Patent Description:
Absorbent articles are used to contain and absorb bodily exudates (i.e., urine, bowel movements, and menses) in infants, children, and adults. Absorbent articles may be used in hospitals for diapering infants, premature babies, and/or Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ("NAS") babies. Premature babies, NAS babies, or other small infants may require special care by nurses and/or other hospital staff. In instances of high risk and earlier born premature babies, the babies may be at risk for developmental delays. Premature birth may interrupt rapid growth in the brain that occurs in the third trimester of a pregnancy. Due to immaturity, premature babies may be at risk for both neurological and physiological impairment. As part of the care to promote proper body mechanics and skeletal development in these babies, positioning of preterm infants has become a basic neonatal nursing care practice. The positions include prone, supine, and side-lying positions. There have been several studies that have demonstrated a variety of improved outcomes affected by different positioning of premature infants. As an attempt to address the neurological development of these babies, it has become common practice to minimize stresses or stimuli in the neonatal intensive care unit ("NICU") to manage any negative influence. As part of this, practices to reduce handling of the babies in the NICU as well as supporting the increase of skin to skin contact are being recommended.

Premature or NAS babies may benefit from unconventional fastening system requirements, such as providing one or more fully removable fastening members having two or more fasteners on the same wearer-facing surface thereof. These fully removable fastening members may allow nurses or caregivers to perform a diaper change without having to reposition the baby as done during a regular diaper change. A used absorbent article may be removed and replaced without altering the position of the baby. When applying and removing the removable fastening members, it is important to note that the NICU environment is often dimly lit to minimize stimulation to the babies. Therefore, it may be important that the nurses can easily identify where the fasteners (e.g., hooks) are and be able to easily grip portions of the fastening members outboard of the fasteners for easy application and/or removal as to minimize the disturbance to the baby. <CIT> discloses disposable garments such as incontinent pads, disposable diapers, and the like including two elastic strips, the ends of which are provided with buttons or other fastening means intended to co-operate with means provided in the garment material so that, in use, the elastic provides a vertical vector of force maintaining the garment snugly in place. <CIT> discloses configurable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent articles comprise a pair of leg cuffs and a fully removable fastening member.

Current removable fastening members do not provide such advantageous features, and regions outboard of the fasteners tend to be floppy, low basis weight, and not easy to grasp. As such, removable fastening members for absorbent articles should be improved to achieve faster and easier fastening member application and removal. Additionally, in a rectangular fastening member configuration, the nurses or caregivers are somewhat limited in how he or she can apply the fastening members to fit a certain wearer. Wearers are many different sizes and shapes. As such, removable fastening members for absorbent articles should be improved to provide more options for nurses or caregivers during application of the fastening members.

The present disclosure provides absorbent articles with one or more fully removable fastening members, wherein the fastening members comprise grasp regions at least partially outboard of at least one of the fasteners (e.g., hooks) or laterally outboard of at least one of the fasteners. Such grasp regions may aid nurses or caregivers in easier fastening member application and/or removal during absorbent article changes or repositioning. The grasp regions may also enable nurses or caregivers to readily identify the location of the fasteners to enable fastening member removal and/or application and, thereby, faster and smoother absorbent article changes or repositioning. Faster and smoother absorbent article changes or repositioning may lead to less stress on the baby. The grasp regions have a different basis weight than a remainder of the fully removable fastening member. The grasp regions may also have a different color than a remainder of the fastening members and/or the fasteners to allow nurses or caregivers to readily identify where to grasp. Texture in the grasp regions may also help nurses or caregivers identify where to grasp in low light situations.

Additionally, the present disclosure provides absorbent articles with one or more fully removable, shaped fastening members comprising fasteners (e.g., hooks) that provide nurses and caregivers with more customizable options for absorbent article fit. The fully removable shaped fastening members may have first and second side edges each with one or more curvilinear portions or one or more concave and/or convex portions. The fully removable fastening members may each have a central lateral axis. The first and second side edges may be symmetrical or asymmetrical to each other about the central lateral axis. Having shaped fastening members enables nurses or caregivers to choose the leg opening size and/or shape independently from the waist opening size. The waist opening size is dependent on where on the first and second waist regions of an absorbent article a nurse or caregiver chooses to affix ends of the fastening members. The nurse or caregiver may change the size and/or shape by <NUM>) choosing where on a longitudinal length of the absorbent article to affix a fastener of the fastening member or <NUM>) whether a concave or convex side of the fastening member is facing the wearer's thigh/leg (as opposed to facing the waist). For smaller wearers with smaller thighs/legs, facing the convex side toward the thigh/leg will make the leg opening smaller. For larger wearer with larger thighs/legs, facing the concave side toward the thigh/leg will make the leg opening larger. Combinations of convex and concave portions along the first and second fastening member side edges provides degrees of freedom for nurse or caregivers to quickly and effectively achieve the desired fit on the wearer on many sizes. End edges of the fastening members may also be shaped, comprise one or more curvilinear portions, and/or comprise one or more convex or concave portions.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of example forms of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Various non-limiting forms 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 absorbent articles having fully removable fastening members disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting forms are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the absorbent articles having fully removable fastening members described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example forms and that the scope of the various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting form may be combined with the features of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Initially, an example absorbent article that may be used with the fully removable fastening members will be described although it will be understood that the fully removable fastening members described herein may be used with any suitable type of diaper chassis. The example absorbent article illustrated in <FIG> shows rectangular shaped fully removable fastening members as an example. It will be understood that any of the fully removable fastening members disclosed herein may be used with the example absorbent article or with other absorbent articles. For example, the fully removable fastening members may be shaped and/or comprise grasp regions.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have waist and/or side edges each having one or more curvilinear or arcuate portions. This enables the absorbent articles to better fit smaller infants or other wearers, due to their curvilinear surfaces. The curvilinear portions also aid in the consumer perception of softness and intentionality/customization of the absorbent articles. <FIG> is a front perspective view photograph of an absorbent article of the present disclosure in an in-use configuration. <FIG> is a side view photograph of the absorbent article of <FIG> in the in-use configuration. <FIG> is a plan view of an absorbent article of the present disclosure, garment-facing surface facing the viewer, and with removable fastening members attached to an outer cover nonwoven material. <FIG> is a plan view of an absorbent article chassis of the present disclosure, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer, and without the removable fastening members attached thereto.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an absorbent article <NUM> of the present disclosure may comprise a chassis <NUM> and one or more, such as two, fully removable fastening members <NUM>. The removable fastening members will be discussed in further detail below. The chassis <NUM> may comprise a central lateral axis <NUM> and a central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may comprise a first waist region <NUM>, a second waist region <NUM>, and a crotch region <NUM> extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region. The chassis <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet <NUM> (<FIG>) forming a portion of a wearer-facing surface of the chassis <NUM>, a liquid impermeable backsheet <NUM>, an outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the chassis <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> may comprise a core wrap and may have a first outer surface configured to face toward a wearer-facing surface in an absorbent article and a second outer surface configured to face toward a garment-facing surface in an absorbent article. The topsheet may be apertured or non-apertured and may or may not comprise three-dimensional elements, patterns, and/or embossing. The backsheet <NUM> may comprise a breathable or a non-breathable film. The outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may or may not comprise apertures, three-dimensional elements, patterns, and/or embossing. The chassis <NUM> may comprise an acquisition material <NUM> positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may comprise a first side edge <NUM>, a second side edge <NUM>, a first waist edge <NUM>, and a second waist edge <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> may be positioned on a first side of the central longitudinal axis <NUM> with the second side edge <NUM> positioned on a second side of the central longitudinal axis. The first waist edge <NUM> may be positioned on a first side of the central lateral axis <NUM> with the second waist edge <NUM> positioned on a second side of the central longitudinal axis. The first side edge <NUM> may comprise one or more first curvilinear portions <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> may comprise one or more second curvilinear portions <NUM>. The first waist edge <NUM> may comprise one or more first curvilinear portions <NUM>. The second waist edge <NUM> may comprise one or more second curvilinear portions <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> may comprise one or more linear portions <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> may comprise one or more linear portions <NUM>. The first and second waist edges <NUM>, <NUM> may each comprise one or more linear portions or may not comprise any linear portions.

The chassis <NUM> may be substantially symmetrical about the central lateral axis <NUM> and/or may be substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM> to provide reversibility. Likewise, the first side edge <NUM> may be substantially symmetrical to the second side edge <NUM> about the central longitudinal axis <NUM> and the first waist edge <NUM> may be substantially symmetrical to the second waist edge <NUM> about the central lateral axis <NUM> again to provide reversibility. "Substantially symmetrical" means planned to be symmetrical, but allowing for manufacturing tolerances. In addition to the side and/or waist edges, the absorbent core <NUM>, the optional acquisition material <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> (or other materials, such as a distribution layer) may be substantially symmetrical about the central lateral axis <NUM> and/or the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. By having the chassis <NUM> and its components be substantially symmetrical about the central lateral and longitudinal axes <NUM>, <NUM>, the absorbent article may be fully reversible, thereby allowing a caregiver or nurse the ability to apply the absorbent article with either of the first or second waist edge on a front waist of a wearer. This reversibility is especially helpful in the context of premature infants as they may be positioned in various positions and it is desired to move them as little as possible. In some instances, the chassis <NUM> may not be substantially symmetrical about the central lateral axis <NUM> and/or the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. In this instance, the chassis <NUM> may or may not still be reversible.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first curvilinear portion <NUM> of the first waist edge <NUM> may comprise one or more first concave portions and one or more first convex portions with respect to the central lateral axis <NUM>. Likewise, the second curvilinear portion <NUM> of the second waist edge <NUM> may comprise one or more first concave portions and one or more first convex portions. In some instances, the entire first and second waist edges <NUM>, <NUM> may have a single concave portion and two convex portions with respect to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The concave portions of the first and second waist edges, or portions thereof, may form umbilical cord or surgical site notches or recesses <NUM> in the first and second waist edges. The gradual slopes into the umbilical cord or surgical site notches or recesses <NUM> may be important in a premature baby context. These gradual slopes may allow nurses to easily adjust the absorbent article (i.e., pull toward the front or back) depending on the size of the infant and/or the location of a surgical site or belly button. Instead of umbilical cord or surgical site notches or recesses, the chassis <NUM> may have umbilical cord or surgical site projections (shown in dash) to cover the belly button or surgical site.

In some instances, the first waist edge and/or the second waist edge of an absorbent article may be provided with optional umbilical cord notches or foldable areas so that a nurse may decide whether to remove/fold over a portion of the absorbent article or not depending on the diapering situation he or she may be encountering. Referring to <FIG>, an absorbent article <NUM>' may comprise one or more lines of perforations <NUM> proximate to a first waist edge <NUM>' and/or a second waist edge <NUM>'. The lines of perforations <NUM> may extend through the thickness of the absorbent article <NUM>' so that a nurse may tear along one of the lines of perforations <NUM> to create an umbilical cord notch of varying desired size. A removable area <NUM> of the chassis is positioned intermediate the lines of perforations <NUM> and the first waist edge <NUM>'. The removable area <NUM> may comprise one or more of the lines of perforations <NUM> depending on which line of perforations <NUM> the nurse chooses to tear. The lines of perforations <NUM> may also be provided proximate to the second waist edge <NUM>'. The lines of perforations <NUM> may comprise arcuate or curvilinear portions. Referring to <FIG>, an absorbent article <NUM>" may comprise two or more lines of perforations <NUM>" proximate to the first waist edge <NUM>" or the second waist edge <NUM>". The lines of perforations <NUM>" may extend through the thickness of the absorbent article <NUM>" so that a nurse may tear along two of the lines of perforations <NUM>" to create an umbilical cord notch of varying desired size (in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction). This tearing along the two lines of perforation <NUM>" leaves behind a foldable area <NUM> of the chassis between the first and second lines of perforation <NUM> ". The foldable area <NUM> of the chassis may comprise one or more lines of perforations <NUM>" depending on what two lines of perforations <NUM>" the nurse tears. In such a configuration, the nurse may fold at least a portion of the foldable area <NUM> over the wearer-facing surface or the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article to create the umbilical cord notch. The nurse may optionally tape or otherwise attach a portion of the foldable area <NUM> to the wearer-facing surface or to the garment-facing surface or cut away the material with scissors, for example. The lines of perforations <NUM>" may also be provided proximate to the second waist edge <NUM>".

The chassis <NUM> may be a uni-body chassis or may have protrusions <NUM> (shown with dashes) attached thereto. The protrusions <NUM> may be attached to a main body of chassis (i.e., chassis <NUM> without the protrusions <NUM>) much like ears are attached to commercially available absorbent articles, such as through the use of adhesives and/or bonding. In a non-uni-body configuration, first and second protrusions <NUM> may be attached proximate to the first side edge <NUM> and third and fourth protrusions <NUM> may be attached proximate to the second side edge <NUM>. In a uni-body configuration, a first protrusion <NUM> may be formed in the first side edge <NUM>, a second protrusion may be formed in the second side edge <NUM>, a third protrusion may be formed in the first side edge, and a fourth protrusion may be formed in the second side edge <NUM>. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions, in the uni-body configuration, are not separate elements from the chassis <NUM>. In either configuration, at least one of, two of, three of, or all of the protrusions <NUM> may each have one or more additional curvilinear portions (separate from curvilinear portions in the side edges). A uni-body configuration may be desired because the absorbent article would not have seams (where components are joined to each other), thereby leading to improved softness and improved leakage protection.

The first and second side edges <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second waist edges <NUM>, <NUM> may together form an outer perimeter of the chassis <NUM>. In the context of the uni-body chassis and the non-uni-body chassis, the projections <NUM> form portions of the first and second side edges and, thereby, the outer perimeter. About <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, of the outer perimeter may be curvilinear, specifically reciting all <NUM>% increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Only about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, of the outer perimeter may be linear (i.e., straight), specifically reciting all <NUM>% increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.

On an absorbent article manufacturing line, a web having an infinite length is typically conveyed in a machine direction. These webs typically have linear side edges and are cut in a cross-machine direction to an absorbent article pitch. The one or more linear portions <NUM> and the one or more linear portions <NUM> may be portions of the linear side edges of the webs, while the curvilinear portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by additional cutting and removal of the cut portions (i.e., trim removal).

<FIG> is a plan view of a second surface of a removable fastening member. <FIG> is a plan view of a first surface of the removable fastening member of <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the removable fastening member taken about line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. The fully removable fastening members <NUM> may be stretch panels that may be discrete elements from the chassis <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the fastening members <NUM> may each comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> may be opposite to the second surface <NUM> and the first end <NUM> may be opposite to the second end <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first fastener <NUM> that may be configured to engage a first portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> or a first portion of a landing zone (if provided) and be positioned on the first surface <NUM>. The first fastener <NUM> may be configured to engage a portion of the chassis <NUM> on a first side of the central lateral axis <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may be free of a landing zone and any portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may function as the landing zone. The fastening members <NUM> may comprise a second fastener <NUM> that may be configured to engage a second, different portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> and positioned on the first surface <NUM>. The second fastener <NUM> may be configured to engage a portion of the chassis <NUM> on a second side of the central lateral axis <NUM>. In some instances, only one fully removable fastening member <NUM> may be provided with a chassis <NUM>. In this scenario, the first fastener <NUM> may engage a portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> may engage another portion of the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> or may engage a portion of the second surface <NUM> of the fastening member <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> may be provided in a package with one of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> attached to portions of the outer cover nonwoven material and with the other fastener <NUM>, <NUM> engaged with the topsheet <NUM> (or other portion of the chassis) or not engaged to any portion of the chassis <NUM>. The other fastener <NUM>, <NUM> may also be engaged with a surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the fastening members to at least inhibit the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> from catching on other absorbent articles or other items. In still other instances, the fastening members <NUM> may be provided in a package with the chassis <NUM>, but be separate from the chassis <NUM>. In other instances, the fastening member <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> may be provided in separate packages.

Since the fastening members <NUM> are fully removable from the absorbent article <NUM>, they can be fastened as desired by a nurse or caregiver. In some instances, the nurse or caregiver may remove the fastening members <NUM> from the chassis <NUM> and not use them if the infant is in a certain position, for example. In other instances, the nurse or caregiver may only use one of the fastening members <NUM> if the infant is in another certain position, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> may not extend to the outer perimeter of the fastening members <NUM>. This may help prevent, or at least inhibit, rough fastener material (e.g., hooks) from contacting or irritating a wearer's skin. The fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as rectangular but may be any other suitable shape, such as circular or ovate, for example. In some instances, it may be desirable to have fasteners without corners to again prevent, or at least inhibit the fasteners from irritating a wearer's skin.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first nonwoven or other substrate <NUM>, a second nonwoven or other substrate <NUM>, and an elastic material <NUM> positioned at least partially intermediate the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. The elastic material <NUM> may comprise an elastic nonwoven material, an elastic film, and/or elastic strands, for example. The elastic material may be apertured or micro-apertured to promote breathability. In other instances, the fastening members may comprise one or more substrates and may not comprise an elastic material. In still other instances the fastening member may comprise one or more elastic nonwoven substrates.

<FIG> is a plan view of an example absorbent article chassis <NUM> of the present disclosure with wetness guards and leg cuffs, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. The fully removable fastening members <NUM> may be used with the absorbent article chassis <NUM>, much like illustrated in <FIG> and discussed herein. The example absorbent article chassis <NUM> is not illustrated with the curvilinear portions on the waist and side edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for simplicity in illustration, although it will be understood that the chassis may have the same or similar shape as the chassis of <FIG> and <FIG>. The absorbent article chassis <NUM> may comprise one or more pairs of leg cuffs <NUM> and one or more wetness guards <NUM>. The leg cuffs <NUM> may have one or more elastic strands <NUM> positioned therein. The elastic stands <NUM> may be attached to the cuffs only in a central zone <NUM> proximate to the central lateral axis <NUM>. As an example, the central zone <NUM> may extend between about <NUM> inches and about <NUM> inches in a smaller sized absorbent article. In the central zone <NUM>, the elastic strand <NUM> may be glued or bonded to a portion of the leg cuff. In some instances, only one pair of leg cuffs may be provided. Additional features of the leg cuffs are disclosed in <CIT>.

One or more wetness guards <NUM> may be provided on a wearer-facing surface of the chassis <NUM>. In some instances, only one wetness guard may be provided on a longitudinally end region of the chassis <NUM>. In other instances, two wetness guards may be provided on longitudinally opposite end regions of the chassis <NUM>. When bodily exudates, especially urine, enter an absorbent article they may initially be absorbed in a central longitudinal region of the absorbent article or the crotch region. By design, and to inhibit the crotch region from becoming overloaded, the bodily exudates are wicked towards longitudinal end region of the absorbent article by the acquisition material and the absorbent core. This allows the crotch region to be able to accept additional insults of bodily exudates without overloading. This also potentially makes the longitudinal end regions wet. In order to protect an infant's skin in contact with the longitudinally end regions, such as the lower back and the front waist of a wearer, wetness guards may be provided in one or both of the longitudinally end regions. The wetness guards <NUM> may each overlap a portion of the topsheet <NUM> to inhibit topsheet to skin contact and thereby reduce moisture on the skin of a wearer.

The wetness guards <NUM> may comprise one or more layers of material. In an instance, the wetness guards may comprise a film facing the topsheet <NUM> and one or more nonwoven materials facing the wearer. In other instances, the wetness guards <NUM> may comprise a hydrophobic nonwoven material without a film. By providing a film or a hydrophobic nonwoven material, wetness from the absorbent core or acquisition material may be shielded from contacting the lower back or the front waist of a wearer, thereby improving skin health and dryness.

In some instances, the wetness guards <NUM> may be formed of portions of the backsheet film <NUM> and outer cover nonwoven <NUM> folded over the waist edges <NUM>, <NUM>. In other instances, the wetness guards may be discrete components attached to the chassis <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a photograph of a wetness guard <NUM> attached to a chassis <NUM>, wearer-facing surface facing the viewer. The wetness guards <NUM> may have a free, unattached end <NUM> most proximate to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The free, unattached end <NUM> is illustrated as linear in <FIG>, but may comprise curvilinear portions. The wetness guards may be fully removable from the chassis <NUM>, if desired, by providing hooks or other attachment features on the topsheet facing side of the wetness guards and/or on the topsheet. In other instances, the wetness guards <NUM> may be permanently bonded, adhesively attached, or otherwise attached, to the chassis <NUM>, for example along attachment area <NUM>. Additional features of the wetness guards are disclosed in <CIT>.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an absorbent article length along the central lateral axis <NUM> (see <FIG>) of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Other absorbent article lengths are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an absorbent article width along the central lateral axis <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Other absorbent article widths are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an absorbent article area in the range of about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, or about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, specifically reciting all <NUM><NUM> increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby. Other absorbent article areas are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Some details of the fully removable fastening members <NUM> of the present disclosure are discussed above. Those details apply to the fully removable fastening members <NUM> discussed below as well. <FIG> illustrates an example fully removable fastening member <NUM> of the present disclosure. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fully removable fastening member <NUM> is configured to join a portion of the first waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> to the second waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. In some instances, two fastening members <NUM> may be provided for a certain absorbent article. Each fastening member <NUM> may have a central lateral axis <NUM>, a central longitudinal axis <NUM>, a first nonwoven material comprising a first surface <NUM>, a second nonwoven material comprising a second surface <NUM> opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and an optional elastic material <NUM> positioned intermediate the first and second nonwoven materials. The elastic material <NUM> may comprise elastic strands or an elastic film. Each of the fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first end region <NUM> comprising the first end <NUM> and a second end region <NUM> comprising the second end <NUM>. The first end region <NUM> is positioned opposite to the second end region <NUM>. The first end region <NUM> may or may not be substantially symmetrical to the second end region <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> may or may not be substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis. The fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first fastener <NUM> on the first surface <NUM> and positioned in the first end region <NUM> and a second fastener <NUM> on the first surface <NUM> and positioned in the second end region <NUM>.

Again, referring to <FIG>, the fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first grasp region <NUM> either partially laterally outboard of the first fastener <NUM> or fully laterally outboard of the first fastener <NUM> in the first end region <NUM> and proximate to the first end <NUM>. The first grasp region <NUM> may also be fully overlapped by the first fastener <NUM> such that the first grasp region <NUM> extends laterally outboard of the first fastener <NUM> and laterally inboard of the first fastener <NUM>. In some instances, it may be desirable to only have one grasp region on a fastening member <NUM>. In other instances, it may be desirable to have two grasp regions on a fastening member <NUM>. In such an instance, the fastening members <NUM> may comprise a second grasp region <NUM>, either partially laterally outboard of the second fastener <NUM> or fully laterally outboard of the second fastener <NUM>, in the second end region <NUM> and proximate to the second end <NUM>. The second grasp region <NUM> may also be fully overlapped by the second fastener <NUM> such that the second grasp region <NUM> extends laterally outboard of the second fastener <NUM> and laterally inboard of the second fastener <NUM>. The various grasp regions may have a different physical property than a remainder of the fully removable fastening member in areas free of the fasteners. The physical property may be thickness, basis weight, texture, three-dimensionality, coefficient of friction, stiffness, and/or number of materials. The fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> may overlap, or overlap a portion of, a seam or line of discontinuity <NUM>. The seam or line of discontinuity may comprise a fold line in the nonwoven materials or elastic materials, an adhesive strip, an overlap of two or more materials, a color contrast (e.g., blue on one side and green on the other side, or dark blue on one side and light blue on the other side), a deposited material, an indented or perforated region, a ruptured region, a melted region, a texture difference, a stiffness difference, and/or a basis weight difference, for example. The benefit of the seam or line of discontinuity may be at least two-fold. First, the seam or line of discontinuity may provide a visual or tactile signal or assurance of the correct place to grasp the fastening members. Second, the seam or line of discontinuity may provide additional grasp strength and/or security via a physical advantage (<NUM>-dimensionality and/or friction) to aid the caregiver in applying, readjusting, and/or removing the fastener.

Referring still to <FIG>, the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> on each fastening member <NUM> may each comprise a plurality of hooks, loops, or other attachment mechanisms. The fastening member <NUM> may comprise a first side edge <NUM> and a second side edge <NUM>. The first fastener <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first side edge <NUM>, the second side edge <NUM>, and the first end <NUM>. The second fastener <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first side edge <NUM>, the second side edge <NUM>, and the second end <NUM>. Providing spacing between a perimeter of the fastening member <NUM> and the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, helps avoid hooks or corners of the fasteners from contacting the skin of a wearer. Any of the fastening members <NUM> may comprise one or more apertures or slots <NUM> therein intermediate the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> or intermediate the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. The apertures or slots <NUM> may be useful in receiving medical tubes, thermometers etc. therethrough in a neonatal or other setting.

As illustrated in <FIG>, two fastening members may be provided with a single chassis <NUM>. The second fastening member may have the same features as explained herein with regard to the fastening member <NUM>, including the grasp regions and other features.

As shown in <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may be removably attached to the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> in the second waist region <NUM> when the absorbent article <NUM> comes to a nurse or caregiver. In other instances, the fastener <NUM> may be removably attached to the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> in the first waist region <NUM> when the absorbent article <NUM> comes to a nurse or caregiver. The other fastener <NUM> may be attached to a wearer-facing side of the chassis <NUM>, for example. The fastener <NUM> that is attached to the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> may have a higher fastening force than the fastener <NUM>. This may be helpful in that even though both of the fasteners are removable, a nurse or caregiver may choose to leave the fastener <NUM> attached to the outer cover nonwoven material <NUM> as presented to the consumer and merely attach the fastener <NUM> to the outer cover nonwoven material when donning the absorbent article.

<FIG> is another example shape of a fastening member <NUM> with first and second grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> and first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. Like numbers to the fastening member <NUM> of <FIG> indicate like elements in <FIG>. The first and second side edges <NUM>, <NUM>, or portions thereof, may comprise one or more curvilinear portions. The first and second side edges <NUM>, <NUM>, or portions thereof, may be substantially symmetrical or asymmetrical about the central lateral axis <NUM>. In some instances, the first and second side edges <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise one or more concave or convex portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. As an example, the first side edge <NUM> may comprise a convex portion and the second side edge <NUM> may comprise a concave portion both relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first grasp region <NUM> and the second grasp region <NUM> may comprise at least one, two, three, or four curvilinear portions, for example. The first grasp region <NUM> and the second grasp region <NUM> may comprise at least one concave portion and at least one convex portion relative to the central lateral axis <NUM> or the central longitudinal axis <NUM> perpendicular to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first grasp region <NUM> may or may not be substantially symmetrical to the second grasp region <NUM>. The curvilinear portions or concave and convex portions of the fastening member <NUM> of <FIG> aid in fitting wearers of many different shapes and sizes and better fit the curved features of a baby. Only one of the grasp regions may be provided on the fastening member <NUM> of <FIG>. The first and second grasp regions may have a different physical property than a remainder of the fully removable fastening member in an area not overlapping the fasteners. The physical property may be thickness, basis weight, texture, three-dimensionality, coefficient of friction, stiffness, number of materials, and/or other physical properties discussed herein. The fastening member <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> is an example of a fastening member <NUM> that is asymmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. It is noted that the first and second fastening members <NUM>, <NUM> may have different sizes, shapes, and/or orientations as well. At times, the size, shape, and/or orientation may match or be configured to coordinate with the shape, size, and/or orientation of the first and second grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second grasp regions may have a different physical property than a remainder of the fully removable fastening member in areas not comprising the fasteners. The physical property may be thickness, basis weight, texture, three-dimensionality, coefficient of friction, stiffness, number of materials, and/or other physical properties discussed herein. Only one of the grasp regions may be provided on the fastening member <NUM> of <FIG>. In this example, the first and second fasteners may not overlap a seam or line of discontinuity. <FIG> is another example of a shape of fastening member <NUM> that is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate examples of grasp regions on fastening members <NUM>. It is to be understood, as mentioned above, that only one grasp region may be provided on a fastening member. It is also to be understood that the fastening members <NUM> of <FIG> may also be shaped (i.e., not rectangular), for example, like <FIG>, or otherwise shaped. In <FIG>, the grasp regions are illustrated as cross-hashed areas for ease in illustration. Referring to <FIG>, the grasp regions <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated adjacent to the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, respectively. In such an example, the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned fully laterally outboard of the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> and extend fully intermediate the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM>, but may also extend partially intermediate the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first grasp region <NUM> is illustrated intermediate the first end <NUM> and the first fastener <NUM> and the second grasp region <NUM> is illustrated intermediate the second end <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM>. In such a configuration, the grasp regions <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as only extending partially intermediate the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM>, but could also extend fully intermediate the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM>. Also, in <FIG>, the grasp regions <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as being fully laterally outboard of the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, but could also extend under, or at least partially under, the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first grasp region <NUM> is illustrated extending laterally outwardly from the first fastener <NUM> and beyond the first end <NUM> and the second grasp region <NUM> is illustrated extending laterally outwardly from the second fastener <NUM> and beyond the second end <NUM>. In such a configuration, the grasp regions <NUM> and <NUM> extend only partially intermediate the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM>, but could also extend fully intermediate the first side edge <NUM> and the second side edge <NUM>. Also, in <FIG>, the grasp regions <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as being fully laterally outboard of the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, but could also extend under, or at least partially under, the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. The portions of the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> that extend beyond the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, respectively, may comprise any suitable shape. For instance, these portions may comprise one or more curvilinear portions or one or more concave or convex portions to avoid any sharp corners for protection of a wearer's skin. Referring to <FIG>, the material comprising the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a single piece or strip of material that may extend along the entire length of the fastening member <NUM>, or portions thereof, and beyond the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The single piece or strip of material may be positioned between the various layers or be positioned on one of the outer surfaces of the fastening members.

As mentioned above, the various grasp regions have a different basis weight than a remainder of the fully removable fastening member (i.e., an area not in a grasp region or overlapping a fastener). Additionally different physical properties may be texture, stiffness, thickness, coefficient of friction, number of layers or materials, and/or other physical properties discussed herein. These one or more physical properties may aid in allowing a nurse or caregiver to easily grip the grasp regions during repositioning of the fastening members and/or during absorbent article changes. In addition, the grasp regions may have a different color or shade of the same color (e.g., dark blue and light blue) as the remainder of the fully removable fastening member and/or the fasteners. The color differential in the grasp regions may aid a nurse or caregiver in quickly locating the grasp regions during repositioning of the fastening member and/or during absorbent article changes.

The grasp regions of <FIG> may be embossed and/or comprise three-dimensional projections to create greater textures or coefficients of friction in the grasp regions compared to a remainder of the fastening members in areas free of the fasteners.

One way to create thicker, higher basis weight, and/or stiffer grasp regions is to fold one or more of the first and second nonwoven materials of the fastening members <NUM> over themselves in the grasp regions. <FIG> are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of grasp regions e.g., <NUM> and portions of the fastening members <NUM> laterally inboard of the grasp regions to show examples of how the grasp regions may have higher thickness, basis weight, and/or stiffness than a remainder of the fastening members <NUM> in areas free of the fasteners (e.g., area <NUM>). Only one side of the fastening members <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>, but it is to be understood that if a second grasp region is provided, it may be the same or similar to that illustrated. In other instances, the second grasp region may be different than the first grasp region. The folding over may be performed before or after the fasteners are attached, depending on the fold over configuration.

As discussed herein, the fastening members <NUM> may each comprise a first nonwoven material <NUM> forming the first surface <NUM> and a second nonwoven material <NUM> forming the second surface <NUM>. An optional elastic material <NUM> may be positioned at least partially intermediate the first and second nonwoven materials <NUM> and <NUM>. Fastener <NUM>, <NUM> locations are also illustrated as examples. "W" means wearer-facing side and "G" means garment-facing side of the fastening members. The various layers of the fastening members may be joined together by adhesives and/or bonds, for example. In <FIG>, the elastic material <NUM> may optionally extend into the grasp region and/or be folded over as illustrated in dashed lines.

Referring to <FIG>, the first nonwoven material <NUM> may extend laterally beyond the elastic material <NUM> and the second nonwoven material <NUM> may be folded over a portion of the second nonwoven material <NUM>. In such an instance, the grasp region <NUM> is formed of two layers and has a higher basis weight, thickness, and stiffness than a single layer grasp region. Referring to <FIG>, both the first and second nonwoven materials <NUM> and <NUM> may extend beyond the elastic material <NUM>. The first nonwoven material <NUM> and may be folded over a portion of the second nonwoven material <NUM>. The second nonwoven material <NUM> may be folded over a portion of itself. In such an instance, the grasp region <NUM> is formed of three layers and has a higher basis weight, thickness, and stiffness than a single layer grasp region. Referring to <FIG>, the second nonwoven material <NUM> may extend laterally beyond the elastic material <NUM> and the first nonwoven material <NUM> and may be folded over a portion of the first nonwoven material <NUM>. In such an instance, the grasp region <NUM> is formed of two layers and has a higher basis weight, thickness, and stiffness than a single layer grasp region. Referring to <FIG>, both the first and second nonwoven materials <NUM> and <NUM> may extend beyond the elastic material <NUM>. The second nonwoven material <NUM> and may be folded over a portion of the first nonwoven material <NUM>. The first nonwoven material <NUM> may merely extend outwardly from the elastic material <NUM>. In such an instance, the grasp region <NUM> may be formed of three layers thereby providing higher basis weight, thicker, and stiffer grasp regions compared to a one or two layer grasp region. Referring to <FIG>, the first nonwoven material <NUM> may extend outwardly from the elastic material <NUM> and may be folded over a portion of itself. The second nonwoven material <NUM> may extend outwardly from the elastic material <NUM> and may be folded over a portion of the first nonwoven material <NUM>. In such an instance, the grasp region <NUM> may be formed of three layers thereby providing higher basis weight, thicker, and stiffer grasp regions compared to a one or two layer grasp region. In some instances, the elastic material <NUM> may also extend outwardly from what is shown in <FIG> and may or may not be folded over itself. In some instances, the elastic material <NUM> may form parts of the grasp regions.

The first and second nonwoven materials of <FIG> may be embossed and/or comprise three-dimensional projections at least in the grasp regions to create greater textures or coefficients of friction in the grasp regions compared to a remainder of the fastening members in areas free of the fasteners.

Instead of folding over one or more of the first and second nonwoven materials <NUM>, <NUM> to create increased thickness, basis weight, and stiffness in the grasp regions, an additional material may be provided to accomplish the same or similar function. The additional material may comprise or be a nonwoven material, a film, an adhesive, and/or a foam, for example. The additional material may be a laminate of any combination of these materials or a laminate subjected to a solid-state formation process (e.g., where one layer is pushed through or exposed through another layer of the laminate). The additional material may also be a scrim or may be a material applied in a temporarily liquid state that subsequently becomes at least partially solid (e.g., adhesives, polyolefins, foams, and the like). The additional material may also be rearranged from a base material (e.g., via pleating, gathering, or melting). The additional material may be a solid (fiber or particle) embedded, entrapped, or otherwise held in the base material. This additional material may help in creating thicker, higher basis weight, and/or stiffer grasp regions. <FIG> are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of grasp regions e.g., <NUM> and portions of the fastening members <NUM> laterally inboard of the grasp regions with one or more additional materials <NUM> to show examples of how the grasp regions may have higher basis weights, greater thickness, and/or be stiffer than a remainder of the fastening members <NUM> in areas free of the fasteners (e.g., area <NUM>). The additional material <NUM> may be glued, bonded and/or otherwise attached to the first nonwoven material <NUM>, the second nonwoven material <NUM>, and/or the elastic material <NUM> in various different configurations. Referring to <FIG>, the additional material <NUM> may be positioned on the garment-facing side "G". The additional material <NUM> may or may not extend laterally outwardly from the second nonwoven material <NUM>. The additional material <NUM> may overlap with and/or be joined to the second nonwoven material <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the additional material <NUM> may be positioned intermediate the first and second nonwoven materials <NUM>, <NUM>. The additional material <NUM> may or may not extend laterally outwardly from the first nonwoven material <NUM> and/or from the second nonwoven material <NUM>. The additional material <NUM> may overlap with and/or be joined to the elastic material <NUM>, the first nonwoven material, and/or the second nonwoven material <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the additional material <NUM> may be positioned on the wearer-facing-facing side "W". The additional material <NUM> may or may not extend laterally outwardly from the first nonwoven material <NUM>. The additional material <NUM> may overlap with and/or be joined to the first nonwoven material <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the additional material <NUM> may be positioned on the wearer-facing-facing side "W" and extend the entire lateral length of the fastening members (i.e., from the first end region to the second end region) or may extend only a portion of the entire lateral length of the fastening members. The additional material <NUM> may also extend laterally outwardly from the first and second nonwoven materials <NUM>, <NUM> in the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The additional material <NUM> may overlap with and/or be joined to the first nonwoven material <NUM>.

The additional material <NUM> may take on any of the configurations of the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, for example.

The first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>) may have any suitable shapes and/or colors. It may be desirable to have the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> to have a different color or a different shade of the same color (e.g., dark blue and light blue) than a remainder of the fastening members so the fasteners may easily be identified even in low-light settings. This helps nurses and/or caregivers perform a faster absorbent article change and/or repositioning thereby reducing stress on wearer babies. The first and second fasteners may be round (<FIG>), heart shaped (<FIG>), ovate (<FIG>), square (<FIG>), rectangular, star shaped, triangular, cloud shaped (<FIG>), a generally rectangular shape with somewhat rounded corners (<FIG>), or any other suitable shape. A single fastening member may have two differently shaped fasteners. The first and second fasteners may be oriented as illustrated or may be positioned <NUM> degrees clockwise from that illustrated, <NUM> degrees counter-clockwise from that illustrated, or <NUM> degrees from that illustrated. For example, the fastener of <FIG> is illustrated positioned <NUM> degrees clockwise in <FIG> and is illustrated positioned <NUM> degrees counter-clockwise in <FIG>. The fasteners may also be positioned less than <NUM> degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise from that shown or more than <NUM> degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise from that shown.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fasteners may comprise hooks on a surface configured for engagement with loops of an outer cover nonwoven material or other portions of an absorbent article. In other instances, the fasteners may comprise loops and the outer cover nonwoven material may comprise hooks. Referring to <FIG>, only first portions <NUM> of the fasteners may comprise hooks with other second portions <NUM> of the fasteners not comprising hooks or being free of hooks. The second portions <NUM> may be formed by not extruding hooks in certain areas or by mechanical and/or thermal destruction of the hooks in the second portions <NUM>, for example. In an instance, only the second portions <NUM> may comprise hooks and the first portions <NUM> may be free of hooks. The first portions <NUM> may be a different color or a different shade of the same color as the second portions <NUM>.

Some advantages of having either first or second portions without hooks is the desire or need to: (<NUM>) have a region of the fastener with a different stiffness or folding behavior (e.g., more or less flexible) than another portion of the fastener to better conform to the wearer's anatomy; (<NUM>) have a region of the fastener that is less abrasive to the wearer's skin than another portion of the fastener; (<NUM>) have a delineated transition between a hook region and a hook-free region to aid in mechanical advantage when grasping or to provide a signal of where to grasp the fastener; (<NUM>) make portions of the fastener adhere less aggressively to a second fastening substrate (easy start to removal), and/or (<NUM>) have edges or corners be more flexible then another portion of the fastener to prevent, or at least inhibit, the edges or corners from poking through the substrate fastener material and irritating a wearer's skin.

As an example, the fastener of <FIG> may have a lower bending modulus than <FIG>. This may allow the fastener and fastening member to fit more comfortable regardless of what positioned the baby may be in. For example, a baby in the prone positioned (with legs pulled up) may have increased bend in the waist region and the lower bending modulus of the fastener may allow the fastener and fastening member to better conform to the baby's shape.

Instead of providing one or two fastening members <NUM>, a fastening belt may be provided with the chassis <NUM>. An example fastening belt <NUM> with a plurality of fastening members <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. A single fastening belt <NUM> may be provided with the chassis <NUM>. The fastening belt <NUM> may have any suitable number of fasteners <NUM>, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten, for example. The fastening belt <NUM> may wrap fully or partially around a wearer's waist circumference. The fastening belt <NUM> may even wrap fully around itself and then overlap portions of itself, up to, for example, <NUM>% of itself. The fasteners <NUM> in the middle portion of the fastening belt <NUM> may engage portions of the outer cover nonwoven material of the chassis <NUM> in side waist regions, back waist regions, or front waist regions, for example, to maintain the fastening belt <NUM> in correct position on a wearer (much like a belt through belt loops in a pair of pants). The fastening belt <NUM> may be particularly suited for smaller absorbent articles having the size ranges disclosed herein. The fastening belt <NUM>, in some instances, may merely be formed of two individual fastening members <NUM> with a fastener of one fastening member overlapped by a portion a garment facing sided of the other fastening member <NUM>, thereby forming a fastening belt with three fasteners on the wearer-facing side.

As referenced above, the fastening members <NUM> of the present disclosure may be shaped (i.e., not rectangular in their outer perimeter). In a rectangular fastening member configuration, the nurses or caregivers are somewhat limited in how he or she can apply the fastening members to fit a certain wearer. Wearers are many different sizes and shapes. The present disclosure provides absorbent articles with one or more fully removable, shaped fastening members comprising fasteners (e.g., hooks) that provide nurses and caregivers with more customizable options for absorbent article fit. The fully removable shaped fastening members may have first and second side edges at least one or both with one or more curvilinear portions or one or more concave and/or convex portions. The fully removable fastening members may each have a central longitudinal axis and a central longitudinal axis. The first and second side edges may be symmetrical or asymmetrical to each other about the central lateral axis. End edges of the fastening members may also be shaped, comprise one or more curvilinear portions, and/or comprise one or more convex or concave portions. The first and second end edges of the fastening member may be symmetrical or asymmetrical to each other about the central longitudinal axis. In other instances, the shaped fastening members may not have side edges and/or end edges with one or more convex or concave portions or curvilinear portions, but may still be shaped fastening members, as will be discussed in further detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastening member <NUM> may have a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, a first side edge <NUM>, and a second side edge <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> may have a central lateral axis <NUM> and a central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening members <NUM> may comprise a first fastener <NUM> and a second fastener <NUM>. The first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> may have any of the fastener configurations disclosed herein. With the exception of <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastening members <NUM> may each have one curvilinear portion, concave portion, and/or convex portion on the first end <NUM>, the second end <NUM>, the first side edge <NUM>, and/or the second side edge <NUM>. The fastening members of <FIG> also illustrate examples of grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> in various configurations. It is noted that the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> may also be shaped or have shaped portions on their laterally inboard side or elsewhere. It is also to be noted that the grasp regions <NUM>, <NUM> may have any of the features discussed herein, such as fold over or additional materials, for example.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises two convex portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> comprises two concave portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> are linear, but may also comprise one or more curvilinear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises two convex portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> comprises two concave portions and two convex portions both relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a convex or curvilinear portion relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises a linear portion and two curvilinear portions. The second side edge <NUM> comprises a linear portion and two curvilinear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a curvilinear portion. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises <NUM> linear portions. The second side edge <NUM> comprises <NUM> linear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a linear portion. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises a linear portion and two convex or curvilinear portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> comprises a linear portion and two convex or curvilinear portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a convex or curvilinear portion relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> is concave with respect to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> is concave with respect to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise linear and curvilinear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening member has additional fasteners <NUM>' and <NUM>' and additional grasp regions <NUM>' and <NUM>'.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> is linear. The second side edge <NUM> is linear. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a convex or curvilinear portion relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises <NUM> linear portions. The second side edge <NUM> comprises three linear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a linear portion. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises multiple curvilinear portions. The second side edge <NUM> comprises multiple curvilinear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a linear portion. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises a linear portion and a curvilinear portion. The second side edge <NUM> comprises a linear portion and multiple curvilinear portions. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first end <NUM> comprises a linear portion. The second end <NUM> comprises a curvilinear portion. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises three convex or curvilinear portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> comprises concave and convex portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a convex or curvilinear portion relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plan view of a fastening member <NUM>. The first side edge <NUM> comprises three convex or curvilinear portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The second side edge <NUM> comprises multiple concave and convex portions relative to the central lateral axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is asymmetric about the central lateral axis <NUM>. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise a convex or curvilinear portion relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An absorbent article (<NUM>) comprising:
a liquid permeable topsheet (<NUM>);
a liquid impermeable backsheet (<NUM>);
an absorbent core (<NUM>) positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet;
a first waist region (<NUM>);
a second waist region (<NUM>);
a crotch region (<NUM>) extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region;
an outer cover nonwoven material (<NUM>) joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article; and
a fully removable fastening member (<NUM>) configured to join a portion of the first waist region to the second waist region, the fully removable fastening member comprising:
a central lateral axis (<NUM>);
a central longitudinal axis (<NUM>);
a first side edge (<NUM>);
a second side edge (<NUM>);
a first nonwoven material (<NUM>) comprising a first surface (<NUM>);
a second nonwoven material (<NUM>) comprising a second surface opposite to the first surface (<NUM>);
a first end region (<NUM>) comprising a first end (<NUM>);
a second end region (<NUM>) comprising a second end (<NUM>), wherein the first end region is opposite to the second end region;
a first fastener (<NUM>) on the first surface and positioned in the first end region;
a second fastener (<NUM>) on the first surface and positioned in the second end region; and
a grasp region (<NUM>) either partially laterally outboard of the first fastener (<NUM>) or laterally outboard of the first fastener in the first end region (<NUM>) and proximate to the first end, wherein the grasp region has a different physical property than a remainder of the fully removable fastening member, wherein the grasp region has an increased basis weight compared to a remainder of the first end region not including a basis weight of the first fastener.