ABSORBENT ARTICLES WITH FRANGIBLE PATHWAYS WITH SIMULTANEOUSLY PROPAGATING TEAR ZONES

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles including a first belt and a second belt, the first belt and/or the second belt comprising one or more frangible pathways. The frangible pathway may comprise a first tear zone extending from an accessibility opening to a distal terminus, and a second tear zone extending from the accessibility opening to a proximal terminus. The diaper pant may also be configured such that a first tear line propagating along the first tear zone and a second tear line propagating along the second tear zone may reach the distal terminus and the proximal terminus, respectively, at the same time or about the same time.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly, to absorbent articles having front and/or back waist regions including one or more frangible pathways.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some absorbent articles have components that include elastomeric laminates. Such elastomeric laminates may include an elastic material bonded to one or more nonwovens. The elastic material may include an elastic film and/or elastic strands. In some laminates, a plurality of elastic strands are joined to a nonwoven while the plurality of strands are in a stretched condition so that when the elastic strands relax, the nonwoven gathers, and in turn, forms corrugations and rugosities. The resulting elastomeric laminate is stretchable to the extent that the corrugations allow the elastic strands to elongate.

Absorbent articles in the form of diaper pants may also be configured with an absorbent chassis connected with front and back elastic belts, wherein opposing end regions of the front and back belts are connected with each other at side seams. In some instances, the elasticity of the front and back belts is removed in regions where the chassis connects with the belts. Thus, in some converting configurations adapted to assemble such diaper pants, stretched elastic strands are glued between two continuous nonwoven webs to form an elastic laminate. Regions of the elastic strands may then be intermittently deactivated along the length of the elastic laminate by cutting the elastic strands in areas to be connected with the chassis, sometimes referred to as tummy elastic cutting.

Some caregivers of older incontinent babies or toddlers may prefer a closed, pant-style disposable absorbent article to enable application to, and removal from, a child while the child is in a standing position. One disadvantage of this product form is that the removal and disposal of feces-containing products may be unhygienic and inconvenient. For example, pulling the product down could cause feces to smear down the legs of a user. In other examples, a caregiver may tear open the bonded sides using force. In turn, the force used can lead to a rapid release of energy from the diaper, causing the caregiver to lose control of the product and allowing feces to spill out. In contrast, removal and disposal of traditional open or taped diaper forms with fasteners may be readily accomplished while the child is laying on their back. In this case, the fasteners are opened, the diaper is removed from under the child, rolled into a roughly cylindrical shape, and then the fasteners are secured around the rolled, soiled diaper, closing the leg openings for hygienic disposal.

In order to avoid having to remove soiled diaper pants from a wearer by sliding the soiled diaper pant down the wearer's legs or tearing bonded side seams, some diaper pants may be configured with tear lines in the front belt or back belt. Such tear lines may include perforations that allow a caregiver to more easily separate the belt along the perforation lines. Once the belt is separated, the diaper pant can be more easily removed from the wearer without having to slide the diaper pant down the wearer's legs, in a similar manner as a traditional open taped diaper form. However, such tear lines may be configured to require a caregiver to utilize both hands to start and complete the tearing operation. For example, some tear lines may require a caregiver to grasp the belt on opposing sides of the tear line and pull in opposite directions to initiate and complete the tearing process. As a result, the necessity of tearing such a belt with both hands can add difficulty to the process of removing a diaper pant from baby or child that is moving or attempting to move during the diaper removal process.

Consequently, it would be beneficial to create pant-style articles that provide the caregiver the ability to remove and dispose soiled products in a similar manner to traditional open diaper forms. In addition, it would be beneficial to provide diaper pants with frangible pathways configured such that the tearing operation can be initiated and completed by a caregiver using one hand in a single motion without having to start, stop, and restart the tearing process. Thus, the caregiver may be allowed to utilize an opposing hand to help maintain control and/or mitigate unwanted movements of a baby or child during the diaper pant removal process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, an absorbent article comprises: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separate from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; an accessibility opening in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; a frangible pathway in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, the first frangible pathway comprising a first tear zone extending for a first length LTZ1 from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus, and a second tear zone extending for a second length LTZ2 from the accessibility opening to the proximal terminus; and wherein an absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 20%.

In another form, an absorbent article comprises: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separate from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; an accessibility opening in the first belt positioned between the outer edge and the inner edge; and a frangible pathway in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, the first frangible pathway comprising a first tear zone extending for a first length LTZ1 from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus, and a second tear zone extending for a second length LTZ2 from the accessibility opening to the proximal terminus; wherein the distal terminus and the proximal terminus are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam; and wherein an absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 20%.

In yet another form, an absorbent article comprises: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separate from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; a fastener component positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet a first frangible pathway in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, wherein the first frangible pathway comprises a first tear zone and a second tear zone; wherein the first tear zone comprises a first initial tear zone and a first secondary tear zone, the first secondary tear zone extending from a distal terminus to a first transition zone, and the first initial tear zone extending from the first transition zone toward the fastener component; wherein the second tear zone comprises a second initial tear zone and a second secondary tear zone, the second secondary tear zone extending from a proximal terminus to a second transition zone, and the second initial tear zone extending from the second transition zone toward the fastener component; and wherein the distal terminus and the proximal terminus are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

The following term explanations may be useful in understanding the present disclosure: “Absorbent article” refers to devices, which absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices, which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers or pant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, menstrual pads and the like.

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. “Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” implies the element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate to the wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article).

The terms “elastic,” “elastomer” or “elastomeric” refers to materials exhibiting elastic properties, which include any material that upon application of a force to its relaxed, initial length can stretch or elongate to an elongated length more than 10% greater than its initial length and will substantially recover back to about its initial length upon release of the applied force. Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens, ribbons, strands and other sheet-like structures.

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.

As used herein, the term “distal” is used to describe a position situated away from a center of a body or from a point of attachment, and the term “proximal” is used to describe a position situated nearer to a center of a body or a point of attachment.

The term “substrate” is used herein to describe a material which is primarily two-dimensional (i.e., in an XY plane) and whose thickness (in a Z direction) is relatively small (i.e., 1/10 or less) in comparison to its length (in an X direction) and width (in a Y direction). Non-limiting examples of substrates include a web, layer or layers or fibrous materials, nonwovens, films and foils such as polymeric films or metallic foils. These materials may be used alone or may comprise two or more layers laminated together. As such, a web is a substrate.

The term “nonwoven” refers herein to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and the like. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

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.

“Pre-strain” refers to the strain imposed on an elastic or elastomeric material prior to combining it with another element of the elastomeric laminate or the absorbent article. Pre-strain is determined by the following equation Pre-strain=((extended length of the elastic-relaxed length of the elastic)/relaxed length of the elastic)*100.

“Decitex” also known as Dtex is a measurement used in the textile industry used for measuring yarns or filaments. 1 Decitex=1 gram per 10,000 meters. In other words, if 10,000 linear meters of a yarn or filament weights 500 grams that yarn or filament would have a decitex of 500.

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 U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,897, 5,360,420, 5,599,335, 5,643,588, 5,674,216, 5,702,551, 5,968,025, 6,107,537, 6,118,041, 6,153,209, 6,410,129, 6,426,444, 6,586,652, 6,627,787, 6,617,016, 6,825,393, and 6,861,571; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0072887 A1; 2013/0211356 A1; and 2013/0306226 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The term “pant” (also referred to as “training pant”, “pre-closed diaper”, “diaper pant”, “pant diaper”, and “pull-on diaper”) refers herein to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. A pant can be configured with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous, closed, leg opening prior to the article being applied to the wearer. A pant can be preformed or pre-fastened by various techniques including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the article using any refastenable and/or permanent closure member (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant can be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article in the waist region (e.g., side fastened or seamed, front waist fastened or seamed, back waist fastened or seamed). Example diaper pants in various configurations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,940,464; 5,092,861; 5,246,433; 5,569,234; 5,897,545; 5,957,908; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 7,569,039 and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0233082 A1; 2005/0107764 A1, 2012/0061016 A1, 2012/0061015 A1; 2013/0255861 A1; 2013/0255862 A1; 2013/0255863 A1; 2013/0255864 A1; and 2013/0255865 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

“Closed-form” means opposing waist regions are joined, as packaged, either permanently or refastenably to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

“Open-form” means opposing waist regions are not initially joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings but comprise a closure means such as a fastening system to join the waist regions to form the waist and leg openings before or during application to a wearer of the article.

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles including elastic laminates, and more particularly, to absorbent articles having elastic laminates in front and/or back waist regions with frangible pathways. In some configurations, an absorbent article may comprise: a first belt and a second belt, each belt comprising a first end region and a second end region laterally separated from the first end region by a central region. The first end region of the first belt is connected with the first end region of the second belt and the second end region of the first belt is connected with the second end region of the second belt to form a waist opening. The absorbent article may further comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may further comprise a first end region and a second end region longitudinally separated from the first end region by a crotch region. The first end region of the chassis may be connected with the central region of the first belt and the second end region of the chassis may be connected with the central region of the second belt. The first belt may further comprise a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge.

As discussed in more detail below, the first belt and/or the second belt may comprise one or more frangible pathways. For example, a frangible pathway in the first and/or second belt may extend between a proximal terminus on the inner edge of the first belt and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt. A grip region comprising an accessibility opening may be positioned between the outer edge and the inner edge of the first and/or second belt. In turn, the frangible pathway may comprise a first tear zone extending from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus, and the second tear zone may extend from the accessibility opening to the proximal terminus. Such frangible pathway configurations provide a feature that allows an elastic belt of a diaper pant to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway when removing the diaper pant from a wearer, avoiding the need to remove the diaper pant by sliding the diaper pant over a wearer's legs. In addition, the frangible pathway may be configured to allow a caregiver or wearer to initiate and/or completely tear the first belt with one hand when removing a diaper pant from a wearer. For example, as discussed in more detail below, tear lines may simultaneously propagate along the first tear zone and the second tear zone laterally outward from the central region of the first belt to the first end region of the first belt upon application of a pulling force to the grip region in a direction toward the first end region and/or outward away from the first belt.

As discussed in more detail below, the diaper pant may also be configured such that a first tear line propagating along the first tear zone and a second tear line propagating along the second tear zone may reach the distal terminus and the proximal terminus, respectively, at the same time or about the same time. When the tear lines simultaneously reach the distal terminus and proximal terminus, the tearing action may be completed in one single motion. However, if one frangible pathway tears significantly before the other, the caregiver may sense or feel a change in force, and thus, may stop the tearing motion, assuming the tear along both tear zones is complete. Upon realizing that the tear is not complete, the caregiver may have to re-grip the belt and complete the tear of the incompletely torn frangible pathway in a separate step. Such starting, stopping, and restarting the tearing process may require the user utilize both hands and may require additional time to complete the removal of the article from a wearer.

FIGS.1-2Bshow an example of an absorbent article100in the form of a diaper pant100P that may include components constructed in accordance with the configurations disclosed herein. In particular,FIG.1shows a perspective views of a diaper pant100P in a pre-fastened configuration.FIG.2Ashows a plan view of the diaper pant100P with the portion of the diaper that faces away from a wearer oriented toward the viewer, andFIG.2Bshows a plan view of the diaper pant100P with the portion of the diaper that faces toward a wearer oriented toward the viewer. The diaper pant100P includes a chassis102and a ring-like elastic belt104. As discussed below in more detail, a first elastic belt106and a second elastic belt108are bonded together to form the ring-like elastic belt104.

With continued reference toFIGS.1-2B, the diaper pant100P and the chassis102each include a first waist region116, a second waist region118, and a crotch region119disposed intermediate the first and second waist regions. It may also be described that the chassis102includes a first end region116a, a second end region118a, and a crotch region119disposed intermediate the first and second end regions116a,118a. The first waist region116may be configured as a front waist region, and the second waist region118may be configured as back waist region. The diaper100P may also include a laterally extending front waist edge121in the front waist region116and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist edge122in the back waist region118. To provide a frame of reference for the present discussion, the diaper100P and chassis102ofFIGS.2A and2Bare shown with a longitudinal axis124and a lateral axis126. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis124may extend through the front waist edge121and through the back waist edge122. And the lateral axis126may extend through a first longitudinal or right side edge128and through a second longitudinal or left side edge130of the chassis102. As previously mentioned, the longitudinal axis124extends perpendicularly through the front waist edge121and the back waist edge122, and the lateral axis126extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis124. When the diaper pant100P is worn, the longitudinal direction may extend from the wearer's front waist, through the crotch, to the wearer's back waist. To provide a further frame of reference for the present discussion, the diapers100P ofFIGS.2A,2B, and18Bare shown wherein: the first elastic belt106comprises a longitudinal centerline124aand lateral centerline126a; the second elastic belt108comprises a longitudinal centerline124band lateral centerline126b; and the chassis102comprises a longitudinal centerline124cand lateral centerline126c. The longitudinal centerlines124a,124b,124care perpendicular to the lateral center lines126a,126b,126c.

As shown inFIGS.1-2B, the diaper pant100P may include an inner, body facing surface132, and an outer, garment facing surface134. The chassis102may include a backsheet136and a topsheet138. The chassis102may also include an absorbent assembly140, including an absorbent core142, disposed between a portion of the topsheet138and the backsheet136. As discussed in more detail below, the diaper100P may also include other features, such as leg elastics and/or leg cuffs to enhance the fit around the legs of the wearer.

As shown inFIG.2A, the periphery of the chassis102may be defined by the first longitudinal side edge128, a second longitudinal side edge130, a first laterally extending end edge144disposed in the first waist region116, and a second laterally extending end edge146disposed in the second waist region118. Both side edges128and130extend longitudinally between the first end edge144and the second end edge146. As shown inFIG.2A, the laterally extending end edges144and146may be located longitudinally inward from the laterally extending front waist edge121in the front waist region116and the laterally extending back waist edge122in the back waist region118. In some configurations, the laterally extending end edges144and146may be coterminous with or located longitudinally outward from the laterally extending front waist edge121in the front waist region116and the laterally extending back waist edge122in the back waist region118. When the diaper pant100P is worn on the lower torso of a wearer, the front waist edge121and the back waist edge122may encircle a portion of the waist of the wearer. At the same time, the side edges128and130may encircle at least a portion of the legs of the wearer. And the crotch region119may be generally positioned between the legs of the wearer with the absorbent core142extending from the front waist region116through the crotch region119to the back waist region118.

As previously mentioned, the diaper pant100P may include a backsheet136. The backsheet136may also define the outer, garment facing surface134of the chassis102. The backsheet136may also comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material. The backsheet may also comprise an elastomeric film. An example backsheet136may be a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Further, the backsheet136may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet136.

Also described above, the diaper pant100P may include a topsheet138. The topsheet138may also define all or part of the inner, wearer facing surface132of the chassis102. The topsheet138may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. A topsheet138may 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 topsheet138includes fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art. Topsheets138may be selected from high loft nonwoven topsheets, apertured film topsheets and apertured nonwoven topsheets. Exemplary apertured films may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,097; 5,916,661; 6,545,197; and 6,107,539, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

As mentioned above, the diaper pant100P may also include an absorbent assembly140that is joined to the chassis102. As shown inFIG.2A, the absorbent assembly140may have a laterally extending front edge148in the front waist region116and may have a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back edge150in the back waist region118. The absorbent assembly may have a longitudinally extending right side edge152and may have a laterally opposing and longitudinally extending left side edge154, both absorbent assembly side edges152and154may extend longitudinally between the front edge148and the back edge150. The absorbent assembly140may additionally include one or more absorbent cores142or absorbent core layers. The absorbent core142may be at least partially disposed between the topsheet138and the backsheet136and 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, all of which are 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, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

As previously mentioned, the diaper100P may also include elasticized leg cuffs 156. It is to be appreciated that the leg cuffs 156 can be and are sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs or gasketing cuffs. The elasticized leg cuffs 156 may be configured in various ways to help reduce the leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. Example leg cuffs 156 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 4,909,803; 4,695,278; 4,795,454; 4,704,115; 4,909,803; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0312730 A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

As mentioned above, diaper pants may be manufactured with a ring-like elastic belt104and provided to consumers in a configuration wherein the front waist region116and the back waist region118are connected to each other as packaged, prior to being applied to the wearer. As such, diaper pants may have a continuous perimeter waist opening110and continuous perimeter leg openings112such as shown inFIG.1. The ring-like elastic belt may be formed by joining a first elastic belt to a second elastic belt with a permanent side seam or with an openable and reclosable fastening system disposed at or adjacent the laterally opposing sides of the belts.

As previously mentioned, the ring-like elastic belt104may be defined by a first elastic belt106connected with a second elastic belt108. As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the first elastic belt106extends between a first longitudinal side edge111aand a second longitudinal side edge111band defines first and second opposing end regions106a,106band a central region106c. And the second elastic108belt extends between a first longitudinal side edge113aand a second longitudinal side edge113band defines first and second opposing end regions108a,108band a central region108c. As measured in an extended state, the distance between the first longitudinal side edge111aand the second longitudinal side edge111bdefines the pitch length, PL, of the first elastic belt106, and the distance between the first longitudinal side edge113aand the second longitudinal side edge113bdefines the pitch length, PL, of the second elastic belt108. The central region106cof the first elastic belt is connected with the first waist region116or first end region116aof the chassis102, and the central region108cof the second elastic belt108is connected with the second waist region118or second end region118aof the chassis102. As shown inFIG.1, the first end region106aof the first elastic belt106is connected with the first end region108aof the second elastic belt108at first side seam178, and the second end region106bof the first elastic belt106is connected with the second end region108bof the second elastic belt108at second side seam180to define the ring-like elastic belt104as well as the waist opening110and leg openings112. It is to be appreciated that the first belt106and the second belt108may be permanently or refastenably connected with each other at the first side seam178and the second side seam180. The side seams178,180may comprise a permanent bond, such as a thermal, pressure, or adhesive bond, or may be a releasable bond, such as a mechanical or cohesive fastener.

As shown inFIGS.2A and2B, the first elastic belt106also defines an outer laterally extending edge107aand an inner laterally extending edge107b, and the second elastic belt108defines an outer laterally extending edge109aand an inner laterally extending edge109b. The outer edge107aof the first belt106is positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge107b, and the outer edge109aof the second belt108is positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge109b. As such, as shown inFIG.1, a perimeter edge112aof one leg opening may be defined by portions of the inner laterally extending edge107bof the first elastic belt106, the inner laterally extending edge109bof the second elastic belt108, and the first longitudinal or right side edge128of the chassis102. And a perimeter edge112bof the other leg opening may be defined by portions of the inner laterally extending edge107b, the inner laterally extending edge109b, and the second longitudinal or left side edge130of the chassis102. The outer laterally extending edges107a,109amay also define the front waist edge121and the laterally extending back waist edge122of the diaper pant100P.

It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108may define different sizes and shapes. In some configurations, the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108may define curved contours. For example, the inner lateral edges107b,109bof the first and/or second elastic belts106,108may include non-linear or curved portions in the first and second opposing end regions. Such curved contours may help define desired shapes to leg opening112, such as for example, relatively rounded leg openings. In addition to having curved contours, the elastic belts106,108may include elastic strands168that extend along non-linear or curved paths that may correspond with the curved contours of the inner lateral edges107b,109b.

FIG.2Cshows a configuration wherein the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108both define generally rectangular shapes. For example, as shown inFIG.2C, the outer laterally extending edge107aof the first elastic belt106may comprise a lateral width of W1D and the inner laterally extending edge107bmay comprise a lateral width of W1P, wherein W1D and W1P are equal or substantially equal. In addition, the outer laterally extending edge109aof the second elastic belt108may comprise a lateral width of W2D and the inner laterally extending edge109bmay comprise a lateral width of W2P, wherein W2D and W2P are equal or substantially equal.

In some configurations, at least one of the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108may comprise lateral edges having different lengths. For example,FIG.2Dshows a configuration wherein the first elastic belt106defines a generally rectangular shape, such as described with reference toFIG.2C, and wherein the outer laterally extending edge109aof the second elastic belt108and the inner laterally extending edge109bhave different lengths. As shown inFIG.2D, the outer laterally extending edge109aof the second elastic belt108may comprise a lateral width of W2D and the inner laterally extending edge109bmay comprise a lateral width of W2P, wherein W2D is greater than W2P.

In some configurations, both the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108may comprise lateral edges having different lengths. For example,FIG.2Eshows a configuration wherein the outer laterally extending edge107aof the first elastic belt106and the inner laterally extending edge107bhave different lengths, and wherein the outer laterally extending edge109aof the second elastic belt108and the inner laterally extending edge109bhave different lengths. As shown inFIG.2E, the outer laterally extending edge107aof the first elastic belt107may comprise a lateral width of W1D and the inner laterally extending edge107bmay comprise a lateral width of W1P, wherein W1D is greater than W1P, and wherein the outer laterally extending edge109aof the second elastic belt108may comprise a lateral width of W2D and the inner laterally extending edge109bmay comprise a lateral width of W2P, wherein W2D is greater than W2P.

With reference toFIGS.2C-2E, the first elastic belt106may define a longitudinal length LT1 extending between outer laterally extending edge107aand the inner laterally extending edge107b, and the second elastic belt108may define a longitudinal length LT2 extending between outer laterally extending edge109aand the inner laterally extending edge109b. In some configurations, LT1 may be equal to LT2. In some configurations, LT1 may be less or greater than LT2. With continued reference toFIGS.2C-2E, in some configurations, W1D may be equal to W1P, or W1D may be different than W1P. In some configurations, W2D may be equal to W2P, or W2D may be different than W2P. In some configurations, W1D and/or W1P may be equal to or different W2D and/or W2P.

With reference toFIGS.2A,2B, and3, the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108may also each include a first substrate162and a second substrate164. The first substrates162may be oriented to define at least a portion of a garment facing surface115aof the first elastic belt106and a garment facing surface117athe second elastic belt108, and the second substrates164may be oriented to define at least a portion of a wearer facing surface115bof the first elastic belt106and a wearer facing surface117bof the second elastic belt108. The first substrate162may extend from a proximal edge162bto a distal edge162afor a maximum length L1, and the second substrate164may extend from a proximal edge164bto a distal edge164afor a maximum length L2. It is to be appreciated that the distal edge162aand/or the proximal edge162bof the first substrate162may be straight and/or curved and/or may be parallel or unparallel to each other. It is also to be appreciated that the distal edge164aand/or the proximal edge164bof the second substrate164may be straight and/or curved and/or may be parallel or unparallel to each other. As such, the maximum length L1 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge162aand the proximal edge162bof the first substrate162, and the maximum length L2 refers to the longest distance extending longitudinally between the distal edge164aand the proximal edge164bof the second substrate164. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to, less than, or greater than L2. In some configurations, L1 may be equal to or less than LT1, and L2 may be equal to or less than LT2. In some configurations, the distal edge162aof the first substrate162may define at least a portion of the front waist edge121and/or at least a portion of back waist edge122, and/or the distal edge164aof the second substrate164may define at least a portion of the front waist edge121and/or at least a portion of back waist edge122. As such, in some configurations, the distal edge162aof the first substrate162and/or the distal edge164aof the second substrate164may define at least a portion of the waist opening110.

It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate162and/or the second substrate164may extend continuously from the first belt106to the second belt108. For example, the first substrate162may be configured to define a continuous outer cover162′ that extends contiguously from the first waist edge121to the second waist edge122, such as shown inFIGS.1A,2F, and3C. It is also to be appreciated that diaper pants100P with continuous outer covers, such as shown inFIGS.1A,2F, and3Cmay also be configured to include various aspects of the frangible pathways and fastener components discussed herein.

It is to be appreciated that the first substrate162and the second substrate164may define various lateral widths that may or may not be equal. For example, as shown inFIG.2B, the first substrate162may extend laterally between a first longitudinal edge162eand a second longitudinal edge162fto define a first lateral width W1, and the second substrate164may extend laterally between a first longitudinal edge164eand a second longitudinal edge164fto define a second lateral width W2.

In some configurations, the proximal edge162bof the first substrate162and/or the proximal edge164bof the second substrate164may extend laterally across the backsheet136. As shown inFIGS.2A-3, the first substrate162includes a garment facing surface162cand an opposing wearer facing surface162d, and the second substrate164includes a garment facing surface164cand an opposing wearer facing surface164d.

In some configurations, the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may include a folded portion of at least the first substrate162and/or the second substrate164. For example, as shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may include a folded portion162gof the first substrate162extending longitudinally between a fold line162hin the first substrate162and a lateral edge162i. As such, the folded portion162gof the first substrate162may be connected with the wearer facing surface164dof the second substrate164. In some configurations, the folded portion162gof the first substrate162may also be connected with and/or overlap the chassis102. In some configurations, the folded portion162gof the first substrate162may also be connected with the wearer facing surface162dof the first substrate162. In some configurations, a portion of the folded portion162gof the first substrate162may be left unbonded to the chassis102and/or the second substrate164, forming a pocket having an opening oriented toward the lateral centerline162cof the chassis102. In another example, the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may include a folded portion of the second substrate164extending longitudinally between a fold line in the second substrate164and a lateral edge. As such, the folded portion of the second substrate164may be connected with the garment facing surface162cof the first substrate162. As such, in some configurations, a fold line of the first substrate162and/or a fold line of the second substrate164may define at least a portion of the waist opening110. It is to be appreciated that various waist configurations may be utilized. For example, as shown in FIG.3A1, the folded portion162gmay be sandwiched between the second substrate164and the backsheet136. In another example shown in FIG.3A2, the second substrate164may be sandwiched between the folded portion162gand the backsheet136. Although FIGS.3A1and3A2show configurations of the first belt106, it is to be appreciated that such configurations may be applied with the second belt108.

It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108may comprise the same materials and/or may have the same structure. In some embodiments, the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt may comprise different materials and/or may have different structures. It should also be appreciated that components of the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108, such as the first substrate162, and/or second substrate164may be constructed from various materials. For example, the first and/or second belts may include a first substrate162, and/or second substrate164that may be manufactured from materials such as plastic films; apertured plastic films; woven or nonwoven webs of natural materials (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyolefins, polyamides, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and/or synthetic fibers; or coated woven or nonwoven webs. In some configurations, the first and/or second belts may include a first substrate162, and/or second substrate164comprising a nonwoven web of synthetic fibers, and may include a stretchable nonwoven. In some configurations, the first and second elastic belts may include an inner hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material and an outer hydrophobic, non-stretchable nonwoven material. It is to be appreciated that the belts may configured in various ways, such as disclosed for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022/0142828 A1 and Chinese Patent Application No. CN2021/077843, which are both incorporated by reference.

Elastic material167may be positioned between the wearer facing surface162dof the first substrate162and the garment facing surface164cof the second substrate164. It is to be appreciated that the elastic material167may include one or more elastic elements such as strands, ribbons, elastic films, or panels extending along the lengths of the elastic belts. As shown inFIGS.2A and3, the elastic material167may include a plurality of elastic strands168. In some configurations, the elastic material167may be an elastic film used to form a zero-strain elastic laminate comprising an elastic film bonded to one or more nonwoven layers and subsequently subjected to mechanical deformation or activation sufficient to weaken the nonwoven layer(s) and enable the laminate to stretch and recover elastically.

It is also to be appreciated that the first substrate162, second substrate164, and/or elastic material167of the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108may be bonded together and/or with other components, such as the chassis102, with adhesive and/or mechanical bonds. It is to be appreciated that adhesive and mechanical bonding methods may be utilized alone or in combination with each other.

In some configurations, adhesive may be applied to at least one of the first substrate162, second substrate164, and/or elastic material167when being combined to form the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108. In some configurations, mechanical bonding devices may apply mechanical bonds to the to at least one of the first substrate162, second substrate164, and/or elastic material167when being combined to form the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108. Such mechanical bonds may be applied with heat, pressure, and/or ultrasonic devices. In some configurations, mechanical bonding devices may apply bonds that bond the first substrate162, second substrate164, and/or elastic material167together and/or may act to trap or immobilize discrete lengths of the contracted elastic strands in the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108.

It is to be appreciated that components of the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may be assembled in various ways and various combinations to create various desirable features that may differ along the lateral width and/or longitudinal length of the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108. Such features may include, for example, Dtex values, bond patterns, aperture arrangements, elastic positioning, Average Dtex values, Average Pre-Strain values, rugosity frequencies, rugosity wavelengths, height values, and/or contact area. It is to be appreciated that differing features may be imparted to various components, such as for example, the first substrate162, second substrate164, and elastic material167before and/or during stages of assembly of the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108.

It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may include various configurations of belt elastic materials167arranged in relation to each other and to the first substrate162, and the second substrate164. As discussed above, the elastic material167may include configurations of one or more elastic elements such as strands, ribbons, films, or panels positioned in various arrangements. In some configurations, the elastic material167may comprise various elastics, elastic features and arrangements, and processes for assembly, such as described in 2018/0168889 A1; 2018/0168874 A1; 2018/0168875 A1; 2018/0168890 A1; 2018/0168887 A1; 2018/0168892 A1; 2018/0168876 A1; 2018/0168891 A1; 2019/0298586 A1; 2019/0070042 A1; 2018/0168878 A1; 2018/0168877 A1; 2018/0168880 A1; 2018/0170027 A1; 2018/0169964 A1; 2018/0168879 A1; 2018/0170026 A1; 2019/0070041 A1; 2021/0282797A1; and 2021/0275362 A1, which are all incorporated by reference. It is also to be appreciated the elastic materials167herein may be configured with identical or different colors in various different locations on the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108.

In some configurations, the elastic material167may be configured as elastic strands168disposed at a constant interval in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the elastic strands168may be disposed at different intervals in the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the Dtex values of the elastic strands168may be constant or varied along the longitudinal direction. In some configurations, the elastic material167in a stretched condition may be interposed and joined between uncontracted substrate layers. When the elastic material167is relaxed, the elastic material167returns to an unstretched condition and contracts the substrate layers. The elastic material167may provide a desired variation of contraction force in the area of the ring-like elastic belt. It is to be appreciated that the chassis102and elastic belts106,108may be configured in different ways other than as depicted in attached Figures. It is also to be appreciated that the elastic material167material may be joined to the substrates continuously or intermittently along the interface between the elastic material167material and the substrates. In some configurations, the elastic strands168may be in the form of extruded elastic strands, which may also be bonded with the first substrate162and/or second substrate164in a pre-corrugated configuration, such as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,302, which is incorporated by reference herein.

As discussed above for example with reference toFIGS.2A and3, the elastic material167discussed herein may be in the form of elastic strands168. In some configurations, the elastic strands168may be parallel with each other and/or with the lateral axis126. It is to be appreciated that the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108may be configured to include various quantities of elastic strands168. In some configurations, elastic strands168may be grouped in pairs. In some configurations, the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108may comprise from about 10 to about 1500 elastic strands168. It is also to be appreciated that elastic strands168herein may comprise various Dtex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values and such elastic strands168may utilized with other elastic strands to create first and second elastic belts106,108comprising elastic strands168in various combinations of Dtex values, strand spacing values, and pre-strain values. For example, in some configurations, the Average-Dtex of one or more elastic strands168may be greater than 500. In some configurations, the Average-Dtex of one or more elastic strands168may be from about 10 to about 1500, specifically reciting all 1 Dtex increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, a plurality of elastic strands168may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing of less than or equal to 4 mm. In some configurations, a plurality of elastic strands168may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm, specifically reciting all 0.01 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, a plurality of elastic strands168may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing of greater than 4 mm. In some configurations, the Average-Pre-Strain of each of a plurality of elastic strands may be from about 50% to about 400%, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the elastic strands168comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex from about 10 to about 500. In some configurations, the elastic strands168may comprise an Average-Pre-Strain from about 75% to about 300%.

In some configurations, a first plurality of elastic strands may comprise a first Average-Pre-Strain from about 75% to about 300%, and a second plurality of elastic strands may comprise a second Average-Pre-Strain that is greater than first Average-Pre-Strain. In some configurations, a first plurality of elastic strands comprises an Average-Strand-Spacing from about 0.25 mm to about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex from about 10 to about 500; and a second plurality of elastic strands may comprise an Average-Strand-Spacing greater than about 4 mm and an Average-Dtex greater than about 450.

In some configurations, such as shown inFIG.2A, the elastic strands168may be referred to herein as outer waist elastics170and inner waist elastics172. Elastic strands168, such as the outer waist elastics170, may continuously extend laterally between the first and second opposing end regions106a,106bof the first elastic belt106and between the first and second opposing end regions108a,108bof the second elastic belt108. Some elastic strands168, such as the inner waist elastics172, may be configured with discontinuities in areas, such as for example, where the first and second elastic belts106,108overlap portions of the chassis102, such as the absorbent assembly140.

As shown inFIG.2A, the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may be configured with low-stretch zones701and high-stretch zones703. The first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may include a first high-stretch zone703aand a second high-stretch zone703bseparated laterally by a low-stretch zone701. Portions of the chassis102, such as the backsheet136and absorbent assembly140, may be connected with the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108in the low-stretch zones701in the first waist region116and/or the second waist region118. The high-stretch zones703are elasticated by the elastic material167, such as the elastic strands168,172; and the low-stretch zones701may comprise cut lines separating the elastic material167, such as the elastic strands168,172. In some configurations, the elastic material167may be cut in an unbonded region where the elastic material is not bonded with first substrate162and the second substrate164. Thus, the elastic material167retracts from the unbonded region and form low-stretch zone701. In some configurations, the elastic material167may be cut into several discrete pieces. In turn, the low-stretch zones701define regions of the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108that have relatively less elasticity than the high-stretch zones703. The discrete elastic material167that has been cut and which are elastically contracted do not add any substantial amount of elastication to the low-stretch zone701. As such, upon application of a force, the high-stretch zones703will elongate more than the low-stretch zones701. As provided above, the terms “elastic,” “elastomer” or “elastomeric” refers to materials exhibiting elastic properties, which include any material that upon application of a force to its relaxed, initial length can stretch or elongate to an elongated length more than 10% greater than its initial length and will substantially recover back to about its initial length upon release of the applied force. In some configurations, the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108may be configured with high-stretch zones703that are elastic and may be configured with low-stretch zones701that are not elastic or “inelastic.”

As discussed above, the diaper pants100P described with reference toFIGS.1-3Cmay include one or more frangible pathways in the first belt106and/or the second belt108. For example,FIGS.4A-4Cshow an example diaper pant100P with a first belt106that includes frangible pathways700. The frangible pathways700may be configured to allow the first elastic belt106to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway700, such as when removing the diaper pant100P from a wearer.FIG.4Bshows a view of the diaper pant100P fromFIG.4A, illustrating the first belt106after having been torn along the frangible pathway700through both the outer longitudinal outer laterally extending edge107aand the inner laterally extending edge107bof the first belt106. As such, the first elastic belt106shown inFIG.4Bis separated by opposing tear lines705. It is to be appreciated the first elastic belt106may be torn along both frangible pathways700inFIG.4B. For example,FIG.4Cshows the diaper pant ofFIG.4Ashowing the front belt having been torn along two frangible pathways700. As shown inFIG.4C, the central region106cof the first elastic belt106may remain bonded with the chassis102after separating the first and second opposing end regions106a,106bfrom the central region106cby tearing the elastic belt106along the frangible pathways700.

As discussed in more detail below, the frangible pathways700comprise a plurality of lines of weakness704configured such that all elastic strands168in the first elastic belt106are severed at least once in the frangible pathway700. Severing the elastic strands168in the frangible pathway700helps make it relatively easier to tear the first elastic belt106along the frangible pathway700. For example, when the elastic strands168are severed, the first substrate162and second substrate164of the first elastic belt106need only need to be torn without having to also tear uncut elastic strands168. It is to be appreciated that the diaper pant100P may include various quantities of frangible pathways700that may be: positioned in various locations; define various shapes; and extend for various lengths. For example, the first elastic belt106may comprise a first belt length defined by a longitudinal distance between the proximal edge107band the distal edge107a, and the frangible pathway700may extend for a total length from an outermost edge of a line of weakness704nearest the proximal edge107bof the first belt106to an outermost edge of a line of weakness704nearest the distal edge107aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the frangible pathway700may extend for a total length that is greater than, equal to, or less than the first belt length. In some configurations, the lines of weakness704may extend for a length from a first end to a second end, and a sum of the all the lengths of lines of weakness704in the frangible pathway700may be greater than the frangible pathway total length.

In some configurations, diaper pants100P may be configured such that one or both of the first elastic belt106and the second elastic belt108include one or more frangible pathways700. The frangible pathways700may be positioned in various locations on the first and second elastic belts106,108. For example, such as shown inFIGS.4A-4C, frangible pathways700may extend to overlap with the chassis102. In some configurations, the frangible pathways700may extend in straight lines and/or may be curved and/or have curved portions. In some configurations, the frangible pathways700may extend longitudinally for the entire length or less than the entire length of the first belt106and/or second belt108. In some configurations, frangible pathways700may be positioned partially or entirely laterally between the first and second side seams178,180and the chassis102.

In some configurations, the frangible pathways700may be configured and/or positioned to provide access to and/or function with other features, such as disposal features. For example, the diaper pant100P shown inFIGS.4A-4Cincludes fastener components707positioned on the wearing facing surface115bof the first elastic belt106. In some configurations, the fastener components707may be positioned between the first elastic belt106and the chassis102. The fastener component707may be configured to refastenably connect with other portions of the diaper pant100P, such as for example, the garment facing surfaces of the first elastic belt106, the second elastic belt108, or the chassis102. As such, once the first elastic belt106is torn along the frangible pathways700, the diaper pant100P may be removed from a wearer and rolled or folded up for disposal, and the fastener component707may be connected with another portion of the diaper pant100P to help maintain the diaper pant100P in a disposal configuration. For example,FIG.4Cshows a diaper pant100P after tearing the first elastic belt106along two frangible pathways.FIG.5Ashows the diaper pant100P ofFIG.4Cwith the chassis102being rolled up onto itself in a longitudinal direction. AndFIG.5Bshows the diaper pant100P ofFIG.5Awith fastener components707refastenably connected with the backsheet136of the chassis102to maintain the diaper pant100P in a disposal configuration. In some configurations, when tearing the elastic belt along the frangible pathway700, the tearing process may begin by tearing from the outer edge107aor the inner edge107bof the elastic belt106. As discussed in more detail below, in some configurations, the first elastic belt106may also include an opening, such as a slit located adjacent to or in the proximity of the fastener component707and the weakened region700to help facilitate starting to tear the frangible pathway700in a region of the elastic belt106longitudinally between the outer edge107aand the inner edge107b.

It is also to be appreciated that the fastener component707may be configured in various ways, such as hooks, loops, and/or adhesive. For example, the fastener component707may comprise hook elements or adhesive adapted to refastenably connect with another surface of the diaper pant100P. In some configurations, the fastener component707may comprise loop elements adapted to refastenably connect with hook surface on the diaper pant100P. The fastener component707may be a separate element connected with the elastic belt106in various ways, such as mechanical bonding, adhesive bonding, or both. In some configurations, the fastener component707may be integrally formed from materials of the elastic belt106,108. In some configurations, the fastener component707may be printed and/or comprise materials of various different colors such that the fastener component707may be visible from outside the diaper pant100P.

As previously mentioned, the fastener component707may comprise a hook material that can refastenably engage with substrates, such as nonwovens for example, on an exterior surface of the diaper pant100P. For example, the fastener component707may comprise a substrate comprising hooks, with the substrate bonded to the elastic belt106,108, such as the second substrate164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven. It is to be appreciated that the substrate may be bonded to the elastic belt106,108in various ways, such as for example, with mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, and/or adhesive bonds or combinations thereof. In some configurations, hooks may be integrally formed from the second substrate164, which may be in the form of a nonwoven. The fastener component707may comprise one material or a combination of two or more materials arranged in at least partially overlapping configuration. In some configurations, the fastener component707may comprise other fastener types as known in the art.

It is to be appreciated that the fastener component707may comprise any of a wide variety of shapes, including rectangles or other polygons, circles, ovals, shapes having exterior convexities or concavities or combinations thereof, or one or a plurality of lines or geometric shapes forming an array. It is to be appreciated that the fastener component707may comprise various sizes. For example, in some configurations, the fastener component707may have a lateral width of between about 5 mm and about 100 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the fastener component707may have a longitudinal length of between about 10 mm and about 100 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. The fastener component707may be aligned parallel the lateral centerline126a,126bof the elastic belt106,108or may be oriented at an angle relative the longitudinal centerline126a,126of the elastic belt106,108of between 0 and 90 degrees. The fastener component707may comprise an array of two or more spaced-apart fastening elements. The fastener component707may have a color that is visible through any layers of the elastic belt106,108on which the fastener component707is located. The elastic belt106,108and/or chassis102may include printing or other indicia highlighting to a caregiver the location, function, and/or usage of the fastener component707. The bond, or bond pattern, attaching the fastener component707to the elastic belt106,108may be visually or tactilely distinct from the surrounding belt material in order to provide the caregiver a signal or a mechanical grip advantage.

It is also to be appreciated that the frangible pathways700may comprise lines of weakness704that are: configured in various ways; positioned in various locations and orientations relative to each other; defined by various shapes; and extend for various lengths. For example, in some configurations, the lines of weakness704comprise discrete cut lines that penetrate through some or all the layers of the elastic belt106. In some configurations, the lines of weakness704comprise discrete bonds wherein materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are fused together. In some configurations, the lines of weakness704may be linear, curvilinear, or have a regular or irregular geometry and may comprise one or more of a perforation, a bond, an aperture, or a mechanically thinned region of a material such as a nonwoven, or a combination thereof. It is also to be appreciated that the lines of weakness704can be formed with different lengths and spacings to achieve different separation forces.

As discussed above, absorbent articles100, such as diaper pants100P, may be configured with frangible pathways700comprising lines of weakness704arranged in various ways to help improve a caregiver's ability to remove a soiled diaper pant100P from a wearer without having to remove a soiled diaper pant from a wearer by sliding the soiled diaper pant down the wearer's legs. As discussed above, the frangible pathways700may be configured to allow the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108to be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway700, such as when removing the diaper pant100P from a wearer. In addition, the frangible pathways700may also be configured to provide access to fastener components707that may be used to help hold a soiled product in a disposal configuration. The following provides a discussion of example implementations of frangible pathways700on diaper pants100P in the context of the above description of various details of absorbent articles100, fastener components707, frangible pathways700, and lines weakness704. It is to be appreciated that discussions of frangible pathways700in the first elastic belt106herein may also apply to frangible pathways700in the second elastic belt108.

It is to be appreciated that frangible pathways700may be positioned in various locations and/or orientations relative to other components of the absorbent article100and/or may be configured to function in various ways to help facilitate removal of diaper pant from a wearer. For example, the diaper pant100P shown inFIGS.6A and6Bmay include one or more frangible pathways700extending between a distal terminus808on the outer edge107aof the first belt106and a distal terminus810on the inner edge107bof the first belt106. As illustrated inFIGS.6A and6B, the diaper pant100P includes a first frangible pathway700aand a second frangible pathway700bin the first belt106. The first frangible pathway700amay extend between a first distal terminus808aon the outer edge107aof the first belt106and a first proximal terminus810aon the inner edge107bof the first belt106. And the second frangible pathway700bmay extend between a second distal terminus808bon the outer edge107aof the first belt106and a second proximal terminus810bon the inner edge107bof the first belt106. It is to be appreciated that the first and second frangible pathways700a,700bmay comprise lines of weakness704as described above.

It is to be appreciated that the first distal terminus808aand the second distal terminus808bmay be located in various lateral positions on the outer edge107aof the first belt106. For example, in some configurations, the first distal terminus808aand/or the second distal terminus808bmay be positioned in the central region106cof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus808aand/or the second distal terminus808bmay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128and the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102. In some configurations, the first distal terminus808aand/or the second distal terminus808bmay be positioned in the first end region106aand/or the second end region106bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus808aand/or the second distal terminus808bmay be positioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge128and the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102. In some configurations, the first distal terminus808aand/or the second distal terminus808bmay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128of the chassis102and the first side seam178and/or may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102and the second side seam180. In some configurations, the first distal terminus808amay be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge128of the chassis102or the first longitudinal side edge111aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first distal terminus808amay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128of the chassis102and the first longitudinal side edge111aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the second distal terminus808bmay be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102or the second longitudinal side edge111bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the second distal terminus808bmay be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102and the second longitudinal side edge111bof the first belt106.

It is also to be appreciated that the first proximal terminus810aand the second proximal terminus810bmay be located in various lateral positions on the inner edge107bof the first belt106. For example, in some configurations, the first proximal terminus810aand/or the second proximal terminus810bmay be positioned in the central region106cof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810aand/or the second distal terminus810bmay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128and the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810aand/or the second proximal terminus810bmay be positioned in the first end region106aand/or the second end region106bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810aand/or the second proximal terminus810bmay be positioned laterally outboard of the first longitudinal edge128and the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810aand/or the second proximal terminus810bmay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128of the chassis102and the first side seam178and/or may be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102and the second side seam180. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810amay be laterally aligned with the first longitudinal edge128of the chassis102or the first longitudinal side edge111aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first proximal terminus810amay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal edge128of the chassis102and the first longitudinal side edge111aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the second proximal terminus810bmay be laterally aligned with the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102or the second longitudinal side edge111bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the second proximal terminus810bmay be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102and the second longitudinal side edge111bof the first belt106.

It is to be appreciated that the first distal terminus808aand the second distal terminus808bmay be located in various longitudinal positions between the outer edge107aand the inner edge107bof the first belt106. And the first proximal terminus810aand the second proximal terminus810bmay be located in various longitudinal positions between the outer edge107aand the inner edge107bof the first belt106. For example, in some configurations, such as shown in FIG.6B2for example, the first distal terminus808aand/or the first proximal terminus810amay be located on the first side seam178at positions longitudinally inboard of the outer edge107aand longitudinally outboard of the inner edge107bof the first belt106. Also, as shown in FIG.6B2, the second distal terminus808band/or the second proximal terminus810bmay be located on the second side seam180at positions longitudinally inboard of the outer edge107aand longitudinally outboard of the inner edge107bof the first belt106. As such, completing the tearing process of the first belt106may also require tearing portions of the first and/or second side seams178,180.

With continued reference toFIG.6B, the first belt106may also comprise grip regions801providing a place where a user may grasp a portion of the first belt106and begin the process of tearing the first belt along the frangible pathway700. The grip region801may comprise an accessibility opening802in the first belt106and may also comprise a fastener component707positioned adjacent the accessibility opening802. The accessibility opening802may comprise slits and/or openings in the first belt106and may penetrate through some or all layers of the first belt106. It is to be appreciated that such slits or openings may be curved and/or straight. The accessibility opening802may also be considered part of the frangible pathway700.

As shown inFIG.6B, the diaper pant100P may include a first grip region801aincluding a first accessibility opening802aand second grip region801bincluding a second accessibility opening802bin the first belt106. The first and second accessibility openings802a,802bmay be positioned between the outer edge107aand the inner edge107bof the first belt106. The first and second accessibility openings802a,802bmay also be positioned in the central region106cof the first belt106and may be positioned between the first longitudinal edge128, the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102, and the first lateral edge144of the chassis102. In addition, a first fastener component707amay be positioned adjacent the first accessibility opening802a, and a second fastener component707amay be positioned adjacent the second accessibility opening802a. The first frangible pathway700amay comprise a first tear zone813aextending from the first accessibility opening802ato the first distal terminus808aand a second tear zone813bextending from the first accessibility opening802ato the first proximal terminus810a. The second frangible pathway700bmay comprise a first tear zone813aextending from the second accessibility opening802bto the second distal terminus808band a second tear zone813bextending from the second accessibility opening802bto the second proximal terminus810b.

It is to be appreciated that the frangible pathways700may comprise one or more functional zones. In turn, the frangible pathways may comprise transition zones that may operatively connect such zones to help facilitate propagation of a tear along the frangible pathway700from one zone to another zone. The lines of weakness in the transition zones may be of particular lengths and/or angles relative to lateral centerlines and row spacing to help provide desired propagation of material failure when, for example, removing a product from a wearer. It is to be appreciated that the lengths, angles, and spacings in transition zones may be different from those in adjacent lines of weakness.

As shown inFIG.6Bfor example, the first tear zone813aof the first frangible pathway700amay comprise a first initial tear zone815aextending from the first accessibility opening802ato a first transition zone817a. In addition, the first tear zone813aof the first frangible pathway700amay comprise a secondary tear zone819aextending from the first transition zone817ato the first distal terminus808a. The first tear zone813aof the first frangible pathway700amay also comprise a second initial tear zone815bextending from the first accessibility opening802ato a second transition zone817b. Further, the first tear zone813aof the first frangible pathway700amay comprise a second secondary tear zone819bextending from the second transition zone817bto the first proximal terminus810a. The first transition zone817amay operatively connect the first initial tear zone815awith the first secondary tear zone819ato help facilitate the propagation of the tear along the first frangible pathway700afrom first initial tear zone815ato the first secondary tear zone819a. With continued reference toFIG.6B, the first tear zone813aof the second frangible pathway700bmay comprise a first initial tear zone815aextending from the second accessibility opening802bto a first transition zone817a. In addition, the first tear zone813aof the second frangible pathway700bmay comprise a secondary tear zone819aextending from the first transition zone817ato the second distal terminus808b. The first tear zone813aof the second frangible pathway700bmay also comprise a second initial tear zone815bextending from the second accessibility opening802bto a second transition zone817b. Further, the first tear zone813aof the second frangible pathway700bmay comprise a second secondary tear zone819bextending from the second transition zone817bto the second proximal terminus810b. The second transition zone817bmay operatively connect the second initial tear zone815bwith the second secondary tear zone819bto help facilitate the propagation of the tear along the second frangible pathway700bfrom second initial tear zone815bto the second secondary tear zone819b.

As discussed in more detail below, the accessibility opening802may help provide a caregiver or wearer access to and/or to grasp the fastener component707in the grip region801with a finger or thumb. The caregiver or user may then pull on grip region801to begin tearing the first belt106on the frangible pathway700. In some configurations, tear lines may simultaneously propagate along the first tear zone813aand the second tear zone813blaterally outward from the central region106cof the first belt106toward the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810. As discussed in more detail below, the diaper pant100P may also be configured such that a tear line propagating along the first tear zone813aand a tear line propagating along the second tear zone813bmay reach the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively, simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. It is also to be appreciated that some diaper pants100P herein may be configured to include a frangible pathway700that extends through or around the fastener component707without an accessibility opening. In turn, a user may pinch and/or pull the belt where the frangible pathway700is located at or adjacent the fastener component707to initiate the tearing process along the frangible pathway700.

As shown inFIG.6B, the frangible pathways700may be configured to extend laterally inward from the from the distal terminus808and/or the proximal terminus810. In turn, portions of the frangible pathway700may extend to define an angle that is less than 90 degrees with respect to the outer edge107aand/or the inner edge107bof the first belt106. Thus, the frangible pathway may define an overall length that is greater than a longitudinal length LT1 of the first belt106and/or the longitudinal length LT2 of the second belt108discussed above with reference toFIGS.2C-2E.

As discussed above, the first elastic belt106and/or the second belt108may be relatively easily torn along the frangible pathway700, such as when removing the diaper pant100P from a wearer. As discussed below with reference toFIGS.6A-6F, the frangible pathway700may be configured to allow a caregiver or wearer to initiate and/or completely tear the first belt106and/or the second belt108with one hand when removing a diaper pant100P from a wearer. In addition, the first belt106may be separable along the first frangible pathway700aand the second frangible pathway700bto define a first belt zone831, a second belt zone832, and a third belt zone833positioned laterally between the first and second belt zones831,832.

Referring now toFIGS.6A and6B, when removing a diaper pant100P from a wearer, a user may grab the first belt106in the grip region801by inserting one or more fingers and/or a thumb through the accessibility opening802to grasp a portion of the first106and fastener component707. For example, with reference toFIGS.6B and6C, a caregiver may insert a finger or thumb through the first accessibility opening802aand grasp the first belt106and the first fastener component707awith a first hand. The caregiver's opposing second hand may be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposing second hand may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the central region106cof the first belt106. The user's first hand may then exert a pulling force Fp on the first grip region801aof the first belt106outward away from the wearer to initiate a tearing of the first belt106along the first frangible pathway700a, such as shown inFIG.6C.

With continued reference toFIG.6C, a pulling force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) may be applied to the first grip region801ain a direction generally toward the first end region106aof the first belt106and/or outward away from the first belt106and the wearer. As the force Fp is applied, a first tear line705aand a second tear line705bmay simultaneously propagate along the first tear zone813aand the second tear zone813b, respectively. The first tear line705amay propagate from the first accessibility opening802aalong the first tear zone813aof the first frangible pathway700ain longitudinal and lateral directions partially through and adjacent to the first fastener component707aand then in a direction D1that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region106cof the first belt106and toward the first distal terminus808ain the first end region106aof the first belt106. Simultaneously, the second tear line705bmay propagate from the first accessibility opening802ain longitudinal and lateral directions partially through and adjacent to the first fastener component707aalong the second tear zone813bof the first frangible pathway700ain a direction D2that is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region106cof the first belt106and toward the first proximal terminus810ain the first end region106aof the first belt106.

In some configurations, the first tear line705amay propagate from the first accessibility opening802aalong the first initial tear zone815aof the first frangible pathway700ato the first transition zone817a. From the first transition zone817a, the first tear line705amay then propagate along the first secondary tear zone819ato the first distal terminus808a. In addition, the second tear line705bmay propagate from the first accessibility opening802aalong the second initial tear zone815bof the first frangible pathway700ato the second transition zone817b. From the second transition zone817b, the second tear line705bmay then propagate along the second secondary tear zone819bto the first proximal terminus810a. As discussed in more detail below, the first frangible pathway700amay be configured such that the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bmay reach first distal terminus808aand the first proximal terminus810a, respectively, at the same time or about the same time.

As shown inFIG.6D, the first belt106may be separable along the first frangible pathway700ato define a first belt zone831. For example, the first belt zone831may be formed once the first tear line705apropagates through the first distal terminus808aand the second tear line705bpropagates through to the first proximal terminus810a, the first belt zone831may be formed. As shown inFIG.6D, a first edge831aof the first belt zone831is formed by tearing the first frangible pathway700a. In addition, a first edge833aof the third belt zone833discussed in more detail below is also formed by tearing the first frangible pathway700a. The first belt zone831may extend from the first edge831aof the first and second tear lines705a,705bto the first side seam178or the first longitudinal side edge111aof the first belt106. In addition, the first belt zone831may include the first fastener component707a. As discussed below, the first belt zone831may include the entirety of or a portion of first fastener component707a.

With the first belt zone831being defined by tearing the first belt106along the first frangible pathway700a, a user may proceed to define the second belt zone832by tearing the first belt106along the second frangible pathway700b. Referring now toFIGS.6D and6E, a caregiver may insert a finger or thumb through the second accessibility opening802band grasp the first belt106and the second fastener component707bwith a first hand. The caregiver's opposing second hand may be used to help stabilize the wearer. For example, the caregiver's opposing second hand may apply a holding or stabilizing force to the wearer at the central region106cof the first belt106. The user's first hand may then exert a pulling force Fp on the second grip region801bof the first belt106outward away from the wearer to initiate a tearing of the first belt106along the second frangible pathway700b, such as shown inFIG.6E.

With continued reference toFIG.6E, a pulling force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) is applied to the second grip region801bin a direction generally toward the second end region106bof the first belt106and/or outward away from the first belt106. As the pulling force Fp is applied, a first tear line705aand a second tear line705bmay simultaneously propagate along the first tear zone813aand the second tear zone813b, respectively. The first tear line705amay propagate from the second accessibility opening802balong the first tear zone813aof the second frangible pathway700bin longitudinal and lateral directions partially through and adjacent to the second fastener component707band then in a direction D1that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region106cof the first belt106and toward the second distal terminus808bin the second end region106bof the first belt106. Simultaneously, the second tear line705bmay propagate from the second accessibility opening802bin longitudinal and lateral directions partially through and adjacent to the second fastener component707balong the second tear zone813bof the second frangible pathway700bin a direction D2that is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region106cof the first belt106and toward the second proximal terminus810bin the second end region106bof the first belt106.

In some configurations, the first tear line705amay propagate from the second accessibility opening802balong the first initial tear zone815aof the second frangible pathway700bto the first transition zone817a. From the first transition zone817a, the first tear line705amay then propagate along the first secondary tear zone819ato the second distal terminus808b. In addition, the second tear line705bmay propagate from the second accessibility opening802balong the second initial tear zone815bof the second frangible pathway700bto the second transition zone817b. From the second transition zone817b, the second tear line705bmay then propagate along the second secondary tear zone819bto the second proximal terminus810b. As discussed in more detail below, the second frangible pathway700bmay be configured such that the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bmay reach second distal terminus808band the second proximal terminus810b, respectively, at the same time or about the same time.

As shown inFIG.6F, the first belt106may be separable along the second frangible pathway700bto define a second belt zone832and a third belt zone833. For example, the second belt zone832may be formed once the first tear line705apropagates through the second distal terminus808band the second tear line705bpropagates through to the second proximal terminus810b, the second belt zone832may be formed. As shown inFIG.6F, a first edge832aof the second belt zone832is formed by tearing the second frangible pathway700b. In addition, a second edge833bof the third belt zone833is also formed by tearing the second frangible pathway700b. The second belt zone832may extend from the first edge832aof the first and second tear lines705a,705bto the second side seam180or the second longitudinal side edge111bof the first belt106. In addition, the second belt zone832may include the second fastener component707b. The third belt zone833may extend laterally between the first edge833aand the second edge833band may remain connected with the chassis102.

Although the tearing process is described above with reference toFIGS.6A-6Fas tearing the first belt106along the first frangible pathway700abefore tearing the first belt along the second frangible pathway700b, it is to be appreciated that the tearing of first belt106along the frangible pathways700may occur in various different orders and in different manners. For example, the first belt106may be torn along second frangible pathway700bto define the second belt zone832before tearing the first belt106along the first frangible pathway700ato define the first belt zone831. In another example, the first belt106may be torn simultaneously along the first frangible pathway700aand the second frangible pathway700bto define the first belt zone831, the second belt zone832, and the third belt zone833.

Once the first belt106is torn along the frangible pathways700to define the first belt zone831, the second belt zone832, and the third belt zone833, the diaper pant100P may be removed from a wearer in a manner similar to that of a conventional taped diaper. After being removed from a wearer, the diaper pant100P may be placed in a disposal configuration, such as discussed above with reference toFIGS.5A and5B, by rolling and/or folding the chassis102onto itself in a longitudinal direction. The first belt zone831and the second belt zone832may be used to further wrap the diaper pant100P onto itself. And the fastener components707on the first belt zone831and the second belt zone832may be connected with another portion of the diaper pant100P to help maintain the diaper pant100P in the disposal configuration.

As described above, frangible pathways700may be configured such that the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bmay propagate to reach the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively, simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. Such simultaneous tear propagation and tear termination may help provide a caregiver with a convenient and confident diaper pant removal experience. As mentioned above, on occasions when one of the first tear line705aor the second tear line propagates through the distal terminus808or the proximal terminus810, respectively, significantly in advance of the other tear line, the pulling force needed to complete the tearing may be reduced. In turn, the reduction of force may cause the caregiver to believe the tearing is completed and to stop the tearing process before completion. As such, the caregiver may need to initiate a second tearing motion to complete the tearing process.

To help increase the probability of a substantially simultaneous propagation of the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bthrough the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively, the frangible pathway700may comprise first and second tear zones813a,813balong which the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bare intended to propagate, wherein the first and second tear zones813a,813bare configured to separate in an approximately temporally equivalent manner. As discussed above with reference toFIG.6B, as shown in detail in FIG.6B1, the frangible pathway700may comprise a first tear zone813aand a second tear zone813b. The first tear zone813amay extend for a length LTZ1 from the accessibility opening802to the distal terminus808, and the second tear zone813bmay extend for a length LTZ2 from the accessibility opening802to the proximal terminus810. In some configurations, the length LTZ1 may be equal to or substantially equal to the length LTZ2. In some configurations, a difference between the length LTZ1 and the length LTZ2, calculated as the absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100, may be between about 0% and about 20% of the length LTZ1, wherein the difference, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above, the frangible pathways700may comprise individual lines of weakness704. In some configurations, a sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness704of the first tear zone813amay be equal to or substantially equal to a sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness704of the second tear zone813b. In some configurations, a difference between the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness704of the first tear zone813a, Lsum1, and the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness704of the second tear zone813b, Lsum2, calculated as the absolute value of ((Lsum1−Lsum2)/Lsum1)*100, may be between about 0% and about 10% of the sum of the lengths of the lines of weakness704of the first tear zone813a.

Referring again to FIG.6B1, the first tear zone813amay comprise a first initial tear zone815aextending for a length LIZ1 from the accessibility opening802to the first transition zone817a, and the second tear zone813bmay comprise a second initial tear zone815bextending for a length LIZ2 from the accessibility opening802to the second transition zone817b. In some configurations, the first tear zone813amay comprise a first secondary tear zone819aextending for a length LSZ1 from the first transition zone817ato the distal terminus808, and the second tear zone813bmay comprise a second secondary tear zone819bextending for a length LSZ2 from the second transition zone817bto the proximal terminus810. In some configurations, the length LSZ1 may be equal to or substantially equal to the length LSZ2. In some configurations, a difference between the length LSZ1 and the length LSZ2, calculated as the absolute value of ((LSZ1−LSZ2)/LSZ1)*100, may be between about 0% and about 5% of the length LSZ1, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Further, in some configurations, the length LIZ1 may be equal to or substantially equal to the length LIZ2. In some configurations, a difference between the length LIZ1 and the length LIZ2, calculated as the absolute value of ((LIZ1−LIZ2)/LIZ1)*100, may be between about 0% and about 5% of the length LIZ1, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above with reference toFIG.6Bfor example, it is also to be appreciated that the first belt106may include a first frangible pathway700aand a second frangible pathway700bthat is substantially duplicate to and mirrors the first frangible pathway700a. As such, the first and second frangible pathways700a,700bmay have first initial tear zones815awith substantially the same lengths LIZ1, second initial tear zones815bwith substantially the same length LIZ2, first secondary tear zones819asubstantially the same lengths LSZ1, and second secondary tear zones819bwith substantially same lengths LSZ2. In some configurations, the length LSZ1 may be equal to or substantially equal to the length LSZ2.

In some configurations, the frangible pathway700may comprise first and second tear zones813a,813balong which the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bare intended to propagate, wherein an amount of energy E1 is required to completely separate the first tear zone813aand an amount of energy E2 is required to completely separate the second tear zone813b. The amount of energy E1 may be equal to or about equal to the amount of energy E2.

As discussed above, frangible pathways700may be configured with first and second tear zones813a,813bwherein first and second tear lines705a,705bpropagate through the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively, approximately simultaneously. In some configurations, frangible pathways700may be configured with first and second tear zones813a,813bwherein the first tear line705aor the second tear line705bmay propagate through the distal terminus808or the proximal terminus810, respectively, before the other. In such an instance, an unseparated length (or uncompleted tear length) of the first tear zone813aor the second tear zone813bmay be present. In some configurations, such an uncompleted tear length may be short enough to provide a caregiver a sufficiently simultaneous separation experience to prevent the need for a secondary pulling action by the caregiver. In some configurations, such an uncompleted tear length may be between about 0 mm to about 10 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

It is to be appreciated that frangible pathways700may be configured with an accessibility opening802, a first tear zone813a, and a second tear zone813barranged such that the length LTZ1 may not be equal to or substantially equal to the length LTZ2, such as shown for example inFIGS.7A,7B, and7B1. Although the lengths LTZ1, LTZ2 of the first and second tear zones813a,813b, respectively, may be different, the accessibility opening802, the first initial tear zone815a, and the second initial tear zone815bmay be configured and arranged to help increase the probability of a substantially simultaneous propagation of the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bthrough the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively. For example, as discussed below in more detail, the frangible pathways illustrated inFIGS.7A and7Bmay be configured to be operated with a two step tearing process that comprises a first step of tearing the belt along first and second initial tear zones815a,815bto the first and second transition zones817a,817b, and then subsequently and simultaneously tearing first and second secondary tear zones819a,819bfrom the first and second transition zones817a,817bto the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively.

As shown in FIG.7B1, the accessibility opening802may be positioned such that the first initial tear zone815aextends from the accessibility opening802and to partially surround the fastener component707, whereas the second initial tear zone815bmay extend from the accessibility opening802for a relatively short distance adjacent the fastener component707. In turn, the length LIZ1 of the first initial tear zone815aextending from the accessibility opening802to the first transition zone817amay be substantially longer than the length LIZ2 of the second initial tear zone815bextending from the accessibility opening802to the second transition zone817b. In some configurations, the length LIZ1 of the first initial tear zone815amay be from about 20% to about 1000% longer than the length LIZ2 of the second initial tear zone815b, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. However, the length LSZ1 of the first secondary tear zone819amay be equal to or substantially equal to the length LSZ2 of the second secondary tear zone819b. Thus, the overall length LTZ1 of the first tear zone813amay be greater than the overall length LTZ2 of the second tear zone813b. In some configurations, the overall length LTZ1 of the first tear zone813amay be from about 5% to about 50% longer than the overall length LTZ2 of the second tear zone813b, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

Referring now toFIGS.7A and7B, when removing a diaper pant100P from a wearer, a user may grab the first belt106in the grip region801by inserting one or more fingers and/or a thumb through the accessibility opening802to grasp a portion of the first106and fastener component707. For example, with reference toFIGS.7B and7C, a caregiver may insert a finger or thumb through the first accessibility opening802aand grasp the first belt106and the first fastener component707awith a first hand. The caregiver's opposing second hand may be used to help stabilize the wearer, as discussed above. The user's first hand may then exert an initial tear force Fit (generally represented by a curved arrow) on the first grip region801aof the first belt106outward away from the wearer to initiate a tearing of the first belt106along the first initial tear zone815aand the second initial tear zone815b, such as shown inFIG.7C. As the initial tear force Fit is applied, a first tear line705amay propagate from the accessibility opening802along the first initial tear zone815ain longitudinal and lateral directions around the first fastener component707aand then to the first transition zone817a, such as shown inFIGS.7C and7D. In addition, a second tear line705bmay propagate in a lateral direction from the accessibility opening802along the second initial tear zone815bto the second transition zone817b.

With reference toFIGS.7D and7E, once the first initial tear zone815aand the second initial tear zone815bare completely separated, a pulling force Fp (generally represented by an arrow) may be applied to the first grip region801ain a direction generally toward the first end region106aof the first belt106and/or outward away from the first belt106and the wearer. As the pulling force Fp is applied, the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bmay simultaneously propagate along the first secondary tear zone819aand the second secondary tear zone819b, respectively. The first tear line705amay propagate from the first transition zone817aalong the first secondary tear zone819aof the first frangible pathway700ain a direction D1that is generally laterally and longitudinally outward from the central region106cof the first belt106and toward the first distal terminus808ain the first end region106aof the first belt106. Simultaneously, the second tear line705bmay propagate from the second transition zone817balong the second secondary tear zone819bof the first frangible pathway700ain a direction D2that is generally laterally outward and longitudinally inward from the central region106cof the first belt106and toward the first proximal terminus810ain the first end region106aof the first belt106. As shown inFIGS.7E and7F, the second frangible pathway700bmay be configured such that the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bmay reach second distal terminus808band the second proximal terminus810b, respectively, at the same time or about the same time.

It is to be appreciated that the frangible pathways700may be configured in various different ways with various zones having different lengths than illustrated in the example of FIG.7B1wherein the accessibility opening802, the first initial tear zone815a, and the second initial tear zone815bmay be configured and arranged to help increase the probability of a substantially simultaneous propagation of the first tear line705aand the second tear line705bthrough the distal terminus808and the proximal terminus810, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG.7B2, the accessibility opening802may be positioned such that the second initial tear zone815bextends from the accessibility opening802and partially surrounds the fastener component707, whereas the first initial tear zone815amay extend from the accessibility opening802for a relatively short distance adjacent the fastener component707. In turn, the length LIZ2 of the second initial tear zone815bextending from the accessibility opening802to the second transition zone817bmay be substantially longer than the length LIZ1 of the first initial tear zone815aextending from the accessibility opening802to the first transition zone817a. In some configurations, the length LIZ2 of the second initial tear zone815bmay be from about 20% to about 1000% longer than the length LIZ1 of the first initial tear zone815a, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. However, the length LSZ1 of the first secondary tear zone819amay be equal to or substantially equal to the length LSZ2 of the second secondary tear zone819b. Thus, the overall length LTZ2 of the second tear zone813bmay be greater than the overall length LTZ1 of the first tear zone813a. In some configurations, the overall length LTZ2 of the second tear zone813bmay be from about 5% to about 50% longer than the overall length LTZ1 of the first tear zone813a, specifically reciting all 1% increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. It is to be appreciated that the frangible pathway700illustrated in FIG.7B2may be configured to be operated with a two step tearing process similar to that described above with reference toFIGS.7A and7B. In yet other configurations, frangible pathways700may be configured without a first initial tear zone815aand/or a second initial tear zone815b.

With reference to various aspects of the Figures described above, it is to be appreciated that grip regions801and accessibility openings802may be located in various positions in the first end region106a, the second end region106b, and/or the central region106cof the first belt106. Grip regions801and accessibility openings802may be positioned between the first longitudinal side edge111a, the second longitudinal side edge111b, the outer edge107a, and the inner edge107bof the first belt106. For example, the first accessibility opening802aand/or the second accessibility802bmay be entirely laterally positioned between the first longitudinal edge128and the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102. In some configurations, the first accessibility opening802amay be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge128of the chassis102and the first longitudinal side edge111aof the first belt106and/or first side seam178. In some configurations, the second accessibility opening802bmay be positioned laterally between the second longitudinal side edge130of the chassis102and the second longitudinal side edge111bof the first belt106and/or second side seam180. In some configurations, the first accessibility opening802aand/or the second accessibility opening802bmay be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge144of the chassis102and the inner edge107bof the first belt106and/or may be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge144of the chassis102and the outer edge107aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the first accessibility opening802amay extend across the first longitudinal edge128and/or the first lateral edge144of the chassis102, and/or the second accessibility opening802bmay extend across the second longitudinal edge130and/or the first lateral edge144of the chassis102.

It is also be appreciated that accessibility openings802may be located in various positions relative to fastener components707. For example, in some configurations, the accessibility opening802may be positioned longitudinally between the fastener component707and the outer edge107aof the first belt106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening802may be positioned longitudinally between the fastener component707and the inner edge107bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening802may be positioned laterally inboard of the fastener component707. It is also to be appreciated that more than one accessibility opening802may be located adjacent a fastener component707. As discussed in more detail below, the accessibility opening802also be configured to extend partially or entirely through a fastener component707and may divide a fastener component707into two or more parts.

As mentioned above, the accessibility opening802may comprise slits and/or openings in the first belt106and may be curved and/or straight. It is to be appreciated that the accessibility openings802may also be oriented in various ways. For example, the accessibility opening802may be generally oriented perpendicularly relative to the outer edge107aand/or the inner edge107bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening802may be generally oriented parallel relative to the outer edge107aand/or the inner edge107bof the first belt106. In some configurations, the accessibility opening802may comprise a slit that extends along a line in a lateral direction to define an angle from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to the outer edge107aand/or the inner edge107bof the first belt106, specifically reciting all 1 degree increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In some configurations, the accessibility opening802may define a length dimension in the range of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

As discussed above, the diaper pant100P may include one or more fastener components707adapted to refastenably connect with at least one other component of the diaper pant100P in a disposal configuration. It is to be appreciated that the fastener components707may be configured in various shapes and sizes, and may be located in various positions relative to other components of the diaper pant100P. As shown inFIGS.8A and9Afor example, the fastener components707may comprise a lateral centerline126doriented substantially parallel to the lateral centerline126aof the first elastic belt106and/or the lateral centerline126bof the second elastic belt108and/or the lateral centerline126cof the chassis102. The fastener components707may comprise a longitudinal centerline124doriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline124aof the first elastic belt106and/or the longitudinal centerline124bof the second elastic belt108and/or the longitudinal centerline124cof the chassis102.

As shown in FIG.8AA1, in some configurations, fastener components707may be positioned on and connected with the wearer facing surface115bof the first elastic belt106and/or the second elastic belt108in a region where the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108overlaps the chassis102. In some configurations, the fastener component707may be sandwiched between the second substrate164of the first elastic belt106or the second elastic belt108and the backsheet136of the chassis102. In some configurations, such as shown in FIG.8AA1, the fastener component707comprises hooks715protruding from a base717, and the hooks715extend from the first belt106toward the backsheet136. The fastener component707may be configured as a separate discrete element that may be connected with the wearer facing surface115bof the first belt106in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG.7AA1, adhesive716may connect the base717of the fastener component707with wearer facing surface115bof the first belt106. It is to be appreciated that the fastener component707may be connected with the first belt106by mechanical bonding in addition to or instead of adhesive. It is to be appreciated that the base717may be configured in various ways. For example, the base717may comprise a thermoplastic film. In some configurations, the base717may comprise a laminate with various layers bonded together, such as disclosed for example in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0045931 A1. For example, the base717may comprise a thermoplastic film layer bonded with a nonwoven layer. It is to be appreciated that such layers may be bonded together in various ways, such as with adhesive, mechanical bonding, and/or extrusion bonding. In some configurations, the fastener component707may be integrally formed from materials of the first belt106, such as shown for example in FIG.8AA2, or may be integrally formed from materials and attached with the first belt.

As shown for example inFIG.6B, a portion of the chassis102may overlap the inner wearer facing surface115bof the first belt106to define a chassis overlap region850. As such, the chassis overlap region850may extend laterally between the first longitudinal edge128and the second longitudinal edge130of the chassis102and longitudinally between the first lateral edge144of the chassis102and the inner edge107bof the first belt106. To help prevent contact of the fastener component707with a wearer's skin while wearing the diaper pant100P, the fastener components707may be positioned on and connected with the wearer facing surface115bof the first elastic belt106and/or the wearer facing surface117bof the second elastic belt108in the chassis overlap region850where the first elastic belt106and/or second elastic belt108overlaps the chassis102. For example, the fastener component707may be sandwiched between the wearer facing surface115bof the first belt106and the chassis102. In some configurations, the fastener component707may be sandwiched between the second substrate164of the first elastic belt106or the second elastic belt108and the backsheet136of the chassis102. In some configurations, the fastener component707may be positioned laterally between the first longitudinal side edge128and the second longitudinal side edge130of the chassis102. The fastener component707may also be positioned longitudinally between the first lateral edge144of the chassis102and the inner edge107bof the first belt106. As shown inFIG.7A, the fastener component707may be positioned adjacent the frangible pathway700. The accessibility opening802, which may be considered part of the frangible pathway700, may be positioned adjacent the fastener component707. As such, the frangible pathway700may partially surround the fastener component707. In some configurations, such as shown inFIG.9B, the frangible pathway700may extend through the fastener component700, effectively dividing the fastener component707into a first fastener part707′ and a second fastener part707″. As discussed above, the first fastener part707′ is separated from the second fastener part707″ as the frangible pathway is torn. When completing the tearing operation, the first belt zone831and the second belt zone832will include first fastener parts707′, and the third belt zone833will include second fastener parts707″ separated from respective first fastener parts707′ during the tearing of frangible pathways700.

In the configuration shown inFIGS.6A and8A, both the frangible pathway700and the accessibility opening802may extend through the fastener component, effectively dividing the fastener component707into a first fastener part707′ and a second fastener part707″. The accessibility openings802shown inFIG.8Amay comprise slits that are generally oriented in a longitudinal direction. In addition, the accessibility opening802extends through the fastener component707and may be positioned entirely within a perimeter of the fastener component. It is to be appreciated that such slits may be straight and/or curved. In some configurations, a longitudinally extending accessibility opening802may define a length dimension in the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby. In addition, in some configurations, a longitudinally extending accessibility opening802may also be curved to extend laterally in the range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the above-recited range and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

In another configuration shown inFIG.10, the diaper pant100P may comprise one fastener component707joined to the wearer facing surface115bof the first belt106in a location overlapping the longitudinal centerline124cof the chassis102. The longitudinal centerline124dof the fastener component707may be coincident with, or in proximity of, the longitudinal centerline124cof the chassis102. The frangible pathway700may divide fastener component707into the first fastener component707aand the second fastener component707bof substantially similar size and geometry. An accessibility opening802may be disposed at, or in proximity of, a longitudinally inboard lateral edge of the fastener component707. Longitudinally outboard the lateral edges of the fastener component707, the frangible pathway700may extend in longitudinal and lateral directions to the waist edge121and inner edge107bof the first belt106. A caregiver or wearer may access and grasp the fastener component707through the accessibility opening802and subsequently separate the frangible pathway700into the first and second fastener components707a,707b.

The Average Decitex Method is used to calculate the Average-Dtex on a length-weighted basis for elastic fibers present in an entire article, or in a specimen of interest extracted from an article. The decitex value is the mass in grams of a fiber present in 10,000 meters of that material in the relaxed state. The decitex value of elastic fibers or elastic laminates containing elastic fibers is often reported by manufacturers as part of a specification for an elastic fiber or an elastic laminate including elastic fibers. The Average-Dtex is to be calculated from these specifications if available. Alternatively, if these specified values are not known, the decitex value of an individual elastic fiber is measured by determining the cross-sectional area of a fiber in a relaxed state via a suitable microscopy technique such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determining the composition of the fiber via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and then using a literature value for density of the composition to calculate the mass in grams of the fiber present in 10,000 meters of the fiber. The manufacturer-provided or experimentally measured decitex values for the individual elastic fibers removed from an entire article, or specimen extracted from an article, are used in the expression below in which the length-weighted average of decitex value among elastic fibers present is determined.

The lengths of elastic fibers present in an article or specimen extracted from an article is calculated from overall dimensions of and the elastic fiber pre-strain ratio associated with components of the article with these or the specimen, respectively, if known. Alternatively, dimensions and/or elastic fiber pre-strain ratios are not known, an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article is disassembled and all elastic fibers are removed. This disassembly can be done, for example, with gentle heating to soften adhesives, with a cryogenic spray (e.g., Quick-Freeze, Miller-Stephenson Company, Danbury, CT), or with an appropriate solvent that will remove adhesive but not swell, alter, or destroy elastic fibers. The length of each elastic fiber in its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm.

Calculation of Average-Dtex

For each of the individual elastic fibers fiof relaxed length Liand fiber decitex value di(obtained either from the manufacturer's specifications or measured experimentally) present in an absorbent article, or specimen extracted from an absorbent article, the Average-Dtex for that absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article is defined as:

where n is the total number of elastic fibers present in an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article. The Average-Dtex is reported to the nearest integer value of decitex (grams per 10 000 m).

If the decitex value of any individual fiber is not known from specifications, it is experimentally determined as described below, and the resulting fiber decitex value(s) are used in the above equation to determine Average-Dtex.

Experimental Determination of Decitex Value for a Fiber

For each of the elastic fibers removed from an absorbent article or specimen extracted from an absorbent article according to the procedure described above, the length of each elastic fiber Lkin its relaxed state is measured and recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest mm. Each elastic fiber is analyzed via FT-IR spectroscopy to determine its composition, and its density ρkis determined from available literature values. Finally, each fiber is analyzed via SEM. The fiber is cut in three approximately equal locations perpendicularly along its length with a sharp blade to create a clean cross-section for SEM analysis. Three fiber segments with these cross sections exposed are mounted on an SEM sample holder in a relaxed state, sputter coated with gold, introduced into an SEM for analysis, and imaged at a resolution sufficient to clearly elucidate fiber cross sections. Fiber cross sections are oriented as perpendicular as possible to the detector to minimize any oblique distortion in the measured cross sections. Fiber cross sections may vary in shape, and some fibers may consist of a plurality of individual filaments. Regardless, the area of each of the three fiber cross sections is determined (for example, using diameters for round fibers, major and minor axes for elliptical fibers, and image analysis for more complicated shapes), and the average of the three areas akfor the elastic fiber, in units of micrometers squared (m2), is recorded to the nearest 0.1 μm2. The decitex dkof the kth elastic fiber measured is calculated by:

where dkis in units of grams (per calculated 10,000 meter length), akis in units of μm2, and ρkis in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). For any elastic fiber analyzed, the experimentally determined Lkand dkvalues are subsequently used in the expression above for Average-Dtex.

Using a ruler calibrated against a certified NIST ruler and accurate to 0.5 mm, measure the distance between the two distal strands within a section to the nearest 0.5 mm, and then divide by the number of strands in that section−1

report to the nearest 0.1 mm.

The Average-Pre-Strain of a specimen are measured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 1% to 90% of the limit of the cell. Articles are conditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to analysis and then tested under the same environmental conditions.

Program the tensile tester to perform an elongation to break after an initial gage length adjustment. First raise the cross head at 10 mm/min up to a force of 0.05N. Set the current gage to the adjusted gage length. Raise the crosshead at a rate of 100 mm/min until the specimen breaks (force drops 20% after maximum peak force). Return the cross head to its original position. Force and extension data is acquired at a rate of 100 Hz throughout the experiment.

Set the nominal gage length to 40 mm using a calibrated caliper block and zero the crosshead. Insert the specimen into the upper grip such that the middle of the test strip is positioned 20 mm below the grip. The specimen may be folded perpendicular to the pull axis, and placed in the grip to achieve this position. After the grip is closed the excess material can be trimmed. Insert the specimen into the lower grips and close. Once again, the strip can be folded, and then trimmed after the grip is closed. Zero the load cell. The specimen should have a minimal slack but less than 0.05 N of force on the load cell. Start the test program.

From the data construct a Force (N) verses Extension (mm). The Average-Pre-Strain is calculated from the bend in the curve corresponding to the extension at which the nonwovens in the elastic are engaged. Plot two lines, corresponding to the region of the curve before the bend (primarily the elastics), and the region after the bend (primarily the nonwovens). Read the extension at which these two lines intersect, and calculate the % Pre-Strain from the extension and the corrected gage length. Record as % Pre-strain 0.1%. Calculate the arithmetic mean of three replicate samples for each elastomeric laminate and Average-Pre-Strain to the nearest 0.1%.

Combinations

A1. An absorbent article comprising: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separate from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; an accessibility opening in the first belt positioned in the overlap region; a frangible pathway in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, the first frangible pathway comprising a first tear zone extending for a first length LTZ1 from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus, and a second tear zone LTZ2 extending for a second length from the accessibility opening to the proximal terminus; and wherein an absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 20%.

A2. The absorbent article of paragraph A1, wherein the absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 5%.

A3. The absorbent article of either paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the first tear zone comprises first lines of weakness and the second tear zone comprises second lines of weakness, wherein a sum of lengths of the first lines of weakness is Lsum1 and wherein a sum of lengths of the second lines of weakness is Lsum2, and wherein an absolute value of ((Lsum1−Lsum2)/Lsum1)*100 is less than about 5%.

A4. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the distal terminus and the proximal terminus are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam.

A5. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs A1 to A4, further comprising a fastener component positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet.

A6. The absorbent article of paragraph A5, wherein the accessibility opening comprises a slit in the first belt.

A7. The absorbent article of either paragraph A5 or A6, wherein the fastener component is partially surrounded by the frangible pathway and the accessibility opening.

A8. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs A5 to A7, wherein the accessibility opening extends through the fastener component and divides the fastener component into at least two parts.

A9. The absorbent article of paragraph A8, wherein the accessibility opening is curved and extends in a longitudinal direction.

A10. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs A5 to A9, wherein the first belt is separable along the frangible pathway to define a first belt zone and a second belt zone, and wherein the fastener component is adapted to refastenably connect the first belt zone with at least one other component of the absorbent article in a disposal configuration.

B1. An absorbent article comprising: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separate from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; an accessibility opening in the first belt positioned between the outer edge and the inner edge; and a frangible pathway in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, the first frangible pathway comprising a first tear zone extending for a first length LTZ1 from the accessibility opening to the distal terminus, and a second tear zone extending for a second length LTZ2 from the accessibility opening to the proximal terminus; wherein the distal terminus and the proximal terminus are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam; and wherein an absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 20%.

B2. The absorbent article of paragraph B1, wherein the absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 5%.

B3. The absorbent article of either paragraph B1 or B2, wherein the first tear zone comprises first lines of weakness and the second tear zone comprises second lines of weakness, wherein a sum of lengths of the first lines of weakness is Lsum1 and wherein a sum of lengths of the second lines of weakness is Lsum2, and wherein an absolute value of ((Lsum1−Lsum2)/Lsum1)*100 is less than about 5%.

B4. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs B1 to B3, wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region, and wherein the accessibility opening is positioned in the overlap region.

C1. An absorbent article comprising: a first belt comprising an inner wearer facing surface and an outer garment facing surface, the first belt further comprising a laterally extending inner edge and a laterally extending outer edge, the outer edge positioned longitudinally outward of the inner edge; a second belt, wherein laterally opposing end portions of the second belt are connected with laterally opposing end portions of the first belt at a first side seam and a second side seam to form a waist opening; a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the chassis comprising a longitudinally extending first side edge and a longitudinally extending second side edge laterally separated from the first side edge by a first end edge and a second end edge longitudinally separate from the first end edge, and wherein longitudinally opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with the first belt and the second belt; wherein a portion of the chassis overlaps the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt to define a chassis overlap region; a fastener component positioned between the inner wearer facing surface of the first belt and the backsheet; a first frangible pathway in the first belt extending between a proximal terminus on the inner edge and a distal terminus on the outer edge of the first belt, wherein the first frangible pathway comprises a first tear zone and a second tear zone; wherein the first tear zone comprises a first initial tear zone and a first secondary tear zone, the first secondary tear zone extending from a distal terminus to a first transition zone, and the first initial tear zone extending from the first transition zone toward the fastener component; wherein the second tear zone comprises a second initial tear zone and a second secondary tear zone, the second secondary tear zone extending from a proximal terminus to a second transition zone, and the second initial tear zone extending from the second transition zone toward the fastener component; and wherein the distal terminus and the proximal terminus are positioned laterally between the first side edge of the chassis and the first side seam.

C2. The absorbent article of paragraph C1, wherein the first secondary tear zone extends for a first length LSZ1 and the second secondary tear zone LSZ2 extends for a second length; and wherein an absolute value of ((LSZ1−LSZ2)/LSZ1)*100 is less than about 20%.

C3. The absorbent article of paragraph C2, wherein the absolute value of ((LSZ1−LSZ2)/LSZ1)*100 is less than about 5%.

C4. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs C1 to C3, further comprising an accessibility opening in the first belt positioned in the overlap region.

C5. The absorbent article of paragraph C4, wherein the first initial tear zone extends from the accessibility opening to the first transition zone, and wherein the second initial tear zone extends from the accessibility opening to the second transition zone.

C6. The absorbent article of paragraph C5, wherein the first initial tear zone extends for a first length LIZ1 and the second initial tear zone extends for a second length LIZ2; and wherein the first length LIZ1 is about 50% longer than the second length LIZ2 or wherein the second length LIZ2 is about 50% longer than the first length LIZ1.

C7. The absorbent article of paragraph C5, wherein the fastener component is partially surrounded by the first initial tear zone, the second initial tear zone, and the accessibility opening.

C8. The absorbent article of paragraph C7, wherein the accessibility opening extends through the fastener component and divides the fastener component into at least two parts.

C9. The absorbent article of paragraph C8, wherein the accessibility opening is curved and extends in a longitudinal direction.

C10. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs C1 to C9, wherein the first tear zone extends for a first length LTZ1 and the second tear zone extends for a second length LTZ2; and wherein an absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 20%.

C11. The absorbent article of paragraph C10, wherein the absolute value of ((LTZ1−LTZ2)/LTZ1)*100 is less than about 5%.

C12. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs C1 to C12, further comprising a grip region in the central region positioned between the first edge and the second edge of the first belt, wherein the grip region comprises an accessibility opening and the fastener component positioned adjacent the accessibility opening, and wherein upon application of a pulling force to the grip region in a direction toward the first side seam and/or outward away from the first belt, tear lines simultaneously propagate along the first secondary tear zone and the second secondary tear zone laterally outward from the chassis overlap region.

C13. The absorbent article of any of paragraphs C1 to C12, further comprising a second frangible pathway comprising a first tear zone and a second tear zone comprising lengths that are substantially equal to lengths of the first tear zone and the second tear zone of the first frangible pathway.

Bio-Based Content for Components

Components of the absorbent articles described herein may at least partially be comprised of bio-based content as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2007/0219521A1. For example, the superabsorbent polymer component may be bio-based via their derivation from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and methods of production are further described in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2007/0219521 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,703,450; 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components, for example nonwoven and film components, may comprise bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. Nos. 2011/0139657, 2011/0139658, 2011/0152812, and 2016/0206774, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,366. Example bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure comprise polymers available under the designations SHA7260™, SHE150™, or SGM9450F™ (all available from Braskem S.A.).

An absorbent article component may comprise a bio-based content value from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, for example, using ASTM D6866-10, method B.

Recycle Friendly and Bio-Based Absorbent Articles

Components of the absorbent articles described herein may be recycled for other uses, whether they are formed, at least in part, from recyclable materials. Examples of absorbent article materials that may be recycled are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process may use an autoclave for sterilizing the absorbent articles, after which the absorbent articles may be shredded and separated into different byproduct streams. Example byproduct streams may comprise plastic, superabsorbent polymer, and cellulose fiber, such as pulp. These byproduct streams may be used in the production of fertilizers, plastic articles of manufacture, paper products, viscose, construction materials, absorbent pads for pets or on hospital beds, and/or for other uses. Further details regarding absorbent articles that aid in recycling, designs of recycle friendly diapers, and designs of recycle friendly and bio-based component diapers, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2019/0192723, published on Jun. 27, 2019.