A disposable absorbent PANT-type article and a method for producing a disposable absorbent PANT-type article

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a disposable pant-type article (1), comprising a front panel (3), a back panel (4), and a crotch section (5). The front panel is joined to the back panel by a first side seam (21) and a second side seam (22). The front panel and the back panel each comprises a first layer (3a; 4a) and a second layer (3b; 4b). A plurality of elastomeric strands (300; 400) is sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, the elastomeric strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with a transversal direction (T) and being spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction (L). The first layer is attached to the second layer by weld-bonding, the elastomeric strands being attached between the first and the second layer by means of the weld-bonding, the weld-bonding being formed by a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines (601), each weld-bond line comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements (603) arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements in the weld-bond lines comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements (605a, 605b), the adjacent weld bond-elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand (607) of the plurality of elastomeric strands, the weld-bond lines of the front panel form a first angle (α1) to the longitudinal direction of the article, which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the first angle being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, and the weld-bond lines of the back panel form a second angle (α2) to the longitudinal direction of the article, which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the back panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the second angle having the same absolute value as the first angle. The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article.

Description

[0001] A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT PANT-TYPE ARTICLE AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT PANT-TYPE ARTICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure pertains to a disposable absorbent pant-type article comprising a front panel and, a back panel, and a crotch section located between and joining the front panel and the back panel. The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the art of disposable absorbent pant-type articles, and in particular disposable absorbent pant-type articles which are intended for use by adult users, the articles should meet high demands on fit, comfort and have a tailored and underwear like appearance while at the same time meeting equally high demands on absorbency and leakage protection. Disposable absorbent articles are articles which are intended to be discarded after a single use and not be laundered or otherwise restored for repeated use.

[0006] Pant-type articles of this kind are relatively complex products involving multiple components which are combined in high-speed processes to form the absorbent article. Such components include nonwoven components, barrier components, elastic components and usually an absorbent core which may be provided in the form of an absorbent assembly including a barrier layer and a liquid permeable topsheet which together enclose the absorbent core.

[0007] Threaded elastic laminates, formed by sandwiching pre-tensioned elastomeric threads between layers of web materials, e.g., non-woven web materials, are used to create pant-type articles with bodyconforming properties resembling those of high-quality textile underwear. In addition, it is known to provide elastic members along waist openings and leg openings of the disposable absorbent panttype articles to meet high demands on fit and comfort, while at the same time meet equally high demands on absorbency and leakage protection.

[0008] Numerous methods are known for providing threaded elastic laminates. Adhesive bonding methods involve application of adhesive to bond the pre-tensioned elastomeric threads between the layers of web materials. Weld-bonding methods involve the application of a weld-bond pattern to bond the pretensioned elastomeric threads between the layers of web materials. The weld-bonding may be produced by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding. Moreover, regardless of the bonding method used, requirements for breathability, adaptability and softness of the threaded laminates imparts other requirements to the bonding method, e.g., regarding the size and distribution of the bonds. In order to produce the disposable absorbent pant-type articles at an industrial scale, it is desirable that the elastic components can be provided in a cost-efficient manner and at high production speeds, as well as the article as a whole being appropriate for manufacturing at high production speeds in a cost-efficient manner.

[0009] Accordingly, there exists an ongoing need for improved or alternative absorbent patent-type articles and / or for improved or alternative methods for manufacturing disposable absorbent patent-type articles.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In a first aspect, the need may be fulfilled by a disposable absorbent pant-type article according to claim 1. As such, there is provided a disposable absorbent pant-type article, such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant. The article has a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction and a transversal extension along a transversal direction. The article comprises a front panel, a back panel, and a crotch section, which is located between and joining the front panel and the back panel. Typically, an absorbent assembly is arranged with a central part of the absorbent assembly being located in the crotch section. The front panel is joined to the back panel by a first side seam and a second side seam, such that the article forms a waist opening, defined by a waist edge of the front panel and a waist edge of the back panel, a first leg opening, defined by a first leg edge of the front panel and a first leg edge of the back panel, and a second leg opening, defined by a second leg edge of the front panel and a second leg edge of the back panel. The front panel and the back panel each comprises a first layer and a second layer. A plurality of elastomeric strands is sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer in both the front panel and the back panel, the elastomeric strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction and being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first layer is attached to the second layer by weld-bonding, the elastomeric strands being attached between the first layer and the second layer by means of the weld-bonding. The weld-bonding is formed by a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines, each weld-bond line comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements in the weld-bond lines comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weld bond-elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. The weld-bond lines of the front panel form a first angle to the longitudinal direction of the article, which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the first angle being within the range of 0.5° to 15°. The weld-bond lines of the back panel form a second angle to the longitudinal direction of the article, which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the back panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the second angle having the same absolute value as the first angle. The disposable absorbent pant-type article may be an adult incontinence article, a baby diaper, training pants, swim-pants, disposable underpants, a sanitary pant for feminine use, etc. Disposable absorbent articles are articles which are intended to be discarded after a single use and not be laundered or otherwise restored for repeated use. However, in some variants, the disposable absorbent pant-type article may comprise an absorbent assembly being removable and replaceable, or the disposable absorbent pant-type article may be arranged to comprise a removable and replaceable absorbent assembly. Thus, an absorbent assembly of the pant-type article may be removed, e.g. after having absorbed an amount of liquid, and be replaced by a new absorbent assembly. This way, the use of the disposable absorbent pant-shaped article may be extended although it is still disposable in the sense that once the disposable absorbent pant-shaped article is soiled or torn, it will be discarded rather than laundered or otherwise restored for repeated use. In other variants, the disposable absorbent pant-type article may comprise a fixedly arranged absorbent assembly which will be discarded e.g. after the absorbent assembly has absorbed an amount of liquid.

[0012] In the present disclosure, the disposable absorbent pant-type article is sometimes referred to as “the pant-type article” or just “the article”.

[0013] The article has a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction and a transversal extension along a transversal direction. These two directions are perpendicular to each other. Any measurements and percentages of distances and dimensions as used herein are given assuming the article is in a fully stretched-out, non-gathered condition, i.e. when the article is in an unfolded and flat condition, if not otherwise stated.

[0014] The absorbent assembly typically comprises an absorbent core. In that case, the absorbent assembly may comprise the absorbent core, a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impermeable backsheet, wherein the absorbent core typically is sandwiched between the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet. The absorbent core may have any useful shape, such as hourglass shape, rectangular, T-shape, etc., as known in the art.

[0015] The side seams may be generally band-shaped joints which are formed by ultrasonic welding or thermowelding. Each side seam may for example comprise a plurality of intermittently arranged bond elements, to form said band-shaped joints. To have sufficient strength to withstand the forces to which the pant-type article is exposed during manufacturing of the article and to allow sufficient production tolerances when cutting off individual pant-type articles from a precursor web, the side seams commonly have a width in the order of 5 to 10 millimetres. It is also known to make side seams having a width of less than 5 mm.

[0016] It is generally desired that a soiled pant-type article can be easily removed without having to pull it down over the legs of a user. Therefore, the side seams are commonly made such that they are breakable by manual force to allow a user or a caregiver to pull apart the side seams before removing a soiled pant-type article. The pant-type article may be a reclosable article which means that the side seams can be manually opened, for example to check if the article is soiled and needs to be changed, and then closed again, if it is determined that the article is in a condition allowing further use. Reclos- ability is commonly provided by means of fastener elements, such as hook-and-loop-type fasteners.

[0017] The terms waist elastics zone and belly elastics zone as used herein relate to corresponding locations on the body of the user of the article. The waist elastics zone is intended to be positioned at or towards the waist of the user. The waist elastics zone is located at the waist edge of the front panel and the back panel, respectively. Typically, the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone extend from one side seam to the other. Preferably, the waist elastics zone extends all the way to the waist edge, such that the waist edge is formed by a cut edge of the waist elastics zone. The belly elastics zone is intended to be positioned at the belly of the user, i.e. below the waist elastics zone. The article may comprise further zones, such as a leg elastics zone described herein, which is located below the belly elastics zone. There may also be an additional zone between the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone. Terms like “below” and “above” as used herein relate to the article when worn by a user assumed to be standing up.

[0018] The first layer and the second layer are typically nonwoven materials. In the pant-type article, the first layer may face outwards, or the first layer may face the user. Correspondingly, the second layer may face the user, or the second layer may face outwards. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer faces outwards and extends over the waist elastics zone, the belly elastics zone and the leg elastics zone.

[0019] Optionally, the front panel and / or the back panel is / are formed to comprise no more than two layers of sheet material, i.e. the first layer and the second layer. As further described herein, at least one of the front panel and / or the back panel may also comprise a third layer. Still, as also described herein, the second layer and the third layer may be arranged in relation to the first layer such that no more than two layers are superposed in the front panel and / or the back panel, apart from in a relatively small overlap zone between the second layer and the third layer. That no additional layers of web material are present may be advantageous in terms of breathability, comfort, sustainability, and economics.

[0020] Typically, at least one of the front panel and the back panel comprises a first leg elastic member, arranged along the first leg edge of the at least one of the front panel and the back panel, and a second leg elastic member, arranged along the second leg edge of the at least one of the front panel and the back panel, wherein each leg elastic member comprises at least one elastic element extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] In the transverse direction of the article, the weld-bonding extends from one side seam to the other. With the term “weld-bond pattern” is meant a regular distribution of weld bond elements over an area. As described herein, the weld-bonding is formed by a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of regularly distributed weld-bond lines, where each weld-bond line comprises a plurality of weld-bond elements being intermittently arranged along the weld-bond line.

[0022] Each weld-bond line comprises a plurality of weld-bond elements arranged after each other along the extension of the weld-bond line, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements in the weld-bond lines comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weld-bond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. Thereby, the elastomeric strand is individually attached. The weld-bond elements are preferably arranged such that the elastomeric strands are mechanically trapped between the weld-bond elements. For example, each of the elastomeric strands of the plurality of elastomeric strands may be mechanically trapped between the adjacent weld-bond elements of a plurality of pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements. This may e.g. be obtained by the pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements being provided on each side of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands having an interspace being less than the diameter of the elastomeric strand in a relaxed state.

[0023] In each weld-bond line, the weld-bond elements may be spaced apart from each other by a constant distance as seen along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the weld-bond elements are regularly distributed along the weld-bond line. Thus, each two neighbouring spaced apart weld-bond elements along the weld-bond line enables the attachment of an elastomeric strand in between the neighbouring spaced apart weld-bond elements. However, in the front and back panel, elastomeric strands will only be attached between some of the neighbouring spaced apart weld-bond elements of the weld-bond line, forming said pairs of weld-bond elements being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands. Thus, a desired longitudinal interspacing between elastomeric strands may be achieved by arranging the elastomeric strands at desired locations along the weldbond lines.

[0024] Typically, the elastomeric strands of the plurality of elastomeric strands are attached in a stretched condition. Accordingly, in a relaxed state, they contract, typically causing pleats in the front panel and back panel between weld-bond lines. Thereby, the first and second layer typically have pleats facing in opposite directions when in the relaxed state, i.e. one of the layers facing outwards has pleats facing outwards and the other layer facing inwards has pleats facing inwards.

[0025] The weld-bond lines extend continuously, repeating the same pattern of weld-bond elements. The weld-bond lines extend parallel to each other, such that the weld-bond lines continuously form the same, or substantially the same, angle to the longitudinal direction of the article.

[0026] As described herein, the weld-bond lines of the front panel form a first angle to the longitudinal direction of the article, which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the first angle being within the range of 0.5° to 15°. The weld-bond lines of the back panel form a second angle to the longitudinal direction of the article, which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the second angle having the same absolute value as the first angle, the second angle has the same size expressed in degrees and may have the same or the opposite sign, also called reverse sign. Purley as an example, if the first angle is 5°, the second angle may be 5° or -5°. As used herein, having the same, or substantially the same, angle may be defined as having the same angle + / -1°.

[0027] In theory, either the front panel or the back panel of a disposable absorbent pant-type article may be of the kind of panels disclosed in claim 1 , while the other of the front panel or the back panel may be as described in prior art and / or according to known technology. However, such an article would be less preferable as compared to the article of claim 1. In the article according to claim 1 , both the front panel and the back panel have the kind of weld-bonding disclosed in claim 1.

[0028] By means of the invention, an article may be produced which provides for regular pleats in the front and / or back panel, wherein the pleats extend generally along the longitudinal direction and run uninterrupted along at least 70% of the length between the first and second side seams. The relatively long, straight pleats running generally along the longitudinal direction result in the article being perceived as soft to touch. This is believed to be due to the gentle forming of the layers taking place along the straight pleats. This is in contrast to curved or zigzag shaped pleats occurring in the prior art, where the frequent change of angle along the pleats may give a bulky but less soft result. As will be explained in the below, the article may be produced with no or with only one change of angle of the bond lines in the front and back panel of the article, so as to minimise the number of changes of angle along the pleats, and thus optimise the perceived softness.

[0029] Still, by means of the angle along the bond lines being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, the article may be efficiently manufactured. Nevertheless, the angle along the bond lines and thus the pleats can remain close to perpendicular to the direction of the elastic strands, which is preferred to provide a textile-like appearance and desired elastic properties.

[0030] The article according to the invention meets high demands on fit and comfort. It has a tailored and underwear-like appearance. At the same time, it meets high demands on absorbency and leakage protection. The article can be produced on an industrial scale. The elastic components, such as the elastomeric strands attached between the first and second layers, can be provided in a cost-efficient manner and at high production speeds. The article is appropriate for manufacturing at high production speeds in a cost-efficient manner. The article according to the invention may be manufactured by the method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the invention. Optionally, the first angle may be the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams.

[0031] Optionally, the second angle may be the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, both the first and the second angle are the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel and the back panel, respectively, extending over the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams.

[0033] Optionally, the first angle may be within the range of 1.0° to 10°, preferably 1.5° to 8°, more preferably 2° to 6°, most preferably 2.5° to 5°. Then the second angle is within the same ranges, or within the range of -1.0° to -10°, preferably -1.5° to -8°, more preferably -2° to -6°, most preferably -2.5° to -5°

[0034] Optionally, each weld-bond line of the front panel and / or the back panel is a continuous straight line. Such a continuous straight line differs from a wavy line, such as a sinusoidal or zig-zagged line, which may have straight portions, but is not continuously straight.

[0035] Optionally, in an embodiment, which may be preferred, each weld-bond line of both the front panel and the back panel is a continuous straight line. Then there is no change of angle along the weld-bond line, which e.g. may be visually pleasing.

[0036] Optionally, for the front panel, each weld-bond line comprises a first straight line portion forming the first angle and a second straight line portion forming a third angle having the same absolute value as the first angle but reverse sign, with angles being determined in relation to the longitudinal direction of the article, the first and second straight line portions being joined at an angle change portion. Purley as an example, if the first angle is 5°, the third angle is -5°.

[0037] The portion of the weld-bond line having the third angle is outside the longitudinal length of the front panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, which is disclosed in claim 1 . The portion of the weld-bond line having the third angle may thus be located in the no more than 30% of the longitudinal length of the front panel extending over of the length of the first and second side seams, such as no more than 20% or no more than 10%.

[0038] Optionally, for the back panel, each weld-bond line comprises a first straight line portion forming the second angle and a second straight line portion forming a fourth angle having the same absolute value as the second angle but reverse sign, with angles being determined in relation to the longitudinal direction of the article, the first and second straight line portions being joined at an angle change portion. Parley as an example, if the second angle is 5°, the fourth angle is -5°.

[0039] The angle change portion of a weld-bond line may be pointed or blunt. It may have a width within the range of 0-5 mm or 0-4 mm as seen in the longitudinal direction of the article.

[0040] The portion of the weld-bond line having the fourth angle is outside the longitudinal length of the back panel extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, which is disclosed in claim 1. The portion of the weld-bond line having the fourth angle may thus be located in the no more than 30% of the longitudinal length of the back panel extending over of the length of the second and second side seams, such as no more than 20% or no more than 10%.

[0041] In an embodiment, the article comprises a front panel, with each weld-bond line being a continuous straight line, and a back panel, in which each weld-bond line comprises the first straight line portion forming the second angle and the second straight line portion forming the fourth angle having the same absolute value as the second angle but reverse sign, the first and second straight line portions being joined at the angle change portion of the back panel.

[0042] In another embodiment, the article comprises a back panel, with each weld-bond line being a continuous straight line, and a front panel, in which each weld-bond line comprises the first straight line portion forming the first angle and the second straight line portion forming the third angle having the same absolute value as the first angle but reverse sign, the first and second straight line portions being joined at the angle change portion of the front panel.

[0043] Optionally, a centre of the angle change portion of the front panel and / or the back panel is located within 60 mm, preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 20 mm, from an upper edge of the front panel or the back panel.

[0044] In case the front panel and the back panel each comprise a waist elastics zone and a belly elastics zone, the angle change portion may be located in the waist elastics zone, or in a transition between the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone.

[0045] The weld-bond elements forming the bond lines may be substantially uniform in size and shape.

[0046] The weld-bond elements have a first extension taken in the longitudinal direction of the article, and a second extension taken in the transversal direction of the article.

[0047] The weld-bond elements may have any suitable shape, such as square-shaped, rectangular, circular or oval shaped. Optionally, the weld-bond elements have a first extension taken in the longitudinal direction of the article being less than the second extension taken in the transversal direction of the article. For example, the second extension may be greater than 2 x the first extension, such as from 2 to 4 x the first extension. This may be suitable for effectively bonding the elastic strands and to enable numerous possibilities for where to attach the elastic strands along the bond line.

[0048] In each bond line, each weld-bond element may be arranged such that the second extension of the weld-bond element partially overlap with the second extension of the adjacent weld-bond elements along the bond line, as seen in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] Optionally, the weld-bond elements have a first extension taken in the longitudinal direction of the article being less than 0.5 mm, such as within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. These measures, as well as the other measures disclosed herein, are taken in a fully stretched state of the article, if not otherwise stated. Hence, these measures correspond to dimensions of components of the manufacturing device. Optionally, the weld-bond elements have a second extension in the transverse direction of the article being within a range of 0.3 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 to 1 .5 mm, the measures being taken in a fully stretched state of the article.

[0050] Optionally, the weld-bond elements of each weld-bond line are spaced apart from each other as seen along the longitudinal direction of the article with a distance being less than 0.5 mm, such as within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, the measures being taken in a fully stretched state of the article. This results in a cc-distance along the weld-bond line being less than 1.0 mm, preferably within a range of 0.4 to 1.0 mm, the measures being taken in a fully stretched state of the article.

[0051] Optionally, the weld-bond elements of each weld bond line are spaced apart from each other as seen along the longitudinal direction of the article with a distance corresponding approximately to the first extension in the longitudinal direction of each weld-bond element.

[0052] Optionally, the weld-bond lines have a c-c distance as seen in the transverse direction of the article being greater than the second extension of the weld-bond elements, the second extension being in the transverse direction of the article. Preferably, the weld-bond lines have a c-c distance as seen in the transverse direction of the article being greater than 2 x the second extension of the weld-bond elements, preferably greater than 4 x the second extension of the weld-bond elements.

[0053] Optionally, the weld-bond lines have a c-c distance as seen in the transverse direction of the article being greater than the first extension of the weld-bond elements, the first extension being in the longitudinal direction of the article. Preferably, the weld-bond lines have a c-c distance as seen in the transverse direction of the article being greater than 5 x the first extension of the weld-bond elements, preferably greater than 10 x the first extension of the weld-bond elements. Optionally, the weld-bond lines have a c-c distance as seen in the transverse direction of the article being within a range of 2-8 mm, preferably 4-8 mm in a fully stretched state of the article. It has been found that c-c distances at the upper end of the range provides a more elastic fit, a longer elastic range and / or a higher softness. It has further been found that c-c distances at the lower end of the range provides a more textile-like appearance.

[0054] These dimensions of the weld-bond elements and the interspaces therebetween have been found beneficial in order to provide an article being comfortable, having a good fit, being leakage proof and being efficient to manufacture.

[0055] Optionally, in case the front panel and the back panel each comprises a waist elastics zone and a belly elastics zone, the weld-bonding of the waist elastic zone and / or the belly elastics zone of the front panel and / or the back panel is free from adhesive. Preferably, the weld-bonding of each of the waist elastic zone and the belly elastics zone of each of the front panel and the back panel is free from adhesive.

[0056] Optionally, the waist elastic zone and / or the belly elastics zone of the front panel and / or the back panel is / are free from adhesive. Preferably, each of the waist elastic zone and the belly elastics zone of each of the front panel and the back panel is free from adhesive.

[0057] Optionally, the elastomeric strands are of the same type in the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone of the front panel and / or of the back panel. Being of the same type includes at least one of comprising the same polymer, having the same cross-sectional shape, having the same diameter and having the same elasticity properties. For example, the elastomeric strands in the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone may be identical elastomeric strands, i.e. comprising the same polymer, having the same cross-sectional shape, having the same diameter and having the seam elasticity properties. Preferably, the elastomeric strands are of the same type in the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone of each of the front panel and the back panel.

[0058] Optionally, an interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands may be less in the waist elastics zone than in the belly elastics zone of the front panel and / or of the back panel. The interspace is taken as the c-c distance between the adjacent elastomeric strands. Preferably, an interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands may be less in the waist elastics zone than in the belly elastics zone of each of the front panel and the back panel. There may for example be substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands in the waist elastics zone and substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands in the belly elastics zone, whereby the interspace in the belly elastics zone is larger than in the waist elastics zone and whereby being substantially the same interspace means that the interspace may vary within + / - 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm.. As an alternative, or a complement, there may be a gradual change of interspaces between the elastomeric strands as seen in a longitudinal direction of the front or back panel. There may also be an additional zone between the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone having another interspace, e.g. in between those of the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone.

[0059] Optionally, the plurality of elastomeric strands in the front panel and / or the back panel, preferably in each of the front panel and the back panel, comprises a first set of elastomeric strands located in the waist elastics zone and a second set of elastomeric strands located in the belly elastics zone, an interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands being less in the first set than in the second set. Preferably there is the same interspace, or substantially the same interspace, between all elastomeric strands of the first set, and the same interspace, or substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands of the second set.

[0060] An interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands in the waist elastics zone may be within a range of 2-12 mm. There is thus preferably a plurality of weld-bond elements between the elastic strands. An interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands in the belly elastics zone may be within a range of 2- 35 mm, such as from 2-20 mm, 5-20 mm or 10-20 mm. There is thus preferably a plurality of weldbond elements between the elastic strands. Typically, the average interspace in the longitudinal direction between the strands in the waist elastics zone is less than the average interspace in the longitudinal direction between the strands in the belly elastics zone.

[0061] Optionally, the front panel and / or the back panel further comprises a leg elastics zone with a first leg elastic member, arranged along the first leg edge, and a second leg elastic member, arranged along the second leg edge, wherein each leg elastic member comprises at least one elastic element, extending both in the transversal direction and in the longitudinal direction, the first and second leg elastic members being sandwiched between a third layer and the first layer, the first and third layers being bonded to each other. Preferably, this is the case at least for the back panel.

[0062] Preferably, the first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between the first and third layers and bonded by an adhesive located on at least one of the first layer and the third layer. The adhesive may be applied in a pre-selectable pattern over the first and / or third layers.

[0063] Alternatively, the first and second leg elastic members are sandwiched between the first and third layers and bonded by a weld-bonding. The weld-bonding may comprise pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weld-bond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastic element in a leg elastic member, as described in the above in relation to the elastomeric strand. The first and second leg elastic members may be sandwiched between the first and third layers and bonded by a weld-bonding such that the first and second leg elastic members are bonded without use of adhesive. Alternatively, the first and second leg elastic members may be sandwiched between the first and third layers and bonded by a weld-bonding and with an adhesive bonding. The leg elastic member comprises at least one elastic element, e.g. in the form of a string, thread, strand or band. As used herein the terms “elastic” and “elastomeric” are used in parallel. Each leg elastic member may comprise a plurality of individual elastic elements, such as 2 to 15 individual elastic elements, 2 to 10 individual elastic element or 2 to 6 individual elastic elements. The individual elastic elements may be applied spaced apart from each other along the leg edges. The individual elastic elements may be located at equal distances from each other or may have varying interspaces. Typically, the individual elastic elements in the at least one of the front panel and the back panel are attached in a stretched condition. Accordingly, in a relaxed state, they contract, typically causing local pleats in the at least one of the front panel and the back panel.

[0064] If the article comprises a third layer, the first layer and the third layer may be bonded to each other by adhesive located on at least one of the first layer, the third layer and the first and second leg elastic members. The third layer may be bonded to the same side of the first layer as the second layer, preferably the first layer forming the outward-facing side of the article. There may thereby be a small overlap between the third layer and the second layer. The overlap may have a length along the longitudinal axis being less than 10%, preferably less than 7% or less than 5% of a total longitudinal length of the front or back panel. For example, the overlap may have a length within the range of 5 to 15 mm.

[0065] Optionally, the third layer may be made of the same nonwoven material as the first layer or as the second layer. For example, the third layer may be cut from the same nonwoven web as the first layer or as the second layer.

[0066] Optionally, the leg elastics zone further comprises at least one leg zone elastic strand extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction and being sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer, preferably the leg zone elastic strands being bonded by adhesive located on at least one of the first layer, the third layer and the leg zone elastic strands, more preferably the leg zone elastic strands being bonded by the same adhesive as the first and second leg elastic members. Alternatively, the leg zone elastic strands may be sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer and bonded by weld-bonding. The leg zone elastic strands provide elasticity in the leg elastic zone in a corresponding way as the elastomeric strands of the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone.

[0067] Optionally, the first leg elastic member ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge and the second leg elastic member ends at or in the vicinity of the second leg edge. Thereby, the first and the second leg elastic members may be made independent of the side seam, i.e. they are not included in the side seam. This differs from prior art solutions, in which the leg elastic members end in the side seam and thereby are included in the side seam. Thereby, a shorter length of leg elastic member may be used as compared to an article of the same size according to prior art. This makes the material cost of the article according to the invention lower.

[0068] Preferably, the first leg edge and the second leg edge each extends in a transversal direction away from the crotch section and in a longitudinal direction away from the side seam.

[0069] The first leg elastic member ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge, and the second leg elastic member ends at or in the vicinity of the second leg edge. The first leg edge and the second leg edge each defines a part of a respective leg opening as set out in the above. Thereby the end of the respective leg elastic member may be located at the very edge of the leg edge, e.g. if the leg elastic member is fully adhered to the material of the at least one of the front panel and the back panel. Alternatively, the end of the respective leg elastic member may be slightly retracted from the very edge of the leg edge, such as within a range of between 0 and 20 mm, or 3 and 10 mm, due to the pull-back effect of the elasticity when the pulling force used during manufacturing of the disposable absorbent pant-type article is released. The first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member are typically mirror-images of each other.

[0070] Hence, the first and the second leg elastic member has a respective end that is located at or in the vicinity of the respective leg edge. These ends of the first and the second leg elastic member are facing away from the absorbent assembly, i.e. these ends are distant from the absorbent assembly. As described herein, the first and the second leg elastic member may also have a respective end facing the absorbent assembly, i.e. these ends are located at or in the vicinity of the absorbent assembly.

[0071] Optionally, the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member end with a respective cut end. Hence, the at least one elastic member has been cut. Thereby, the leg elastic member has a distinct end. Preferably, the cutting of the leg elastic member is performed when making the leg cut during manufacturing of the disposable absorbent pant-type article.

[0072] Optionally, the waist edge of the front panel and / or the waist edge of the back panel are cut edges. The first layer and the second layer are cut in one single cutting step, as will be explained in the below. In the cut waist edges, the edge of the first layer and the edge of the second layer are coterminous. Hence, the edge of the first layer and the edge of the second layer of the front panel and back panel, respectively, are located at the same position or substantially the same position, such that neither the first layer protrudes alone, nor the second layer protrudes alone, with substantially meaning being with less than 0.1 mm. In that case, there is no fold at the waist opening. Instead, the waist edge of the front panel is a cut edge of the front panel, and the waist edge of the back panel is a cut edge of the back panel. Consequently, the step of folding the waist used when manufacturing some prior art articles may be omitted, which leads to increased manufacturing speed and / or lowered manufacturing cost. Further, any extra folded waist band or separate waist panel at the waist opening may be omitted.

[0073] During production of the front / back panel materials, controlling the positioning of the elastomeric strands as well as the cutting through the first layer web (to form the first layer) and second layer web (to form the second layer) may be made in a very precise fashion. This means that the relationship between the elastomeric strand closest to the waist edge, and the cut edge forming the waist edge, may be precisely controlled such that there is no, or a very small risk of the elastomeric strand deviating from the waist edge and being exposed rather than bonded between the first and second layers.

[0074] If the waist edge were instead to be formed e.g. by the edges of the original first layer web and the second layer web (without cut), then the exact relative positioning of the elastomeric strand closest to the waist edge and the waist edge would rely on the precision in the feeding of the outermost edge of the first layer web and the second layer web. It has been found that such feeding is less reliable, a problem which has been solved in prior art articles by always providing a fold at the waist edge, either such that one of the first layer web and the second layer web is folded around the outermost elastomeric strand, or by applying a separate folded strip over the edges of the first layer web and the second layer web. Thus, the outermost elastic strand is secured between the first layer and the second layer by means of the waist fold in the prior art.

[0075] By having cut waist edge, the waist edge may be free from folds. Accordingly, the waist fold known from prior art may be omitted. Still, the elastic strand closest to the waist edge may be arranged at a relatively short distance from the waist fold. Further, the weld-bonding may be applied over the first layer web and the second layer web prior to the webs being cut to form the cut waist edge, meaning that the weld bonding may be made without suffering from any edge effects, and weld bonding adjacent the cut waist edge will be regular and strong so as to securely hold first and second layers together all the way to the waist edge. Furthermore, with the elastomeric strands being attached by weld-bonding rather than by adhesive, the elastomeric strands may be attached close to the cut edge since there is no risk that the adhesive interferes with the cutting or ends up outside of the cut edge.

[0076] It will be understood that the weld-bonding is applied also in the region between the elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge, and the cut edge, so as to bond the first and second layer.

[0077] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article,

[0078] A method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article, such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant, the article comprising a front panel, a back panel, and a crotch section being located between the front panel and the back panel, the method comprising: M110: Feeding a bottom layer web in a machine direction,

[0079] M120: Feeding a top layer web in the machine direction,

[0080] M130: Feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction,

[0081] M140: Weld-bonding the bottom layer web to the top layer web into a combined web, thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands between the bottom layer web and the top layer web, the continuous elastomeric strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the machine direction, and being spaced apart from each other in a cross direction, being perpendicular to the machine direction, the weld-bonding being formed by using a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines, each weld-bond line comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements in the weld-bond lines comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weld-bond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands, wherein each weld-bond line of the combined web consists of a first straight portion having a first angle to the cross direction being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, and a second straight portion having a second angle to the cross direction, the second angle having the same absolute value as the first angle but the reverse sign, the first straight portion and the second straight portion being joined by an angle change portion,

[0082] M150: Cutting the combined web in the machine direction to form a first laminate web material and a second laminate web material,

[0083] M160: Positioning the first laminate web material in a position corresponding to one of a front panel or a back panel of the article,

[0084] M170: Positioning the second laminate web material in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel or the back panel of the article,

[0085] M180: Intermittently providing crotch sections, optionally comprising absorbent assemblies, spaced apart in the machine direction, thereby forming a composite web of interconnected precursor articles, M190: Folding the composite web along a fold line extending in the machine direction, thereby bringing a waist edge of the first laminate web material into alignment with a waist edge of the second laminate web material,

[0086] M200: Forming first and second side seams in each precursor article, thereby joining the first laminate web material with the second laminate web material, the side seams being formed in the cross direction along dividing lines between the precursor articles,

[0087] M210: Severing individual articles from the composite web of precursor articles.

[0088] The method described herein may be utilized to manufacture the disposable absorbent pant-type article described herein. Thereby, method steps corresponding to the features of the article as described herein may be added to the method.

[0089] The machine direction may also be called travel direction or direction of travel. The cross direction, also called cross-machine direction is perpendicular to the machine direction. The weld-bonding may be performed by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding. However, ultrasonic welding is preferred.

[0090] The bottom layer web and the top layer web are typically nonwoven web materials.

[0091] The bottom layer web and the top layer web are formed by two separate webs, but it may also be feasible that they are taken from the same web, which is cut in the machine direction to form the bottom layer web and the top layer web.

[0092] Optionally, the method further comprises steps of applying leg elastic members.

[0093] Optionally, in step M150, the cutting is made within 60 mm from a centre of the angle change portion, preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 20 mm, most preferably at or substantially at the angle change portion.

[0094] Optionally, the weld-bonding of step M140 comprises using a linear array of ultrasonic horns, each ultrasonic horn operating over a horn width portion of the combined web as seen in the cross direction. Step M150 may then comprise cutting the combined web at a location being at a distance of at least 10 mm from a side of a horn width portion as seen in the cross direction preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm. Most preferred, the combined web is cut at a location corresponding to the centre of a horn width portion. The anvil may be the same over the whole linear array of ultrasonic horns.

[0095] Optionally, step M150 comprises:

[0096] - cutting the combined web in the machine direction to form a first laminate web material and a second laminate web material each having a cut edge, step M160 comprises:

[0097] - positioning the first laminate web material in a position corresponding to one of a front panel or a back panel of the article, such that the cut edge forms a cut waist edge of that panel, and step M160 comprises:

[0098] - positioning the second laminate web material in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel or the back panel of the article, such that the cut edge forms a cut waist edge of that panel.

[0099] In that case, there is no need to make a fold at the waist edge. Instead, the waist edge is formed by a cut edge for each of the front panel and the back panel, i.e. made by cutting the combined web in the machine direction. Consequently, the step of folding the waist used when manufacturing some prior art articles may be omitted, which leads to increased manufacturing speed and / or lowered manufacturing cost. Optionally, step M150 comprises cutting the combined web such that a distance from the cut edge to the continuous elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm. Preferably, the cutting is performed such that the distance from the cut edge at the waist opening to the elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm for each of the front panel and the back panel.

[0100] Weld bonding

[0101] Numerous techniques are known for forming elastic laminates by a first layer being attached to a second layer by weld-bonding, wherein the elastomeric strands are attached between the first layer and the second layer by means of the weld-bonding. Thereby, welded bond patterns are known which may be used for attaching elastic strands between two layers. For example, the welded bond pattern may comprise pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weld-bond elements being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand, for attaching each of the elastomeric strands.

[0102] In some variants, such pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements are applied so as to retain the elastomeric strand primarily by friction and / or clamping the elastomeric strand. The elastic strands are applied between the top and bottom layers in a stretched state and the top and bottom layers are bonded to each other while the elastic strands are held in the stretched state. In the stretched state, the elastic strands have a smaller diameter than in a relaxed or non-tensioned state. Thereby, the elastic strands will be mechanically trapped as the stretched elastic strands are allowed to relax and their diameters increase.

[0103] For example, the pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements are arranged such that, each of the elastomeric strands is anchored in a passage defined between such a pair of adjacent weld-bond elements, wherein the passage is smaller than the diameter of the elastomeric strand when in a nontensioned state. The elastic strands are applied between the top and bottom layers in a stretched state and the top and bottom layers are bonded to each other while the elastic strands are held in the stretched state. In the stretched state, the elastic strands have a smaller diameter than in a relaxed or non-tensioned state. Thereby, the elastic strands will be mechanically trapped as the stretched elastic strands are allowed to relax and resume their non-tensioned diameter.

[0104] In some variants, the application of pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements involves melting of at least one out of the top layer, the bottom layer and the elastic strands, such that the pairs of adjacent weldbond elements also involve a fusion connection between the top and / or bottom layer and the elastic strand.

[0105] The weld-bonding pattern may be formed by ultrasonic bonding or heat bonding, also called, thermobonding, the weld-bond elements being formed by locally heating the layers which are bonded together to cause thermoplastic material in the laminated layers to soften or melt and subsequently consolidate in the weld-bond elements.

[0106] Advantageously, the weld-bond pattern comprises ultrasonically formed weld-bond elements.

[0107] The welded bond pattern may for example be created using a bonding system such as described in e.g. EP 4 025 412 A1 or EP 3 519 162.

[0108] The weld-bond pattern may comprise a plurality of discrete weld-bond elements, the weld-bond elements being arranged in a regular bonding pattern. For example, the discrete weld-bond elements may form a pattern of uniformly distributed discrete weld-bond elements.

[0109] Adhesive bonding

[0110] Numerous techniques are also known for forming elastic laminates by a first layer being attached to a second layer by adhesive, wherein the elastomeric strands are attached between the first layer and the second layer by means of the adhesive.

[0111] Adhesive bonds may be applied to one or more out of the first layer, the second layer, and the elastomeric strands. To this end, prior known adhesive techniques may be used.

[0112] For example, adhesive may be applied to one or more out of the first layer, the second layer, and the elastomeric strands.

[0113] For elastomeric strands being arranged in a transversal direction, it may be preferred and sufficient that the adhesive is applied to the elastomeric strands.

[0114] For elastomeric strands extending in the transversal and the longitudinal direction, such as leg elastic strands as described herein, adhesive may be applied to the first and / or second layer.

[0115] For example, adhesive may be substantially continuously applied over one of the first and second layers, and adhesive may be applied only in defined regions of the surface of the other one of the first and second layers. The defined regions have a size and distribution so as to overlap the elastic members i.e. the leg elastic members.

[0116] The same adhesive or different adhesives may be used.

[0117] For example, a second adhesive may substantially continuously over one of the first and second layers, and a first adhesive may be applied in the defined regions of the other one of the first and second layers. For example, the second adhesive may be different from the first adhesive in that the second adhesive is more fast consolidating than the first adhesive. The first adhesive may be intended for attachment of elastic members and the second adhesive may be intended for lamination of webs.

[0118] Materials

[0119] At least one, preferably each, out of the layers described herein may comprise or consists of a sheet of a nonwoven material.

[0120] The nonwoven material may contain thermoplastic fibers, preferably the nonwoven material contains at least 50% thermoplastic fibers and more preferably at least 80% thermoplastic fibers.

[0121] The nonwoven material layers or webs may be of any suitable nonwoven material such as spunbond, air laid, wet laid, carded, electrospun or meltblown nonwovens. The nonwoven material may be bonded by any suitable technique, such as by needling, hydroentangling, ultrasonic welding, or thermobonding.

[0122] The fibers of the nonwoven materials used herein may be man-made fibers, natural fibers or mixtures of man-made and natural fibers. Man-made fibers include mono-component, bi-component and multicomponent fibers of polymers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyacrylates, etc., as well as regenerated fibers such as viscose fibers and modal fibers. Natural fibers are for instance cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, cotton fibers, flax, hemp, etc.

[0123] For layers that are bonded by ultrasonic bonding or heat bonding, the nonwoven materials which are used to form the layers should contain a sufficient percentage of thermoplastic fibers to allow the bond elements to be formed. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers for use in the nonwoven webs as disclosed herein are polyethylene polypropylene and other polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers and polyesters. The weldable nonwoven webs may have a high content of thermoplastic component and preferably contain at least 50% thermoplastic fibers and more preferably at least 80% thermoplastic fibers.

[0124] The nonwoven materials may have a basis weight of from 6 to 26 gsm, such as from 8 to 24 gsm, such as from 10 to 22 gsm.

[0125] The term "elastic strand" or “elastomeric strand” is intended to mean a thread or a strand which is made of elastic material, such as e.g. natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane or styrene block co-polymers or elastane, also referred as to spandex (polyurethane- polyurea copolymer). The elastic strand may be of the elastane type that is available under the trade name "LYCRA", but any suitable elastic strand may be used. The strand may have a linear mass density, dtex, of about 80 to 1200 dtex, for example 80-800 dtex. The elastic strand is elongated during the process of bonding the thread between two layers. It may be elongated from about 30 to about 300% of the initial, non-tensioned original length, for example in the range of 70-250% and specifically in the range of 100-200 % of the initial, non-tensioned original length. The elastic strand may be of a type that is able to tolerate an elongation of at least about 200% without breaking, so that it can be safely used in the production process without risk for breaking.

[0126] The elastic material in the elastomeric strands and / or the leg elastic members arranged may be any suitable elastic material such as natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, such as thermoplastic polyurethane or styrene block co-polymers or elastane, also referred as to spandex polyurethane-polyurea copolymer. The elastic strands and / or the elastic elements of the leg elastic members may be of the elastane type that is available under the trade name “LYCRA”, but any suitable elastic thread may be used.

[0127] The strands may have a linear mass density, dtex, of about 80-1200 dtex.

[0128] The number of elastomeric strands in each panel portion, and the longitudinal spacing between the strands in each panel portion, may be selected so as to provide the panel with suitable elasticity and a good fit.

[0129] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0130] The absorbent articles and the method for their production as disclosed herein will be further explained hereinafter with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0131] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a variant of a disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the invention when being worn by a user;

[0132] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the article in Fig. 1 ;

[0133] Figure 3 shows a planar view of the stretched-out article in Fig. 1 with an absorbent assembly and with open side seams, as seen from an inner surface of the pant-type article;

[0134] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view along the longitudinal direction L of the front panel of the article in Fig. 3;

[0135] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view along the longitudinal direction L of the back panel of the article in Fig. 3;

[0136] Figure 6 shows a sectional view along the transverse direction T along the front panel of the article of Fig. 1 in a semi-relaxed state;

[0137] Figure 7 shows a portion of front panel of the article of Fig. 1 in a stretched state;

[0138] Figure 8 shows a schematic view to illustrate a method according to the invention;

[0139] Figure 9 shows a detail of Fig. 8 with weld-bond lines and cut lined indicated; and Figure 10 shows a variant of Fig. 8;

[0140] Figure 11 shows a schematic view to illustrate a method according to the invention for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article including further steps as compared to Fig. 8; Figure 12 shows steps M110-M140 of Figure 11 in detail;

[0141] Figure 13 shows steps M150-M170 of Figure 11 in detail; and

[0142] Figure 14 shows steps M140-M150 of Figure 11 in detail.

[0143] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0144] Different aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the enclosed drawings. The embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein.

[0145] The drawings are schematic and the disposable absorbent pant-type article which shown in the figures is a simplified article. It is to be understood that the article may contain further features, such as barrier cuffs, disposal means, etc. The side seams may be reclosable side seams, and the pant-type article may be provided with fastener elements to provide reclosability of the side seams.

[0146] The disposable absorbent pant-type may be a pant diaper, a sanitary pant, an incontinence pant, etc.

[0147] The method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type as disclosed herein is described in the context of a disposable absorbent pant-type comprising an absorbent assembly. However, it is to be understood that the method is equally applicable to the production of articles which do not comprise a pre-fabricated absorbent assembly. The method as disclosed herein is useful in the production of any type of disposable pant-type article, such as adult incontinence articles, baby diapers, training pants, swim-pants, disposable underpants, sanitary pants for feminine use, etc.

[0148] With initial reference to Figs. 1-7, there is shown a variant of a disposable absorbent pant-type article 1 in the form of a pant-type incontinence article for adult users. The pant-type article 1 has a longitudinal direction L and a transversal direction T. The pant-type article 1 is shown in Fig.1 when worn by a user, in Fig. 2 in an assembled condition ready for use, and in Fig. 3 in an unfolded and flat condition with side seams 20, 21 opened up. In Fig. 3, all elastic elements and components are shown in an extended state, such that the pant-type article 1 appears generally two-dimensional. Fig. 3 shows the article from an inner, wearer-facing surface of the article 1. Figs. 4 and 5 show sectional views along the longitudinal direction L. Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along the transverse direction T. Fig. 7 shows a portion of the article 1 , as indicated in Fig. 1.

[0149] Any measurements of distances and dimensions are made with the pant-type article 1 in the fully stretched-out, non-gathered condition, as shown in Fig. 3 , if not otherwise stated. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “longitudinal” or “longitudinally” as used herein refer to the longitudinal direction L of the pant-type article 1 and the terms “transversal”, “transverse” or “transversely” refer to the transversal direction T of the pant-type article 1. Further terms like above, below, upper, lower used when describing details of the article are referring to the article 1 when worn by a standing user, i.e. a perspective as shown in Fig. 1. As used in the below description, the terms “elastic” and “elastomeric” are used in parallel.

[0150] The pant-type article 1 comprises a front panel 3, a back panel 4, and a crotch section 5. The crotch section 5 is located between and joining the front panel 3 and the back panel 4.

[0151] The article 1 of the illustrated embodiment further comprises an absorbent assembly 6, which is arranged in the crotch section 5, and which extends in the longitudinal direction L, forwards in over the front panel 3 and rearwards in over the back panel 4. The absorbent assembly 6 bridges a gap between the front and back panels 3, 4. The absorbent assembly 6 which is shown in Figs. 1-3 is a separately produced component, which comprises an absorbent core 7, a liquid permeable topsheet 73 and a liquid impermeable backsheet 72. The absorbent core 7 is sandwiched between the topsheet 73 and the backsheet 72.

[0152] The absorbent assembly 6 is arranged with a central part 6c of the absorbent assembly 6 being located in the crotch section 5, a front-end part 6f of the absorbent assembly 6 overlapping with the front panel 3 in a front overlap zone and a rear-end part 6r of the absorbent assembly 6 overlapping with the back panel 4 in a rear overlap zone.

[0153] The absorbent core 7 which is shown in the figures has a rectangular shape. However, the disclosure is not limited to rectangular-shaped cores, and it is to be understood that the absorbent core may have any useful shape, such as hourglass shape, T-shape, etc., as known in the art.

[0154] The absorbent assembly 6 is applied on the inner surface of the pant-type article 1 , the inner surface being the surface which is intended to be facing the wearer when the pant-type article 1 is being worn. The inner surface of the absorbent assembly 6 is formed by the liquid permeable topsheet 73. The absorbent assembly 6 may optionally include barrier cuffs, not shown, extending along the side edges of the absorbent assembly 6.

[0155] The topsheet 73 and the backsheet 72 may each extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent core 7 and may be joined to each other in an edge seal extending along the periphery of the absorbent core 7 outward of a peripheral edge of the absorbent core 7. Furthermore, a peripheral edge portion of the absorbent assembly 6 may be formed by only one of the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0156] Absorbent core

[0157] The absorbent core 7 is disposed between the topsheet 73 and the backsheet 72 to absorb liquid, such as urine or other bodily fluids, which has passed through the topsheet 73. The topsheet 73, backsheet 72 and the absorbent core 7 may consist of any materials suitable for their purposes. An absorbent core 7 as disclosed herein may comprise any conventional material suitable for absorbing discharged bodily wastes, such as cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers super absorbents, absorbent foam materials including hydrogel-foam material, absorbent nonwoven materials, or the like.

[0158] The absorbent core 7 may be a single-layer structure or may be a layered structure. The absorbent core 7 may comprise suitable amounts of superabsorbent material. Such superabsorbent material is well known in the field of absorbent articles and is constituted by water-swellable and water-insoluble material which is capable of absorbing large quantities of fluid upon formation of a hydrogel. The absorbent core 7 may contain superabsorbent material in the form of fibres or particles of absorbent polymer material. For example, the superabsorbent material may be surface cross-linked, partially neutralized polyacrylates. The superabsorbent material e.g., the superabsorbent fibres or particles, may be mixed with other absorbent or liquid uptake material or materials, such as cellulose fluff pulp, and / or be arranged in pockets or layers in the absorbent core 7.

[0159] The absorbent core 7 may comprise non-absorbent components, such as stiffening elements, shaping elements, binders, etc. Various types of liquid-receiving and liquid distribution elements can also be included in the core.

[0160] The absorbent core 7 may further comprise components for improving properties of the absorbent core 7, such as integrity and strength. For example, the absorbent core 7 may comprise a binder or binders, such as binder fibres. Resilient fibres, chemically stiffened fibres, etc. may be present in the absorbent core 7 to counteract wet-collapse of cellulosic fibres. Such fibres may also be useful in retaining a fluid transporting capillary network in the absorbent component so that absorbent fluid may be distributed in the absorbent component and be absorbed by superabsorbent material also in parts of the absorbent component outside the initial wetting area of the absorbent article.

[0161] The absorbent core 7 may be a three-dimensionally shaped core and may be provided with features such as embossings, fluid acquisition cavities and fluid distribution channels. Properties of the absorbent core 7, such as density, amount of absorbent material and absorbent capacity, may also be varied in different portions of the absorbent core.

[0162] Topsheet

[0163] The materials which are well suited as topsheet materials are soft and non-irritating to the skin, are readily penetrated by body fluids, and display low rewet.

[0164] The liquid topsheet 73 is a wearer-facing layer and may comprise or consist of a liquid permeable nonwoven material. Other suitable topsheet materials include tow fibres, porous foams, mesh, apertured plastic films and laminates and combinations of such materials. The topsheet may be made from thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic synthetic fibres, film or netting. The topsheet 73 may consist of a single layer or may 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 layers may be made of different materials.

[0165] Backsheet

[0166] The liquid impermeable backsheet 72 may consist of a thin plastic film, e. g. a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impervious material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material which resists liquid penetration or laminates of plastic film and nonwoven. The backsheet material may be breathable to allow vapour to escape from the absorbent body, while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material. The materials which may be used for the backsheet 72 include thin and flexible fluid impermeable plastic films, or fluid impermeable nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates. The backsheet 72 may be formed by a single layer, or may be a multi-layered structure, with at least one layer being fluid impermeable.

[0167] The topsheet and backsheet may be connected to each other for example by adhesive bonding, gluing or welding by heat or ultrasonically. The topsheet and / or the backsheet may further be attached to the absorbent core by any method known in the art, such as adhesive, heat-bonding, welding, needling, etc.

[0168] Elements of article

[0169] The front panel 3 has a front panel waist edge 31 extending in the transversal direction T, a first front panel side edge 32 and a second front panel side edge 33 extending in the longitudinal direction L and a front panel crotch edge 34 extending in the transversal direction T opposite the front panel waist edge 31. On each transversal side of the absorbent assembly 6, the front panel crotch edge 34 forms a first front leg edge 16 and a second front leg edge 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the option that a front panel waist edge 31 is formed by a cut edge is shown. Preferably, the distance from the cut edge at the front panel waist edge 31 to the elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm.

[0170] The back panel 4 has a back panel waist edge 41 extending in the transversal direction T, a first back panel side edge 42 and a second back panel side edge 43 extending in the longitudinal direction L and a back panel crotch edge 44 extending in the transversal direction T opposite the back panel waist edge 41. On each transversal side of the absorbent assembly 6, the back panel crotch edge 44 forms a first back leg edge 18 and a second back leg edge 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the option that the back panel waist edge 41 is formed by a cut edge is shown. Preferably, the distance from the cut edge at the back panel waist edge 41 to the elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm. In the pant-type article 1 shown in the figures, the front panel 3 has been formed from a continuous laminate material web which has been applied in a machine direction MD, corresponding to the transversal direction T of the pant-type article 1, e.g. formed from the first laminate web material 509 described in conjunction with Fisg. 11-14. The front panel 3 thereby extends in the transversal direction T across the pant-type article 1 from the first front panel side edge 32 to the second front panel side edge 33 and extends in the longitudinal direction L from the front waist edge 31 to the front crotch edge 34.

[0171] The back panel 4 has been formed from a continuous laminate material web which has been applied in a machine direction MD corresponding to the transversal direction T of the pant-type article 1, e.g. formed from the second laminate web material 511 described in conjunction with Figs. 11-14 below. The back panel 4 thereby extends in the transversal direction T across the pant-type article 1 from the first back panel side edge 42 to the second back panel side edge 43 and extends in the longitudinal direction L from the back panel waist edge 41 to the back panel crotch edge 44.

[0172] The crotch section 5 is arranged between the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 and is contiguous with the front panel 3 along the front panel crotch edge 34 and is contiguous with the back panel 4 along the back panel crotch edge 44. The extension of the crotch region 5 in the longitudinal direction L is defined as the distance in the longitudinal direction L between the front panel crotch edge 34 and the back panel crotch edge 44.

[0173] The first front panel side edge 33 is intended to be joined to the first back panel side edge 43 in a first side seam 21 and the second front panel side edge 32 is intended to be joined to the second back panel side edge 42 in a second side seam 20, as indicated in Fig. 3, to form a pant-type article 1 having a waist opening 12, a second leg opening 13 and a first leg opening 14, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0174] The waist opening 12 is defined by the front panel waist edge 31 and the back panel waist edge 41.

[0175] The front panel 3 forms a pair of leg edges 16, 17, each leg edge extending transversally on a left or right side, respectively, of the absorbent assembly 6. Similarly, the back panel 4 forms a pair of leg edges 18, 19, each leg edge extending transversally on a left or right side, respectively, of the absorbent assembly 6. Each of the second leg opening 13 and the first leg opening 14 may be defined between a respective left or right leg edge 16, 17 of the front panel 3, of a left or right leg edge 18, 19 of the back panel 4, and of a corresponding first and second longitudinal side 83, 84 of the absorbent assembly 6.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the leg edges 16, 17 of the front panel 3 extends in the transversal direction T only, but it is also feasible that they extend both in the transversal direction T and in the longitudinal direction L. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-5, the leg edges 18, 19 of the back panel 4 extend both in the transversal direction T and in the longitudinal direction L, but it is also feasible that they extend in the transversal direction T only. However, it may be preferred that at least the back panel 4 has leg edges that extend both in the transversal direction T and in the longitudinal direction L, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0177] Further, the front panel and / or the back panel may have a flat front and / or flat back design. This would involve having the elastic strands deactivated in a central area of the front and / or back panel, such that the central portion of the front and / or back panel 3, 4 may assume a natural, substantially ungathered state. Such a flat central portion is typically desirable in the area where the absorbent core 5 overlaps the front and / or back panel 3, 4. For example, an interrupting operation may be performed to cut or destroy the portion of the elastic strands extending over such a central portion of the front and / or back panel at one or more locations.

[0178] The weld-bond elements of the weld-bonding may be distributed over the front and / or panel in the regular bonding pattern over the full area of the front and / or back panel, i.e. , also in any zones with reduced elasticity, such as a flat front or flat back portion. In other words, the bonding pattern is the same in the zone with reduced elasticity as in the other parts of the panel. Instead, the reduced elasticity may be accomplished as mentioned herein by e.g. cutting or destroying the elastic strands.

[0179] Leg elastic members

[0180] At least one out of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 may comprise a pair of leg elastic members arranged adjacent to the corresponding pair of leg edges, herein illustrated as the back panel 4 comprising a pair of leg elastic members 25, 26.

[0181] For example, and as exemplified in the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the back panel 4 of the absorbent article 1 comprises a pair of leg elastic members 25, 26 arranged adjacent to the pair of leg edges 18, 19 of the back panel 4. The leg elastic members 25, 26 are arranged along part of the leg edges 18, 19 of the back panel 4. The leg edges 18, 19 are curved so as to form leg openings comfortably following the legs of wearer. The leg edges 18, 19 being curved implies that the leg edges 18, 19 extend in the transversal direction T and in the longitudinal direction L.

[0182] Each leg elastic member 25, 26 may comprise a plurality of individual elastic elements, such as 2 to 15 individual elastic elements, 3 to 12 individual elastic element or 4 to 10 individual elastic elements. The individual elastic elements may be elastic / elastomeric strings, threads, strands or bands which are applied spaced apart along the rear leg edge sections of the second and first leg edges. The individual elastic elements may be applied spaced apart from each other along the leg edges. The individual elastic elements may be located at equal distances from each other or may have varying interspaces. Typically, the individual elastic elements in the at least one of the front panel and the back panel are attached in a stretched condition. Accordingly, in a relaxed state, they contract, typically causing local pleats in the at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The leg elastic members 25, 26 each extends at least partially in a direction other than parallel with the transversal direction T. Accordingly, the leg elastic members 25, 26 follow the contour of the leg opening 13, 14 so as to allow for an improved fit of the absorbent article around the leg of the wearer.

[0183] For example, at least a part of each leg elastic member 25, 26 may form an angle of at least 20 degrees with the transversal direction T, such as at least 30 degrees with the transversal direction T. For example, at least a part of each leg elastic member 25, 26 may form an angle of from 20 degrees to 60 degrees with the transversal direction T, such as from 30 degrees to 45 degrees with the transversal direction T. For example, as in the variant of the figures, at least a part of each leg elastic member 25, 26 forms an angle of about 40 degrees with the transversal direction T.

[0184] For example, each leg elastic member 25, 26 may form an angle of at least 20 degrees with the transversal direction T over at least 10 % of the total width as seen in the transversal direction T of the back panel 4. For example, each leg elastic member may form an angle as set out in the above over at least 10%, such as at least 20% of the total width of the at least one of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4.

[0185] For example, as may be seen in the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the leg elastic members 25, 26 may substantially follow a curved shape of the leg edges 18, 19.

[0186] The first leg edge 18 has a longitudinal extension Li as seen in the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 . The first leg elastic member 25 ends at a longitudinal position of the first leg edge 18 being located within a range of from 1% to 60%, preferably within a range of from 10% to 50%, more preferably within a range of from 20% to 40%, of the longitudinal extension Li as determined from a lower end 20a of the first side seam 20. Thereby, there is an interspace between the first side seam 20 and the first leg elastic member 25.

[0187] The second leg edge 19 has a longitudinal extension l_2 as seen in the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 , typically the same as the longitudinal extension Li of the first leg edge 18. The second leg elastic member 26 ends at a longitudinal position of the second leg edge being located within a range of from 1% to 60%, preferably within a range of from 10% to 50%, more preferably within a range of from 20% to 40%, of the longitudinal extension l_2,as determined from a lower end 21a of the second side seam 21. Thereby, there is an interspace between the second side seam 21 and the second leg elastic member 26, typically the same as for the first leg edge 18.

[0188] If instead expressed in millimetres, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at a longitudinal position of the first leg edge 18 being located within a range of from 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably within a range of from 10 mm to 70 mm, more preferably within a range of from 20 mm to 55 mm as determined from the lower end 20a of the first side seam 20. The second leg edge 19 ends at a longitudinal position of the second leg edge 26 being located within a range from 1 mm to 80 mm, preferably within a range of from 10 mm to 70 mm, more preferably within a range of from 20 mm to 55 mm.

[0189] Hence, the first leg elastic member 25 extends along a distance being within a range 50%-99% of a length l_3 of the first leg edge 18, preferably 55%-95%, more preferably 60%-90%, and the second leg elastic member 26 extends along a distance being within a range 50%-99% of the length l_4 of the second leg edge 19, preferably 55%-95%, more preferably 60%-90%. Thereby, the lengths l_3, l_4 of the respective leg edge 18, 19 are measured along the leg edge 18, 19 itself following its curvature and thus extend both in the longitudinal L and the transversal T directions.

[0190] Further, the first leg elastic member 25 extends a distance being within a range of 150-300 mm along the first leg edge 18, preferably 165-285 mm, more preferably 180-270 mm and the second leg elastic member 26 extends a distance being within a range of 150-300 mm along the second leg edge 19, preferably 165-285 mm, more preferably 180-270 mm.

[0191] The first leg elastic member 25 extends along a longitudinal length Ls being less than 40% preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 30% of a total longitudinal length WB of the back panel 4, and the second leg elastic member 26 extends along a longitudinal length Le being less than 40% preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 30% of the total longitudinal length WB of the back panel 4.

[0192] As an alternative, however not illustrated, the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member may instead end in the respective side seams.

[0193] In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg elastic member 25 extends from the absorbent assembly 6 to the first leg edge 18 and the second leg elastic member 26 extends from the absorbent assembly 6 to the second leg edge 19. The first and second leg elastic members 18, 19 may also extend below at least part of the absorbent assembly 6, but preferably no leg elastic member extends continuously under the whole width of the absorbent assembly 6. Thereby, the risk of wrinkling the absorbent assembly 6, and in particular the absorbent core 7 by means of leg elastic members 25, 26 going over the whole width of the absorbent assembly 6 and 7 or the absorbent core 7, is avoided. This may be achieved by deliberately interrupting the leg elastic member in a central area of the article, e.g. by cutting it at one or more locations, so as to provide a flat back design (or front design if the leg elastic members 25, 26) are applied to a front panel), similar to what is described in the above for other elastic strands than the leg elastic members. Methods for accomplishing this are described in in WO 2018 / 106160 A1 , to which we refer.

[0194] The article 1 , as an option, further comprises a first and a second crotch elastic member 81 , 82, extending along a first and a second longitudinal side 83, 84 of the absorbent assembly 6. Thereby, the crotch elastic members 81 , 82 form part of the elasticity around the leg openings 13, 14. The crotch elastic members 81 , 82 may comprise at least one elastic element, e.g. in the form of a string, thread, strand or band, illustrated as four elastic strands.

[0195] Front and back panels

[0196] The front panel 3 comprises a front panel laminate comprising a first 3a and a second layer 3b, as may be gleaned in the sectional view of Fig. 3, e.g. manufactured by the method described in conjunction with Figs. 8-14. In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 3 comprises a waist elastics zone 131 and a belly elastics zone 133, whereby the terms waist elastics zone 131 and belly elastics zone 133 relate to positions on the body of the user of the article 1 . The waist elastics zone 131 is intended to be positioned at the waist of the user. The waist elastics zone 131 is located at a waist edge 31 , which in the illustrated embodiment has a cut edge. The belly elastics zone 133 is intended to be positioned at the belly of the user, i.e. below the waist elastics zone 131 as seen in the perspective of Figs. 1-2. The front panel 3 may as an option comprise further zones, such as a leg elastics zone 137 located below the belly elastics zone 133, which option is illustrated in Fig. 2, or an additional zone between the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, not illustrated.

[0197] The font panel 3 comprises a plurality 300 of elastomeric strands which are sandwiched between the first layer 3a and the second layer 3b. The elastomeric strands are aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction T and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. They are elastically stretchable in the transversal direction T. The elastomeric strands 300 provide the overall elastic stretchability of the front panel 3. The first layer 3a is attached to the second layer 3b by weld-bonding, the plurality 300 of elastomeric strands being attached between the first layer 3a and the second layer 3b by means of the weld-bonding.

[0198] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality 300 of elastomeric strands comprises a first set 300a of elastomeric strands located in the waist elastics zone 131 and a second set 300b of elastomeric strands located in the belly elastics zone 133. Preferably, the same type of elastomeric strands is used for both the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, as in the illustrated embodiment. Being of the same type includes at least one of comprising the same polymer, having the same cross- sectional shape, having the same diameter and having the same elasticity properties. There is substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands 300a in the waist elastics zone 131 and substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands 300b in the belly elastics zone 133. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the interspaces between adjacent elastomeric strands are smaller in the first set 300a than in the second set 300b. Thereby, the waist elastics zone 131 is more elastic than the belly elastics zone 133.

[0199] As an alternative, or a complement, to obtain a different degree of elasticity in the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, the elastomeric strands of the first set 300a and the second set 300b may be of different kinds, e.g. having different elastic properties and / or different cross-sectional area. Instead of having two distinct sets of elastomeric strands in the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, like the illustrated first set 300a and second set 300b, there may be the same elasticity over the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, or there may be gradual change of elasticity as seen in the longitudinal direction L. The gradual change of elasticity may e.g. be obtained by successively decreasing the interspace between the elastic strands, the closer they are to the waist edge 31 .

[0200] As mentioned above, the front panel further comprises the leg elastics zone 137 located below the belly elastics zone 133. In the illustrated embodiment, a third set 300c of elastomeric strands provide the leg elastics zone 137 with elasticity. Preferably, the same type of elastomeric strands is used in the leg elastics zone 137 as for both the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, as in the illustrated embodiment. The third set 300c may comprise a relatively low number of elastic strands, such as from 1 to 8, or from 2 to 6 or from 3 to 5. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the interspaces between adjacent elastomeric strands are smaller in the third set 300c than in the second set 300b, e.g. the same as in the first set 300a. Thereby, the leg elastics zone 137 is more elastic than the belly elastics zone 133.

[0201] The pant-type article 1 further comprises a back panel 4, which comprises a back panel laminate, e.g. manufactured by the method described in conjunction with Figs. 11-14. In the illustrated embodiment, and in a corresponding way as for the front panel 3, the back panel 4 comprises a waist elastics zone 231 and of a belly elastics zones 233. The waist elastics zone 231 is located at a waist edge 41 , which has a cut edge.

[0202] As exemplified in Fig. 3 and as may be gleaned in Fig. 5, showing a section in a direction along the longitudinal axis L of the back panel 4 in Fig. 3 just outside the absorbent assembly 6, the back panel 4 comprises a bottom layer 4a and a top layer 4b being superimposed such that, in the back panel 4, the bottom layer 4a forms a bottom side surface and the top layer 4b forms a top side surface of the back panel 4. In the article, either the bottom layer 4a or the top layer 4b may form the inner side, i.e. , the side against the wearer. By virtue of having only two layers, the back panel 4 may be formed to be relatively thin and without using unnecessary amounts of material. That no additional layers of web material are present in the back panel 4 may be advantageous in terms of breathability, comfort, sustainability, and economics.

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, the back panel 4 comprises a waist elastics zone 231 and a belly elastics zone 233, whereby the terms waist elastics zone 231 and belly elastics zone 233 relate to positions on the body of the user of the article 1 in a corresponding way as for the front panel 3.

[0204] The back panel 4 comprises a plurality 400 of elastomeric strands which are elastically stretchable in the transversal direction T. The elastomeric strands 400 are aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction T and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. They are elastically stretchable in the transversal direction T. The elastomeric strands 400 provide the overall elastic stretchability of the back panel 4. The first layer 4a is attached to the second layer 4b by weld-bonding, the plurality 400 of elastomeric strands being attached between the first layer 4a and the second layer 4b by means of the weld-bonding.

[0205] In a corresponding way as for the front panel 3, the plurality 400 of elastomeric strands comprises a first set 400a of elastomeric strands located in the waist elastics zone 231 and a second set 400b of elastomeric strands located in the belly elastics zones 233. Preferably, the same type of elastomeric strands is used for both the waist elastics zone 231 and the belly elastics zones 233, as in the illustrated embodiment. There is substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands 400a in the waist elastics zone 231 and substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands 400b in the belly elastics zone 233. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the interspaces between adjacent elastomeric strands are smaller in the first set 400a than in the second set 400b. Thereby, the waist elastics zone 231 is more elastic than the belly elastics zone 233.

[0206] In both the front panel 3 and the back panel 4, a respective plurality 300, 400 of elastomeric strands is sandwiched between the first layer 3a, 4a and the second layer 3b, 4b, the elastomeric strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction T and being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. The first layer 3a, 4a is attached to the second layer 3b, 4b by weld-bonding, the elastomeric strands being attached between the first layer 3a, 4a and the second layer 3b, 4b by means of the weld-bonding, as may be gleaned in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0207] The weld-bonding is formed by a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of regularly arranged weldbond lines 601 , which may be seen in Figs. 6 and 7. The weld-bond lines 601 extend in parallel with each other. Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the article 1 of Fig. 1 taken along the transverse direction T in a semi-relaxed state. Fig. 7 shows a portion of the front panel 3 in magnification in a stretched state. The semi-relaxed state of Fig. 6 corresponds to the article 1 when worn by a user. A fully- relaxed state corresponds to the article 1 taken by itself, without being worn or exposed to any external force. In the stretched state, as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, the front panel 3 is stretched to a flat state. This corresponds to a situation during manufacturing, when the weld-bond pattern is applied.

[0208] Each weld-bond line 601 of both the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 comprises a plurality of weldbond elements 603 intermittently arranged after each other along the weld-bond line 601. The plurality of weld-bond elements 603 comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements 605a, 605b. The adjacent weld bond-elements 605a, 605b in a pair are provided on each side of an elastomeric strand 607 of the plurality of elastomeric strands 300. Thereby, the elastomeric strand 607 is individually attached. The weld-bond elements 603 are preferably arranged such that the elastomeric strands are mechanically trapped between the pair of weld-bond elements 605a, 605b. For example, each of the elastomeric strands of the plurality of elastomeric strands may be mechanically trapped between the adjacent weld-bond elements of a plurality of pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements. This may e.g. be obtained by the pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements being provided on each side of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands so as to form a passage between the first and second layers, which passage has a cross-section less than the diameter of the elastomeric strand in a relaxed state. For example, the pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements provided on each side of the elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands may have an interspace being less than the diameter of the elastomeric strand in a relaxed state.

[0209] The weld-bond lines 601 of the front panel 3 form a first angle ai to the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 , which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length L of the front panel 3 extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams 20, 21 , the first angle ai being within the range of 0.5° to 15°. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle ai is the same over the whole length of the first and second side seams 20, 21 , as may be gleaned in Fig. 1.

[0210] In a corresponding way, the weld-bond lines of the back panel 4 form a second angle 02 to the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 , which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the back panel 4 extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams, the second angle 02 having the same absolute value as the first angle ai, i.e. 02 = |ai |. In the illustrated embodiment, the second angle ct is the same over the whole length of the first and second side seams 20, 21.The sign of the second angle 02 in relation to the sign of the first angle ai depends on how the second laminate web is positioned when producing the article, cf. the method described herein.

[0211] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-7, each weld-bond line 601 of both the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 is a continuous straight line. Then there is no change of angle along the weld-bond lines 601.

[0212] The weld-bond elements 603 have a first extension ei taken in the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 being less than 0.5 mm, such as within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. These measures, as well as the other measures disclosed herein, are taken in a fully stretched state of the article 1 , as shown in Fig.

[0213] 7, if not otherwise stated. Hence, these measures correspond to dimensions of components of the manufacturing device. The weld-bond elements 603 have a second extension 62 in the transverse direction T of the article 1 being within a range of 0.3 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 to 1 .5 mm. The weldbond elements 603 of each weld-bond line 601 are spaced apart from each other as seen along the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 with a distance di being less than 0.5 mm, such as within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. This results in a cc-distance d2 along the weld-bond line being less than 1.0 mm, preferably within a range of 0.4 to 1 .0 mm. The weld-bond lines 601 have a c-c distance ds as seen in the transverse direction T of the article 1 being within a range of 2-8 mm, preferably 4-8 mm. The sectional view of Fig. 6 is taken in the transverse direction T of the article 1 . The view is taken as cutting through a number of weld-bond elements 603 of adjacent weld-bond lines 601 , as indicated in Fig. 7. In the view also the elastomeric strand 607 is seen, but as described herein, it is located in between a pair of adjacent weld-bond elements 605a, 605b and is hence not present at the sectional cut itself. When the elastomeric strand 607 relaxes, as in the semi-relaxed state of Fig. 6, i.e. when being worn by a user, the elastomeric strand 607 contracts. Thereby, the first layer 3a and the second layer 3b of the front panel 3 move out of the plane of the elastomeric strand 607, such that they form pleats or folds 609a, 609b, which may also be seen in Fig. 1. The first layer 3a and the second layer 3b have pleats facing in opposite directions when in the relaxed state, i.e. one of the layers facing outwards has pleats facing outwards and the other layer facing inwards has pleats facing inwards.

[0214] The portion of the article 1 shown in Fig. 7 also illustrates that, in the illustrated embodiment, the interspaces ii between adjacent elastomeric strands of the first set 300a, i.e. of the waist elastics zone 131, are smaller than the interspaces i2 between adjacent elastomeric strands of the second set 300b, i.e. in the belly elastics zone 133, the interspaces being taken as cc-distances in the longitudinal direction L. There is a plurality of weld-bond elements 603 located between the elastomeric strands 607. In the schematical illustration, there are two weld-bond elements between the elastomeric strands of the first set 300a and six weld-bond elements between the elastomeric strands of the second set 300b.

[0215] However, as seen from the dimensions of weld-bond elements, interspaces between weld-bond elements, and interspaces between elastic threads proposed herein, the number of weld-bond elements between each elastic strand would in most cases be greater than what is shown in the schematical illustration.

[0216] As may be gleaned from Fig. 7, the web elements may be provided such that there are at least two weld-bond elements between the elastic strand closest to the cut waist edge, and the waist edge. Thus, the elastic strand is safely secured inside the cut edge. For example, there may be at least three weld-bond elements or at least four weld-bond elements between the elastic strands closest to the cut waist edge, and the waist edge.

[0217] In the illustrated embodiment, the bonding of each of the waist elastic zone 131 , 231 and the belly elastics zone 133, 233 of each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 is free from adhesive. Preferably, not only the bonding, but the whole of the waist elastic zone 131 , 231 and the belly elastics zone 133, 233 of each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 is free from adhesive.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, see Figs. 3 and 5, the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26 are sandwiched between the first layer 4a and a third layer 4c of the back panel 4, which are bonded to each other. The first layer 4a and the third layer 4c may be bonded to each other by adhesive located on at least one of the first layer 4a, the third layer 4c and the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26. The adhesive may e.g. be applied in a pre-selectable pattern over the first and / or second layers 4a, 4b. The third layer 4c is bonded to the same side of the first layer 4a as the second layer 4b, such that there is a small overlap 4d between the third layer 4c and the second layer 4b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 4a forms the outward-facing side of the article 1 .

[0219] The third layer 4c may be made of the same nonwoven material as the first layer 4a or as the second layer 4b. For example, the third layer 4c may be cut from the same nonwoven web as the first layer 4a or as the second layer 4b, as is further described below in conjunction with Fig. 8.

[0220] In the illustrated embodiment, a leg elastics zone 237 comprises at least one leg zone elastic strand, e.g. in the range of 1 to 8, or 2 to 5 leg zone elastic strands 400c extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction T and being sandwiched between the first layer 4a and the third layer 4c. The leg zone elastic strands 400c may be bonded by adhesive located on at least one of the first layer 4a, the third layer 4c and the leg zone elastic strands 400c, more preferably the leg zone elastic strands being 400c may be bonded by the same adhesive as the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26. The leg zone elastic strands 400c provide elasticity in the leg elastic zone 237 in a corresponding way as the elastomeric strands 400a, 400b of the waist elastics zone 231 and the belly elastics zone 233.

[0221] In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge 18 and the second leg elastic member 26 ends at or in the vicinity of the second leg edge 19. Thereby, the first and the second leg elastic members 25, 26 may be made independent of the side seams 21 , 22, i.e. they are not included in the side seams 21 , 22. Thereby the end of the respective leg elastic member 25, 26 may be located at the very edge of the leg edge 18, 19, e.g. if the leg elastic member 25, 26 is fully adhered to the material of the at least one of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4. Alternatively, the end of the respective leg elastic member 25, 26 may be slightly retracted from the very edge of the leg edge, such as within a range of between 0 and 20 mm, or 3 and 10 mm, due to the pull-back effect of the elasticity when the pulling force used during manufacturing of the article 1 is released. As yet an alternative, however not illustrated, the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member may instead end in the respective side seams.

[0222] Optionally, the first leg elastic member 25 and the second leg elastic member 26 end with a respective cut end, as in the illustrated embodiment. Thereby, the leg elastic member 25, 26 has a distinct end. Preferably, the cutting of the leg elastic member is performed when making the leg cut during manufacturing of the disposable absorbent pant-type article, as is further described below in conjunction with Figs. 8-14.

[0223] The first leg elastic member 25 and the second leg elastic member 26 are typically mirror-images of each other. The first and the second leg elastic members 25, 26 also have a respective end facing the absorbent assembly 6, i.e. these ends are located at or in the vicinity of the absorbent assembly 6. Even if the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-7, as well as the methods of Figs. 8-10 and Figs. 11-14, illustrate additional features, such as a cut waist edge and cut curved elastic leg members 25, 26, the weld-bond pattern as disclosed herein is also applicable in embodiments without those additional features, i.e. with leg elastics and / or a waist feature according to prior art.

[0224] Figs. 8-10 illustrates some main steps of a method according to the invention for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article, such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant. These steps are also described below in conjunction with Figs. 11-13, as well as some further steps. The method may be utilized to manufacture disposable absorbent pant-type articles according to claim 1 , e.g. the article 1 described in conjunction with Figs. 1-7. The article 1 comprises a front panel 3, a back panel 4, and a crotch section 5 being located between the front panel 3 and the back panel 4, wherein an absorbent assembly 6 optionally is arranged with a central part of the absorbent assembly 6 being located in the crotch section 5. Please see Figs. 6, 9 and 10 as regards details of the weldbond pattern.

[0225] The method comprises:

[0226] M110: Feeding a bottom layer web 801 in a machine direction MD, M120: Feeding a top layer web 803 in the machine direction MD, M130: Feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 805 in the machine direction MD, M140: Weld-bonding the bottom layer web 801 to the top layer web 803 to a combined web 807, thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 805 between the bottom layer web 801 and the top layer web 803, the continuous elastomeric strands 805 being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the machine direction MD, and being spaced apart from each other in the cross direction CD, the weld-bonding being formed by using a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines 601 , each weld-bond line 601 comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements 603 arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements 603 in the weld-bond lines 601 comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements 605a, 605b, the adjacent weld-bond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand 607 of the plurality of elastomeric strands 805, wherein each weld-bond line 601 of the combined web 807 consists of a first straight portion 609 having a first angle QA to the cross direction CD being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, and a second straight portion 611 having a second angle QB to the cross direction CD, the second angle QB having the same absolute value as the first angle QA but the reverse sign, the first straight portion 609 and the second straight portion 611 being joined by an angle change portion 613,

[0227] M150: Cutting the combined web 807 in the machine direction MD to form a first laminate web material 809 and a second laminate web material 811 ,

[0228] M160: Positioning the first laminate web material 809 in a position corresponding to one of a front panel 3 or a back panel 4 of the article 1 ,

[0229] M170: Positioning the second laminate web material 811 in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel 3 or the back panel 4 of the article 1 , M180: Intermittently providing crotch sections 5, optionally comprising absorbent assemblies 6, spaced apart in the machine direction MD, thereby forming a composite web 819 of interconnected precursor articles,

[0230] M190 (not shown in Fig. 8, but illustrated in Fig. 11): Folding the composite web 819 along a fold line extending in the machine direction MD, thereby bringing a waist edge of the first laminate web material 809 into alignment with a waist edge of the second laminate web material 811 ,

[0231] M200 (not shown in Fig. 8, but illustrated in Fig. 11 ): Forming first and second side seams 523, 525 in each precursor article, thereby joining the first laminate web material 809 with the second laminate web material 811 , the side seams 523, 525 being formed in the cross direction CD along dividing lines between the precursor articles 521 ,

[0232] M210 (not shown in Fig. 8, but illustrated in Fig. 11 ): Severing individual articles 527 from the composite web of precursor articles 521.

[0233] The method described herein may be utilized to manufacture the disposable absorbent pant-type article described herein.

[0234] The weld-bonding may be performed by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding, with ultrasonic welding typically being preferred

[0235] The bottom layer web 801 and the top layer web 803 are typically nonwoven web materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom layer web 801 and the top layer web 803 are formed by two separate webs, but it may also be feasible that they are taken from the same web, which is cut in the machine direction to form the bottom layer web and the top layer web.

[0236] According to the method of the invention, there is no need to make a fold at the waist edges 31 , 41 of the article 1. Instead, the waist edges 31 , 41 may be formed by cut edges 813, 815 made by cutting the combined web 807 in the machine direction MD for each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4. Consequently, the step of folding the waist used when manufacturing some prior art articles may be omitted, which leads to increased manufacturing speed and / or lowered manufacturing cost.

[0237] Further, there is no need for a folded waist band or separate waist panel being added at the waist edge. Consequently, no additional material, such as a folded waist band or a separate waist panel is needed. This makes the material cost lower than for prior art articles and also simplifies manufacturing, which leads to increased manufacturing speed and / or lowered manufacturing cost.

[0238] In the method of Fig. 8, in which ultrasonic welding preferably is used for the weld-bonding, step M140 comprises making pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements 605a, 605b, see Fig. 9, the adjacent weldbond elements 605a, 605b in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand 607 comprised in the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 805, see Figs. 6 and 9. In Fig. 8, it is schematically illustrated how the steps M160: positioning the first laminate web material 809 in a position corresponding to one of a front panel 3 or a back panel 4 of the article and M170: positioning the second laminate web material 811 in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 of the article may be performed after the cutting of the combined web 807. These steps may be performed in numerous different manners, optionally including the turning of the first laminate web material 809 and / or the second laminate web material 811 . Depending on whether one or more of the first laminate web material 809 and the second laminate web material 811 is / are turned, the second angle 02 of the article will be the positive first angle a 1 or the negative first angle ai, as will be understood from the description in the below.

[0239] Further, step M150 may comprise, as is illustrated, cutting the combined web 807, such that a distance dwi, dw2 from the cut edge 813, 815 to the continuous elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge 813, 815 is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm for each of the first laminate web material 809 and the second laminate web material 811 , i.e. for each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 of the article 1 , as is best seen in Fig. 9.

[0240] In the variant illustrated in Figs. 8-9, a cut-line 615, in which the combined panel 807 is cut into the first laminate web material 809 and the second laminate web material 811 , is positioned in the angle change portion 613. This may correspond to the combined web 809 being cut at a symmetry line 617 of the weld-pattern running in the machine direction MD. Hence, in the resulting article 1 , the first angle ai is the same, or substantially the same, over the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams 20, 21. Thereby, the first angle ai, located in the front panel 3 of the article 1 , corresponds to the first angle QA of the combined web 809. Correspondingly, the second angle c(2 is the same, or substantially the same, over the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams 20, 21. Further, QB = -OA. Thereby, the second angle 02, located in the back panel 4 of the article 1 , corresponds to the second angle QB of the combined web 809 or to a negative second angle OB, depending on how the second laminate web material 811 is positioned in relation to the first laminate web material 809 when forming the absorbent article. The angle change portion 613 may be blunt. It may have a width within the range of 0-5 mm or 0-4 mm as seen in the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 , corresponding to the cross-machine direction CD during manufacturing.

[0241] In Fig. 9, a plurality of continuous elastic strands are schematically illustrated in relation to the weldpattern. In the schematic illustration, two elastomeric strands are illustrated on each side of the cut-line 615. These four strands are comprised in a first group of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction MD intended to form a waist elastics zone of the article. Also in Fig. 9, one continuous elastic strand is illustrated on a first side of the first group of strands, schematically representing a second group of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction, intended to form a first belly elastics zone in the front panel 3 of the article. Another continuous elastic strand is illustrated on the other side of the first group of strands, and schematically represents the a third group of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction, intended to form a second belly elastics zone in the back panel 4 of the article.

[0242] Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment, in which the cut line 615’ is spaced apart from the angle change portion 613’. This may correspond to the combined web 809 being cut along the cut line 615’ being spaced apart from the symmetry line 617’, both lines 615’, 617’ running in the machine direction MD. Hence, in the resulting article of this embodiment, not illustrated as an article herein, the first angle ai is the same, or substantially the same, over a length extending at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams 20, 21, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, but in this embodiment less than 100%. Thereby, the first angle ai, located in the front panel 3 of the article 1 , corresponds to the first angle QA of the combined web 809. The second angle c(2 is the same, or substantially the same, over the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams 20, 21. Thereby, the second angle c(2, located in the back panel 4 of the article 1, corresponds to the second angle QB of the combined web 809, or to the negative second angle OB, depending on how the second laminate web material 811 is positioned in relation to the first laminate web material 809 when forming the absorbent article . Further, the straight portion 609’ of the weldbond line 601 being located between the cut line 615’ and the symmetry line 617’ also forms a straight portion 619', corresponding to a second straight line portion of the front panel 3, having a third angle 03 to the longitudinal direction L of the article 1 , which corresponds to the cross-direction CD in Fig. 8. The third angle 03 of the front panel 3 corresponds to the second angle OB of the combined web 809. Hence, Further, 03 = OB = -OA.

[0243] Even if Fig. 10 illustrates that the angle change portion 613’ is located in the first laminate web material 809, it would also be feasible that the angle change portion is located in the second laminate web material 811. In that case, the straight portion of the weld-bond line being between the cut line and the symmetry line would form a straight portion, corresponding to a second straight line portion of the back panel 4, having a fourth angle to the longitudinal direction L of the article 1. The fourth angle of the back panel 4 would then correspond to the first angle QA of the combined web 809.

[0244] However, it is generally preferred to cut the combined web 809, such that the cut-line 615, in which the combined panel 807 is cut into the first laminate web material 809 and the second laminate web material 811 , is located at the symmetry line 617, as illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0245] In Fig. 10, a plurality of continuous elastic strands are schematically illustrated in relation to the weldpattern. In the schematic illustration, four elastomeric strands are illustrated on each side of the cutline 615. The eight strands 5 closest to the cut-line 61 are comprised in a first group of continuous elastomeric strands intended to form a waist elastics zone of the article (one waist elastics zone in the front panel and one waist elastics zone in the back panel). Also in Fig. 10, one continuous elastic strand is schematically illustrated on one side of the first group of strands, schematically representing a second group of continuous elastomeric strands, intended to form a first belly elastics zone in the front panel 3 of the article. Two continuous elastic strands are illustrated on the other side of the first group of strands, schematically representing a third group of continuous elastomeric strands, intended to form a second belly elastics zone in the back panel 4 of the article.

[0246] In Figs 9 and 10, similar to in Fig. 7, the weld-bond elements are schematically illustrated. As will be understood from the dimensions of weld-bond elements, interspaces between weld-bond elements, and interspaces between elastic threads proposed herein, the number of weld-bond elements between each elastic strand would in most cases be greater than what is shown in the schematical illustration.

[0247] However, as illustrated in figs 9 to 10, the first group of continuous elastomeric strands intended to form a waist elastics zone in the front panel and a waist elastics zone in the back panel of the article may have a longitudinal interspace between the weld-bond elements being less than the longitudinal interspace in the second and third group of elastomeric strands, intended to form a belly elastics zone in the front panel and a belly elastics zone in the back panel, respectively.

[0248] The first group of continuous elastomeric strands may be arranged with a constant longitudinal interspace between each strand. In this case, cutting along the cut-line between two adjacent of the first group of elastomeric strands will result in a cut waist edge with a distance to the strand closest to the thread being approximately half the interspace between each strand.

[0249] In other variants, such as exemplified in Figs 9 and 10, the first group of continuous elastomeric strands may form a first sub-group of elastomeric strands to form the waist elastics zone of the front panel, and a second sub-group of elastomeric strands to form the waist elastics zone of the back panel. A longitudinal interspace between the two sub-groups may be greater than the longitudinal interspace between adjacent strands in each sub-group.

[0250] For example, it may be desired that the distance between the elastic strand closest to the cut waist edge and the cut waist edge is at least 3 mm, such as at least 4 mm.

[0251] Moreover, it should be understood that in manufacturing elastic laminates according to the methods as proposed herein, even when the weld pattern comprises bond lines with uniform weld-bond elements being distributed with a constant interspace as seen along the longitudinal direction, a constant longitudinal interspace between adjacent strands in a plurality of elastic strands, this need not necessarily imply that the number of weld-bond elements between adjacent strands is always constant. Instead, manufacturing tolerances allow for the number of weld-bond elements between adjacent strands to vary slightly, although the resulting longitudinal interspacing between adjacent strands may be the same.

[0252] Figs. 11-14 illustrate a method according to the invention for producing a disposable absorbent panttype article, such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant. The steps illustrated in Fig. 8 form steps of the method of Figs. 11-14. The method may be utilized to manufacture disposable absorbent pant-type articles 1 like the ones described herein, the article 1 comprising a front panel 3, a back panel 4, and a crotch section 5 being located between the front panel 3 and the back panel 4, wherein an absorbent assembly 6 optionally is arranged with a central part of the absorbent assembly 6 being located in the crotch section 5. Fig. 11 shows an overview of the whole method, while Fig. 12 shows steps M110-M140 in detail, Fig. 13 shows steps M150-M170 in detail and Fig. 14 shows details of step M140.

[0253] The method comprises:

[0254] M110: Feeding a bottom layer web 501 in a machine direction MD, M120: Feeding a top layer web 503 in the machine direction MD, M130: Feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 in the machine direction MD, M140: Weld-bonding the bottom layer web 501 to the top layer web 503 to a combined web 507, thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 between the bottom layer web 501 and the top layer web 503, the continuous elastomeric strands 505 being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the machine direction MD, and being spaced apart from each other in the cross direction CD, the weld-bonding being formed by using a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines 601 , each weld-bond line 601 comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements 603 arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements 603 in the weld-bond lines 601 comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements 605a, 605b, the adjacent weld-bond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand of the plurality of elastomeric strands 505, wherein each weld-bond line 601 of the combined web 507 consists of a first straight portion 609 having a first angle QA to the cross direction CD being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, and a second straight portion 611 having a second angle QB to the cross direction CD, the second angle QB having the same absolute value as the first angle QA but the reverse sign, the first straight portion 609 and the second straight portion 611 being joined by an angle change portion 613,

[0255] M150: Cutting the combined web 507 in the machine direction MD to form a first laminate web material 509 and a second laminate web material 511 ,

[0256] M160: Positioning the first laminate web material 509 in a position corresponding to one of a front panel 3 or a back panel 4 of the article 1 ,

[0257] M170: Positioning the second laminate web material 511 in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel 3 or the back panel 4 of the article 1 ,

[0258] M180: Intermittently providing crotch sections 5, optionally comprising absorbent assemblies 6, spaced apart in the machine direction MD, thereby forming a composite web 519 of interconnected precursor articles 521,

[0259] M190: Folding the composite web 519 along a fold line extending in the machine direction MD, thereby bringing a waist edge of the first laminate web material 509 into alignment with a waist edge of the second laminate web material 511 , M200: Forming first and second side seams 523, 525 in each precursor article 521 , thereby joining the first laminate web material 509 with the second laminate web material 511, the side seams 20, 21 being formed in the cross direction CD along dividing lines between the precursor articles 521 , M210: Severing individual articles 1 from the composite web 519 of precursor articles 521.

[0260] The method of Figs. 11-14 may be utilized to manufacture the disposable absorbent pant-type article described herein. Even if the illustrated embodiment of Figs 1-7, as well as the methods of Figs 8-10 and Figs 11-14, illustrate additional features, such as a cut waist edge and cut curved elastic leg members 25, 26, the method steps as disclosed herein are also applicable in a method without those additional features, as is in the claimed method.

[0261] The weld-bonding may be performed by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0262] The bottom layer web 501 and the top layer web 503 are typically nonwoven web materials.

[0263] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom layer web 501 and the top layer web 503 are formed by two separate webs, but it may also be feasible that they are taken from the same web, which is cut in the machine direction to form the bottom layer web and the top layer web.

[0264] Optionally, in step M150, the cutting is made within 60 mm from a centre of the angle change portion 613, preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 20 mm, most preferably at or substantially at the angle change portion 613, see Figs. 9 and 10.

[0265] Optionally, the weld-bonding of step M140 comprises using a linear array of ultrasonic horns 557a, 557b, 557c, each ultrasonic horn 557a, 557b, 557c operating over a horn width portion hw of the combined web 507 as seen in the cross direction CD, see Fig. 14. Step M150 may then comprise cutting the combined web 507 at a location being at a distance hi , h2 of at least 10 mm from a side of a horn width portion as seen in the cross direction, preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm. However, it is preferred that the combined web 507 is cut at a location corresponding to the centre of a horn width portion. The anvil, not illustrated, may be the same over the whole linear array of ultrasonic horns 557a, 557b, 557c.

[0266] According to the method of the invention, a step of folding at the waist edges 31 , 41 of the article 1 may be omitted. Instead, the waist edges 31 , 41 may be formed by cut edges 513, 515 made by cutting the combined web 507 in the machine direction MD for each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4. Consequently, the step of folding the waist used when manufacturing some prior art articles may be omitted, which leads to increased manufacturing speed and / or lowered manufacturing cost.

[0267] Further, there is, as an option, no application of a folded waist band or separate waist panelat the waist edge. Consequently, no additional material, such as a folded waist band or a separate waist panel is needed. This makes the material cost lower than for prior art articles and also simplifies manufacturing, which leads to increased manufacturing speed and / or lowered manufacturing cost.

[0268] In the method of Figs. 11-14, in which ultrasonic welding is used for the weld-bonding, step M140 comprises making pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weld-bond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand comprised in the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505, as described in conjunction with Figs 8-9.

[0269] Further, for the illustrated article 1 , step M150 comprises cutting the combined web 507 such that a distance from the cut edge 513, 515 to the continuous elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge 513, 515 is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm for each of the first laminate web material 509 and the second laminate web material 511 , i.e. for each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 of the article 1.

[0270] Optionally, step M130 comprises:

[0271] M130a: Feeding a first group 529 of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction MD intended to form a waist elastics zone 131 , 231 of the article 1 ,

[0272] M130b: Feeding a second group 531 of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction MD, intended to form a first belly elastics zone 133 of the article 1 , the second group 531 being located at one side of the first group 529 as seen in a cross direction CD, being perpendicular to the machine direction MD,

[0273] M130c: Feeding a third group 533 of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction MD, intended to form a second belly elastics zone 233 of the article 1 , the third group being 533 located at the other side of the first group 529 as seen in the cross direction CD, the first, second and third groups 529, 531, 533 being comprised in the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 of step M130, and wherein step M140 comprises:

[0274] - attaching the first, second and third groups 529, 531 , 533 of continuous elastomeric strands between the bottom layer web 501 and the top layer web 503, the first group 529 being located between the second 531 and the third group 533 as seen in the cross direction CD, and wherein step M150 comprises:

[0275] - cutting the combined web 507 in the machine direction MD within the first group 529 of continuous elastomeric strands, preferably at the centre of the first group 529 of continuous elastomeric strands, to form the first laminate web material 509 and the second laminate web material 511 , the first laminate web material 509 having a waist elastics zone 535 comprising a portion of, preferably half of, the first group 529 of continuous elastomeric strands and a belly elastics zone 537 comprising the second group 531 of continuous elastomeric strands, the second laminate web material 511 having a waist elastics zone 539 comprising the rest of, preferably the other half of, the first group 529 of continuous elastomeric strands and a belly elastics zone 541 comprising the third group 533 of continuous elastomeric strands. Optionally, the elastomeric strands are of the same type in the second and third groups 531 , 533. Optionally, the elastomeric strands are of the same type in the first 529, second 531 and third 533 groups. Being of the same type includes at least one of comprising the same polymer, having the same cross-sectional shape, having the same diameter and having the same elasticity properties.

[0276] Steps M130a, M130b and M130c may comprise feeding the second and third groups 531 , 533 of continuous elastomeric strands at the same state of stretch. Steps M 130a, M130b and M130c may comprise feeding the first, second and third groups 529, 531 , 533 of continuous elastomeric strands at the same state of stretch.

[0277] Optionally, an interspace between adjacent continuous elastomeric strands is less in the first group 529 than in the second and third groups 531 , 533. The interspace is taken as the c-c distance between the adjacent elastomeric strands. Preferably there is the same interspace, or substantially the same interspace, between all elastomeric strands of the first group 529 and the same interspace, or substantially the same interspace between all elastomeric strands of the second and third groups, 531 , 533. Please see the comments to Fig. 7 above.

[0278] As an option, illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the method further comprises:

[0279] M130d: Feeding a fourth group 543 of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction MD, and step M140 further comprises:

[0280] - Attaching the fourth group 543 of continuous elastomeric strands between the bottom layer web 501 and the top layer web 503, such that the continuous elastomeric strands of the fourth group 543 are aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the machine direction MD, and being spaced apart from each other in the cross direction CD, the second group 531 being located between the first 529 and the fourth group 543, as is illustrated, or the third group being located between the first and the fourth group.

[0281] There may be at least one elastomeric strand in the fourth group 543. The at least one elastomeric strand in the fourth group 543 may be used to form the leg zone elastic strands of the article 1 described herein, which extend substantially or completely in the transversal direction of the article. In the illustrated article 1 of Figs. 1-7, the fourth group 543 forms the third set 300c of elastomeric strands providing the leg elastics zone 137 of the front panel 3 with elasticity.

[0282] The method further comprises providing curved leg elastics:

[0283] L110: Feeding a first web 545 in the machine direction MD,

[0284] L120: Feeding a second web 547 in the machine direction MD,

[0285] L130: Feeding a continuous leg elastic member 549 comprising at least one elastic element, L140: Positioning the continuous leg elastic member 549, such that it extends at least partly in an extension direction being both in the cross direction CD and the machine direction MD, L150: Bonding the first web 545 to the second web 547 to form a leg opening web 551 , thereby sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member 549 between the first web 545 and the second web 547,

[0286] L160: Making leg cuts 555 at a side edge 553 of the leg opening web 551 , the leg cuts 555 being positioned between the absorbent assemblies 517 as seen in a machine direction MD.

[0287] In the illustrated embodiment, the first web 545 is a portion of the combined web 507, wherein the first web 545 comes from a portion of the combined web 507 comprising only the bottom layer web 501. Hence, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom layer web 501 has been cut in such a way in step M150, that, in the second laminate web material 511 , there is a first portion comprising the weld- bonded elastomeric strands intended to form one of the panels of the article 1 , here the back panel 4, and a second portion, not comprising any weld-bonded elastomeric strands and having no overlap with the top layer web 503, intended to form the first web 545 of the steps of providing curved leg elastics.

[0288] Alternatively, but not illustrated, the first web may come from a portion of the combined web comprising only the top layer web.

[0289] In the illustrated embodiment, step L150 comprises attaching the continuous leg elastic member 549 on the same side of the combined web 507 as the side the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands of step M140 is attached to. Typically, the continuous leg elastic member is attached to an upper side of the combined web 507. Hence, step L150 is downstream of step M 140 as seen in the travel direction, also called the machine direction MD.

[0290] In case the first web is a portion of one of the bottom layer web or the top layer web, step L150 may comprise attaching the continuous leg elastic member 549 on the same side of the one of the bottom layer web or the top layer web as the side the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 of step M 140 is attached to. Typically, the continuous leg elastic member 549 is attached to an upper side of the one of the bottom layer web or the top layer web, illustrated in Figs. 11-14 as the continuous leg elastic member 549 being attached to the upper side of the bottom layer web 501 .

[0291] In that case, step M140 may comprise, as is illustrated in Fig. 11:

[0292] - Positioning the combined web 507, such that the other side of the combined web 507 forms an inside or an outside of the article, illustrated as the lower side of the combined web 507 forming an outside of the article 527.

[0293] In the illustrated embodiment, where the first web 545 is a portion of the bottom layer web 501 , step M140 may comprise, as is illustrated:

[0294] - Positioning the bottom layer web 501 , such that the other side of the bottom layer web 501 forms an outside of the article. Hence, the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 will be located at one side of the botom layer web typically the upper side, while the other side, typically the lower side, forms an inside or an outside of the article, illustrated as the lower side of the combined web 507 forming an outside of the article 527.

[0295] Alternatively, the first web 545 may be a portion of the top layer web, and step M140 may comprise: - Positioning the top layer web, such that the other side of the top layer web forms an inside or an outside of the article.

[0296] Optionally, the method may further comprise:

[0297] L115: Cuting the bottom layer web 501 or the top layer web 503 in the machine direction MD to form the second web 547. Step L115 is typically performed before step M140.

[0298] In the illustrated embodiment, the top layer web 503 is cut in the machine direction MD to form the second web 547.

[0299] Step L150 comprises bonding the first web 545 and the second web 547 to each other by applying adhesive on at least one of the first web 545, the second web 547 and the continuous leg elastic member 549.

[0300] Optionally, step L160 comprises cutting through the continuous leg elastic member 549, as is illustrated in Fig. 11 . Thereby, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at the first leg edge 18 or in the vicinity of the first leg edge 18 and the second leg elastic member 26 ends at the second leg edge 19 or in the vicinity of the second leg edge 19, as seen in the article 1 of Figs. 1-7. Accordingly, the first and the second leg elastic members 25, 26 may be made independent of the side seams 523, 525 , i.e. they are not included in the side seam applied in step M200. Further details of the cut continuous leg elastic members 25, 26 are given herein in conjunction with describing the article 1.

[0301] For the purposes of the present disclosure, and unless otherwise explicitly mentioned, lengths, widths and other dimensions of a product are measured with the product in a flattened-out state on a flat surface, the product is stretched out such that the portions to which the elastics strands are arranged are completely flatened out. The measures obtained in such a stretched out state may correspond to the measures as obtained if the elastics were deactivated. The lengths, widths and other dimensions is then determined to the nearest 1 mm with for example a conventional ruler.

[0302] When the determination is to be made to the nearest 0.1 mm, aids such as a light table or a microscope with a length scale can suitably be used. Dimensions relating to the weld-bond elements discussed herein are preferably measured with microscope with a length scale to the nearest 0.1 mm.

[0303] When using different weld bonding techniques, such as ultrasonic weld bond techniques, with the intention and equipment to form uniform weld-bond elements, the resulting weld-bond elements may still display slight variations. Nevertheless, such weld-bond elements should be deemed to be “substantially uniform”. When determining a dimension of such substantially uniform weld-bond elements, the relevant dimension may be individually measured on a number of individual weld-bond elements, such as on 20 weld-bond elements, and the relevant dimension may be determined by taking a mean value of the individual measurements made.

[0304] As described in the above, a bond line includes a plurality of intermittently arranged weld-bond elements. When determining the extension of a bond line, a suitable measurement point of the weldbond elements in the bond line may be selected. The suitable measurement point should be a point in the weld-bond element that may be relatively easily defined for each weld bond element. For example, a suitable measurement point of the weld-bond elements may be the centre of each weld bond element. Other options may be e.g. a transversal end point or a corner point of each weld bond element. Then, a line is drawn to be the best fit to the selected measurement points of the weld-bond elements in the bond line.

[0305] For the purposes of the present disclosure, and unless otherwise explicitly mentioned, lengths, widths and other dimensions of an element relate to the maximum length or width of the element.

[0306] While examples of different variants have been described in the above with reference to the drawing, other variants and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. For example, shapes and sizes of the absorbent articles are not limited to the shapes and sizes shown in the drawings. Moreover, features and explanations as described in relation to one of the variants disclosed herein may be applied to or combined with other variants disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A disposable absorbent pant-type article (1 ), such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant, the article (1 ) having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction (L) and a transversal extension along a transversal direction (T), the article (1 ) comprising- a front panel (3),- a back panel (4), and- a crotch section (5), being located between and joining the front panel (3) and the back panel (4), the front panel (3) being joined to the back panel (4) by a first side seam (20) and a second side seam (21), such that the article (1 ) forms- a waist opening (12), defined by a waist edge (31) of the front panel (3) and a waist edge(41) of the back panel (4),- a first leg opening (13), defined by a first leg edge (16) of the front panel (3) and a first leg edge (18) of the back panel (4), and- a second leg opening (14), defined by a second leg edge (17) of the front panel (3) and a second leg edge (19) of the back panel (4), the front panel (3) and the back panel (4) each comprising a first layer (3a, 4a) and a second layer (3b, 4b), a plurality of elastomeric strands (300; 400) being sandwiched between the first layer (3a; 4a) and the second layer (3b; 4b), the elastomeric strands (300; 400) being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction (T) and being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), the first layer (3a, 4a) being attached to the second layer (3b, 4b) by weld-bonding, the elastomeric strands being attached between the first layer (3a, 4a) and the second layer (3b, 4b) by means of the weld-bonding, the weld-bonding being formed by a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines (601 ), each weld-bond line (601 ) comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements (603) arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements (603) in the weld-bond lines (601) comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements (605a, 605b), the adjacent weld bond-elements (605a, 605b) in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand (607) of the plurality of elastomeric strands, the weld-bond lines of the front panel (3) form a first angle (ai) to the longitudinal direction (L) of the article (1 ), which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel (3) extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams (20, 21 ), the first angle (ai ) being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, the weld-bond lines of the back panel (4) form a second angle (ck) to the longitudinal direction (L) of the article (1 ), which is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the47back panel (4) extending over at least 70% of the length of the first and second side seams (20, 21), the second angle (ck) having the same absolute value as the first angle (ai).

2. The article according to claim 1 , wherein the first angle (ai ) is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel (3) extending over at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams (20, 21 ).

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second angle (02) is the same, or substantially the same, over a longitudinal length of the front panel (3) extending over at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably the whole or substantially the whole, of the length of the first and second side seams (20, 21).

4. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first angle (ai ) is within the range of 1.0° to 10°, preferably 1.5° to 8°, more preferably 2° to 6°, most preferably 2.5° to 5°.

5. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each weld-bond line (601) of the front panel (3) and / or the back panel (4) is a continuous straight line.

6. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for the front panel (3) each weld bond line comprises a first straight line portion (609’) forming the first angle (a1 ) and a second straight line portion (619’) forming a third angle (03) having the same absolute value as the first angle (ai) but reverse sign, the first and second straight line portions (609’, 619’) being joined at an angle change portion (613’).

7. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for the back panel (4) each weld bond line comprises a first straight line portion forming the second angle (02) and a second straight line portion forming a fourth angle (cu) having the same absolute value as the second angle (02) but reverse sign, the first and second straight line portions being joined at an angle change portion.

8. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article comprises a front panel (3) with each weld-bond line being a continuous straight line and a back panel (4) according to claim 7, or the article comprises a back panel (4) with each weld-bond line being a continuous straight line and a front panel (3) according to claim 6.

9. The article according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein a centre of the angle change portion (613) is located within 60 mm, preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 20 mm, from an upper48edge of the front panel (3) or the back panel (4).

10. The article according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein the front panel (3) and the back panel (4) each comprises a waist elastics zone (131 ; 231 ) and a belly elastics zone (133; 233), the angle change portion (613) being located in the waist elastics zone (131 ; 231 ), or in a transition between the waist elastics zone (131; 231 ) and the belly elastics zone (133; 233) .11 . The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld-bond elements (603) have a first extension (ei) taken in the longitudinal direction (L) of the article (1 ) being less than 0.5 mm, such as within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

12. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld-bond elements have a second extension (62) in the transverse direction (T) of the article (1) being within a range of 0.3 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 to 1 .5 mm.

13. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld-bond elements (603) of each weld-bond line (601) are spaced apart from each other as seen along the longitudinal direction (L) of the article (1 ) with a distance (di ) being less than 0.5 mm, such as within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

14. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weld-bond lines have a c-c distance (ds) as seen in the transverse direction (T) of the article (1 ) being within a range of 2-8 mm, preferably 4-8 in a fully stretched state of the article.

15. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel (3) and the back panel (4) each comprises a waist elastics zone (131 ; 231 ) and a belly elastics zone (133; 233), the weld-bonding of the waist elastic zone (131 ; 231) and / or the belly elastics zone (133; 233) of the front panel (3) and / or the back panel (4) being free from adhesive, preferably the waist elastic zone (131 ; 231 ) and / or the belly elastics zone (133; 233) of the front panel (3) and / or the back panel (4) being free from adhesive.

16. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomeric strands are of the same type in the waist elastics zone (131 ; 231 ) and in the belly elastics zone (133; 233) for the front panel (3) and / or of the back panel (4).

17. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands is less in the waist elastics zone (131; 231) than in the belly elastics zone (133; 233) of the front panel (3) and / or of the back panel (4), preferably the plurality of elastomeric strands in the front panel (3) and / or the back panel (4) comprises a first set (300a; 400a) of elastomeric strands located in the waist elastics zone (131 ; 231 ) and a second set (300b; 400b) of49elastomeric strands located in the belly elastics zone (133; 233), an interspace between adjacent elastomeric strands being less in the first set (300a; 400a) than in the second set (300b; 400b).

18. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an interspace (h) between adjacent elastomeric strands in the waist elastics zone (131 ; 231 ) is within a range of 2-12 mm.

19. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an interspace 02) between adjacent elastomeric strands in the belly elastics zone (133; 233) is within a range of 2-35 mm, such as from 2-20 mm, 5-20 mm or 10-20 mm.

20. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel (3) and / or the back panel (4) comprises a leg elastics zone (237) with a first leg elastic member (25), arranged along the first leg edge (18), and a second leg elastic member (26), arranged along the second leg edge (19), wherein each leg elastic member (25, 26) comprises at least one elastic element extending both in the transversal direction (T) and in the longitudinal direction (L), the first and second leg elastic members (25, 26) being sandwiched between a third layer (4c) and the first layer (4a), the first and third layers (4a, 4c) being bonded to each other.21 . The article according to claim 20, wherein the first layer (4a) and the third layer (4c) are bonded to each other by adhesive located on at least one of the first layer (4a), the third layer (4c) and the first and second leg elastic members (25, 26).

22. The article according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the third layer (4c) is made of the same nonwoven material as the first layer (4a) or as the second layer (4b).

23. The article according to any one of claims 20-22, wherein the third layer (4c) is bonded to the same side of the first layer (4a) as the second layer (4b), preferably the first layer (4a) forming the outward-facing side of the article (1 ).

24. The article according to any one of claims 20-23, wherein the leg elastics zone (237) further comprises at least one leg zone elastic strand (400c) extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction (T) and being sandwiched between the first layer (4a) and the third layer (4c), preferably the leg zone elastic strands (400c) being bonded by adhesive located on at least one of the first layer (4a), the third layer (4c) and the leg zone elastic strands (400c), more preferably the leg zone elastic strands (400c) being bonded by the same adhesive as the first and second leg elastic members (25, 26).

25. The article according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein the first leg elastic member (25) ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge (18) and the second leg elastic member (26) ends at or in the50vicinity of the second leg edge (19).

26. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waist edge (31 ) of the front panel (3) and / or the waist edge (41 ) of the back panel (4) are cut edges.

27. A method for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article (1 ), such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant, the article comprising a front panel (3), a back panel (4), and a crotch section (5) being located between the front panel (3) and the back panel (4), the method comprising:M110: Feeding a bottom layer web (501 ) in a machine direction (MD), M120: Feeding a top layer web (503) in the machine direction (MD), M130: Feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands (505) in the machine direction (MD), M140: Weld-bonding the bottom layer web (501 ) to the top layer web (503) into a combined web (507), thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands (505) between the bottom layer web (501 ) and the top layer web (503), the continuous elastomeric strands (505) being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the machine direction (MD), and being spaced apart from each other in a cross direction (CD) being perpendicular to the machine direction (MD), the weld-bonding being formed by using a weld-bond pattern comprising a plurality of weld-bond lines (601), each weld-bond line (601 ) comprising a plurality of weld-bond elements (603) arranged after each other, wherein the plurality of weld-bond elements (603) in the weld-bond lines (601) comprises pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements (605a, 605b), the adjacent weld-bond elements (605a, 605b) in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand (607) of the plurality of elastomeric strands (505), wherein each weld-bond line (601 ) of the combined web (507) consists of a first straight portion (609) having a first angle (aA)to the cross direction (CD) being within the range of 0.5° to 15°, and a second straight portion (611 ) having a second angle (OB) to the cross direction (CD), the second angle (OB) having the same absolute value as the first angle (QA) but the reverse sign, the first straight portion (609) and the second straight portion (611 ) being joined by an angle change portion (613),M150: Cutting the combined web (507) in the machine direction (MD) to form a first laminate web material (509) and a second laminate web material (511 ),M160: Positioning the first laminate web material (509) in a position corresponding to one of a front panel (3) or a back panel (4) of the article (1 ),M170: Positioning the second laminate web material (511 ) in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel (3) or the back panel (4) of the article (1 ),M180: Intermittently providing crotch sections (5), optionally comprising absorbent assemblies (6), spaced apart in the machine direction (MD), thereby forming a composite web (519) of interconnected precursor articles (521 ),M190: Folding the composite web (519) along a fold line extending in the machine direction (MD),thereby bringing a waist edge of the first laminate web material into alignment with a waist edge of the second laminate web material,M200: Forming first and second side seams (523, 525) in each precursor article (521), thereby joining the first laminate web material (509) with the second laminate web material (511 ), the side seams (523, 525) being formed in the cross direction (CD) along dividing lines between the precursor articles (521 ),M210: Severing individual articles (1 ) from the composite web (523) of precursor articles (525).

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein in step M150, the cutting is made within 60 mm from a centre of the angle change portion (613, 613’), preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 20 mm, most preferably at or substantially at the angle change portion (613).

29. The method according to any one of claims 27-28, wherein the weld-bonding of step M140 comprises using a linear array of ultrasonic horns (557a, 557b, 557c), each ultrasonic horn (557a, 557b, 557c) operating over a horn width portion (hw) of the combined web (507) as seen in the cross direction (CD) and wherein step M150 comprises cutting the combined web (507) at a location being at a distance (hi, h2) of at least 10 mm from a side of a horn width portion as seen in the cross direction (CD), preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 30 mm.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27-29, wherein step M150 comprises:- cutting the combined web (507) in the machine direction (MD) to form a first laminate web material (509) and a second laminate web (511 ) material each having a cut edge (513; 515), step M160 comprises:- positioning the first laminate web material (507) in a position corresponding to one of a front panel (3) or a back panel (4) of the article (1 ), such that the cut edge (513) forms a cut waist edge of that panel, and step M160 comprises:- positioning the second laminate web material (509) in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel (3) or the back panel (4) of the article (1 ), such that the cut edge (515) forms a cut waist edge of that panel.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27-30, wherein step M150 comprises cutting the combined web (507) such that a distance from the cut edge to the continuous elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 7 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm.

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