ARRAYS OF ABSORBENT ARTICLES OF DIFFERENT SIZES COMPRISING FRANGIBLE PATHWAYS
20250195294 ยท 2025-06-19
Inventors
- Keith Richard WILLHAUS (Cincinnati, OH, US)
- Masaharu Nishikawa (Cincinnati, OH)
- Jeromy Thomas Raycheck (South Lebanon, OH)
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to arrays of packages comprising two or more absorbent articles. In some configurations, the two or more absorbent articles may include different sizes of absorbent articles having front and/or back waist regions including one or more frangible pathways. In some configurations, the two or more absorbent articles may include different forms of absorbent articles, wherein at least one form of absorbent articles includes front and/or back waist regions including one or more frangible pathways.
Claims
1. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant comprising a first size, a second package comprising a second diaper pant comprising a second size larger than the first size; and wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second accessibility openings in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending between the first and second accessibility openings and at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt; and wherein lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
2. The array of claim 1, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product length and the second diaper pant comprises a second product length, and wherein the second product length is greater than the first product length.
3. The array of claim 1, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product width and the second diaper pant comprises a second product width, and wherein the second product width is greater than the first product width.
4. The array of claim 1, wherein the first frangible pathways of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each extend between a first proximal terminus on the inner edge of the first belt and a first distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, and wherein the second frangible pathways of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each extend between a second proximal terminus on the inner edge of the first belt and a second distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt.
5. The array of claim 4, wherein lateral distances between the first distal terminus and the second distal terminus of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states.
6. The array of claim 4, wherein lateral distances between the first proximal terminus and the second proximal terminus of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states.
7. The array of claim 1, wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise first and second fastener components positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet adjacent the first and second accessibility openings.
8. The array of claim 7, wherein longitudinal lengths of the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
9. The array of claim 7, wherein lateral widths of the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
10. The array of claim 7, wherein the first accessibility opening extends through the first fastener component and wherein the second accessibility opening extends through the second fastener component.
11. The array of claim 7, wherein lateral distances between the first fastener component and the second fastener component of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states.
12. The array of claim 1, wherein longitudinal distances between the inner edge of the first belt and the outer edge of the first belt of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
13. The array of claim 1, wherein lengths of the first and second accessibility openings of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
14. The array of claim 1, further comprising: a third package comprising a third diaper pant comprising a third size larger than the first size and the second size; and wherein the third diaper pant comprises: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second accessibility openings in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending between the first and second accessibility openings and at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt; and wherein lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings of the first, second, and third diaper pants are substantially the same.
15. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant comprising a first size, a second package comprising a second diaper pant comprising a second size larger than the first size; and wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending across the overlap region and between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt; first and second fastener components positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet in the overlap region adjacent the first and second frangible pathways; and wherein longitudinal lengths of the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
16. The array of claim 15, wherein lateral distances between the first fastener component and the second fastener component of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states.
17. The array of claim 16, wherein longitudinal distances between the outer edge of the first belt and the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
18. The array of claim 17, wherein longitudinal distances between the inner edge of the first belt and the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
19. The array of claim 15, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product length and the second diaper pant comprises a second product length, and wherein the second product length is greater than the first product length.
20. The array of claim 15, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product width and the second diaper pant comprises a second product width, and wherein the second product width is greater than the first product width.
21. The array of claim 15, wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise first and second accessibility openings in the first belt, and wherein the first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extend between the first and second accessibility openings and the inner and outer edges of the first belt.
22. The array of claim 21, wherein lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same.
23. The array of claim 21, wherein the first and second accessibility openings in the first belt are positioned in the overlap region.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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[0026] FIG. 3A1 is a cross-sectional detailed view of another example configuration wherein the first belt is provided with panel layers wherein one panel layer is folded over another panel layer.
[0027] FIG. 3A2 is a cross-sectional detailed view of another example configuration wherein the first belt is provided with panel layers wherein one panel layer is folded over another panel layer.
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[0046] FIG. 8AA1 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener component of
[0047] FIG. 8AA2 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener component of
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0052] The following term explanations may be useful in understanding the present disclosure: [0053] Absorbent article refers to devices, which absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices, which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers or pant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, menstrual pads and the like. [0054] Body-facing and garment-facing refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. Body-facing implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. Garment-facing implies the element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate to the wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article).
[0055] The terms elastic, elastomer or elastomeric refers to materials exhibiting elastic properties, which include any material that upon application of a force to its relaxed, initial length can stretch or elongate to an elongated length more than 10% greater than its initial length and will substantially recover back to about its initial length upon release of the applied force. Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands and other sheet-like structures.
[0056] As used herein, the term joined encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.
[0057] As used herein, the term distal is used to describe a position situated away from a center of a body or from a point of attachment, and the term proximal is used to describe a position situated nearer to a center of a body or a point of attachment.
[0058] The term substrate is used herein to describe a material which is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in an XY plane) and whose thickness (in a Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1/10 or less) in comparison to its length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include a web, layer or layers or fibrous materials, nonwovens, films and foils such as polymeric films or metallic foils. These materials may be used alone or may comprise two or more layers laminated together. As such, a web is a substrate.
[0059] The term nonwoven refers herein to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and the like. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.
[0060] The term machine direction (MD) is used herein to refer to the direction of material flow through a process. In addition, relative placement and movement of material can be described as flowing in the machine direction through a process from upstream in the process to downstream in the process.
[0061] The term cross direction (CD) is used herein to refer to a direction that is generally perpendicular to the machine direction.
[0062] Pre-strain refers to the strain imposed on an elastic or elastomeric material prior to combining it with another element of the elastomeric laminate or the absorbent article. Pre-strain is determined by the following equation Pre-strain=((extended length of the elastic-relaxed length of the clastic)/relaxed length of the elastic)*100.
[0063] Decitex also known as Dtex is a measurement used in the textile industry used for measuring yarns or filaments. 1 Decitex=1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of a yarn or filament weights 500 grams that yarn or filament would have a decitex of 500.
[0064] The term pant (also referred to as training pant, pre-closed diaper, diaper pant, pant diaper, and pull-on diaper) refers herein to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. A pant can be configured with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous, closed, leg opening prior to the article being applied to the wearer. A pant can be preformed or pre-fastened by various techniques including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the article using any refastenable and/or permanent closure member (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant can be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article in the waist region (e.g., side fastened or seamed, front waist fastened or seamed, back waist fastened or seamed). Example diaper pants in various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,940,464; 5,092,861; 5,246,433; 5,569,234; 5,897,545; 5,957,908; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 7,569,039 and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0233082 A1; 2005/0107764 A1, 2012/0061016 A1, 2012/0061015 A1; 2013/0255861 A1; 2013/0255862 A1; 2013/0255863 A1; 2013/0255864 A1; and 2013/0255865 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0065] The term taped diaper (also referred to as open diaper) refers to disposable absorbent articles having a chassis with fasteners, wherein an initial front waist region and an initial back waist region are not fastened, pre-fastened, or connected to each other as packaged, prior to being applied to the wearer. A taped diaper may be folded about the lateral centerline with the interior of one waist region in surface to surface contact with the interior of the opposing waist region without fastening or joining the waist regions together. Example taped diapers are disclosed in various suitable configurations U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335, 5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118,041, 6,153,209, 6,410,129, 6,426,444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016, 6,825,393, and 6,861,571; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0072887 A1; 2013/0211356 A1; and 2013/0306226 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0066] Closed-form means opposing waist regions are joined, as packaged, either permanently or refastenably to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.
[0067] Open-form means opposing waist regions are not initially joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings but comprise a closure means such as a fastening system to join the waist regions to form the waist and leg openings before or during application to a wearer of the article.
[0068] Array means a display of packages comprising disposable absorbent articles of different sizes having like article constructions or a display of packages display of packages comprising disposable absorbent articles of different article constructions (e.g., different elastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in the side panels, side flaps and/or belts flaps, different graphic elements, different product structures, fasteners or lack thereof), said packages having the same brand and/or sub-brand and/or the same trademark registration and/or having been manufactured by or for a common manufacturer and said packages available at a common point of sale, e.g. oriented in proximity to each other in a given area of a retail store.
[0069] An array is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) that convey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, Huggies, and same sub-brand, for example, GoodNites. A different array may have the brand Huggies and the sub-brand Pull-Ups. The differences between the GoodNites array and the Pull-Ups arrays may include for example different side seams, where Good Nights comprises a permanently closed side and Pull-Ups comprises a refastenable side seam. Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that GoodNites is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag for boys and a predominantly pink, film bag for girls and Pull-Ups is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag for boys and a predominantly pink, film bag for girls. The key differences are the wearers displayed on the packaging wherein GoodNites packaging has older children displayed on it relative to the children on the Pull-Ups packaging. Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up.
[0070] On-line Array means an Array distributed by a common on-line source.
[0071] The present disclosure relates to arrays of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles. For example, in some configurations, the array may comprise: a first package comprising a first diaper pant comprising a first size and a second package comprising a second diaper pant comprising a second size larger than the first size. As discussed in more detail below, the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant may each comprise: a first belt and a second belt, the first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface. The first belt may further comprise a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges. Laterally opposing end portions of the second belt may be connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening. The first and second diaper pants may each further comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt. A portion of the chassis may overlap the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region.
[0072] As described in more detail below, the different sized diaper pants in an array may each comprise removal and disposal features to aid a caregiver in the process of removing a diaper pant from a wearer and disposing of such diaper pant. Such removal and disposal features may include for example: frangible pathways, accessibility openings, and/or fastener components. For example, first and second frangible pathways in the first belt may each extend between a proximal terminus and a distal terminus to help aid in the process of removing a diaper pant from a wearer. In some configurations, first and second fastener components may be positioned on the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt adjacent the first and second frangible pathways to help secure the diaper pant in a disposal configuration. In some configurations, first and second accessibility openings may be positioned adjacent the first and second frangible pathways to provide locations for a caregiver to initiate a belt tearing process. In turn, first and second frangible pathways may extend between the first and second accessibility openings and at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt.
[0073] As discussed in more detail below, some structural aspects relating to the removal and disposal features may be substantially the same for different sizes of diaper pants in an array. Maintaining such substantially constant structural features over a range of sizes of diaper pants in an array may help reduce disruptions or discontinuities to a caregiver's developed senses of touch, feel, and/or repetitive movements for diaper pant removal and disposal routines. For example, in some array configurations, lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings and/or fastener components of different sizes of diaper pants may be substantially the same. In some array configurations, lateral distances between the distal termini of first and second frangible pathways and/or lateral distances between the proximal termini of first and second frangible pathways of different sizes of diaper pants may be substantially the same. In some array configurations, lengths and/or widths of fastener components and/or lengths of accessibility openings of different sizes of diaper pants may be substantially the same.
[0074]
[0075] With continued reference to
[0076] As shown in
[0077] As shown in
[0078] As previously mentioned, the diaper pant 100P may include a backsheet 136. The backsheet 136 may also define the outer, garment facing surface 134 of the chassis 102. The backsheet 136 may also comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material. The backsheet may also comprise an elastomeric film. An example backsheet 136 may be a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Further, the backsheet 136 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 136.
[0079] Also described above, the diaper pant 100P may include a topsheet 138. The topsheet 138 may also define all or part of the inner, wearer facing surface 132 of the chassis 102. The topsheet 138 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. A topsheet 138 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films; apertured nonwovens, porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims. Woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers such as wood or cotton fibers; synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers; or combinations thereof. If the topsheet 138 includes fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art. Topsheets 138 may be selected from high loft nonwoven topsheets, apertured film topsheets and apertured nonwoven topsheets. Exemplary apertured films may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,097; 5,916,661; 6,545,197; and 6,107,539, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0080] As mentioned above, the diaper pant 100P may also include an absorbent assembly 140 that is joined to the chassis 102. As shown in
[0081] Some absorbent core embodiments may comprise fluid storage cores that contain reduced amounts of cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such cores may comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of cellulosic airfelt material. Such a core may comprise primarily absorbent gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100%, where the remainder of the core comprises a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,335; 5,562,646; 5,669,894; and 6,790,798 as well as U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2004/0158212 A1 and 2004/0097895 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0082] As previously mentioned, the diaper 100P may also include elasticized leg cuffs 156. It is to be appreciated that the leg cuffs 156 can be and are sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs or gasketing cuffs. The elasticized leg cuffs 156 may be configured in various ways to help reduce the leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. Example leg cuffs 156 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 4,909,803; 4,695,278; 4,795,454; 4,704,115; 4,909,803; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0312730 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0083] As mentioned above, diaper pants may be manufactured with a ring-like clastic belt 104 and provided to consumers in a configuration wherein the front waist region 116 and the back waist region 118 are connected to each other as packaged, prior to being applied to the wearer. As such, diaper pants may have a continuous perimeter waist opening 110 and continuous perimeter leg openings 112 such as shown in
[0084] As previously mentioned, the ring-like elastic belt 104 may be defined by a first elastic belt 106 connected with a second elastic belt 108. As shown in
[0085] As shown in
[0086] It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may define different sizes and shapes. In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108 may define curved contours. For example, the inner lateral edges 107b, 109b of the first and/or second elastic belts 106, 108 may include non-linear or curved portions in the first and second opposing end regions. Such curved contours may help define desired shapes to leg opening 112, such as for example, relatively rounded leg openings. In addition to having curved contours, the elastic belts 106, 108 may include elastic strands 168 that extend along non-linear or curved paths that may correspond with the curved contours of the inner lateral edges 107b, 109b.
[0087]
[0088] In some configurations, at least one of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may comprise lateral edges having different lengths. For example,
[0089] In some configurations, both the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may comprise lateral edges having different lengths. For example,
[0090] With reference to
[0091] With reference to
[0092] It is also to be appreciated that the distal edge 164a and/or the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 may be straight and/or curved and/or may be parallel or unparallel to each other. As such, the maximum length L1 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 162a and the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162, and the maximum length L2 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge 164a and the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to, less than, or greater than L2. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to or less than LT1, and L2 may be equal to or less than LT2. In some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first substrate 162 may define at least a portion of the front waist edge 121 and/or at least a portion of back waist edge 122, and/or the distal edge 164a of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the front waist edge 121 and/or at least a portion of back waist edge 122. As such, in some configurations, the distal edge 162a of the first substrate 162 and/or the distal edge 164a of the second substrate 164 may define at least a portion of the waist opening 110.
[0093] It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate 162 and/or the second substrate 164 may extend continuously from the first belt 106 to the second belt 108. For example, the first substrate 162 may be configured to define a continuous outer cover 162 that extends contiguously from the first waist edge 121 to the second waist edge 122, such as shown in
[0094] It is to be appreciated that the first substrate 162 and the second substrate 164 may define various lateral widths that may or may not be equal. For example, as shown in
[0095] In some configurations, the proximal edge 162b of the first substrate 162 and/or the proximal edge 164b of the second substrate 164 may extend laterally across the backsheet 136. As shown in
[0096] In some configurations, the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 may include a folded portion of at least the first substrate 162 and/or the second substrate 164. For example, as shown in
[0097] It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 may comprise the same materials and/or may have the same structure. In some embodiments, the first clastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt may comprise different materials and/or may have different structures. It should also be appreciated that components of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108, such as the first substrate 162, and/or second substrate 164 may be constructed from various materials. For example, the first and/or second belts may include a first substrate 162, and/or second substrate 164 that may be manufactured from materials such as plastic films; apertured plastic films; woven or nonwoven webs of natural materials (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefins, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and/or synthetic fibers; or coated woven or nonwoven webs. In some configurations, the first and/or second belts may include a first substrate 162, and/or second substrate 164 comprising a nonwoven web of synthetic fibers, and may include a stretchable nonwoven. In some configurations, the first and second elastic belts may include an inner hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material. It is to be appreciated that the belts may configured in various ways, such as disclosed for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022/0142828 A1, which are both incorporated by reference.
[0098] Elastic material 167 may be positioned between the wearer facing surface 162d of the first substrate 162 and the garment facing surface 164c of the second substrate 164. It is to be appreciated that the elastic material 167 may include one or more elastic elements such as strands, ribbons, clastic films, or panels extending along the lengths of the elastic belts. As shown in
[0099] It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate 162, second substrate 164, and/or clastic material 167 of the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108 may be bonded together and/or with other components, such as the chassis 102, with adhesive and/or mechanical bonds. It is to be appreciated that adhesive and mechanical bonding methods may be utilized alone or in combination with each other.
[0100] In some configurations, adhesive may be applied to at least one of the first substrate 162, second substrate 164, and/or clastic material 167 when being combined to form the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108. In some configurations, mechanical bonding devices may apply mechanical bonds to the to at least one of the first substrate 162, second substrate 164, and/or clastic material 167 when being combined to form the first clastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108. Such mechanical bonds may be applied with heat, pressure, and/or ultrasonic devices. In some configurations, mechanical bonding devices may apply bonds that bond the first substrate 162, second substrate 164, and/or clastic material 167 together and/or may act to trap or immobilize discrete lengths of the contracted elastic strands in the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108.
[0101] It is to be appreciated that components of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 may be assembled in various ways and various combinations to create various desirable features that may differ along the lateral width and/or longitudinal length of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108. Such features may include, for example, Dtex values, bond patterns, aperture arrangements, elastic positioning, Average Dtex values, Average Pre-Strain values, rugosity frequencies, rugosity wavelengths, height values, and/or contact area. It is to be appreciated that differing features may be imparted to various components, such as for example, the first substrate 162, second substrate 164, and elastic material 167 before and/or during stages of assembly of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108.
[0102] It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 may include various configurations of belt elastic materials 167 arranged in relation to each other and to the first substrate 162, and the second substrate 164. As discussed above, the elastic material 167 may include configurations of one or more elastic elements such as strands, ribbons, films, or panels positioned in various arrangements. In some configurations, the elastic material 167 may comprise various elastics, elastic features and arrangements, and processes for assembly, and that the first substrate 162, second substrate 164, and/or elastic material 167 may be bonded together with various methods and apparatuses to create various elastomeric laminates, such as described in 2018/0168889 A1; 2018/0168874 A1; 2018/0168875 A1; 2018/0168890 A1; 2018/0168887 A1; 2018/0168892 A1; 2018/0168876 A1; 2018/0168891 A1; 2019/0298586 A1; 2019/0070042 A1; 2018/0168878 A1; 2018/0168877 A1; 2018/0168880 A1; 2018/0170027 A1; 2018/0169964 A1; 2018/0168879 A1; 2018/0170026 A1; 2019/0070041 A1; 2021/0282797 A1; and 2021/0275362 A1, which are all incorporated by reference. It is also to be appreciated the elastic materials 167 herein may be configured with identical or different colors in various different locations on the first clastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108.
[0103] In some configurations, the clastic material 167 may be configured as elastic strands 168 disposed at a constant interval in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the clastic strands 168 may be disposed at different intervals in the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the Dtex values of the clastic strands 168 may be constant or varied along the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the clastic material 167 in a stretched condition may be interposed and joined between uncontracted substrate layers. When the elastic material 167 is relaxed, the clastic material 167 returns to an unstretched condition and contracts the substrate layers. The elastic material 167 may provide a desired variation of contraction force in the area of the ring-like clastic belt. It is to be appreciated that the chassis 102 and elastic belts 106, 108 may be configured in different ways other than as depicted in attached Figures. It is also to be appreciated that the elastic material 167 material may be joined to the substrates continuously or intermittently along the interface between the clastic material 167 material and the substrates. In some configurations, the clastic strands 168 may be in the form of extruded clastic strands, which may also be bonded with the first substrate 162 and/or second substrate 164 in a pre-corrugated configuration, such as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,302, which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0104] As discussed above for example with reference to
[0105] In some configurations, a first plurality of elastic strands may comprise a first Average-Pre-Strain from about 75% to about 300%, and a second plurality of elastic strands may comprise a second Average-Pre-Strain that is greater than first Average-Pre-Strain. In some configurations, a first plurality of clastic strands comprises an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex from about 10 to about 500; and a second plurality of elastic strands may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing greater than about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex greater than about 450.
[0106] In some configurations, such as shown in
[0107] As shown in
[0108] As discussed above, the diaper pants 100P described with reference to
[0109] As discussed in more detail below, the frangible pathways 700 comprise a plurality of lines of weakness 704 configured such that all elastic strands 168 in the first elastic belt 106 are severed at least once in the frangible pathway 700. Severing the elastic strands 168 in the frangible pathway 700 helps make it relatively easier to tear the first elastic belt 106 along the frangible pathway 700. For example, when the elastic strands 168 are severed, the first substrate 162 and second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 need only need to be torn without having to also tear uncut elastic strands 168. It is to be appreciated that the diaper pant 100P may include various quantities of frangible pathways 700 that may be: positioned in various locations; define various shapes; and extend for various lengths. For example, the first elastic belt 106 may comprise a first belt length defined by a longitudinal distance between the proximal edge 107b and the distal edge 107a, and the frangible pathway 700 may extend for a total length from an outermost edge of a line of weakness 704 nearest the proximal edge 107b of the first belt 106 to an outermost edge of a line of weakness 704 nearest the distal edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the frangible pathway 700 may extend for a total length that is greater than, equal to, or less than the first belt length. In some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 may extend for a length from a first end to a second end, and a sum of the all the lengths of lines of weakness 704 in the frangible pathway 700 may be greater than the frangible pathway total length.
[0110] In some configurations, diaper pants 100P may be configured such that one or both of the first elastic belt 106 and the second elastic belt 108 include one or more frangible pathways 700. The frangible pathways 700 may be positioned in various locations on the first and second elastic belts 106, 108. For example, such as shown in
[0111] In some configurations, the frangible pathways 700 may be configured and/or positioned to provide access to and/or function with other features, such as disposal features. For example, the diaper pant 100P shown in
[0112] It is also to be appreciated that the frangible pathways 700 may comprise lines of weakness 704 that are: configured in various ways; positioned in various locations and orientations relative to each other; defined by various shapes; and extend for various lengths. For example, in some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 comprise discrete cut lines that penetrate through some or all the layers of the clastic belt 106. In some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 comprise discrete bonds wherein materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are fused together. In some configurations, the lines of weakness 704 may be linear, curvilinear, or have a regular or irregular geometry and may comprise one or more of a perforation, a bond, an aperture, or a mechanically thinned region of a material such as a nonwoven, or a combination thereof. It is also to be appreciated that the lines of weakness 704 can be formed with different lengths and spacings to achieve different separation forces.
[0113] As discussed above, absorbent articles 100, such as diaper pants 100P, may be configured with frangible pathways 700 comprising lines of weakness 704 arranged in various ways to help improve a caregiver's ability to remove a soiled diaper pant 100P from a wearer without having to remove a soiled diaper pant from a wearer by sliding the soiled diaper pant down the wearer's legs. As discussed above, the frangible pathways 700 may be configured to allow the first clastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100P from a wearer. In addition, the frangible pathways 700 may also be configured to provide access to fastener components 707 that may be used to help hold a soiled product in a disposal configuration. The following provides a discussion of example implementations of frangible pathways 700 on diaper pants 100P in the context of the above description of various details of absorbent articles 100, fastener components 707, frangible pathways 700, and lines weakness 704. It is to be appreciated that discussions of frangible pathways 700 in the first elastic belt 106 herein may also apply to frangible pathways 700 in the second clastic belt 108.
[0114] It is to be appreciated that frangible pathways 700 may be positioned in various locations and/or orientations relative to other components of the absorbent article 100 and/or may be configured to function in various ways to help facilitate removal of diaper pant from a wearer. For example, the diaper pant 100P shown in
[0115] It is to be appreciated that the first distal terminus 808a and the second distal terminus 808b may be located in various lateral positions on the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a and/or the second distal terminus 808b may be positioned in the central region 106c of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a and/or the second distal terminus 808b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a and/or the second distal terminus 808b may be positioned in the first end region 106a and/or the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a and/or the second distal terminus 808b may be positioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a and/or the second distal terminus 808b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side seam 178 and/or may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side scam 180. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a may be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus 808a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal terminus 808b may be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second distal terminus 808b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.
[0116] It is also to be appreciated that the first proximal terminus 810a and the second proximal terminus 810b may be located in various lateral positions on the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a and/or the second proximal terminus 810b may be positioned in the central region 106c of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a and/or the second distal terminus 810b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a and/or the second proximal terminus 810b may be positioned in the first end region 106a and/or the second end region 106b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a and/or the second proximal terminus 810b may be positioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a and/or the second proximal terminus 810b may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first side scam 178 and/or may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second side scam 180. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a may be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 or the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus 810a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal terminus 810b may be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 or the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the second proximal terminus 810b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106.
[0117] As shown in
[0118] With continued reference to
[0119] As shown in
[0120] As discussed in more detail below, the accessibility opening 802 may help provide a caregiver or wearer access to and/or to grasp the fastener component 707 in the grip region 801 with a finger or thumb. The caregiver or user may then pull on grip region 801 to begin tearing the first belt 106 on the frangible pathway 700. In some configurations, tear lines may simultaneously propagate along the first tear zone 813a and the second tear zone 813b laterally outward from the central region 106c of the first belt 106 toward the distal terminus 808 and the proximal terminus 810. In some configurations, a tear line propagating along the first tear zone 813a and a tear line propagating along the second tear zone 813b may reach the distal terminus 808 and the proximal terminus 810, respectively, simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. It is also to be appreciated that some diaper pants 100P herein may be configured to include a frangible pathway 700 that extends through or around the fastener component 707 without an accessibility opening. In turn, a user may pinch and/or pull the belt where the frangible pathway 700 is located at or adjacent the fastener component 707 to initiate the tearing process along the frangible pathway 700.
[0121] With continued reference to
[0122] It is to be appreciated that the frangible pathways 700 may also comprise one or more functional zones. In turn, the frangible pathways 700 may comprise transition zones 817 that may operatively connect such zones to help facilitate propagation of a tear along the frangible pathway 700 from one zone to another zone. The lines of weakness in the transition zones may be of particular lengths and/or angles relative to lateral centerlines and row spacing to help provide desired propagation of material failure when, for example, removing a product from a wearer. It is to be appreciated that the lengths, angles, and spacings in transition zones may be different from those in adjacent lines of weakness.
[0123] As shown in
[0124] As discussed above, the first clastic belt 106 and/or the second belt 108 may be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway 700, such as when removing the diaper pant 100P from a wearer. As discussed below with reference to
[0125] Referring now to
[0126] With continued reference to
[0127] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may propagate from the first accessibility opening 802a along the first initial tear zone 815a of the first frangible pathway 700a to the first transition zone 817a. From the first transition zone 817a, the first tear line 705a may then propagate along the first secondary tear zone 819a to the first distal terminus 808a. In addition, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the first accessibility opening 802a along the second initial tear zone 815b of the first frangible pathway 700a to the second transition zone 817b. From the second transition zone 817b, the second tear line 705b may then propagate along the second secondary tear zone 819b to the first proximal terminus 810a. As discussed in more detail below, the first frangible pathway 700a may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may reach first distal terminus 808a and the first proximal terminus 810a, respectively, at the same time or about the same time.
[0128] As shown in
[0129] With the first belt zone 831 being defined by tearing the first belt 106 along the first frangible pathway 700a, a user may proceed to define the second belt zone 832 by tearing the first belt 106 along the second frangible pathway 700b. Referring now to
[0130] With continued reference to
[0131] In some configurations, the first tear line 705a may propagate from the second accessibility opening 802b along the first initial tear zone 815a of the second frangible pathway 700b to the first transition zone 817a. From the first transition zone 817a, the first tear line 705a may then propagate along the first secondary tear zone 819a to the second distal terminus 808b. In addition, the second tear line 705b may propagate from the second accessibility opening 802b along the second initial tear zone 815b of the second frangible pathway 700b to the second transition zone 817b. From the second transition zone 817b, the second tear line 705b may then propagate along the second secondary tear zone 819b to the second proximal terminus 810b. As discussed in more detail below, the second frangible pathway 700b may be configured such that the first tear line 705a and the second tear line 705b may reach second distal terminus 808b and the second proximal terminus 810b, respectively, at the same time or about the same time.
[0132] As shown in
[0133] Although the tearing process is described above with reference to
[0134] Once the first belt 106 is torn along the frangible pathways 700 to define the first belt zone 831, the second belt zone 832, and the third belt zone 833, the diaper pant 100P may be removed from a wearer in a manner similar to that of a conventional taped diaper. After being removed from a wearer, the diaper pant 100P may be placed in a disposal configuration, such as discussed above with reference to
[0135] As discussed above, it is to be appreciated that the first distal terminus 808a and the second distal terminus 808b may be located in various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. And the first proximal terminus 810a and the second proximal terminus 810b may be located in various longitudinal positions between the outer edge 107a and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, in some configurations, such as shown in
[0136] With reference to various aspects of the Figures described above, it is also to be appreciated that grip regions 801 and accessibility openings 802 may be located in various positions in the first end region 106a, the second end region 106b, and/or the central region 106c of the first belt 106. Grip regions 801 and accessibility openings 802 may be positioned between the first longitudinal side edge 111a, the second longitudinal side edge 111b, the outer edge 107a, and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. For example, the first accessibility opening 802a and/or the second accessibility 802b may be entirely laterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge 128 and the second longitudinal edge 130 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, the first accessibility opening 802a may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge 128 of the chassis 102 and the first longitudinal side edge 111a of the first belt 106 and/or first side scam 178. In some configurations, the second accessibility opening 802b may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal side edge 130 of the chassis 102 and the second longitudinal side edge 111b of the first belt 106 and/or second side scam 180. In some configurations, the first accessibility opening 802a and/or the second accessibility opening 802b may be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106 and/or may be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102 and the outer edge 107a of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the first accessibility opening 802a may extend across the first longitudinal edge 128 and/or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102, and/or the second accessibility opening 802b may extend across the second longitudinal edge 130 and/or the first lateral edge 144 of the chassis 102.
[0137] It is also be appreciated that accessibility openings 802 may be located in various positions relative to fastener components 707. For example, in some configurations, the accessibility opening 802 may be positioned longitudinally between the fastener component 707 and the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, such as shown in
[0138] As mentioned above, the accessibility opening 802 may comprise slits and/or openings in the first belt 106 and may be curved and/or straight. It is to be appreciated that the accessibility openings 802 may also be oriented in various ways. For example, the accessibility opening 802 may be generally oriented perpendicularly relative to the outer edge 107a and/or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening 802 may be generally oriented parallel relative to the outer edge 107a and/or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening 802 may comprise a slit that extends along a line in a lateral direction to define an angle from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to the outer edge 107a and/or the inner edge 107b of the first belt 106, specifically reciting all 1 degree increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the accessibility opening 802 may define a length dimension in the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
[0139] As discussed above, the diaper pant 100P may include one or more fastener components 707 adapted to refastenably connect with at least one other component of the diaper pant 100P in a disposal configuration. It is to be appreciated that the fastener components 707 may be configured in various shapes and sizes, and may be located in various positions relative to other components of the diaper pant 100P. As shown in
[0140] As shown in FIG. 8AA1, in some configurations, fastener components 707 may be positioned on and connected with the wearer facing surface 115b of the first elastic belt 106 and/or the second elastic belt 108 in a region where the first elastic belt 106 and/or second elastic belt 108 overlaps the chassis 102. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be sandwiched between the second substrate 164 of the first elastic belt 106 or the second elastic belt 108 and the backsheet 136 of the chassis 102. In some configurations, such as shown in FIG. 8AA1, the fastener component 707 comprises hooks 715 protruding from a base 717, and the hooks 715 extend from the first belt 106 toward the backsheet 136. The fastener component 707 may be configured as a separate discrete element that may be connected with the wearer facing surface 115b of the first belt 106 in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 8AA1, adhesive 716 may connect the base 717 of the fastener component 707 with wearer facing surface 115b of the first belt 106. It is to be appreciated that the fastener component 707 may be connected with the first belt 106 by mechanical bonding in addition to or instead of adhesive. It is to be appreciated that the base 717 may be configured in various ways. For example, the base 717 may comprise a thermoplastic film. In some configurations, the base 717 may comprise a laminate with various layers bonded together, such as disclosed for example in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0045931 A1. For example, the base 717 may comprise a thermoplastic film layer bonded with a nonwoven layer. It is to be appreciated that such layers may be bonded together in various ways, such as with adhesive, mechanical bonding, and/or extrusion bonding. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be integrally formed from materials of the first belt 106, such as shown for example in FIG. 8AA2, or may be integrally formed from materials and attached with the first belt.
[0141] As previously mentioned, it is to be appreciated that the fastener components 707 referred to herein may be configured in various ways, such as hooks, loops, and/or adhesive. For example, the fastener component 707 may comprise hook elements or adhesive adapted to refastenably connect with another surface of the diaper pant 100P. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may comprise loop elements adapted to refastenably connect with hook surface on the diaper pant 100P. The fastener component 707 may be a separate element connected with the elastic belt 106 in various ways, such as mechanical bonding, adhesive bonding, or both. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be integrally formed from materials of the elastic belt 106, 108. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may be printed and/or comprise materials of various different colors such that the fastener component 707 may be visible from outside the diaper pant 100P.
[0142] In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may comprise a hook material adapted to refastenably engage with substrates, such as nonwovens for example, on an exterior surface of the diaper pant 100P. For example, the fastener component 707 may comprise a substrate comprising hooks, with the substrate bonded to the elastic belt 106, 108, such as the second substrate 164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven. It is to be appreciated that the substrate may be bonded to the elastic belt 106, 108 in various ways, such as for example, with mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, and/or adhesive bonds or combinations thereof. In some configurations, hooks may be integrally formed from the second substrate 164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven. The fastener component 707 may comprise one material or a combination of two or more materials arranged in at least partially overlapping configuration. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may comprise other fastener types as known in the art.
[0143] It is to be appreciated that the fastener component 707 may comprise any of a wide variety of shapes, including rectangles or other polygons, circles, ovals, shapes having exterior convexities or concavities or combinations thereof, or one or a plurality of lines or geometric shapes forming an array. It is to be appreciated that the fastener component 707 may comprise various sizes. For example, in some configurations, the fastener component 707 may have a lateral width of between about 5 mm and about 100 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the fastener component 707 may have a longitudinal length of between about 10 mm and about 100 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The fastener component 707 may be aligned parallel the lateral centerline 126a, 126b of the clastic belt 106, 108 or may be oriented at an angle relative the longitudinal centerline 126a, 126 of the clastic belt 106, 108 of between 0 and 90 degrees. The fastener component 707 may comprise an array of two or more spaced-apart fastening elements. The fastener component 707 may have a color that is visible through any layers of the elastic belt 106, 108 on which the fastener component 707 is located. The clastic belt 106, 108 and/or chassis 102 may include printing or other indicia highlighting to a caregiver the location, function, and/or usage of the fastener component 707. The bond, or bond pattern, attaching the fastener component 707 to the clastic belt 106, 108 may be visually or tactilely distinct from the surrounding belt material in order to provide the caregiver a signal or a mechanical grip advantage.
[0144] As shown for example in
[0145] In another configuration shown in
[0146] In other configurations, such as shown in
[0147] It is to be appreciated that the absorbent articles 100 herein may additional features and/or configurations, such as disclosed for example in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0255861 A1; 2013/0255862 A1; 2013/0255863 A1; 2013/0255864 A1; and 2013/0255865 A1; and PCT Publication No. WO 2023/088179 A1, as well as U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 18/214,564; 18/214,569; 18/214,573; 18/214,586; 18/214,548; 18/214,680; 18/214,603; 18/214,691; 18/214,750; 18/214,718; 18/342,054; and Ser. No. 18/342,058, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
[0148] It is to be appreciated that removal and disposal of soiled diaper pant from a wearer may be a relatively rigorous and/or stressful process for a caregiver and wearer alike, such as when attempting to maintain a restless toddler in a relatively stable position during the diaper pant changing process. As such, completing the disposal and removal process as quickly as possible may be beneficial for both caregiver and wearer. In turn, structural features relating to the disposal and removal process that are relatively constant over a range of sizes of diaper pants may help provide caregiver relatively consistent experiences with regard to aspects of the disposal and removal process. In turn, such relatively consistent experiences may help a caregiver develop muscle memory relating to reaching for components, hand placement, and/or tearing forces for example. In turn, helping to eliminate the need to learn certain motion habits anew with diaper pant size changes may help the caregiver develop a relatively fast and efficient process for removal and disposal.
[0149] It is to be appreciated that diaper pants 100P may be provided in a variety of designs, each which may be available in multiple sizes. The size of the diaper pants 100P may affect, for example, the size of the waist opening, the size of the openings around the thighs, and the length or pitch of a diaper pant. As discussed above, it may be desirable to offer an array of two or more packages of diaper pants 100P for fitting different sized wearers, wherein the different sizes of diaper pants 100P comprise identical or substantially identical aspects of removal and disposal features.
[0150]
[0151]
[0152] In some array configurations wherein the second diaper pant 100P2 is a larger size than the first diaper pant 100P2, the first diaper pant 100P1 may comprise a first product length 900 and the second diaper pant 100P2 may comprise a second product length 900, and the second product length 900 of the second diaper pant 100P2 may be greater than the first product length 900 of the first diaper pant 100P1. In some array configurations wherein the second diaper pant 100P2 is a larger size than the first diaper pant 100P1, the first diaper pant 100P1 may comprise a first product width 902 and the second diaper pant 100P2 may comprise a second product width 902, and the second product width 902 of the second diaper pant 100P2 may be greater than the first product width 902 of the first diaper pant 100P1.
[0153] With continued reference to
[0154] In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise accessibility opening spacings 904 from about 50.0 mm to about 80.0 mm, specifically reciting all 0.5 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise accessibility opening spacings 904 of about 70.0 mm. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise fastener component spacings 906 from about 55 mm to about 70 mm, specifically reciting all 0.5 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise fastener component spacings 906 of about 60.0 mm. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise distal termini spacings 908 from about 200.0 mm to about 385.0 mm, specifically reciting all 0.5 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise distal termini spacings 908 of about 316.5 mm. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise proximal termini spacings 910 from about 200.0 mm to about 385.0 mm, specifically reciting all 0.5 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some array configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise proximal termini spacings 910 of about 316.5 mm. In some configurations, diaper pants 100P may comprise distal termini spacings 908 and proximal termini spacings 910 that are the same or substantially the same.
[0155] As shown in
[0156] Still referring to
[0157] As discussed above, various removal and disposal features with relative positions and size dimensions may remain the same or substantially the same on different sizes of diaper pants 100P in an array. For example, with reference to
[0158] In some array configurations wherein the diaper pant 100Pn comprises a size Sn that is smaller or larger than the first diaper pant 100P1 comprising a first size S1 and the second diaper pant 100P2 comprising a comprising a second size S2, the first diaper pant 100P1, the second diaper pant 100P2, and the n diaper pant 100Pn may all comprise at least one of the following dimensions relating to removal and/or disposal features that are the same or substantially the same: accessibility opening spacings 904; fastener component spacings 906; distal termini spacings 908; proximal termini spacings 910; fastener component outer spacings 912; fastener component inner spacings 914; fastener component longitudinal lengths 916; fastener component lateral widths 918; and accessibility opening lengths.
[0159] It is also to be appreciated that some array configurations of diaper pants 100P having different sizes may comprise other dimensions and/or components that are intended to be the same or substantially the same. For example, some array configurations of diaper pants 100P having different sizes may include component constructions of first belts 106 that are the same or substantially the same. In some configurations, the spacing between elastic strands in the first belts 106 may be the same or substantially the same for diaper pants 100P of different sizes in an array. In some configurations, spacing between stripes of adhesive that bond first and second substrates 162, 164 together in first belts 106 may be the same or substantially the same for diaper pants 100P of different sizes in an array.
[0160] It is to be appreciated that in some array configurations of diaper pants 100P having different sizes, some dimensions that are intended to be the same or substantially the same may vary slightly when taking manufacturing tolerances into account. For example, in some array configurations of diaper pants 100P having different sizes, fastener component spacings 906 may vary by 8 mm or less; fastener component outer spacings 912 may vary by 5 mm or less; fastener component inner spacings 914 may vary by 5 mm or less; fastener component longitudinal lengths 916 may vary by 1 mm or less; and/or fastener component lateral widths 918 may vary by 3 mm or less.
[0161] It is also to be appreciated that arrays may be formed with packages comprising two or more different forms of absorbent articles, such as packages of diaper pants with one or more frangible pathways; packages of diaper pants with permanent scams; packages of diaper pants with refastenable scams; and/or taped diapers, examples of such additional product forms are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0072887 A1 and 2017/0035625 A1, which are incorporated by reference herein. For example, an array of packages may comprise a first package comprising a first diaper pant, the first diaper pant comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; and at least one frangible pathway in the first belt and/or the second belt. In some configurations, the array may further comprise: an additional package comprising an additional diaper pant comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first refastenable side seam and a second refastenable side seam to form a waist opening; and wherein the first and additional packages are available at a common point of sale. In some configurations, the array may further comprise: an additional package comprising an additional diaper pant comprising: a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings; a first refastenable seam; and a second refastenable scam; wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale. In some configurations, the array may further comprise: an additional package comprising an additional diaper pant comprising: a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings; a first permanent seam; and a second permanent seam; wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale. In some configurations, the array may further comprise: an additional package comprising an additional diaper comprising: a taped diaper comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and fasteners connected with the chassis; and wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale.
Average Decitex (Average-Dtex)
[0162] The Average Decitex Method is used to calculate the Average-Dtex on a length-weighted basis for elastic fibers present in an entire article, or in a specimen of interest extracted from an article. The decitex value is the mass in grams of a fiber present in 10,000 meters of that material in the relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers is often reported by manufacturers as part of a specification for an elastic fiber or an elastic laminate including elastic fibers. The Average-Dtex is to be calculated from these specifications if available. Alternatively, if these specified values are not known, the decitex value of an individual clastic fiber is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of a fiber in a relaxed state via a suitable microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the composition of the fiber via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and then using a literature value for density of the composition to calculate the mass in grams of the fiber present in 10,000 meters of the fiber. The manufacturer-provided or experimentally measured decitex values for the individual clastic fibers removed from an entire article, or specimen extracted from an article, are used in the expression below in which the length-weighted average of decitex value among elastic fibers present is determined.
[0163] The lengths of clastic fibers present in an article or specimen extracted from an article is calculated from overall dimensions of and the clastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with components of the article with these or the specimen, respectively, if known. Alternatively, dimensions and/or elastic fiber pre-strain ratios are not known, an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article is disassembled and all elastic fibers are removed. This disassembly can be done, for example, with gentle heating to soften adhesives, with a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT), or with an appropriate solvent that will remove adhesive but not swell, alter, or destroy elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm.
Calculation of Average-Dtex
[0164] For each of the individual elastic fibers f.sub.i of relaxed length L.sub.i and fiber decitex value d.sub.i (obtained either from the manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) present in an absorbent article, or specimen extracted from an absorbent article, the Average-Dtex for that absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article is defined as:
where n is the total number of elastic fibers present in an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article. The Average-Dtex is reported to the nearest integer value of decitex (grams per 10 000 m).
If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from specifications, it is experimentally determined as described below, and the resulting fiber decitex value(s) are used in the above equation to determine Average-Dtex.
Experimental Determination of Decitex Value for a Fiber
[0165] For each of the elastic fibers removed from an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article according to the procedure described above, the length of each elastic fiber L.sub.k in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm. Each elastic fiber is analyzed via FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition, and its density .sub.k is determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed via SEM. The fiber is cut in three approximately equal locations perpendicularly along its length with a sharp blade to create a clean cross-section for SEM analysis. Three fiber segments with these cross sections exposed are mounted on an SEM sample holder in a relaxed state, sputter coated with gold, introduced into an SEM for analysis, and imaged at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate fiber cross sections. Fiber cross sections are oriented as perpendicular as possible to the detector to minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross sections. Fiber cross sections may vary in shape, and some fibers may consist of a plurality of individual filaments. Regardless, the area of each of the three fiber cross sections is determined (for example, using diameters for round fibers, major and minor axes for elliptical fibers, and image analysis for more complicated shapes), and the average of the three areas .sub.k for the elastic fiber, in units of micrometers squared (m.sup.2), is recorded to the nearest 0.1 m.sup.2. The decitex d.sub.k of the kth elastic fiber measured is calculated by:
where d.sub.k is in units of grams (per calculated 10,000 meter length), a.sub.k is in units of m.sup.2, and .sub.k is in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm.sup.3). For any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentally determined L.sub.k and d.sub.k values are subsequently used in the expression above for Average-Dtex.
Average-Strand-Spacing
[0166] Using a ruler calibrated against a certified NIST ruler and accurate to 0.5 mm, measure the distance between the two distal strands within a section to the nearest 0.5 mm, and then divide by the number of strands in that section1 [0167] Average-Strand-Spacing=d/(n1) where n>1 [0168] report to the nearest 0.1 mm.
Average-Pre-Strain
[0169] The Average-Pre-Strain of a specimen are measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 1% to 90% of the limit of the cell. Articles are conditioned at 23 C.2 C. and 50%2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.
[0170] Program the tensile tester to perform an elongation to break after an initial gage length adjustment. First raise the cross head at 10 mm/min up to a force of 0.05N. Set the current gage to the adjusted gage length. Raise the crosshead at a rate of 100 mm/min until the specimen breaks (force drops 20% after maximum peak force). Return the cross head to its original position. Force and extension data is acquired at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.
[0171] Set the nominal gage length to 40 mm using a calibrated caliper block and zero the crosshead. Insert the specimen into the upper grip such that the middle of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip. The specimen may be folded perpendicular to the pull axis, and placed in the grip to achieve this position. After the grip is closed the excess material can be trimmed. Insert the specimen into the lower grips and close. Once again, the strip can be folded, and then trimmed after the grip is closed. Zero the load cell. The specimen should have a minimal slack but less than 0.05 N of force on the load cell. Start the test program.
[0172] From the data construct a Force (N) verses Extension (mm). The Average-Pre-Strain is calculated from the bend in the curve corresponding to the extension at which the nonwovens in the elastic are engaged. Plot two lines, corresponding to the region of the curve before the bend (primarily the elastics), and the region after the bend (primarily the nonwovens). Read the extension at which these two lines intersect, and calculate the % Pre-Strain from the extension and the corrected gage length. Record as % Pre-strain 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean of three replicate samples for each elastomeric laminate and Average-Pre-Strain to the nearest 0.1%.
Combinations
[0173] A1. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant comprising a first size, a second package comprising a second diaper pant comprising a second size larger than the first size; and wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second accessibility openings in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending between the first and second accessibility openings and at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt; and wherein lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0174] A2. The array of paragraph A1, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product length and the second diaper pant comprises a second product length, and wherein the second product length is greater than the first product length. [0175] A3. The array of paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product width and the second diaper pant comprises a second product width, and wherein the second product width is greater than the first product width. [0176] A4. The array of any of paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the first frangible pathways of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each extend between a first proximal terminus on the inner edge of the first belt and a first distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, and wherein the second frangible pathways of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each extend between a second proximal terminus on the inner edge of the first belt and a second distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt. [0177] A5. The array of paragraph A4, wherein lateral distances between the first distal terminus and the second distal terminus of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states. [0178] A6. The array of paragraph A4 or A5, wherein lateral distances between the first proximal terminus and the second proximal terminus of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states. [0179] A7. The array of any of paragraphs A1 to A6, wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise first and second fastener components positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet adjacent the first and second accessibility openings. [0180] A8. The array of paragraph A7, wherein longitudinal lengths of the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0181] A9. The array of paragraph A7 or A8, wherein lateral widths of the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0182] A10. The array of any of paragraphs A7 to A9, wherein the first accessibility opening extends through the first fastener component and wherein the second accessibility opening extends through the second fastener component. [0183] A11. The array of any of paragraphs A7 to A10, wherein lateral distances between the first fastener component and the second fastener component of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states. [0184] A12. The array of any of paragraphs A1 to A11, wherein longitudinal distances between the inner edge of the first belt and the outer edge of the first belt of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0185] A13. The array of any of paragraphs A1 to A12, wherein lengths of the first and second accessibility openings of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0186] A14. The array of any of paragraphs A1 to A13, further comprising: a third package comprising a third diaper pant comprising a third size larger than the first size and the second size; and wherein the third diaper pant comprises: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second accessibility openings in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending between the first and second accessibility openings and at least one of the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt; and wherein lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings of the first, second, and third diaper pants are substantially the same. [0187] B1. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant comprising a first size, a second package comprising a second diaper pant comprising a second size larger than the first size; and wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending across the overlap region and between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first belt; first and second fastener components positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet in the overlap region adjacent the first and second frangible pathways; and wherein longitudinal lengths of the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0188] B2. The array of paragraph B1, wherein lateral distances between the first fastener component and the second fastener component of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states. [0189] B3. The array of paragraph B2 or B2, wherein longitudinal distances between the outer edge of the first belt and the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0190] B4. The array of any of paragraphs B1 to B3, wherein longitudinal distances between the inner edge of the first belt and the first and second fastener components of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0191] B5. The array of any of paragraphs B1 to B4, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product length and the second diaper pant comprises a second product length, and wherein the second product length is greater than the first product length. [0192] B6. The array of any of paragraphs B1 to B5, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product width and the second diaper pant comprises a second product width, and wherein the second product width is greater than the first product width. [0193] B7. The array of any of paragraphs B1 to B6, wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise first and second accessibility openings in the first belt, and wherein the first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extend between the first and second accessibility openings and the inner and outer edges of the first belt. [0194] B8. The array of paragraph B7, wherein lateral distances between the first and second accessibility openings of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same. [0195] B9. The array of paragraph B7 or B8, wherein the first and second accessibility openings in the first belt are positioned in the overlap region. [0196] C1. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant comprising a first size, a second package comprising a second diaper pant comprising a second size larger than the first size; and wherein the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant each comprise: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge, and laterally spaced first and second longitudinal edges; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; first and second accessibility openings in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; first and second frangible pathways in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, wherein the frangible pathway does not extend across the overlap region; wherein lateral distances between the first distal terminus and the second distal terminus of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states. [0197] C2. The array of paragraph C1, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product length and the second diaper pant comprises a second product length, and wherein the second product length is greater than the first product length. [0198] C3. The array of paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the first diaper pant comprises a first product width and the second diaper pant comprises a second product width, and wherein the second product width is greater than the first product width. [0199] C4. The array of any of paragraphs C1 to C3, wherein lateral distances between the first proximal terminus and the second proximal terminus of the first diaper pant and the second diaper pant are substantially the same with the first belts in fully extended states. [0200] D1. An array of packages comprising two or more different forms of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant, the first diaper pant comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt; a second package comprising a second diaper pant, the second diaper pant, comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first refastenable side seam and a second refastenable side seam to form a waist opening; and wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale. [0201] E1. An array of packages comprising two or more different forms of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant, the first diaper pant comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt; a second package comprising a second diaper pant, the second diaper pant, comprising: a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings; a first refastenable seam; and a second refastenable seam; wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale. [0202] F1. An array of packages comprising two or more different forms of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first diaper pant, the first diaper pant comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt; a second package comprising a second diaper pant, the second diaper pant, comprising: a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings; a first permanent seam; and a second permanent seam; wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale. [0203] G1. An array of packages comprising two or more different forms of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a diaper pant, the diaper pant comprising: a first belt; a second belt; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a frangible pathway in the first belt; a second package comprising a taped diaper, the taped diaper, comprising: a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and fasteners connected with the chassis; and wherein the first and second packages are available at a common point of sale.
Bio-Based Content for Components
[0204] Components of the absorbent articles described herein may at least partially be comprised of bio-based content as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2007/0219521 A1. For example, the superabsorbent polymer component may be bio-based via their derivation from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and methods of production are further described in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2007/0219521 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,703,450; 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components, for example nonwoven and film components, may comprise bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. Nos. 2011/0139657, 2011/0139658, 2011/0152812, and 2016/0206774, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,366. Example bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure comprise polymers available under the designations SHA7260, SHE150, or SGM9450F (all available from Braskem S.A.).
[0205] An absorbent article component may comprise a bio-based content value from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, for example, using ASTM D6866-10, method B.
Recycle Friendly and Bio-Based Absorbent Articles
[0206] Components of the absorbent articles described herein may be recycled for other uses, whether they are formed, at least in part, from recyclable materials. Examples of absorbent article materials that may be recycled are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process may use an autoclave for sterilizing the absorbent articles, after which the absorbent articles may be shredded and separated into different byproduct streams. Example byproduct streams may comprise plastic, superabsorbent polymer, and cellulose fiber, such as pulp. These byproduct streams may be used in the production of fertilizers, plastic articles of manufacture, paper products, viscose, construction materials, absorbent pads for pets or on hospital beds, and/or for other uses. Further details regarding absorbent articles that aid in recycling, designs of recycle friendly diapers, and designs of recycle friendly and bio-based component diapers, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2019/0192723, published on Jun. 27, 2019.
[0207] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as 40 mm is intended to mean about 40 mm.
[0208] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0209] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.