Patent Description:
Adult incontinence ("AI") articles are designed to absorb and contain liquid and other discharges from the human body to prevent the body and clothing from becoming soiled. One challenge is to provide a line-up of AI articles that meets the urine containment needs while providing an article that meets the fit and comfort desires of diverse wearers, which can range over several hundred pounds. These challenges include bulkiness and stiffness of the absorbent core, in both the dry and wet state.

<CIT> discloses a method comprising the steps of collecting and analyzing used absorbent articles for improving the capacity profile of absorbent cores used in absorbent hygiene articles. <CIT> relates to varying the capacity profile of an absorbent core.

The shape of the consumer's crotch on the sagittal plane changes as BMI changes. For adult incontinent articles, this shape influences how fluid flows into and is absorbed by the Absorbent Core. Appropriately locating Absorbent Material by taking into account the shape of the consumer through the crotch can help distribute liquid and help improve acquisition rate. This can also help reduce chances of a saggy and bulky appearance of the article when wetted.

There is a permanent need to improve fit and comfort of absorbent articles. Providing absorbent articles of different dimensions (in longitudinal and transversal direction) based on the body dimensions to provide the right coverage and performance is known. The present inventors have now found that the Capacity Profile of the Absorbent Core within an array of articles should be specifically adapted to the size and shape of the wearer. Adapting the Capacity Profile to BMI driven morphological changes (shape through the crotch) is beneficial to enable proper fit, comfort and protection along the full range of consumers. In addition, the inventors have found a correlation between the Capacity Profile and BMI driven morphological changes that can be used to not only reduce the chances for leakage but also improve fit and comfort for a to BMI driven morphological changes (shape through the crotch) is beneficial to enable proper fit, comfort and protection along the full range of consumers. In addition, the inventors have found a correlation between the Capacity Profile and BMI driven morphological changes that can be used to not only reduce the chances for leakage but also improve fit and comfort for a given sizes of articles in an array. In short, the Capacity Profile of the Absorbent Core should be adapted to the BMI of the wearer to provide for better containment/protection and better fit and comfort.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is on the rise globally for both men and women. alone, more than <NUM>/<NUM> of adult females are now considered obese (BMI > <NUM>). This has changed significantly over the past <NUM> years; in <NUM> only about <NUM>% of U. adult females were obese. Larger women exhibit different ratios of body anthropometrics than smaller women, i.e., all body dimensions do not simply scale-up as women get larger. In addition, women across the range of BMI may also have very different body shapes not only at the waist and hips but also through the crotch and in particular along the sagittal plane. There is a lack of recognition and understanding of this issue by current adult absorbent article manufacturers and as such consumers' needs are not being adequately met. Therefore, there is a need to develop adult absorbent articles for a wide variety of body shapes and sizes in order to provide an improved level of fit and contact between the body and the adult absorbent article to reduce the occurrence of leakage and improve the overall performance, fit, comfort, coverage and discretion of the article. There is a clear need for adult absorbent articles which are designed for variety of wearers based on their BMI and body shape. There is also a need to communicate to wearers the benefits of such customized adult absorbent articles in an easy-to-understand manner (e.g., some women may not understand what BMI is or know their BMI number), which is not off-putting (e.g., without stigmatizing or embarrassing women based on their BMI).

Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to describe absorbent articles and arrays of absorbent articles whereby the Capacity Profiles of the Absorbent Cores and are designed to correspond to the anatomical differences and thus meet the consumer needs across the BMI range wherein each size in the array is intended to fit.

"Pull-on garment" or "pant" means articles of wear which have a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and which are typically pulled onto the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the article up over the waist.

"Disposable" means garments, which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). The pull-on garment may be "absorbent" such that it absorbs and contains the various exudates discharged from the body.

"Closed form" means opposing waist regions are joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings.

"Array" means a display of packages comprising disposable articles of different sizes having like article constructions (e.g., same elastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in the flaps, graphic elements) said packages having the same brand and/or sub-brand, and said packages oriented in proximity to each other in a given area of a retail store. An array is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) that convey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, "Depend," and same sub-brand, for example, "for Women Underwear. " A different array may have the brand "Depend" and the sub-brand "Silhouette For Women. " The differences between the "for Women Underwear" array and the "Silhouette For Women" arrays include different elastomeric materials in the side flaps, where "for Women Underwear" comprises strands as the elastomeric material and "Silhouette For Women" comprises a film elastomeric material. " Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that "for Women Underwear" is packaged in a predominately green, film bag and "Silhouette For Women" is packaged in a predominately maroon box.

Further regarding "Arrays," as another example of two separate "arrays" having the same brand, "Certainty," one line-up has the sub-brand "Women's Underwear. " A different array may have the same brand "Certainty" and the sub-brand "Smooth Shape Briefs for Women. " The differences between the "Women's Underwear" array and the "Smooth Shape Briefs for Women" arrays include different elastomeric materials in the side flaps, where "Women's Underwear" comprises strands as the elastomeric material and "Smooth Shape Briefs for Women" comprises a film elastomeric material. " Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that "Women's Underwear" is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag and "Smooth Shape Briefs for Women" is packaged in a predominately maroon box.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up.

"On-line Array" means an "Array" distributed by a common on-line source.

"Flat Region Through Crotch" is the approximated longitudinally flat region, on the sagittal plane of the body, through the crotch. This is illustrated in <FIG>.

"Core Length" is the longitudinal length of the Absorbent Core <NUM> from the lateral midpoint of the front core edge <NUM> to the lateral midpoint of the back core edge <NUM>.

"Bracket Length" is the Core Length divided by <NUM>.

"Core Bracket" is a section of the Absorbent Core <NUM> with a longitudinal length equal to the Bracket Length. Each Absorbent Core is subdivided into <NUM> equal longitudinal length Core Brackets. For example, an Absorbent Core with a Core Length of <NUM> would be subdivided into <NUM> segments with each segment having a Bracket Length of <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Core Bracket<NUM> is the first subdivision of the Absorbent Core. Each subsequent Core Bracketn is the next segment. Core Bracked<NUM> is the last segment of the Absorbent Core, as illustrated in <FIG>. Each Core Bracket extends laterally (y-direction) from the laterally edges 237a and 237b of the Absorbent Core <NUM>. Each Core Bracket contains the full volume, including all of the Absorbent Material of the Absorbent Core within the bounded region of each.

"Absorbent Material" refers to liquid absorbent materials such as for example soft materials providing a rather fluffy structure with a lot of empty space, such as comminuted wood pulp, creped cellulose wadding, chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers all of which are herein generally referred to as "airfelt". In addition, the absorbent materials may also include nonwoven webs of synthetic fibers including highloft webs that can absorb liquids into the interstitial spaces between the fibers. Absorbent Material also refers to superabsorbent polymer material (SAP), such as super absorbent polymer particles, fibers or foams as well as mixtures of superabsorbent polymer material with airfelt.

"Dry Bracket Weight" is the dry weight of each Core Bracket.

"Wet Bracket Weight" is the wet weight of each Core Bracket when using a <NUM>% saline solution at from between <NUM> to <NUM>.

"Bracket Capacity" herein refers to the maximum amount of liquid than can be absorbed by all of the Absorbent Material within each Core Bracket, and is expressed in grams (g). Each Core Bracket has its own Bracket Capacity. Bracket Capacityi = Wet Bracket Weighti - Dry Bracket Weighti.

"Total Core Capacity" is the total absorbent capacity of the Absorbent Core. The Total Core Capacity is the summation of each Bracket Capacity.

"Maximum Core Bracket" is the maximum Bracket Capacity within the Absorbent Core.

"Minimum Core Bracket is the minimum Bracket Capacity within the Absorbent Core.

"Core Bracket Standard Deviation" is the standard deviation of all Bracket Capacity's within the Absorbent Core.

"Core Bracket Maximum Difference" is the percent difference between the Maximum Core Bracket and the Minimum Core Bracket.

"Capacity Profile" herein refers to a map of the Bracket Capacity in different locations of the Absorbent Core. This is illustrated by the graphs on <FIG>.

"Hip" means the circumference of the body at the level of the maximum posterior protuberance of buttocks.

"Waist" means the horizontal circumference of the waist at the level of the center of the navel (omphalion).

"Thigh" means the circumference of the thigh at its juncture with the buttock, the measurement made perpendicular to the long axis of the thigh.

"Target Waist" means for a product with a recommended waist range, the mid point of that recommended waist range.

"Target Hip" means for a product with a recommended hip range, the mid point of that recommended hip range.

"Target Weight" means for a product with a recommended weight range, the mid point of that recommended weight range.

"Target Thigh" means for a product with a recommended thigh range, the mid point of that recommended thigh range.

"Target BMI from Waist" is determined from the Target Waist and is shown in <FIG>. It is calculated by: <MAT>.

"Target BMI from Hip" is determined from the Target Hip and is shown in <FIG>. It is calculated by: <MAT>.

"Target BMI from Weight" is determined from the Target Weight and is shown in <FIG>. It is calculated by: <MAT>.

"Target BMI from Thigh" is determined from the Target Thigh and is shown in <FIG>. It is calculated by: <MAT>.

"Target BMI" means the Target BMI from Waist if a waist range is recommended. If a waist range is not recommended then the Target BMI means the Target BMI from Hip if a hip range is recommended. If neither a hip range nor a waist range is recommended, then Target BMI means the Target BMI from Weight if a weight range is recommended. If neither a waist, hip nor weight range is recommended, then Target BMI means the Target BMI determined from a panty size if a panty size is recommended. If a panty size is not recommended, then the Target BMI is determined from the clothing size if a clothing size is recommended. See Table's <NUM>-<NUM> for examples.

Table <NUM> shows an example of how the Target BMI is determined for absorbent articles where a waist range and a weight range are recommended.

Table <NUM> and Table <NUM> show examples of how the Target BMI is determined for absorbent articles where a waist range, a hip range and a weight range are recommended.

Table <NUM> and Table <NUM> show examples of how the Target BMI is determined for panty and clothing sizes where a waist range and a hip range are recommended.

Consumers who are urinary incontinent often are traumatized by the condition. Many aspects of the condition contribute to the trauma, like the fear of having an incontinent event in public. Even when wearing an absorbent article, there is still the fear of leaking, and the fear of her absorbent article being noticeable under her clothes. This fear can be exacerbated by the presence of free liquid inside the article during or immediately after the event. As such providing a product experience that helps normalize the condition by providing a more underwear-like, thin and body conforming structure across the entire BMI range is one of the objects of the present disclosure. Profiling the core to better match the anatomical features of the wearer is key to minimizing the free fluid within the article and thus providing increased confidence and reduced fear/trauma while providing enhanced leakage protection.

The body mass index (BMI) is a classification system for body shapes based upon height and mass. BMI may be calculated as follows: <MAT>.

The BMI comprises different classes of body mass, including: underweight (BMI <<NUM>), normal weight (BMI <NUM>-<NUM>), overweight (BMI <NUM>-<NUM>), obese (BMI <NUM>-<NUM>), and morbidly obese (BMI > <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates how the general female body shape changes as BMI increases. <FIG> illustrates a variety of specific shapes that may exist within each BMI class: rectangle (also known as cylindrical), hourglass, pear, and apple. The higher her BMI, the further to the right (toward the apple) a woman typically is on this body shape scale. The prevalence of these shapes differs across the BMI range, for instance, higher BMI women have a higher probability of being apple or pear shaped. Adult absorbent articles may be marketed to women of a particular body shape, such as apple, rather than focusing on exact BMI values (which may be off-putting to a consumer), in order to match a wearer with the article that may best fit her unique body shape or size.

One region where the shape of the female body change as BMI gets higher is in the Flat Region Through the Crotch, on the body's sagittal plane. This is illustrated in <FIG>, and in the chart on <FIG>. The Flat Region Through the Crotch approximates the length along which an absorbent core will have little to no curvature, and remain essentially flat during standing wear due to the morphology of the body shape through the crotch. As BMI increases the length of the Flat Region Through Crotch increases.

It may be desirable to link the Capacity Profile of the Absorbent Core to the Flat Region Through the Crotch in order to achieve a better fitting, better conforming article. This may increase the wearing comfort for each consumer while reducing leakage by providing enhanced body contact thereby minimizing the free fluid in the article.

As fluid exits the body, it will tend to pool as free fluid within flat regions of the Absorbent Core. Having appropriate amounts of Absorbent Material in the flat regions of the Absorbent Core and in contact with the body will improve fluid acquisition, thereby reducing free fluid and thereby improving leakage while minimizing bulk within the Absorbent Core by designing the profile of the core to match the anatomy of the wearer which for larger BMI women means increasing the surface area over which fluid is taken into the Absorbent Core. As the Flat Region Through the Crotch increases as BMI increases, so does the flat region of the Absorbent Core, hence it may be desirable to "flatten" the Capacity Profile of the Absorbent Core as the Target BMI for each size in a product array increases.

Table <NUM> below illustrates an example of an inventive array of <NUM> packages, as illustrated in <FIG>. The Capacity Profiles of these Absorbent Cores better match the body shapes of the Target BMI's of the consumers each package is intended to fit and thereby providing better fit, body contact and comfort while reducing the amount of free fluid and the chance of leakage.

Table <NUM> below illustrates for the array example of Table <NUM>, the calculated values of: Total Core Capacity; Core Bracket Standard Deviation; Maximum Core Bracket; Minimum Core Bracket; and Core Bracket Maximum Difference. As the Target BMI increases, the Capacity Profile's for each Absorbent Core become "flatter".

These inventive arrays are provided simply as non-limiting examples. Other inventive arrays are possible within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a first article may comprise a first absorbent core having a Core Bracket Standard Deviation from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and a second article in the array may comprise a second absorbent core having a Core Bracket Standard Deviation from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The first absorbent core may also have a Bracket Maximum Difference from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, and the second absorbent core may have a Bracket Maximum Difference from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. The first absorbent core may also have a Maximum Core Bracket from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the second absorbent core may have a Maximum Core Bracket from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The first absorbent core may also have a Minimum Core Bracket from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the second absorbent core may have a Minimum Core Bracket from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are defined by claim <NUM> and are generally designed and configured to manage bodily exudates such as urine, menses, feces or other vaginal discharges.

In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent chassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or elastic strands. In various embodiments, referring to <FIG>, an example absorbent article <NUM> is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to joining the waist regions to complete the waist opening by for example fastening components 53a and b (illustrated in <FIG>).

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG>, one end portion of the absorbent article <NUM> may be configured as a front waist region <NUM> and the longitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as a back waist region <NUM>. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article <NUM> extending longitudinally between the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM> may be configured as a crotch region <NUM>. In one embodiment, although not illustrated as such, the length of each of the front waist region <NUM>, the back waist region <NUM> and the crotch region <NUM> may be about <NUM>/<NUM> of the length of the absorbent article <NUM>, for example. In other embodiments, the length of each of the front waist region <NUM>, the back waist region <NUM>, and the crotch region <NUM> may have other dimensions. In various embodiments, the absorbent article <NUM> may have a laterally extending front waist end edge <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>.

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG>, a chassis <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge 137a and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 137b. Both of the side edges <NUM> may extend longitudinally between the front waist end edge <NUM> and the back waist end edge <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may form a portion of the laterally extending front waist end edge <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. Furthermore, the chassis <NUM> may comprise an interior surface <NUM>, an exterior surface <NUM>, a longitudinal axis <NUM>, and a lateral axis <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> may extend through a midpoint of the front waist end edge <NUM> and through a midpoint of the back waist end edge <NUM>, while the lateral axis <NUM> may extend through a midpoint of the first side edge 137a and through a midpoint of the second side edge 137b.

In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent article <NUM> may be made to be laterally extensible. The extensibility of the absorbent article <NUM> may be desirable in order to allow the absorbent article <NUM> to conform to a body of a wearer during movement by the wearer. The extensibility may also be desirable, for example, in order to allow the caregiver to extend the front waist region <NUM>, the back waist region <NUM>, the crotch region <NUM>, and/or the chassis <NUM> to provide additional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor the absorbent article <NUM> to the individual wearer. Such extension may provide the absorbent article <NUM> with a generally hourglass shape, so long as the crotch region <NUM> is extended to a relatively lesser degree than the waist regions <NUM> and/or <NUM>. This extension may also impart a tailored appearance to the absorbent article <NUM> during use.

Any or all portions of the absorbent article may comprise a bacteriophage composition as described in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a topsheet <NUM>. The topsheet <NUM> may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and may be elastically stretchable in one or more directions. Further, the topsheet <NUM> may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. Various topsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic material, for example, which is configured to draw bodily fluids into an absorbent core of the chassis <NUM> when these fluids are expelled from the body. A suitable topsheet <NUM> may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, apertured nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example. Suitable apertured films may comprise those described in <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Apertured film or nonwoven topsheets typically may be pervious to bodily exudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example, wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for example, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If the topsheet <NUM> comprises fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed, for example, as is generally known in the art.

The topsheet may comprise a skin care lotion. Examples of suitable lotions include, but are not limited to, those described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>, and as described in <CIT>, and as described in <CIT>. Beyond these compositions, the absorbent article may comprise soluble cyclodextrin derivatives such as those described in <CIT>.

Additionally, the topsheet of the present disclosure may be a tufted laminate web as disclosed in <CIT>, and/or may be an apertured web as disclosed in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the topsheet may comprise graphics (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>) such that depth perception is created as described in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a backsheet <NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> may be impervious, or at least partially impervious, to fluids or body exudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The backsheet <NUM> may prevent the body exudates or fluids absorbed and contained in an absorbent core of the absorbent article <NUM> from wetting articles which contact the absorbent article <NUM>, such as bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/or undergarments. The backsheet <NUM> may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about <NUM> (<NUM> mils) to about <NUM> (<NUM> mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-<NUM> and BR-<NUM>, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind. , under the designation XP-<NUM>.

One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid impervious thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about <NUM> (<NUM> mil) to about <NUM> (<NUM> mils), for example including polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, the backsheet can have a basis weight of from about <NUM>/m2 to about <NUM>/m2. The backsheet can be typically positioned adjacent the outer-facing surface of the absorbent core and can be joined thereto. For example, the backsheet may be secured to the absorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Illustrative, but non-limiting adhesives, include adhesives manufactured by H. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. , and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment device including an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive is disclosed in <CIT>. Another suitable attachment device including several lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Alternatively, the attachment device may include heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment device or combinations of these attachment devices.

In one embodiment, the backsheet <NUM> may be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, the backsheet <NUM> may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core of the absorbent article <NUM> (i.e., the backsheet <NUM> is breathable) while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids or body exudates from passing through the backsheet <NUM>. In one embodiment, the size of the backsheet <NUM> may be dictated by the size of the absorbent article <NUM> and the design or configuration of the absorbent article <NUM> to be formed, for example.

In various embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise an absorbent core (also referred to as an "absorbent member" or "absorbent assembly" or "absorbent structure" or "absorbent composite") <NUM> that is disposed between the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> may comprise a laterally extending front edge <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM>, a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back edge <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>, a first longitudinally extending side edge 237a, and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 237b. Both of the side edges <NUM> may extend longitudinally between the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM>. In one embodiment, more than one absorbent core <NUM> or more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in an absorbent article <NUM>, for example. The absorbent core <NUM> may be any suitable size or shape that is compatible with the absorbent article <NUM>. Example absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core <NUM> of the present disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial success are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may comprise less than about <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or even <NUM>% of the cellulosic airfelt material as determined by weight. Additionally, such an absorbent core may be primarily comprised of an absorbent gelling material in amounts of at least about <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or even about <NUM>% as determined by weight. Furthermore, a portion of the absorbent core may comprise a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT> and in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the core, including multiple layers making up the core system, may be printed and embossed as described in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the core may be separable from the chassis as disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. In such embodiments, the measurements described in this disclosure may be made to the chassis alone or may be made to the chassis in combination with the separable core/absorbent assembly.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article of the present disclosure, and particularly, a portion where the absorbent member is disposed, may have a body fluid absorption rate greater than <NUM>/sec according to <CIT>. According to <CIT>, the expression "the portion (of the absorbent article) where the absorbent member is disposed" is intended to mean the portion occupied by the absorbent member when the absorbent article is flatly unfolded and seen in its plan view.

In one embodiment, the absorbent structure may have an intake factor greater than <NUM> according to <CIT>, wherein the intake factor is defined as the absorbent core permeability divided by the normalized retention capacity (which is defined by the Retention Capacity Test - also according to <CIT>).

In one embodiment, the absorbent composite has a body fluid absorption greater than <NUM>/<NUM> cm2, according to <CIT>.

In one embodiment, a target location of the absorbent article may have a wicking value greater than <NUM>%, according to <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a bending stiffness between <NUM>-<NUM> gf, according to <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a crotch fluid absorption rate greater than <NUM>/sec according to <CIT>. In one embodiment, a freeze-dried composite of the absorbent composite may have an intake rate of at least about <NUM> cubic centimeters (cc) of liquid/second at <NUM>% composite saturation according to <CIT>.

In some embodiments the absorbent core <NUM> may comprise channels as described in <CIT>; <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise longitudinally extending and laterally opposing leg cuffs 147a and 147b that are disposed on the interior surface of the chassis <NUM> that faces inwardly toward the wearer and contacts the wearer. The leg cuffs 147a and 147b may comprise one or more elastic gathering members disposed at or adjacent the proximal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs <NUM>. In addition, the elastic gathering members of the leg cuff may also comprise one or more elastic strands <NUM> disposed at or adjacent the distal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs <NUM>. The elasticized leg cuffs <NUM> may comprise several embodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in the leg regions. The elasticized leg cuffs <NUM> are sometimes referred to as leg bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs. Suitable elasticized leg cuffs <NUM> may comprise those described in <CIT>,<CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, and <CIT>. The leg cuffs <NUM> may be formed by folding portions of the chassis <NUM> laterally inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis <NUM>, to form both the respective leg cuffs <NUM> and the side edges 137a and b of the chassis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs <NUM> may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers to the chassis <NUM> at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137a and 137b of the chassis <NUM>. In one embodiment, the chassis <NUM> may also comprise other elastics disposed adjacent the side edges <NUM> which may cause the article <NUM> to form into a "U" shape when allowed to relax thereby pulling the interior surface <NUM> of the front waist region <NUM> toward the interior surface <NUM> of the back waist region <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff <NUM> may comprise a proximal edge 157a and 157b. These edges 157a and 157b are positioned proximate to the longitudinal axis <NUM> compared to distal edges 139a and 139b. The leg cuffs <NUM> may overlap the absorbent core <NUM>, i.e., the proximal edges 157a and 157b lie laterally inward of the respective side edges 237a and 237b of the absorbent core <NUM>. Such an overlapped configuration may be desirable in order to impart a more finished appearance to the absorbent article <NUM> than that imparted by a non-overlapped configuration. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs <NUM> may not overlap the absorbent core <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff <NUM> may be attached to the interior surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> in a leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the front waist end edge <NUM> and in a longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the back waist end edge <NUM>. In one embodiment, between the leg cuff attachment zones, the proximal edge <NUM> of the leg cuff <NUM> remains free, i.e., not attached to the interior surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> or to the absorbent core <NUM>. Also, between the longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zones, each leg cuff <NUM> may comprise one or more (specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff <NUM>) longitudinally extensible cuff elastic gathering members <NUM> that may be disposed at or adjacent to the proximal edge <NUM> of the leg cuff <NUM> by any suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gathering members <NUM> may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or over only a portion of the leg cuff's length. For example, such cuff elastic gathering members <NUM> may be attached only at or near the leg cuff's longitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the middle of the leg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering members <NUM> may be disposed in the crotch region <NUM> and may extend into one or both of the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. For example, an elastic gathering member <NUM> may be attached at or adjacent to the proximal edge <NUM> of each of the leg cuffs <NUM> and extends into both the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>.

In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member <NUM> may be enclosed inside a folded hem for example. In various embodiments, the cuff elastic gathering members <NUM> may be sandwiched between two layers forming the leg cuff <NUM>, by two layers of the chassis <NUM>, or may be attached on a surface of the chassis <NUM> or the leg cuff <NUM> and remain exposed.

In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic gathering member <NUM> disposed adjacent to each leg cuff's proximal edge <NUM> allows the leg cuff proximal edge <NUM> to extend to the flat uncontracted length of the chassis <NUM>, e.g., the length of the chassis <NUM>. When allowed to relax, the cuff elastic gathering member <NUM> contracts to pull the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM> toward each other and, thereby, bend the article <NUM> into a "U" shape in which the interior of the "U" shape may be formed by the portions of the article <NUM> that are intended to be placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface <NUM>). Because each of the proximal edges <NUM> remains free between the longitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive force of the elastic gathering member <NUM> may lift the proximal edge <NUM> of the leg cuff <NUM> away from the interior surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. This lifting of the proximal edges <NUM> when the article <NUM> is in the relaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs <NUM> into a position to serve as side barriers to prevent, or at least inhibit, leakage of bodily exudates.

Examples of acceptable leg cuffs <NUM> are disclosed in <CIT>, including the configurations disclosed by Figures 8a-t of the '<NUM> application.

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG>, the article <NUM> may comprise an elasticized waistband 112a and b. The elasticized waistband may provide improved fit and containment and may be configured to elastically expand and contract laterally to dynamically fit a wearer's waist. The elasticized waistband may extend longitudinally from the waist edge of the absorbent article <NUM> toward the waist edge of the absorbent core <NUM>. In one embodiment, the absorbent article <NUM> may have two elasticized waistbands, one positioned in the back waist region <NUM> and one positioned in the front waist region <NUM>, although other pant embodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized waistband. The elasticized waistband may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands may comprise materials that have been "prestrained" or "mechanically prestrained" (i.e., subjected to some degree of localized pattern mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the material). The materials may be prestrained using suitable deep embossing techniques. In other embodiments, the materials may be prestrained by directing the material through an incremental mechanical stretching system as described in <CIT>. The materials may then be allowed to return to their substantially untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretch material that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretching. Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The flaps <NUM> (a-d) may be discrete from or integral with the chassis <NUM>. A discrete flap is formed as separate element, which is joined to the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments, this includes a plurality of flaps, e.g. <NUM> or <NUM> (often referred to as ear panels or side flaps) being joined to the side edges <NUM> a and b of the chassis in the front and/or rear waist regions <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In other embodiments this may include a front and/or back belt-like flaps ("belts") being joined across the front and back (or rear) waist regions of the chassis <NUM>, at least across end edges of the chassis <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In some embodiments the waistbands <NUM> can overlap the flaps to create a continuous belt-like structure (see <FIG>).

The belt-like flaps and may comprise an inner nonwoven layer and an outer nonwoven layer and elastics there between. The inner and outer nonwoven layers may be joined using adhesive or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt-like flap configurations can be found in <CIT>.

An integral flap is a portion, one or more layers, of the chassis that projects laterally outward from the longitudinal edge. The integral flap may be formed by cutting the chassis to include the shape of the flap projection.

While many of the embodiments illustrated in this application having belt-like flaps are pant articles, taped articles may have belt-like flaps disposed in one or both waist regions as well.

The structure of flaps play an important role in the functionality of the absorbent article and are fundamentally different than the elastics used in underwear. As mentioned above, incontinence events, such as SUI and UUI, can result in a high flow rate and/or a full bladder release. The amounts of urine expelled during the incontinence events can vary wildly given the type of urinary incontinence as well as other circumstances such as time since last bathroom visit, amount of fluid intake, day or night, etc. Loadings can range from as low as a few drops of urine to loadings as high as <NUM> mls. It is not unusual to have single loadings as high as <NUM>, <NUM> and even <NUM> mls. These levels of loading present a significant downward force associated with the loading which can be a pound or more. This downward force must be compensated for by the absorbent article chassis in order to minimize sagging, gapping and leakage. In order to sustain the fit of the article even after loading the article comprises elastomeric element(s) <NUM>, including films and/or strands) that are disposed proximate to and along the side seams 280a and b (see, for example, <FIG>, where the elastomeric elements <NUM> terminate proximate to and along the length of the seams 280a and b) of the article and extend laterally from one side toward the other. These elastomeric element(s) should create a normal force against the body sufficient to anchor the article. The location of the elastomeric element(s), as well as the forces exerted by the elastomeric element(s) can be varied to ensure proper anchoring at the hips and along the body specifically across the front waist region and in the back waist region. One form of anchoring beneficial for sustaining the fit of a loaded article is disclosed in <CIT> It should also be noted that regular underwear with elastic along the waist edge and leg edges would not typically provide sufficient support to sustain the fit of the underwear if a weight of <NUM>-<NUM> grams was applied to the crotch region of the underwear. This paragraph illustrates another fundamental reason why proper Body Rise/Length of the absorbent article is key to maintain contact and gasketing, as well as proper anchoring on the body to overcome the fit degrading forces associated with high loadings.

The seams 280a and b may each be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The seams are the portions of the flap that overlap (i.e., the distance from the waist opening to the leg opening of the overlapped or abutted flaps).

The absorbent article may also include a fastening system. When fastened, the fastening system interconnects the front waist region <NUM> and the rear waist region <NUM> resulting in a waist circumference that may encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article <NUM>. The fastened elements connecting the front and back waist regions form refastenable side seams. This may be accomplished by flaps <NUM> a and b in the back waist region interconnecting with flaps <NUM> c and d in the front waist region or by flaps in the back waist region interconnecting with the chassis <NUM> in the front waist region. The fastening system may comprises a fastener <NUM> a and b such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. The fasteners may releasably engage with a landing zone <NUM>, which may be a woven or nonwoven. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. Particularly, the flaps may be configured as described and illustrated in Figs. 3A-C and 4A-k of <CIT>, titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT REFASTENABLE PANTS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME. Further, the absorbent articles of this disclosure may be manufactured in accordance with the descriptions and illustrations of <CIT> (see, for example, Figs. <NUM>-10C of the '<NUM> application). An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed in <CIT>. The fastening system may also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in <CIT>. The fastening system may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in <CIT>. The fastening system may be constructed to reduce shifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

As disclosed in <CIT>, it may be desirable to offer an array of packages for fitting different sized wearers, but comprising identical or substantially identical chassis. For instance, an array may comprise a first package comprising a first size of absorbent articles and a second package may comprise a second size of absorbent articles, where the first and second packages comprise identical or substantially identical chassis as described in <CIT>. More particularly, the first package may comprise a first chassis and the second package may comprise a second chassis, where each of the first and second chassis comprise the same dimensions of one or more of: core width at the lateral centerline, core width at one of the front or rear core end, a distance from a left outer cuff distal edge to a right outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff distal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximal edge to a right inner cuff proximal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a free height of the inner cuff, inner cuff hem fold width, inner cuff elastics length, outer cuff elastics length, core length, and backsheet width.

Further, each of the first and second chassis may comprise identical chemical compositions of one or more of a topsheet, backsheet film, backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, core nonwoven, core tissue, leg cuff film, leg cuff nonwoven, super absorbent polymer adhesive, core nonwoven adhesive, leg cuff elastic adhesive, and backsheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise the same basis weight of one or more of the topsheet, backsheet film, backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, leg cuff nonwoven, leg cuff film, super absorbent polymer adhesive, leg cuff adhesive, and backsheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise compositionally identical core super absorbent polymers. The first and second chassis may have identical component cross sectional order and disposition in at least one of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region. The inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may be composed of the compositionally identical materials.

And, the core adhesives of the first and second chassis may be the same adhesive(s). The first and second chassis may comprise core super absorbent polymers that are in the same chemical class and subclass.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise first and second wetness indicators, respectively, and wherein the first and second wetness indicators are compositionally identical.

Further, the inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may have identical component cross sectional order and disposition in at least one of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region. The distance from the left outer cuff distal edge to a right outer cuff distal edge may the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximal edge to left outer cuff distal edge may be the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximal edge to the right inner cuff proximal edge is the same. The lengths of the inner and outer cuffs are the same.

In some embodiments, different size offerings in an array may have identical or substantially identical chassis as the flaps or belts may be used to enable the absorbent article to fit different sized wearers. For example, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally, dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have a different length due to disposition of the belts, such that the first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than the second article. As a second example, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally, dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have a different length and/or width due to the size of the belts, such that the first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than the second article.

In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis compositionally, but not dimensionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis dimensionally, but not compositionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis cross-sectionally, but not dimensionally, and not compositionally. In still other embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have two, but not three of (<NUM>) compositionally, (<NUM>) dimensionally, and (<NUM>) cross-sectionally identical chassis.

Each of the measurements is to be conducted on <NUM> separate like specimens and the average of the <NUM> separate like specimens is considered to be the measurement for that specific specimen set. Provide ten separate like absorbent articles or absorbent core samples. The samples are conditioned for at least two hours prior to testing under the same conditions of temperatures from between <NUM>° C to <NUM>° C and relative humidity from between <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

All length measurements are made using a ruler that is traceable to NIST or other standards organization, and is accurate to the nearest +/- <NUM>.

All weight measurements are made using a scale that is traceable to NIST or other standards organizations, and is accurate to the nearest +/- <NUM> gram.

Remove all layers that do not directly wrap the absorbent core (e.g., topsheet and backsheet and any layers without compromising absorbent material) from the absorbent article sample. Determine the Core Length by using a ruler by measuring the longitudinal length of the absorbent core (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product, refer to <FIG>) from the lateral midpoint of the front edge <NUM> to the lateral midpoint of the back edge <NUM>. Measure to the nearest +/- <NUM>.

Divide the Core Length by <NUM> to determine the Bracket Length.

From the front core edge <NUM> of the Absorbent Core, measure a longitudinal distance equal to the Bracket Length to the nearest +/- <NUM>. Using sharp scissors, cut off the first core bracket adjacent the front edge of the Absorbent Core by cutting from the lateral edge 237a to the lateral edge 237b such that the cut line is lateral and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Absorbent Core. This is Core Bracket<NUM>. Repeat this until the Absorbent Core has been cut into <NUM> equal longitudinal length segments, each having a longitudinal length equal to the Bracket Length, and each subsequent segment numbered sequentially such that the last segment is Core Bracket<NUM>. Refer to <FIG>.

Weigh each Core Bracket to the nearest +/- <NUM> gram to determine its Dry Bracket Weight. Each Core Bracket from <NUM> to <NUM> will have a corresponding Dry Bracket Weight. For example, Core Bracket<NUM> has a Dry Bracket Weight<NUM>.

Use a tray with dimensions of about <NUM> deep X <NUM> wide X <NUM> long. Fill the tray with a <NUM>% saline solution at from between <NUM> to <NUM>° C.

Determine the Wet Bracket Weight by placing each Core Bracket into the solution and allow it to sit for <NUM> minutes. After <NUM> minutes, remove each Core Bracket and weigh it to the nearest +/-<NUM> gram.

Claim 1:
An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent cores comprising absorbent material;
wherein each absorbent core (<NUM>) has a core length, wherein the core length is the longitudinal length of the absorbent core (<NUM>) from lateral midpoint of the front core edge (<NUM>) to lateral midpoint of the back core edge (<NUM>);
wherein each absorbent core is subdivided into <NUM> equal longitudinal length Core Brackets;
wherein Bracket Capacity is the maximum amount of liquid that can be absorbed by all of the absorbent material within each Core Bracket, according to the Bracket Capacity test method as set out herein, expressed in grams (g);
wherein Maximum Core Bracket is the maximum Bracket Capacity within the absorbent core (<NUM>);
wherein Minimum Core Bracket is the minimum Bracket Capacity within the absorbent core (<NUM>);
wherein Core Bracket Standard Deviation is the standard deviation of all Bracket Capacity's within the absorbent core (<NUM>); and
wherein Core Bracket Maximum Difference is the percent difference between the Maximum Core Bracket within the absorbent core and the Minimum Core Bracket;
the array comprising:
a first package comprising a first disposable absorbent article, the first absorbent article comprising a first topsheet, a first backsheet, a first absorbent core and a first pair of side seams, the first absorbent article being a first size and in closed form;
a second package comprising a second disposable absorbent article, the second absorbent article comprising a second topsheet, a second backsheet, a second absorbent core and a second pair of side seams, the second absorbent article being a second size and in closed form;
wherein the second size is larger than the first size;
wherein the Maximum Core Bracket of the second absorbent core of the second size is equal to or less than the Maximum Core Bracket of the first absorbent core of the first size.