US20210128369A1 - Absorbent article having a waist gasketing element - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles having a waist gasketing element, with the gasketing element having an adhesive zone and one or more adhesive-free zones. At least a portion of the waist gasketing element is adhesively attached to a chassis of the absorbent article. Additionally, a portion of the waist gasketing element is mechanically attached to a portion of the absorbent article.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/930,181, filed on Nov. 4, 2019; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/930,198, filed on Nov. 4, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/930,808, filed on Nov. 5, 2019, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present disclosure relates to disposable absorbent articles having a waist gasketing element, and more specifically to waist gasketing elements having an adhesive free-zone and an adhesive zone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Various types of articles, such as for example, diapers and other absorbent articles, have components that include elastic parts, such as for example, waistbands. In some configurations, waistbands may be provided as a single layer of elastic material, such as an elastic film. In some configurations, the waistbands may be provided as an elastic laminate that may include elastic material bonded to one or more substrates such as nonwovens, wherein the elastic material may include an elastic film and/or elastic strands. Providing an elasticated waistband at the top edge of the disposable absorbent article can have improved fit and containment. An elasticated waistband can help contain exudates by providing increased pressure between the skin and the article to form a seal that helps to prevent exudates from exiting the product in the waist area. Additionally, elasticated waistbands can physically close gaps that may otherwise be formed when the wearer moves into positions, such as bending forward at the waist.
• Waistbands can be located at one or both of the front and back edges of absorbent articles, and in closed form “pant” articles, they can be continuously formed to provide a waistband around the entire top edge of the article. In some articles, a waistband can be provided on the back only and spaced down from the edge of the article to close gaps in the rear part of the article. Articles providing a waistband that is spaced down from the edge typically exhibit larger ruffles at the top edge of the product as compared to articles having a waistband that is coterminous with the edge of the article. These ruffles can appear to caregivers as gaps from which exudates could leak even though the waist may close the gaps just below this region. Therefore, articles with waistbands that are coterminous with the edge of the article are may be preferred. However, some caregivers perceive waistbands that are spaced down from the edge of the article as being better leakage barriers.
• Elasticated waistbands can comprise a variety of elastic materials such as stranded elastics, films, elastic nonwovens materials, elastic glues, and so forth. These materials can have a high coefficient of friction and/or can be tacky. Such elastic portions of the materials can be laminated to another material with a lower coefficient of friction, such as a polypropylene nonwoven, to protect the wearer from direct contact with the elastic material. The materials can be laminated together with a variety of means, including adhesively bonding, mechanically bonding, thermally bonding, or other suitable techniques. For some absorbent articles the material laminated with the elastic material is material already existing for another reason in an absorbent article, such as a topsheet, or for other absorbent articles it could be a material specifically designed to cover the elastic in the waistband region only. Therefore, with regard to waistbands that are externally attached to the inside surface (i.e., body-facing side) of the article, a material specifically designed to cover the elastic material can be used. Therefore, it can be beneficial to provide a waistband that is both covered with a material and provided at the longitudinal edges of the article.
• Waistbands that are attached to the external, inside surface of the article can be attached using a variety of means, including mechanically attached, adhesively attached, thermally attached, co-formed, and so forth. The most typical way in the industry to attach a waistband to the external surface is adhesive bonding. Adhesive equipment applications typically cost less than comparable mechanical applications, are readily known in the industry, and perform well on most waistband applications, particularly for waistbands that are positioned on an internal surface of the diaper (i.e. sandwiched) by existing materials such as topsheet and or backsheet. Sandwiching the waistband ensures that any of the adhesive applied to attach the waistband is covered and is not in direct contact with the user.
• With externally applied waistbands, however, problems can occur that are detrimental to the efficacy of the absorbent article and have not been resolved completely within high speed absorbent article manufacturing applications. Most predominantly, a portion of the adhesive can become exposed to the user surface of the article and stick to the user during use and removal of the product, or otherwise make it difficult for the product to be prepared for application to the user. The adhesive can become exposed through a variety of ways. For instance, variations in the waistband attachment can lead to the lateral edges (i.e., left and right side edges) folding over or rolling up thereby exposing the underside of the waistbands and the adhesive. Further, the adhesively attached waistbands can snag on various componentry of the equipment during subsequent manufacturing or stick to various processes. In addition, adhesives can take time to solidify in the manufacturing process. If there are other processes downstream of the waistband attachment process, there may not be sufficient time for the adhesive to solidify and thus, waistbands can be easily pulled off of the article in the process with a very low force. Additionally, many times the adhesive is applied to a layer of the article such as the topsheet, and variation related to attaching the waistband, particularly in high speed manufacturing processes, can lead to an edge of the adhesive becoming exposed on one side or the other.
• An approach to address the issues created with adhesive bonding of externally applied waistbands is to mechanically attach them. A mechanical attachment process can bond the waistband to the article immediately so there is smaller risk that the waistband will fall off during subsequent processing. In addition, mechanical attachments are not tacky, so even if a portion of the waistband rolls up, it will not stick to the user. Nevertheless, mechanical attachment presents several other issues, particularly in the central absorbent region of an article—especially when waistbands are attached to the chassis after the absorbent core and the chassis have already been combined. For instance, mechanical attachment can create holes that can lead to leaks of bodily exudates through the outer cover of the absorbent article. Variations in the process or the equipment manufacture can also make it difficult to create adequate bonds. In addition, mechanical bonding over the absorbent core of the absorbent article can be ineffective if the mechanical bond contacts airfelt or absorbent gel material (AGM) that is distributed within the absorbent core. Airfelt is wood pulp based and does not melt and does not bond well to the rest of the polymers in the article, leading to poor bonding. AGM can burn and become dark when subjected to a mechanical bonding process and also does not chemically pair well with other polymers, such as polypropylene. As a result, poor bonding or no bonding can occur.
• Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an externally applied waistband that addresses the problems associated with adhesively bonding at the edges, namely, exposed adhesive, and premature falling off in the process. It would also be advantageous to have an externally applied waistband that addresses the problems associated with mechanically bonding near the absorbent core, namely, holes in the outer cover and burnt spots. It would further be advantageous to have an externally applied waistband that is attached at or near the longitudinal edges of the article to prevent large gathers that may be perceived as gaps and that is laminated to a nonwoven material to protect the user from the high friction materials of the elastomer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In one form, a disposable absorbent article comprises: a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions; a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a first side edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a waist gasketing element comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material; a leg gasketing element comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material, wherein at least a portion of the leg gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the chassis; and wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is adhesively attached to the chassis and wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the leg gasketing element in a region where the leg gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the chassis.
• In another form, a disposable absorbent article comprises: a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions; a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a first side edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a waist gasketing element comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material; a leg gasketing element connected with the chassis and comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material; and wherein mechanical bonds connect the waist gasketing element with at least one of the chassis and the leg gasketing element; and wherein at least one mechanical bond comprises a region of solidified material, wherein the at least one mechanical bond defines a depth Bd extending from an outer surface of the waist gasketing element to an upper surface of the region of the solidified material, the at least one mechanical bond comprising a grommet region where the region of solidified material transitions to fibrous regions of the waist gasketing element, the grommet region defining a width Bw, and wherein a ratio of the width Bw to the depth Bd is 1:1 or less.
• In yet another form, a disposable absorbent article comprises: a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions; a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a first side edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; a waist gasketing element joined to the chassis and comprising a first nonwoven, an elastic film and a plurality of ultrasonic bonds; wherein the absorbent article comprises a Waistband Breathability of at least 200 g/m²/24 hrs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a partially cut away plan view of an absorbent article in the form of a taped absorbent article that may include one or more waist gasketing elements in accordance with the present disclosure with the portion of the absorbent article that faces away from a wearer oriented towards the viewer.
• FIG. 1B is a plan view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1A that may include one or more waist gasketing elements in accordance with the present disclosure with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer.
• FIG. 1C is a detailed cross-sectional view of a mechanical bond between a waist gasketing element and another substrate.
• FIG. 1D is a detailed view of a waist gasketing element with mechanical bonds positioned so as to overlap with other mechanical bonds on leg gasketing elements.
• FIG. 1E is a plan view of an absorbent article showing corrugations on side panels and the waist gasketing element.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a back waist region of an absorbent article with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer.
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of absorbent article taken along line3-3 inFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 depicts waist gasketing elements positioned in front and back waist regions of an absorbent article with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of absorbent article taken along line5-5 inFIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a plan view of a back waist region of an absorbent article with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer in accordance with another embodiment.
• FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a waist gasketing element attached to a top sheet that is taken along a lateral axis of an example absorbent article.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a laminate that can be cut in the cross direction to form waist gasketing elements.
• FIG. 9 depicts the laminate ofFIG. 8 subsequent to a knife cut in the cross direction, thereby forming waist gasketing elements, which are shown spaced apart in the machine direction.
• FIG. 10 schematically depicts an example waist gasketing laminate prior to separation at a cutting locations.
• FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of example waist gasketing element taken in the machine direction.
• FIG. 12 depicts the waist gasketing element fromFIG. 11 in a relaxed, contracted condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The following term explanations may be useful in understanding the present disclosure:
• “Absorbent article” is used herein to refer to consumer products whose primary function is to absorb and retain soils and wastes. Absorbent articles can comprise sanitary napkins, tampons, panty liners, interlabial devices, wound dressings, wipes, disposable diapers including taped diapers and diaper pants, inserts for diapers with a reusable outer cover, adult incontinent diapers, adult incontinent pads, and adult incontinent pants. The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles which generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and may also be configured to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).
• The term “feminine hygiene articles” refers to disposable absorbent articles used by women for catamenial protection. Such feminine hygiene articles may include sanitary napkins, tampons, interlabial products, incontinence devices, and pantiliners. Non-limiting examples of panty liners and sanitary napkins include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246; 4,463,045; 4,342,314; 4,556,146; 4,589,876; 4,687,478; 4,950,264; 5,009,653; 5,267,992; and 6,004,893, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• An “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.
• 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.
• 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 of fibrous materials, nonwovens, and 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.
• 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. In some configurations, a nonwoven may comprise a polyolefin based nonwoven, including but not limited to nonwovens having polypropylene fibers and/or polyethylene fibers and/or bicomponent fibers comprising a polyolefin and/or blends of fibers containing cotton or other organic materials. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fibers include spunbond, spunlaid, meltblown, spunmelt, solvent-spun, electrospun, carded, film fibrillated, melt-film fibrillated, air-laid, dry-laid, wet-laid staple fibers, hydroentangled, and other nonwoven web materials formed in part or in whole of polymer fibers as known in the art, and workable combinations thereof. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern. It is to be appreciated that nonwovens having various basis weights can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, some nonwovens may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, 12 gsm, 16 gsm, 20 gsm, 25 gsm, 30 gsm, 40 gsm, or 65 gsm. Some nonwovens may have basis weights of about 8 gsm to about 65 gsm, specifically reciting all 1 gsm increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
• It is to be appreciated that films having various basis weights can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, some films may have a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm, 12 gsm, 16 gsm, 20 gsm, 25 gsm, 30 gsm, 40 gsm, or 60 gsm. Some films may have basis weight of about 8 gsm to about 60 gsm, specifically reciting all 1 gsm increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
• Components of the disposable absorbent articles (i.e., diaper, disposable pant, adult incontinence article, sanitary napkin, pantiliner, etc.) described in this specification can at least partially be comprised of bio-sourced content as described in US 2007/0219521A1 Hird et al published on Sep. 20, 2007, US 2011/0139658A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011, US 2011/0139657A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011, US 2011/0152812A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 23, 2011, US 2011/0139662A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011, and US 2011/0139659A1 Hird et al published on Jun. 16, 2011. These components include, but are not limited to, topsheet nonwovens, backsheet films, backsheet nonwovens, side panel nonwovens, barrier leg cuff nonwovens, super absorbent, nonwoven acquisition layers, core wrap nonwovens, adhesives, fastener hooks, and fastener landing zone nonwovens and film bases. In at least one embodiment, a disposable absorbent article component comprises a bio-based content value from about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B, in another embodiment, from about 25% to about 75%, and in yet another embodiment, from about 50% to about 60% using ASTM D6866-10, method B. In order to apply the methodology of ASTM D6866-10 to determine the bio-based content of any disposable absorbent article component, a representative sample of the disposable absorbent article component must be obtained for testing. In at least one embodiment, the disposable absorbent article component can be ground into particulates less than about 20 mesh using known grinding methods (e.g., Wiley® mill), and a representative sample of suitable mass taken from the randomly mixed particles.
• 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.
• The term “cross direction” (CD) is used herein to refer to a direction that is generally perpendicular to the machine direction.
• The term “taped diaper” (also referred to as “open diaper”) refers to disposable absorbent articles having an initial front waist region and an initial back waist region that 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 in 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, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• 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, rear 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.
• For the purposes of a specific illustration,FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of anabsorbent article100 in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular,FIG. 1A shows one example of a plan view of anabsorbent article100 configured as a taped diaper100T, with the portion of the absorbent article that faces away from a wearer oriented towards the viewer.FIG. 1B shows a plan view of theabsorbent article100 with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer. The taped diaper100T shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B includes anabsorbent chassis102, first and secondrear side panels104 and106; and first and secondfront side panels108 and110.
• As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, theabsorbent article100 and thechassis102 each include afirst waist region116, asecond waist region118, and acrotch region119 disposed intermediate the first and second waist regions. Thefirst waist region116 may be configured as a front waist region, and thesecond waist region118 may be configured as a back waist region. In some embodiments, the length of each of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region may be ⅓ of the length of theabsorbent article100. The absorbent article may also include a laterally extendingfront waist edge120 in thefront waist region116 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending backwaist edge122 in theback waist region118. To provide a frame of reference for the present discussion, the diaper100T inFIGS. 1A and 1B is shown with alongitudinal axis124 and alateral axis126. Thelongitudinal axis124 may extend through a midpoint of thefront waist edge120 and through a midpoint of theback waist edge122. And thelateral axis126 may extend through a midpoint of a first longitudinal orright side edge128 and through a midpoint of a second longitudinal orleft side edge130.
• As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, theabsorbent article100 includes an interior surface132 (i.e., wearer facing), and an outer, exterior surface134 (i.e., garment facing). As such, it is also to be appreciated that the various components of the absorbent article described below may each include inner, wearer facing surfaces132, and an outer, garment facing surfaces134. Thechassis102 may include a backsheet136 and a topsheet138. Thechassis102 may also include anabsorbent assembly140, including anabsorbent core142, disposed between a portion of the topsheet138 and the backsheet136. As discussed in more detail below, theabsorbent article100 may also include other features, such as leg elastics and/or leg gasketing elements, waist gasketing element(s), and/or flaps, e.g., side panels and/or ears, to enhance the fits around the legs and waist of the wearer, to enhance the fit around the legs of the wearer.
• As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the periphery of thechassis102 may be defined by the firstlongitudinal side edge128. The secondlongitudinal side edge130, a first laterally extendingend edge144 disposed in thefirst waist region116, and a second laterally extendingend edge146 disposed in thesecond waist region118. Both side edges128 and130 extend longitudinally between thefirst end edge144 and thesecond end edge146. As shown inFIG. 1A, the laterally extendingend edges144 and146 may form a portion of the laterally extendingfront waist edge120 in thefront waist region116 and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and laterally extending backwaist edge122 in theback waist region118. The distance between the firstlateral end edge144 and the secondlateral end edge146 may define a pitch length, PL, of thechassis102. When theabsorbent article100 is worn on the lower torso of a wearer, thefront waist edge120 and theback waist edge122 may encircle a portion of the waist of the wearer. At the same time, the side edges128 and130 may encircle at least a portion of the legs of the wearer. Thecrotch region119 may be generally positioned between the legs of the wearer with theabsorbent core142 extending from thefront waist region116 through thecrotch region119 to theback waist region118.
• It is to also be appreciated that a portion or the whole of theabsorbent article100 may also be made laterally extensible. The additional extensibility may help allow theabsorbent article100 to conform to the body of a wearer during movement by the wearer. The additional extensibility may also help, for example, the user of theabsorbent article100, including achassis102 having a particular size before extension, to extend thefront waist region116, theback waist region118, or both waist regions of theabsorbent article100 and/orchassis102 to provide additional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor the diaper to an individual wearer. Such extension of the waist region or regions may give the absorbent article a generally hourglass shape, so long as the crotch region is extended to a relatively lesser degree than the waist region or regions, and may impart a tailored appearance to the article when it is worn.
• As previously mentioned, theabsorbent article100 may include a backsheet136. The backsheet136 may also define the outer surface134 of thechassis102. The backsheet136 may be impervious to fluids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may be manufactured in part from a thin plastic film, although other flexible, liquid impervious materials may also be used. The backsheet136 may prevent the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core from wetting articles which contact theabsorbent article100, such as bedsheets, pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet136 may also comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven layer). The backsheet136 may also comprise an elastomeric film. An example backsheet136 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). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-120 and BR-121 and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet136 may also be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the backsheet136 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet136. The size of the backsheet136 may be dictated by the size of theabsorbent core142 and/or particular configuration or size of theabsorbent article100.
• Also described above, theabsorbent article100 may include a topsheet138. The topsheet138 may also define all or part of the inner surface132 of thechassis102. The topsheet138 may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. It may be elastically stretchable in one or two directions. Further, the topsheet138 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. A topsheet138 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 topsheet138 includes fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art.
• Topsheets138 may be selected from high loft nonwoven topsheets, apertured film topsheets and apertured nonwoven topsheets. Apertured film topsheets may be pervious to bodily exudates, yet substantially non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. 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, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• As mentioned above, theabsorbent article100 may also include anabsorbent assembly140 that is joined to thechassis102. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, theabsorbent assembly140 may have a laterally extendingfront edge148 in thefront waist region116 and may have a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending backedge150 in theback waist region118. Theabsorbent assembly140 may have a longitudinally extendingright side edge152 and may have a laterally opposing and longitudinally extending left side edge154, both absorbent assembly side edges152 and154 may extend longitudinally between thefront edge148 and theback edge150. Theabsorbent assembly140 may additionally include one or moreabsorbent cores142 or absorbent core layers. Theabsorbent core142 may be at least partially disposed between the topsheet138 and the backsheet136 and may be formed in various sizes and shapes that are compatible with the diaper. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,888,231; and 4,834,735, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• 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, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• As previously mentioned, theabsorbent article100 may also include elasticizedleg gasketing elements156 and awaist gasketing element158. It is to be appreciated that theleg gasketing elements156 can be and are sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, leg gasketing systems, or gasketing cuffs. The elasticizedleg gasketing elements156 may be configured in various ways to help reduce the leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. Exampleleg gasketing elements156 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 4,909,803; 4,695,278; 4,795,454; 4,704,115; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0312730 A1, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• As shown inFIG. 1B, thechassis102 may include longitudinally extending and laterally opposingleg gasketing elements156 that are disposed on the interior surface132 of thechassis102 that faces inwardly toward the wearer and contacts the wearer. Eachleg gasketing element156 may have aproximal edge182 and adistal edge184. Eachleg gasketing element156 may also have afirst side edge186 and asecond side edge188. The leg gasketing elements may also overlap theabsorbent assembly140, wherein the second side edges188 extend laterally inward of the respective side edges152 and154 of the absorbent assembly. In some configurations, theleg gasketing elements156 may not overlap the absorbent assembly. It is to be appreciated that theleg gasketing elements156 may be formed in various ways, such as for example, by folding portions of thechassis102 laterally inward, i.e., toward thelongitudinal axis124, to form both the respectiveleg gasketing elements156 and the side edges128 and130 of thechassis102. In another example, theleg gasketing elements156 may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers to the chassis at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges and of the chassis. Each of theleg gasketing elements156 may be joined to the interior surface132 of the chassis and/or the absorbent assembly in leg gasketing element attachment zones in thefront waist region116 and in leg gasketing element attachment zones in theback waist region118. Theleg gasketing elements156 may extend to the same longitudinal extent as theabsorbent article100 or alternatively theleg gasketing elements156 may have a longitudinal extent that is less than theabsorbent article100.
• Thewaist gasketing element158 may provide improved fit and containment and may be a portion or zone of theabsorbent article100 that may elastically expand and contract to dynamically fit a wearer's waist. Thewaist gasketing element158 may comprise a laterally extendingproximal end edge174 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extendingdistal end edge176. Thewaist gasketing element158 may also have afirst side edge178 and asecond side edge180. Both side edges178 and180 extend longitudinally between theproximal end edge174 and thedistal end edge176. Thewaist gasketing element158 may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• It is to be appreciated that thewaist gasketing element158 may be located in various positions relative to various diaper components. For example, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned longitudinally inwardly from the waist edges120,122 of the absorbent article and/or toward thelateral edges148,150 (FIG. 1A) of theabsorbent core142. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned with a lateral edge that is coterminous with the waist edges120,122, an example of which is shown inFIG. 6. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned such that laterally opposing end regions of thewaist gasketing element158 are located laterally inward from theleg gasketing elements156. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned such that laterally opposing end regions of thewaist gasketing element158 overlap theleg gasketing elements156. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned on the wearer facing surface132 of the topsheet138. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned on the wearer facing surfaces132 of the topsheet138 and theleg gasketing elements156. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned on the wearer facing surfaces132 of the topsheet138, and laterally opposing end regions of thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned between theleg gasketing elements156 and the topsheet138. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be positioned on the garment facing service134 of the backsheet136. Theabsorbent article100 may also include more than onewaist gasketing element158, as shown inFIG. 1B, for example, having onewaistband158 positioned in theback waist region118 and onewaistband158 positioned in thefront waist region116, although other embodiments may be constructed with a singlewaist gasketing element158.
• At least a portion of thewaist gasketing element158 may be attached to thechassis102 with an adhesive170. Thewaist gasketing element158 can define at least oneadhesive zone171 of adhesive170 on the surface of thewaist gasketing element158 that adheres to thechassis102. It is to be appreciated that theadhesive zone171 of adhesive170 may define various sizes and shapes relative to thewaist gasketing element158. For example, as shown inFIG. 1B, theadhesive zone171 may extend in the cross direction CD for less than the entire width W of thewaist gasketing element158. In some configurations, theadhesive zone171 may be positioned only on acentral region190 of thewaist gasketing element158 such that adhesive170 is only provided in thecentral region190, and other regions of thewaist gasketing element158 are not adhesively bonded to thechassis102. In another embodiment, theadhesive zone171 may extend in the machine direction for the entire length L (FIG. 1B) of thewaist gasketing element158 such that the adhesive is coterminous with theproximal end edge174 and thedistal end edge176. One or more other portions of thewaist gasketing element158 may be mechanically attached to one or more substrates of theabsorbent article100 usingmechanical bonds172. For example, portions of thewaist gasketing element158 can be attached to theleg gasketing elements156 using themechanical bonds172. Thewaist gasketing element158 can therefore define at least a first adhesive-free zone173 and a second adhesive-free zone175 and themechanical bonds172 may be positioned within the first and second adhesive-free zones173 and175. It is to be appreciated that the first and second adhesivefree zones173 and175 may define various sizes and shapes relative to thewaist gasketing element158. For example, as shown inFIG. 1B, the first adhesive-free zone173 may laterally extend inward from thefirst side edge178 towards theadhesive zone171 and longitudinally extend from theproximal end edge174 to thedistal end edge176. The second adhesive-free zone175 may laterally extend inward from thesecond side edge180 towards theadhesive zone171 and longitudinally extend from theproximal end edge174 to thedistal end edge176. In some configurations, the first and second adhesivefree zones173,175 may be positioned laterally inward from thefirst side edge178 and thesecond side edge180, and in turn, adhesive zones may extend laterally outward from first and second adhesivefree zones173,175 to or adjacent to thefirst side edge178 and thesecond side edge180. As described in more detail below, thewaist gasketing element158 may also define one or more adhesive-free zones that do not includemechanical bonds172. For example, an adhesive-free zone may extend longitudinally from theproximal end edge174 of thewaist gasketing element158 towards theadhesive zone171 and extends laterally in the CD for less than the entire width W, therefore forming a pocket between thewaist gasketing element158 and thechassis102. It is also to be appreciated that in some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be attached to thechassis102 with only mechanical bonds and without the use of adhesive.
• It is to be appreciated that various methods may be used to createmechanical bonds172. In some configurations, components of thewaist gasketing element158 may be mechanically (pressure) bonded to other substrates with the application of pressure (and optionally heat) in various ways, such as for example, the mechanical bonding devices and methods disclosed in in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,854,984; 6,248,195; 8,778,127; 9,005,392; 9,962,297; and 10,052,237, which are all incorporated by reference herein. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 may be mechanically (pressure and vibrational energy converted to thermal energy) bonded with the use of ultrasonic bonding methods configured in various ways, such as for example linear or rotary type configurations, and such as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,113,225; 3,562,041; 3,733,238; 5,110,403; 6,036,796; 6,508,641; and 6,645,330. In some configurations, mechanical bonding processes may melt and/or yield material from the bonded substrates to createmechanical bonds172 that include regions of relatively stiff, solidified material. For example,FIG. 1C shows a detailed cross sectional view of amechanical bond172 between thewaist gasketing element158 and a substrate of thechassis102, such as the topsheet138 or backsheet136 for example, or theleg gasketing element156. Themechanical bond172 includes a region of relatively stiff, solidifiedmaterial172a. Themechanical bond172 may also include agrommet region172bwhere the region of relatively stiff, solidifiedmaterial172atransitions to the fibrous regions of the nonwoven material of thewaist gasketing element158.
• With somemechanical bonds172, such as shown inFIG. 1C, both the region of relatively stiff, solidifiedmaterial172aand thegrommet region172bcan be rigid and may have small protrusions or stiff sections that result in a relatively rough feel to touch. As such,mechanical bonds172 may be created with various aspects to help reduce the likelihood of having such a relatively rough feel. For example, as shown inFIG. 1C, thegrommet region172bof themechanical bond172 may define a width (or diameter) of Bw and may define a depth Bd extending from an outer surface of thewaist gasketing element158 to anupper surface172cof the region of relatively stiff, solidifiedmaterial172a. In some configurations, the ratio of the width Bw to the depth Bd may be 1:1 or less to help reduce the noticeability of amechanical bond172 having a relatively rough feel to the touch.
• It is also to be appreciated that in some configurations, themechanical bonds172 may be positioned so as to overlap with other mechanical bonds. For example,FIG. 1D shows a detailed view ofmechanical bonds172 that bond thewaist gasketing element158 with theleg gasketing element156. As shown inFIG. 1D,mechanical bonds177, which may be referred to as tack-down bonds, may be used to bond portions of theleg gasketing element156 to thechassis102. As such, themechanical bonds172 may be positioned to overlap the tack-downbonds177 to create a joint bondedarea179. It is to be appreciated that the joint bondedarea179 may be configured with various different shapes and sizes. In some configurations, the joint bondedarea179 may extend to the front and/or backedge120,122 of thechassis102. It is also to be appreciated thatleg gasketing elements156 may be configured with the elastic strands. In some configurations, the elastic strands of theleg gasketing elements156 may also overlap with the joint bondedarea179. In turn, contraction of the elastic strands of theleg gasketing elements156 may cause an undesirable pucker or wrinkle in the joint bondedarea179. As such, in some configurations, the elastic strands may be cut prior to application of the tack-downbonds177 to help avoid trapping elastic strands with the tack-downbonds177 in the joint bondedarea179, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0255865A1, which is incorporated by reference herein.
• Taped diapers may be manufactured and provided to consumers in a configuration wherein the front waist region and the back waist region are not fastened, pre-fastened, or connected to each other as packaged, prior to being applied to the wearer. For example, the taped diaper100T may be folded about a lateral centerline with the interior surface132 of thefirst waist region116 in surface to surface contact with the interior surface132 of thesecond waist region118 without fastening or joining the waist regions together. Therear side panels104 and106 and/or thefront side panels108 and110 and/or theleg gasketing elements156 may also be folded laterally inward toward the inner surfaces132 of thewaist regions116 and118.
• Theabsorbent article100 may also include various configurations of fastening elements to enable fastening of thefront waist region116 and theback waist region118 together to form a closed waist circumference and leg openings once the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, theabsorbent article100 may include first andsecond fastening members162,164, also referred to as tabs, connected with the first and secondrear side panels104,106, respectively. The absorbent article may also include first and secondfront side panels108,110, that may or may not include fastening members.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, eachside panel104,106 and/orfastening member162 and164 may form a portion of or may be permanently bonded, adhered or otherwise joined directly or indirectly to thechassis102 laterally inward from the side edges128 and130, in one of thefront waist region116 or theback waist region118. Alternatively, thefastening members162,164 may form a portion of or may be permanently bonded, adhered or otherwise joined directly or indirectly to the first and secondrear panels104,106 at or adjacent the distal edge of the panel and/or the first and secondfront side panels108 and110 at or adjacent the distal edge of the side panel. It is to be appreciated that the fastening members and/or side panels may be assembled in various ways, such as disclosed for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,371,302, which is incorporated by reference herein. Thefastening members162,164 and/orside panels104,106,108,110 may also be permanently bonded or joined at or adjacent the side edges128 and130 of thechassis102 in various ways, such as for example, by adhesive bonds, sonic bonds, pressure bonds, thermal bonds or combinations thereof, such as disclosed for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,551, which is incorporated by reference herein.
• Referring now toFIG. 1B, thefirst fastening member162 and/or thesecond fastening member164 may include various types of releasably engageable fasteners. The first andsecond fastening members162 and/or164 may also include various types of refastenable fastening structures. For example, the first andsecond fastening members162 and164 may includemechanical fasteners166, in the form of hook and loop fasteners, hook and hook fasteners, macrofasteners, buttons, snaps, tab and slot fasteners, tape fasteners, adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, magnetic fasteners, hermaphroditic fasteners, and the like. Some examples of fastening systems and/orfastening members162,164 are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 6,251,097; 6,669,618; 6,432,098; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0078427 A1 and 2007/0093769 A1, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• As previously mentioned, thefastening members162 and164 may be constructed from various materials and may be constructed as a laminate structure. Thefastening members162 and164 may also be adapted to releasably and/or refastenably engage or connect with another portion of thediaper100. For example, as shown inFIG. 1A, thediaper100 may include aconnection zone168, sometimes referred to as a landing zone, in thefirst waist region116. As such, when the tapeddiaper100 is placed on a wearer, thefastening members162 and164 may be pulled around the waist of the wearer and connected with theconnection zone168 in thefirst waist region116 to form a closed waist circumference and a pair of laterally opposing leg openings. It is to be appreciated that the connection zone may be constructed from a separate substrate that is connected with thechassis102 of the taped diaper. In some embodiments, the connection zone may be integrally formed as part of the backsheet136 of thediaper100 or may be formed as part of the first and secondfront panels108,110, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,840 and 5,928,212, which are both incorporated by reference herein.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a back waist region of another exampleabsorbent article200 with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer.FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 2 taken along line3-3. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, and similarly to theabsorbent article100 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, theabsorbent article200 includes achassis202 having aback waist edge222 andside edges228 and230. Thechassis202 may include abacksheet236 and atopsheet238, as well as intermediate layers or materials, such as apolymeric backsheet film235 and anabsorbent assembly240.
• Theabsorbent article200 also includes awaist gasketing element258, which is schematically illustrated to include a laminate of anelastic film220 bonded with afirst nonwoven216 and asecond nonwoven218. Thefirst nonwoven216 may be bonded to the second nonwoven218 through any suitable technique, such as ultrasonic bonding, adhesive bonding, and so forth. One or both of thenonwovens216 and218 may be, for example, an elastomeric nonwoven or a non-elastic nonwoven. It is also be appreciated that thefirst nonwoven216 and thesecond nonwoven218 may be the same size or may have different sizes and may define the same or different widths and/or lengths. Further, while thewaist gasketing element258 is shown inFIG. 3 to have two layers of nonwovens, it is to be appreciated that this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the continuous elastic substrate may be configured as a bi-laminate with an elastic film bonded with a single nonwoven substrate, such as bi-laminate formed with theelastic film220 andnonwoven216. Further, instead of anelastic film220, thewaist gasketing element258 can comprise elastic strands, or other suitable materials. The laminate offilm220 and one or more non-wovens can be an extrusion bonded laminate. The laminate offilm220 and one or more non-wovens can be a thermal bonded laminate It is also to be appreciated that thewaist gasketing element258 may be assembled in various ways, such as for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,572,595; 6,830,800; 7,087,287; and 7,803,244; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2018/0042778 A1; 2018/0042787 A1; 2018/0042779 A1; and 2018/0042780 A1, which are all incorporated by reference herein.
• The absorbent article comprising the waist gasketing element, particularly awaist gasketing element258 comprising afilm220, may exhibit a Waistband Breathability of at least 200 g/m²/24 hrs, or at least 300 g/m²/24 hrs, or at least 500 g/m²/24 hrs, or at least 600 g/m²/24 hrs, or from 200 g/m²/24 hrs to about 3500 g/m²/24 hrs, reciting for said range every 10 g/m²/24 hrs increment therein, according to the WTVR Test Method herein. In nonlimiting examples, breathability of the waistband-chassis composite may vary, such that breathability at one longitudinal position is less than the breathability value at a different longitudinal position and/or breathability values at different lateral positions may vary. Thechassis102 may comprise a Waist Area Breathability of at least 3000 g/m²/24 hrs, or at least 3100 g/m²/24 hrs, or at least 3200 g/m²/24 hrs, from 2900 g/m²/24 hrs to 3500 g/m²/24 hrs, reciting for said range every 50 g/m²/24 hrs increment therein, according to the WTVR Test Method herein.
• Mechanical bonds272 are shown inFIG. 2 and schematically illustrated inFIG. 3 to depict the mechanical connection of thewaist gasketing element258 to thechassis202. In some configurations, however, the mechanical connection is between thewaist gasketing element258 andleg gasketing elements256 such that thechassis202 is not incorporated into themechanical bonds272. Furthermore, in some configurations, thewaist gasketing element258 may be mechanically connected to thetop sheet238 but not thebacksheet236. Referring toFIG. 3,mechanical bonds272 in the illustrated example are shown extending from the first nonwoven216 to thebacksheet236 and intermediate substrates therebetween, such asleg gasketing elements256. A first grouping ofmechanical bonds272 may be positioned within a first adhesive-free zone273 (FIG. 2) and second grouping ofmechanical bonds272 may be positioned within a second adhesive-free zone275 (FIG. 2). As shown inFIG. 2, the first adhesive-free zone273 and the second adhesive-free zone275 may each have a width W1 in the cross direction CD. In accordance with various configurations, the width W1 may be up to 75 mm, or in the range of about 5 mm to about 30 mm, or may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or may be about 15 mm. Each of the first adhesive-free zone273 and the second adhesive-free zone275 may extend in the machine direction MD from aproximal end edge274 to adistal end edge276 of thewaist gasketing element258. Whilemechanical bonds272 may extend through multiple absorbent article components to bond the waist gasketing element258 (as shown inFIG. 3), themechanical bonds272 may extend through just thewaist gasketing element258 and thetopsheet238, or just throughwaist gasketing element258 and theleg gasketing elements256, or just through thewaist gasketing element258, thetopsheet238, andleg gasketing elements256.
• A central portion of the examplewaist gasketing element258 is attached to thechassis202 with an adhesive270. Thewaist gasketing element258 can define at least one adhesive zone271 of adhesive270 on the surface of thewaist gasketing element258 that adheres to thechassis202. As shown inFIG. 2, the adhesive zone271 may have a width W2 in the cross direction CD and a height H1 in machine direction MD. In accordance with various configurations, the width W2 may be in the range of about 80 mm to about 260 mm, or may be in the range of about 90 mm to about 130 mm, or may be about 120 mm. The height of thewaist gasketing element258 in the machine direction MD is shown as H3. In some configurations, the adhesive zone271 may extend in the machine direction MD from theproximal end edge274 of thewaist gasketing element258 to thedistal edge276 of thewaist gasketing element258 such that H1 is substantially equal to H3. In accordance with various configurations, the H1 may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 35 mm, or may be in the range of about 25 mm to about 60 mm, or may be about 40 mm. In accordance with various configurations, the H3 may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 35 mm, or may be in the range of about 25 mm to about 80 mm, or may be about 40 mm. Further, the adhesive zone271 may be spaced away from theproximal end edge274 and/or thedistal edge276 of thewaist gasketing element258, including being spaced away by 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm from theproximal end edge274 and/or thedistal edge276 of thewaist gasketing element258.
• As shown inFIG. 2, the examplewaist gasketing element258 defines a third adhesive-free zone275 that has a width W2 in the cross direction CD and a height H2 in the machine direction MD. The third adhesive-free zone277 may not include any adhesive or mechanical bonds and therefore may be disconnected from thechassis102. As such, a pocket may be formed between thewaist gasketing element258 and thechassis102 in that zone. The pocket may be defined in the machine direction MD by the portion of theproximal end edge274 laterally extending between the first and second adhesive-free zones273 and275 and the adhesive zone271. The pocket may be defined in the cross direction CD by the portion of thewaist gasketing element258 extended between the first and second adhesive-free zones273 and275. In accordance with various configurations, the H2 may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 35 mm, or may be in the range of about 25 mm to about 60 mm, or may be about 30 mm.
• FIG. 2 depicts an exampleabsorbent article200 in which thewaist gasketing element258 is positioned such that thedistal edge276 of thewaist gasketing element258 is coterminous with theback waist edge222. It is to be appreciated, that a waist gasketing element similar to thewaist gasketing element258 can optionally be provided in a front waist region of theabsorbent article200 and similarly positioned conterminously with a front waist edge. However, while thewaist gasketing element258 shown inFIG. 2 is coterminous with theback waist edge222, this disclosure is not so limited. For example,FIG. 4 is a plan view of aback waist region318 and afront waist region316 of anabsorbent article300 with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented towards the viewer. Thefront waist region316 is shown to have first and secondfront side panels308 and310 and theback waist region318 is shown to haverear side panels304 and306.FIG. 4 depictswaist gasketing elements358 positioned in the front andback waist regions316 and318. Similar to the waist gasketing elements described above, thewaist gasketing elements358 are bonded to achassis302 of theabsorbent article300 throughmechanical bonds372 positioned in adhesive-free zones373 and375. A central portion of each of thewaist gasketing elements358 is attached to thechassis302 with an adhesive370. The waist gasketingelements358 define anadhesive zone371 of adhesive370 on the surface of thewaist gasketing element358 that adheres to thechassis302. In this example configuration, theadhesive zone371 extends in the machine direction MD to be coterminous with aproximal end edge374 and adistal end edge376 of thewaist gasketing elements358.
• Referring now to theback waist region318, thewaist gasketing element358 is positioned relative to thechassis302 such that it is offset in the machine direction MD from aback waist edge322 by an offset distance OD. The offset distance OD 0 mm, such that thedistal end edge376 of thewaist gasketing elements358 positioned in theback waist region318 is coterminous withback waist edge322 and waist gasketingelements358 positioned in thefront waist region316 is coterminous withfront waist edge344. Alternatively, the offset distance OD can be in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or in the range of about 2 mm to about 5 mm, or in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm, or in the range of about 20 mm to about 50 mm, or can be about 10 mm. Thewaist gasketing element358 is positioned in thefront waist region316 and may also be offset in the machine direction MD from afront waist edge344 by an offset distance OD. The offset distance OD can be 0 mm or be in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or in the range of about 2 mm to about 5 mm, or in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm, or in the range of about 20 to about 40 mm, or can be about 10 mm.
• Although absorbent articles may be configured to include awaist gasketing element158 andside panels104,106 having corrugations and associated stretch properties that may be separated from each other along a lateral width, it is to be appreciated thatabsorbent articles100 may be configured with corrugated components combined in ways to help mitigate reductions in softness and/or comfort. For example, in some configurations, thewaist gasketing element158 andside panels104,106 may be provided with an elastic material, such as a film and/or strands, joined to other components in a stretched state. When the elastic materials relax, corrugations are formed in the correspondingwaist gasketing element158 andside panels104,106. In turn, thewaist gasketing element158 andside panels104,106 may be stretchable to the extent that the corrugations allow thewaist gasketing element158 andside panels104,106 to elongate. For example,FIG. 1E shows a plan view of an absorbentarticle illustrating corrugations181aonside panels104,106 andcorrugations181bon thewaist gasketing element158, wherein thecorrugations181aon theside panels104,106 are separated from each other and from thecorrugations181bof thewaist gasketing element158 so as to form a discontinuous region of corrugations extending laterally across the absorbent article. As shown inFIG. 1E, thecorrugations181aof thefirst side panel104 may extend for a lateral width Wsc1, and thecorrugations181aof thesecond side panel106 may extend for a lateral width Wsc2. In addition, thecorrugations181bof thewaist gasketing element158 may extend for a lateral width Wwc. It is to be appreciated that the widths Wwc, Wsc1, and Wsc2 may define the same or different distances. It is also to be appreciated that the sum of the widths Wwc, Wsc1, and Wsc2 may define a total width Wc that is equal to or less than 100% of a lateral width Wtot extending between outer longitudinal edges of theside panels104,106. In some configurations, the sum of the widths Wwc, Wsc1, and Wsc2 (i.e., Wc) may be greater than 60% of Wtot and less than 100% of Wtot, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It is also to be appreciated that at least some or all of thecorrugations181a,181bmay be longitudinally aligned so as to intersect a reference line, such aline181cshown inFIG. 1E that extends laterally across the absorbent article. It is also to be appreciated that in configurations where thewaist gasketing element158 is positioned with a lateral edge that is coterminous with anend edge144,146 thechassis102, the contraction of thechassis102 at theend edge144,146 may match the contraction of thewaist gasketing element158.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 4 taken along line5-5. As shown inFIG. 5, a central portion of the examplewaist gasketing element358 is attached to the chassis302 (FIG. 4) with an adhesive370. In the illustrated example, thewaist gasketing element558 is schematically illustrated to include a bi-laminate of anelastic film320 bonded with a nonwoven319. Theabsorbent article300 is shown to include alanding zone368 that provides a connection zone for thefastening members362 and364 (FIG. 4). Thefastening members362 and364 may be pulled around the waist of the wearer and connected with thelanding zone368 in thefront waist region316 to form a closed waist circumference and a pair of laterally opposing leg openings. In this example configuration, themechanical bonds372 extend through thewaist gasketing element358 and thelanding zone368, as well as various intermediate layers, such asleg gasketing elements356, apolymeric backsheet film335, and abacksheet336. Incorporation of thelanding zone368 into themechanical bonds372 can beneficially improve strength of the mechanical bonds, and overlap of thelanding zone368 and thewaist gasketing element358 can provide stiffness to prevent or reduce inadvertent flipping of thewaist gasketing element358.
• FIG. 5 is a plan view of aback waist region418 of anabsorbent article400 with the portion of the absorbent article that faces toward a wearer oriented toward the viewer in accordance with another embodiment. Theabsorbent article400 includes achassis402 that has afirst side edge428 and asecond side edge430. Theabsorbent article400 has a width W1 in the cross direction CD as measured laterally between the first and second side edges428 and430. Awaist gasketing element458 schematically illustrated inFIG. 4 is attached to thechassis402 throughmechanical bonds472 positioned in a first adhesive-free zone473 and a second adhesive-free zone475. A central portion of the examplewaist gasketing element458 is attached to thechassis402 with an adhesive470. Thewaist gasketing element458 can define at least one adhesive zone471 of adhesive470 on the surface of thewaist gasketing element458 that adheres to thechassis402. Thewaist gasketing element458 may comprise a laterally extendingproximal end edge474 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extendingdistal end edge476. Thewaist gasketing element458 may also have afirst side edge478 and asecond side edge480. Both side edges478 and480 extend longitudinally between theproximal end edge474 and thedistal end edge476. Thewaist gasketing element458 has a width W2 in the cross direction CD as measured laterally between the side edges478 and480. In this embodiment, thefirst side edge478 is coterminous with thefirst side edge428 of thechassis402 and thesecond side edge480 is coterminous with thesecond side edge430 of thechassis402. Accordingly, in this example configuration the width of theback waist region418 is the same as the width of thewaist gasketing element458, such that W1 is substantially equal to W2.
• As shown inFIG. 6, theabsorbent article400 may include first andsecond fastening members462,464, also referred to as tabs, connected with the first and secondrear side panels404,406, respectively. Thefirst fastening member462 and/or thesecond fastening member464 may include various types of releasably engageable fasteners. The first andsecond fastening members462 and/or464 may also include various types of refastenable fastening structures. For example, the first andsecond fastening members462 and464 may includemechanical fasteners466, in the form of hook and loop fasteners, hook and hook fasteners, macrofasteners, buttons, snaps, tab and slot fasteners, tape fasteners, adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, magnetic fasteners, hermaphroditic fasteners, and the like.
• The first andsecond fastening members462,464 can define atab axis426 extending in the cross direction through a longitudinal midpoint of each of the first andsecond fastening members462,464. Thetab axis426 may be parallel to a lateral axis of theabsorbent article400. Thewaist gasketing element458 can define a waistgasketing element axis424 extending in the cross direction through a longitudinal midpoint of thewaist gasketing element458. The waistgasketing element axis424 may be parallel to thetab axis426. In accordance with various configurations, the waistgasketing element axis424 may be offset from thetab axis426 in a direction towards thedistal end edge476 by an axis offset distance AOD. InFIG. 6, thetab axis426 does not overlap any portion of thewaist gasketing element458, but this disclosure is not so limited. In some configurations, for example, thetab axis426 may overlap a portion of thewaist gasketing element458 in a region located between the waistgasketing element axis424 and thefirst side edge478.
• When thefastening members462 and464 are pulled around the waist of the wearer and connected with a front waist region to form a closed waist circumference a direct line of tension is formed between thefastening members462 and464. Offsetting the waistgasketing element axis424 from thetab axis426 by a distance AOD can beneficially keep thewaist gasketing element458 from being aligned with this direct line of tension. Thus, configuring theabsorbent article400 such that the waistgasketing element axis424 is spaced away from thetab axis426 may allow for thewaist gasketing element458 to be exposed to less force levels than the levels of force to which thefastening members462 and464 are exposed. As a result, the stretchable waistgasketing element axis424 can retain energy that can be used to close gaps when the wearer bends yet not impact the overall span of the users the article can fit.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, a simplified cross-sectional view of awaist gasketing element558 attached to atop sheet538 is schematically depicted. The examplewaist gasketing element558 is shown to be a laminate of afirst nonwoven516, anelastic film520, and a second nonwoven518 that is formed throughultrasonic bonds575. Whileultrasonic bonds575 are depicted inFIG. 7, any suitable technique for creating the laminate can be utilized. The bond sites can create a plurality oflongitudinal channels580 that are defined between thefirst nonwoven516 and theelastic film520. Another plurality oflongitudinal channels582 may be are defined between theelastic film520 and thesecond nonwoven518. Additional description regarding example bond patterns is found below with reference to thebonds675 depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9.
• Still referring toFIG. 7, thewaist gasketing element558 can define a plurality of different zones in the cross direction CD, shown as adhesive-free zones AFZs and an adhesive zone AZ. The adhesive zone AZ is the portion of thewaist gasketing element558 that is adhered to thetop sheet538 via an adhesive570. The adhesive570 can be applied to either thewaist gasketing element558 and/or thetop sheet538 in a stripes, or other formations that create gaps or spacings in the lateral direction between adjacent stripes of adhesive. A plurality oflongitudinal channels584 may be defined between thetop sheet538 and thesecond nonwoven518. The plurality oflongitudinal channels580,582, and584, sometimes referred to a microchannels, can be formed when the elasticizedwaist gasketing element558 is relaxed. The plurality oflongitudinal channels580,582, and584 can define an inboard opening at a proximal end edge of the waist gasketing element (such asproximal end edge474 inFIG. 6) and an outboard opening at the distal end edge (such asdistal end edge476 inFIG. 6) of the waist gasketing element. The plurality oflongitudinal channels580,582, and584 can beneficially trap menses, urine, and/or runny feces.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a laminate660 that can be cut in the cross direction to form waist gasketing elements.FIG. 9 depicts the laminate660 subsequent to cutting in the cross direction, thereby formingwaist gasketing elements658A and658B, which are shown spaced apart in the machine direction658 to show the end edges674A and674B that are formed subsequent to cutting. An example bond pattern having a plurality ofbond sites675 is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. As is to be appreciated, thebond sites675 can be used to bond various layers such as a film, and one or more non-wovens, to form a laminate. The arrangement ofbond sites675 can be configured to reduce the formation of an unwanted lip or flange across the entire end edges674A,674B. As shown inFIG. 9, while the end edges674A,674B are shown to have small bond-free portions670, such bond-free portions670 are disposed intermittently across the end edges674A,674B, with other portions of the end edges674A,674B having bonds.
• The example arrangement ofbond sites675 illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 generally shows a wavy pattern ofbond sites675. While thebond sites675 are shown in a wavy pattern, other patterns can be used to provide the same benefits, such as, for example, a zig-zag pattern or other suitable repeating pattern, having an amplitude that at least about half the distance between consecutive bond sites in the machine direction MD.
• As shown inFIG. 8, thebond sites675 can form a plurality ofwaves677 that each extend in the cross direction CD and havepeaks680 andvalleys682. Thewaves677 may have an amplitude (shown as wave amplitude WA) that is just slightly less than the MD spacing of the bond sites675 (shown as dimension C). In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element658A can be attached to an absorbent article in a back waist region such that one of thepeaks680 is generally centered on the back of a wearer of the absorbent article. Thewaist gasketing element658B can be attached to the absorbent article in a front waist region such that one of thevalleys682 is generally centered on the front of the wearer of the absorbent article. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each peak680 may in include twoadjacent bond sites675 that are laterally spaced in the cross direction along the same lateral axis. Similarly, eachvalley682 may include twobond sites675 that are laterally spaced in the cross direction along the same lateral axis.
• Thebond sites675 connecting each peak680 and valley672 may be spaced in the machine direction by a distance A. The distance A may in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, or in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm, or in the range of about 2 to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance A is about 0.5 mm. Laterallyadjacent bond sites675 in a wave can be separated in the cross direction CD by a distance B. The distance B may in the range of about 2 mm to about 6 mm. The distance B may in the range of about 3 mm to about 5 mm, or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the distance B is about 4.8 mm. Longitudinallyadjacent bond sites675 in a consecutive waves can be separated in the machine direction MD by a distance C. The distance C may in the range of about 2 mm to about 10 mm. The distance C may in the range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the distance C is about 4 mm.
• Referring now toFIG. 10, an examplewaist gasketing laminate759 prior to separation atcut locations760 is schematically illustrated. Subsequent to separation,waist gasketing elements758A and758B are formed and can be applied to a chassis of an absorbent article. Similar to various waist gasketing element described above, thewaist gasketing laminate759 can define a plurality of different zones in the cross direction CD. An adhesive zone771 is a portion of thewaist gasketing laminate759 that is adhered to a chassis of an absorbent article via an adhesive770. A first adhesive-free zone773 and a second adhesive-free zone775 are the portions of thewaist gasketing laminate759 that may be bonded to a chassis of an absorbent article viamechanical bonds772, as described above. In this example configuration, however, thewaist gasketing laminate759 also includes a first end adhesive portion721 and a second end adhesive portion723. An adhesive770 may be used in the first end adhesive portion721 and the second end adhesive portion723 to adhere those portions to a chassis of an absorbent article.
• The first end adhesive portion721 may be positioned in the cross direction CD between the first adhesive-free zone773 and the adhesive zone771. The second end adhesive portion723 may be positioned in the cross direction CD between the adhesive zone771 and the second adhesive-free zone775. As shown, the first and second end adhesive portions721 and723 may extend in the machine direction MD the entire longitudinal length of thewaist gasketing elements758A and758B. The application of the adhesive770 in the first and second end adhesive portions721 and723 can beneficially improve the total strength of themechanical bonds772, especially when themechanical bonds772 are relatively small and have an open pattern.
• In some configurations, the width of the first end adhesive portion721 and a second end adhesive portion723 in the machine direction is reduced in order to increase the width of an adhesivefree zone777, sometimes referred to as a pocket, that is positioned therebetween. During production of thewaist gasketing laminate759, the adhesive770 can be applied continuously to the laminate in the first end adhesive portion721 and the second end adhesive portion723, while the adhesive770 applied to the adhesive zone771 can be applied intermittently. Due to the use of two different adhesive delivery assemblies, a small gap Gin the cross direction CD may be defined between the adhesive zone771 and each of the first and second end adhesive portions721 and723. However, while a gap G is depicted for illustration purpose, this gap may or may not exist as a result of the specific adhesive application that is used. Furthermore, the adhesives in any of the portions721,723, and771 can be applied to thewaistband gasketing laminate759 or can be applied to the chassis.
• Referring now toFIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of examplewaist gasketing element858 taken in the machine direction is shown in a fully stretched condition.FIG. 12 depicts thewaist gasketing element858 fromFIG. 11 in a relaxed, contracted condition. Thewaist gasketing element858 can be attached to an absorbent article through a combination of mechanical bonds and adhesive, in accordance with present disclosure. Thewaist gasketing element858 can include anelastic film820. Theelastic film820 may include afirst edge region820A adjacent afirst edge816A and asecond edge region820B adjacent asecond edge816B. Thefirst edge region820A is separated from thesecond edge region820B in the cross direction CD by acentral region820C. During assembly of thewaist gasketing element858 some portions of the first andsecond edge regions820A and820B of theelastic film820 may remain unstretched in the cross direction CD. Thus, as shown inFIG. 11, thewaist gasketing element858 may include a first film dead zone F_DZ1and a second film dead zone F_DZ2that may correspond with the unstretched regions of theelastic film820. In addition, thewaist gasketing element858 may also include a first nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ1and a second nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ2that correspond with regions where theelastic film820 is not positioned between thefirst substrate816 and thesecond substrate818. The first nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ1may extend from a first longitudinal edge880 of the waist gasketing element858 to the first film dead zone F_DZ1, and the second nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ2may extend from the second longitudinal edge872 of the waist gasketing element858 to the second film dead zone F_DZ2. As such, the waist gasketing element858 may not be elastomeric in the cross direction CD in the nonwoven dead zones NW_DZ1, NW_DZ2and the film dead zones F_DZ1, F_DZ2. With continued reference toFIG. 11, the waist gasketing element858 may include a stretch zone S_Zlocated between the nonwoven dead zones NW_DZ1, NW_DZ2and the film dead zones F_DZ1, F_DZ2. The waist gasketing element858 may be elastomeric in the cross direction CD in the stretch zone S_Z. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the waist gasketing element858 may define a width W_FSwhen fully stretched in the cross direction CD (FIG. 10), and the waist gasketing element858 may define a width W_FRwhen fully relaxed in the cross direction CD (FIG. 11), wherein W_FRis less than W_FS. Similarly, the stretch zone S_Zmay define a width W_SZSwhen fully stretched in the cross direction CD (FIG. 11), and the stretch zone S_Zmay define a width W_SZRwhen fully relaxed in the cross direction CD (FIG. 12), wherein W_SZRis less than W_SZS. In some configurations, the width of the adhesive zone271 in the cross direction CD adhesive zone in fully stretched condition may be equal to or less than the width W_SZS. It is to be appreciated that the width W_SZRand the width W_SZSmay define have various relative sizes with respect to each other. For example, in some configurations, a ratio of W_SZS/W_SZRmay be from about 1.3 to about 4, specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It is to be appreciated that the width W_FRand the width W_FSmay define have various relative sizes with respect to each other. For example, in some configurations, a ratio of W_FS/W_FRmay be from about 1.2 to about 3.5, specifically reciting all 0.1 increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
• As shown inFIG. 11, the first nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ1may define a width W_NWDZ1in the cross direction CD, and the second nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ2may define a width W_NWDZ2in the cross direction CD, wherein W_NWDZ1may be equal to or different than W_NWDZ2. In some configurations, the width W_NWDZ1and/or the width W_NWDZ2may be from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, specifically reciting all 1 mm increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the width W_NWDZ1and/or the width W_NWDZ2may be from about 0 mm to about 15 mm, specifically reciting all 1 mm increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The first film dead zone F_DZ1may define a width W_FDZ1in the cross direction CD, and second film dead zone F_DZ2may define a width W_FDZ2in the cross direction CD, wherein W_FDZ1may be equal to or different than W_FDZ2. In some configurations, the width W_FDZ1and/or the width W_FDZ2may be from about 7 mm to about 12 mm, specifically reciting all 1 mm increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the width W_FDZ1and/or the width W_FDZ2may be from about 6 mm to about 15 mm, specifically reciting all 1 mm increments within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In addition, the widths of the nonwoven dead zones W_NWDZ1, W_NWDZ2may be equal to or different from the widths of the film dead zones W_FDZ1, W_FDZ2. In some configurations, the combination of the first nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ1and the first film dead zone F_DZ1may define a first dead zone D_Z1of thewaist gasketing element858, and the combination of the second nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ2and the second film dead zone F_DZ2may define a second dead zone D_Z2of thewaist gasketing element858. Thus, the first dead zone D_Z1may define a width W_DZ1in the cross direction CD that is equal to the sum of the width W_NWDZ1and the width W_FDZ1, and/or the second dead zone D_Z2may define a width W_DZ2in the cross direction CD that is equal to the sum of the width W_NWDZ2and the width W_FDZ2. It is also to be appreciated that themechanical bonds172,272,372,472,772 discussed herein may extend in the cross direction CD for distances that are less than, equal to, or larger than the width W_DZ1and/or the width W_DZ2. In some configurations, thewaist gasketing element858 may not include the first nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ1and/or the second nonwoven dead zone NW_DZ2. As such, the first film dead zone F_DZ1may define the first dead zone D_Z1of thewaist gasketing element858, and the second film dead zone F_DZ2may define a second dead zone D_Z2of thewaist gasketing element858. Thus, the width W_DZ1may be equal to the width W_FDZ1, and/or the width W_DZ2may be equal to the width W_FDZ2.
• It is to be appreciated thewaist gasketing element858 may be configured such that the width W_DZ1of the first dead zone D_Z1may be equal to or different from the width W_DZ2of the second zone D_Z2. In some configurations, the width W_DZ1of the first dead zone D_Z1width and the width W_DZ2of the second dead zone D_Z2may each be equal to, less than, or greater than a width of the adhesive-free zones of thewaist gasketing element858.
WTVR Test Method
• Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is measured using a wet-cup approach to determine the rate for waistband regions of taped diapers in the fully extended state. Depending on the structure to be characterized, specimens excised from waistband regions may contain either all layers of the article (to obtain the Waistband Breathability) or all layers with the exception of a waistband material (to obtain the Waist Area Breathability). A cylindrical cup is filled with water to a predetermined level so as to achieve a target headspace between the water surface, and an extended specimen is sealed over the cup's upper opening. After heating the assembled cup for a specified time in an oven, the mass of water lost during the incubation period (corresponding to the vapor transmitted during this same period) is determined gravimetrically. Glass, straight-walled cylindrical vials 95 mm in height and with 17.8 mm internal diameter at the threaded opening are used as WVTR test cups. Articles are preconditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.
• If the structure to be characterized is the entire article thickness in the waistband region, a specimen contains all layers of the waistband (also referred to as the “waist gasketing element”) and all layers of the article in the thickness direction of the waistband region of the article. The test specimen is removed from the article using scissors so as not impart any contamination or distortion to the specimen. The specimen is taken from an area that is centered over the intersection of the longitudinal and lateral midpoints of the waistband itself that is preferably free from any core, cuff or ear material if possible. The test specimen is cut to about 60 mm long by 60 mm wide. If a specimen of 60 mm by 60 mm cannot be retrieved, ensure the minimum dimension of the specimen is 18 mm or greater. A total of three specimens are prepared in this way from three separate like sample articles. And the WVTR derived below is reported as the Waistband Breathability.
• If the structure to be characterized is the waistband region without the waistband material present, a specimen is prepared generally in the same way previously described. However, in this case, the waistband material is peeled away from the underlying materials using freeze spray as needed so as to not distort, tear, or otherwise damage underlying layers. If freeze spray is utilized, the specimen must be equilibrated at the aforementioned environmental conditions for 2 hours prior to testing. A total of three specimens are required for each type of material being evaluated. And the WVTR derived below is reported as the Waist Area Breathability.
• With the body-facing surface of a specimen facing a fixed horizontal surface such as a lab bench, one of the edges of the specimen in the extensible direction is affixed to the fixed horizontal surface using masking tape. The specimen is then fully extended, and the opposite edge is likewise secured. In this iteration, the term “fully extended” means that the elastomeric material is stretched as far as the non-extensible material(s) will allow without resulting in their permanent deformation. Thus, the non-extensible materials of the specimen are taught but essentially unstrained. A circle is marked on the specimen with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the threaded upper opening of a test cup (17.8 mm). The test cup is charged with distilled water accurately to a level 25.0±0.1 mm from the upper lip of the cup's opening. The specimen is placed, body-facing surface of the laminate downward, over the charged cup's opening. The specimen is extended such that the marked circle aligns with the cup's opening and secured around the cup's circumference with an elastic band. The specimen is further sealed by wrapping 0.25″ wide Teflon tape around the cup's circumference. The Teflon tape is applied up to the top edge of the cup but does not cover any portion of the cup's opening. Enough Teflon tape is applied such that the remaining portion of the specimen hanging below the elastic band is sealed. The mass of the cup assembly is weighed to the nearest 0.0001 gram and recorded as the starting mass (SM). Repeat in like fashion for the remaining specimens. The cup assemblies are placed upright in a mechanical convection oven (e.g. Lindberg Blue M oven available from Thermo Scientific, or equivalent) maintained at 38±2° C. for 24 hours. Throughout all handling steps, any contact between the water contained in each vial and the specimen taped over the vial is strictly avoided. After 24 hours has elapsed, the cup assemblies are removed from the oven and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature. The mass of each cup assembly is measured to the nearest 0.0001 gram and recorded at the final mass (FM). The WVTR is calculated using the following equation:
• 
  WVTR (g/m²/24 hours)=([SM (g)−FM (g)]/specimen surface area (m²))/24 hrs
• Calculate the arithmetic mean WVTR for each type of material and report to the nearest 1 g/m²/24 hrs, noting if the waistband material itself was present or not present. If the waistband is present, the WVTR is the Waistband Breathability. If the waist band is not present, the WVTR is the Waist Area Breathability.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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.

Claims (23)

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable absorbent article comprising:

a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions;

a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a first side edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally;

a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;

a waist gasketing element comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material;

a leg gasketing element comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material, wherein at least a portion of the leg gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the chassis; and

wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is adhesively attached to the chassis and wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the leg gasketing element in a region where the leg gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the chassis.

2. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein no elastic material of the leg gasketing element is positioned in the region where the leg gasketing element is mechanically bonded with the chassis.

3. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein mechanical bonds extend through the waist gasketing element, a leg gasketing element, the topsheet, and the backsheet.

4. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element is a laminate.

5. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element comprises a first nonwoven and an elastic film.

6. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element comprises a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven, and a film between the first and second nonwoven, wherein the first nonwoven is ultrasonically bonded to the second nonwoven.

7. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 6, wherein the first and second nonwovens are connected through the film.

8. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 6, wherein the laminate does not comprise adhesive.

9. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element is an extrusion bonded laminate.

10. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element is an adhesively bonded laminate.

11. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist gasketing element is a thermal bonded laminate.

12. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, further comprising a first elastic side panel and a second elastic side panel extending laterally outward from the chassis.

13. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 12, wherein the first and second elastic side panels further comprise fastening members.

14. A disposable absorbent article comprising:

a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions;

a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a first side edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally;

a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;

a waist gasketing element comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material;

a leg gasketing element connected with the chassis and comprising a proximal end edge, a distal end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, and an elastic material; and

wherein mechanical bonds connect the waist gasketing element with at least one of the chassis and the leg gasketing element; and

wherein at least one mechanical bond comprises a region of solidified material, wherein the at least one mechanical bond defines a depth Bd extending from an outer surface of the waist gasketing element to an upper surface of the region of the solidified material, the at least one mechanical bond comprising a grommet region where the region of solidified material transitions to fibrous regions of the waist gasketing element, the grommet region defining a width Bw, and wherein a ratio of the width Bw to the depth Bd is 1:1 or less.

15. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 14, wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is adhesively attached to the chassis.

16. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 14, wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is mechanically attached to the topsheet.

17. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 14, wherein at least a portion of the waist gasketing element is mechanically attached to the backsheet.

18. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 14, wherein at least a portion of the leg gasketing element is mechanically attached to the chassis.

19. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 14, further comprising a first elastic side panel connected along a first side edge of the chassis and a second elastic side panel connected along a second side edge of the chassis, wherein the first elastic side panel defines a first region of corrugations, and the second elastic side panel defines a second region of corrugations.

20. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 19, wherein the waist gasketing element defines a third region of corrugations laterally separated from the first and second regions of corrugations, and wherein the sum of lateral widths of the first, second, and third regions of corrugations is greater than 60% of a lateral width extending between outer longitudinal edges of the first and second elastic side panels.

21. A disposable absorbent article comprising:

a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the front and back waist regions;

a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

a front waist edge, a back waist edge, a first side edge extending longitudinally and a second side edge extending longitudinally;

a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet;

a waist gasketing element joined to the chassis and comprising a first nonwoven, an elastic film and a plurality of ultrasonic bonds;

wherein the absorbent article comprises a Waistband Breathability of at least 200 g/m²/24 hrs.

22. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 21, wherein the chassis comprises a Waist Area Breathability of at least 3000 g/m²/24 hrs.

23. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 21, wherein the waist gasketing element is elastomeric in a lateral direction.

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