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 absorbent pant-type article (1), the article comprising a front section (3), a back section (4), and a crotch section (5), the front section (3) being joined to the back section (4) by a first side seam (20) and a second side seam (21), wherein at least one of the front section (3) and the back section (4) is a combined section which comprises a first section portion (E) and a second section portion (F) being connected by a connection region (D), wherein the first section portion (E) comprises a set of elastic strands (400b) being sandwiched between a first bottom layer (4a) and a first top layer (4b) being attached by weld-bonding, and the second section portion (F) comprises a second bottom layer (4a) and a second top layer (4c) wherein s first leg elastic member (25) and s second leg elastic member (26) are sandwiched between the second bottom layer (4a) and the second top layer (4c). In said connection region (D), the second top layer (4c) overlaps with the first top layer (4b). The first side seam (20) and the second side seam (21) each extends over the connection region (D) so as to join the second top layer (4c) and the first top layer (4a) along a seam overlap length (SOL), extending from the first or second leg edge (18, 19), respectively, and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge (31, 41) of the article (1).

Description

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

[0002] DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT PANT-TYPE ARTICLE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure pertains to a disposable absorbent pant-type article comprising a front section and, a back section, and a crotch section located between and joining the front panel and the back section. The present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a disposable absorbent panttype article.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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-bond pattern may be produced by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding. Weld-bonding methods involve the application of a weld bond pattern to bond the pre-tensioned elastomeric threads between the layers of web materials. The weld bonds may be produced by heat bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

[0010] In view of sustainability requirements as well as economic requirements, weld-bonding methods may be preferred since such methods do not require the application of an adhesive. However, in in-line continuous production, certain weld-bonding methods, although suitable for attaching pre-tensioned elements along straight lines, such as along a machine direction of an elastic laminate, the same weld-bonding methods have been found to be difficult to adapt to achieve secure attachment of pretensioned elements that have curved shapes, such as may be the case for pre-tensioned elastic elements used e.g., along all or selected parts of the leg openings of the pant-type articles.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a need to provide for articles and methods that may utilize threaded elastic laminates formed by weld bonding techniques, but still provide articles having both straight and curved elastic elements.

[0012] Further, it has been found that articles comprising a threaded elastic laminate formed by weld-bond methods, where the threaded elastic laminate forms a front or back section of the article, and the front and back section are joined by side seams to form the absorbent article, the threaded elastic laminate risks tearing in a in a corner region formed adjacent the side seams and the leg edges. Such a tear typically starts from the leg edge and extends at least in a longitudinal direction towards the waist opening of the article, and generally along the side seam. The tearing may appear already during production of the articles, or during use of the articles.

[0013] Accordingly, there is a need to provide for articles and methods that may utilize threaded elastic laminates formed by weld bonding techniques, and provide for improved quality and lesser risk of tear.

[0014] Moreover, regardless of the bonding method used, requirements for breathability, adaptability and softness of the threaded laminates impart other requirements to the bonding method, e.g., regarding the size and distribution of the weld-bond elements.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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. SUMMARY

[0017] 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 having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction and a transversal extension along a transversal direction, the article comprising

[0018] - a front section,

[0019] - a back section, and

[0020] - a crotch section, being located between and joining the front section and the back section, wherein an absorbent assembly is arranged with a central part of the absorbent assembly being located in the crotch section ; the front section being joined to the back section by a first front side portion adjacent a first front section side edge being joined to a first back side portion adjacent a first back section side edge in a first side seam, and a second front side portion adjacent a second front section side edge being joined to a second back side portion adjacent a second back section side edge in a second side seam, the first and second side seams being formed by side seam weld-bonding, such that the article forms

[0021] - a waist opening, defined by a waist edge of the front section and a waist edge of the back section,

[0022] - a first leg opening, defined by a first leg edge of the front section and a first leg edge of the back section, and

[0023] - a second leg opening, defined by a second leg edge of the front section and a second leg edge of the back section ; at least one of the front section and the back section is a combined section, wherein the combined section comprises, as seen along the longitudinal direction, a first section portion and a second section portion, the first section portion and the second section portion being connected by a connection region such that the first section portion extends from the connection region and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge of the combined section, and the second section portion extends from the connection region and in a longitudinal direction towards the pair of leg edges of the combined section, the first section portion comprises a set of elastic strands being sandwiched between a first bottom layer and a first top layer, the elastic strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction, and the elastic strands being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the first top layer being attached to the bottom layer by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands being attached between the first bottom layer and the first top layer by means of the weldbonding, and the second section portion comprises a first leg elastic member, arranged along the first leg edge of the combined section, and a second leg elastic member, arranged along the second leg edge of the combined section, wherein each leg elastic member comprises one or more elastic elements extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction, and the second section portion comprises a second bottom layer and a second top layer wherein the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member are sandwiched between the second bottom layer and the second top layer, the second bottom layer and the second top layer being bonded to each other so as to attach the first and second leg elastic members.

[0024] The connection region connects the first section portion and the second section portion. In the connection region, the second top layer overlaps with the first top layer as seen in the thickness direction of the connection region. The connection region extends from the first side edge to the second side edge in the transversal direction, and has a connection region length in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] Further, in said article the first side seam and the second side seam each extends over the connection region so as to join the second top layer and the first top layer along a seam overlap length extending from the first or second leg edge, respectively and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge of the article.

[0026] The first side seam extends substantially from the first leg edge to the waist edge of the combined panel. The second side seam extends substantially from the second leg edge to the waist edge of the combined panel.

[0027] 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. In the present disclosure, the disposable absorbent pant-type article is sometimes referred to as “the pant-type article” or just “the article”.

[0028] 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 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. A thickness direction is defined being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the transversal direction.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the first section portion, the first bottom layer is bonded to the first top layer by weld-bonding. The weld-bonding may comprise ultrasonic bonding or heat bonding, although ultrasonic bonding may be preferred. The weld-bonding may comprise a welded bond pattern attaching the set of elastic strands between the first bottom layer and the first top layer.

[0031] In view of sustainability requirements as well as economic requirements, welding bonding methods may be preferred since such methods do not require the application of an adhesive. However, in inline continuous production, welding bonding methods which are suitable to attach elastic threads running along a straight line (such as along a machine direction MD) have been found to be difficult to adapt to achieve secure attachment of pre-tensioned threads that have curved shapes, such as may be the case for pre-tensioned elastic elements used e.g., along all or selected parts of the leg openings of the pant-type articles.

[0032] However, specific weld-bonding solutions for attaching pre-tensioned threads in a curved shape have been proposed.

[0033] Further, it is well-known how to attach pre-tensioned threads in a curved shape using adhesives.

[0034] By providing a combined section, as proposed herein, wherein the first section portion comprises a first top layer being bonded to a bottom layer by means of weld-bonding, and the second section portion comprises a second top layer being bonded to the bottom layer, the second section portion comprising a first and a second leg elastic member, it is rendered possible to use a first attachment method for the first section portion, and a second attachment method for the second section portion. The first atachment method may be a weld-bonding solution suitable for attaching pre-tensioned threads along a straight line, such as along a machine direction during production, or a transversal direction of the article.

[0035] The second attachment method may be another, different bonding solution, suitable for ataching pretensioned threads in a direction other than parallel with the machine direction during production, or the transversal direction of the article.

[0036] By virtue of the combined section comprising a first section portion which is bonded by welded bond pattern and a second section portion which can be bonded by a method suitable for attaching curved elastic members, it is possible to provide a front or rear body panel which is bonded e.g. by adhesive or by a specific weld-bond technique and / or weld-bond pattern in the part of the panel where this is required to enable attachment of the leg elastic members, which extend at least partially in a direction other than parallel with the transversal direction. Thus, by using a combined section having a first section portion and a second section portion, the attachment methods in the two section portions may be different from each other and be selected to be advantageous for different requirements.

[0037] The first section portion comprises elastic members arranged along the transversal direction T, but no elastic members being substantially inclined in relation to the transversal direction T, and can thus suitably be bonded by a welded bond pattern.

[0038] The second section portion comprises leg elastic members arranged, which extend at least partially in a direction other than parallel with the transversal direction. As will be described in more detail in the below, the second section portion may optionally also comprise elastic members arranged along the transversal direction T. If so, the bonding method of the second section portion may be selected so as to accomplish attachment of both leg elastic members in a direction other than parallel with the transversal direction, and elastic members essentially parallel with the transversal direction. Such a bonding method may for example be adhesive bonding.

[0039] In the first section portion, the first bottom layer forms a bottom side surface of the combined section and the first top layer forms a top side surface of the combined section. In the second section portion, the second botom layer forms a bottom side surface of the combined section and the second top layer forms a top side surface of the combined section.

[0040] Thus, in each of the first section portion and the second section portion, the respective top layer forms a top side surface, and the respective bottom layer forms a bottom side surface of the combined section. Accordingly, in each of the first section portion and the second section portion, the combined section comprises no additional layers of web material but the top and bottom layers. A front or rear body panel having relatively few layers is beneficial in terms of breathability and comfort as well as in view of sustainability and economics. In other words, the first section portion and the second section portion may comprise no more than two layers. Generally, it may be desired to minimize the number of layers in the panels, so as to reduce material consumption, and so as to improve the breathability of the article.

[0041] A top side surface is a surface forming part of the top side of the panel, i.e. forming part of the inside or the outside of the panel, depending on the orientation of the panel in the article.

[0042] A bottom side surface is a surface forming part of the bottom side of the panel, i.e. forming part of the inside or the outside of the panel, depending on the orientation of the panel in the article.

[0043] In each of the first and second section portions, the first set of elastomeric strands, the leg elastic members and any additional sets of elastomeric strands, are attached between the respective top and bottom layer when in a stretched condition. Accordingly, in a relaxed state of the combined section, the respective top and bottom layers form wrinkles along the sets of elastomeric strands / leg elastic members. The combined section is extendible from the relaxed state to a stretched-out state in which the sets of elastomeric strands / leg elastic members are stretched out along the transversal direction T causing the wrinkles of the combined section to diminish or to completely flatten out.

[0044] The first section portion, the second section portion, and the connection region are transversal portions of the combined section, and each extends from the first side edge of the combined section to the second side edge of the combined section.

[0045] Still, the combined section may have a flat front and / or flat back design. This would involve having the elastic strands deactivated in a central area of the combined section, such that the central portion of the combined 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 combined section. 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 combined section at one or more locations.

[0046] The connection region comprises the first top layer, the second top layer and at least one bottom layer, the layers being superposed along the thickness direction. Thus, the connection region comprises at least three layers.

[0047] As proposed herein, the connection region may be positioned in relation to the leg edges and the side seams of the article, such that each side seam (running from a leg edge and to the waist edge of the article) joins the layers of the connection region along a seam overlap length measured from the leg edge and along a longitudinal direction towards the waist edge of the article.

[0048] In the connection region, the first top layer and the second top layer overlap. Thus, along the seal overlap length, the side seam includes the first top layer and the second top layer. Accordingly, the combined section is reinforced in the corner regions adjacent the leg edges and adjacent the side seams, which in the prior art has been susceptible to tear.

[0049] It has been found that the addition of one layer of material reduces the risk of the combined section tearing in the corner regions formed adjacent each the side seam and the leg edge, when the article is produced and / or in use. Accordingly, the quality of the articles may be improved.

[0050] It is believed that the susceptibility for tearing in the prior art may be the result of the laminates in the front and / or back section of the prior art being weld-bonded, since the weld elements formed in the layers (typically non-woven layers) of the laminates may reduce the strength of the layers. Hence, with the solution as proposed herein, articles with weld-bonded laminates or partially weld-bonded laminates in the front and / or back section may be provided with improved production and / or use quality.

[0051] Thus, there is no need for adding other strengthening features to the article, such as separate leg bands or enforcement stripes. Accordingly, in some variants, the first and second leg edges of the combined section may be free from added leg bands or other features. In other words, in some variants, the first and second leg edges are formed by the superposed edges of the second top layer and the second bottom layer.

[0052] Optionally, in the second section portion, the second bottom layer and the second top layer are bonded by adhesive.

[0053] As mentioned in the above, application of leg elastic members so as to extend at least partially along the longitudinal direction L, such as along a curved shape, using adhesive is known in the art.

[0054] The adhesive may be located on one or more of the second top layer, the second bottom layer, and the first and second leg elastic members.

[0055] When the second top layer and the second bottom layer are bonded by adhesive, this implies that the second top layer may be free from weld bond elements. Accordingly, the strength of the second top layer (typically a non-woven layer) is not reduced by the presence of any weld bond elements, and hence the reinforcement of the combined section may be particularly effective.

[0056] Although the second top layer per se is free from weld bond elements, it is of course included in the welded side seams, joining the second top layer and the first top layer along the seam overlap length.

[0057] In the connection region, the second top layer may optionally be attached to the first top layer by adhesive. However, it is preferred that the areas where the welded side seams are arranged are free from adhesive. Optionally, in the second section portion, the second bottom layer and the second top layer are bonded by weld-bonding, wherein optionally a weld bond pattern formed by the weld-bonding in the first section portion is different from a weld bond pattern formed by the weld-bonding of the second section portion.

[0058] Thus, the weld bond pattern and / or the weld method selected to attach the straight, parallel elastic strands of the first section portion may be different from the weld bond pattern and / or the weld method selected to attach the curved leg elastic members.

[0059] The second section portion may optionally, in addition to the first and second leg elastic members, comprise a set of elastic strands extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction of the article.

[0060] For example, the second section portion may comprise at least one first leg top elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction, and ending at the first leg edge in a longitudinal position being between the first leg elastic member and the first side seam, and at least one second leg top elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction and ending at the second leg edge in a longitudinal position being between the second leg elastic member and the second side seam.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the second section portion may comprise at least one first leg side elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction and crossing the first leg elastic member, and at least one second leg side elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction and crossing the second leg elastic member.

[0062] The one or more leg side elastic strands may cooperate with the leg elastic members to hold the leg edges of the combined section close to the wearer when the article is worn.

[0063] Optionally, the seam overlap length is at least 10 mm, such as from 10 to 40 mm, or from 10 to 20 mm.

[0064] Optionally, the seam overlap length is at least 50%, preferably at least 70 % of said connection region length.

[0065] As explained in the above, is intended to utilise the extra layer of the connection region as a reinforcement in each corner region formed adjacent a side seam and the corresponding leg opening. As such, the side seam and the connection region may be arranged such that the side seam extends over at least 50% of the connection region length. As will be described in the below, the combined section is formed from a first laminate, wherein the connection region is formed to have a constant connection region length measured along the crossdirection of the formed laminate. However, when the article is formed, leg cuts are made in the first laminate. In some variants, the leg cut may cut away a part of the initially formed connection region. As a result, the connection region may display a maximum connection region length along the majority of the width of the combined section, but a lesser length where the leg cut has removed some material from the connection region. Hence, the side seam extending from the leg edge and to the waist edge of the article may extend over the remaining portion of the connection region, i.e. having a length less than the maximum connection region length. Accordingly, the seam overlap length (corresponding to the length of the connection region at the location of the side seam) may be less than the maximum (initial) connection region length.

[0066] With “connection region length” is herein understood the maximum longitudinal extension of the connection region of the combined section, i.e. as initially formed in a first laminate. It will be understood that the connection region length of an article may be determined by the maximum longitudinal extension of the connection region on the combined section, for example as found at a location at a transversal distance from the side seams.

[0067] The first and second side seams are formed by side seam weld-bonding. For example, the first and second side seams may each be formed by a plurality of weld-bond elements being intermittently arranged along the side seam.

[0068] The first and second side seams extend generally in a longitudinal direction from the respective leg edge, over at least part of the connection region D and further over the entire first section portion, and to the waist opening of the article.

[0069] Thus, the first and second side seams do not extend over the second section portion. In other words, the second section portion is not joined by the first side seam or by the second side seam to the opposite front or back section.

[0070] Optionally, in said second section portion, the first leg elastic member ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge of the combined section, and the second leg elastic member ends at or in the vicinity of the second leg edge of the combined section.

[0071] Thus, the first leg elastic member will not be included in the first side seam, and the second leg elastic member will not be included in the second side seam.

[0072] Optionally, the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member each ends with a respective cut end. To this end, the first and second leg elastic members may conveniently be cut by the leg cut made when the article is produced, as will be described in the below.

[0073] Optionally, the second bottom layer and the first bottom layer are formed by a single continuous bottom layer, extending over the connection region, and the first top layer and the second top layer are formed by separate layers.

[0074] Thus, the combined section comprises, as seen along the longitudinal direction, a first section portion and a second section portion, the first section portion and the second section portion being connected by a connection region such that the first section portion extends from the connection region and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge of the combined section, and the second section portion extends from the connection region and in a longitudinal direction towards the pair of leg edges of the combined section, the first section portion comprises a set of elastic strands being sandwiched between a continuous bottom layer and a first top layer, the elastic strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction, and the elastic strands being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the first top layer being attached to the continuous bottom layer by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands being attached between the continuous bottom layer and the first top layer by means of the weld-bonding, and the second section portion comprises a first leg elastic member, arranged along the first leg edge of the combined section, and a second leg elastic member, arranged along the second leg edge of the combined section, wherein each leg elastic member comprises one or more elastic elements extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction, and the second section portion comprises said continuous bottom layer and a second top layer wherein the first leg elastic member and the second leg elastic member are sandwiched between the second bottom layer and the second top layer, the continuous bottom layer and the second top layer being bonded to each other so as to attach the first and second leg elastic members, wherein in said connection region connecting the first section portion and the second section portion, the second top layer overlaps with the first top layer as seen in the thickness direction of the connection region, the connection region extends from the first side edge to the second side edge in the transversal direction, and has a connection region length in the longitudinal direction. The first top layer and the second top layer are preferably to be attached to the same (top) side of the continuous bottom layer, which enables efficient manufacture and results in the continuous bottom layer forming a uniform surface of the combined section.

[0075] When the first and second bottom layer are formed by one single continuous bottom layer, the number of layers in the connection region may be equal to three, as mentioned in the above. This provides for sufficient reinforcement while avoiding adding unnecessary material to the article.

[0076] Optionally, the top side of the combined section forms an inside of the article, and the bottom side of the combined section forms an outside of the article.

[0077] Thus, the edge of the second top layer which overlaps the first top layer in the connection region will face towards the inside of the article. In particular when combined with the first and second bottom layer being formed by a single continuous bottom layer, this enables the outside of the article to be uniform, providing an aesthetic appearance, and diminishing any risk for the edge of the second top layer inadvertently attaching to or snagging on to external items such as clothing.

[0078] Optionally, the other one of the front and back section is a second section, which second section comprises a set of elastic strands being sandwiched between a second section bottom layer and a second section top layer, the elastic strands being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction, and the elastic strands being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the second section top layer being attached to the second section bottom layer by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands being attached between the second section bottom layer and the second section top layer by means of the weld-bonding.

[0079] The weld-bonding of the second section may be similar to the weld-bonding of the first portion of the combined section. For example, the weld bonding of the second section may form a weld-bond pattern being similar to the weld-bond pattern of the first portion of the combined section.

[0080] The first and second side seams will each join the second section to the combined section (i.e. a front panel to a back panel). Each side seam will extend over the first section portion and at least a part of the connection region of the combined section. Thus, the first and second side seams will each join at least four layers over the majority of the extension of the side seam, and at least five layers in a region adjacent the leg openings, i.e. along the seam overlap length of the combined section.

[0081] Advantageously, the first side seam and the second side seam each joins four layers of material over the extension of the side seam, apart from along the seam overlap length, where the first and second side seams each joins five layers of material (the second top layer being added). It will be understood that a welded seam which extends over a plurality of layers which are superposed in the thickness direction effectively joins said layers as superposed along the thickness direction, and along the extension of the weld seam. Thus, a welded seam which extends over the superposed layers herein joins said layers, i.e. the layers are included in the joint.

[0082] When the combined section is a back section, the second section is a front section, and when the combined section is a front section, the second section is a back section. Advantageously, the combined section is a back section, and the second section is a front section.

[0083] 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.

[0084] With “a weld-bond pattern” is meant a regular distribution of weld-bond elements over an area. For example, a weld-bond pattern may comprise 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.

[0085] The weld-bond lines may be slightly inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis L. For example, the weld-bond lines may form an angle within the range of 0.5° to 15° in relation to the longitudinal axis L.

[0086] Weld-bond patterns comprising a plurality of regularly distributed weld-bond lines as defined in the above may be preferred as they are suitable for efficient production and may give the laminate to which they are applied a regularly pleated, aesthetically pleasing and soft appearance. However, it is believed that weld-bond patterns comprising such weld-bond lines may diminish the strength of the layers to which it is applied (typically non-woven materials) and thus increase the risk of problems with tear in production or during use.

[0087] In some variants, the connection region length may be less than 10%, preferably less than 7% or less than 5% of a total longitudinal length of the combined section.

[0088] The first and second bottom layer (or single continuous bottom layer), the first top layer, and the second top layer are preferably made by nonwoven materials.

[0089] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to 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, wherein an absorbent assembly is arranged with a central part of the absorbent assembly being located in the crotch section, the method comprising:

[0090] M110: feeding a bottom layer web in the machine direction,

[0091] M120: feeding a first top layer web in the machine direction,

[0092] M130: feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction, and

[0093] M140: weld-bonding the bottom layer web to the first top layer web into a laminate web, thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 between the bottom layer web and the first 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 the cross-direction ; and

[0094] L120: feeding a second top layer web in the machine direction,

[0095] 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,

[0096] L150: Bonding the second top layer web to the laminate web, thereby sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member 549 between the bottom layer web and the second top layer web and the second top layer web overlaps with the first top layer web in a connection region extending continuously along the machine direction and having a connection region length in the cross direction, so as to form said first laminate web material wherein, in a first web portion, the bottom layer web forms a bottom side surface and the first top layer web forms a top side surface of the first laminate web material, and, in a second web portion, wherein the bottom layer web forms a bottom side surface and the second top layer web forms a top side surface of the first laminate web material, the method further comprising

[0097] M160: Positioning the first laminate web material in a position corresponding to one of a front section or a back section of the article,

[0098] M170: Providing a second laminate web material and positioning the second laminate web material in a position corresponding to the other of the front section or the back section of the article,

[0099] M180: Intermittently providing absorbent assemblies spaced apart in the machine direction, thereby forming a composite web of interconnected precursor articles,

[0100] L160: Making leg cuts at a first side edge of the first laminate web material, the leg cut thereby cutting through the continuous leg elastic member, the leg cuts being positioned in between the absorbent assemblies as seen in a machine direction, M190: Folding the composite web along a fold line extending in the machine direction, thereby bringing a first edge of the composite web into alignment with a second edge of the composite web,

[0101] M200: Weld-bonding 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, and each first and second side seam extending over said connection region so as to join the second top layer web and the first top layer web along at least a seam overlap length extending from said leg cut in the crossdirection, and

[0102] M210: Severing individual articles from the composite web of precursor articles.

[0103] The method described herein may be utilized to manufacture the disposable absorbent pant-type article described herein.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The weld-bonding may be performed by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding. However, ultrasonic welding is preferred.

[0106] The bottom layer web or webs and the top layer webs are typically nonwoven web materials.

[0107] Optionally, step M140 comprises making pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements, the adjacent weldbond elements in a pair being provided on each side of an elastomeric strand comprised in the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands.

[0108] The weld-bonding of step M140 may comprise forming 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. This offers a way of positioning the elastomeric strands in a precise fashion.

[0109] Optionally, the method comprises a step M150: Cutting the combined web 507 in the machine direction to form a first web material and a second laminate web material each having a cut edge. The cutting is then to be performed in the first portion, such that the first top layer being bonded to the first bottom layer is cut into a first web material onto which the second top layer may be bonded to form the first laminate web material, and the second laminate web material. The step M150 may optionally comprise cutting the laminate 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.

[0110] In each weld-bond line, the weld-bond pattern may be formed with at least two weld-bond elements being located between the cut edge and the elastomeric strand being closest to the cut edge.

[0111] Thereby, 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.

[0112] Weld bonding

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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. The weld-bonding patern 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.

[0117] Advantageously, the weld-bond pattern comprises ultrasonically formed weld-bond elements.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] Adhesive bonding

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] For example, adhesive may be applied to one or more out of the first layer, the second layer, and the elastomeric strands.

[0124] For elastomeric strands being arranged in a transversal direction, it may be preferred and sufficient that the adhesive is applied to the elastomeric strands.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] The same adhesive or different adhesives may be used.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Materials

[0130] At least one, preferably each, out of the layers described herein may comprise or consists of a sheet of a nonwoven material.

[0131] 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. This applies at least to the layers that are joined by weld bonding.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The strands may have a linear mass density, dtex, of about 80-1200 dtex.

[0139] The number of elastomeric strands in each section portion, and the longitudinal spacing between the strands in each section portion, may be selected so as to provide the panel with suitable elasticity and a good fit.

[0140] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0141] The absorbent articles and the method for their production as disclosed herein will be further explained hereinafter with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0142] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a variant of a disposable absorbent pant-type article according to the present disclosure;

[0143] Figure 2 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;

[0144] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view along the longitudinal direction L of a first variant of a front panel of the article in Fig. 1 ;

[0145] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view along the longitudinal direction L of a first variant of a back panel of the article in Fig. 1;

[0146] Figure 5 shows a schematic view to illustrate a variant of a method according to the present disclosure for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article;

[0147] Figure 6 shows a detail of Figure 5;

[0148] Figure 7 shows another detail of Figure 5;

[0149] Figure 8 shows another variant of a pant-type article according to the present disclosure;

[0150] Figure 9 shows a sectional view along the transverse direction T along the front panel of a variant of the article in a semi-relaxed state; and Figure 10 shows a portion of front panel of a variant of the article in a stretched state.

[0151] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The disposable absorbent pant-type may be a pant diaper, a sanitary pant, an incontinence pant, etc.

[0155] 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.

[0156] With initial reference to Figs. 1-4, 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 is shown in Fig.

[0157] 1 in an assembled condition ready for use, and in Fig. 2 in an unfolded and flat condition with side seams 20, 21 opened up. In Fig. 2, all elastic elements and components are shown in an extended state, such that the pant-type article 1 appears generally two-dimensional. Fig. 2 shows the article from an inner, wearer-facing surface of the article 1. As used in the below description, the terms “elastic” and “elastomeric” are used in parallel.

[0158] In the variant depicted in Figs 1-4, the front section comprises a front panel, and the back section comprises a back panel. Thus, in the description in relation to Figs. 1-4, the combined section comprises a combined panel, the first section portion is a first panel portion, and the second section portion is a second panel portion. The features as described in the below relating to the panels and panel portions in relation to the illustrated variant, may in other variants be applied to other types of sections and section portions.

[0159] The pant-type article 1 has a longitudinal direction L and a transversal direction T. Any measurements of distances and dimensions are made with the pant-type article 1 in the fully stretched-out, nongathered condition, as shown in Fig. 2, 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 and the terms “transversal”, “transverse” or “transversely” refer to the transversal direction T of the pant-type article. 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 and 2 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] Absorbent core

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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 fibers 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 fibers 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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 fibers. Resilient fibers, chemically stiffened fibers, etc. may be present in the absorbent core 7 to counteract wet-collapse of cellulosic fibers. Such fibers 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] Topsheet

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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 fibers, 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 fibers, 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.

[0175] Backsheet

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Elements of article

[0179] 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.

[0180] In the illustrated variant, the front panel waist edge 31 is formed by a cut edge. 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.

[0181] In other variants, the front panel waist edge may be formed by a folded waist edge, a folded wait panel or waist band or in other manners known in the art.

[0182] 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 some variants, such as exemplified in the Figs 1-4,, the back panel waist edge 41 is formed by a cut edge. 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.

[0183] In other variants, the back panel waist edge may be formed by a folded waist edge, a folded wait panel or waist band or in other manners known in the art.

[0184] 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 second laminate web material 509 described in conjunction with Figs. 5-7. 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.

[0185] 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 first laminate web material 511 described in conjunction with Figs. 5-7 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] The a first front side portion adjacent first front panel side edge 33 is intended to be joined to a first bac side portion adjacent the first back panel side edge 43 in a first side seam 21 and a second front side portion adjacent the second front panel side edge 32 is intended to be joined to a second back side portion adjacent the second back panel side edge 42 in a second side seam 20, as indicated in Fig. 2, 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. 1.

[0188] The first side seam 20 extends substantially from the first leg edge 18 and to the waist edge 41 of the combined panel 4. The second side seam 21 extends substantially from the second leg edge 19 and to the waist edge 41 of the combined panel 4.

[0189] In the drawings, the first and second side seams 20, 21 are only schematically indicated by rectangular shapes. It is to be understood however that the first and second side seams 20, 21 are, as mentioned in the above, intended to extend substantially all the way between the first / second leg edge 18, 19 and to the waist edge 41 of the combined panel 4. The side seams 20, 21 may for example comprise a plurality of intermittently arranged bond elements.

[0190] The waist opening 12 is defined by the front panel waist edge 31 and the back panel waist edge 41.

[0191] 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.

[0192] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs 1-4, 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. 1-4, 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] When the front panel and / or the back panel is bonded by weld-bonding, 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 panel 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.

[0195] Leg elastic members

[0196] At least one out of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 is a combined panel. The combined panel comprises 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.

[0197] For example, and as exemplified in the variant of Figs. 1-4, 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.

[0198] 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 back 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] For example, as may be seen in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, the leg elastic members 25, 26 may substantially follow a curved shape of the leg edges 18, 19. 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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 leg edge 18 at the location of the 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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. 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] Thus the article 1 illustrated in Figs 1- 4 is an example of an article 1 as disclosed herein comprising

[0210] - a front section 3,

[0211] - a back section 4, and

[0212] - a crotch section 5, being located between and joining the front section 3 and the back section 4. In the illustrated variant, the front section comprises a front panel 3 and the back section comprises a back panel 4.

[0213] As described in the above, the front section 3 is joined to the back section 4 by a first front side portion adjacent a first front section side edge 32 being joined to a first back side portion adjacent a first back section side edge 42 in a first side seam 20, and a second front side portion adjacent a second front section side edge 33 being joined to a a second back side portion adjacent a second back section side edge 43 in a second side seam 21.

[0214] As is conventional in the art, the side seams 20, 21 may be applied adjacent the side edges 32, 42; 33, 43, such that narrow side edge portions of the front and back sections may extend transversally beyond the side seams.

[0215] The first and second side seams 20, 21 are formed by side seam weld-bonding. For example, the first and second side seams may each comprise a plurality of intermittent weld bonds arranged along the side seam. Thus, the article 1 forms

[0216] - a waist opening 12, defined by a waist edge 31 of the front section 3 and a waist edge 41 of the back section 4,

[0217] - a first leg opening 13, defined by a first leg edge 16 of the front section 3 and a first leg edge 18 of the back section 4, and

[0218] - a second leg opening 14, defined by a second leg edge 17 of the front section 3 and a second leg edge 19 of the back section 4;

[0219] As proposed herein, at least one of the front section 3 and the back section 4 is a combined section, and in the illustrated variant, a combined panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the back section 4 is a combined panel.

[0220] With a combined panel is meant herein a combined panel which comprises, as seen along the longitudinal direction L, a first panel portion E and a second panel portion F, the first panel portion E and the second panel portion F being connected by a connection region D such that the first panel portion E extends from the connection region D and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge 41 of the combined panel, and the second panel portion F extends from the connection region D and in a longitudinal direction towards the pair of leg edges 18, 19 of the combined panel 4.

[0221] The first panel portion E comprises a set of elastic strands 400b being sandwiched between a first bottom layer 4a and a first top layer 4b, the elastic strands 400b being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction T, and the elastic strands 400b being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0222] The first top layer 4b is attached to the bottom layer 4a by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands 400b being attached between the first bottom layer 4a and the first top layer 4b by means of the weldbonding.

[0223] The second panel portion F comprises a first leg elastic member 25, arranged along the first leg edge

[0224] 18 of the combined panel, and a second leg elastic member 26, arranged along the second leg edge

[0225] 19 of the combined panel. The leg elastic members 25, 26 may comprise any of the features as described in the above. At least, each leg elastic member 25, 26 comprises one or more elastic elements extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction L.

[0226] Further, the second panel portion F comprises a second bottom layer 4a and a second top layer 4c wherein the first leg elastic member 25 and the second leg elastic member 26 are sandwiched between the second bottom layer 4a and the second top layer 4c. The second bottom layer 4a and the second top layer 4c are bonded to each other so as to attach the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26. As exemplified in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the first panel portion E and the second panel portion F are connected via the connection region D. In the connection region D, the second top layer 4c overlaps with the first top layer 4b as seen in the thickness direction Z of the connection region D.

[0227] The connection region D extends from the first side edge 42 to the second side edge 43 in the transversal direction, and has a connection region length DL in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the connection region length DL corresponds to the length in the longitudinal direction along which the first top layer 4b and the second layer 4c are overlapping as seen in the thickness direction.

[0228] Further, each one of the first side seam 20 and the second side seam 21 extends over the connection region D along a seam overlap length SOL, said seam overlap length SOL extends from the first or second leg edge 18, 19, respectively and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge 41 of the article 1.

[0229] By providing a combined panel, as proposed herein, wherein the first panel portion E comprises a first top layer 4b being bonded to a first bottom layer 4a by means of weld-bonding, and the second panel portion F comprises a second top layer 4c being bonded to a first bottom layer 4a, the second panel portion F comprising a first and a second leg elastic member 25,26, it is rendered possible to use a first bonding method for the first panel portion E, and a second bonding method for the second panel portion F.

[0230] As exemplified in the illustrated variant, the second bottom layer and the first bottom layer may be formed by a single continuous bottom layer 4a, extending over the connection region D. The first top layer 4b and the second top layer 4c are however separate, i.e. formed by separate material sheets, such that they are able to overlap. The separate first top layer 4b and second top layer 4c also enables the desired use of a first bonding method for the first panel portion E, and a second bonding method for the second panel portion F.

[0231] As also exemplified in the illustrated variant, the top side of the combined panel 4 forms an inside of the article, and the bottom side of the combined panel 4 forms an outside of the article.

[0232] As exemplified in Fig. 4, in the connection region D, the combined panel 4 comprises at least three layers being superposed in the thickness direction, namely the (first and second) continuous bottom layer 4a, the first top layer 4b, and the second top layer 4c. As proposed herein, the connection region D is positioned in relation to the first and second leg edges 18, 19 and to the side seams 20, 21 of the article such that each side seam 20, 21 (extending from a leg edge 18, 19 and to the waist edge 31 , 41 of the article) joins the at least three layers along the seam overlap length SOL, as measured from the respective leg edge 18, 19 and along the longitudinal direction L towards the waist edge 31 , 41 of the article. Accordingly, the combined panel 4 is reinforced by the addition of one layer of material in the corner region adjacent the side seams 20, 21 and the leg edges 18, 19. As mentioned in the above has been found that this addition of one layer of material reduces the risk of the combined panel tearing from the leg edge in the corner region at or adjacent the side seam and the leg edge, during production or when the article is in use.

[0233] In the variant illustrated in the drawings, in the second panel portion F, the second (continuous) bottom layer 4a and the second top layer 4c are bonded by adhesive.

[0234] The adhesive may be located on one or more of the second top layer 4c, the second bottom layer 4a, and the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26.

[0235] Optionally, and as in the illustrated variant, the second panel portion F may, in addition to the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26, comprise a set of elastic strands 400c extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction T of the article.

[0236] For example, the set of elastic strands 400c of the second panel portion F in the combined panel 4 may comprise a first leg top elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction T, and ending at the first leg edge 18 in a longitudinal position being between the first leg elastic member 25 and the first side seam 20, and a second leg top elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction T and ending at the second leg edge 19 in a longitudinal position being between the second leg elastic member 26 and the second side seam 21 .

[0237] In the illustrated variant, there is one first leg top elastic strand and one second leg top elastic strand, however, a plurality of first / second leg top elastic strands may also be applied.

[0238] Alternatively or additionally, the set of elastic strands 400c of the second panel portion F may comprise a first leg side elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction T and crossing the first leg elastic member 25, and a second leg side elastic strand, extending substantially or completely in the transversal direction T and crossing the second leg elastic member 26.

[0239] In the illustrated variant, there are four first leg side elastic strands and four second leg side elastic strands, but other variants are possible.

[0240] The leg side elastic strands cooperate with the leg elastic members 25, 26 to secure the leg openings around the legs of a wearer. Similar to the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26, in the illustrated variant, the set of elastic strands 400c extending substantially in the transversal direction T are bonded by adhesive bonding. To this end, adhesive may be applied to the second bottom layer 4a, the second top layer 4c and / or to the set of elastic strands 400c.

[0241] T o provide for the desired increase in strength of the article in the corner region formed adjacent the side seams 20, 21 and the leg edges 18, 19, the seam overlap length SOL is preferably to be at least 10 mm. For example, the seam overlap length SOL may be from 10 to 40 mm, or from 10 to 20 mm.

[0242] For example, the seam overlap length SOL may be at least 50%, preferably at least 70 % of said connection region length LD.

[0243] As explained in the above, it is intended to utilise the connection region D as a reinforcement to each corner region formed adjacent each side seam 20, 21 and the corresponding first or second leg edge 18, 19. As such, it may be preferred to align the connection region D with the corner between the first and second leg edge 18, 19 and the first and second side edges 42, 43 such that at least 50% of the connection region length LD extends from the leg opening (i.e. the leg edge 18, 19) towards the waist opening, thus forming part of the seam overlap length SOL.

[0244] As will be described in the below in relation to Figs 5-7, the combined panel is formed from a first laminate web, wherein the connection region D is formed to have a constant connection region length LD as measured along the cross-direction of the first laminate web. However, when the article is formed, leg cuts are made in the first laminate web. In some variants, the leg cut may cut away a part of the initially formed connection region D. Hence, the side seam 20, 21 extending from the leg edge 18, 19 and to the waist edge 31 , 41 of the article, may extend over a portion of the connection region D having a length less than the initial connection region length LD - i.e. the seam overlap length SOL may be less than the initial connection region length LD.

[0245] It will be understood that the connection region length LD may still be determined by the maximum extension LD of the connection region D as seen on the combined panel, for example as found at a location at a distance from the corners between the respective leg edges 18, 19 and side edges 42, 43.

[0246] Thus, as exemplified in Fig. 2, the first and second side seams 20, 21 extend from the respective leg edge 18, 19, over at least part of the connection region D and over the entire first panel portion E, to the waist edges 31 , 41 of the article 1. The first and second side seams 20, 21 does not extend over the second panel portion F, since the second panel portion F extends from the connection region D towards the leg edges 18, 19. In other words, the second panel portion F is not included in the first or the second side seam 20, 21. Accordingly, the first and second leg elastic member 25, 26 which are parts of the second panel portion F are not included in the first or the second side seam 20, 21. Instead, the first leg elastic member 25 ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge 18 of the combined panel, and the second leg elastic member 26 ends at or in the vicinity of the second leg edge 19 of the combined panel, as described in the above.

[0247] During production, the first leg elastic member 25 and the second leg elastic member 26 may be cut by the leg cut. Thus, in the article, the first leg elastic member 25 and the second leg elastic member 26 may each end with a respective cut end.

[0248] The other one of the front and back section in the article described herein may be a second panel 3. The second panel comprises a set of elastic strands 300b being sandwiched between a second panel bottom layer 3a and a second panel top layer 3b. The elastic strands 300b being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction T, and the elastic strands 300b may be being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0249] The second panel top layer 3b may be attached to the second panel bottom layer 3a by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands 300b being attached between the second panel bottom layer 3a and the second panel top layer 3b by means of the weld-bonding.

[0250] The weld-bonding of the second panel 3 may be similar to the weld-bonding of the first portion of the combined panel 4. For example, the weld bonding of the second panel 3 may form a weld-bond pattern being similar to the weld-bond pattern of the first portion of the combined panel 4.

[0251] The first and second side seams 20, 21 will each join the side edges 32, 33 of the second panel 3 to the side edges 42, 43 of the combined panel 4. In the combined panel 4, the first panel portion E, and at least a part of the connection region D will form part of the side seams.

[0252] Thus the first and second side seams 20, 21 will each join at least four layers 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b over the majority of the extension of the side seam 20, 21 , and at least five layers 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c along the seam overlap length SOL.

[0253] Further features of the front and / or back section

[0254] In the following, further optional features will be described with reference to the variant of an absorbent article 1 depicted in Figs. 2 to 4.

[0255] In the below, it is referred to the front panel 3 and the back panel 4. As explained in the above, the front panel 3 is in this variant what is referred to as a “second panel” in the above and in the claims, and the back panel 4 is in this variant what is referred to as a “combined panel” in the above and in the claims.

[0256] The front panel 3 comprises a front panel laminate comprising a second panel bottom layer 3a, i.e. a front panel bottom layer 3a, and a second panel top layer 3b, i.e. a front panel top layer 3b, as may be gleaned in the sectional view of Fig. 3, e.g. manufactured by the method described in conjunction with Figs. 5-7. 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 or towards the waist of the user. The waist elastics zone 131 is located at a waist edge 31. In the illustrated variant, the waist edge 31 is 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 Fig. 1. 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. 1, or an additional zone between the waist elastics zone 131 and the belly elastics zone 133, not illustrated.

[0257] The font panel 3 comprises a plurality 300 of elastomeric strands which are sandwiched between the front panel bottom layer 3a and the front panel top 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 front panel bottom layer 3a is attached to the front panel top layer 3b by weld-bonding, the plurality 300 of elastomeric strands being attached between the front panel bottom layer 3a and the front panel top layer 3b by means of the weld-bonding.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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 .

[0261] Optionally, and as in the article of Fig. 2, the front panel 3 further comprises a 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.

[0262] In other variants (not illustrated) the belly elastics zone 133 may extend all the way to the leg edges 16, 17.

[0263] 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. 5-7. In the illustrated variant, 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, in the illustrated variant, has a cut edge.

[0264] As described in the above, and as exemplified in Fig. 2, and as may be gleaned in Fig. 4, showing a section in a direction along the longitudinal axis L of the back panel 4 in Fig. 2 just outside the absorbent assembly 6, the back panel 4 comprises a bottom layer 4a and a first top layer 4b being superimposed such that, in the back panel 4, the bottom layer 4a forms a bottom side surface and the first top layer 4b forms a top side surface of the back panel 4. In the article, either the bottom layer 4a or the first 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. 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.

[0265] 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 bottom layer 4a is attached to the first top layer 4b by weld-bonding, the plurality 400 of elastomeric strands being attached between the bottom layer 4a and the first top layer 4b by means of the weld-bonding.

[0266] 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.

[0267] The weld-bonded portion extends over a major part of a surface of the waist elastics zones 131, 231 and of the belly elastics zones 133, 233, i.e. at least over 50% of the surface, preferably at least over 70% of the surface, more preferably at least over 90% of the surface, most preferably over the whole surface as is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In the weld-bonded portion, at least one weld-bond pattern is utilized for attaching the plurality of elastomeric strands. The weld-bonding may be made by thermowelding or ultrasonic welding, with ultrasonic welding being preferred. Purely as an example, a single weld-bond pattern may be used for both the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone of the back panel or the front panel. It would also be feasible to use the same weld-bond pattern for both the front panel and the first portion of back panel, e.g. a single weld-bond pattern can be used for both the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone in each of the front panel and the back panel. As an alternative or a complement, different weld-bond patterns may be used for the waist elastics zone and the belly elastics zone and / or for the front and back panel.

[0268] In the illustrated embodiment, the weld-bonding of the front panel 3 and / or of the back panel 4 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 300, 400 of elastomeric strands. Thereby, the elastomeric strand may be 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 300, 400 may be mechanically trapped between the adjacent weld-bond elements of a plurality of pairs of adjacent weld-bond elements.

[0269] 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 first portion of 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 first portion of the back panel 4 is free from adhesive.

[0270] In the illustrated embodiment, see Fig. 4, the first and second leg elastic members 25, 26 are sandwiched between the bottom layer 4a and a second top layer 4c of the back panel 4, which are bonded to each other. The bottom layer 4a and the second top layer 4c may be bonded to each other by adhesive located on at least one of the bottom layer 4a, the second top 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 second top layer 4c is bonded to the same side of the bottom layer 4a as the first top layer 4b, such that, in a connection region D, there is an overlap as seen in the thickness direction between the second top layer 4c and the first top layer 4b. The overlap is formed along a connection region length LD along the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom layer 4a forms the outward-facing side of the article 1.

[0271] The second top layer 4c may be made of the same nonwoven material as the bottom layer 4a or as the first top layer 4b. For example, the second top layer 4c may be cut from the same nonwoven web as the bottom layer 4a or as the first top layer 4b, as is further described below in conjunction with Figs. 5-7.

[0272] In the illustrated variant, the second portion of the back panel 4 further comprises a plurality of elastic strands 400c, referred to in the below as leg zone elastic strands. Thus the second portion of the back panel 4 may comprise a leg elastics zone 237 comprising 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 bottom layer 4a and the second top layer 4c. The leg zone elastic strands 400c may be bonded by adhesive located on at least one of the bottom layer 4a, the second top 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.

[0273] As described in the above, the leg zone elastic strands 400c comprises, in the illustrated variant, one pair of leg top elastic strands, extending between the first / second leg elastic member and the first / second side seam, and a plurality of pairs of leg side elastic strands, crossing the first / second leg elastic member 25, 26.

[0274] 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 20, 21 , i.e. they are not included in the side seams 20, 21 . 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.

[0275] 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 Fig. 5.

[0276] 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.

[0277] Method

[0278] Figs. 5-7 illustrates a variant of a method 500 according to the present disclosure for producing a disposable absorbent pant-type article, such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant or incontinence pant. Fig. 5 shows an overview of the whole method, while Fig. 6 shows steps M110-M140 and detail and Fig. 7 shows steps L120-L150, in detail. The method may be utilized to manufacture disposable absorbent pant-type articles 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 is arranged with a central part of the absorbent assembly 6 being located in the crotch section 5.

[0279] The method comprises:

[0280] M110: feeding a bottom layer web 501 in the machine direction MD, M120: feeding a first top layer web 503 in the machine direction MD, M130: feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 in the machine direction MD, and M140: weld-bonding the bottom layer web 501 to the first top layer web 503 into a laminate web 507, thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 between the bottom layer web 501 and the first 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; and

[0281] L120: feeding a second top layer web 547 in the machine direction MD,

[0282] 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,

[0283] L150: Bonding the second top layer web 547 to the laminate web 507, thereby sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member 549 between the bottom layer web 501 and the second top layer web 547, and the second top layer web 547 overlaps with the first top layer web 503 in a connection region D extending continuously along the machine direction MD and having a connection region length LD in the cross direction CD, so as to form a first laminate web material 511 wherein, in a first web portion, the bottom layer web 501 forms a bottom side surface and the first top layer web 503 forms a top side surface of the first laminate web 511 , and, in a second web portion, wherein the bottom layer web 501 forms a bottom side surface and the second top layer web 547 forms a top side surface of the first laminate web 511 , the method further comprising:

[0284] M160: Positioning the first laminate web material 511 in a position corresponding to one of a front section 3 or a back section 4 of the article 1 ,

[0285] M170: Providing a second laminate web material 509 and positioning the second laminate web material 509 in a position corresponding to the other of the front section 3 or the back section 4 of the article 1 ,

[0286] M180: Intermittently providing absorbent assemblies 517 spaced apart in the machine direction MD, thereby forming a composite web 519 of interconnected precursor articles 521 ,

[0287] L160: Making leg cuts 55 at a first side edge 553 of the first laminate web material 501 , the leg cut thereby cutting through the continuous leg elastic member 549, the leg cuts 527 being positioned in between the absorbent assemblies 517 as seen in a machine direction MD

[0288] M190: Folding the composite web 519 along a fold line extending in the machine direction MD, thereby bringing a first edge of the composite web 519 into alignment with a second edge of the composite web 519,

[0289] M200: Weld-bonding first and second side seams 523, 525 in each precursor article 521 , thereby joining the first laminate web material 511 with the second laminate web material 509, the side seams 523, 525 being formed in the cross direction CD along dividing lines between the precursor articles 521 , and each first and second side seam 523, 525 extending over said connection region D so as to join the second top layer web 547 and the first top layer web 503 along a seam overlap length SOL extending from said leg cut in the CD direction, and M210: Severing individual articles 527 from the composite web 519 of precursor articles 521.

[0290] The method described herein may be utilized to manufacture the disposable absorbent pant-type article described herein.

[0291] The weld-bonding may be performed by thermo-welding or ultrasonic welding, with ultrasonic welding typically being preferred.

[0292] The bottom layer web 501 , the first top layer web 503, and the second top layer web 547 are typically nonwoven web materials.

[0293] In the illustrated variant, the first top layer web 503 and the second top layer web 547 are taken from the same web, which is cut in the machine direction to form the first top layer web 503 and the second top layer web 547. However, in other variants, the first top layer web and the second top layer web 547 may be formed by two separate webs.

[0294] In the below, a variant of the method is described with reference to the drawings, wherein there is no need to make a fold at the waist edges 31, 41 of the article 1. Instead, the waist edges 31 , 41 of each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 are formed by cut edges 513, 515 made by cutting the laminate web 507 in the machine direction MD, which results in the laminate web forming the first laminate web 511 and the second laminate web 509. 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.

[0295] To this end, the variant of a method illustrated in the drawings additionally comprises the steps of: M150: Cutting the combined web 507 in the machine direction MD to form a first laminate web material 511 and a second laminate web 509 material each having a cut edge 513, 515.

[0296] Thus, step M160 may comprise positioning the first laminate web material 511 in a position corresponding to one of a front panel or a back panel of the article, such that the cut edge 513 forms a cut waist edge of that panel, and step M170 may comprise positioning the second laminate web material 509 in a position corresponding to the other of the front panel or the back panel of the article, such that the cut edge 515 forms a cut waist edge of that panel.

[0297] Further, there is no extra folded waist band or separate waist panel 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.

[0298] Although the variant described in the illustrations is advantageous, it will be understood that the method as proposed herein may be used in many other variants. For example, the first laminate web material 511 comprising the first top layer web and the second top layer web may be produced separately from the second laminate web material 509.

[0299] In different variants, such as exemplified in the method of Figs. 5-7, in which ultrasonic welding is used for the weld-bonding, step M140 may comprise 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.

[0300] Further, step 150 (if present) may comprise cutting the laminate 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 511 and the second laminate web material 509, i.e. for each of the front panel 3 and the back panel 4 of the article 1.

[0301] Optionally, step M130 comprises:

[0302] 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 ,

[0303] 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,

[0304] 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:

[0305] - 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.

[0306] And optionally, step M150 comprises:

[0307] - cutting the laminate 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 second laminate web material 509 and the first laminate web material 511, the second 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 first 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] 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.

[0310] 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, whereby being substantially the same interspace means that the interspace may vary within + / - 1.0 mm or 0.5 mm.

[0311] As an option, illustrated in Fig. 5, the method further comprises:

[0312] M130d: Feeding a fourth group 543 of continuous elastomeric strands in the machine direction MD, and step M140 further comprises:

[0313] - 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.

[0314] 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. 1-4, 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.

[0315] In the illustrated embodiment, step L150 comprises attaching the continuous leg elastic member 549 on the same side of the laminate web 507 as the side the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands of step M 140 is attached to. Typically, the continuous leg elastic member is attached to an upper side of the laminate web 507. Hence, step L150 is downstream of step M 140 as seen in the travel direction, also called the machine direction MD.

[0316] As in the illustrated variant, step L150 may comprise attaching the continuous leg elastic member 549 on the same side of the bottom layer web 510 as the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 of step M140. Typically, the continuous leg elastic member 549 is attached to an upper side of the bottom layer web 501 , as illustrated in Figs 5-7.

[0317] Step M140 may further comprise, as is illustrated in Figs. 5-7:

[0318] - Positioning the laminate web 507, such that the side of the laminate web 507 comprising the bottom layer web 501 forms an outside of the article.

[0319] Optionally, as mentioned in the above the method may further comprise:

[0320] L115: Cutting an initial web in the machine direction MD to form the first top layer web 503 and the second top layer web 547.

[0321] Step L150 may comprise 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.

[0322] Step L160 comprises cutting through the continuous leg elastic member 549, as is illustrated in Fig. 5. 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. 1-4. 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.

[0323] Weld-bonding and weld bond pattern

[0324] As explained in the above, the weld-bonding is formed by a weld-bond pattern for which numerous options is available.

[0325] The weld-bond pattern may comprise 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] 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.

[0328] The weld-bond elements forming the bond lines may be substantially uniform in size and shape.

[0329] 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.

[0330] The weld-bond elements may have any suitable shape, such as square-shaped, rectangular, circular or oval shaped.

[0331] 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.

[0332] 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. 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate an example of such a weld-bond pattern.

[0335] As seen in Figs. 9 and 10, the weld-bond pattern may comprise a plurality of regularly arranged weldbond lines 601. (Although in Fig. 10 only three weld-bond lines are illustrated, it should be understood by the below description that similar weld-bond lines are regularly arranged throughout the weld-bond pattern, such as over an entire panel portion being bonded by the weld-bond pattern.) The weld-bond lines 601 extend in parallel with each other. Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the article 1 of Fig. 1 taken along the transverse direction T in a semi-relaxed state. Fig. 10 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 10, the front panel 3 is stretched to a flat state. This corresponds to a situation during manufacturing, when the weld-bond pattern is applied.

[0336] 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.

[0337] In the illustrated variant, 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 .

[0338] 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 ct 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.

[0339] The weld-bond elements 603 may 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. 10, 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.

[0340] The sectional view of Fig. 9 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. 10. 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. 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. The portion of the article 1 shown in Fig. 10 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 schematic 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. However, as seen from the dimensions of weld-bond elements, interspaces between weld-bond elements, and interspaces between elastic strands 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.

[0341] As may be gleaned from Fig. 10, the weld-bond 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.

[0342] In Figs 9 and 10, 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 strands 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] 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 cut waist edge being approximately half the interspace between each strand.

[0345] In other variants, 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. 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] For example, an ultrasonic welding technology suitable for use with the present disclosure is the technology available by Herrmann Ultraschall and as described in e.g. WO2021 / 043943. This technology utilises an ultrasonic horn having a plurality of grooves for receiving the elastic strands, and a patterned anvil which, in cooperation with the grooved ultrasonic horn, provides the weld pattern.

[0348] 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 flattened 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.

[0349] 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 elements discussed herein are preferably measured with microscope with a length scale to the nearest 0.1mm.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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. Fig. 8 illustrate an alternative variant of an absorbent article according to the present disclosure. In the variants shown in Figs. 1 and 2-4, the front section 3 and the back section 4 are formed by two separate panels, i.e. a front panel and a back panel respectively. The crotch section 5 is formed by a portion of the absorbent assembly 6, such that this portion of the absorbent assembly 6 spans the gap between the front section and the back section 4.

[0352] In Fig. 8 an alternative variant is depicted, wherein the front section 3’, the back section 4’ and the crotch section 5’ are made of a chassis 2’ forming a single piece. The absorbent assembly 6’ is located at a central part of the chassis 2’. This variant may have the same features and optional features as described herein for other variants. To simplify, in Fig. 8 only a few features have been provided with corresponding reference numbers as in Figs 2-4, however, it will be easily understood that also other features depicted in Fig. 8 corresponds to features as described in relation to Figs. 2-4.

[0353] Moreover, the features described in relation to Figs 1-4 with reference to the front and back sections being formed by front and back panels, are applicable also the front and back sections in a variant forming a chassis forming a single piece as exemplified in Fig. 8.

[0354] As may be gleaned from Fig. 8, in the variant depicted, the seam overlap length SOL is less than the connection region length LD. This is because the leg cut forming the leg edges 18’, 19’ has removed a portion of the connection region D formed during production of the article.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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 section (3),- a back section (4), and- a crotch section (5), being located between and joining the front section (3) and the back section (4), wherein an absorbent assembly (6) is arranged with a central part (6c) of the absorbent assembly (6) being located in the crotch section (5); the front section (3) being joined to the back section (4) by a first front side portion adjacent a first front section side edge (32) being joined to a first back side portion adjacent a first back section side edge (42) in a first side seam (20), and a second front side portion adjacent a second front section side edge (33) being joined to a second back side portion adjacent a second back section side edge (43) in a second side seam (21 ) the first and second side seams (20, 21 ) being formed by side seam weld-bonding, such that the article (1 ) forms- a waist opening (12), defined by a waist edge (31 ) of the front section (3) and a waist edge (41) of the back section (4),- a first leg opening (13), defined by a first leg edge (16) of the front section (3) and a first leg edge (18) of the back section (4), and- a second leg opening (14), defined by a second leg edge (17) of the front section (3) and a second leg edge (19) of the back section (4); at least one of the front section (3) and the back section (4) is a combined section, wherein the combined section comprises, as seen along the longitudinal direction (L), a first section portion (E) and a second section portion (F), the first section portion (E) and the second section portion (F) being connected by a connection region (D) such that the first section portion (E) extends from the connection region (D) and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge (41) of the combined section, and the second section portion (F) extends from the connection region (D) and in a longitudinal direction towards the pair of leg edges (18, 19) of the combined section, the first section portion (E) comprises a set of elastic strands (400b) being sandwiched between a first bottom layer (4a) and a first top layer (4b), the elastic strands (400b) being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction (T), and the elastic strands (400b) being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), the first top layer (4b) being attached to the first bottom layer (4a) by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands (400b) being attached between the first bottom layer (4a) and the first top layer (4b) by means of the weld-bonding,and the second section portion (F) comprises a first leg elastic member (25), arranged along the first leg edge (18) of the combined section, and a second leg elastic member (26), arranged along the second leg edge (19) of the combined section, wherein each leg elastic member (25, 26) comprises one or more elastic elements extending at least partially in the longitudinal direction (L), and the second section portion (F) comprises a second bottom layer (4a) and a second top layer (4c) wherein the first leg elastic member (25) and the second leg elastic member (26) are sandwiched between the second bottom layer (4a) and the second top layer (4c), the second bottom layer (4a) and the second top layer (4c) being bonded to each other so as to attach the first and second leg elastic members (25, 26), wherein in said connection region (D) connecting the first section portion (E) and the second section portion (F), the second top layer (4c) overlaps with the first top layer (4b) as seen in the thickness direction (Z) of the connection region (D), the connection region (D) extends from the first side edge (42) to the second side edge (43) in the transversal direction, and has a connection region length (LD) in the longitudinal direction, and, in said article (1 ) the first side seam (20) and the second side seam (21 ) each extends over the connection region (D) so as to join the second top layer (4c) and the first top layer (4b) along a seam overlap length (SOL), extending from the first or second leg edge (18, 19), respectively, and in the longitudinal direction towards the waist edge (31 , 41 ) of the article (1 ).

2. The article according to claim 1 , wherein, in the second section portion (F), the second bottom layer (4a) and the second top layer (4c) are bonded by adhesive.

3. The article according to claim 1 , wherein, in the second section portion (F), the second bottom layer (4a) and the second top layer (4c) are bonded by weld-bonding, wherein optionally a weld bond pattern formed by the weld-bonding in the first section portion (E) is different from a weld bond pattern formed by the weld-bonding of the second section portion (F).

4. The article according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said seam overlap length (SOL) is at least 10 mm, such as from 10 to 40 mm, or from 10 to 20 mm.

5. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said seam overlap length (SOL) is at least 50%, preferably at least 70 % of said connection region length (LD).

6. The article according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in said second section portion (F),the first leg elastic member (25) ends at or in the vicinity of the first leg edge (18) of the combined section, and the second leg elastic member (26) ends at or in the vicinity of the second leg edge (19) of the combined section.

7. The article according to claim 6, wherein the first leg elastic member (25) and the second leg elastic member (26) end with a respective cut end.

8. An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bottom layer and the first bottom layer are formed by a single continuous bottom layer (4a), extending over the connection region (D), and / or wherein the first top layer (4b) and the second top layer (4a) are formed by separate layers.

9. An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top side of the combined section (4) forms an inside of the article, and the bottom side of the combined section (4) forms an outside of the article.

10. An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the other one of the front and back section is a second section (3), the second section comprises a set of elastic strands (300b) being sandwiched between a second section bottom layer (3a) and a second section top layer (3b), the elastic strands (300b) being aligned substantially in parallel with each other and with the transversal direction (T), and the elastic strands (300b) being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), the second section top layer (3b) being attached to the second section bottom layer (3a) by weld-bonding, and the elastomeric strands (300b) being attached between the second section bottom layer (3a) and the second section top layer (3b) by means of the weld-bonding.

11. A method for producing a disposable pant-type article comprisingM110: feeding a bottom layer web (501 ) in the machine direction (MD),M120: feeding a first top layer web (503) in the machine direction (MD),M130: feeding a plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 in the machine direction (MD), and M140: weld-bonding the bottom layer web (501 ) to the first top layer web (503) into a laminate web (507), thereby attaching the plurality of continuous elastomeric strands 505 between the bottom layer web (501 ) and the first 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); andL120: feeding a second top layer web (547) in the machine direction (MD),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 second top layer web (547) to the laminate web (507), thereby sandwiching the continuous leg elastic member 549 between the bottom layer web (501 ) and the second top layer web (547) and the second top layer web (547) overlaps with the first top layer web (503) in a connection region (D) extending continuously along the machine direction (MD) and having a connection region length (LD) in the cross direction (CD), so as to form a first laminate web material (511) wherein, in a first web portion, the bottom layer web (501 ) forms a bottom side surface and the first top layer web (503) forms a top side surface of the first laminate web material (511 ), and, in a second web portion, the bottom layer web (501 ) forms a bottom side surface and the second top layer web (547) forms a top side surface of the first laminate web material (511 ), the method further comprising:M160: Positioning the first laminate web material (511 ) in a position corresponding to one of a front section (3) or a back section (4) of the article (1 ),M170: Providing a second laminate web material (509) and positioning the second laminate web material (509) in a position corresponding to the other of the front section (3) or the back section (4) of the article (1 ),M180: Intermittently providing absorbent assemblies (517) spaced apart in the machine direction (MD), thereby forming a composite web (519) of interconnected precursor articles (521),L160: Making leg cuts (55) at a first side edge (553) of the first laminate web material (501), the leg cut thereby cutting through the continuous leg elastic member (549), the leg cuts (527) being positioned in between the absorbent assemblies (517) as seen in a machine direction (MD)M190: Folding the composite web (519) along a fold line extending in the machine direction (MD), thereby bringing a first edge of the composite web (519) into alignment with a second edge of the composite web (519),M200: Weld-bonding first and second side seams (523, 525) in each precursor article (521 ), thereby joining the first laminate web material (511) with the second laminate web material (509), the side seams (523, 525) being formed in the cross direction (CD) along dividing lines between the precursor articles (521 ), and each first and second side seam (523, 525) extending over said connection region (D) so as to join the second top layer web (547) and the first top layer web (503) along a seam overlap length (SOL) extending from said leg cut in the cross direction (CD), andM210: Severing individual articles (527) from the composite web (519) of precursor articles (521 ).

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