening edge (121 , 122) of said front or back portion (3, 4) of said leg opening (12).

8. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a notch (23) for start tearing the tear line (8) is arrange at or adjacent one end (81 , 82) of said continuous fused line (8').

9. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the continuous fused line (8') has a maximum width (Wt) preferably between 0.1 - 2 mm, more preferably between 0.1 -1 mm.

10. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tear line (8) further comprises additional segments of fused chassis material, located to one or both sides of the continuous fused line (8').11 . Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tear line (8) further comprises an additional fused line (9), said additional fused line (9) is a discontinuous fused line of fused chassis material, located on one side of the continuous fused line (8').

12. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the continuous fused line (8') comprises chassis material that has been fused by ultrasound.

13. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the continuous fused line (8') is non-perforated.

14. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis material, at least at the location of the tear line (8), comprises extendable elastic material, such as an elastic nonwoven material, a laminate of nonwoven materials and elastic threads and / or a laminate of nonwoven materials and an elastic film.

15. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis material, at least at the location of the tear line (8), comprises fusible polymeric material, such as non-woven fibrous polymeric material.

16. Disposable absorbent article (1) according to claim 15, wherein at said continuous fused line (8'), the polymeric material is fused together.

17. Disposable absorbent article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein continuous fused line (8') has a thickness that is less than

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