Patent Description:
Absorbent products, such as baby diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence briefs and underwear, all of which may be made in disposable forms. "Disposable" refers to articles that are designed to be discarded after a limited use rather than being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. Disposable absorbent products have met with widespread acceptance in the marketplace for a variety of applications, including infant and adult incontinence care, in view of the manner in which such products can provide effective and convenient liquid absorption and retention while maintaining the comfort of the wearer. Such disposable absorbent articles often include a topsheet that is configured to be closest to the wearer during use, a liquid-impermeable backsheet or outer cover, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. In some instances, such disposable absorbent articles also include an acquisition-distribution layer (ADL) disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Elasticated standing leg cuffs and leg gathers are also often used in such articles to provide improved fit and reduced leakage around a wearer's legs, relative to articles without such cuffs or gathers.

<CIT> discloses certain prior art examples of diapers, and <CIT> and No. <CIT> disclose certain prior art examples of disposable incontinence garments or training pants.

One example of such a disposable absorbent article is shown in <FIG>, which depict a lower plan view and a perspective view, respectively, of adult protective underwear <NUM>. Underwear <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> having a front waist portion <NUM>, an opposing rear waist portion <NUM>, and a crotch portion <NUM> extending longitudinally between front and rear waist portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Chassis <NUM> further includes a backsheet <NUM> defining an outer surface and configured to face away from a wearer during use of the diaper, and topsheet <NUM> defining an opposing body facing surface and configured to face a wearer during use of the diaper.

As shown in <FIG>, underwear <NUM> further includes a pair of front elastic side panels <NUM> and a pair of rear elastic side panels <NUM> configured to couple rear waist portion <NUM> to front waist portion <NUM> in a well-known configuration in which a left side <NUM> of the chassis defines a first leg opening <NUM> for a wearer's left leg, and in which a right side <NUM> of the chassis defines a second leg opening <NUM> for the wearer's right leg. In the depicted configuration, each of side panels <NUM>, <NUM> includes a connection portion <NUM> configured to be coupled to a connection portion <NUM> of another of side panels <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, connection portion <NUM> of the left one of front side panels <NUM> is configure to be coupled to connection portion <NUM> of the left one of rear side panels <NUM>, and connection portion <NUM> of the right one of front side panels <NUM> is configure to be coupled to connection portion <NUM> of the right one of rear side panels <NUM>, such that the waist portions <NUM>, <NUM> and side panels, <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to define a waist opening <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Connection portions <NUM> of the respective side panels can be permanently coupled together to define a tear-able side seam <NUM>, such as, for example, via adhesive, ultrasonic, or thermal bonds. Such tear-able side seams generally cannot be refastened, and thereby render an article unusable once opened. Alternatively, connection portions <NUM> of the respective side panels can be removably coupled to define a refastenable or adjustable side seam, such as, for example, via hook-and-loop fasteners. Hook and loop fasteners are mechanical fasteners that include hooks, such as in a hook fastener portion, that are configured to engage loops in a loop fastener portion or in fibers of a sheet of fabric; for example, a nonwoven or woven fabric with fibers that define open or loop-like regions into which the hooks can extend and engage. Examples of such hook and loop fasteners may be referred to as VELCRO.

As is known in the art, underwear <NUM> can include one or more elastic elements coupled to the chassis such that the one or more elastic elements resist expansion of a circumference of the first leg opening and resist expansion of a circumference of the second leg opening. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the depicted embodiment of the chassis (<NUM>) includes a first elastic region <NUM> along right side <NUM>, and a second elastic region <NUM> along left side <NUM>. In some configurations, elastic regions <NUM>, <NUM> can each be defined by one or more elastic strands, which may be referred to in the art as "leg elastics," coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet or an additional leg cuff layer and the backsheet. In other configurations, elastic regions <NUM>, <NUM> can each be defined by an elastic film coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet and the backsheet. In configurations in which elastic regions <NUM>, <NUM> are defined by elastic film, the regions can be defined by separate pieces of elastic film or by separate regions of a single piece of elastic film. As shown in <FIG>, elastic regions <NUM>, <NUM> may be parallel to and/or extend along a majority of a length of each of sides <NUM> and <NUM>, provided that the elastic regions are configured to provide a biasing force that resists expansion of the leg openings when the chassis is in its closed configuration and tends to contract the leg opening around a wearer's leg, as shown in <FIG>. Contraction of the leg opening to conform to the wearer's leg is desired for good containment of urine and feces in an absorbent product.

Another example of such a disposable absorbent article is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which depict lower plan views of an adult incontinence brief <NUM>. Brief <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> having a front waist portion <NUM>, an opposing rear waist portion <NUM>, and a crotch portion <NUM> extending longitudinally between front and rear waist portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Chassis <NUM> further includes an outer surface <NUM> configured to face away from a wearer during use of the diaper, and an opposing body facing surface <NUM> configured to face a wearer during use of the diaper. In the view of <FIG>, a dashed leader extends from the body facing surface to reference numeral <NUM> because body facing surface <NUM> is opposite outer surface <NUM> and therefore not visible in the view of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, brief <NUM> further includes a pair of closure members <NUM> configured to couple rear waist portion <NUM> to front waist portion <NUM> in a well-known configuration in which a left side <NUM> of the chassis defines a first leg opening for a wearer's left leg, and in which a right side <NUM> of the chassis defines a second leg opening for the wearer's right leg, similar in some respects to what is shown in <FIG> for training pant <NUM>. In the depicted configuration, the closure members include a pair of back ears or back ear panels <NUM> each having a first end <NUM> bonded to rear waist portion <NUM> of chassis <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> shown extending away from rear waist portion <NUM>. "Bonded" refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, or the like, of two elements via adhesive(s), ultrasonic bond(s), and/or thermal bond(s). Two elements will be considered to be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements.

Each closure member <NUM> further includes a fastener tab <NUM> with a first end <NUM> bonded to back ear <NUM>, a second end <NUM> shown extending laterally outward from back ear <NUM>, and a fastener portion <NUM> coupled to the fastener tab. Back ears <NUM> are each formed of a stretchable elastic material, such as a nonwoven laminate, that permits adjustments in the width and tension of back ears <NUM> to vary the form and fit of brief <NUM> when worn by a user.

Fastener tabs <NUM> are formed of an inelastic nonwoven material and carry fastener portions <NUM>. Fastener portions <NUM> include strips of hook material configured to interact with a corresponding loop material in the well-known hook-and-loop fastener arrangement. Connection of closure members <NUM> to front waist portion <NUM> is facilitated by a landing zone <NUM> configured to be engaged by fastener portions <NUM>. In this embodiment, landing zone <NUM> is defined by an anchoring member that includes a strip of loop material bonded to front waist portion <NUM> of chassis <NUM>, for example, to the backsheet, and configured to be engaged by the hook material of fastener portions <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, brief <NUM> also includes a pair of front ears <NUM> extending from opposite sides <NUM>, <NUM> of chassis <NUM> with each of front ears <NUM> each having a first end <NUM> bonded to front waist portion <NUM> of chassis <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> shown extending away from a respective side of front waist portion <NUM>. Front ears <NUM> are each formed of a relatively soft nonwoven material and are each configured to be overlapped by the corresponding fastener tab <NUM> and/or back ear <NUM> to prevent the edges of fastener tab <NUM> from pinching, rubbing, or otherwise irritating a user's skin in use when fastening portions <NUM> are engaged with landing zone <NUM> to couple rear waist portion <NUM> to front waist portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, front ears <NUM> include loop fastener portions or a fabric that is configured to be engaged by hook fastener portions such that fastener portions 172a can engage front ears <NUM>.

Outer surface <NUM> is defined by a liquid-impermeable backsheet or cover <NUM> that defines outer surface <NUM>, and a liquid-permeable topsheet <NUM> that defines body facing surface <NUM> and is configured to be closest to the wearer during use. "Liquid impermeable," when used in describing a layer or multi-layer laminate, means that a liquid, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact. "Lamination" is the technique of manufacturing a material in multiple layers, so that the composite material has benefits of all the combined layers, such as, for example, improved mechanical strength or durability, improved stability, lower permeability to water, and/or other properties. A laminate includes two or more layers of material(s) that are permanently assembled by heat, pressure, ultrasonic welding, or adhesives.

As shown in <FIG>, the depicted embodiment include an absorbent core <NUM> disposed between topsheet <NUM> and backsheet <NUM>. An "absorbent core" is a structure typically disposed between a topsheet and backsheet of an absorbent article and containing materials like SAP and/or cellulosic fibers that are configured to absorb liquid in the absorbent article.

As shown in <FIG>, brief <NUM> also includes an acquisition-distribution layer (ADL) <NUM> disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. "Layer" when used in the singular can be a single element or a plurality of elements. For example, a plurality of sheets may together define a single layer, such as, for example, a layer with a particular function to which the sheets of the layer contribute.

As is known in the art, brief <NUM> can include one or more elastic elements coupled to the chassis such that the one or more elastic elements resist expansion of a circumference of the first leg opening and resist expansion of a circumference of the second leg opening. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the depicted configuration of the chassis (<NUM>) includes a first elastic region <NUM> along first side <NUM>, and a second elastic region <NUM> along second side <NUM>. In some configurations, elastic regions <NUM> can each be defined by one or more elastic strands, which may be referred to in the art as "leg elastics," coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet (or an additional leg cuff layer) and the backsheet. In other configurations, elastic regions <NUM> can each be defined by an elastic film coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet (or an additional leg cuff layer) and the backsheet. In configurations in which elastic regions <NUM> are defined by elastic film, the regions can be defined by separate pieces of elastic film or by separate regions of a single piece of elastic film. As shown in <FIG>, elastic regions <NUM> may be parallel to and/or extend along a majority of a length of each of sides <NUM> and <NUM>, provided that the elastic regions are configured to provide a biasing force that resists expansion of the leg openings when the chassis is in its closed configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, chassis <NUM> has an overall relaxed length <NUM>.

Brief <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> is typically packaged and sold in a folded, and unfastened configuration in which chassis <NUM> is folded in half such that rear waist portion <NUM> overlaps front waist portion <NUM>, but fastener portions <NUM> do not engage landing zone <NUM>. While brief <NUM> is described as an adult incontinence brief, brief <NUM> can also comprise a baby diaper or training pant.

Prior designs (e.g., underwear <NUM> and brief <NUM>) that use a conventional absorbent core, such as a core comprising fluff and SAP, can exhibit long acquisition times. Poor liquid acquisition can cause leakage. Conventional ADLs designed to improve liquid acquisition times can cause free liquid to spread over the surface of the ADL, which also promotes leakage from the side and/or front of the core. Furthermore, absorbed liquid can migrate from the core to the wearer-facing surface of the garment, causing discomfort for the wearer. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for absorbent garments that can better acquire and retain liquid to promote comfort for the wearer.

<CIT> discloses disposable absorbent article with a chassis including a topsheet and a backsheet, with a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet and having a wearer facing side oriented toward a wearer when the article is being worn and an opposed garment facing side. A liquid acquisition system is disposed between the liquid permeable topsheet and the wearer facing side of the absorbent core.

<CIT> relates to an absorbent core comprising a longitudinally folded absorbent laminate. The absorbent laminate comprised an upper laminate layer, a lower laminate layer and an absorbent layer positioned between the upper laminate layer and the lower laminate layer. The absorbent layer consists of more than <NUM> percent by weight super absorbent polymer (SAP).

<CIT> suggests an absorbent core for an absorbent article with liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet and a liquid impermeable backsheet, wherein a cavity is formed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises an acquisition layer positioned in the cavity adjacent the topsheet and extending along the entire length and width of the cavity, a tissue layer positioned adjacent the acquisition layer, a plurality of SAP particles positioned on and extending over the entire surface of the tissue layer that is spaced apart from the acquisition layer, a layer of fluff is positioned adjacent the tissue layer, a layer of SAP particles positioned in the interior of the layer of fluff and a laminate having two layers of tissue with a multitude of SAP particles positioned between the two layers of tissue. The laminate is positioned between the layer of fluff and the backsheet.

The claimed absorbent garments provide improved liquid acquisition and retention with a dryness layer. The dryness layers include laminate(s) having absorbent lamina(e) that comprise superabsorbent polymer and substrate lamina(e) that comprise a nonwoven and/or tissue. Such laminates can facilitate liquid acquisition and retention within the absorbent lamina(e) and/or an absorbent core. The dryness layers have one or more channels configured to receive liquid to promote the distribution and retention thereof. Channel(s) are defined between separate strips of laminate. The channel(s) can, in addition, be defined between folded layers of a laminate.

Some of the The present absorbent garments comprise a chassis having opposing front and rear waist portions and a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions. The garments have an absorbent core coupled to the crotch portion, which optionally comprises fluff and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The garments have a dryness layer extending longitudinally along the absorbent core. The chassis of the present garments comprises a backsheet and a topsheet, wherein, the absorbent core and the dryness layer are disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet.

In some garments, the absorbent core and the dryness layer each have a lateral width and a longitudinal length, wherein the width of the absorbent core at least <NUM>% larger than the width of the dryness layer and/or the length of the absorbent core is at least <NUM>% larger than the length of the dryness layer. The lateral width of some of the present dryness layers is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters (mm), and the longitudinal length of some of the present dryness layers is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The present dryness layers comprise a laminate that includes an absorbent lamina disposed between first and second substrate laminae. The absorbent lamina comprises SAP. The SAP of the absorbent lamina, in some garments, has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> grams per square meter (gsm). In some garments, the SAP of the absorbent lamina comprises particles, and ones of the particles having a diameter that is greater than or equal to <NUM> micrometers (µm) account for less than <NUM>% of the mass of the particles. In some garments, the first substrate lamina comprises tissue and, in some of those garments, the tissue can be creped. The tissue of the first substrate lamina, in some garments, can have a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm. In some garments, the second substrate lamina comprises a nonwoven which, for some of those garments, comprises a resin-bonded polymer fiber nonwoven. In some garments, the nonwoven of the second substrate lamina has a bass weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm.

In some garments, the laminate is longitudinally folded such that the dryness layer includes a base layer of the laminate and, within each of first and second longitudinally-extending edge regions, a folded layer of the laminate disposed on the base layer. The base layer, in some garments, spans a lateral width of the dryness layer. In some garments, each of the edge regions spans less than <NUM>% of the width such that a longitudinally-extending channel is defined between the folded layers. In some garments, the channel has a lateral width between <NUM> and <NUM>, optionally between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some garments, the laminate is coupled to the absorbent core such that, for the base layer, the first substrate lamina is disposed closer to the absorbent core than is the second substrate lamina and, optionally, for each of the folded layers, the first substrate lamina is disposed further from the absorbent core than is the second substrate lamina. In some garments, for each of the folded layers the first substrate lamina is disposed closer to a wearer than is the second substrate lamina when the garment is worn. In some garments, the topsheet is disposed on the folded layers.

In some garments, the laminate is a first laminate, the channel is a main channel, and the garment comprises a second laminate disposed on the base layer and within the main channel. For some of those garments, a longitudinally-extending side channel is defined between the second laminate and each of the folded layers. The second laminate, in some garments, has an absorbent lamina and a first substrate lamina. In some garments, the absorbent lamina of the second lamina comprises SAP and, optionally, the first substrate lamina comprises tissue. In some garments, the second laminate comprises a second substrate lamina wherein, optionally, the absorbent lamina is disposed between the first and second substrate laminae. In some of those garments, the second substrate lamina comprises a nonwoven. In some garments, the nonwoven of the second substrate lamina of the first laminate has a first basis weight, the nonwoven of the second substrate lamina of the second laminate has a second basis weight, and the first basis weight is at least <NUM>% more than the second basis weight. In some garments, the first laminate has a thickness at least <NUM>% larger than a thickness of the second laminate such that the second laminate is recessed within the main channel relative to the folded layers.

In some garments, the dryness layer comprises a nonwoven sheet. In some garments, the nonwoven sheet comprises a through-air bonded polymer nonwoven. In some garments, the nonwoven sheet has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm. In some garments, the nonwoven sheet spans a lateral width of the dryness layer. For some garments, the dryness layer includes two or more longitudinally-extending strips coupled to the nonwoven sheet. In some garments, the strips are disposed between the absorbent core and the nonwoven sheet such that the nonwoven sheet is disposed closer to a wearer than are the strips when the garment is worn. In some garments, each of the strips includes an absorbent lamina disposed between first and second substrate laminae. For some of those garments, the absorbent lamina of each of the strips comprises SAP. The SAP of the absorbent lamina, for some garments, has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm. In some garments, the first and/or second substrate laminae of each of the strips comprise a nonwoven or tissue (which tissue is, in some of those garments, creped). In some garments, for each of the strips the tissue of each of the first and second substrate laminae has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm.

In some garments, the two or more strips include three or more strips that are spaced laterally apart along a width of the dryness layer such that a longitudinally-extending channel is defined between a first one of the strips and each of a second one of the strips and a third one of the strips. The three or more strips, in some garments, comprise four or more strips such that a longitudinally-extending channel is defined between the third strip and a fourth one of the strips. In some garments, each of the strips has a lateral width, the width of the first strip at least <NUM>% larger, optionally between <NUM>% and <NUM>% larger, than the width of each of the second and third strips. In some garments, the lateral width of each of the second and third strips is between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some garments, the lateral width of the first strip is between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some garments, each of the channels has a lateral width that is within <NUM>% of each of the second and third strips. The lateral width of each of the channels, in some garments, is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some garments with two strips of the laminate, the strips are spaced laterally apart along a width of the dryness layer such that a longitudinally-extending channel is defined between a first one of the strips and a second one of the strips. In some garments, each of the two strips has a lateral width that is equal to a lateral width of the other one of the two strips. In some garments, the lateral width of each of the two strips is between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>), and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>). In some garments, the dryness layer and/or the nonwoven sheet has a width of between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>). In some garments, the two strips of laminate are spaced apart by a lateral distance that is greater than a width of either of the two strips; for example, a lateral distance of between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>), and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>).

The present garments comprise: a chassis, an absorbent core, and a dryness layer. The chassis has opposing front and rear waist portions, a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions, a topsheet, and a backsheet. In some garments, the absorbent core is coupled to the crotch portion. The dryness layer extends longitudinally along the absorbent core and comprises: a nonwoven sheet; and two or more longitudinally-extending laminate strips coupled to the nonwoven sheet, each including an absorbent lamina disposed between first and second substrate laminae, the absorbent lamina comprising superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and the first and second substrate laminae each comprising tissue or nonwoven. The strips are spaced apart laterally along a width of the dryness layer such that a longitudinally-extending channel is defined between a first one of the strips and a second one of the strips. The absorbent core and the dryness layer are disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

In some garments, the two or more strips includes first and second strips of equal lateral widths. In some garments, the channel has a lateral width that equal to or greater than a width of each of the first and second strips. In some garments, a lateral width of the channel is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters (mm). In some garments, a lateral width of each of the first and second strips is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters (mm). In some garments, the two or more strips includes a third strip with a lateral width that is at least <NUM>% larger than the width of each of the first and second strips. In some garments, a lateral width of the third strip is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters (mm).

In some garments, the width of the dryness layer is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters (mm). In some garments, the dryness layer has a longitudinal length between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters (mm). In some garments, the absorbent core has a lateral width at least <NUM>% larger than the width of the dryness layer; and/or the absorbent core and the dryness layer each have a longitudinal length, the length of the absorbent core at least <NUM>% larger than the length of the dryness layer.

In some garments, for each of the strips the SAP of the absorbent lamina has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> grams per square meter (gsm). In some garments, for each of the strips the tissue or nonwoven of each of the first and second substrate laminae has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm and, optionally, the tissue is creped. In some garments, the nonwoven sheet has a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> grams per square meter (gsm). In some garments, the nonwoven sheet comprises a through-air bonded polymer nonwoven. In some garments, the strips are disposed between the absorbent core and the nonwoven sheet such that the nonwoven sheet is disposed closer to a wearer than are the strips when the garment is worn.

The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term "substantially" is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified - and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially <NUM> degrees includes <NUM> degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel - as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term "substantially" may be substituted with "within [a percentage] of" what is specified, where the percentage includes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> percent.

The terms "comprise" and any form thereof such as "comprises" and "comprising," "have" and any form thereof such as "has" and "having," and "include" and any form thereof such as "includes" and "including" are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

Any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of - rather than comprise/include/have - any of the described steps, elements, and/or features.

The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

Some details associated with the embodiments described above and others are described below.

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. Views in the figures are drawn to scale, unless otherwise noted, meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment in the view.

Referring to <FIG>, shown is an embodiment 300a of the present absorbent garments. Garment 300a can be a baby diaper, training pant, adult incontinence brief or underwear, bladder control pad, feminine hygiene pad, or the like, and comprises a chassis <NUM>. Chassis <NUM> has a crotch portion <NUM> that extends longitudinally between a front waist portion <NUM> and a rear waist portion <NUM>. Front waist portion <NUM> and rear waist portion <NUM> can each include ears and/or fasteners such that the front waist portion has first and second ends 320a and 320b configured to be coupled to first and second ends 324a and 324b, respectively, of the rear waist portion. When first ends 320a, 324a and second ends 320b, 324b are so coupled, garment 300a can define a closed configuration in which the garment is wearable. For example, in the closed configuration, front and rear waist portions <NUM> and <NUM> can cooperate to encircle and define a waist opening, a left side of chassis <NUM> can define a first leg opening, and a second side of the chassis can define a second leg opening.

Garment 300a can include an absorbent core <NUM> coupled to crotch portion <NUM>. Core <NUM> can comprise any material or combination of materials suitable for absorbing liquids, such as, for example, a mixture of conventional fluff and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles. "Superabsorbent" or "superabsorbent material" or "SAP" refers to a water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic material capable, under the most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about <NUM> times its weight in an aqueous solution containing <NUM> weight percent sodium chloride and, more desirably, at least about <NUM> times its weight in an aqueous solution containing <NUM> weight percent sodium chloride and, even more desirably, at least about <NUM> times its weight in an aqueous solution containing <NUM> weight percent sodium chloride.

Garment 300a includes a dryness layer <NUM> coupled to and extending longitudinally along core <NUM>. Dryness layer <NUM> can have a structure configured to facilitate liquid acquisition and retention, thereby promoting comfort for a wearer. For example, dryness layer <NUM> can comprise a laminate <NUM> having an absorbent lamina <NUM> disposed between first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b. The materials used for substrate lamina(e) (e.g., 340a and 340b) and absorbent lamina(e) (e.g., <NUM>) can promote dryness at the wearer-facing surface of garment 300a by retaining liquid and/or transferring liquid to absorbent core <NUM>.

Absorbent lamina <NUM> can comprise SAP particles and, in some embodiments, the SAP particles can be disposed within a matrix of adhesive material. For example, absorbent lamina <NUM> can comprise at least <NUM>% (e.g., greater than <NUM>% or <NUM>%), by weight, SAP and less than or equal to <NUM>% (e.g., less than <NUM>% or <NUM>%), by weight, adhesive. Suitable adhesive material can include, for example, a thermoplastic hot-melt adhesive composition or a pressure-sensitive thermoplastic adhesive composition. SAP, due to its absorbency, can retain liquid and thereby prevent the liquid from migrating to the wearer-facing surface of garment 300a. SAP swells when it absorbs liquid, which can impede liquid distribution and/or delivery to core <NUM> (referred to as "gel blocking"). The selection of SAP having appropriate permeability-determined at least in part by, for example, particle size, basis weight, and/or SAP material-can facilitate liquid retention while permitting adequate liquid spreading. SAP suitable for absorbent lamina <NUM> can have a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> grams per square meter (gsm), such as, for example, a basis weight greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more gsm (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm). Preferably, substantially all of the SAP particles of absorbent lamina <NUM> have a diameter less than or equal to <NUM> micrometers (µm) to reduce the roughness of the absorbent lamina. For example, ones of the SAP particles in absorbent lamina <NUM> having a diameter greater than or equal to <NUM> can account for less than <NUM>% (e.g., less than <NUM>% or less than <NUM>%) of the mass of the SAP particles. An illustrative SAP suitable for absorbent lamina <NUM> is HP500E from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. in Osaka, Japan. As used herein, particle diameter refers to the equivalent diameter of the particle if the particle is modelled as a sphere. When manufactured, laminate <NUM> can be calendered to flatten the SAP of absorbent lamina <NUM>.

The above-described SAP of absorbent lamina <NUM> are provided by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation. Exemplary superabsorbent polymer material that can be used in the present garments can comprise any superabsorbent polymer particles known from superabsorbent literature, for example such as described in <NPL>. For example, the SAP particles may be spherical, spherical-like or irregularly shaped particles, such as sausage shaped particles, or ellipsoid shaped particles of the kind typically obtained from inverse phase suspension polymerizations. The SAP particles can also be optionally agglomerated at least to some extent to form larger irregular particles. In some embodiments, the SAP particles can also have a surface modification, such as a partial or full surface coating, for example to increase the hydrophilicity of the SAP particles.

The SAP materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the SAP materials can be or include organic compounds such as cross linked polymers. "Cross-linked" is a commonly understood term and refers to any approach for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials substantially water insoluble, but swellable. Such polymers can include, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl ethers, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyridine and the like. Other suitable polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Organic high-absorbency materials can include natural materials, such as agar, pectin, guar gum and peat moss. In addition to organic materials, superabsorbent materials may also include inorganic materials, such as absorbent clays and silica gels. Suitable examples of SAP include T9030, T9600, T9900, and Saviva polymers from BASF Corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina; and W211, W112A, W125, S125D, QX-W1482, QX-W <NUM>, QX-W1504, and QX-W1505 from Nippon Shokubai Co. in Houston, Texas; and AQUA KEEP SA50 II, SA55SX II, SA60N II, SA65s, HP500, HP600, and HP 700E from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. in Osaka, Japan. In some embodiments, the SAP can have a centrifuge retention capacity of <NUM>-<NUM> grams per gram (g/g), for example <NUM>-<NUM>/g, and/or a particle size distribution (PSD) with most or substantially all particles having a diameter between <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the SAP can have a centrifuge retention capacity between <NUM> and <NUM>/g, or alternatively between <NUM> and <NUM>/g.

Each of first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can be constructed from a nonwoven material and/or tissue to promote liquid acquisition and distribution to absorbent lamina <NUM> and absorbent core <NUM>, thereby mitigating gel blocking. "Nonwoven" fabrics, according to an INDA definition, are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments, and by perforating films, mechanically, thermally, or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn. The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is usually expressed as gsm or grams per square meter. Suitable nonwoven materials can include, for example, spunbond, spunlace, or carded webs of one or more polymers, including polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, and blends of these materials. When constructed from a nonwoven, a substrate lamina can have a basis weight of at least <NUM> gsm, such as, for example, a basis weight greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more gsm (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm, or <NUM> gsm). Suitable tissues can include, for example, porous tissues, creped tissues, and standard tissues. When constructed from tissue, a substrate lamina can have a basis weight of at least <NUM> gsm, such as, for example, a basis weight greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more gsm (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm, or <NUM> gsm).

As shown, first substrate lamina 340a comprises a dry-creped tissue having a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm (e.g., <NUM> gsm), and second substrate lamina 340b comprises a resin-bonded polyester fiber nonwoven having a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm (e.g., <NUM> gsm). First substrate lamina 340a can thereby provide a capillary network through which liquid is spread throughout laminate <NUM> to absorbent lamina <NUM> and/or absorbent core <NUM>. Second substrate lamina 340b, due at least in part to its nonwoven construction, can absorb and distribute rapid insults of liquid to further promote liquid distribution and acquisition such that leakage is reduced. An illustrative tissue suitable for first substrate lamina 340a is a <NUM>-gsm <NUM> Machine Creped tissue from Dunn paper. An illustrative nonwoven suitable for second substrate lamina 340b is Fitesa Carded Resin Bond, available from Fitesa in Simpsonville, SC.

In other embodiments, laminate <NUM> can have any suitable number of substrate and absorbent laminae arranged in any suitable order, such as, for example, greater than or equal to or between any two of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more substrate laminae (e.g., 340a and 340b) and greater than or equal to or between any two of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more absorbent laminae (e.g., <NUM>). For example, any two adjacent laminae in laminate <NUM> can be the same type of laminae (e.g., both can be substrate laminae or absorbent laminae) or laminae of different types (e.g., one can be one of the substrate lamina(e) and one can be one of the absorbent lamina(e)). Providing additional laminae can improve the liquid retention capacity of laminate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, laminate <NUM> can have a thickness <NUM> that is at least <NUM>, such as, for example, a thickness that is greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>).

Laminate <NUM> can be folded one or more times such that dryness layer <NUM> includes multiple laminate layers, including a base layer <NUM> and folded layers 364a and 364b disposed within longitudinally-extending edge regions 352a and 352b, respectively. Folded layers 364a and 364b can be layered on base layer <NUM>, which can span a lateral width <NUM> of dryness layer <NUM>. Folded layers 364a and 364b can each span less than half of width <NUM> such that a longitudinally-extending channel <NUM> is defined between the folded layers. For example, each of edge regions 352a and 352b can have a width (e.g., 356a and 356b, respectively) that spans less than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% (e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%) of width <NUM>. As a result, channel <NUM> can have a lateral width <NUM> that spans less than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% (e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%) of width <NUM>. For example, width <NUM> can be greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (mm) (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM>).

The folded construction of laminate <NUM> can promote comfort by improving liquid acquisition and retention. Folded layers 364a and 364b, at least by providing additional SAP within edge regions 352a and 352b, can contain liquid and thus better prevent liquid from migrating to the wearer-facing surface of garment 300a. First and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can facilitate liquid transfer between the SAP of base layer <NUM> and the SAP of each of folded layers 364a and 364b. And dryness layer <NUM>, at least by having channel <NUM>, can provide adequate volume for the rapid acquisition and distribution of liquid to absorbent core <NUM>. In other embodiments, dryness layer <NUM> can include any suitable number of folded layers (e.g., 364a and 364b) within each of edge regions 352a and 352b, such as, for example, greater than or equal to or between any two of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more folded layers. Providing multiple folded layers in each of edge regions 352a and 352b can enhance liquid containment within the edge regions.

As shown, dryness layer <NUM> can be disposed on top of absorbent core <NUM>. For example, base layer <NUM> can be coupled to absorbent core <NUM> such that folded layers 364a and 364b are each disposed closer to a wearer than is the base layer when garment 300a is worn. In this arrangement, first substrate lamina 340a is configured to be disposed closer to a wearer than is second substrate lamina 340b within each of folded layers 364a and 364b, while the second substrate lamina is configured to be disposed closer to the wearer than is first substrate layer within base layer <NUM>. Liquid can thereby readily pass through channel <NUM> for distribution to absorbent core <NUM> and retention within absorbent lamina <NUM>. When first substrate lamina 340a is constructed from tissue, the capillary action of the tissue can distribute liquid to absorbent core <NUM> when liquid is first received within edge portions 352a and 352b, whereas second substrate lamina 340b, when constructed from a nonwoven, can rapidly acquire liquid within channel <NUM> and transfer liquid from each of folded layers 364a and 364b to base layer <NUM>.

In other embodiments, dryness layer <NUM> can be disposed below absorbent core <NUM> such that the dryness layer can receive liquid from the absorbent core. For example, each of the folded layers 364a and 364b can be coupled to the bottom surface of absorbent core <NUM> such that the folded layers are configured to be disposed closer to a wearer than is base layer <NUM>. In this arrangement, liquid can readily pass from absorbent core <NUM> to channel <NUM> and first substrate lamina 340a within folded layers 364a and 364b. In yet further embodiments, whether dryness layer <NUM> is disposed above or below absorbent core <NUM>, the dryness layer can be coupled to the absorbent core such that base layer <NUM> is disposed closer to a wearer than are folded layers 364a and 364b when garment 300a is worn.

Chassis <NUM> can include a topsheet <NUM> configured to face a wearer during use of garment 300a (not shown in <FIG>, for clarity) and a backsheet <NUM>. Absorbent core <NUM> and dryness layer <NUM> can be disposed between topsheet <NUM> and backsheet <NUM> such that, for example, the topsheet is disposed on folded layers 364a and 364b. Topsheet <NUM> can, but need not, follow the contour of channel <NUM> (e.g., the topsheet can be disposed on base layer <NUM> within the channel). Topsheet <NUM> can be liquid permeable, while backsheet <NUM> can be liquid-impermeable and can include, for example, an inner liquid-impermeable film and an outer nonwoven backsheet that can be a nonwoven fabric. A "film" is a membrane-like layer of material formed of one or more polymers, which does not have a form consisting predominately of a web-like structure of fibers and/or other fibers. Backsheet <NUM> can be breathable, for example, an inner liquid-impermeable film of backsheet <NUM> can comprise a breathable film. The terms "breathable," "breathable film," "breathable laminate" or "breathable outer cover material" or "breathable backsheet" refers to a film, laminate, or outer cover material having a water vapor transmission rate ("WVTR") of at least about <NUM> grams/m<NUM>/<NUM> hours. Breathable materials typically rely on molecular diffusion of vapor, and are substantially liquid impermeable. "Nonwoven backsheet" is a backing substrate layer in the outer cover; a nonwoven backsheet is most often a nonwoven layer facing away from the wearer.

Dryness layer <NUM> can be smaller than absorbent core <NUM>. For example, absorbent core <NUM> can have a lateral width <NUM> that is at least <NUM>% larger than width <NUM> of dryness layer <NUM>, such as, for example, a lateral width that is at least or between any two of <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% larger than width <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, absorbent core <NUM> can have a longitudinal length <NUM> that is at least <NUM>% larger than length <NUM> of dryness layer <NUM>, such as, for example, a longitudinal length that is at least or between any two of <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% larger than length <NUM>. A larger absorbent core <NUM> provides additional absorption capacity for garment 300a, while permitting dryness layer <NUM> to be appropriately sized and positioned for liquid acquisition at or near the liquid insult point when the garment is worn. Dryness layer <NUM> can have, for example, a width <NUM> that is at least <NUM>, such as, for example, a width greater than or equal to or between any two of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM>), and a length <NUM> that is at least <NUM>, such as, for example, a length greater than or equal to or between any two of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>). In other embodiments, however, dryness layer <NUM> can span substantially the same area as absorbent core <NUM> such that width <NUM> of the absorbent core is within <NUM>% of width <NUM> and/or length <NUM> of the absorbent core is within <NUM>% of length <NUM>. In some embodiments, dryness layer <NUM> can be disposed closer to front waist portion <NUM> than to rear waist portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, shown is another embodiment 300b of the present absorbent garments. Garment 300b can be substantially similar to garment 300a, with the primary exception being that garment 300b includes a middle laminate <NUM>. Middle laminate <NUM> can be layered on base layer <NUM> within channel <NUM>. Longitudinally-extending side channels 408a and 408b can be defined between middle laminate <NUM> and folded layers 364a and 364b, respectively. By defining multiple side channels 408a and 408b, dryness layer <NUM> can improve liquid acquisition. In other embodiments, dryness layer <NUM> can include multiple middle laminates (e.g., <NUM>) layered on base layer <NUM> such that the dryness layer defines three or more side channels between the middle laminates and folded layers, such as, for example, greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more side channels.

Middle laminate <NUM> can have a thickness <NUM> smaller than a thickness <NUM> of laminate <NUM> such that the middle laminate is recessed within channel <NUM> relative to folded layers 364a and 364b. For example, thickness <NUM> can be at least <NUM>% larger than thickness <NUM>, such as, for example, at least or between any two of <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% larger than thickness <NUM>. Topsheet <NUM> can, but need not, conform to the depression defined by middle laminate <NUM> (e.g., topsheet <NUM> can be disposed on the upper surface of the middle laminate). Providing a recessed middle laminate <NUM> can promote fluid containment within folded layers 364a and 364b by directing fluid towards edge portions 352a and 352b.

Middle laminate <NUM> can include an absorbent lamina <NUM> comprising SAP disposed between first and second substrate laminae 400a and 400b, each comprising tissue and/or a nonwoven. As shown, first substrate lamina 400a can be configured to be disposed closer to a wearer than are absorbent lamina <NUM> and second substrate lamina 400b. First substrate lamina 400a and absorbent lamina <NUM> can, but need not, be substantially similar to, respectively, first substrate lamina 340a and absorbent lamina <NUM> of laminate <NUM>. Middle laminate <NUM> can achieve a thickness <NUM> smaller than thickness <NUM> by having a second substrate lamina 400b different from second substrate lamina 340b of laminate <NUM>. For example, second substrate lamina 340b can comprise a nonwoven that has a basis weight at least <NUM>% higher, such as, for example, at least or between any two of <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% higher than the basis weight of a nonwoven of second substrate lamina 400b. Alternatively, middle laminate <NUM> can omit second substrate lamina 400b such that the middle laminate comprises at least one fewer lamina than laminate <NUM>. In other embodiments, second substrate lamina 400b can be substantially similar to second substrate lamina 340b.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, shown is another embodiment 300c of the present absorbent garments. Garment 300c can be substantially similar to garment 300a, the primary exception being the construction of dryness layer <NUM>. Dryness layer <NUM> can comprise two or more longitudinally-extending laminate strips, for example each having a construction similar to laminate <NUM> of garment 300a. In the depicted configuration, dryness layer <NUM> comprises three longitudinally-extending laminate strips 336a-336c, each having a construction similar to laminate <NUM> of garment 300a. However, as shown, each of strips 336a-336c has first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b that each comprise tissue or nonwoven. For example, first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can each comprise a dry-creped tissue having a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm (e.g., <NUM> gsm). In other configurations, first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can each comprise a nonwoven. In yet further configurations, one of first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can comprise a nonwoven and the other of first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can comprise tissue (e.g., creped tissue, such as <NUM> gsm dry-creped tissue). Because strips 336a-336c are not folded, SAP suitable for the strips can have a higher basis weight than that used in laminate <NUM> of garment 300a. For example, each of strips 336a-336c can have an absorbent lamina <NUM> comprising SAP that has a basis weight of at least <NUM> grams per square meter, such as, for example, a basis weight greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more gsm (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm). An illustrative SAP suitable for use in strips 336a-336c is T9900 from BASF Corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dryness layer <NUM> can comprise a nonwoven sheet <NUM> coupled to strips 336a-336c. As shown, sheet <NUM> is disposed on strips 336a-336c such that the sheet is closer to a wearer than are the strips when garment 300c is worn. Sheet <NUM> can span width <NUM> of dryness layer <NUM>, and can comprise a through-air bonded polymer (e.g., polyester) nonwoven having a basis weight of at least <NUM> gsm, such as, for example, a basis weight greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more gsm (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm, or <NUM> gsm). Nonwoven sheet <NUM> can absorb and transfer rapid insults of liquid to strips 336a-336c and/or core <NUM> to reduce leakage.

First, second, and third strips 336a, 336b, and 336c are each spaced laterally along width <NUM> of dryness layer <NUM>. For example, first strip 336a can be disposed between second and third strips 336b and 336c. First strip 336a can have a width 428a that is larger than the widths of second and third strips 336b and 336c (e.g., 428b and 428c, respectively). For example, width 428a can be at least <NUM>% larger than each of widths 428b and 428c, such as, for example, a width that is at least or between any two of <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% larger (e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>% larger, or <NUM>% larger) than each of widths 428b and 428c. Additionally, or alternatively, second and third strips 336b and 336c can be substantially the same size (e.g., width 428b can be within <NUM>% of width 428c). By way of illustration, first strip 336a can have a width 428a greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM>). By way of further illustration, each of second and third strips 336b and 336c can have a width (e.g., 428b and 428c, respectively) greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM>). In some embodiments, width 428a can be substantially the same as widths 428b and 428c.

Longitudinally-extending channels 424a and 424b can be defined between first strip 336a and each of second and third strips 336b and 336c, respectively. Channels 424a and 424b can be appropriately sized to facilitate liquid acquisition. For example, widths 432a and 432b of channels 424a and 424b, respectively, can be substantially the same as (e.g., within <NUM>% of) the widths of second and third strips 336b and 336c (e.g., 428b and 428c, respectively). By way of illustration, widths 432a and 432b can each be greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more millimeters (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM>). Strips 336a-336c and channels 424a and 424b are sized such that dryness layer <NUM> comprises sufficient laminate material to retain and transfer insults of liquids to absorbent core <NUM> while providing adequate volume (e.g., via the channels) to promote improved liquid acquisition and reduce leakage.

In some embodiments, dryness layer <NUM> can comprise two or more laminate strips, such as, for example, greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more laminate strips, to define one or more channels between the strips, such as, for example, greater than or equal to, or between any two of, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more channels. To illustrate, dryness layer <NUM> can comprise a fourth laminate strip such that a channel is defined between the third and fourth strips.

As shown, dryness layer <NUM> is disposed above absorbent core <NUM>. For example, each of strips 336a-336c can be disposed on absorbent core <NUM> and, optionally, a topsheet <NUM> can be disposed on nonwoven sheet <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, dryness layer <NUM> can be disposed below absorbent core <NUM>. For example, absorbent core <NUM> can be disposed on nonwoven sheet <NUM> such that the nonwoven sheet receives liquid from the absorbent core and distributes the liquid to strips 336a-336c. In yet further embodiments, regardless of whether dryness layer <NUM> is disposed above or below absorbent core <NUM>, the dryness layer can be coupled to the absorbent core such that strips 336a-336c are configured to be disposed closer to a wearer than is nonwoven sheet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, shown is another embodiment 300c-<NUM> of the present absorbent garments. Garment 300c-<NUM> can be substantially similar to garment 300c, the primary exception being the construction of dryness layer <NUM>. In garment 300c-<NUM>, dryness layer <NUM> comprises two longitudinally-extending laminate strips 336a and 336b, each having a construction similar to laminate <NUM> of garment 300a. However, as shown, each of strips 336a and 336b has first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b that each comprise tissue or nonwoven. For example, first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can each comprise a dry-creped tissue having a basis weight between <NUM> and <NUM> gsm (e.g., <NUM> gsm). In other configurations, first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can each comprise a nonwoven. In yet further configurations, one of first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can comprise a nonwoven and the other of first and second substrate laminae 340a and 340b can comprise tissue (e.g., creped tissue, such as <NUM> gsm dry-creped tissue).

In dryness layer <NUM> of garment 300c-<NUM>, strips 336a and 336b are spaced laterally apart along a width of the dryness layer such that a longitudinally-extending channel <NUM> is defined between strip 336a and strip 336b. In some garments, each of the two strips has a lateral width that is equal to a lateral width of the other one of the two strips. In some garments, the lateral width of each of the two strips is between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>), and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>). In some garments, the dryness layer and/or the nonwoven sheet has a width of between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>). In some garments, the two strips of laminate are spaced apart by a lateral distance that is greater than a width of either of the two strips; for example, a lateral distance of between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., equal to <NUM>), and/or between <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>). For example, in garment 300c-<NUM>, the dryness layer has an overall width of <NUM>, strip 336a has a width of <NUM>, strip 336b has a width of <NUM>, and channel or distance <NUM> is equal to <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are exaggerated to better understand the overall structure of the present garments (e.g., 300a-300c), laminates (e.g., <NUM>), and dryness layers (e.g., <NUM>) and, as such, are for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the figures illustrate the relative positions and relationships between elements of the present garments, including, for example, the position of laminae in a laminate (e.g., <NUM>, 336a-336c), the general folded structure of a laminate (e.g., <NUM>), and the manner by which dryness layer channel(s) (e.g., <NUM>, 408a-408b, 424a-424b) can be defined, and should not be interpreted to limit the invention.

The present invention will be described in greater detail by way of specific examples. The follow examples are offered for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of noncritical parameters that can be changed or modified to yield essentially the same results.

Three dryness layer models were produced. The first model ("Model <NUM>") comprised a laminate having an absorbent lamina comprising <NUM> gsm HP500E SAP from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. in Osaka, Japan disposed between a first substrate lamina comprising <NUM> gsm <NUM> tissue from Dunn Paper in East Hartford, Conn. and a second substrate lamina comprising a <NUM> gsm, <NUM>% PET/<NUM>% VS spunlace nonwoven. Model <NUM>'s laminate was not folded.

The second model ("Model <NUM>") comprised the same laminate as Model <NUM>, but was folded as described in reference to garment 300a. The channel defined between the folded layers of Model <NUM> was <NUM> wide.

The third model ("Model <NUM>") comprised a laminate having an absorbent lamina comprising <NUM> gsm HP500E SAP from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. in Osaka, Japan disposed between a first substrate lamina comprising <NUM> gsm dry-creped tissue from Dunn Paper in East Hartford, Conn. and a second substrate lamina comprising a <NUM> gsm resin-bonded polyester fiber nonwoven from Fitesa in Simpsonville, SC. Model <NUM> was folded as described in reference to garment 300b. The channel defined between the folded layers of Model <NUM> was <NUM> wide and a middle laminate was disposed on the base layer within the channel.

Runoff performance of the models was compared. Each of the models was included in a diaper, with the dry layer placed on top of a conventional fluff/SAP core and a topsheet disposed on top of the laminate. The diaper incorporating Model <NUM> had light glue under the topsheet. In each of the Urine Runoff tests, three doses of <NUM> of liquid were metered to the diaper at a rate of approximately <NUM>/min. Runoff was collected and measured between each dose. Three samples of Model <NUM> and of Model <NUM> were tested and one sample of Model <NUM> was tested. The results are set forth in TABLE <NUM>.

Model <NUM> exhibited less runoff compared to Model <NUM>, indicating improved liquid acquisition. The improved liquid acquisition may be due to the folded laminate structure of Model <NUM>, whose channel would facilitate liquid acquisition and distribution to the absorbent core and SAP in the laminate. Model <NUM> exhibited less runoff than Model <NUM> and Model <NUM>. Model <NUM>'s superior liquid acquisition may be due to the different substrates used in the laminate and/or the multiple side channels defined between the middle laminate and the folded layers in Model <NUM>.

Three additional dryness layer models were produced and size large baby diaper samples were manufactured with respective dryness layer models disposed between the diaper samples' respective topsheets and absorbent cores. The fourth model ("Model <NUM>") comprised a laminate having an absorbent lamina comprising <NUM> gsm SAP between a first substrate lamina comprising <NUM> gsm <NUM> Tissue from Dunn Paper in East Hartford, Conn. and a second substrate lamina comprising an <NUM> gsm blue-colored spunbond nonwoven from Fitesa. Rather than being folded, Model <NUM> was arranged with two strips of the laminate as in garment 300c-<NUM> but with the first substrate lamina adhered to a <NUM> wide strip of <NUM> gsm through-air-bonded (TAB) nonwoven. The two strips of the laminate were <NUM> wide, and were spaced apart by a lateral distance of <NUM>. The colored nonwoven is arranged to be visible through the topsheet when wet and, in other configurations, the second lamina could be adhered to the TAB nonwoven.

The fifth model ("Model <NUM>") comprised a laminate having an absorbent lamina comprising <NUM> gsm SAP between a first substrate lamina comprising <NUM> gsm <NUM> Tissue from Dunn Paper in East Hartford, Conn. and a second substrate lamina comprising an <NUM> gsm blue-colored spunbond nonwoven from Fitesa. Rather than being folded, Model <NUM> was arranged with three strips of the laminate as in garment 300c but with the first substrate lamina adhered to a <NUM> wide strip of <NUM> gsm through-air-bonded (TAB) nonwoven. The first strip of the laminate was <NUM> wide, and the second and third strips of the laminate were <NUM> wide arranged on opposite sides of the first strip, and were each spaced apart from the first strip by a lateral distance of <NUM>. The colored nonwoven is arranged to be visible through the topsheet when wet and, in other configurations, the second lamina could be adhered to the TAB nonwoven.

The sixth model ("Model <NUM>") was similar to Model <NUM>, with the exception that the TAB nonwoven had a basis weight of <NUM> gsm.

In the baby diaper samples, including a Bering control sample diaper, the absorbent cores were each manufactured with <NUM> grams of fluff and <NUM> grams of SAP, the overall diaper weight varied as indicated in Table <NUM>, in which COV refers to coefficient of variation.

The Retention Under Load (RUL), Absorbency Against Pressure (AAP), Core Efficiency, Urine Run Off, Acquisition Time, Surface Conductivity, and Rewet were also measured.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the Retention Under Load (RUL) for Models <NUM>-<NUM> was higher, and therefore better, than for the control. In Table <NUM>, the mean values of RUL are listed in grams per square centimeter (g/cm<NUM>) and were obtained under a pressure of <NUM> pounds per square inch (psi). Groupings were determined using the Tukey Method and <NUM>% Confidence.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the Absorbency Against Pressure (AAP) for Models <NUM>-<NUM> was higher, though perhaps not to a statistically significant degree, than for the control. In Table <NUM>, the mean values of AAP are listed in grams per square centimeter (g/cm<NUM>) and were obtained under a pressure of <NUM> pounds per square inch (psi). Groupings were determined using the Tukey Method and <NUM>% Confidence.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the Core Efficiency for Model <NUM> was higher, and therefore better, than for Models <NUM>-<NUM> and the control. In Table <NUM>, the mean values of Core Efficiency correspond to AAP/RUL and are dimensionless (if multiplied by <NUM>%, they could be reported in percent). Groupings were determined using the Tukey Method and <NUM>% Confidence.

As shown in Tables <NUM>-<NUM>, the Urine Run-Off for Models <NUM>-<NUM> was lower, and therefore better, than for the control. Tables <NUM>-<NUM> show measurements for doses <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, with each dose being <NUM> milliliters (mL) of <NUM>% saline at a temperature of <NUM> delivered at a rate of <NUM> per minute (mL/min. ), with <NUM> minutes between doses. In Tables <NUM>-<NUM>, the mean values of Urine Run-Off are listed in grams (g). Groupings were determined using the Tukey Method and <NUM>% Confidence.

Liquid Acquisition is the time in seconds required to absorb a given volume of liquid.

REWET, the amount of liquid that can be expressed from an absorbent core under pressure, is a conventional measure of dryness for an absorbent product. In general, REWET increases abruptly once the absorbent capacity of the core is exceeded. REWET can be improved by increasing the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core and/or by isolating the diaper topsheet from the absorbent core with a high-loft nonwoven ADL. However, neither of these approaches reduces urine that can become trapped in the nonwoven topsheet of the product during the early stages of use.

Surface Conductivity is a measure of the dryness of the diaper samples-i.e., of the topsheet of the respective diaper. Surface Conductivity provides a measure of very small amounts of urine that can remain trapped in the topsheet of an absorbent product during use. When this moisture becomes isolated from (not directed toward the absorbent core), the moisture in the topsheet is eventually absorbed by the skin, and can reduce the natural barrier properties of the skin and make the skin more susceptible to any irritant that may be present. The present configurations of dryness layers can improve the dryness (reduce the surface conductivity) of an absorbent product by reducing the amount of urine trapped in the topsheet-while keeping the REWET of the product low. This is important because about <NUM>% of baby diapers end up containing only <NUM> or less of urine. When a diaper contains less than <NUM> of urine, the urine trapped in the topsheet of the product that determines its dryness-i.e., under such circumstances the REWET, or amount of liquid that can be expressed from the core under pressure, does not determine product dryness. Surface Conductivity was measured over time-after delivery of a single, <NUM> dose of <NUM>% saline at <NUM>° C-using an eight-pin conductivity Hydration Probe available from Cortex Technology in Hadsund, Denmark. The probe was weighted to provide a consistent load of <NUM>-<NUM> grams (g). for each measurement.

As shown in Table <NUM>, Liquid Acquisition is shown in seconds (s), Surface Conductivity is shown in micro-Siemens (µS), and REWET is shown in grams (g).

To measure Urine Run-Off of a sample, a pump was calibrated to deliver the specified doses of <NUM>% saline solution at the specified flow rate. A first end of pump tubing was connected to the pump and a second end of the pump tubing was connected to a metal nozzle having an aperture with a <NUM> inch internal diameter such that the pump could deliver a dose through the nozzle. The sample was placed on a plastic plate resting on a stand such that the plate was disposed at a <NUM>-degree angle from the horizontal, with the sample's topsheet facing upward. The center of the dryness layer was marked and the tubing and metal nozzle were positioned such that the pump was configured to deliver doses to the marked center. A scale was tared to the weight of a tray and the tray was positioned such that, after a dose was applied to the sample, any resulting runoff could fall from the plastic plate and collect in the tray.

Before dosing the sample, the saline solution was preheated to a temperature of <NUM>. Each of the doses was applied by operating the pump to deliver the specified dose volume at the specified flow rate. For each of the doses, after the specified volume was reached, flow was stopped and any runoff was allowed to collect into the tray over a period of <NUM> minutes. After <NUM> minutes passed, the tray with any collected runoff was weighed and the amount of runoff for that dose was recorded as the change in tray weight. The tray was dried after being weighed and the process was repeated for subsequent doses.

To measure the RUL, AAP, and Core Efficiency of a sample, a glass frit was soaked in a <NUM>% saline solution. The soaked frit was placed into a dish, the dish was filled with additional saline solution until the saline level reached the top of the frit, and a <NUM> diameter filter paper was placed on the frit.

A cylinder assembly having an outer cylinder with a mesh filter on a lower end thereof and an inner plastic cylinder disposed in the outer cylinder was weighed. The sample was thereafter placed in the cylinder assembly at the lower end thereof such that pressure could be applied to the sample and the sample-containing assembly was weighed-that weight was recorded as "Sample Wt.

To measure AAP, a <NUM> cylinder weight was placed on the upper end of the cylinder assembly such that pressure was exerted on the sample and the lower end of the assembly was placed on the center of the frit such that the sample could absorb saline solution. The sample-containing cylinder assembly was allowed to remain on the frit for <NUM> minutes, after which the assembly was removed and any liquid droplets that accumulated underneath the mesh were wiped away. The cylinder assembly with the wet sample was weighed after removing the <NUM> cylinder weight-that weight was recorded as "AAP Wt. " The sample's AAP was calculated by subtracting the Sample Wt. from the AAP Wt. and dividing the difference by the area of the sample.

To measure RUL, the cylinder assembly with the wet sample was placed back on the frit-without the <NUM> cylinder weight-such that the sample could continue to absorb saline solution. After <NUM> minutes, the <NUM> cylinder weight was placed on the cylinder assembly and, <NUM> minutes after doing so, the assembly was removed from the frit. The cylinder assembly with the wet sample (and without the <NUM> cylinder weight) was weighed-that weight was recorded as "RUL Wt. " RUL was calculated by subtracting Sample Wt. from the RUL Wt. and dividing the difference by the area of the sample.

Core Efficiency was calculated by determining the sample's AAP and RUL in units of grams per gram (g/g) of SAP in the sample and, in terms of those units, dividing AAP by RUL. The following expressions were to determine AAP and RUL as expressed in g/g of SAP: <MAT> <MAT> where WSAP and WT are the weights of SAP and tissue, respectively, in the sample.

To determine acquisition time and rewet for a sample, the sample was secured on top of a foam pad-which was covered in a hydrophobic plastic-using tape. A <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> plastic block with a <NUM> diameter hole was placed on the sample such that the hole was oriented above the dryness layer of the sample at the center of the foam pad. A cylindrical dosing head was placed in the hole on top of the sample and a weight was placed on top of the dosing head. A timer was started and a first <NUM> dose was poured into the dosing head, and thus onto the sample, over <NUM> seconds. The timer was stopped once all the liquid was absorbed into the sample, which was recorded as the acquisition time.

To determine rewet, a second <NUM> dose was applied in this manner, a timer was set for <NUM> minutes, and at the end of the <NUM> minutes a third <NUM> dose was applied in the same manner as well. The timer was set for <NUM> minutes again and at the end of the <NUM> minutes a stopwatch was started and the plastic block was removed from the sample. When the stopwatch reached <NUM> seconds, a <NUM> stack of filter paper and a <NUM> weight were placed on the center of the sample, the weight was removed after the stopwatch reached <NUM> minutes <NUM> seconds, and the wet mass of the stack of filter paper was measured. Rewet was calculated by subtracting the dry mass of the stack of filter paper from the wet mass thereof.

To measure the surface conductivity of a sample, the sample was equilibrated in a lab at <NUM> and <NUM>% relative humidity for <NUM> hours before testing. Elastics were removed from the sample and the sample was placed over a foam rubber pad with the ends of the sample secured to a bench top with tape such that the sample could lay flat over the pad. A polycarbonate plate with a hole was placed over the sample such that the hole was oriented over the dryness layer of the sample. A cylindrical dosing head was placed in the hole on top of the sample and a weight was placed on top of the dosing head. The sample was dosed with <NUM> of a <NUM>% saline solution preheated to <NUM> at a rate of <NUM>/s. A timer was started and the dosing head was removed. Six surface conductivity measurements were taken over time: one at <NUM> minutes, one at <NUM> minutes, one at <NUM> minutes, one at <NUM> minutes, one at <NUM> minutes, and one at <NUM> minutes. For each, the measurement was taken by placing a surface conductivity probe on the surface of the product through the plate's hole at the "<NUM> o'clock position" thereof such that the probe stood freely under its own weight, holding the probe for <NUM> seconds until a test value appeared, repositioning the probe and repeating that measurement at the <NUM> o'clock, <NUM> o'clock, and <NUM> o'clock positions, and averaging the measurements at each position to yield the surface conductivity at that point in time.

Claim 1:
An absorbent garment (300a, 300b, 300c, 300c-<NUM>) comprising:
a chassis (<NUM>) having opposing front (<NUM>) and rear waist (<NUM>) portions, a crotch portion (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), a topsheet (<NUM>), and a backsheet (<NUM>);
an absorbent core (<NUM>) coupled to the crotch portion (<NUM>); and
a dryness layer (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along the absorbent core (<NUM>) and comprising a nonwoven sheet (<NUM>)
wherein the absorbent core (<NUM>) and the dryness layer (<NUM>) are disposed between the topsheet (<NUM>) and the backsheet (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the dryness layer (<NUM>) further comprises two or more longitudinally-extending laminate strips (336a-336c) coupled to the nonwoven sheet (<NUM>), each including an absorbent lamina (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed between first and second substrate laminae (340a-340b, 400a-400b), the absorbent lamina (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and the first and second substrate laminae (340a-340b, 400a-400b) each comprising tissue or nonwoven;
wherein the laminate strips (336a-336c) are spaced apart laterally along a width of the dryness layer (<NUM>) such that a longitudinally-extending channel (<NUM>, 408a-408b, <NUM>, 424a-424b) is defined between a first one of the laminate strips (336a-336c) and a second one of the laminate strips (336a-336c).