Patent Description:
Infants and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles such as diapers or absorbent pants to receive and contain urine and other body fluids such as a feces. Absorbent pants may include pull-on absorbent articles, or pant-type absorbent articles, which are donned by inserting the wearer's legs into pre-formed leg openings and sliding the article up into position about the lower torso.

<CIT> disclose a disposable training pant with improved disposal device having a one-piece disposal feature. <CIT> discloses pant-type absorbent articles with a disposable tape. In an after use configuration, however, the leg apertures may remain open, potentially allowing urine and feces to seep out of the absorbent pant.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for alternative absorbent patents and methods of use and manufacture to more efficiently prevent bodily exudates from seeping out of a used and soiled absorbent pant after removal, including while disposing and once in waste containers. Further, there is a need to provide a convenient and/or more hygienic means for disposing of a soiled absorbent article.

This disclosure comprises the features of the independent claims herein.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of absorbent pants, aspects of which may include non-woven surface protrusions, as well as to formation systems and methods of manufacture and wrapping of said absorbent pants, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Various embodiments of such absorbent patents, systems, and methods will be described in further detail herein with specific reference to the appended drawings.

Referring to <FIG>, the present disclosure is directed to an absorbent article <NUM>, shown in the form of an absorbent pant <NUM>, which may comprise an absorbent pant <NUM> for a child or an adult incontinence product. Although shown in the form of a pant, it is also contemplated that the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise another form. The absorbent article <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> comprising a topsheet <NUM>, backsheet <NUM>, and absorbent core <NUM> disposed therebetween. The article <NUM> also includes longitudinally opposing first and second waist regions, as a first waist region <NUM> and a second waist region <NUM>, and a crotch region <NUM> disposed between the first and second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated absorbent pant, opposing first and second waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> are longitudinally disposed in the first and second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> is disposed in the crotch region <NUM> and may extend in the first and/or second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first and second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM> comprise belt regions joined to or integral with the chassis <NUM>. Such belt regions may be elastic belt regions. By way of example, and not as a limitation, the belt regions may be made of elongatable material that recovers at least <NUM>% of its elongation upon release of an applied force to be considered "elastic" or "elastomeric. " It is to be understood and within the scope of this disclosure that reference to the chassis <NUM> for the absorbent article <NUM> or absorbent pant <NUM> as described herein may cover either embodiment in which the chassis <NUM> encompasses the crotch region <NUM> or the chassis encompasses the crotch region <NUM> and one or more portions of the first and second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, in a wrapped configuration as described in greater detail further below, at least one waist panel <NUM>, <NUM> may be laterally folded inward to engage a fastening zone area <NUM> on the first waist region <NUM>, the second waist region <NUM>, or the crotch region <NUM> to cover at least a portion of a leg aperture <NUM> as at least partial seal to contain, prevent, and/or minimize the chances of bodily fluids and/or solids from seeping out of a used absorbent article <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first waist region <NUM> may include a first-side first waist panel 104a and a laterally opposing second-side first waist panel 104b. The second waist region <NUM> may include a first-side second waist panel 108a and a laterally opposing second-side second waist panel 108b. Thus, opposing first waist panels 104a, 104b are respectively longitudinally disposed with respect to opposing second waist panels 108a, 108b. The opposing first waist panels 104a, 104b are disposed in the first waist region <NUM>, and the opposing second waist panels 108a, 108b are disposed in the second waist region <NUM>.

Although the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are side panels, it is to be appreciated that the waist panel <NUM> may be a single unitary piece construction extending across the chassis <NUM> and/or the waist panel <NUM> may be a single unitary piece construction extending across the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments, waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> together are formed of a single unitary piece construction. It should be appreciated that the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> may also be formed as continuous extensions of one or both the first and second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the chassis. It is also to be appreciated that embodiments of the absorbent pant <NUM> that may be used with the methods and apparatuses herein may include various different types and configurations of waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> than those shown and described herein. Examples of various types of waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first waist panels <NUM> and second waist panels <NUM> connect the first waist region <NUM> with the second waist region <NUM> to form a waist opening <NUM> and a pair of leg apertures <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>. The article also includes a fastening zone area <NUM> on at least one surface. In embodiments, the fastening zone area may comprise an area of at least <NUM><NUM>, or of at least <NUM><NUM> (<NUM><NUM>). The fastening zone area <NUM> may be disposed on the garment-facing surface <NUM> in the first waist region <NUM>, crotch region <NUM> or second waist region <NUM> or suitable combination thereof. In a wrapped configuration, as shown in <FIG> described in greater detail below, at least one of the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM> such that at least one of the leg apertures <NUM> is at least partially sealed. As a non-limiting example, in the wrapped configuration, the at least one waist panel <NUM>, <NUM> that is laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM> covers at least a portion of one of the leg apertures <NUM> as the at least partial seal to contain, prevent, and/or minimize the chances of bodily fluids and/or solids from seeping out of a used absorbent pant <NUM>. In embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a plurality of fastening elements. In non-limiting examples, the fastening elements comprise hooks integrally formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to a nonwoven material, a film, a hot melt material, an adhesive, or combinations thereof. The material may include a nonwoven substrate <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and the plurality of hooks may be one or more surface protrusions <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, which are both described in greater detail further below. Additionally or alternatively, as described in greater detail below, the absorbent pant <NUM> may include a release tape <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, which are described in greater detail further below. At least a portion of the release tape <NUM> may be disposed in an overlapping relationship with the fastening zone area <NUM> in a taped configuration and configured to be separated from the fastening zone area <NUM> in a released configuration to be released from the overlapping relationship. The release tape <NUM> may encompass a surface area greater than or equal to a surface area of the fastening zone area <NUM> that it overlaps. In other additional or alternative aspects, as shown in <FIG>, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> may be laterally separated by a first width, W1, at a first longitudinal location <NUM> and intersect at a second longitudinal location <NUM> that is longitudinally displaced with respect to the first longitudinal location <NUM>. In embodiments, the first width may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein. The arms may comprise a width, Wa of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein. The arms may comprise a width, Wa, of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein. The arms may comprise the same width or different widths. The longitudinal distance, L , that the arms extend may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein.

"Absorbent article" such as absorbent pants as used herein refers to devices such as consumer products that absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body such as soils and wastes. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings such as illustrated in <CIT>), refastenable diapers or pant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, and the like. Non-limiting examples of absorbent pants include training pants, pull-on or refastenable pant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, and the like.

The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles which generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (e.g., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and may also be configured to be recycled, composted, or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner. Embodiments of the absorbent pants described herein are disposable.

The terms "absorbent pant" and "pant" (also referred to as "diaper pant," "training pant," "pre-closed diaper," "pant diaper," and "pull-on diaper") refers herein to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and laterally opposing continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant or adult wearers. For the avoidance of doubt, adult incontinence articles may be in the form of absorbent pants. A pant can be configured with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous, closed, leg opening as packaged, prior to the article being applied to the wearer. A pant can be preformed by various techniques including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the article using any refastenable and/or permanent closure member (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant can be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article in the waist region (e.g., side fastened or seamed, front waist fastened or seamed, rear waist fastened or seamed or combinations thereof). Example pants are disclosed in various configurations are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

In regard to structural terms, the term "disposed" is used herein to mean that an element(s) is located in a particular place or position as a macro-unitary structure with other elements or as a separate element joined to another element.

As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s), which in turn are affixed to the other element.

In regard to directional terms, "longitudinal" as used herein means a direction running substantially along an axis from a waist edge to a longitudinally opposing waist edge of an absorbent article when the article is in a flat out, uncontracted state, or from a waist edge to the bottom of a crotch region, i.e. the fold line, in a bi-folded article. Longitudinally-extending" refers to components having a longitudinal dimension which is greater than said component's lateral dimension.

"Lateral" as used herein refers to a direction running from a longitudinally extending side edge to a laterally opposing longitudinally extending side edge of an article and generally at a right angle and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. "Laterally-extending" refers to components having a lateral dimension which is greater than said component's longitudinal dimension.

In regarding to configuration terms, "design element" as used herein means a shape or combination of shapes that visually create a distinct and discrete component, regardless of the size or orientation of the component. A design element may be present in one or more patterns. A design element may be present one or more times within one pattern. In one non-limiting example, the same design element is present twice in one pattern - the second instance of the design element is smaller than the first instance. One of skill in the art will recognize that alternative arrangements are also possible. Design elements may comprise insignia. Design elements and/or combinations of design elements may comprise letters, words and/or graphics such as flowers, butterflies, hearts, character representations and the like. Design elements may be formed from bonds, including the shape of one or more bond(s). Design elements and/or combinations of design elements may comprise instructional indicia providing guidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to placement and/or fit of the article about the wearer.

"Insignia" as used herein means objects, character representations, words, colors, shapes or other indicia that can be used to distinguish, identify or represent the manufacturer, retailer, distributor or brand of a product, including but not limited to trademarks, logos, emblems, symbols, designs, figures, fonts, lettering, crests or similar identifying marks.

"Integral" means configurations whereby an element is created from or created by an article component, or portions thereof, as opposed to being joined to the component. "Integrally formed" means an element is created from an underlying material or portion thereof, by for example molding, shaping and/or reconstituting the material.

In regard to material terms used herein, the term "nonwoven" or "non-woven" refers to a material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and the like. In some configurations, a nonwoven may comprise a polyolefin based nonwoven, including but not limited to nonwovens having polypropylene fibers and/or polyethylene fibers and/or bicomponent fibers comprising a polyolefin. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fibers include spunbond, spunlaid, meltblown, spunmelt, solvent-spun, electrospun, carded, film fibrillated, melt-film fibrillated, air-laid, dry-laid, wet-laid staple fibers, and other nonwoven web materials formed in part or in whole of polymer fibers as known in the art, and workable combinations thereof. Nonwovens do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern. It is to be appreciated that nonwovens having various basis weights can be used in accordance with the methods herein. In embodiments, bicomponent fibers of the nonwoven material may include additives to be configured to more easily be susceptible to heating such as through infrared, which may aid with, for example, pre-heating or other heating of the nonwoven material as described herein.

Referring again to <FIG>, the absorbent pant <NUM> in a flat, unfolded condition, with an external portion of the absorbent pant <NUM> that faces away from a wearer oriented towards the viewer. The pant <NUM> is shown with a longitudinal axis <NUM>, a lateral axis <NUM>, the first waist region <NUM>, the second waist region <NUM>, and the crotch region <NUM> disposed intermediate the first and second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. A periphery may be defined by a first longitudinal side edge <NUM>, a second longitudinal side edge <NUM>, a first waist end edge <NUM> disposed in the first waist region <NUM>, and a second waist end edge disposed in the second waist region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pant <NUM> includes an inner, body facing surface <NUM> and an outer, garment facing surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the chassis <NUM> may include a topsheet <NUM> forming a portion of the body facing surface <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may also include a backsheet <NUM>. In embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a first nonwoven material including hooks, the first nonwoven material that is discrete from and joined to the backsheet <NUM> or that is part of the backsheet <NUM>. The waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> may include a second nonwoven material including loops that may be integrally formed from the second nonwoven material. As described herein, the release tape <NUM> may be disposed in an overlapping relationship with the fastening zone area <NUM> and may include a third nonwoven material, a film, or combinations thereof. The release tape <NUM>, as described in greater detail further below with respect to <FIG>, may be permanently joined to the absorbent pant <NUM> at a first end 206A and releasably joined or unattached at a second end (for example, corresponding to the second longitudinal location <NUM> of <FIG>). In non-limiting examples, the second end may be free from attachment to the surface of the pant or weakly attached to the surface, such that the second end comprises a lift tab <NUM>. The lift tab <NUM> may be pressed against or may rest against the surface of the absorbent pant <NUM> in a taped configuration, such as shown in <FIG>, and the lift tab <NUM> may be configured to be easily lifted (such as in the direction of arrow <NUM> of <FIG>) as a means for the caregiver to begin to release the remaining portion of the release tape <NUM>. The lift tab <NUM> may comprise a relatively small surface area to correspond with a fingertip, such that a caregiver may insert his/her finger between the lift tab <NUM> and the surface of the absorbent pant <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the lift tab <NUM> may be provided with a marking such as a textured grip material and/or color indicator. The marking may direct the caregiver's attention to the location of the lift tab <NUM> or otherwise indicate use of the lift tab <NUM> to pull the release tape <NUM> away from the absorbent pant <NUM> and reveal an underlying fastening zone area <NUM>. In embodiments, the release tape <NUM> is permanently joined to the absorbent pant <NUM> at a first end and unattached at a second end, such that the portion of the release tape <NUM> comprises the second end and the second end comprises the lift tab <NUM> configured to aid in transitioning from the overlapping relationship to the released configuration.

Once the second end is released from against the absorbent pant <NUM> in a released configuration, the first end 206A may remain attached to the absorbent pant <NUM>. The release tape <NUM> may be configured to cover the fastening zone area <NUM> in the taped configuration and to form and serve as a handle <NUM> (<FIG>) in the released configuration.

Referring back to <FIG>, an absorbent core <NUM> may be disposed between a portion of the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may also include leg elastics <NUM> and an elastic waist region to enhance the fit around the legs and waist of the wearer. Example leg elastic and leg cuff embodiments are disclosed in, for example, <CIT> and <CIT>. It is to be appreciated that any one or more of the regions of the chassis <NUM> may be stretchable and may include various types of elastomeric materials and/or laminates. As such, the absorbent pant <NUM> may be configured to adapt to a wearer's anatomy upon application and to maintain contact with the wearer's anatomy during wear.

As previously mentioned, the chassis <NUM> may include a backsheet <NUM>, which may define the outer surface <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the backsheet <NUM> may be configured to prevent exudates absorbed and contained within the chassis from soiling articles that may contact the absorbent pant <NUM>, such as bedsheets and undergarments. In certain embodiments, the backsheet <NUM> is substantially water-impermeable. The backsheet <NUM> may, example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet <NUM>.

Backsheet <NUM> may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet <NUM> may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may be made of a soft, nonwoven material. The inner layer may be made of a substantially liquid-impermeable film, such as a polymeric film. The outer cover and an inner layer may be joined together by adhesive or any other suitable material or method. The outer cover material may comprise a bond pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features. The outer cover may be a hydroentangled nonwoven material.

In embodiments, one or more fastening elements <NUM> (e.g., adhesive, snaps, male/female systems) in a fastening zone area <NUM>. The fastening zone area <NUM> may be disposed on the wearer-facing surface and/or the garment facing surface. In various embodiments, the fastening zone is disposed on the garment-facing surface. The fastening zone may be disposed in any suitable location on the article, including the waist regions <NUM>, <NUM> and/or crotch region <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the fastening elements <NUM> comprise surface protrusions <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, and as described in greater detail further below). The fastening systems described herein may include hook and loop fasteners for securing a portion of the article <NUM> to the fastening zone area <NUM>. In aspects, the surface protrusions <NUM> may be used with many other tape designs to secure the garment for disposal, including disposal tape systems disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT> and publications <CIT> and <CIT>.

In embodiments, the absorbent pant <NUM> of the present disclosure includes a fastening zone area <NUM> having a plurality of hooks as the surface protrusions <NUM>, the hooks integrally formed from a first nonwoven material, a film, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a plurality of loops <NUM> (<FIG>). The loops <NUM> may be disposed on a patch joined to the article or may be integrally formed from the first nonwoven or from a second nonwoven material. The first nonwoven may, for example, comprise a portion of the backsheet <NUM>, and the second nonwoven may, for example, comprise a portion of the waist panel <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include an adhesive.

The article <NUM> may be wrapped (e.g., folded); and in a wrapped configuration, a portion of the article <NUM> may be folded inward to cover or at least partially seal one or both leg apertures <NUM>. The wrapped configurations described herein may include folding in one or more directions and may include a wrap-around folding. As shown in <FIG>, in a worn position, the article <NUM> is provided with the front half generally facing the back half. The wrapped configuration comprises additional folding or bending. Such folding may comprise folding the article <NUM> in a halfway fold (such as shown in <FIG>) in which a portion of a back half is folded over a portion of a front half (or vice versa) and/or a rolling prior to laterally folding a portion of the article inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the article <NUM> may be at least partially rolled and/or folded laterally (i.e., towards the longitudinal axis) prior to laterally folding a portion of the article inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM>.

In embodiments, once the article <NUM> is in a wrapped configuration, at least one portion of the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be laterally folded inward to the portion of the article <NUM> on which the fastening zone area <NUM> is disposed. Such a lateral folding may be a direct fold or may be a wrap around a first half of the article (e.g., one of the front half or the back half) to land at and engage with the fastening zone area <NUM> of the second half (e.g., the other of the front half or the back half). It is to be understood, however, that any part of the absorbent article <NUM> without limitation to the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, such folding of a portion of the absorbent article <NUM> such as at least one of the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> may include a longitudinal inward folding to engage the fastening zone area <NUM>.

In some aspects, the fastening zone area <NUM> may be disposed on a back half of the chassis <NUM>, the second waist region <NUM> is disposed on the back half of the chassis <NUM> (e.g., a rear waist region), and, in the wrapped configuration, the at least one a portion of the rear waist panels <NUM>, such as a side of one of the waist panels 108a, 108b disposed in the second waist region <NUM>, is configured to be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM> on the back half of the chassis <NUM>. In this way, the rear waist panel may at least partially seal a leg aperture <NUM> while additionally sealing, or at least partially sealing, the respective side portion of the waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of the first waist panels <NUM> may be configured to be laterally folded to engage the fastening zone area <NUM> on the back half of the chassis <NUM>, particularly when the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> remain connected in the wrapped configuration.

Likewise, the fastening zone area <NUM> may be disposed on a front half of the chassis <NUM>, the first waist region <NUM> is disposed on the first half of the chassis <NUM> (e.g., front waist region), and, in the wrapped configuration, the at least one a portion of the waist panels <NUM>, such as a side of one of the waist panels 104a, 104b disposed in the front waist region <NUM>, is configured to be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM> on the front half of the chassis <NUM>. In this way, the front waist panel may at least partially seal a leg aperture <NUM> and sealing, or at least partially sealing, opening(s) in the waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of the second waist panels <NUM> may be configured to be laterally folded to engage the fastening zone area <NUM> on the front half of the chassis <NUM>, particularly when the first and second waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> remain connected in the wrapped configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, respectively, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a configuration, and the configuration may include one of the following shapes: a V-shape, a U-shape, a Y-shape, or one or more rectangles, such as a single laterally extending rectangular shape, or a double longitudinally extending rectangular shape that may include two co-aligned rectangular shapes. In some embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> includes a first configuration and the release tape <NUM> includes a second configuration, and the first configuration and the second configuration may differ by one of a group consisting of: shape, area, orientation, constituent material, or combinations thereof. At least one of the first configuration or the second configuration may include one of a V-shape, a U-shape, a Y-shape, or one or more rectangles. The fastening zone area <NUM> may be relatively large in area and formed to cover a shaped area, such as that of a rectangular form as shown in <FIG>, a circle, or another shape. The fastening zone area <NUM> may comprise a two-dimensional area that is at least about <NUM><NUM>, or at least about <NUM><NUM>, or at least about <NUM><NUM>, or from about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, or from about <NUM><NUM> to about <NUM><NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM><NUM> increment therein. The fastening zone area <NUM> may overlap the longitudinal axis and/or overlap the lateral axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include one or more other design elements including at least one of insignia, letters, words, graphics, logos, colors, fonts, shapes, or combinations thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the surface upon which the fastening zone area <NUM> is disposed may include graphics or other elements such as printed areas which indicate and highlight the presence of the fastening zone area <NUM>.

In an embodiment, and referring to <FIG>, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a V-shape fastening zone area 200A. In other aspects, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a Y-shape fastening zone area 200B, such as is illustrated in <FIG>. In yet other embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a U-shape fastening zone area 200C, such as is illustrated in <FIG>. In yet other aspects, the fastening zone area 200E1 may include a single rectangular shape as a rectangular-shape fastening zone area 200E1. A shape of the release tape <NUM> may differ from the fastening zone area <NUM> and may overlap and have a greater dimension than the fastening zone area <NUM>.

As noted above, and shown in <FIG>, the first width, W1, may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein. The arms <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a width, Wa, of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein. The arms <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise the same width or different widths. The longitudinal distance, L , that the arms <NUM>, <NUM> extend may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for each range every <NUM> increment therein. In the U-shaped embodiments, a radius of curvature at each of the outer U-curves at a second longitudinal location <NUM> may be in a range of from about <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) such that each diameter curve width is in a range of from about <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>). In aspects, the fastening elements <NUM> described herein may be placed in a fastening zone area 200C underlying each of the outer U-curves of the release tape 202C of <FIG>.

In other embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include a single laterally extending rectangular shape fastening zone area 200D, such as is illustrated in <FIG>, or a double longitudinally extending rectangular shape fastening zone area 200E, such as is illustrated in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the fastening zone area <NUM> may be laterally extending as a singular fastening zone, which may include a rectangular shape. The fastening zone area <NUM> may be laterally extending on the at least one surface of the first or second waist regions <NUM>, <NUM> or the crotch region <NUM>. In other aspects, such as shown in <FIG>, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include multiple fastening zones. As a non-limiting example, the fastening zone area <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may include a first arm 203E and a second arm 205E. The second arm 205E may be spaced apart from the first arm 203E by a lateral distance of at least about <NUM>, or at least about <NUM>, or at least about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, reciting for said range each <NUM> increment therein.

In aspects, said absorbent pant <NUM> further includes a release tape <NUM> disposed in an overlapping relationship with the fastening zone area <NUM>, such as is illustrated in <FIG>. The release tape <NUM> may have the same shape as the fastening zone area <NUM>. The release tape <NUM> may include a nonwoven material, a film, or combinations thereof. The release tape <NUM> may be joined to the absorbent pant <NUM> at a first end <NUM> (such as first ends 206A of <FIG>) and unattached at a second end (i.e., corresponding to the second longitudinal location <NUM> of <FIG>), such that the second end comprises the lift tab <NUM> (<FIG>) configured for release in a direction, such as the direction of an arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, an arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, or an arrow <NUM> in <FIG>. The release tape <NUM> may be configurable to serve as a handle <NUM> (<FIG>) in a released configuration, as shown in <FIG> described below. In aspects, the second end is within <NUM> of the second longitudinal position. Said release tape <NUM> may be joined to the fastening zone area 202D of the absorbent pant <NUM> at a center position 206D as shown in <FIG> and unattached at distal positions, such that the distal positions each include the lift tab <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a V-shaped release tape 202A of the absorbent pant <NUM> is shown respectively in first, second, and third positions. In the first position of <FIG>, the outer, garment facing surface <NUM> of the absorbent pant <NUM> has been folded over and a releaseable portion of the V-shaped release tape 202A has been released, such as peeled-back, from the garment facing surface <NUM> to expose the underlying fastening zone area 200A for engagement. An end of the releasable portion once that is released, as shown in <FIG>, forms a top part of a handle <NUM>. A permanent portion of the V-shaped release tape 202A remains attached to the absorbent pant <NUM> to form a bottom part of the handle <NUM>.

In the second position, as shown in <FIG>, at least one waist panel <NUM>, <NUM> is laterally folded out from the absorbent pant <NUM> (e.g., laterally folded outward from the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the absorbent pant <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). Such an outward lateral folding prepares the waist panel <NUM>, <NUM> for a lateral inward folding onto the exposed fastening zone area 200A of the absorbent pant <NUM>. In the third position, as shown in <FIG> depicting the wrapped configuration, the at least one waist panel <NUM>, <NUM> that was laterally folded out in <FIG> is now laterally folded inward (e.g., laterally folded toward the longitudinal axis <NUM>) onto and to engage with the fastening zone area 200A to at least partially cover and seal an underlying leg aperture <NUM>.

As previously mentioned, the chassis <NUM> may include the topsheet <NUM>, shown for example, in <FIG>. The topsheet <NUM> is generally a portion of the absorbent article that may be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to a wearer. Suitable topsheets are generally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of, or all of, the topsheet may be liquid permeable, permitting liquid bodily exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, woven materials, nonwoven materials, woven or nonwoven materials of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester or polypropylene or bicomponent PE/PP fibers or mixtures thereof), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet <NUM> may have one or more layers. The topsheet <NUM> may be apertured, may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and/or may have a plurality of embossments (e.g., a bond pattern). The topsheet <NUM> may be apertured by overbonding a material and then rupturing the overbonds through ring rolling, such as disclosed in <CIT> and disclosed in <CIT>. Any portion of the topsheet <NUM> may be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant, and/or other beneficial agents. The topsheet <NUM> may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet <NUM> is hydrophobic, typically apertures will be present so that bodily exudates may pass through the topsheet <NUM>.

As previously mentioned, the chassis <NUM> may also include the absorbent core <NUM>. As shown for example in <FIG>, the absorbent core <NUM> may include a first longitudinal side edge <NUM> laterally separated from a second longitudinal side edge, and a first end edge <NUM> longitudinally separated from a second end edge. The absorbent core <NUM> may also include components such as an acquisition layer and absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body exudates. The absorbent core <NUM> can also be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetric, etc.). The absorbent core <NUM> may also include a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles. In one example, the absorbent core <NUM> includes comminuted wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers, including coform; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of materials.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the absorbent core <NUM> is substantially cellulose free and contains less than <NUM>% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than <NUM>% cellulosic fibers, less than <NUM>% cellulosic fibers, no more than an immaterial amount of cellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers. It should be understood that an immaterial amount of cellulosic material does not materially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility, and absorbency of the portion of the absorbent core <NUM> that is substantially cellulose free. Among other benefits, it is believed that when at least a portion of the absorbent core <NUM> is substantially cellulose free, this portion of the absorbent core <NUM> is significantly thinner and more flexible than a similar absorbent core that includes more than <NUM>% by weight of cellulosic fibers. The amount of absorbent material, such as absorbent particulate polymer material present in the absorbent core may vary, but in certain embodiments, is present in the absorbent core <NUM> in an amount greater than about <NUM>%, or greater than about <NUM>%, or greater than about <NUM>%, or greater than about <NUM>% by weight of the core. In some embodiments, the absorbent core may comprise one or more channels, wherein said channels are substantially free of absorbent particulate polymer material. The channels may extend longitudinally or laterally. The absorbent core may further comprise two or more channels. The channels may be straight, curvilinear, angled or any workable combination thereof. In nonlimiting examples, two channels are symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>, and <CIT> and <CIT>.

The absorbent core <NUM> may also have a multiple layered construction. A more detailed discussion of various types of multi-layered absorbent cores can be found in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>. In some embodiments, the absorbent pant <NUM> includes an absorbent core <NUM> that is stretchable. In such a configuration, the absorbent core <NUM> may be adapted to extend along with other materials of the chassis in longitudinal and/or lateral directions. The absorbent core <NUM> can also be connected with the other components of the chassis <NUM> various ways. For example, the absorbent pant <NUM> may include a "floating core" configuration or a "bucket" configuration wherein the absorbent pant <NUM> includes an anchoring system that can be configured to counteract the forces tending to move the article on the wearer. Such an anchoring system can also be configured to anchor itself to a body of a wearer by contacting various parts of the body. In this way, the anchoring system can balance the collected moving forces with holding forces obtained from the anchoring. By balancing the collected moving forces with the obtained holding forces, the anchoring system can at least assist in holding the disposable wearable absorbent article in place on a wearer.

Embodiments of the absorbent pant <NUM> may also include pockets for receiving and containing waste, spacers which provide voids for waste, barriers for limiting the movement of waste in the article, compartments or voids which accept and contain waste materials deposited in the diaper, and the like, or any combinations thereof. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in absorbent products are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Examples of compartments or voids are disclosed in <CIT>; and <CIT>. Examples of transverse barriers are described in <CIT> and <CIT>; and <CIT>. In addition to or in place of the voids, pockets and barriers, described above, embodiments of the absorbent article may also include a waste management element capable of effectively and efficiently accepting, storing and/or immobilizing viscous fluid bodily waste, such as runny feces, such as described in <CIT>.

In aspects, the absorbent pant <NUM> of the present disclosure further includes a seam that joins the first and second waist panels <NUM>, <NUM>, which may be formed by a frangible bond. The chassis <NUM> may include one or more frangible seams configured to join the first and second waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> to connect the first waist region <NUM> with the second waist region <NUM>. As used herein "frangible bond" refers to attachment of two or more elements or portions of elements together in which they may be separated during normal use, but upon separation cannot be re-attached without substantial degradation of fastener performance. A frangible bond is generally designed to be broken by the consumer at some point during normal use of the article. The breaking of this bond may be optional depending on desired use, or it may occur in substantially all use occasions.

Depending on the particular configuration, it is to be appreciated that various types of fastening elements may be used with the absorbent pant <NUM>. In one example, the fastening elements include hook & loop fasteners, such as those available from <NUM> or Velcro Industries. In other examples, the fastening elements include adhesives and/or tap tabs, while others are configured as a macrofastener or hook (e.g., a MACRO or "button-like" fastener). Some exemplary fastening elements and systems are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Additional examples of fasteners and/or fastening elements are discussed in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Other fastening systems are described in more detail in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> may include a receiving zone area <NUM> that may include a nonwoven substrate <NUM>. The nonwoven substrate <NUM> may be applied in overlying relationship to an outwardly-facing surface of a polymeric layer <NUM> to provide a plurality of loops <NUM> that may define spaced open areas bounded by inter-engaged individual fibers. The receiving zone area <NUM> may be disposed on the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to be engaged with the fastening zone area <NUM> of the waist regions <NUM>, <NUM> or the crotch region <NUM> as described herein. In embodiments, the fastening zone area <NUM> may be disposed on the at least one surface of the crotch region <NUM> and a receiving landing area, such as the receiving zone area <NUM> of <FIG>, may be disposed on the at least one of the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> configured to be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastening zone area <NUM> may include one or more surface protrusions <NUM> for engagement with the receiving zone area <NUM> of the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The surface protrusions <NUM> may have one or more of a cross-sectional configuration, a height H, a width, a length, an angular inclination, and a hook end configuration. The one or more surface protrusions <NUM> may be hooks formed normal to or at angle with respect to a garment surface of a garment material. Further, the one or more surface protrusions <NUM> as described herein may be of various modifiable configurations in any directionality of the hook end with respect to the garment surface, such as a left, right, angled, curved, or straight up direction. A surface protrusion <NUM> may be a projection that is normal to the garment surface. The cross-sectional configuration of surface protrusions <NUM> in <FIG> is shown as a sectional view taken generally perpendicular to a surface <NUM> of a garment material <NUM> so to divide an individual surface protrusion 502A into equal halves, extending generally parallel to a direction defined by a projection of an individual surface protrusion 502A on the surface <NUM>. A further cross-sectional configuration of the surface protrusions <NUM> is a sectional view taken generally parallel to the surface <NUM> of the garment material <NUM>. The further cross-sectional configuration may be of any configuration, for example, a circle, an ellipse, an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, an elongated rectangle and a polygonal. The further cross-sectional configuration can be substantially consistent dimension-wise throughout the height H of the individual surface protrusion 502A, or it can be substantially tapered by being larger at the surface of the garment material <NUM>.

The height H of surface protrusions <NUM> is the distance taken generally perpendicular between the surface <NUM> of the garment material <NUM> and the highest point of the individual surface protrusion 502A extending above the surface <NUM>. The width of the surface protrusions <NUM> may be taken from the base of the individual surface protrusion 502A in a direction defined by a projection of the individual surface protrusion 502A on the surface <NUM> of the garment material <NUM>. An angular inclination of the surface protrusions <NUM> may be relative to the surface <NUM> of the garment material <NUM>. Distal end forms <NUM> of the surface protrusions <NUM> may have various configurations, such as the hook that is illustrated by the non-limiting example of <FIG>.

The surface protrusions <NUM> may be formed by a method of manufacture. Suitable methods are described in <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic side view of an apparatus for forming protrusions <NUM> on an advancing substrate <NUM> in order to dispose a fastening zone area <NUM> on the substrate <NUM> is shown. As shown in <FIG>, a continuous substrate <NUM> may advance in a machine direction (MD) adjacent a protrusion forming apparatus or system <NUM> that is configured to form discrete zones of first body parts and distal hook ends at respective distal ends <NUM> of surface protrusions <NUM> on the substrate <NUM>. In aspects, a portion of the substrate <NUM> is a thermoplastic material substrate. In embodiments, the substrate <NUM> is nonwoven material. It is to be appreciated that various configurations of protrusion forming systems <NUM> may be used to integrally mold surface protrusions <NUM> directly on the substrate <NUM>, wherein the substrate material may serve not only as a structural component material for other purposes, but also as a source of material, such as a polymer for example, for formation of the surface protrusions <NUM>.

The portion of the substrate <NUM> of <FIG> as referenced herein to form the one or more surface protrusions <NUM> may include the garment material <NUM> of <FIG> such that a referenced surface <NUM> of the garment material <NUM> is also a surface of the substrate <NUM>. In aspects, the garment material <NUM> is a nonwoven substrate.

Thus, the absorbent pant <NUM>, fastening zone areas <NUM>, and surface protrusions <NUM> as described herein may be formed from methods of manufacture utilizing assemblies and systems such as the system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As a non-limiting example, and referring to <FIG>, a portion of the substrate <NUM> is in contact with the molding roll <NUM> and vibrating energy source <NUM> and may be softened by the vibration energy from the energy source <NUM> and a desired portion of the thermoplastic material caused to enter into one or more cavities <NUM> of the molding roll <NUM>, forming hook-shaped or otherwise shaped elements or projections <NUM> on the surface of a substrate <NUM> as the roll turns in a rotary forming process. In aspects, the energy source <NUM> is an ultrasonic force, such as a sonotrode. The energy source <NUM> applies energy to the advancing substrate <NUM> such that softened material of the substrate <NUM> may be pressed or otherwise move or flow into the openings (e.g., cavities <NUM>) to form a zone of surface protrusions <NUM>. In turn, the surface protrusions <NUM> are formed directly from and integrally with the material of the substrate <NUM>.

In the rotary forming process, a requisite amount of pressure may be applied to the thermoplastic material to assist in its entry and fill-out of the cavities <NUM>, for example by a secondary roll <NUM>. The secondary roll may also aid in straightening out the substrate <NUM> following the formation of the surface protrusions <NUM> on the surface of the substrate <NUM> by the energy source <NUM> and molding roll <NUM>. The remaining portions of the thermoplastic substrate <NUM> may function as a carrying strip for the hook projections <NUM>.

Referring to the flow chart of <FIG>, a process <NUM> is shown with block <NUM> for manufacturing the absorbent pant <NUM> with, for example, the system <NUM> of <FIG>, as well as blocks <NUM>-<NUM> for later wrapping the absorbent pant <NUM> after used as described herein. The block <NUM> describes disposing the fastening zone area <NUM> on at least one surface of waist regions <NUM>, <NUM> or the crotch region <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> of the absorbent pant <NUM> as described herein, which may be accomplished by the system <NUM> of <FIG> as described herein. Regarding a method of use and wrapping for the manufactured absorbent pant <NUM>, the block <NUM> describes laterally folding at least one of the waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the absorbent pant <NUM> inwards (i.e., towards the inner and potentially central portion <NUM>). The block <NUM> describes releasing a portion of the release tape <NUM> overlapping the fastening zone area <NUM> of the absorbent pant <NUM> such that the released portion is used as the handle <NUM> (<FIG>) with which to pick up and, for example, dispose of the soiled absorbent pant <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An absorbent pant (<NUM>) comprising:
a chassis (<NUM>) comprising a topsheet (<NUM>), a backsheet (<NUM>), and an absorbent core (<NUM>) between the topsheet and the backsheet;
longitudinally opposing first and second waist regions (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a crotch region (<NUM>) disposed between the first and second waist regions;
opposing first and second waist panels (<NUM>, <NUM>) longitudinally disposed in the first and second waist regions, wherein the first and second waist panels connect the first waist region with the second waist region to form a waist opening (<NUM>) and a pair of leg apertures (<NUM>); and
a fastening zone area (<NUM>) on at least one surface of the absorbent pant;
a release tape (<NUM>), at least a portion of the release tape disposed in an overlapping relationship with the fastening zone area in a taped configuration and configured to be separated from the fastening zone area in a released configuration to be released from the overlapping relationship;
wherein in a wrapped configuration, the waist panels (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to be laterally folded inward to engage the fastening zone area (<NUM>) when the portion of the release tape is separated from the fastening zone area in the released configuration such that the leg apertures are at least partially sealed.