Patent Publication Number: US-9844477-B2

Title: Absorbent articles and method for manufacturing the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/624,851, filed Nov. 24, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles and methods for manufacturing the same, and more particularly relates to absorbent products comprising absorbent articles packaged for individual sale and methods for manufacturing the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Absorbent articles, such as diapers, for example, can be sold individually. At times, these absorbent articles are sold individually in lower income countries or in areas where consumers cannot afford to purchase an entire package of absorbent articles at a given time. In such an instance, a retailer may open the package of the absorbent articles and then sell individual absorbent articles to consumers at a lower cost than the entire package of the absorbent articles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, an absorbent product comprises a backsheet having a first lateral end edge, a second lateral end edge, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The absorbent product further comprises a first longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the second longitudinal side edge, a first lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge, and a second lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge. The absorbent product further comprises a topsheet connected with the backsheet, and an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article has an outer perimeter defined by the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness and the first and second lateral lines of weakness and a removable trim region defined by an area of the backsheet between the outer perimeter of the absorbent article and the first and second longitudinal side edges and the first and second lateral end edges. The backsheet is folded along a lateral axis such that the first lateral end edge is connected with the second lateral end edge, a first portion of the first longitudinal side edge is connected with a second portion of the first longitudinal side edge, and a first portion of the second longitudinal side edge is connected with a second portion of the second longitudinal side edge. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, a method for manufacturing an absorbent product comprises the steps of advancing a continuous substrate through a converting line and combining the substrate with a topsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the substrate. The method further comprises cutting the substrate to form a backsheet having a first lateral end edge, a second lateral end edge, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The method further comprises folding the backsheet along a lateral axis and connecting the first lateral end edge with the second lateral end edge, connecting a first portion of the first longitudinal side edge with a second portion of the first longitudinal side edge, and connecting a first portion of the second longitudinal side edge with a second portion of the second longitudinal side edge. The method further comprises creating a first longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the first longitudinal end edge, creating a second longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the second longitudinal end edge, creating a first lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge, and creating a second lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge. The lines of weakness define an outer perimeter of an absorbent article comprising the absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A removable trim region is defined by an area of the backsheet between the outer perimeter of the absorbent article, the first and second longitudinal side edges, and the first and second lateral end edges. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a backsheet used in making an absorbent product according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the backsheet of  FIG. 1 , a topsheet, and an absorbent core used in making an absorbent product according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an absorbent product folded about a lateral axis according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of  FIG. 3 , with various lines of weakness and seals formed in the absorbent product according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the absorbent product of  FIG. 4  with various lines of weakness and seals formed in the absorbent product according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of  FIG. 4  with a removable trim region of the absorbent product partially removed from an absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the absorbent product of  FIG. 4  with a removable trim region fully removed from an absorbent article, the absorbent article is illustrated in a folded configuration, according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the removable trim region of  FIG. 4  fully separated from the absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a butt seam formed on an absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an overlap seam formed on an absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an absorbent product according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the absorbent product of  FIG. 11  folded about a lateral axis according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view of the absorbent product of  FIG. 11  folded about a lateral axis according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of  FIGS. 12 and 13  with removable trim regions partially separated from an absorbent article formed in the absorbent product according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of the absorbent article formed from the absorbent product of  FIGS. 12 and 13  after the removable trim regions are fully separated from an absorbent article, with the absorbent article is in a folded configuration, according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 15  in an unfolded configuration according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the removable trim regions of  FIG. 14  after they have been fully separated from the absorbent article according to one non-limiting embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be appreciated that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. It is also to be appreciated that such features can be combined with features of the absorbent articles and methods of manufacture disclosed in the U.S. patent application entitled “ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME,” filed Nov. 24, 2009, and identified as Ser. No. 12/624,822. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Absorbent articles, such as diapers, training diapers, pull-up pants, incontinence briefs, and undergarments, for example, may be sold individually in various areas or countries, such as in lower income countries or areas, for example. When selling the absorbent articles individually, a retailer opens a package of the absorbent articles, which are not packaged individually. To protect the individual absorbent articles from contaminants, bacteria, and/or dirt forming thereon, after the package is opened, individual absorbent products that maintain wearer facing surfaces of the individual absorbent articles in a sanitary condition prior to use can be provided. In one embodiment, the individual absorbent products can be sealed about at least a portion of an outer perimeter, for example, to maintain the wearer facing surfaces of the individual absorbent articles in a sanitary condition prior to use. 
     In various embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , an absorbent product  10 , which can be individually sealed, can comprise a chassis  12 , which may comprise a main body of the absorbent product  10 . The chassis  12  can also comprise an outer covering including a liquid pervious topsheet  14  and/or a liquid impervious backsheet  16 . The topsheet  14  can comprise a wearer facing surface  15  and the backsheet  16  can comprise a garment facing surface  17 . The chassis  12  can comprise an absorbent core  18  positioned intermediate the topsheet  14  and the backsheet  16 . Stated another way, the absorbent core  18  can be sandwiched intermediate the topsheet  14  and the backsheet  16  (see e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the chassis  12  can be folded about a lateral axis  19  such that a first portion  20  of the chassis  12  can be positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, (i.e., folded over) a second portion  22  of the chassis  12 . In such an embodiment, the first and second portions  20  and  22  can form a first waist region  24  comprising laterally opposing ends  25 , a second waist region  27  comprising laterally opposing ends  29 , and a crotch region  26  longitudinally intermediate of the first and second waist regions  24  and  27 . In one embodiment, the first and second waist regions  24  and  27  may comprise elastic elements such that they gather about a waist of a wearer to provide improved fit and containment of urine and other body exudates, for example. The crotch region  26  is the portion of the absorbent product  10  which is generally positioned between the wearer&#39;s legs. 
     While the topsheet  14 , the backsheet  16 , and the absorbent core  18  may be assembled in a variety of configurations, some configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145, entitled “Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone Structural Elastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature”, issued to Roe et al. on Sep. 10, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234, entitled “Disposable Pull-On Pant”, issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306, entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional Extensible Side Panels”, issued to Robles et al. on Dec. 21, 1999. 
     In one embodiment, the topsheet  14  of  FIG. 2  may be fully or partially elasticized or may be foreshortened to provide a void space between the topsheet  14  and the absorbent core  18 . Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elastically Extensible Topsheet”, issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775, entitled “Trisection Topsheets for Disposable Absorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets”, issued to Freeland et al. on Dec. 14, 1993. 
     In one embodiment, the absorbent core  18  may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer&#39;s skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, such as urine and other certain body exudates, for example. The absorbent core  18  may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as comminuted wood pulp, for example, which is generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials comprise creped cellulose wadding; melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of materials. The absorbent core  18  may further comprise minor amounts (typically less than 10%) of non-liquid absorbent materials, such as adhesives, waxes, oils, and the like, for example. 
     Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core  18  are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678, entitled “High-Density Absorbent Structures”, issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, entitled “High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones”, issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231, entitled “Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer”, issued to Angstadt on Dec. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345, entitled “Absorbent Foam Materials for Aqueous Body Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing Such Materials”, issued to DesMarais et al. on Nov. 9, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207, entitled “Thin-Unit-Wet Absorbent Foam Materials for Aqueous Body Fluids and Process for Making Same”, issued to Dyer et al. on Feb. 7, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,316, entitled “Slitted Absorbent Members for Aqueous Body Fluids Formed of Expandable Absorbent Materials”, issued to LaVon et al. on Mar. 14, 1995. 
     In one embodiment, the backsheet  16  may be joined with the topsheet  14  at least around portions of the outer perimeters of the backsheet  16  and the topsheet  14 , thereby sandwiching the absorbent core  18  therebetween. The backsheet  16  can prevent, or at least inhibit, any exudates absorbed by the absorbent core  18  and contained within the absorbent product  10  from soiling other external articles that may contact the absorbent product  10 , such as bed sheets, pants, garments, and/or undergarments, for example. In one embodiment, the backsheet  16  may be substantially impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and may comprise a laminate of a nonwoven and a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm, for example. Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape through the backsheet  16  while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet  16 . Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan, under the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex., under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materials comprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746, published on Jun. 22, 1995, in the name of E. I. DuPont. Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096, entitled “Absorbent Article Having Breathable Side Panels”, issued to Dobrin et al. on Nov. 5, 1996. 
     The absorbent product  10  may also comprise other features, such as front and rear ear panels, waist cap features, elastic, and other suitable components, for example, to provide a better fit, better containment, and more pleasant aesthetic characteristics. Various additional features are described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, entitled “Contractable Side Portions for Disposable Diaper”, issued to Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092, entitled “Absorbent Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having a Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge”, issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992. 
     In one embodiment, referring again to  FIGS. 1-5 , the backsheet  16  can comprise a first lateral end edge  28 , a second lateral end edge  30 , a first longitudinal side edge  32 , and a second longitudinal side edge  34 . The first lateral end edge  28  can oppose the second lateral end edge  30  such that when the first portion  20  of the absorbent product  10  is folded about the lateral axis  19  over the second portion  22  of the absorbent product  10 , the first lateral end edge  28  can be positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, the second lateral end edge  30 . In one embodiment, the first longitudinal side edge  32  can oppose the second longitudinal side edge  34 . When the first portion  20  of the absorbent product  10  is folded over the second portion  22  of the absorbent product  10  about the lateral axis  19 , the first longitudinal side edge  32  can be folded over itself such that a first portion of the first longitudinal side edge  32  is positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, a second portion of the first longitudinal side edge  32 . Likewise, the second longitudinal side edge  34  can be folded over itself such that a first portion of the second longitudinal side edge  34  is positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, a second portion of the second longitudinal side edge  34 . 
     Further to the above, referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , a seal  38  can be formed partially about an outer perimeter  40 , or inboard of the outer perimeter  40 , of the absorbent product  10  to seal the first portion  20  to the second portion  22  and help maintain an absorbent article  42  formed within the absorbent product  10  in a sanitary condition prior to being positioned on a wearer. In one embodiment, the seal  38  may not extend through the crotch region  26  of the absorbent product  10 , as the crotch region  26  will already be sealed owing to the folding of the first portion  20  over the second portion  22  about the lateral axis  19 . The seal  38  can be formed by applying an adhesive near or on the outer perimeter of the first portion  20  and/or the second portion  22  and then applying pressure to the absorbent product  10  to cause the adhesive to seal the first portion  20  to the second portion  22 . In other embodiments, the seal  38  can be formed by melting at least a segment of the outer perimeters, or at least a segment proximate to the outer perimeters, of the first and second portions  20  and  22  together using a suitable heating or melting device. It is to be appreciated that other suitable seals and/or methods of sealing are within the scope of the present disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, a separate waist seal  36  can be used to permanently join opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  24  and opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waist region  27  to form a waist within the absorbent article  42 . 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the first portion  20  of the absorbable product  10  and  FIG. 5  is a rear view of the second portion  22  of the absorbent product  10 . In various embodiments, lines of weakness can be formed in the absorbent product  10  such that a removable trim region  44  can be separated from the absorbent article  42  formed within the absorbent product  10 . The removable trim region  44  can comprise the seal  38  thereon. The seal  38  can be defined by having an entire length of the first lateral end edge  28  connected with an entire length of the second lateral end edge  30 , an entire length of the first portion of the first longitudinal side edge  32  connected with an entire length of the second portion of the first longitudinal side edge  32 , and an entire length of the first portion of the second longitudinal side edge  34  connected with an entire length of the second portion of the second longitudinal side edge  34 . In other various embodiments, the seal  38  can be defined by having only segments of the entire length of the first lateral end edge  28  connected with only segments of the entire length of the second lateral end edge  30 , only segments of the entire length of the first portion of the first longitudinal side edge  32  connected with only segments of the entire length of the second portion of the first longitudinal side edge  32 , and only segments of the entire length of the first portion of the second longitudinal side edge  34  connected with only segments of the entire length of the second portion of the second longitudinal side edge  34 . When referring to a connection at an “end edge” or at a “side edge,” these terms can also mean proximate to the end edge or proximate to the side edge, respectively. It is to be appreciated that other seal configurations can also be provided and that such seal configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , the removable trim region  44  can surround the absorbent article  42 , with the exception of the crotch region  26 , to maintain the absorbent article  42 , or the wearer facing surface  15 , in a sealed, sanitary condition prior to use by the wearer. The removable trim region  44  can have an area formed between an outer perimeter of the absorbent article  42 , the first and second longitudinal side edges  32  and  34 , and the first and second lateral end edges  28  and  30 . The removable trim region  44  can be configured to be separated from the absorbent article  42  about the lines of weakness formed in the absorbent product  10 . After the removable trim region  44  is separated from the absorbent article  42 , the removable trim region  44  can be discarded and the absorbent article  42  can be positioned on the wearer. In one embodiment, the removable trim region  44  can comprise a portion of the backsheet  16 . In other embodiments, the removable trim region  44  can comprise a portion of the top sheet  14 , a portion of the backsheet  16 , and/or a portion of the absorbent core  18 . In one embodiment, the removable trim region  44  can have lines of weakness defined therein such that it can be readily separated from the absorbent article  42  in portions or sections. 
     In one embodiment, a first portion of an absorbent article can be folded over a second portion of the absorbent article about a lateral axis of the absorbent article. In such an embodiment, a region of an outer perimeter of the first portion of the absorbent article can be attached to a region of an outer perimeter of the second portion of the absorbent article using an adhesive or a melting technique, for example. Such attachment can help maintain a wearer facing surface of the absorbent article in a sanitary condition prior to use. In one embodiment, the areas of attachment of the region of the outer perimeter of the first portion to the region of the outer perimeter of the second portion can form lines of weakness in the absorbent article. In this embodiment, a user can merely pull the first portion away from the second portion to cause the various lines of weakness to separate prior to use of the absorbent article. The absorbent article can then be placed on a wearer. In such an embodiment, the removable trim region  44  is not required. 
     In yet another embodiment, certain portions of the absorbent article may be perforated such that upon tearing of the perforation (or line of weakness), the trim remains connected with the absorbent article. For example, only the first waist includes a line of weakness, such that upon removal of trim from the first waist region along the line of weakness, trim along the second waist region would remain connected. In another example, only the side edges on the front or rear side of the absorbent article include lines of weakness, such that upon removal of trim from the front or rear side along the line of weakness, trim on the opposing side would remain connected. 
     In various embodiments, still referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , a first longitudinal line of weakness  46  can be formed in the absorbent product  10  laterally inboard of the first longitudinal side edge  32  and a second longitudinal line of weakness  48  can be formed in the absorbent product  10  laterally inboard of the second longitudinal side edge  34 . In one embodiment, a first lateral line of weakness  50  can be formed in the absorbent product  10  longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge  28  and a second lateral line of weakness  52  (see,  FIG. 5 ) can be formed in the absorbent product  10  longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge  30 . In various embodiments, the first and second lateral lines of weakness  50  and  52  may be connected to or intersect with the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness  46  and  48 . The various lines of weakness can include scored portions in the absorbent product  10 , perforated portions in the absorbent product  10 , and/or thin or weak portions in the absorbent product  10 , for example. In any event, the various lines of weakness can allow the removable trim region  44  to easily be separated from, torn away from, or removed from, the absorbent article  42 . The absorbent article  42  with the removable trim region  44  separated therefrom is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 8 , the removable trim region  44  is illustrated after being separated from the absorbent article  42 . 
     In one embodiment, opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  24  can be permanently connected with opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waist region  27  to form an absorbent article. In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 9 , opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  24  can be permanently connected to opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waist region  27  using a butt seam  54  to form absorbent article  42 ′. In other various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 10 , the opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  24  can be permanently connected with the opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waste region  27  using an overlap seam  56  to form absorbent article  42 ″. In the butt seam embodiment and the overlap seam embodiment, the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness  50  and  52  can define leg openings in the absorbent article  42 . More particularly, the first longitudinal line of weakness  50  can define a first leg opening and the second longitudinal line of weakness  52  can define a second leg opening. It is to be appreciated that other suitable seams can also be used with the absorbent article  42  of the present disclosure to attach the opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  25  to the opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waist region  27 . 
     In still other various embodiments, in order to keep the absorbent article  42  in place about the wearer, a fastening system (not illustrated) can be used to releasably connect the opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  24  to the opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waist region  27  to form leg openings and an absorbent article waist. When fastened, the fastening system carries a tensile load around the absorbent article waist. In one embodiment, the fastening system can be designed to allow a user to hold one element of the fastening system and connect the opposing lateral end portions  25  of the first waist region  24  to the opposing lateral end portions  29  of the second waist region  27 . The absorbent articles  42  according to the present disclosure may be provided with a re-closable fastening system or may alternatively be provided in the form of pant-type absorbent articles, such as diapers, for example. The fastening system and any component thereof may include any material suitable for such a use, including but not limited to plastics, films, foams, nonwoven webs, woven webs, paper, laminates, fiber reinforced plastics and the like, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the materials that make up the fastening system may be flexible. The flexibility of the materials is designed to allow the fastening system to conform to the shape of the wearer&#39;s body and thus, reduce the likelihood that the fastening system will irritate or injure the wearer&#39;s skin. 
     In other various embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to  FIGS. 11-14 , an absorbent product  110  is provided. In one embodiment, the absorbent product  110  can comprise a chassis  112 , similar to chassis  12  described above, which may comprise a main body of the absorbent product  110 . The chassis  112  can also comprise an outer covering including a liquid pervious topsheet  114  and/or a liquid impervious backsheet  116 . The topsheet  114  can comprise a wearer facing surface  115  and the backsheet  116  can comprise a garment facing surface  117 . In one embodiment, the topsheet  114  and the backsheet  116  can be similar to the topsheet  14  and the backsheet  16  discussed above. An absorbent core (not illustrated) can be formed or positioned in the chassis  112  intermediate the topsheet  114  and the backsheet  116 , similar to the absorbent core  18  discussed above. In one embodiment, the chassis  112  can be folded about a lateral axis  119  such that a first portion  120  of the chassis  112  can be positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, (i.e., folded over) a second portion  122  of the chassis  112 . In such an embodiment, the first and second portions  120  and  122  of the chassis  112  can form a first waist region  124 , a second waist region  127 , and a crotch region  126  longitudinally intermediate of the first and second waist regions  124  and  127 . In one embodiment, the first and second waist regions  124  and  127  may comprise elastic elements such that they gather about the waist of the wearer to provide improved fit and containment. The crotch region  126  is the portion of the absorbent product  110  which is generally positioned between the wearer&#39;s legs. 
     In addition to the above discussed features, referring to  FIGS. 12-16 , the first waist region  124  can comprise first and second ears  158  and  158 ′, wherein each ear can extend outwardly from an absorbent article  142 , and the second waist region  127  can comprise third and fourth ears  160  and  160 ′, wherein each ear can extend outwardly from the absorbent article  142 . The first waist region  124  can comprise opposing lateral ends  125  and the second waist region  127  can comprise opposing lateral ends  129 . In one embodiment, a first fastener  162  can be positioned on or attached to the first ear  158  and a second fastener  164  can be positioned on the second ear  158 ′. Of course, the third and fourth ears  160  and  160 ′ can also comprise first and second fasteners, for example. In one embodiment, the third ear  160  and the fourth ear  160 ′ can each comprise a material configured to be attached to a portion of the first and second fasteners  162  and  164 . In one embodiment, the first and second fasteners  162  and  164  can comprise a material comprising a plurality of loops, while the material of the third and fourth ears  160  and  160 ′ can comprise a plurality of hooks, for example. In other embodiments, the first and second fasteners  162  and  164  can comprise an adhesive configured to be attached to portions of the third and fourth ears  160  and  160 ′. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 11-14 , the absorbent product  110 , the topsheet  114 , and/or the backsheet  116  can comprise a first lateral end edge  128  and a second lateral end edge  130 . The first lateral end edge  128  can oppose the second lateral end edge  130  when the first portion  120  of the absorbent product  110  is not folded over the second portion  122  of the absorbent product  110  about the lateral axis  119  and the first lateral end edge  128  can be positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, the second lateral end edge  130  when the first and second portions  120  and  122  of the absorbent product  110  are folded about the lateral axis  119 . In one embodiment, the absorbent product  110  can also comprise a first longitudinal side edge  132  that can oppose a second longitudinal side edge  134  when the absorbent portion  110  is not folded about the lateral axis  119 . When the first portion  120  of the absorbent product  110  is folded over the second portion  122  of the absorbent product  110  about the lateral axis  119 , the first longitudinal side edge  132  can be folded over itself such that a first portion of the first longitudinal side edge  132  can be positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, a second portion of the first longitudinal side edge  132 . Likewise, the second longitudinal side edge  134  can be folded over itself such that a first portion of the second longitudinal side edge  134  can be positioned adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, a second portion of the second longitudinal side edge  134 . 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 12-14 , a first longitudinal line of weakness  146  can be formed in the absorbent product  110  laterally inboard of the first longitudinal side edge  132  and a second longitudinal line of weakness  148  can be formed in the absorbent product  110  laterally inboard of the second longitudinal side edge  134 . In one embodiment, a first lateral line of weakness  150  can be formed in the absorbent product  110  longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge  128  (see,  FIG. 13 ) and a second lateral line of weakness  152  can be formed in the absorbent product  110  longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge  130 . In various embodiments, although not illustrated, the first and second lateral lines of weakness  150  and  152  may be connected to or may intersect with the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness  146  and  148 . In other embodiments, the first lateral line of weakness  150  can terminate proximate to the first ear  158  on a first end and can terminate proximate to the second ear  158 ′ on a second end. Similarly, the second lateral line of weakness  152  can terminate proximate to the third ear  160  on a first end and can terminate proximate to the fourth ear  160 ′ on a second end. In one embodiment, the first longitudinal line of weakness  146  can terminate proximate to the first ear  158  at a first end and can terminate proximate to the third ear  160  at a second end. Likewise, the second longitudinal line of weakness  148  can terminate proximate to the second ear  158 ′ at a first end and can terminate proximate to the fourth ear  160 ′ at a second end. 
     As a result of the above, three removable trim regions can be formed in the absorbent product  110  when the absorbent product  110  is folded about the lateral axis  119 . In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 12-14 and 17 , a first removable trim region  144  can be formed intermediate the first and second lateral lines of weakness  150  and  152  and the first and second lateral end edges  128  and  130 . A second removable trim region  144 ′ can be formed intermediate the first longitudinal line of weakness  146  and the first longitudinal side edge  132 . A third removable trim region  144 ″ can be formed intermediate the second longitudinal line of weakness  148  and the second longitudinal side edge  134 . Similar to the removable trim region  44  discussed above, each of the first, second, and third removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″ can each comprise a seal  138 . The seal  138  can be similar to the seal  38  discussed above. In one embodiment, the seal  138  can extend along an entire length of each of the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″. In other embodiments, the seal  138  can extend along a portion of the entire length of the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″. In such an embodiment, owing to the seal  138 , the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″ can maintain the wearer facing surface  115  of the absorbent article  142  in a sanitary condition while the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″ are attached to the absorbent article  142 . 
     The various lines of weakness  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152  can comprise scored portions in the absorbent product  110 , perforated portions in the absorbent product  110 , and/or thin or weak portions in the absorbent product  110 , for example. In any event, referring to  FIG. 14 , prior to use of the absorbent article  142 , the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″ can be separated from, removed from, and/or torn away from the absorbent article  142  about the various lines of weakness and discarded. The absorbent article  142  can then be positioned on a wearer. In one embodiment, the absorbent article  142  is illustrated in  FIG. 15  in a folded configuration with the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″ separated therefrom. In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 16 , the absorbent article  142  is illustrated in an unfolded configuration. In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 17 , the removable trim regions  144 ,  144 ′, and  144 ″ are illustrated after being removed from the absorbent product  142 . 
     In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an absorbent product can comprise the steps of advancing a continuous substrate through a converting line and combining the substrate with a topsheet and an absorbent core. In such an embodiment, the absorbent core can be disposed between the topsheet and the substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate can then be cut to form a backsheet having a first lateral end edge, a second lateral end edge, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The backsheet and/or the backsheet, the absorbent core, and the topsheet can then be folded about a lateral axis to position the first lateral end edge adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, the second lateral end edge, to position a first portion of the first longitudinal side edge adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, a second portion of the first longitudinal side edge, and to position a first portion of the second longitudinal side edge adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, a second portion of the second longitudinal side edge. After such positioning, the first lateral end edge can be connected to the second lateral end edge, the first portion of the first longitudinal side edge can be connected to the second portion of the first longitudinal side edge, and the first portion of the second longitudinal side edge can be connected to the second portion of the second longitudinal side edge. The connection between the various portions can comprise a seal, such as a heat seal or an adhesive seal, for example. A first longitudinal line of weakness can then be created laterally inboard of the first longitudinal end edge, a second longitudinal line of weakness can be created laterally inboard of the second longitudinal end edge, a first lateral line of weakness can be created longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge, and a second lateral line of weakness can be created longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge. In one embodiment, the various lines of weakness can define an outer perimeter of an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A removable trim region can be defined by an area of the backsheet between the outer perimeter of the absorbent article and the first and second longitudinal side edges and the first and second lateral end edges. 
     Further to the above, in one embodiment, the absorbent article can comprise a diaper having a wearer facing surface defined by the topsheet and a garment facing surface defined by the backsheet. The absorbent article can have longitudinally opposing first and second waist regions adjacent to, or substantially adjacent to, the first and second lateral lines of weakness and a crotch region longitudinally intermediate of the first and second waist regions. Opposing lateral end portions of the first waist region can be connected with opposing lateral end portions of the second waist region to form a waist opening. In one embodiment, the connection between the first and second waist regions can comprise overlap seams or butt seams, for example. In one embodiment, the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness can define leg openings in the absorbent article. In an embodiment where the absorbent article comprises ears, first and second ears can be connected to the first waist region. The first and second ears can be configured to releasably connect to the second waist region, or ears formed thereon, to form a waist opening in the absorbent article. 
     In one embodiment, the various lines of weakness can be formed in the backsheet or in the backsheet, the topsheet, and/or the absorbent core by perforating the backsheet or by perforating the backsheet, the topsheet, and/or the absorbent core using a perforating device or a cutting member, for example. In other embodiments, the various lines of weakness can be formed in the backsheet or formed in the backsheet, the topsheet, and/or the absorbent core by scoring the backsheet or by scoring the backsheet, the topsheet, and/or the absorbent core using a scoring device, for example. In one embodiment, the first and second lateral lines of weakness can be connected to or can intersect with the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness. 
     In one embodiment, the first portion of the absorbent product and the second portion of the absorbent product can be sealed to each other within the area of the removable trim region or, in other embodiments, within the areas of the removable trim regions. In one example embodiment, an entire length of the first lateral end edge can be sealed with an entire length of the second lateral end edge; an entire length of the first portion can be sealed with an entire length of the second portion of the first longitudinal side edge; and an entire length of the first portion can be sealed with an entire length of the second portion of the second longitudinal side edge. In other embodiments, the seal can be intermittent along various portions of the removable trim regions, for example. In such an embodiment, the intermittent seal can join the first portion of the absorbent product with the second portion of the absorbent product such that a wearer facing surface of the absorbent article can remain in a sanitary condition prior to use of the absorbent article. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.