Patent Publication Number: US-2009240228-A1

Title: Adjustable absorbent article for improved fit

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, protective underwear, adult diapers, and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to absorbent articles having a tensioner and elastic member configuration for improved fit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, training pants, protective underwear, adult diapers, and the like are known for their major function of absorbing and containing body exudates. Such articles are thus intended to prevent the soiling, wetting, or other contamination of clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come in contact with the wearer. In the case of disposable training pants, they typically include a chassis with a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis is configured for fitting the training pant about the wearer&#39;s waist, thereby allowing the training pant to be pulled up or down like traditional underwear. 
     While many developments have been made in the art of absorbent articles, there remains a need for further improvements in terms of at least one of improved fit, comfort, producibility, and visual appearance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention provides an absorbent article that includes a chassis having a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. The front section is connected to the rear section to define a waist opening, leg openings, and a belly region positioned between the waist opening and the leg openings. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent core coupled to the crotch section of the chassis. An adjustable tensioner is coupled to the chassis and positioned for snugging the chassis against a wearer of the absorbent article. The tensioner is configured to be adjusted by the wearer from a first tension to a second, selected tension in which the first tension is less than the second, selected tension. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the invention further provides an absorbent article including a chassis having a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. The front section is connected to the rear section to define a waist opening, leg openings, and a belly region positioned between the waist opening and the leg openings. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent core coupled to the crotch section of the chassis. At least one elastic member is coupled to each of the waist opening and the belly region, the elastic members being spaced apart from each other and being stretchable independent of one another. The elastic member coupled to the belly region has at least two elastic portions, in which the tension in one of the elastic portions differs from the tension in another one of the elastic portions. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention provides an absorbent article including a chassis having a front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. The front section is connected to the rear section to define a waist opening, leg openings, a belly region positioned between the waist opening and the leg openings, and a rise extending from the leg openings to the waist opening. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent core coupled to the crotch section of the chassis. A tensioner is coupled to the chassis and is positioned for snugging the chassis against a wearer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article further includes means for reducing the rise of the chassis on the wearer defined in the belly region of the chassis at a location between the waist opening and the tensioner. 
     According to yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an absorbent article. The method includes attaching an absorbent core to a chassis having a contiguous front, rear, and crotch sections, the crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. A tensioner is attached to the chassis such that the tensioner is adjustable by the wearer from a first tension to a second, selected tension, in which the first tension is less than the second, selected tension. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an absorbent article including the step of attaching an absorbent core to a crotch section of a chassis at least one elastic member is coupled to each of a waist opening and a belly region of the chassis and the elastic members are spaced from each other such that the elastic members are stretchable independent of one another. The elastic member coupled to the belly region are configured the to have at least two elastic portions such that the tension in one of the elastic portions differs from the tension in another one of the elastic portions. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a method of using an absorbent article. The method includes the step of positioning the absorbent article on a wearer. At least one adjustable tensioner of the absorbent article is adjusted, thereby snugging the fit of the absorbent article on the wearer from a first tension to a second, selected tension in which the first tension is less than the second, selected tension. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. This emphasizes that according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an absorbent article according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views of a tensioner, such as a drawstring, of the absorbent article shown in  FIG. 1  according to aspects of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an absorbent article having tensioners, such as drawstrings, attached to the sides of the absorbent article according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of a tensioner of the absorbent article shown in  FIG. 4  according to aspects of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an absorbent article illustrating elastic members coupled to a belly region or waist portion of the absorbent article according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged plan view of the belly region or waist portion of the absorbent article shown in  FIG. 6  according to aspects of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an absorbent article according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention will next be described with reference to the figures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of exemplary features of embodiments of the present invention. The figures are not to scale, and are not intended to serve as engineering drawings. 
     Referring generally to the drawings ( FIGS. 1-8 ), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an absorbent article  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  500 ,  800  having a chassis that includes a front section  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  510 ,  810 ; a rear section  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  520 ,  820 ; and a crotch section  130 ,  230 ,  320 ,  520 ,  820  extending between the front section  110 ,  210 ,  310   510 ,  810  and the rear section  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  520 ,  820 . The front section  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  510 ,  810  is connected to the rear section  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  520 ,  820  to define a waist opening  2 , leg openings  4 , and a belly region  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  522 ,  822  of the chassis. The chassis includes an absorbent core  160 ,  260 ,  360 ,  560 ,  860  coupled to the crotch section  130 ,  230 ,  320 ,  520 ,  820 . The chassis also includes an adjustable tensioner  20 ,  40 , such as a drawstring, coupled to the chassis. The tensioner  20 ,  40  is configured to be adjusted by the wearer from a first tension to a second, selected tension to releaseably contract or expand the waist opening  2  or leg openings  4  of the chassis. 
     According to another embodiment, the invention provides an absorbent article  500  comprising a chassis having a front section  510 , a rear section  520 , and a crotch section  530  extending between the front section  510  and the rear section  520 . The front section  510  is connected to the rear section  520  to define a waist opening  2 , leg openings  4 , and a belly region  522  positioned between the waist opening  2  and the leg openings  4  of the chassis. The absorbent article  500  also includes an absorbent core  560  coupled to the crotch section  530  of the chassis. At least one elastic member  525   a ,  525   b  is coupled to each of the waist opening  2  and the belly region  522  of the chassis. The elastic members  525   a ,  525   b  are spaced apart from each other and stretchable independent of one another. The elastic member  525   b  coupled to the belly region  522  has at least two elastic portions  9   a ,  9   b , wherein the tension in one of the elastic portions  9   a ,  9   b  differs from the tension in another one of the elastic portions  9   a ,  9   b.    
     Referring now to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  depicts an absorbent article  100  according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Absorbent article  100  includes a chassis having a front section  110 , a rear section  120 , and a crotch section  130 . The front section  110  is configured to be positioned against the anterior or front end of a wearer and the rear section  120  is configured to be positioned on the posterior or back end of a wearer. When worn by an individual standing upright, the crotch portion  130  of the chassis forms the lowest point on absorbent article  100 . The front section  110  is connected to the rear section  120  to define a waist opening  2  and leg openings  4  of the absorbent article  100 . According to an embodiment, edges of the front section  110  may be joined to edges of the rear section  120  to connect the front section  110  to the rear section  120 . For example, suitable techniques for joining the front section  110  to the rear section  120  include adhesive bonding, heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, stitching or the like. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , absorbent article  100  also includes an absorbent core  160 . Absorbent core  160  may be of any shape, but is typically a rectangular member that is centered in the chassis and positioned in crotch section  130 . According to an embodiment, absorbent core  160  is interposed between a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impermeable substrate layer (not shown). In use, the topsheet is arranged to face toward the body of the user (i.e. against the skin of the wearer) and the substrate layer is arranged facing away from the skin of the wearer. Absorbent core  160  is configured to receive liquid through the topsheet so that liquid is trapped between the topsheet and liquid impermeable substrate layer thereby preventing soiling of the wearer&#39;s clothes. 
     In order to enable liquid to quickly and efficiently pass through the topsheet and into the absorbent core  160  for trapping therein, the topsheet is preferably liquid permeable. In particular, the topsheet may be selected from a variety of textile-like films and fabrics. Suitable fabrics include non-woven materials that are pervious to liquid, soft and pliable. Preferred non-woven materials include spun-bonded polypropylene, spunbonded polyethylene, and thermally bonded webs of staple fibers, preferably polypropylene shape or sheath/core bi-component fibers having a core of polyester or polypropylene and a sheath of polyethylene. 
     Absorbent core  160  may be made of any suitable absorbent material, as well as combinations of different types of absorbent materials. For example, the absorbent core  160  may be formed of a mixture of pulp fluff and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) wrapped in a liquid permeable tissue wrap (not shown). Examples of SAP include polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, various grafted starches, and the like. A desired super absorbent material is a cross-linked polysodium acrylate, which can be purchased from BASF Corporation of Portsmouth, Va., under the trademark ASAP® 2260. The super absorbent materials can be in various geometric forms, such as various shaped particles, fibers, foams, and layers. The fluff and SAP are present, for example, in a ratio such as about 11 grams of SAP to 16 grams of fluff for a size 4 diaper, and have a core density, for example, in a range such as about 0.14 to 0.22 grams per cubic centimeter. The amount of each absorbent material and SAP/fluff ratio depends on factors including the size of the article, e.g., “Small”, “Medium”, “Large” or “Extra Large.” 
     Absorbent core  160  may be of any shape and may be a single, integral absorbent structure, or can comprise a plurality of individual separate absorbent structures and/or absorbent materials that are operably assembled together. It may also include an air-laid non-woven web that contains super-absorbent particles and/or super-absorbent fibers, polymeric binder and cellulose pulp fibers. 
     As seen with respect to the embodiment of the absorbent article  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , absorbent article  100  also includes a tensioner  20 , such as a drawstring or other flexible member, coupled to the chassis. Tensioner  20  may be coupled to absorbent article  100  in any number of locations, including but not limited to any combination on the periphery of the chassis. For example, tensioner  20  may be coupled to any location on the waist portion  122  of absorbent article  100  such as the circumference around waist opening  2 , leg openings  4 , and/or belly region  122 . In an embodiment, tensioner  20  may be coupled to side seams or portions of absorbent article  100  where edges of the front section  110  connect to the edges of the rear section  120 . Tensioner  20  may also be located on either the inside (body facing) or outside of the absorbent article  100  depending on the manufacturing process. A tensioner  20  that is located on the outside of absorbent article  100 , for example, may facilitate access to the tensioner  20  to tighten or loosen the fit of absorbent article  100  on the wearer. 
     As will be described in detail below, tensioner  20  can have different lengths and sizes to accommodate the waist opening  2 , leg openings  4 , and/or belly region  122  of the absorbent article  100 . For example, an absorbent article  100  having a size of “Small” may include a tensioner  20  having a length that accommodates adult waist sizes of 28-32 inches. It is contemplated that other lengths may also be used to accommodate the circumference of the waist opening  2  and leg openings  4  of absorbent articles  100  for children and infants. Tensioner  20  may be fabricated from any suitable material including, but not limited to nylon, polyester, cotton, or other natural or synthetic material safe for use with contact to human skin. It is contemplated that other materials for tensioner  20  may also be used. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A, and  2 B, embodiments and operation of the tensioner  20  shown in  FIG. 1A  is illustrated. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2A , tensioner  20   a  may be enclosed within a sheath  50 , such as that attached to the circumference of the belly region  122  or waist portion  124  of the absorbent article  100 . According to an exemplary embodiment, tensioner  20   a  is a single loop that has terminal ends  21   a ,  21   b  that extend from the circumference of the chassis. When the ends  21   a ,  21   b  of tensioner  20   a  are pulled, the circumference of the single loop decreases to cinch a portion of absorbent article  100 . For example, when tensioner  20   a  is positioned around the belly region  122  of the absorbent article  100 , pulling the ends  21   a ,  21   b  of tensioner  20   a  causes the belly region  122  to tighten, thereby decreasing the circumference of waist opening  2  and securing absorbent article  100  on the wearer. According to an embodiment, the ends  21   a ,  21   b  of tensioner  20   a  may be tied together or held in place to maintain the desired fit of absorbent article  100  on the wearer. Alternatively, the ends  21   a ,  21   b  of tensioner  20   a  may be loosened to allow the wearer to expand the waist opening  2  or leg openings  4  to remove or reposition absorbent article  100 . 
     According to an embodiment, absorbent article  100  includes an elastic portion  135  coupled to the chassis. Elastic portion  135  is stretchable in at least a direction of the waist opening  2  so belly region  122  or waist portion  124  may be expanded to accommodate the belly/waist of the wearer. Thus, elastic portion  135  and tensioner  20  are adjustable to improve the fit of absorbent article  100  on the wearer. As will be described in further detail below, elastic portion  135  may include elastic strands (not shown) that provide the stretchability of the belly region  122  or waist portion  122 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of a tensioner  20   b  having a double loop. As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, when ends  21   a ,  21   b  of the tensioner  20   b  is pulled, the circumference of the double loop decreases, thereby drawing belly region  122  of absorbent article  100  closer to the wearer. A tensioner  20   b  having a double loop provides additional support strength to keep absorbent article  100  in place on the wearer. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that tensioner  20   b  may be coiled in any number of loops to provide sufficient strength to support the weight of absorbent article  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of an absorbent article  200  according to another embodiment is illustrated. As described above, absorbent article  200  includes a chassis having a front section  210 , a rear section  220 , and a crotch section  230 . The front section  210  is connected to the rear section  220  to define a waist opening  2  and leg openings  4  of the absorbent article  200 . An absorbent core  260  is positioned in the crotch section  230  of the chassis and receives liquid from the body facing side of crotch section  230 . 
     Absorbent article  200  includes an elastic member  225  or elastic band coupled to a upper portion of the belly region  222 , such as around the waist opening  2 . Elastic member  225  may be stretchable along the waist opening  2  and has a tension greater than elastic portion  235 . Thus, elastic member  225  may support a portion of absorbent article  200  on a wearer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , tensioner  20  is coupled to belly region  222  at a location below elastic member  225 . Absorbent article  200  may be worn so the elastic member  225  may be pulled around the belly of the wearer and elongate member  20  may be cinched around the hips. According to another embodiment, belly region  222  may be folded over the inside (body facing) or outside of absorbent article  200  so the elastic member  225  is positioned below tensioner  20 . It is contemplated that belly region  222  may be folded over itself in any configuration so a person can adjust the fit of absorbent article  200 . It is also contemplated that any number of tensioners  20  may be coupled to absorbent article  200  to provide additional adjustability for a wearer. 
     According to another embodiment, leg portions of the absorbent article  100  adjacent leg openings  4  may include elastic portions  235  and/or elastic members  225 . In this configuration, elastic portions  222  and/or members  225  positioned around the circumference of leg openings  4  provide additional support to secure absorbent article  200  so that it does not droop or sag on a wearer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of an absorbent article  300  is illustrated. According to an exemplary embodiment, tensioners  40  are coupled to sides of waist portion  322 . Tensioners  40 , for example, may be connected to side seams or portions of the front section  310  or rear section  320 . The tensioners  40  are adjustable such that pulling tensioner  40  decreases the height H of belly region  322 . For example, tensioner  40  may be used to pull up the sides of absorbent article  300  adjacent leg openings  4 . This provides better fit of the lower portion of the absorbent article  300  on a wearer. 
     As described above, absorbent article  300  includes an elastic portion  335  and member  325  coupled to waist portion  322 . Elastic portion  335  and member  325  assist stretching the circumference of waist opening  2  to accommodate a wearer. Belly region  322  may be folded over itself to further adjust the fit of absorbent article  300 . Alternatively, side portion  323  may be extended to cover a larger leg area by pulling tensioner  40 . Thus, side portions  323  of the absorbent article  300  may be adjustable for better comfort to a wearer. As will be described in detail below, tensioners  40  may enclosed in sheaths that are coupled to the belly region  322  and/or side portion  323  of the absorbent article  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A, and  5 B, the tensioners  40  shown in  FIG. 4  are illustrated. According to an exemplary embodiment, tensioner  40  is positioned within a sheath  50  that may be attached to absorbent article  300 . When an end portion  41   a ,  41   b  of tensioner  40  is pulled, a portion of the sheath  50  (such as the proximal  51  and distal ends  52  of the sheath  50 ) and/or a belly region  322  of the absorbent article  300  shortens, thereby decreasing the height of the absorbent article  300 . For example, when absorbent article  300  is worn, pulling the ends  41   a ,  41   b  of tensioner  40  causes the leg openings  4  to shorten, thereby cinching the leg openings  4  closer to crotch section  330 . Alternatively, the tensioners  40  can be un-tensioned to return the side portions  323  of the absorbent article  300  to is original height. 
     According an exemplary embodiment, the tensioners  40  can be secured to the absorbent article  300  using a nonwoven or other suitable material formed into a single or double chamber sheath  50  adhered to the absorbent article  300 , thus facilitating shortening of the absorbent article  300  height. In another exemplary embodiment, tensioner  40  may be removed from the sheath  50  or the ends  41   a ,  41   b  can be left in place when absorbent article  300  is worn (e.g., so that the side portion  323  is not cinched). For example, in an embodiment where the tensioner is removed, elastic portion  325  or member  325  of the absorbent article  300  may be used to hold the absorbent articled  300  against the skin of the wearer. In an embodiment, in which the ends  41   a ,  41   b  of the tensioner are tied in place, however, the weight of the absorbent article  300  may be supported by the tension applied by the tensioner  40 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , accordingly to an exemplary embodiment, tensioner  40  may have a double loop to provide additional support strength and pulling ends  41   a ,  41   b  of the tensioner  40  shortens or lengthens the side portions  323  of the absorbent article  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an absorbent article  500  having two elastic members  525   a ,  525   b  coupled to belly region  522  and/or waist portion  524  is illustrated. Elastic members  525   a ,  525   b  are spaced apart from each other so a chassis region  527  of lower stretchability exists between the elastic members  525   a ,  525   b . Alternatively, the chassis region  527  may have a high tension and the elastic members  525   a ,  525   b  may have a lower tension area. Accordingly to an exemplary embodiment, absorbent article  500  may also include a tensioner  20 ,  40  ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  5 A,  5 B) to enhance the fit of the absorbent article  500  on a wearer. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, elastic portions  525   a ,  525   b  may both have a high tension to provide better fit. For example, an adult sized absorbent article  500  having a larger mass than a child sized training pant may have higher tension elastic members  525   a ,  525   b  to support the weight of the larger sized article. Elastic member  525   a  may be positioned above the waist, such as the belly area, and elastic member  525   b  may be positioned on the waist, thereby providing better fit and comfort for a wearer. According to an exemplary embodiment, elastic members  525   a ,  525  may have at least two elastic portions  9   a ,  9   b  that have different tensions to provide the tension to the belly region  522  or waist portion  524  of the absorbent articled. 
     In another embodiment, absorbent article  500  may be folded over along the belly region  522  or waist portion  524  to reduce the rise of the absorbent article  500  to a more comfortable height and minimize the possibility of absorbent article  500  from slipping. For example, elastic member  525   a  may be folded above or below elastic member  525   b  to decrease the height of the absorbent article  500 . 
     As will be described in further detail below, in an exemplary embodiment, elastic portion  525   a ,  525   b  includes lycra or other stretchable elastic strands of various weight and thicknesses (e.g., decitex) to provide different tensions and/or regions of the absorbent article  500  with different or similar compression. For example, elastic tensions may range from 200 to 380% elongation. In another embodiment, the area directly above elastic portion  525   b  which may be positioned at the waist may include perforations to facilitate tearing, trimming, or separation of a portion of the absorbent article  500 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an enlarged section of absorbent article  500  is illustrated. Elastic portion may be include traditional elastic stands in the belly area of absorbent article  500  (such as protective underwear) in such a manner to provide varying degrees of tension along the belly region  522 . For example, elastic members  525   a ,  525   b  may include four elastic strands  70   a l  7   b  with  620  dtex to provide 225% elongation in a direction of the waist opening  2 . It is contemplated that the elastic strands may be spaced apart from each other at a distance of about 0.25 to 0.5 inch to provide different the 2250% elongation. Alternatively, varying the dtex of the elastic stands or the number of strands may provide the desired elongation for the specific regions on the absorbent article  500 . For example, top 20 mm of elastic member  525   a  may be above standard belly elastics of the absorbent article  500  and the elastic decitex may range from 540 to 940 dtex (or as desired for the specific design). It is contemplated that other spacing distances and decitex may be used. The benefits of such design include improved fit, greater feeling of security, and reduced instance of leakage for a wearer. 
     It is contemplated that any number of elastic regions may be provided on the absorbent articled  500  to alternative between regions of high or low tension. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the chassis region  527  includes five elastic strands  80 , thereby provided a region of higher tension than elastic members  525   a ,  525   b . It is contemplated that varying the number of elastic strands  70   a ,  70   b ,  80 , distance between the strands  70   a ,  70   b ,  80 , and/or decitex of the strands  70   a ,  70   b ,  80  can provide for different regions of tension. The tension areas may or may not be of equal number of elastic strands  70   a ,  70   b ,  80 , elastic weight % (decitex), or spacing. Furthermore, belly region  522  can alternate between regions of high tension and low tension to provide a greater sense of security of the absorbent article  500  when worn. For example, a portion of belly region  522  including five lycra strands at 800 dtex and 0.5 inch spacing between strands may provide 340% elongation and an adjacent portion of belly region  522  including four lycra strands at 620 dtex and 0.4 inch spacing may provide 300% elongation. It is contemplated that the elastic members  70   a ,  70   b ,  80  are generally made of non-woven material, but can also be made of woven stretch material. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an absorbent article  800  according another exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The absorbent article  800  includes means for reducing the rise of the chassis on the wearer. The rise reducing means is optionally defined in the belly region of the chassis at a location between the waist opening and the tensioner, but other locations are contemplated as well. Various rise reducing means are contemplated, and suitable structures for reducing the rise of the chassis on the wearer include perforations, fold lines, discontinuities, areas of weakness, printed or otherwise applied indicia, and other structures that facilitate the reduction of the rise of the chassis by removing a portion of the chassis or by permanently or temporarily deforming the chassis. 
     Referring to the embodiment of absorbent article  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the rise reducing means comprises perforations  829  extending substantially parallel to the waist opening  2  to reduce the rise of the chassis on the wearer. The perforations  829  may be defined in the belly region  822  of the chassis at a location between the waist opening  2  and the tensioner  20 . When absorbent article  800  is worn by a wearer, an upper portion of the belly region  822  may rise over the waist of the wearer and the upper portion may be separated from the absorbent article  800  as desired by the wearer to provide a second rise, lower than the first rise to increase comfort for the wearer. 
     Alternatively, and according to another embodiment, the upper portion of the belly region  822  may be folded over so that elastic member  825  is below tensioner  20  to minimize the rise of the chassis. Advantages of an absorbent article  800  having perforations  829  and/or a fold line includes increased comfort and improved fit for a wearer. 
     Although the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications, and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.