Patent Publication Number: US-2013230835-A1

Title: Method for Simplifying the Donning of Refastenable Disposable Absorbent Articles

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Many absorbent articles intended for personal wear, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, bandages, medical garments and the like, are designed to be sufficiently absorbent to pull moisture from liquid body exudates including urine, menses, blood, etc. away from the wearer to reduce skin irritation caused by prolonged wetness exposure. 
     Training pants and adult incontinence products can come pre-assembled in a wear configuration to more closely resemble conventional underpants. In particular, front and back waist regions of such training pants are typically attached at a seam either permanently or refastenably (such as by a primary fastening system) to define a wear configuration of the pants having a waist opening and leg openings. 
     For such articles where the attachment is refastenable, such as diapers, training pants, and incontinence underwear, a caregiver can find such articles difficult to apply to the subject without removing the subject&#39;s shoes and bottom garments. This is particularly applicable to active children of toilet training age, and of adults of limited mobility. Similarly, an individual caring for himself or herself can find such articles difficult to apply to himself or herself without removing his or her shoes and bottom garments. Although attempts have been made to develop techniques by which a garment can be applied to a user without the need to remove shoes and bottom garments, such techniques have been inadequate. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for applying a refastenable absorbent article to a subject. In one embodiment of the method, the article has first and second transverse sides, the first transverse side having first front and back side panels and the second transverse side having second front and back side panels. The method includes configuring the article such that the first transverse side is open and such that the second transverse side is closed; thereafter positioning the first front and back side panels around a first leg such that the first front side panel meets the first back side panel, and thereafter fastening the first front side panel to the first back side panel; thereafter opening the second transverse side; thereafter positioning the second front and back side panels around a second leg such that the second front side panel meets the second back side panel, and thereafter fastening the second front side panel to the second back side panel; and thereafter drawing the article up into a wear position on the subject. 
     In particular embodiments, the positioning around the first and second legs includes positioning around the first and second thighs, respectively. In particular embodiments, the positioning around the first and second thighs occurs while the subject is sitting. In particular embodiments, the configuring includes beginning with a configuration in which both the first and second transverse sides are closed, and thereafter opening the first transverse side. In particular embodiments, the article comprises a first waist region and second waist region, and the configuring comprises separating the first waist region from the second waist region by tearing along one or more lines of perforations. 
     In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for simplifying the application of a refastenable absorbent article to a subject. In one embodiment of the method, the article has first and second transverse sides, the first transverse side having first front and back side panels and the second transverse side having second front and back side panels. The method includes manufacturing a plurality of refastenable absorbent articles, and assembling the plurality of articles into a package. The method further includes instructing a consumer to configure the article such that the first transverse side is open and such that the second transverse side is closed; to position the first front and back side panels around a first leg such that the first front side panel meets the first back side panel, and to thereafter fasten the first front side panel to the first back side panel; to thereafter open the second transverse side; and to thereafter position the second front and back side panels around a second leg such that the second front side panel meets the second back side panel, and to thereafter fasten the second front side panel to the second back side panel. 
     In particular embodiments, the plurality of refastenable absorbent articles are assembled into the package in a closed configuration. In other embodiments, the plurality of refastenable absorbent articles are assembled into the package in an open configuration. In particular embodiments, the instructing includes providing graphic images, such as graphic images disposed on the package. Particular embodiments further comprise instructing the consumer to tear along a line of weakness so as to configure the article such that the first transverse side is open and such that the second transverse side is closed. 
     In another embodiment, the method includes providing a first graphic image associated with the package illustrating positioning the first front and back side panels around the first leg such that the first front side panel meets the first back side panel, wherein the second transverse side is depicted as closed; providing a second graphic image associated with the package illustrating opening the second transverse side; and providing a third graphic image associated with the package illustrating positioning the second front and back side panels around the second leg such that the second front side panel meets the second back side panel. The first graphic image is shown sequentially before the second graphic image, and the second graphic image is shown sequentially before the third graphic image. Particular embodiments of the method further include providing a fourth graphic image associated with the package illustrating drawing the article up into a wear position on the subject, and at least one of the graphic images includes a depiction of the subject without bottom garments removed. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a package including secondary information for simplifying the application of a refastenable absorbent article to a subject. In particular embodiments, the article has first and second transverse sides, the first transverse side having first front and back side panels and the second transverse side having second front and back side panels. The package includes an outer surface; a plurality of refastenable absorbent articles disposed within the package; a first graphic image associated with the package illustrating positioning the first front and back side panels around a first leg such that the first front side panel meets the first back side panel, wherein the second transverse side is depicted as closed; a second graphic image associated with the package illustrating opening the second transverse side; and a third graphic image associated with the package illustrating positioning the second front and back side panels around a second leg such that the second front side panel meets the second back side panel. The first graphic image is shown sequentially before the second graphic image, and the second graphic image is shown sequentially before the third graphic image. In particular embodiments, each refastenable absorbent article of the plurality of refastenable absorbent articles is disposed within the package in a closed configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be more fully understood, and further features will become apparent, when reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of one example of a garment suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention, the garment shown in a prefastened, pant-like configuration. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a plan view of the garment of  FIG. 1 , the garment shown in an unfastened, laid-open, relaxed configuration. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side perspective view of another example of a garment suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention, the garment shown in a partially prefastened, pant-like configuration. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a section of a manufacturing method suitable for making garments akin to the garment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top view of another embodiment of a section of a manufacturing method suitable for making certain garments suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a section of a manufacturing method suitable for making garments akin to the garment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a package of refastenable absorbent garments, the package including exemplary instructional graphic images. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a garment similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , depicted with both refastenable side seams closed. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the garment of  FIG. 8A , but with the left refastenable side seam open and the right refastenable side seam closed. 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of the garment of  FIG. 8A , but with the right refastenable side seam open and the left refastenable side seam closed. 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of a garment of  FIG. 8D , but with both refastenable side seams open, and the garment shown in a laid-open, relaxed configuration. 
         FIGS. 9A-9G  are representative depictions of various stages of applying a refastenable garment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10A-10G  are representative depictions of various stages of applying a refastenable garment in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A-11F  are a series of representative instructional graphic images as can be disposed on the package of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure. The drawings are representational and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof might be exaggerated, while others might be minimized. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a method of applying a refastenable absorbent article to a subject; to a method for simplifying the application of a refastenable absorbent article to a subject; and to a package including secondary information for simplifying the application of a refastenable absorbent article to a subject. Reference to the Figures shall be made in describing various embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the embodiments depicted in the Figures and described herein are merely representative examples of the method of the invention. The various embodiments of the invention are suitable for use in conjunction with disposable absorbent garments such as refastenable adult incontinence underwear, prefastened disposable diapers, refastenable disposable training pants or swim pants, refastenable disposable enuresis garments, and the like. For illustration purposes, various embodiments of the present method invention shall be described in conjunction with refastenable incontinence underwear. 
     Within the context of this specification, each term or phrase below will include the following meaning or meanings. Additional terms are defined elsewhere in the specification. 
     “Attached” refers to the joining, adhering, bonding, connecting, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered to be attached together when they are attached directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly attached to intermediate elements. 
     “Disposable” refers to articles which are designed to be discarded after a limited use rather than being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. 
     “Elastomeric” refers to a material or composite which can be elongated by at least 50% of its relaxed length and which will recover, upon release of the applied force, at least 20% of its elongation. It is generally preferred that the elastomeric material or composite be capable of being elongated by at least 100%, more preferably by at least 200%, of its relaxed length and recover, upon release of an applied force, at least 50% of its elongation. 
     “Longitudinal” and “transverse” have their customary meaning, as indicated by the longitudinal and transverse axes depicted in the Figures. The longitudinal axis lies in the plane of the article and is generally parallel to a vertical plane that bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves when the article is worn. The transverse axis lies in the plane of the article generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification. 
       FIGS. 1-2  representatively illustrate a disposable absorbent garment suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention. In particular embodiments, the garment  10  defines a longitudinal direction  12 , a longitudinal axis  11 , a transverse direction  14 , and a transverse axis  13 . The garment defines longitudinally spaced apart first and second waist edges  16 ,  18 . Each waist edge  16 ,  18  extends generally in the transverse direction  14 . In particular embodiments, the first waist edge  16  is a front waist edge, corresponding to the front of the wearer, and the back waist edge  18  is a back waist edge, corresponding to the back of the wearer. In other embodiments, the first and second waist edges  16 ,  18  instead correspond to back and front waist edges, respectively, as representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The garment includes a first waist region  20  contiguous with the first waist edge  16 . The first waist region  20  defines first and second side edges  22 ,  24  spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction  14 . The first waist region  20  defines a first surface  26  and an opposing second surface  28 . The first surface  26  can be a body-facing surface and the second surface  28  can be a clothing-facing surface, as representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 ; alternatively, the first surface  26  can be a clothing-facing surface and the second surface  28  can be a body-facing surface. The garment further includes a second waist region  40  contiguous with the second waist edge  18 . The second waist region  40  and defines first and second side edges  42 ,  44  spaced apart from each in the transverse direction  14 . The second waist region defines a first surface  46  and an opposing second surface  48 . The first surface  46  can be a body-facing surface and the second surface  48  can be a clothing-facing surface; alternatively, the first surface  46  can be a clothing-facing surface and the second surface  48  can be a body-facing surface. 
     In particular embodiments, the first waist region  20  is a front waist region, corresponding to the front of the wearer, and the second waist region  40  is a back waist edge, corresponding to the back of the wearer. In other embodiments, the first and second waist regions  20 ,  40  instead correspond to back and front waist regions, respectively, as representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The garment further includes a crotch region  50  that extends between and interconnects the first waist region  20  and the second waist region  40 . The crotch region  50  can include an absorbent composite  49 , such as an absorbent composite constructed of a fluid-absorbent core  45  of fluff and/or superabsorbent polymer sandwiched between a bodyside topsheet and a non-bodyside backsheet. Such absorbent composites are known in the art. 
     The article or garment  10  defines a first transverse side  15  and a second transverse side  17 . The first transverse side  15  includes a first front side panel  21  and a first back side panel  41 , and the second transverse side  17  includes a second front side panel  23  and a second back side panel  43 . The first front side panel  21  is bordered by the first side edge  42 , and the first back side panel  41  is bordered by the first side edge  22 . Similarly, the second front side panel  23  is bordered by the second side edge  44 , and the second back side panel  43  is bordered by the second side edge  24 . 
     In particular embodiments, the first waist region  20  is at least partially elastomeric. In addition or in the alternative, the second waist region  40  is at least partially elastomeric. In particular embodiments, the first waist region  20  is substantially continuously transversely elastomeric from the first side edge  22  to the second side edge  24 . Similarly, in particular embodiments, the second waist region  40  is substantially continuously transversely elastomeric from the first side edge  42  to the second side edge  44 . In evaluating whether a waist region is substantially continuously transversely elastomeric, the region or regions to which any fastening component (described below) or absorbent composite is attached, or regions within which bonds (such as ultrasonic, heat, or pressure bonds) or seams are present, are ignored. In particular embodiments, the first waist region  20 , the second waist region  40 , or both, comprise an elastomeric nonwoven material, and preferably consist essentially of an elastomeric nonwoven material. In particular embodiments, the elastomeric nonwoven material comprises an elastomeric film sandwiched between two nonwoven facing layers. U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,244 issued Sep. 28, 2010 to Siqueira et al. and assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. discloses particular examples of elastomeric nonwoven composites suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments, the elastomeric nonwoven material can include elastomeric threads or ribbons sandwiched between two nonwoven layers. 
     In particular embodiments, the first waist region  20  is formed by a unitary member that extends from the first side edge  22  of the first waist region  20  to the second side edge  24  of the first side region  20 . Such an embodiment is depicted at the right side of  FIG. 5 . In other embodiments, the first waist region is formed by bonding together multiple pieces of material. For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 , the first waist region  20  (which is depicted as a back waist region) is comprised of a center section (such as a relatively wide center section  30 ), a first side section  32 , and a second side section  34 . The first side section  32  is attached to the center section  30  along a first side seam  33 , and the second side section  34  is attached to the center section  30  along a second side seam  35 . In such an embodiment, when the garment  10  is positioned on a wearer, the side seams  33 ,  35  align generally with the hips of the wearer. Note that in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-2 , the first (back) waist region  20  of the garment  10 , when configured in a pant-like configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 , would actually extend forward past the hip area to partially wrap around the front waist section of the wearer. In other words, the first and second side section  32 ,  34  are considered a part of the first (back) waist region, even though they are positioned on the front waist section of the wearer when the garment is donned. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the first waist region  20  is formed by bonding opposing first and second side panels  36  and  38  to a central absorbent composite  49  along bond regions  37  and  39 , as representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . Similarly, the second waist panel is formed by bonding opposing third and fourth side panels  56  and  58  to the central absorbent composite  49  along bond regions  57  and  59 . Such a garment may be formed into a pant-like configuration by joining the side panels  36  and  38  to the side panels  56  and  58  along a pair of refastenable side seams  53 ,  55 , as representatively illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the refastenable side seams  53 ,  55  are positioned such that they would align with the wearer&#39;s hip in use (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ); in other embodiments, the refastenable side seams  53 ,  55 , are positioned such that they would align with the front of wearers hips, in the side regions of the abdomen (e.g.,  FIG. 1 , and  FIGS. 9F and 10F ). In particular embodiments, each side panel,  36 / 38 / 56 / 58  comprises an elastomeric nonwoven material, and preferably consists essentially of an elastomeric nonwoven material. In particular embodiments, the central absorbent composite  49  comprises an absorbent core  45  sandwiched between a body-side topsheet layer and a non-bodyside backsheet layer ( FIG. 6 ). 
     The garment  10  further comprises a first fastening component  60  attached to the first surface  26  of the first waist region  20  adjacent its first side edge  22 , and further comprises a second fastening component  62  attached to the first surface  26  of the first waist region  20  adjacent its second side edge  24 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the garment can optionally include first and second mating fastening components  61 ,  63 . Fastening components  60 ,  62  are adapted to releasably and refastenably engage the opposite waist region, such as by engaging the elastomeric nonwoven side panel material, or by engaging mating fastening components  61 ,  63 , respectively. Example of suitable fastening components include but are not limited to mechanical fasteners, such as hook or mushroom type fastening components. Examples of suitable mating fastening components include nonwoven fiber matrix or loop type fastening components. 
       FIGS. 4-6  representatively illustrate processes suitable for constructing disposable absorbent garments suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention, such as the garments described above. In particular embodiments, the process  80  includes providing at least a first elastomeric waist panel web  82 . The elastomeric waist panel web can comprise an elastomeric nonwoven composite, and elastomeric film/nonwoven laminate, an elastomeric filament/nonwoven, or the like. The method  80  can further include stretching the elastomeric waist panel web to create a stretched waist panel web  83 . The method  80  further comprises attaching a first fastening component  60  to the stretched waist panel web  83 . The method further includes severing (such as by cutting) the first waist panel web  82  adjacent the first fastening component  60  to create a first waist region first portion  86 . The method further includes incorporating the first waist region first portion  86  into a first waist region  20  of the garment  10 . 
     The first waist region first portion  86  can comprise the entirety of the first waist region  20 , or can comprise only a part of the first waist region  20 . For example, in the embodiment representatively illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first waist region first portion  86  comprises the entirety of the first waist region  20 , such that the first waist region  20  is defined by a unitary member that extends from the first side edge  22  of the first waist region  20  to the second side edge  24  of the first side region  20 . Alternatively, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the first waist region first portion  86  comprises only one side part of the first waist region  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in particular embodiments the process further comprises attaching a non-extensible second fastening component  62  to a stretched waist panel web, such as to the same stretched waist panel web  83  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), or to an additional waist panel web  83   a  ( FIG. 6 ). The process in this embodiment further includes severing the waist panel web  83 / 83   a  adjacent the second fastening component to create a first waist region second portion  88 , and incorporating the first waist region second portion  88  into the first waist region  20  of the garment  10 . 
     In particular embodiments, the process  80  further comprises providing a second waist panel web, such as a second elastomeric waist panel web  84 . The second elastomeric waist panel web  84  can comprise an elastomeric nonwoven composite, and elastomeric film/nonwoven laminate, an elastomeric filament/nonwoven, or the like. The method  80  can further include stretching the second elastomeric waist panel web. The method  80  can further comprise attaching a mating fastening component or components (not shown) to the second waist panel web  84 . The method further includes severing (such as by cutting) the second waist panel web  84  to create a second waist region portion  89 . The method further includes incorporating the second waist region portion  89  into a second waist region  40  of the garment  10 . 
     In the process embodiment of  FIG. 4 , edges  90 ,  92  may be permanently bonded to edges,  91 ,  93 , respectively, to form the pant-like configuration representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  as a garment  10  having side seams  33 ,  35 . In the process embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the fastening components  60 ,  62  may be refastenably engaged with the second waist region  40  in close proximity to the first and second side edges  42 ,  44 , respectively, to form a garment having a pant-like configuration. In the process embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the fastening component  60  can be refastenably engaged to the third side panel  56  and the fastening component  62  can be refastenably engaged to the fourth side panel  58  to form a garment having the pant-like configuration representatively illustrated in  FIG. 3  as a pant-like garment  10 . 
     In particular embodiments, the garments  10  are constructed and pre-assembled in their pull-on style, wear configuration, with the article fastening system releasably attaching the first and second waist regions  20 ,  40 . In particular embodiments, the garment  10  may be provided in a closed, pant-like configuration, and a user would be required to separate the first waist region  20  from the second waist region  40  by tearing along one or more lines of perforations. Examples of such articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,040 to Mlinar et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent not inconsistent herewith. In other embodiments, the garments are constructed and pre-assembled in a non-pull-on, non-prefastened configuration, akin to a traditional diaper. In still other embodiments, the garments are constructed and pre-assembled with the first transverse side  15  configured in a prefastened, closed configuration, and with the second transverse side  17  configured in a non-prefastened, open configuration. 
     In particular embodiments, the present invention is directed to a package  100  of prefastened absorbent articles  10 , representatively illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The package  100  includes a plurality of prefastened absorbent articles  10  disposed within a sealed bag, carton, or other container. The package  100  defines an interior space to receive the absorbent articles  10 . The package  100  can but need not include a window for viewing the absorbent articles  10 . In particular embodiments, the flexible package  100  has a top surface  104 , a bottom surface  108 , a front wall  112 , a back wall  116 , and a first side wall  120  and a second side wall  124 . The first side wall  120  and the second side wall  124  are opposed to each other; as are the front wall  112  and the back wall  116 , and the top surface  104  and the bottom surface  108 . As shown, the front wall  112 , the back wall  116 , the two side walls  120 ,  124 , the top surface  104 , and the bottom surface  108  are directly or indirectly connected together to form the package  100 . The package  100  includes an exterior surface  128 . The package  100  can optionally include one or more lines of weakness  132  that are designed to be broken open by the consumer to access the garments housed in the interior space. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the invention in one aspect pertains to a method for increasing the donning efficiency of a pant-like absorbent garment  10  having refastenable seams  53 ,  55  for ease of removal and donning of the absorbent garment  10 . Existing methods for donning an absorbent garment  10  suffer from various deficiencies. One conventional approach is to remove one&#39;s shoes and bottom garment, and to thereafter draw up the pant-like garment  10  similarly to regular underwear. This method suffers from the inconvenience of having to remove shoes and bottom garments to apply the article. A second conventional approach is to configure the garment with both refastenable side seams in an open configuration, and to thereafter apply the product like a traditional diaper—i.e., by sliding the garment  10  under the supine individual. However, it is difficult to employ this method when one is applying the garment to oneself. A third approach is to unfasten both sides of the prefastened garment, to thread the opened garment between the legs of the subject, and to then refasten both sides of the product around the legs of the wearer. This method is also not ideal for certain users; when both sides of the article are unfastened, it can be difficult and confusing to fasten the article around a leg without accidentally fastening the front panel of one side of the opened article to the back panel of the opposite side of the opened article. Further, the exposed “hook or mushroom” style fasteners on one side of the opened garment can inadvertently engage the wearer&#39;s clothing or the disposable article itself while the user is working to fasten the other side about his or her leg. 
     The present inventors, through their research, have established that, in particular embodiments, a more efficient donning process is to fasten one side of the article  10  around one leg while the other side of the article is configured in a fastened, closed condition, and to thereafter open the remaining side of the article and to fasten such remaining side around the remaining leg. 
     Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect relates to a method for applying a refastenable absorbent article  10  to a subject  11 . The method comprises configuring the article such that the first transverse side  15  is open and such that the second transverse side  17  is closed, as is representatively illustrated in  FIG. 8B . Prior to this first configuring stage, the article may be in a fully closed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 8A . “Closed” as used herein means that both (or, more generically, all) refastenable side seams are engaged, such that the pant first exists in a pant-like, pull-on form when removed from the package  100 . Alternatively, prior to the first configuring stage, the article may be in a fully open configuration, as shown in  FIG. 8D . “Open” means that one or both (or, more generically, all) refastenable side seams are disengaged, such that the pant first exists in a diaper-like, non-pull-on form when removed from the package  100 . In a preferable embodiment, the aforementioned first configuring step includes beginning with a garment form in which both the first and second transverse sides are closed ( FIG. 8A ), and thereafter opening the first transverse side ( FIG. 8B ). For example,  FIG. 9A  depicts a sitting subject  11 , starting with a closed article ( FIG. 8A ), opening the prefastened, refastenable side seam  53 , and leaving the opposite side seam  55  in its initial, prefastened condition.  FIG. 10A  shows the same step as  FIG. 9A , except that the subject is shown in the standing position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9B and 10B , the first front and back side panels  21 ,  41  are next positioned around the first leg  51  (such as around the thigh portion of the first leg  51 ) such that the first front side panel  21  meets the first back side panel  41 . During this step, the opposite side seam  55  remains closed. Referring to  FIGS. 9C and 10C , the first front side panel  21  is thereafter fastened to the first back side panel  41  to at least partially, and preferably completely, refasten the refastenable side seam  53 . In certain embodiments, it is advantageous to use the subject&#39;s thigh as an “anvil” against which to press the refastenable side seam  53  as it is refastened. At this stage in the method, both sides  53 ,  55  are in a closed condition ( FIG. 8A ), although only the first leg  51  extends through the article  10 . Again,  FIGS. 10B and 10C  show the same steps as  FIGS. 9B and 9C , except that the subject is shown in the standing position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9D and 10D , the method includes thereafter opening the second transverse side  17 , such that the article  10  takes on the configuration representatively depicted in  FIG. 8C . For example,  FIG. 9D  depicts a sitting subject  11 , opening the prefastened, refastenable side seam  55  (see  FIG. 9C ), but leaving the opposite side seam  53  in its fastened condition (the subject having just fastened side seam  53  about the first leg  51 ).  FIG. 10D  shows the same step as  FIG. 9D , except that the subject is shown in the standing position. As further representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 9D and 10D , the method includes thereafter positioning the second front and back side panels  23 ,  43  around the second leg  52  (such as around the thigh portion of the second leg  52 ) such that the second front side panel  23  meets the second back side panel  43 . Referring to  FIGS. 9E and 10E , the method in particular embodiments includes thereafter at least partially, and preferably completely, fastening the second front side panel  23  to the second back side panel  43  to thereby refasten the refastenable side seam  55 . In certain embodiments, it is advantageous to use the subject&#39;s thigh as an “anvil” against which to press refastenable side seam  55  as it is refastened. At this stage in the method, both sides  53 ,  55  are again in a closed condition ( FIG. 8A ), and both the first leg  51  and the second leg  52  now extend through the article  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9F and 10F , the method includes thereafter drawing the article  10  up into a wear position  66  on the subject  11 . Typically, but not necessarily, the subject would stand during this step. Optionally, the subject or caregiver may thereafter make adjustments to the refastenable side seam  53  and/or the refastenable side seam  55 , such optional step being representatively illustrated in  FIGS. 9G and 10G . 
     Note that the preceding sequence of steps could also be performed in conjunction with a subject in the supine position (as opposed to a sitting or standing position), such as by a caregiver performing the various steps on a bed-ridden subject. 
     One difficulty in promoting the widespread use of the application techniques described above is the challenge of teaching the method to a subject or caregiver. Since packages  100  of diapers, training pants, and incontinence garments  10  typically do not include instructions, users apply such products in a way that is familiar to them, such as via any of the three deficient approaches described earlier. 
     Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for simplifying the application of a refastenable absorbent article to a subject. In particular embodiments, the method includes manufacturing a plurality of refastenable absorbent articles. Examples of techniques suitable for manufacturing refastenable absorbent articles, such as prefastened, refastenable absorbent articles, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,040 to Mlinar et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent not inconsistent herewith. The method for simplifying application further includes assembling the plurality of articles  10  into a package  100 . The method for simplifying application further includes instructing a consumer to follow a series of application steps, such as those described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 8-10 . 
     Retraining a population of refastenable incontinence garment users may require more than text instructions, which may go unnoticed. The present inventors have learned that prominently-displayed secondary information such as graphical images illustrating the techniques of the method can in particular embodiments be more effective than text instructions in teaching the method. 
     For effective retraining, instructions illustrating particular embodiments of the method of the present invention can be presented in the form of one or more graphic images  150 . The graphic images  150  can be presented to the user on a package  100 , or on an insert disposed within or on the package  100 . In one aspect of the present disclosure, the method is illustrated in a series of graphic images, such as those of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , each highlighting a particular step in the method. 
     In particular embodiments of the method for simplifying application by instructing the consumer, such instructing comprises providing graphic images  150  on the package  100 , as representatively illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The graphic images  150  illustrate the steps, or a variant of the steps, set forth above. One example of a series of graphic images  150  setting forth various suitable steps appears in  FIGS. 7 and 11 . In particular embodiments, the method comprises graphic images that illustrate (1) opening the first transverse side  15  of the article  10  while leaving the second transverse side  17  of the article closed; (2) thereafter positioning the first front and back side panels  21 ,  41  around the first leg  51  such that the first front side panel  21  meets the first back side panel  41 ; (3) thereafter fastening the first front side panel  21  to the first back side panel  41 ; (4) thereafter opening the second transverse side  17 ; (5) thereafter positioning the second front and back side panels  23 ,  43  around the second leg  52  such that the second front side panel  23  meets the second back side panel  43 ; and thereafter fastening the second front side panel  23  to the second back side panel  43 . 
     In particular embodiments, the method includes providing a graphic image that illustrates positioning the first front and back side panels around a first thigh and positioning the second front and back side panels around a second thigh. In particular embodiments, the method includes providing a graphic image that illustrates drawing the article from around the first and second thighs up into a wear position  66  on the subject  11 . In particular embodiments, at least one of the graphic images includes a depiction of the subject  11  without bottom garments removed. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the consumer is instructed in the application steps via the aid of a video-based demonstration. For example, a video-based demonstration of the application techniques can be supplied via an internet website, via a CD-ROM, via a flash memory stick, or the like. Alternatively, the consumer may be instructed via an advertisement. 
     In one representative example of the package aspect of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIGS. 11A-11F , a series of graphic images on the package  100  illustrate various steps in the method of particular embodiments of the present invention. A first graphic image, shown in  FIG. 11A , indicates to the subject that the prefastened garment that he or she has just removed from the package should not be entirely unfastened to an open configuration, as indicated by the prohibition sign superposed over an open garment. A second graphic image, shown in  FIG. 11B , shows the subject opening the refastenable seam  53  on the first transverse side  15 . A third graphic image, shown in  FIG. 11C , shows the subject wrapping the first front and back side panels  12 ,  23  around the first leg  51 . A fourth graphic image, shown in  FIG. 11D , shows the subject closing the refastenable side seam  53 . A fifth graphic image, shown in  FIG. 11E , indicates to the subject to repeat the previous four steps on the second transverse side  17 . A sixth graphic, shown in  FIG. 11F , shows the subject standing and drawing up the fully fastened article. Other combinations of graphic images are possible, and can include only a portion of the steps just described, or a different combination of steps, or steps not included in the graphic images just described. The graphic images set forth in  FIGS. 7 and 11  demonstrate that the method can be performed without removing the subject&#39;s bottom garment(s) or shoes. 
     In one embodiment, the package  100  includes an exterior surface  128 , and a plurality of refastenable absorbent articles disposed within the package  100 . The package includes a first graphic image associated with the package illustrating positioning the first front and back side panels  21 ,  23  around the first leg  51  such that the first front side panel  21  meets the first back side panel  23 , wherein the second transverse side  17  is depicted as closed. The package further includes a second graphic image associated with the package illustrating opening the second transverse side  17 . The package further includes a third graphic image associated with the package illustrating positioning the second front and back side panels  41 ,  43  around the second leg  52  such that the second front side panel  41  meets the second back side panel  43 . Examples of the first, second, and third graphic images described in this paragraph include  FIGS. 9B ,  9 D, and  9 E, respectively. Desirably, the first graphic image is shown sequentially before the second graphic image, and the second graphic image is shown sequentially before the third graphic image. In one embodiment, each of the graphic images is disposed on the exterior surface  128  of the package  100 . Desirably, each refastenable absorbent article  10  of the plurality of refastenable absorbent articles is disposed within the package  100  in a closed configuration. 
     It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention, which is defined in the following claims and all equivalents thereto. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments, particularly of the preferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention.