NL2038288B1 - Absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant - Google Patents
Absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pantInfo
- Publication number
- NL2038288B1 NL2038288B1 NL2038288A NL2038288A NL2038288B1 NL 2038288 B1 NL2038288 B1 NL 2038288B1 NL 2038288 A NL2038288 A NL 2038288A NL 2038288 A NL2038288 A NL 2038288A NL 2038288 B1 NL2038288 B1 NL 2038288B1
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- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- absorbent article
- absorbent
- hook
- waistband
- article according
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
- A61F13/62—Mechanical fastening means ; Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/622—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
- A61F13/62—Mechanical fastening means ; Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/622—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop
- A61F13/625—Fabric strip fastener elements, e.g. hook and loop characterised by the hook
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
A reclosable pant comprising a front waistband (10), a rear waistband (20), an absorbent core portion (30) extending in a longitudinal direction between said front and rear waistband, and a reclosable attachment assembly (40) between a first front end of said front waistband and a first rear end of said rear waistband, said attachment assembly comprising: at least one foldable portion (50, 50’) attached to one of said first front end and said first rear end and at least two distinct hook areas (60, 70, 70’) attached to an outer side of said at least one foldable portion, said hook areas being located at a distance of each other, and at least one landing portion (80) configured to be attached to the at least two hook areas, said at least one landing portion being positioned at the other one of said first front end and said first rear end. FIG. 1
Description
ABSORBENT ARTICLE, PREFERABLY A RECLOSABLE PANT
The present invention pertains to the technical field of absorbent articles, more preferably disposable personal care articles such as diapers, baby pants, adult incontinent garments, and the like, and to absorbent structures for use in such absorbent articles. More specifically the present invention relates to a reclosable pant comprising an absorbent core. The present invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such an absorbent article.
Exemplary absorbent articles include training or baby pants, diapers, incontinence products, disposable underwear, medical garments, absorbent swim wear, and the like. Training or baby pants are disposable absorbent articles configured for use in the toilet training process. One aspect of the total toilet training process is changing from the use of diapers to the use of training pants to help the child understand that he or she should now use the toilet.
Some known training pants include front and rear waistbands that can be joined together, either permanently or reclosable (i.e. refastenable), in respective pairs to form sides of the pant. It is known to make pants with refastenable side seams from a chain of articles being formed which is advanced along a machine direction, the articles being formed having their longitudinal axis positioned transversely to the machine direction. That production technique is called "cross direction” and is distinguished from another technique in the sector called "machine direction”, in which the hygienic absorbent articles are made while they are advanced with their longitudinal axis parallel to the machine direction. Possible cross direction implementations provide for the use of a chain of articles being formed comprising two elastic bands which are parallel to and spaced from each other transversely to the machine direction, and a plurality of absorbent bodies associated with the elastic bands orthogonally to the machine direction,
It is possible to make the refastenable side seams by applying suitable connecting elements on the chain of articles for each of the articles which it comprises. The connecting elements may comprise conjugated hook and loop elements, which are also known by the brand name of Velcro® systems, adhesives, or other elements suitable for connecting two portions of an article to each other in a removable manner. Once the connecting elements have been applied on the chain of articles, the latter may be folded along an axis parallel to the machine direction, in such a way as to superimpose on each other the portions which will form the waist panels of the individual articles. In order to separate the articles of the cross-direction chain of articles, it is known to make a plurality of transverse cuts relative to the machine direction, in such a way as to obtain hygienic absorbent articles, each provided with at least one refastenable side seam.
The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved reclosable absorbent article, and in particular a pant with a reclosable attachment assembly which is more agreeable to wear.
According to a first aspect, there is provided an absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant, comprising a front waistband, a rear waistband, a central absorbent core portion extending in a longitudinal direction between said front and rear waistband, and a reclosable attachment assembly between a first front end of said front waistband and a first rear end of said rear waistband. The reclosable attachment assembly comprises at least one foldable portion attached to one of said first front end and said first rear end and at least two distinct hook areas attached to an outer side of said at least one foldable portion, so as to be located on an outer side of the absorbent article, said at least two hook areas being located at a distance of each other, preferably seen in the longitudinal direction, and at least one landing portion configured to be attached to the at least two hook areas, said at least one landing portion being positioned at the other one of said first front end and said first rear end.
By using two distinct hook areas attached to an outer side of said at least one foldable portion, so as to be located on an outer side of the absorbent article, said at least two hook areas being located at a distance of each other, it is obtained that the hook areas will not be able to touch the body of a wearer.
Further, compared to prior art solutions which use a single elongate hook area, embodiments of the invention have the advantage of being less rigid on the sides and providing more flexibility, so that the pant will be more agreeable to wear.
Preferably, the at least two hook areas have an elongate shape seen in the longitudinal direction. For example, the at least two hook areas may be substantially rectangular, optionally with rounded corners. Such shapes provide a good attachment and are easy to manufacture with limited waste generation.
Preferably, the at least two hook areas consist of two hook areas each having a length between 30 and 70 mm and a width between 5 mm and 20 mm. It has been found that using only two hook areas with such dimensions provides a good attachment strength whilst at the same time allowing the two hook areas to move relate to one another providing additional flexibility to the pant.
Preferably, the at least two hook areas have a color which is distinctly different from the color of the foldable portion. This allows to more easily recognize that the product is a product with a reclosable attachment assembly.
Preferably, a distance between a first hook area and a second hook area of said at least two hook areas is at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, even more preferably between 4 mm and 12 mm, most preferable between 4 mm and 11 mm.
Preferably, the at least two hook areas comprise any one of the following materials: PP, PLA.
Preferably, the at least two hook areas are provided with mushroom shaped hooks.
Preferably, the at least two hook areas are attached by thermal sealing and/or by adhesive to the at least one foldable portion.
Preferably, the at least one foldable portion has a basis weight between 20 and 150 gsm, preferably between 30 and 100 gsm, more preferably between 40 and 80 gsm.
Preferably, the at least one foldable portion is a spunbond nonwoven or an SMS nonwoven.
Preferably, the at least one foldable portion is attached to an inner side of the front or rear waistband.
This will allow for easy manufacturing in the “cross direction”, wherein the foldable portion can be put in a folded state between the front waistband and the rear waistband during manufacturing.
Preferably, the landing portion is a nonwoven attached to an inner side of the rear or front waistband.
This will allow for easy manufacturing in the “cross direction”, wherein the landing portion can be put between the front waistband and the rear waistband during manufacturing.
Preferably, the landing portion has a basis weight between 20 and 150 gsm, preferably between 30 and 120 gsm, more preferably between 40 and 80 gsm.
Preferably, the landing portion is transparent or comprises transparent portions or comprises openings, so as to make the at least two hook areas visible through the landing portion. In this way it can be easily checked in the pant is properly closed. Also, this will allow to easily recognize that the pant is a reclosable pant.
Preferably, the landing portion is a laminate of a first layer, such as a spunbond layer, and a transparent film.
Preferably, the landing portion is a laminate of at least two layers which are sealed to each other in bonded portions in accordance with a sealing pattern, so as to render the bonded portions transparent.
Preferably, the front and/or rear waistband comprise an outer waistband layer, an inner waistband layer and an elastic material, such as elastic strands, between the outer waistband layer and the inner waistband layer.
According to a second aspect, there is provided an absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant, comprising a front waistband, a rear waistband, an absorbent core portion extending in a longitudinal direction between said front and rear waistband, and a reclosable attachment assembly between a first front end of said front waistband and a first rear end of said rear waistband. The reclosable attachment assembly comprises at least one foldable portion attached to one of said first front end and said first rear end and at least one hook area attached to an outer side of said at least one foldable portion, and at least one landing portion configured to be attached to the at least one hook area, said at feast one landing portion being positioned at the other one of said first front end and said first rear end; wherein the front and/or rear waistband comprise an outer waistband layer, an inner waistband layer and an elastic material between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein no elastic material or deactivated elastic material is present in the at least one hook area and/or in the at least one landing portion.
By avoiding that active elastic material is present in the at least one hook area and/or in the at least one landing portion, the side can be reclosed in an improved manner as it is avoided that the he at least one hook area and/or in the at least one landing portion retracts.
Preferably, the elastic material comprises elastic strands.
The following preferred features may be combined with any one of the above aspects.
Preferably, the outer waistband layer has a basis weight between 5 and 20 gsm, preferably between 8 and 15 gsm.
Preferably, the outer waistband layer is a spunbond material.
Preferably, the inner waistband layer has a basis weight between 5 and 20 gsm, preferably between 5 Sand 12 gsm.
Preferably, the inner waistband layer is an SMS material.
Preferably, the central absorbent core portion comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the liquid pervious topsheet and the liquid impervious backsheet. The absorbent core preferably comprises a bottom core wrap sheet, a top core wrap sheet and absorbent material between the bottom core wrap sheet and the top core wrap sheet, wherein the absorbent material comprises at least one of superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fluff pulp.
Preferably, the absorbent material is arranged such that at least one channel is formed, wherein less absorbent material per surface area is present in the at least one channel compared to an area surrounding the at least one channel, wherein preferably substantially no absorbent material is present in the at least one channel.
Preferably, said at least one channel comprises at least a first and a second channel portion extending next to each other in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent core and comprising a first and a second attachment zone where the top core wrap sheet is attached to the bottom core wrap sheet.
Preferably, in the said at least one channel the top core wrap sheet is attached to the bottom core wrap sheet by sealing, wherein preferably the sealing is realized by heat and/or pressure and/or ultrasonic energy, and/or wherein adhesive is arranged between the bottom core wrap sheet and the top core wrap sheet at least in a portion of the at least one channel.
Preferably. each channel has a length (Lc) measured in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent core, said length being at least 20% of the length of the absorbent core, more preferably at least 30% of the length of the absorbent core (La).
Preferably, a width of the at least one channel is at least 5% of the width of the absorbent core, more preferably at least 7%, e.g. at least 10%, and less than 30%.
Preferably, the absorbent article further comprises a capillary acceleration sheet or acquisition distribution layer between the absorbent core and the liquid pervious topsheet, wherein preferably the capillary acceleration sheet or acquisition distribution layer is a carded through-air-bonded or spunbond nonwoven having a basis weight between 15 and 50 g/m2, more preferably between 15 and 35 g/m2.
According to another aspect there is provided a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant, comprising the steps of: a. providing a front waistband material and a rear waistband material at a distance of each other in a cross direction, said front waistband material and rear waistband material extending continuously in a machine direction, b. providing multiple absorbent core portions at a distance of each other in the machine direction, wherein a longitudinal direction of the absorbent core portions corresponds to the cross direction and the front and rear end parts of said absorbent core portions are fixed to the front waistband material and the rear waistband material, respectively, c. attaching at least one foldable portion to one of said front waistband material and said rear waistband material, wherein at least two distinct hook areas are attached to an outer side of said at least one foldable portion, so as to be located on an outer side of the absorbent article, said at least two hook areas being located at a distance of each other, seen in the cross direction, and d. joining said front waistband material and said rear waistband material, so as to form a reclosable attachment assembly between the said front waistband material and said rear waistband material.
Preferably, the method further comprises prior to step d, attaching at least one landing portion to said hook areas or to the other one of said front waistband material and said rear waistband material, wherein the landing portion and the at least one foldable portion with the hook areas form the reclosable attachment assembly.
According to another aspect there is provided a method for manufacturing an absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant, comprising the steps of: a. providing a front waistband material and a rear waistband material at a distance of each other in a cross direction, said front waistband material and rear waistband material extending continuously in a machine direction, b. providing multiple absorbent core portions at a distance of each other in the machine direction, wherein a longitudinal direction of the absorbent core portions corresponds to the cross direction and wherein front and rear end parts of said absorbent core portions are fixed to the front waistband material and the rear waistband material, respectively, c. attaching at least one foldable portion to one of said front waistband material and said rear waistband material, wherein at least one hook areas is attached to an outer side of said at least one foldable portion, so as to be located on an outer side of the absorbent article, and d. joining said front waistband material and said rear waistband material, so as to form a reclosable attachment assembly between the said front waistband material and said rear waistband material, wherein the front and/or rear waistband comprise an outer waistband layer, an inner waistband layer and an elastic material, preferably elastic strands, between the outer layer and the immer layer, wherein no elastic material or deactivated elastic material is present in the at least one hook area.
The methods disclosed above may be combined with preferred absorbent article features disclosed above, as will be further apparent from the detailed figure description below.
The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Figures 1-4 are pictures of an embodiment of a reclosable pant.
Figure 1 shows a front outer side of the reclosable pant.
Figure 2A shows a front outer side at a first front end of the front waistband and Figure 2B shows a front inner side at said first front end.
Figure 3A shows a rear inner side at a first rear end of the rear waistband and Figure 2B shows a rear outer side at said first rear end.
Figure 4A shows a rear outer side of the reclosable pant.
Figure 4B shows a front inner side of the reclosable pant.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate schematically possible attachment structures.
Figure 5A shows a front outer side at a first front end of the front waistband with a first possible attachment structure with one foldable portion and Figure 5B shows an alternative with two foldable portions.
Figures 6A and 6B each show a front outer side at a first front end of the front waistband with a third and fourth possible attachment structure with one foldable portion and multiple hook areas.
Figures 7-14 illustrate schematically an embodiment of a method for manufacturing as well as exemplary details about the reclosable pant. Figures 7-9 illustrate the general principles and Figures 10-14 illustrate more details about embodiments of the invention.
Figure 7 shows a line of unassembled pants (three unassembled pants are shown) looking at the inside of the unassembled pants before sealing and before bringing the front and back side together.
Figures 8 and 9 show an outside front view and a top view where the front side has been folded against the rear side, further illustrating the step of sealing and cutting.
Figure 10 shows a top view similar to the view of Figure 9 illustrating a possible reclosable attachment assembly between the front waistband and the rear waistband.
Figure 11 shows a line of unassembled pants (three unassembled pants are shown) looking at the inside of the unassembled pants and illustrating the positioning of folded portions on the front waistband area.
Figure 12A zooms in on the folded portions of Figure 11 and Figure 12B shows a cross section along line B-B in Figure 12A.
Figures 13A and 13B show the cross section of Figure 12A after the rear waistband area has been joined to the front waistband area before and after cutting, respectively.
Figures 14A and 14B are similar to Figures 13A and 13B but illustrate an embodiment with a different folded portion.
Figures 15A-15B and 16A-16B illustrate another embodiment of a reclosable pant.
Figure 15A shows a front outer side of the reclosable pant.
Figure 15B shows a rear outer side of the reclosable pant.
Figure 16A shows a front inner side of the reclosable pant.
Figure 16B shows a rear inner side of the reclosable pant.
Figures 17A and 17B illustrate a cross section and a top view of an embodiment of an absorbent core portion.
Figures 184, 18B and 18C illustrate different possible channel configurations for the absorbent core.
Figures 1-4 are pictures of an embodiment of a reclosable pant. The reclosable pant comprises a front waistband 10, visible in Figures 1, 2A, 2B and 4B, a rear waistband 20, visible in Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, and an absorbent core 30 portion extending in a longitudinal direction between said front and rear waistband. The reclosable pant further comprises a reclosable attachment assembly between a first front end 11 of said front waistband 10 and a first rear end 21 of said rear waistband 20.
Preferably, the reclosable pant further comprises a reclosable attachment assembly between a second front end 12 of said front waistband 10 and a second rear end 22 of said rear waistband 20, so that a symmetrical pant is obtained. However, as will be understood, it is also possible to provide a reclosable attachment assembly between the first frontend 11 and the first rear end 21 and to provide a non-reclosable fixed attachment between the second front end 12 and the second rear end 22.
The reclosable attachment assembly comprises a foldable portion 50 attached to the first front end 11 and two distinct hook areas 60, 70 attached to an outer side 51 of foldable portion 50, so as to be located on an outer side of the reclosable pant, see FIG. 2A. The foldable portion 50 has an outer wing 50a which is foldable along a fold line FL, see FIG. 2B, so that an inner surface of the wing 50a, i.e. an inner surface not containing any hook areas, can be folded against an inner surface of an attached portion 50b of the foldable portion. As will be explained in more detail below, this allows the foldable portion 50 to be inserted in the folded position between the front and rear waistband 10, during manufacturing. 20
The reclosable attachment assembly further comprises a landing portion 80 configured to be attached to the two hook areas 60, 70. The landing portion 80 is positioned at the first rear end 21 of the rear waistband 20. The landing portion 80 may be a separate sheet, preferably a nonwoven, that is attached, for example by adhesive to the rear waistband 20. Optionally, the landing portion 80 may be made of the same material as the foldable portion 50. In another non-illustrated embodiment, the landing portion could also be a portion that is an integral part of the rear waistband 20, e.g. a coating layer arranged thereon, or an inner layer of the waistband 20 that is suitable to be attached to the hook areas 60, 70.
As can be seen in Figure 2B, the attached portion 50b of the foldable portion 50 is attached to an inner side the first front end 11 of the front waistband 10, and the two distinct hook areas 60, 70 are attached to an outer side 51 of foldable portion 50, so as to be located on an outer side of the reclosable pant. Thus, in the worn state, the inner side 52 of the foldable portion 50 will be arranged against the body of a user, whilst the outer side 51 of the foldable portion 50 with the hook areas 60, 70 will not touch the body.
In an alternative non-illustrated embodiment, the foldable portion is attached to the first rear end 21 and the landing portion 80 is positioned at the first front end 11. Also, instead of having one foldable portion 50, more than one foldable portion may be provided, for example one foldable portion for each hook area 60, 70. Further, more than two hook areas 60, 70 may be provided on the at least one foldable portion 50. Also, more than one landing area 80 may be provided, for example a separate landing area 80 for each hook area 60, 70.
The two hook areas 60, 70 are located at a distance of each other, preferably seen in the longitudinal direction of the reclosable pant. Each hook area 60, 70 has an elongate shape seen in the longitudinal direction. Each hook areas 60, 70 is substantially rectangular with rounded angles, but other shapes are also possible. Preferably, each hook area 60, 70 has a length between 30 and 70 mm and a width between 5 mm and 20 mm. Preferably and as illustrated, each hook area has a rounded contour.
Preferably, the hook areas 60, 70 have a color which is distinctly different from the color of the foldable portion 50. In this way, a user can easily recognize that the pant is a reclosable pant.
Preferably, a distance d between the first hook area 60 and the second hook area 70, see FIG. 2A, is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 15 mm, even more preferably between 4 mm and 12 mm, most preferable between 4 mm and 11 mm.
Figure 5A shows schematically an embodiment which is similar to the embodiment of Figures 1-4 which was described above in detail. The advantage of having multiple hook areas 69, 70 seen in a longitudinal direction of the pant is that the side edges of the pant are more flexible, wherein the hook area 60 may be slight rotated with respect to the hook area 70 in the worn state of the pant.
Figure 5B shows a variant which comprises two foldable portions 50, 50°, wherein a hook area 60, 60 is provided on each portion 50, 50°, respectively. A similar technical advantage is obtained for such an embodiment. Figures 6A and 6B show two further embodiments with a single foldable portion 50 and three hook areas 60, 70, 70” located at a distance of each other as seen in a longitudinal direction of the pant. As illustrated the shape of the hook areas 60, 70, 70’ may vary: Figure 6A illustrates an oval shape and Figure 6B illustrates a wavy shape but the skilled person understands that different shapes are possible.
Figures 15A-B and 16A-B illustrate another embodiment which is similar to the embodiments of
Figures 1-4 with this difference that the hook areas 60, 70 have an elongate shape with a variable width. This may facilitate the opening and closing on the reclosable pant as it will be easier to manipulate the foldable portions with a finger of a user.
Preferably, the hook areas 60, 60’, 70, 70’ comprise any one of the following materials: PP, PLA.
The hook areas 60, 60°, 70, 70" may be provided with mushroom shaped hooks. For example, the hook areas 60, 60°, 70, 70° may comprise a PP coating with integrated hooks. The two hook areas 60, 60°, 70, 70’ may be attached by thermal sealing and/or by adhesive to the foldable portion 50, 50.
Preferably, the foldable portion 50, 50” has a basis weight between 20 and 150 gsm, more preferably between 30 and 100 gsm, even more preferably between 40 and 80 gsm. Preferably, the foldable portion 50, 50° is a nonwoven, more preferably a spunbond nonwoven or an SMS nonwoven.
Preferably, the landing portion 80 is a nonwoven attached to an inner side of the rear or front waistband 10, 20. Preferably, the landing portion 80 has a basis weight between 20 and 150 gsm, preferably between 30 and 120 gsm, more preferably between 40 and 80 gsm. Optionally, the landing portion 80 is transparent or comprises transparent portions or comprises openings, so as to make the hook areas 60, 70 visible through the landing portion 80. Optionally, the landing portion 80 is a laminate of a first layer, such as a spunbond layer, and a transparent film. Optionally, the landing portion 80 is a laminate of at least two layers which are sealed to each other in bonded portions in accordance with a sealing pattern, so as to render the bonded portions more transparent than the remainder of the landing portion 80. For example, a spunbond nonwoven may be laminated to a carded nonwoven.
Preferably, the front and/or rear waistband 10, 20 comprise an outer waistband layer, an inner waistband layer and an elastic material, such as elastic strands, between the outer layer and the inner layer, as will be further explained below with reference to Figure 12. Preferably, the outer waistband layer has a basis weight between 5 and 20 gsm, preferably between 8 and 15 gsm. Preferably, the outer waistband layer is a spunbond material. Preferably, the inner waistband layer has a basis weight between 5 and 20 gsm, preferably between 5 and 12 gsm. Preferably, the inner waistband layer is an
SMS material.
Preferably, no elastic material or only deactivated elastic material is present in the hook areas 60, 70, 60’, 70° and more preferably also not in the area where the foldable portion 50, 50’ is attached to the front waistband 10, see for example Figure 2A where deactivated elastic strands 19 are recognizable.
Preferably, no elastic material or only deactivated elastic material is present in the landing portion 80, see for example Figure 3B where deactivated strands 29 are recognizable.
Now an embodiment for making such reclosable pants will be described with reference to Figures 7-14. Figure 7 illustrates a view looking at the inside of the intended pants and shows a rear waistband area 1020 intended to form multiple rear waistbands 20 and a front waistband area 1010 intended to form multiple front waistbands 10 and a number of absorbent core portions 30 {three absorbent core portions 30 are shown) fixed between the rear waistband area 1020 and the front waistband area 1010.
In a next step illustrated in Figure 8, the front waistband area 1010 is folded against the rear waistband area 1020 and adjacent sides of the intended pants are sealed along two seal lines S and cut in between the two seal lines S along a cut line CL. This results in three pants, sec the top view of Figure 9.
Figures 10-14 illustrate now in more detail how a reclosable attachment assembly 40 may be added to the pant. It is noted that in that case the sealing of Figure 8 could be omitted, but it is also possible to provide both a permanent seal as well as a reclosable seal. In that case, when the pant is opened for the first time, the permanent seal is torn but the pant can be reclosed using by means of the reclosable attachment assembly 40. Figure 11 shows a view similar to the view of Figure 7 but where two foldable portions 50 with hook areas 60 have been arranged in the on the front waistband area 110 on either side of an intended cut line CL.
Figures 12A and 12B illustrate this arrangement in more detail, wherein Figure I2A is a top view and Figure 12B is a cross-section view taken on an elastic strand. Each folded portion 50 is provided with two hook areas 60, 60° located at a distance of each other. In this embodiment the two hook areas are at a distance of each other seen in a transversal direction of the pant, but they may also be arranged as in the embodiment of Figures 1-4 where two hook areas 60, 70 are at a distance of each other seen in a longitudinal direction of the pant, see also Figures 14A and 14B discussed below.
Optionally the surface 51 of wing 50a of folded portion 50 may be temporary fixed, for example along one or more fixation points 55, to surface 51 of attached portion 50b of folded portion 50. The front waistband area 1010 may be formed of an outer waistband sheet 1016, an inner waistband sheet 1017 and a number of elastic strands 1018 fixed, e.g. using glue 1015, between the outer waistband sheet 1016 and the inner waistband sheet 1017. 1t is noted that the inner waistband sheet 1017 and the outer waistband sheet 1016 may partially overlap (as illustrated in Figure 11) or may fully overlap.
Figures 13A and 13B illustrate the situation after the front waistband area 1010 and the rear waistband area 1020 has been joined to each other (as also explained in connection with Figure 8),
before and after cutting, respectively. The rear waistband area 1020 may be formed of an outer waistband sheet 1026, an inner waistband sheet 1027 and a number of elastic strands 1028 fixed, e.g. using glue 1025, between the outer waistband sheet 1026 and the inner waistband sheet 1027. It is noted that the inner waistband sheet 1027 and the outer waistband sheet 1026 may partially overlap (as illustrated in Figure 11) or may fully overlap. As illustrated in Figure 13B, in the area where the folded portions 50 are arranged no elastic material 1018, 1028 is present. Thus, after cutting, as illustrated in Figure 13B, the inner and outer waistbands 10, 20 will retract expect from in the area where the folded portions 50 are located so that the reclosable attachment area does not wrinkle.
Figures 13A and 13B do not illustrate landing portions 80 but it will be understood that landing portions 80 may be provided on the rear waistband area 1020 opposite the foldable portions 50 so that the landing portion 80 is attached to the hook areas 60, see also Figure 10.
Figures 14A and 14B are similar to Figures 13A and 13B and illustrate an embodiment with a foldable portion 50 with two hook areas 60, 70 arranged as in the embodiment of Figures 1-4.
Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 17A and 17B, the absorbent core portion 30 may comprise a liquid pervious topsheet 300, a liquid impervious backsheet 200, an absorbent core 100 positioned between the liquid pervious topsheet 300 and the liquid impervious backsheet 200. Preferably, the absorbent core 100 comprises a bottom core wrap sheet 120, a top core wrap sheet 110 and absorbent material 130 between the bottom core wrap sheet 120 and the top core wrap sheet 110. Preferably, the absorbent material 130 comprises at least one of superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fluff pulp. Optionally, an acquisition distribution layer 600 may be provided between the absorbent core 100 and the topsheet 300 and/or a distribution layer 700 may be provided between the absorbent core 100 and the backsheet 200. Preferably, the acquisition distribution layer is a carded through-air- bonded nonwoven or a spunbonded nonwoven having a basis weight between 15 and 50 g/m2, more preferably between 15 and 35 g/m2.
Optionally, the absorbent material is arranged such that at least one channel 140, 150, 160, 170 is formed, see also Figures 18A-18C which show embodiments with one or two channels instead of four channels shown in Figure 17B, wherein less absorbent material per surface area is present in the at least one channel 140, 150, 160, 170 compared to an area surrounding the at least one channel, wherein preferably substantially no absorbent material is present in the at least one channel.
Preferably, said at least one channel 140, 150, 160, 170 comprises at least a first and a second channel portion 140, 150 or 160, 170 extending next to each other in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 100 and comprising a first and a second attachment zone where the top core wrap sheet 110 is attached to the bottom core wrap sheet 120, see for example Figure 17B and Figure 18B. In the at least one channel 140, 150, 160, 170 the top core wrap sheet 110 may be attached to the bottom core wrap sheet 120 by sealing, wherein preferably the sealing is realized by heat and/or pressure and/or ultrasonic energy, and/or adhesive may be arranged between the bottom core wrap sheet 110 and the top core wrap sheet 120 at least in a portion of the at least one channel 140, 150, 160, 170. Preferably, cach channel 140, 150, 160, 170 has a length (Lc) measured in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent core, said length being at least 10% of the length of the absorbent core, preferably at least 30% of the length (La) of the absorbent core 100, more preferably at least 40% of the length (La) of the absorbent core 100, see for example Figure 18B where the lengths have been indicated.
Preferably, a width of the at least one channel 140, 150, 160, 170 is at least 5% of the width of the absorbent core 100, preferably at least 7%, e.g. at least 10%, and less than 30%.
Glossary
As used in the present application, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "an edge barrier" refers to one or more than one edge barrier. "About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed. "Absorbent article", "absorbent garment”, "absorbent product”, "absorbing article", "absorbing garment”, "absorbing product” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to devices that absorb and contain bodily exudates, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various liquids discharged from the body. Absorbent articles include but are not limited to feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants, adult incontinence garments, various diaper and pants holders, liners, towels, absorbent inserts and the like. "Absorbent core” as used herein refers to a three-dimensional part of the absorbent structure, comprising liquid-absorbing material, useful to permanently absorb and/or retain bodily exudates. "Absorbent component” as used herein refers to a structural constituent of an absorbent article, e.g., a piece of an absorbent core, such as one of multiple pieces in a multi-piece absorbent core.
"Absorbent element” as used herein refers to a part of a functional constituent of an absorbent structure, e.g., an acquisition layer, a dispersion layer, core layer or a release structure formed of a material or materials having particular liquid handling characteristics suitable for the specific function. "Absorbent fibrous polymer material” as used herein refers to an absorbent polymer material which is in threadlike from such as fibers, filaments, and the like so as to be less flowable in the dry state than particulates. "Absorbent insert” as used herein refers to a device adapted for insertion into an "Absorbent layer" as used herein refers to a term referring to a discrete, identifiable sheet-like or web-like element of an absorbent article which may remain detached and relatively movable with respect to another such element or may be attached or joined so as to remain permanently associated with another such element. Each absorbent layer may itself include a laminate or combination of several layers, sheets and/or webs of similar or diverse compositions. "Absorbent polymer material”, "absorbent gelling material”, "AGM", "superabsorbent", "superabsorbent material”, "super absorbent polymer”, "SAP" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to any suitable particulate {(e.g., flaked, particulate, granular, or powdered) or fibrous cross linked polymeric materials that can absorb at least 5 times and preferably at least about 10 times or more its weight of an aqueous 0.9% saline solution as measured using the
Centrifuge Retention Capacity test (EDANA 441.2-01). "Absorbent polymer material area” as used herein refers to the area of the absorbent structure wherein adjacent layers are separated by a multiplicity of absorbent polymer material. Incidental contact areas between these adjacent layers within the absorbent particulate polymer material area may be intentional (e.g bond area's) or unintentional (e.g. manufacturing artifacts). “Absorbent particulate polymer material” as used herein refers to an absorbent polymer material which is in particulate form such as powders, granules, flakes and the like so as to be flowable in the dry state. “Absorption” as used herein refers to the process by which a liquid is taken up within a material. "Absorption rate” as used herein refers to the rate of absorption of liquid, i.e. the amount of liquid which is absorbed per unit of time, typically by an absorbent component, element and/or absorbent layer of the absorbent article, structure and/or core.
"Acquisition layer", "acquisition region”, "acquisition surface” or "acquisition material” and the like as used herein refer to the layer overlying the absorbent core having a faster liquid uptake and/or distribution capability.
"Absorbency” is the ability of a material to take up fluids by various means including capillary, osmotic, solvent, chemical and/or other action.
"Adult incontinence garment” as used herein refers to absorbent articles intended to be worn by incontinent adults, for absorbing and containing bodily exudates.
"Adhesion" as used herein refers to the force that holds different materials together at their interface. "Adhesive" as used herein refers to a material, which may or may not be flowable in solution or when heated, that is used to bond materials together.
"Adsorption" as used herein refers to the process by which a liquid is taken up by the surface of a material.
"Airlaying” as used herein refers to forming a web by dispersing fibers or particles in an air stream and condensing them from the air stream onto a moving screen by means of a pressure and/or vacuum; a web of fibers produced by airlaying is herein referred to an "airlaid"; an airlaid web bonded by one or more techniques to provide fabric integrity is herein referred to an "airlaid nonwoven".
"Apparent density", "density" as used herein refers to the basis weight of the sample divided by the caliper with appropriate unit conversions incorporated therein.
Apparent density used herein has the unit g/cm3.
"Attach", "attached" and "attachment" as used herein are synonymous with their counterparts of the terms "fasten", "affix", “secure”, "bind", "join" and "link".
"Baby diaper" as used herein refers to absorbent articles intended to be worn by children, for absorbing and containing bodily exudates which the user draws up between the legs and fastens about the waist of the wearer.
"Baby pants" as used herein refers to absorbent articles marketed for use in transitioning children from diapers to underwear intended to cover the lower torso of children, so as to absorb and contain body exudates which article is generally configured like a panty garment and manufactured with a completed waist encircling portion, thereby eliminating the need for the user to fasten the article about the waist of the wearer. "Back region” as used herein refers to the portion of an absorbent article or part thereof that is intended to be positioned proximate the back of a wearer. "Backing" as used herein refers to a web or other material that supports and reinforces the back of a product. "Basis weight” is the weight per unit area of a sample reported in grams per square meter, g/m2 or gsm.
"Bodily exudates”, "body exudates", "bodily fluids", "body fluids", "bodily discharges”, "body discharges", "fluid(s)", " liquid(s)", "fluid(s) and liquid(s) and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to, but are not limited to urine, blood, vaginal discharges, breast milk, sweats and fecal matter.
"Binder", "adhesive", "glue", "resins", "plastics" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to substances, generally in a solid form (e.g. powder, film, fiber) or as a foam, or in a liquid form (e .g. emulsion, dispersion, solution) used for example by way of impregnation, spraying, printing, foam application and the like used for attaching or bonding functional and/or structural components, elements and materials, for example including heat and/or pressure sensitive adhesives, hot-melts, heat activated adhesives, thermoplastic materials, chemical activated adhesives/solvents, curable materials and the like. "Bond strength" as used herein refers to the amount of adhesion between bonded surfaces.
It is a measure of the stress required to separate a layer of material from the base to which it is bonded. "Capillary action”, "capiliarity”, or "capillary motion" and the like as used herein are used to refer to the phenomena of the flow of liquid through porous media. "Chassis" as used herein refers to a foundational constituent of an absorbent article upon which the remainder of the structure of the article is built up or overlaid, e.g, in a diaper, the structural elements that give the diaper the form of briefs or pants when configured for wearing, such as a backsheet, a topsheet, or a combination of a topsheet and a backsheet. "Cellulose fibers" as used herein refers to naturally occurring fibers based on cellulose, such as, for example cotton, linen, etc; wood pulp fibers are one example of cellulose fibers; man-made fibers derived from cellulose, such as regenerated cellulose (rayon), or partially or fully acetylated cellulose derivatives (e.g. cellulose acetate or triacetate) are also considered as cellulose fibers. "Cluster" or the like as used herein refers to an agglomeration of particles and/or fibers.
"Chemically stiffened fibers”, chemically modified fibers", "chemically cross-linked fibers", "curly fibers" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to any fibers which have been stiffened by chemical means to increase stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous conditions, for example by way of addition of chemical stiffening agents (e.g. by coating, impregnating, etc), altering the chemical structure of the fibers themselves (e.g. by cross-linking polymer chains, etc) and the like. "Cohesion" as used herein refers to the resistance of similar materials to be separated from each other.
"Compartment" as used herein refers to chambers, cavities, pockets and the like. "Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", “including”, "includes" or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open- ended terms that specify the presence of what follows e.g. a component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, elements, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein. “Coverstock” as used herein refers to a lightweight non-woven material used to contain and conceal an underlying absorbent core material; examples are the facing layer or materials that cover the absorbent cores of feminine hygiene garment s, baby diapers and pants and adult incontinence garments. "Crotch region” of an absorbent article as used herein refers to about 50% of the absorbent article's total length (i.e, in the y-dimension), where the crotch point is located in the longitudinal center of the crotch region.
That is, the crotch region is determined by first locating the crotch point of the absorbent article, and then measuring forward and backward a distance of 25% of the absorbent article's total length. "Cross direction (CD)", "lateral" or "transverse" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a direction which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and includes directions within +45° of the transversal direction. "Curing" as used herein refers to a process by which resins, binders or plastics are set into or onto fabrics, usually by heating, to cause them to stay in place; the setting may occur by removing solvent or by cross-linking so as to make them in soluble. "Diaper", "conventional diaper”, "diaper-like", "diaper-like garment” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to disposable absorbent articles, which typically include a front waist portion and a back waist portion which may be releasable connected about the hips of the wearer during use by conventional fasteners such as adhesive tape fasteners or hook and loop type fasteners.
In use, the article is positioned between the legs of the wearer and the fasteners are releasable attached to secure the back waist portion to the front waist portion of the diaper, thereby securing the diaper about the waist of the wearer. The front waist portion and a back waist portion are connected by relatively non-stretchable or stretchable members (the term "stretchable" as used herein refers to materials that are extensible when forces are applied to the material, and offer some resistance to extension). Hence, such articles are generally not configured to be pulled up or down over the hips of the wearer when the fasteners are attached. "Dispersion layer", "dispersion region”, "dispersion surface” or "dispersion material” and the like as used herein refer to the layer overlying the absorbent core having a faster liquid uptake and dispersion capability. "Disposable" is used herein to describe articles that are generally not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). "Drylaying” as used herein refers to a process for making a nonwoven web from dry fiber; these terms apply to the formation of carded webs, as well as to the air laying formation of random webs; a web of fibers produced by drylaying is herein referred to as a "drylaid"; a drylaid web bonded by one or more techniques to provide fabric integrity is herein referred to a "drylaid nonwoven".
"Dry strength” as used herein refers to the strength of ajoint determined in dry state conditions, immediately after drying under specified conditions or after a period of conditioning in the standard laboratory atmosphere.
"Essentially cellulose free”, “substantially fluffless” or "little to no cellulose fibers” as used herein refers to an absorbent article, structure, core component and/or element containing less than 20% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 10% cellulosic fibers, less than 5% cellulosic fibers, no cellulosic fibers, or no more than an immaterial amount of cellulosic fibers which do not materially affect the thinness, flexibility or absorbency thereof.
"Essentially fluffless” or "little to no fluff pulp" as used herein refers to an absorbent article, structure, core, component and/or element containing less than 20% by weight fluff pulp, less than 10% fluff pulp, less than 5% fluff pulp, no fluff pulp, or no more than an immaterial amount of fluff pulp which do not materially affect the thinness, flexibility or absorbency thereof.
"Fabric" as used herein refers to a sheet structure made from fibers, filaments and/or yarns. "Feminine hygiene garments” as used herein refer to absorbent hygiene articles intended to be worn by woman, for absorbing and containing body exudates.
"Fiber" as used herein refers to the basic threadlike structure from which nonwovens, yarns and textiles are made.
It differs from a particle by having a length at least 4 times its width; "Natural fibers" are either of animal (wool, silk), vegetable (cotton, flax, jute) or mineral (asbestos) origin, while "Man-made fibers" may be either polymers synthesized from chemical compounds (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, acrylic etc.) or modified natural polymers (rayon, acetate) or mineral (glass).
"Fiber" and "filament" are used interchangeably.
"Fluff pulp" or "Pulp fluff" as used herein refers to wood pulp specially prepared to be drylaid.
The fibers can be either natural or synthetic or a combination thereof.
"Front region” as used herein refers to the portion of an absorbent article or part thereof that is intended to be positioned proximate the front of a wearer.
"Garment facing layer" as used herein refers to elements of the chassis that form the outer surface of the absorbent article, such as the backsheet, the side panels, the waist fasteners, and the like, when such elements are present.
"Heat activated adhesive" as used herein refers to a dry adhesive that is rendered tacky or fluid by application of heat or heat and pressure to the assembly. "Heat sealing adhesive" as used herein refers to a thermoplastic adhesive which is melted between the adherent surfaces by heat application to one or both of the adjacent adherent surfaces. "High loft" as used herein refers to general term of low density, thick or bulky fabrics. "Hot-melt adhesive" as used herein refers to a solid material that melts quickly upon heating, then sets to a firm bond upon cooling; used for almost instantaneous bonding. "Hydrophilic" as used herein refers to having an affinity for being wetted by water or for absorbing water. "Hydrophobic" as used herein refers to lacking the affinity for being wetted by water or for absorbing water. "Immobilization layer" as used herein refers to a layer able to be applied to the absorbent polymer material or absorbent polymer material area with the intent to gather, bond and/or immobilize absorbent material and/or absorbent layer. "Join", "joined" and "joining" as used herein refers to encompassing configurations wherein an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, as well as configurations wherein the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to an intermediate member or members which in turn is or are affixed to the other element. "Knitting" as used herein refers to the technique for interlocking loops of fibers with needles or similar devices.
"Layer" refers to identifiable components of the absorbent article, and any part referred to as a "layer" may actually comprise a laminate or combination of several sheets or webs of the requisite type of materials.
As used herein, the term "layer" includes the terms "layers" and "layered." "Upper" refers to the layer of the absorbent article which is nearest to and/ or faces the wearer facing layer; conversely, the term "lower" refers to the layer of the absorbent article which is nearest to and/or faces the garment facing layer. "Layer" is three dimensional structure with a x dimension width, y dimension length, and z-dimensions thickness or caliper, said x-y dimensions being substantially in the plane of the article, however it should be noted that the various members, layers, and structures of absorbent articles according to the present invention may or may not be generally planar in nature, and may be shaped or profiled in any desired configuration.
"Machine direction (MD)", "longitudinal" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a direction running parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the structure and includes directions within £45° of the longitudinal direction.
“Major surface” as used herein refers to a term used to describe the surfaces of greatest extent of a generally planar or sheet-like structural element and to distinguish these surfaces from the minor surfaces of the end edges and the side edges, i.e., in an element having a length, a width, and a thickness, the thickness being the smallest of the three dimensions, the major surfaces are those defined by the length and the width and thus having the greatest extent.
"Mass flow" as used herein refers to the flow of a liquid from one absorbent element or component to another absorbent element or component by channel tlow action.
"Mechanical bonding” as used herein refers to a method of bonding fibers by entangling them.
This can be achieved by needling, stitching with fibers or by the use of high-pressure air or water jets and the like.
"Nonwoven" as used herein refers to manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibers, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled.
The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ.
Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms: short fibers (known as staple, or chopped), continuous single fibers (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yarn). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by many processes such as melt blowing, spun bonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding.
The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is usually expressed in grams per square meter (gsm).
"Pant", "training pant", "closed diapers", "prefastened diapers", "pull-on diapers” and "diaper-pants" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to absorbent articles which are typically applied to the wearer by first leading the feet into the respective leg openings and subsequently pulling the pants from the feet to waist area over the hips and buttocks of the wearer and which are capable of being pulled up or down over the hips of the wearer.
Typically, such articles may include a front waist portion and a back waist portion which may be connected about the hips of the wearer by integral or releasable members.
A pant may be preformed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the article using refastenable and/or nonrefastenable bonds (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). A pant may be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article (e.g., side fastened, front waist fastened).
“Polymer” as used herein refers to but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof.
Unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" includes all possible spatial configurations of the molecule and include, but are not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.
"Rear" as used herein refers to the portion of an absorbent article or part thereof that is intended to be positioned proximate the back of the wearer.
“Release structure", "release region", "release surface” or "release material" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a structure in fluid communication with the absorbent core having a larger relative liquid absorption capacity and/or rate allowing it to quickly take up, temporarily hold and releasing liquids.
"Resin" as used herein refers to a solid or semisolid polymeric material.
"Thermobonding" as used herein refers to a method of bonding fibers by the use of heat and/or high- pressure.
"Thermoplastic" as used herein refers to polymeric materials that have a melting temperature and can flow or be formed into desired shapes on the application of heat at or below the melting point. "Ultrasonic" as used herein refers to the use of high frequency sound to generate localized heat through vibration thereby causing thermoplastic fibers to bond to one another.
"Water-absorbing", "liquid-absorbing”, "absorbent", "absorbing" and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to compounds, materials, products that absorb at least water, but typically also other aqueous fluids and typically other parts of bodily exudates such as at least urine or blood. "Wearer facing layer" as used herein refers to elements of the chassis that form the inner surface of the absorbent article, such as the topsheet, the leg cuffs, and the side panels, etc., when such elements are present. "Weaving" as used herein refers to the process of interlacing two or more sets of yarns at right angles to form a fabric; a web of fibers produced by weaving is herein referred to as a "woven". "Web material" as used herein refers to an essentially endless material in one direction, i.e. the longitudinal extension or the length, or the x- direction in Cartesian coordinates relative to the web material.
Included in this term is an essentially unlimited sequence of pieces cut or otherwise separated from an essentially endless material.
Often, though not necessarily, the web materials will have a thickness dimension (i.e. the z-direction) which is significantly smaller than the longitudinal extension (i.e. in x-direction). Typically, the width of web materials (they-direction) will be significantly larger than the thickness, but less than the length.
Often, though not necessarily, the thickness and the width of such materials is essentially constant along the length of the web.
Without intending any limitation, such web materials may be cellulosic fiber materials, tissues, woven or nonwoven materials and the like.
Typically, though not necessarily, web materials are supplied in roll form, or on spools, or in a folded state in boxes.
The individual deliveries may then be spliced together to form the essentially endless structure.
A web material may be composed of several web materials, such as multilayer non-woven, coated tissues, nonwoven/film laminates.
Web materials may comprise other materials, such as added binding material, particles, hydrophilizing agents and the like. "Wet burst strength” is a measure of a layer's ability to absorb energy, when wet and subjected to deformation normal to the plane of the web.
"Wet strength” as used herein refers to the strength of a joint determined immediately after removal from a liquid in which it has been immersed under specified conditions of time, temperature and pressure.
The term is commonly used in the art to designate strength after immersion in water.
"Wetlaying" as used herein refers to the forming a web from an aqueous dispersion of fibers by applying modified paper making techniques; a web of fibers produced by wetlaying is herein referred to as a "wetlaid".
"Wood pulp” as used herein refers to cellulosic fibers used to make viscose rayon, paper and the absorbent cores of products such as feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants and adult incontinence garments.
"X-y dimension" as used herein refers to the plane orthogonal to the thickness of the article, structure or element.
The x- and y-dimensions correspond generally to the width and length, respectively, of the article, structure or element.
"Z-dimension" as used herein refers to the dimension orthogonal to the length and width of the article, structure or element.
The z-dimension corresponds generally to the thickness of the article, structure or element.
Claims (35)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2024/088221 WO2025133327A1 (en) | 2023-12-22 | 2024-12-20 | Absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2036645 | 2023-12-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2038288B1 true NL2038288B1 (en) | 2025-07-07 |
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ID=96307226
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2038288A NL2038288B1 (en) | 2023-12-22 | 2024-07-22 | Absorbent article, preferably a reclosable pant |
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| Country | Link |
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| NL (1) | NL2038288B1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRPI0618830A2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2011-09-13 | Procter & Gamble | disposable absorbent article with bottom layer strips |
| US20170333261A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-23 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article having waist gasketing element |
| CN115300232B (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2024-01-09 | 宝洁公司 | Laminate comprising beam-type elastic members and absorbent article comprising said laminate |
| CN118369075A (en) * | 2021-12-24 | 2024-07-19 | 宝洁公司 | Adhesive absorbent article having front and rear elastic waistbands |
-
2024
- 2024-07-22 NL NL2038288A patent/NL2038288B1/en active
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRPI0618830A2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2011-09-13 | Procter & Gamble | disposable absorbent article with bottom layer strips |
| US20170333261A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-23 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article having waist gasketing element |
| CN115300232B (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2024-01-09 | 宝洁公司 | Laminate comprising beam-type elastic members and absorbent article comprising said laminate |
| CN118369075A (en) * | 2021-12-24 | 2024-07-19 | 宝洁公司 | Adhesive absorbent article having front and rear elastic waistbands |
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