Patent Description:
Infants and other individuals wear absorbent articles such as diapers to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. Pull-on absorbent articles, or pant-type absorbent articles, such as described in PCT Publication <CIT>, are those which are donned by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the article up into position about the lower torso. Pant-type absorbent articles have become popular also for younger babies requiring a soft fit around the waist opening and leg openings. Moreover, pant-type absorbent articles have become popular for females having heavy flow or overnight usage during menstruation periods. One function desired for a pant-type article is a protective measure for preventing leakage of low viscosity bodily exudates through the waist opening. Those pant-type articles having less material around the waist opening for breathability purpose or otherwise, may have risk of leakage from the waist opening, particularly when the wearer is lying on his/her back or belly.

Pant-type articles may take various structures wherein the circumference of the waist opening and vicinity thereof is made elastic enough to facilitate the wearer or the caregiver to expand the article and insert the wearer's legs into the leg openings for wearing the article. Accordingly, pant-type articles provide only a very small range of size adjustment or body configuration adjustment based on the structural limitations of the article. As such, pant-type articles are typically so configured to accommodate size and configuration ranges by providing the elastic belt region very stretchable and comfortable to wear, yet with reliable fit such that sufficient protection against sagging and leakage may be provided. It is desired that such basic functions of the elastic belt region may be maintained even with introduction of the aforementioned protective measure.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an absorbent article provided with a protective measure for efficiently preventing leakage of low viscosity bodily exudates from the waist opening. There is also a need for providing such an absorbent article which can be economically made.

<CIT> relates to an elastic composite which can include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The third layer can be formed by at least one elastic material and can be coupled to the second layer when the elastic material is in an extended condition. The first layer can be coupled to the second layer near the first and second longitudinal edge but can be independent of the second layer therebetween such that the first layer forms gathers when the elastic composite is in a retracted condition.

<CIT> discloses a disposable wearing article with a leak-barrier cuff associated with a waist-opening, which has a fixed end portion lying on a side of one longitudinal end portion of an article, a free end portion extending from the fixed end portion toward a crotch region and fixed side portions lying on the transversely opposite side edge portions of the article.

<CIT> is concerned with methods of forming front and back waist gasketing elements on an absorbent article are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a web of chassis material and waist gasketing elements, each having a first transverse edge, a second transverse edge, a top and bottom layer.

<CIT> relates to a disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system and at least one waist gasketing element.

<CIT> regards a disposable absorbent article with a leg gasketing system, which may include a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the pocket.

The present invention is directed to an absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and a longitudinal direction along and in parallel to the longitudinal centerline, and having a transverse centerline and a transverse direction along and in parallel to the transverse centerline. The absorbent article has a front waist region with a front waist edge, a back waist region with a back waist edge and a crotch region extending longitudinally between the front and back waist region.

The absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core sandwiched there between.

A waist guard is disposed in and attached to the back waist region such that at least a first pocket is formed. The first pocket extends along the longitudinal direction from a first closed base line at or adjacent to the back waist edge towards a first open edge. The complete area of the first pocket superposes the backsheet.

The waist guard is formed of at least a first waist guard sheet and a second waist guard sheet. Each of the first and second waist guard sheet form a portion of the first pocket.

The first pocket comprises at least a first elastic portion. The first elastic portion is provided along and/or adjacent to the first open edge.

The first waist guard sheet is different from the second waist guard sheet, the difference being selected from the group consisting of basis weight, air permeability, caliper, Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time, Opacity, and combinations thereof.

The waist guard may be bonded to the tophseet such that a second pocket may be formed. The second pocket may be formed between the topsheet and the second waist guard sheet. The second pocket may extend along the longitudinal direction from a second closed base line at or adjacent to the back waist edge towards a second open edge. The complete area of the second pocket may superpose the backsheet. The second pocket may comprise at least a second elastic portion, the second elastic portion may be provided along and/or adjacent to the second open edge.

The first and second waist guard sheet may each preferably be a nonwoven web.

The first waist guard sheet may be folded at least along a first fold line. The first fold line may form the first open edge of the first pocket. The first elastic portion may comprise one or more elastic strands which may be provided between layers of the first waist guard sheet, the layers of the first waist guard sheet being obtained by the at least first fold line.

The elastic strand of the first elastic portion, which is closest to the first fold line, may be spaced from the first fold line by a distance of not more than about <NUM>, preferably not more than about <NUM>, more preferably not more than <NUM>.

The second waist guard sheet may be folded at least along a second fold line. The second fold line may form the first open edge of the second pocket. The second elastic portion may comprise one or more elastic strands which may be provided between layers of the second waist guard sheet, the layers of the second waist guard sheet being obtained by the at least second fold line.

The elastic strand of the second elastic portion, which is closest to the third fold line, may be spaced from the third fold line at a distance of not more than about <NUM>, preferably not more than about <NUM>, more preferably not more than <NUM>.

The first waist guard sheet may have a higher basis weight than the second waist guard sheet.

The basis weight of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>/m<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/m<NUM> The basis weight of the first waist guard sheet may be less than <NUM>/m<NUM>, or less than <NUM> gm<NUM>, or less than <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The basis weight of the second waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>/m<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/m<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/m<NUM>. The basis weight of the second waist guard sheet may may be less than <NUM>/m<NUM>, or less than <NUM> gm<NUM>, or less than <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The basis weight of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>/m<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/m<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/m<NUM>, or at least <NUM>/m<NUM> higher than the basis weight of the second waist guard sheet. The basis weight of the first waist guard sheet may not be more than <NUM>/m<NUM>, or not be more than <NUM>/m<NUM> higher than the basis weight of the second waist guard sheet.

The first waist guard sheet may have a higher air permeability than the second waist guard sheet. Such configuration can provide improved breathability of the first waist guard sheet which is closer the wearer's skin than the second waist guard sheet.

The air permeability of the first waist guard sheet, as measured according to the test method set out below, may be at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min. The air permeability of the first waist guard sheet may be less than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or less than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min.

The air permeability of the second waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min. The air permeability of the second waist guard sheet may may be less than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or less than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or less than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min.

The air permeability of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or at least <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min higher than the basis weight of the second waist guard sheet. The air permeability of the first waist guard sheet may not be more than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min, or not be more than <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min higher than the air permeability of the second waist guard sheet.

The first waist guard sheet may have a lower Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time (LSTST) than the second waist guard sheet. A high value in Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time indicates high liquid barrier properties. Runny feces generally flow on the topsheet, i.e. they migrate in close proximity ot the topsheet. Hence, the majority of the runny feces can generally be well captured by the second waist guard pocket, while the first waist guard pocket can help to capture an "overflow" of feces. Therefore, having a second waist guard sheet with relatively high Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time contributes to secure trapping of (runny) feces. At the same time, the first waist guard sheet can have lower Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time, which is typically a property of sheets with relatively high loft and a relatively large amount of interstices between the fibers of the sheet. High loft, in turn, contributes to a comfortable feel against the skin of the wearer, helping to reduce red-marking of the skin and skin irritation.

The LSTST of the first waist guard sheet, as measured according to the test method set out below, may be at least <NUM> seconds, or at least <NUM> seconds. The LSTST of the first waist guard sheet may be less than <NUM> seconds, or less than <NUM> seconds.

The LSTST of the second waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM> seconds, or at least <NUM> seconds, or at least <NUM> seconds. The LSTST of the second waist guard sheet may may be less than <NUM> seconds, or less than <NUM> seconds.

The LSTST of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM> seconds, or at least <NUM> seconds lower than the LSTST of the second waist guard sheet. The LSTST of the first waist guard sheet may not be more than <NUM> seconds, or more than <NUM> seconds, or more than <NUM> seconds lower than the LSTST of the second waist guard sheet.

The first waist guard sheet may have a higher caliper than the second waist guard sheet, as measured according to the test method set out below. High caliper is often reflecting high loft materials, which are soft and thus comfortable to the skin, helping to reduce red-marking of the skin and skin irritation. However, lofty materials often have relatively poor liquid barrier properties, so it is desirable that the second waist guard sheet has lower caliper compared to the first waist guard sheet. Also, thereby an overly thick waist guard (in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse dimension of the absorbent article) can be avoided.

The caliper of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>. The caliper of the first waist guard sheet may be less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>.

The caliper of the second waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>. The caliper of the second waist guard sheet may may be less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>.

The caliper of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM> higher than the caliper of the second waist guard sheet. The caliper of the first waist guard sheet may not be more than <NUM>, or more than <NUM> higher than the caliper of the second waist guard sheet.

The first waist guard sheet may have a higher opacity than the second waist guard sheet, as measured according to the test method set out below. High opacity correlates to lower ability to see through the sheet. Hence, having higher opacity in the first waist guard sheet contributes to better concealing the uine and feces captured inside the waist guard, especially when the absorbent article is removed from the wearer for disposal.

The opacity of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%. The opacity of the first waist guard sheet may be less than <NUM>%, or less than <NUM>%.

The opacity of the second waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>%, or at last <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% The opacity of the second waist guard sheet may may be less than <NUM>%, or less than <NUM>%, or less than <NUM>%.

The opacity of the first waist guard sheet may be at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% higher than the opacity of the second waist guard sheet. The opacity of the first waist guard sheet may not be more than <NUM>%, or not more than <NUM>%, or not more than <NUM>% higher than the opacity of the second waist guard sheet.

The first waist guard sheet may be a carded nonwoven web, or may be a hydroentangled nonwoven web. The second waist guard sheet may be a spunbond nonwoven web.

The second waist guard sheet may also comprise meltblown layers. Alternatively or in addition, the second waist guard sheet may also comprise nanofibers.

The second waist pocket may have a larger surface area than the first waist pocket. Larger surface area can generally be seen to correlate to higher volume inside the pocket. The surface area of the first pocket is the area that is confined by the first closed base line, the first open edge and the left and right side edges of the first pocket (see description below for details). Similarly, the surface area of the second pocket is the area that is confined by the first closed base line, the first open edge and the left and right side edges of the second pocket.

The surface area of the second pocket may be at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, larger than the surface area of the first pocket. The surface area of the second pocket may not be more than <NUM>%, or more than <NUM>%, or not more than <NUM>% larger than the surface area of the first pocket.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:.

Unless specified differently below, adhesives are designated by reference number <NUM> in the Figures. <FIG> does not show any adhesive.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specified thereafter:
"Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates, particularly urine and other water-containing liquids, and, more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles may include diapers (for babies and infants as well as for adult incontinence), pants (for babies and infants as well as for adult incontinence). As used herein, the term "exudates" includes, but is not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal discharges, sweat and fecal matter. Preferred absorbent articles of the present invention are disposable absorbent articles, more preferably disposable diapers, disposable pants and disposable absorbent inserts.

"Absorbent core" is used herein to refer to a structure intended to be disposed between a topsheet and backsheet of an absorbent article for absorbing and storing liquid received by the absorbent article.

"Disposable" is used in its ordinary sense to mean an article that is disposed or discarded after a limited number of usage events over varying lengths of time, for example, less than <NUM> events, less than <NUM> events, or less than <NUM> events. If the disposable absorbent article is a diaper, a pant, absorbent insert, sanitary napkin, sanitary pad or wet wipe for personal hygiene use, the disposable absorbent article is most often intended to be disposed after single use. The used and disposed absorbent article may or may not be subsequently recycled.

"Diaper" and "pant" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by babies, infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso so as to encircle the waist and legs of the wearer and that is specifically adapted to receive and contain urinary and fecal waste. In a pant, as used herein, the longitudinal edges of the first and second waist region are attached to each other to a pre-form waist opening and leg openings. A pant is placed in position on the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant absorbent article into position about the wearer's lower torso. A pant may be pre-formed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the absorbent article using refastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). A pant may be pre-formed anywhere along the circumference of the article (e.g., side fastened, front waist fastened). In a diaper, the waist opening and leg openings are only formed when the diaper is applied onto a wearer by (releasable) attaching the longitudinal edges of the first and second waist region to each other on both sides by a suitable fastening system.

"Longitudinal" refers to a direction running substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

"Inner" and "outer" refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. "Inner" implies the element or surface is nearer to the body of the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. "Outer" implies the element or surface is more remote from the skin of the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is more proximate to the wearer's garments that may be worn over the present article).

"Body-facing" and "garment-facing" refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. "Body-facing" implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. "Garment-facing" implies the element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate to the wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article).

"Film" refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width of the material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, films have a thickness of about <NUM> or less.

"Water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term "water-permeable" refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term "water-impermeable" refers to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from natural forces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be "vapor-permeable".

"Hydrophilic" describes surfaces of substrates which are wettable by aqueous fluids (e.g., aqueous body fluids) deposited on these substrates. Hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined in terms of contact angle and the strike-through time of the fluids, for example through a nonwoven fabric. This is discussed in detail in the<NPL>). A surface of a substrate is said to be wetted by a fluid (i.e., hydrophilic) when either the contact angle between the fluid and the surface is less than <NUM>°, or when the fluid tends to spread spontaneously across the surface of the substrate, both conditions are normally co-existing. Conversely, a substrate is considered to be "hydrophobic" if the contact angle is equal to or greater than <NUM>° and the fluid does not spread spontaneously across the surface of the fiber. The contact angle test method used for the present invention is set out herein below.

"Extendibility" and "extensible" mean that the width or length of the component in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

"Elasticated" and "elasticized" mean that a component comprises at least a portion made of elastic material.

"Elongation rate" means the state of elongation of a material from its relaxed, original length, namely an elongation rate of <NUM>% means an elongation resulting in <NUM>% of its relaxed, original length.

"Elongatable material", "extensible material", or "stretchable material" are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongation rate of at least <NUM>% (i.e. can stretch to <NUM> percent more than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about <NUM>% of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured by EDANA method <NUM>-<NUM>. In the event such an elongatable material recovers at least <NUM>% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material will be considered to be "elastic" or "elastic. " For example, an elastic material that has an initial length of <NUM> can extend at least to <NUM>, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least <NUM> (i.e., exhibiting a <NUM>% recovery). In the event the material recovers less than <NUM>% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material will be considered to be "non-elastic". For example, an elongatable material that has an initial length of <NUM> can extend at least to <NUM>, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least <NUM> (i.e., exhibiting a <NUM>% recovery).

As used herein, the term "nonwoven web" refers to a material which is a manufactured web/layer of directionally or randomly oriented fibers or filaments. The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin. Natural fibers may be selected from the group consisting of wood pulp fibers, wheat straw fibers, rice straw fibers, flax fibers, bamboo fibers, cotton fibers, jute fibers, hemp fibers, sisal fibers, bagasse fibers, Hesper aloe fibers, miscanthus, marine or fresh water algae/seaweeds, silk fibers, wool fibers, and combinations thereof. Another group of fibers may also be regenerated cellulose fibers, such as viscose, Lyocell ( Tencel®), rayon, modal, cellulose acetate fibers, acrylic fibers, cuprammonium rayon, regenerated protein fibers etc. Preferably, the natural fibers or modified natural fibers are selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, bamboo fibers, viscose fibers or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the natural fibers are cotton fibers. Synthetic fibers may be selected from the group consisting of polyolefins (such as polyethylene, polypropylene or combinations and mixtures thereof), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), co PET, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA), nylon (or polyammide), or mixtures or combinations thereof. An alternative option is to use superabsorbent fibers, for example SAF™ which is a cross-linked terpolymer based on acrylic acid, which is partially neutralised to its sodium salt, commercially available from Technical Absorbents.

The fibers in a nonwoven web are consolidated by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, and/or by heat bonding, pressure bonding, heat and pressure bonding, and/or ultrasonic bond excluding paper and products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch-bonded. The fibers may be staple fibers (e.g. in carded nonwoven webs) or continuous fibers (e.g. in spunbonded or meltblown nonwoven webs).

Nonwoven webs can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunlaying, solvent spinning, electrospinning, and carding, and the fibers can be consolidated, e.g. by hydroentanglement (in spunlaced nonwoven webs), air-through bonding (using hot air that is blown through the fiber layer in the thickness direction), needle-punching, one or more patterns of bonds and bond impressions created through localized compression and/or application of heat or ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof. The fibers may, alternatively or in addition, be consolidated by use of a binder. The binder may be provided in the form of binder fibers (which are subsequently molten) or may be provided in liquid, such as a styrene butadiene binder. A liquid binder is provided to the fibers (e.g. by spraying, printing or foam application) and is subsequently cured to solidify.

The basis weight of nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter (g/m2).

In a spunlace nonwoven web the fibers have been carded as precursor web and then subjected to hydroentanglement to intermingle and intertwine the fibers with each other. Cohesion and the interlacing of the fibers with one another may be obtained by means of a plurality of jets of water under pressure passing through a moving fleece or cloth and, like needles, causing the fibers to intermingle with one another (hereinafter also referred to as "hydraulic interlacing"). Thus, consolidation of a spunlace nonwoven web is essentially a result of hydraulic interlacing. "Spunlace nonwoven web", as used herein, also relates to a nonwoven formed of two or more precursor webs, which are combined with each other by hydraulic interlacing.

The two or more precursor webs, prior to being combined into one nonwoven by hydraulic interlacing, may have underdone bonding processes, such as heat and/or pressure bonding by using e.g. a patterned calendar roll and an anvil roll to impart a bonding pattern. However, the two or more webs are combined with each other solely by hydraulic interlacing. Alternatively, the spunlace nonwoven web is a single web, i.e. it is not formed of two or more precursor webs. Still in another alternative, the spunlace nonwoven web of the present invention may be formed of one precursor web onto which staple fibers are laid down. The staple fibers may not have been consolidated into a self-sustaining precursor web but the fibers are loosely laid onto the precursor web. The relatively loose staple fibers are then integrated and intertwined with each other and with the fibers of the underlying precursor web by (only) hydraulic interlacing. Spunlace nonwoven layers/webs can be made of staple fibers or continuous fibers (continuous fibers are also often referred to as filaments).

Through-air bonding (interchangeably used with the term "air-through bonding") means a process of bonding staple fibers or continuous fibers by forcing air through the nonwoven web, wherein the air is sufficiently hot to melt (or at least partly melt, or melt to a state where the fiber surface becomes sufficiently tacky) the polymer of a fiber or, if the fibers are multicomponent fibers, wherein the air is sufficiently hot to melt (or at least partly melt, or melt to a state where the fiber surface becomes sufficiently tacky) one of the polymers of which the fibers of the nonwoven web are made. The melting and re-solidification of the polymer provide the bonding between different fibers.

"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" are open ended terms, each specifies the presence of the feature that follows, e.g. a component, but does not preclude the presence of other features, e.g. elements, steps, components known in the art or disclosed herein. These terms based on the verb "comprise" encompasses the narrower terms "consisting essential of" which excludes any element, step or ingredient not mentioned which materially affect the way the feature performs its function, and the term "consisting of" which excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified.

"Adjacent" and "adjacent to", as used herein, means very near or in close proximity. "adjacent" may mean spaced by a distance of no more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>. For example, if the absorbent article is a relatively large absorbent article intended for adult incontinent wearers, "adjacent" may mean spaced by a distance of no more than <NUM>. In another example, where the absorbent article is intended to be worn by babies, "adjacent" may mean spaced by a distance of not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>, or not more than <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an absorbent article <NUM> of the present invention. The absorbent article <NUM> has a longitudinal centerline which also serves as the longitudinal axis, and a transverse centerline which also serves as the transverse axis. While th longitudinal centerline notionally divides the absorbent article into left and right halfes of equal width, the transverse axis, extending through the crotch region of the absorbent article and being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, notionally divides the absorbent article into front and back halfs having equal length. The absorbent article <NUM> has a body facing surface, a garment facing surface, a front waist region <NUM> with a front waist edge <NUM> (the front waist region e.g. being a front elastic belt <NUM>), a back waist region <NUM> with a back waist edge <NUM> (the back waist region e.g. being a back elastic belt <NUM>), a crotch region <NUM> extending longitudinally between the front and back waist region <NUM>, <NUM>. The absorbent article may have side seams <NUM> which may join the front elastic belt <NUM> and the back elastic belt <NUM>, to form two leg openings and a waist opening.

The absorbent article <NUM> may preferably be a pant with a ring-like elastic belt <NUM> (herein referred to as "belt-type pant") comprising an absorbent main body <NUM> to cover the crotch region <NUM> of the wearer, a front elastic belt <NUM> and a back elastic belt <NUM>. The absorbent main body <NUM> extends into and overlaps with the front and back elastic belt <NUM>, <NUM>. The front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM> may form a discrete ring-like elastic belt <NUM> extending transversely defining the waist opening and being discontinuous in the longitudinal direction. For the belt-type pant, the discrete ring-like elastic belt <NUM> may also be referred to as the elastic belt <NUM>. For the belt-type pant as exemplified in <FIG>, the front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM> and the absorbent main body <NUM> jointly define the leg openings.

For a pant, the front elastic belt <NUM> is the front waist region <NUM>, and the back elastic belt <NUM> is the back waist region <NUM>, and the remainder is the crotch region <NUM>.

While not shown, the absorbent article <NUM> may be a so-called uni-body type pant configured such that the outer cover layer of the absorbent main body <NUM> and the garment facing layer of the elastic belt <NUM> are common. For the uni-body type pant, the portion extending in the transverse direction between the side seams <NUM>, respectively, are considered the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>, and the remainder is the crotch region <NUM>. For the uni-body type pant, the front waist region <NUM> is considered the front elastic belt <NUM>, and the back waist region <NUM> is considered the back elastic belt <NUM>.

The absorbent article <NUM> comprises a topsheet <NUM>, a backsheet <NUM> and an absorbent core <NUM> disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core may jointly be referred to as "absorbent main body" <NUM>. The absorbent main body <NUM> may further comprise an outer cover layer <NUM> for covering the garment-facing side of the backsheet <NUM>. The topsheet <NUM> may be a water permeable substrate. The backsheet <NUM> may be a water impermeable film. The outer cover layer <NUM> may be a nonwoven web. The absorbent main body <NUM> comprises an absorbent core <NUM> for absorbing and containing body exudates disposed on the absorbent main body <NUM>. The topsheet <NUM> and backsheet <NUM> may be have a larger longitudinal and transverse dimension than the absorbent core <NUM>, and the absorbent core may be surrounded by the topsheet, and the backsheet. The absorbent main body <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape, left and right longitudinally extending side edges <NUM> and front and back transversely extending end edges <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> may exist through the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region <NUM> and extend partly in the front and back waist regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The absorbent main body <NUM> may have a front waist panel <NUM> positioned in the front waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>, a back waist panel <NUM> positioned in the back waist region <NUM>, and a crotch panel <NUM> between the front and back waist panels <NUM>, <NUM> in the crotch region <NUM>. The crotch panel <NUM> forms the crotch region <NUM>. The center of the front elastic belt <NUM> may be joined to a front waist panel <NUM> of the absorbent main body <NUM>, the center of the back elastic belt <NUM> may be joined to a back waist panel <NUM> of the absorbent main body <NUM>. The front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a left side panel and a right side panel <NUM> where the absorbent main body <NUM> does not overlap. In a pant, the front elastic belt <NUM> is indirectly joined to the back elastic belt <NUM> along the longitudinal dimension by the absorbent main body <NUM>.

The absorbent core <NUM> is intended to store the liquid that enters the absorbent article during use (thus generally having the most absorbent capacity) and that comprises an absorbent material. In some instances, absorbent material may be positioned within a so-called core bag or a core wrap, such as a nonwoven web (the core bag or core wrap being comprised by the absorbent core). The absorbent material may be profiled or not profiled, especially along the longitudinal centerline, depending on the specific absorbent article. "Profiled" means that the absorbent material is not homogene-ously distributed across the surface area of the absorbent core. The absorbent core may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, a core wrap, and absorbent material enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbent material may, for example, comprise or consist of a) superabsorbent polymer material, such as superabsorbent polymer particles, or b) a mixture of superabsorbent polymer particles and cellulose fibers, or c) only cellulose fibers, or d) a high internal phase emulsion foam, or e) combinations of any of a) to d). In some instances, the absorbent material may comprise at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or up to <NUM>% superabsorbent polymers, by weight of the absorbent material. In such instances, the absorbent material may be free of cellulose fibers, or at least mostly free of cellulose fibers. The superabsorbent polymer material may be immobilized by adhesive, such as by adhesive fibers. The absorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may define any suitable shape, such as rectangular "T," "Y," "hour-glass," or "dog-bone" shaped, for example. Preferably, the absorbent core has a rectangular shape. An absorbent core periphery having a generally "dog bone" or "hour-glass" shape may taper along its width towards the crotch region of the absorbent article.

The absorbent core may have areas with reduced caliper (wherein the term "reduced" includes areas with no caliper, i.e. areas free of the material of the absorbent core). Areas with reduced caliper may be areas having little or no absorbent material, where a body-facing surface of the core bag may be joined to a garment-facing surface of the core bag. These areas having little or no absorbent material may be referred to as "channels". These channels can embody any suitable shapes and any suitable number of channels may be provided. In other instances, though less preferred, the absorbent core may be embossed to create the impression of channels.

At least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) may be provided between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The ADL comprises acquisition materials which are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of bodily exudates. These materials may dewater the topsheet and quickly move bodily exudates into the absorbent core. The acquisition materials of the ADL may comprise one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, cross-linked cellulosic materials, air laid cel-lulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof, for example. Typically, the one or more layers of the ADL may each have a width and length that are smaller than the width and length of the topsheet. The ADL may have one or more areas with reduced caliper ((wherein the term "reduced" includes areas with no caliper, i.e. areas free of the material of one, more than one, or all layers of the ADL), such as channels, as described above with reference to the absorbent core (including the embossed version). The channels in the ADL may align or not align with channels in the absorbent core. In an example, a first layer of the ADL may comprise a nonwoven material and as second layer of the ADL may comprise a cross-linked cellulosic material. The second layer of the ADL may be provided between the first layer of the ADL and the absorbent core. The first layer of the ADL may be provided between the topsheet and the second layer of the ADL.

Referring to <FIG>, the absorbent main body <NUM> may comprise leg cuffs <NUM> made of material having high fluid impermeability, and elasticized to provide a barrier along both transverse edges of the absorbent main body <NUM>. Such leg cuffs <NUM> may be attached to the remainder of the absorbent main body by bonding them to the topsheet <NUM> at both longitudinal edges of the absorbent main body <NUM>, such that at least in the crotch region <NUM>, the leg cuffs are in active elasticity to provide gasketing around the leg openings. The leg cuffs may be folded around the longitudinal edges (i.e. the side edges) of the absorbent main body, such that a portion of the leg cuffs is attached to the garment-facing surface of the backsheet, and/or to the garment-facing surface of the optional outer cover layer.

The elastic belt <NUM> of the absorbent article of the present invention acts to dynamically create fitment forces and to distribute the forces dynamically generated during wear. The front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM> may be joined with each other only at the side edges <NUM> to form side seams <NUM>, a waist opening and two leg openings (such that the waist opening is formed by the front waist edge and the back waist edge of the absorbent article). Each leg opening may be provided with elasticity around the perimeter of the leg opening. The elasticity around the leg opening may be provided by the combination of elasticity from the front elastic belt <NUM>, the back elastic belt <NUM>, and the leg cuffs <NUM>.

The longitudinal length of the backsheet <NUM> and the outer cover layer <NUM> may be the same, or may be varied. For example, the outer cover layer <NUM> may have a shorter length compared to that of the backsheet <NUM>, such that the outer cover layer <NUM> is devoid where the absorbent main body <NUM> overlaps the elastic belt <NUM>. By such configuration, the elastic belt may have better breathability. Further, such configuration may provide cost saving. The transverse width of the backsheet <NUM> and the outer cover layer <NUM> may be the same, or may be varied. For example, the backsheet <NUM> may have a shorter transverse width compared to that of the outer cover layer <NUM>. By such configuration, the longitudinal side edges <NUM> of the crotch panel <NUM>, which make part of the leg openings, may have better breathability. Further, such configuration may provide cost saving.

For the belt-type pant, the longitudinal length LB of the back elastic belt <NUM> and the longitudinal length LF of the front elastic belt <NUM> may be provided the same, or the back elastic belt <NUM> may have a greater longitudinal length LB. When the absorbent article is assembled to form the waist opening and the leg openings, the absorbent article <NUM> is folded along the transverse centerline such that the front distal edge <NUM> is aligned with the back distal edge <NUM> (the front distal edge being the front waist edge <NUM> and the back distal edge being the back waist edge <NUM>). The front side edge <NUM> is also aligned with a portion of the back side edge <NUM>. Then the front elastic belt <NUM> and the back elastic belt <NUM> are joined at the front and back side edges <NUM> at the seams <NUM>. The front and back proximal edges <NUM> of the front and back elastic belt <NUM>, <NUM>, however, may not be aligned to one another. The back proximal edge <NUM> of the back elastic belt <NUM> may be disposed longitudinally closer than the front proximal edge <NUM> of the front elastic belt <NUM> relative to the transverse centerline such that the proximal portion of the back side panel <NUM> extends toward the crotch panel <NUM> of the main body <NUM> beyond the front proximal edge <NUM>. The side edge of the proximal portion of the back side panel <NUM> may not be joined to anywhere and free from attachment. Thus, the proximal portion of the back side panel <NUM> provides a buttock cover <NUM> (not shown). In such embodiments, the front waist region <NUM> is smaller than the back waist region <NUM> along the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article.

The front elastic belt <NUM> and back elastic belt <NUM> are configured to impart elasticity to the belt <NUM>. The front elastic belt <NUM> and the back elastic belt <NUM> may each comprise a laminate, the laminate comprising a plurality of elastic members 96F, <NUM>, such as elastic strands, running in the transverse direction, an inner sheet <NUM>, an outer sheet <NUM>. The back elastic belt (and also the front elastic belt) may comprise an outer sheet fold <NUM> which is an extension of the outer sheet <NUM> and is formed by folding an extension <NUM> of the outer sheet <NUM> material at the distal edge <NUM> of the front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM>; wherein the belt elastic members 96F, <NUM>, such as elastic strands, are sandwiched between the inner and outer sheet <NUM>, <NUM>. The front elastic belt <NUM> and the back elastic belt <NUM> may each be made only by elastic members <NUM>, such as elastic strands, the inner sheet <NUM>, the outer sheet <NUM>, and the outer sheet fold <NUM>, and, optionally, by adhesive to attach the inner and outer sheet to each other and/or to attach the elastic strands to the inner and/or outer sheet. The belt elastic members 96F, <NUM>, such as elastic strands, may extend in the transverse direction to provide a ring like elastic belt <NUM> when the front elastic belt <NUM> and the back elastic belt <NUM> are joined along side seams <NUM>. At least some of the elastic members 96F, <NUM>, such as elastic strands, extend in the transverse direction substantially parallel to each other. All of the elastic members 96F, <NUM>, such as elastic strands, may extend in the transverse direction substantially parallel to each other. Such an article may be economically made. The front and back elastic belt <NUM>, <NUM> each may have transversely continuous proximal and distal edges, the proximal edge <NUM> being located closer than the distal edge <NUM> relative to the longitudinal center of the article. At least <NUM>%, or at least from about <NUM>% to not more than about <NUM>%, of the front and back elastic belts from the waist opening in the longitudinal direction may be a laminate in active elasticity along the entire transverse dimension LW of the front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM>. For each front and back elastic belt <NUM>, <NUM>, the region overlapping the front and/or back waist panel <NUM>, <NUM> of the absorbent main body <NUM> may be removed of its elastic activity. Such region removed of elastic activity is referred herein as the "elastic cut window", and the remainder of the intact elastic member capable of imparting elasticity is defined as the "effective length of elasticity of an elastic member".

The tensile stress (N/m) of the entirety of the front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, may be profiled in order to provide the functional benefits of the present invention, such as ease of stretch and application, while also maintaining certain force during wear, to prevent the article from sagging after loading. When the elasticity of the front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM> are provided by a plurality of elastic members 96F, <NUM>, such as elastic strands, running in the transverse direction, the tensile stress may be adjusted by one or more of the following methods; <NUM>) elongation rate of the elastic member 96F, <NUM>; <NUM>) density (dtex) of the elastic member 96F, <NUM>; <NUM>) longitudinal pitch of multiple elastic members 96F, <NUM>; and <NUM>) effective length of elasticity of the elastic member 96F, <NUM> in the transverse direction. By elongation, "<NUM>% elongation" is meant the original length of the elastic member.

Alternatively to being a pant, the absorbent article may be a so-called taped diaper, i.e. an absorbent article provided with a fastening system to close the absorbent article around the waist of the wearer. A taped diaper may comprise back ears in the back waist region. The back ears may comprise fasteners and may extend from the back waist region of the absorbent article and attach (using the fasteners) to the landing zone area or landing zone material on a garment-facing portion of the front waist region of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may also have front ears in the front waist region.

The landing zone area may be in the back waist region if the absorbent article fastens from front to back or, preferably, may be in the front waist region if the absorbent article fastens back to front. In some instances, the landing zone may be or may comprise one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the garment-facing surface (e.g. on an outer cover nonwoven) of the front waist region or of the back waist region, depending upon whether the absorbent article fastens in the front or the back. In essence, the landing zone is configured to receive the fasteners and may comprise, for example, a plurality of loops configured to be engaged with, a plurality of hooks on the fasteners, or vice versa.

The absorbent article may have front and/or back ears in a taped diaper context. Only one set of ears may be required in most taped diapers. The single set of ears may comprise fasteners <NUM> configured to engage the landing zone or landing zone area. If two sets of ears are provided, in most instances, only one set of the ears may have fasteners (preferably the back ears), with the other set being free of fasteners. The ears, or portions thereof, may be elastic or may have elastic panels. In an example, an elastic film or elastic strands may be positioned intermediate a first nonwoven material and a second nonwoven material. The elastic film may or may not be apertured. The ears may be shaped. The ears may be integral (e.g., extension of the outer cover material, the backsheet, and/or the topsheet) or may be discrete components attached to absorbent main body on a wearer-facing surface, on the garment-facing surface, or intermediate the two surfaces.

The absorbent article of the present invention comprises a waist guard WG, which is disposed in and attached to the back waist region <NUM> such that at least a first pocket <NUM> is formed. The first pocket <NUM> extends along the longitudinal direction from a first closed base line <NUM> at or adjacent to the back waist edge <NUM> towards a first open edge. <NUM> The first closed base line <NUM> is longitudinally spaced from the first open edge <NUM>, such that the first open edge <NUM> is closer to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM> than the first closed base line <NUM>. The complete area of the first pocket <NUM> superposes the backsheet <NUM>.

The waist guard WG comprises a first waist guard sheet <NUM> and a second waist guard sheet <NUM>. The first and/or second waist guard sheet may be a nonwoven web.

Each of the first and second waist guard sheet <NUM>, <NUM> forms a portion of the first pocket <NUM>.

The first pocket <NUM> comprises at least a first elastic portion <NUM> provided along and/or adjacent to the first open edge <NUM>.

The first waist guard sheet <NUM> is different from the second waist guard sheet <NUM>. The first waist guard sheet <NUM> may differ from the second waist guard sheet <NUM> in basis weight, air permeability, caliper, opacity, Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough time, Opacity, or combinations thereof. In addition to differing in basis weight, air permeability, caliper, Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough time, Opacity, or combinations thereof, the first and second waist guard sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may differ from each other in further properties and characteristics.

By having a waist guard with first and second waist guard sheet and the first waist guard sheet being different from a second waist guard sheet, it is possible to provide a waist guard with more tailor-made properties in different areas. For example, the first waist guard sheet may be in direct contact with the skin of the wearer during use, while the second waist guard sheet may not be in direct contact with the skin of the wearer, as the second waist guard sheet, or at least the majority thereof may be provided in between the first waist guard sheet and the topsheet and thus underneath the first waist guard sheet when seen perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse dimension of the absorbent article.

It may be desirable that the first waist guard sheet has higher caliper than the second waist guard sheet. Higher caliper may typically mean that the sheet is more lofty and thus more comfortable to the skin.

The first waist guard sheet, having higher air permeability than the second waist guard sheet, may have improved ability to allow sweat of the wearer penetrate into and/or through the first waist guard sheet, thus contributing to keep the wearer's skin dry during use of the absorbent article.

The waist guard WG may be bonded to the tophseet <NUM> such that a second pocket <NUM> is formed, the second pocket <NUM> being formed between the topsheet <NUM> and the second waist guard sheet <NUM>.

The optional second pocket (<NUM> extends along the longitudinal direction from a second closed base line <NUM> at or adjacent to the back waist edge <NUM> towards a second open edge <NUM>. The complete area of the optional second pocket <NUM> may superpose the backsheet <NUM>. The second closed base line <NUM> may be longitudinally spaced from the second open edge <NUM>, such that the second open edge <NUM> is closer to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM> than the second closed base line <NUM>.

The optional second pocket <NUM> may comprise at least a second elastic portion <NUM> provided along and/or adjacent to the second open edge <NUM>.

The first waist guard sheet <NUM> may be folded at least along a first fold line <NUM>, the first fold line forming the first open edge <NUM> of the first pocket <NUM>.

The second elastic portion <NUM> is thus also comprised by the first pocket <NUM>. However, if the waist guard WG comprises a second pocket <NUM>, the second elastic portion <NUM> is also comprised by the second pocket <NUM>. As the secnd fold line <NUM> forms the second open edge <NUM> of the optional second pocket <NUM>, providing the second elastic portion <NUM> ensures that the second pocket <NUM> opens properly and thus can efficiently receive lose feces.

A non-elastic portion may be provided at least at or adjacent to first closed base line <NUM> of the first pocket <NUM>. Also, a non-elastic portion may be provided at least at or adjacent to the second closed base line <NUM> of the second pocket <NUM>.

While elasticity is desirable at or adjacent the fold lines which form the first and/or second open edge <NUM>, <NUM>, of the first and/or second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> to ensure proper opening of the pocket(s) during use, it is preferred that the area at and towards the first and/or second closed based line <NUM>, <NUM>, of the first and/or second pocket(s) has no elasticity or reduced elasticity. Otherwise, the full capacity (i.e. the complete volume) of the pocket(s) may not be available for capturing feces.

The first elastic portion <NUM> may comprise one or more elastic strands <NUM> (preferably more than one), which are provided between layers of the first waist guard sheet <NUM>. The layers of the first waist guard sheet <NUM> may be obtained by the at least first fold line <NUM>.

The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may be folded at least along a second fold line <NUM>, the second fold line <NUM> forming the second open edge <NUM> of the optional second pocket <NUM>.

The second elastic portion <NUM> may comprise one or more elastic strands <NUM> which are provided between layers of the second waist guard sheet <NUM>. The layers of the second waist guard sheet <NUM> may be obtained by the at least second fold line <NUM>.

The one or more elastic strands <NUM> of the first elastic portion <NUM> are preferably provided such that the first waist guard sheet <NUM> is gathered when the elastic strands <NUM> are in their relaxed state (i.e. not stretched by application of a force). "Gathered" means that the first waist guard sheet <NUM> is formed with wrinkels. Such wrinkles, at least partly, disappear when the elastic strands are stretched out. Consequently, the elastic strands <NUM> of the first elastic portion <NUM> may be applied to the first waist guard sheet <NUM> (e.g. by adhesively attaching the elastic strands <NUM> to the first waist guard sheet <NUM>) while the elastic strands <NUM> are in an extended, stretched condition. The elastic strands <NUM> which are comprised by the first elastic portion <NUM> are preferably attached to the first waist guard sheet <NUM> prior to forming the first fold line <NUM>.

There may be <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands, or <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands, or <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands in the first elastic portion <NUM>.

The distance between the two elastic strands (of the first elastic portion) which are closest to the first fold line may be smaller than the distance between any other neighboring elastic strands in the first elastic portion. Alternatively or in addition, the distance between the first fold line and the elastic strand (of the first elastic portion) closest to the first fold line may be the same or smaller than the distance between the two elastic strands (of the first elastic portion) which are closest to the first fold line. Also alternatively or in addition, the number of elastic strands (of the first elastic portion) adjacent the first fold line may be higher than the number of elastic strands (of the first elastic portion) away from the first fold line, wherein "away from the first fold line" means the <NUM>% of the first pocket which are furthest away from the first fold line.

Similarly, the second elastic portion <NUM> may comprise one or more elastic strands <NUM> which are provided between layers of the second waist guard sheet <NUM> formed by the second fold line <NUM>, the one or more elastic strands <NUM> of the second elastic portion <NUM> extending along the transverse direction of the absorbent article <NUM>. The one or more elastic strands <NUM> of the second elastic portion <NUM> are preferably provided such that the second waist guard sheet <NUM> is gathered when the elastic strands <NUM> are in their relaxed state (i.e. not stretched by application of a force). Consequently, the elastic strands <NUM> of the second elastic portion <NUM> may be applied to the second waist guard sheet <NUM> (e.g. by adhesively attaching the elastic strands to the second waist guard sheet) while the elastic strands <NUM> are in a stretched condition. The elastic strands <NUM> which are comprised by the second elastic portion <NUM> are preferably attached to the second waist guard sheet <NUM> prior to forming the third fold line <NUM>.

There may be <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands, or <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands, or <NUM> to <NUM> elastic strands in the second elastic portion.

The distance between the two elastic strands (of the second elastic portion) which are closest to the second fold line may be smaller than the distance between any other neighboring elastic strands in the second elastic portion. Alternatively or in addition, the distance between the second fold line and the elastic strands (of the second elastic portion) closest to the second fold line may be the same or smaller than the distance between the two elastic strands (of the second elastic portion) which are closest to the second fold line. Also alternatively or in addition, the number of elastic strands (of the second elastic portion) adj acent the second fold line may be higher than the number of elastic strands (of the second elastic portion) away from the second fold line, wherein "away from the second fold line" means the <NUM>% of the first pocket which are furthest away from the second fold line.

The plurality of elastic strands <NUM> of the first elastic portion <NUM> may be spaced from the first fold line <NUM> at a distance of not more than about <NUM>, preferably not more than about <NUM>, more preferably not more than <NUM>.

Likewise, the plurality of elastic strands <NUM> of the second elastic portion <NUM> may be spaced from the second fold line <NUM> at a distance of not more than about <NUM>, preferably not more than about <NUM>, more preferably not more than <NUM>.

The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may be provided in between the first waist guard sheet <NUM> and the topsheet <NUM> (as seen perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse direction of the absorbent article. The first and second waist guard sheet <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to each other at or adjacent to the back waist edge <NUM>. The attachment between the first and second waist guard sheet form the first closed base line <NUM> of the first pocket <NUM>.

The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may be attached to the topsheet <NUM> at or adjacent to the back waist edge <NUM>. The attachment between the topsheet <NUM> and the second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form the second closed base line <NUM>.

The first waist guard sheet <NUM> may also be attached to the topsheet adjacent the transversely extending end edge of the first waist guard sheet. Such attachment may be provided a or adjacent to the back waist edge <NUM>. In such configurations, the first waist guard sheet <NUM> were folded over the second waist guard sheet <NUM> at or adjacent to the back waist edge <NUM> such as to partly enwrap the second waist guard sheet. However, the first waist guard sheet <NUM> may only enwrap the second waist guard sheet <NUM> by a small distance along the longitudinal direction, such as by less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>.

Attachment of the first and second waist guard sheets to each other, as well as attachment of the second waist guard sheet to the topsheet may be done by any means known in the art, such as by adhesive, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or combinations thereof.

The first waist guard sheet <NUM> may form at least a portion of the body-facing boundaries of the first pocket <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may also form a portion of the body-facing boundaries of the first pocket. However, the first waist guard sheet <NUM> may form at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the body-facing boundaries of the first pocket. The first waist guard sheet <NUM> may form the complete body-facing boundaries of the first pocket <NUM>.

The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form at least a portion of the garment-facing boundaries of the first pocket <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The first waist guard sheet <NUM> may also form a portion of the gament-facing boundaries of the first pocket <NUM>. However, the second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the garment-facing boundaries of the first pocket. The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form the complete garment-facing boundaries of the first pocket <NUM>.

The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form at least a portion of the body-facing boundaries of the second pocket <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may also form a portion of the body-facing boundaries of the second pocket <NUM>. However, the second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the body-facing boundaries of the second pocket. The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may form the complete body-facing boundaries of the second pocket <NUM>.

The topsheet <NUM> may form at least a portion of the garment-facing boundaries of the second pocket <NUM>, as exemplified in <FIG>. The second waist guard sheet <NUM> may also form a portion of the garment-facing boundaries of the second pocket <NUM>. However, the topsheet <NUM> may form at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the garment-facing boundaries of the second pocket. The topsheet <NUM> may form the complete garment-facing boundaries of the second pocket <NUM>.

The optional second pocket <NUM> may not be in direct contact with the first waist guard sheet <NUM>. Thus, the first waist guard sheet does not comprised by the optional second pocket <NUM>.

If the absorbent article <NUM> comprises a first and a second pocket <NUM>, <NUM>, the first and second pocket are provided adjacent to each other (one on top of each other in the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse direction of the absorbent article).

By having a first and second pocket <NUM>, <NUM>, the total volume inside the waist guard WG for containing feces can thereby be increased. Providing two pockets rather than one large pocket, can help to savely keep the feces inside the pockets. Also, the overall volume of a single pocket has a kind of construction-conditioned upper limit based on the overall dimensions of the absorbent article, as the open edge of the pocket can not be provided arbitrarily close towards the transverse centerline of the absorbent article. If the open edge is provided too close towards the transverse centerline, the waist guard will cover an overly large part of the wearer's gluteal grove, and may consequently not be able to efficiently capture lose feces.

The second fold line <NUM> (and thus the second open edge <NUM>) may be provided closer to the transverse centerline than the first fold line <NUM> (i.e. the first open edge <NUM>). Thereby, the topsheet <NUM> does not form a boundary of the first pocket <NUM>, i.e. the first pocket <NUM> is not in direct contact with the topsheet <NUM>. This configuration helps to safely maintain feces captured inside the first pocket <NUM>. Also, it has been found that the first pocket <NUM> may not open properly during use if the first fold line <NUM> is provided closer to the transverse centerline than the second fold line <NUM>. This is especially applicable if the waist guard WG comprises second pocket <NUM>. In such embodiments, also the proper opening of the second pocket <NUM> may be hampered if the first fold line <NUM> is provided closer to the transverse centerlin than the second fold line <NUM>.

The longitudinal dimension of the first pocket <NUM>, defined as the shortest distance between the first closed base line <NUM> to the the first open edge <NUM>, may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, still more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The longitudinal dimension of the optional second pocket <NUM>, defined as the shortest distance between the second closed base line <NUM> to the second open edge <NUM>, may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, still more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The longitudinal dimension of the second pocket <NUM> may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM> longer than the longitudinal dimension of the first pocket <NUM>.

The transverse dimension of the first pocket <NUM> is defined as the longest distance of the first pocket <NUM> extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM> from a left side edge of the first pocket <NUM> to a right side edge of the first pocket <NUM>. The left and right side edges of the first pocket <NUM> each extend between the first closed base line <NUM> and the first open edge <NUM>. The transverse dimension of the first pocket <NUM> (= the width of the first pocket <NUM>) may be from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the transverse dimension of the transversely extending edge of the backsheet <NUM> (= the width of the backsheet <NUM>), which is provided in the back waist region <NUM>. The transversely extending edge of the backsheet <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM> may extend parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM>.

The transverse dimension of the first pocket <NUM> may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. The first pocket <NUM> may have a smallest distance extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM> from the left side edge of the first pocket <NUM> to the right side edge of the first pocket <NUM>, which may be the same as the longest distance of the first pocket <NUM> (such that there is no difference between longest and shortest distance), or the shortest distance of the first pocket <NUM> may be at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the longest distance of the first pocket <NUM>.

The transverse dimension of the second pocket <NUM> is defined as the longest distance of the second pocket <NUM> extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM> from a left side edge of the second pocket <NUM> to a right side edge of the second pocket <NUM>. The left and right side edges of the second pocket <NUM> each extend between the second closed base line <NUM> and the second open edge <NUM>. The transverse dimension of the second pocket <NUM> (= the width of the second pocket <NUM>) may be from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the transverse dimension of the transversely extending edge of the backsheet <NUM> (= the width of the backsheet <NUM>), which is provided in the back waist region <NUM>. The transversely extending edge of the backsheet <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM> may extend parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM>.

The transverse dimension of the second pocket <NUM> may be from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>, or from <NUM> to <NUM>. The second pocket <NUM> may have a smallest distance extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article <NUM> from the left side edge of the second pocket <NUM> to the right side edge of the second pocket <NUM>, which may be the same as the longest distance of the second pocket <NUM> (such that there is no difference between longest and shortest distance), or the shortest distance of the second pocket <NUM> may be at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the longest distance of the second pocket <NUM>.

The first pocket and/or the second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> may have a rectangular shape.

The front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM> may each be divided into multiple zones spanning in the transverse direction and defined by its location from the distal edge <NUM> to the proximal edge <NUM> relative to the percentage of the seam length LS wherein the distal edge <NUM> is considered <NUM>% and the proximal edge <NUM> is considered <NUM>%. The multiple zones may be configured to provide different tensile stress, or different functions to the front and back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. In the absorbent article of the present invention, a waist guard WG is disposed. The waist guard WG extends towards the crotch region <NUM>. The waist guard WG may be partially bonded to the remainder of the back elastic belt <NUM>, <NUM>. The waist guard WG may be disposed within a location of <NUM>-<NUM>% of LS on the back elastic belts <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> depicts such waist guard WG on the back elastic belt. The waist guard WG may be shorter, such that it spans less than the entire <NUM>-<NUM>% of LS. The waist guard WG may be positioned at a dimension of from from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of LS, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of LS, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of LS, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of LS, i.e. the entire waist guard WG may be provided within these preferred ranges. Without being bound by theory, by providing the waist guard WG in such dimension on the back elastic belt <NUM>, the buttock cleavage of a wearer is effectively covered by the waist guard WG so that low viscosity exudate, such as runny fecal matter or blood, may be effectively drawn into the first and the optional second pocket <NUM>, <NUM>.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG> (but not limited to embodiments illustrated in these Figures, but applicable to all absorbent articles of the present invention), the first or second waist guard sheet of the waist guard WG (preferably the first waist guard sheet) may be made by an extension <NUM> of the outer sheet <NUM> extending (prior to being folded) beyond the longitudinal dimension of the inner sheet <NUM>. The extension <NUM> of the outer sheet <NUM> may be folded inwardly at the outer sheet fold <NUM> to provide either the first or the second waist guard sheet.

Referring to <FIG>, a certain longitudinal dimension from the second waist guard sheet <NUM> (whether or not being the folded over extension <NUM> of the outer sheet <NUM>) may be bonded to the body-facing surface of the remainder of the back elastic belt <NUM>, such bonding shown as SWFA. However, some dimension may be left unbonded, thereby forming the optional second pocket <NUM>.

Preferably the bonding is made by adhesive. The adhesive may be hydropobic, which can help to prevent low viscosity exudate from penetrating out of the first and optional second pocket by penetrationg through the waist guard sheet. The adhesive, such as the hydrophobic adhesive, may be a hot melt adhesive. To determine whether a hot melt adhesive is hydrophobic, a portion of the hot melt adhesive is molten and spread on an even, horizontal surface, such as a table, to form a film. Then a drop of water is applied on the fim and the contact angle is determined, as is well known in the art. The adhesive is hydrophobic, if the contact angle of more than <NUM>°.

The unbonded region thus provided, is defined and delimited by the optional second closed base line <NUM> and the left and right transverse edges (delimiting the second pocket <NUM>). The bondings provided to define the area of the optional second pocket <NUM> are so configured to provide the optional second pocket <NUM> superposing the backsheet <NUM>, preferably completely superposing the backsheet <NUM> in both in the longitudinal dimension parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article as well as in the transverse direction parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article.

The bonded portion (shown as SWFA) delimiting the optional second pocket <NUM> may superpose the backsheet <NUM> by at least <NUM>, or by at least <NUM> along each of the left and right side edges of the second pocket <NUM>, wherein the respective part of the edge of the bonded portion may delimit and thus define the left and right side edges of the second pocket <NUM>. Moreover, the bonded portion delimiting the optional second pocket <NUM> may superpose the backsheet <NUM> by at least <NUM>, or by at least <NUM> along the second closed base line <NUM> of the optional second pocket <NUM>, wherein the respective part of the edge of the bonded portion may delimit and thus define the second closed base line <NUM> of the optional second pocket <NUM>.

For forming the first pocket <NUM>, a certain longitudinal dimension of the first waist guard sheet <NUM> may be bonded to the second waist guard sheet <NUM>, thereby defining and forming the first pocket <NUM>. The transversely extending edge of such bonded portion delimiting the first pocket <NUM> is the first closed base line <NUM>, and the first fold line <NUM> is the first open edge <NUM>. The unbonded region thus provided, is defined and delimited by the first closed base line <NUM> and the left and right transverse edges (delimiting the first pocket <NUM>), is the first pocket <NUM>. The bonded regions provided to define the area of the first pocket <NUM> are so configured to provide the first pocket <NUM> superposing the backsheet <NUM>, preferably completely superposing the backsheet <NUM> in both in the longitudinal dimension parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article as well as in the transverse direction parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article.

The first pocket <NUM> is defined as having a longitudinal dimension spanning from the first closed base line <NUM> to the first open edge <NUM>.

Preferably the bonding is made by adhesive. The adhesive may be hydropobic, which can help to prevent low viscosity exudate from penetrating out of the first and optional second pocket by penetrationg through the waist guard sheet. The adhesive, such as the hydrophobic adhesive, may be a hot melt adhesive.

The bonded portion delimiting the first pocket <NUM> may superpose the backsheet <NUM> by at least <NUM>, or by at least <NUM> along each of the left and right side edges of the first pocket <NUM>, wherein the respective part of the edge of the bonded portion may delimit and thus define the left and right side edges of the first pocket <NUM>. Moreover, the bonded portion delimiting the first pocket <NUM> may superpose the backsheet <NUM> by at least <NUM>, or by at least <NUM> along the first closed base line <NUM> of the first pocket <NUM>, wherein the respective part of the edge of the bonded portion may delimit and thus define the first closed base line <NUM> of the first pocket <NUM>.

Without being bound by theory, by providing the first and the optional second pocket substantially superposing the backsheet, prevents low viscosity exudates and/or low surface tension exudates having entered the pocket(s) from flowing or penetrating out of the pocket(s) through the layers underneath the pocket(s), i.e. in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse centerline and towards the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article.

The first and the optional second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a rectangular shape, however, the first and/or second pocket may take other shapes by changing the bonding area such that the first and/or second closed base line <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or the left and right transverse edges defining the first and/or second pocket <NUM>, <NUM>, are shaped. For example, the first and/or second closed base line <NUM>, <NUM> may be concave or convex toward the pocket to match the wearer's anatomy. The first and/or second closed base line <NUM>, <NUM> may also be straight and parallel to the distal edge <NUM> of the back elastic belt <NUM> (i.e. parallel to the back waist edge <NUM> of the absorbent article). The left and right transverse edges may be such that the width of the first and/or second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> increases or decreases along the longitudinal dimension starting from the first and/or second closed base line <NUM>, <NUM> to the first and/or second open edge <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and/or second pocket <NUM>, <NUM>.

The longitudinal dimension of the first pocket <NUM> is defined as the shortest distance between the first closed base line <NUM> to the first open edge <NUM> and extending parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

The longitudinal dimension of the optional second pocket <NUM> is defined as the shortest distance between the second closed base line <NUM> to the second open edge <NUM> and extending parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article.

The waist guard WG is preferably provided such that the first and the optional second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> are provided at a dimension of from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably to about <NUM>% and more preferably to about <NUM>% of LS. By providing the first and second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> at a dimension of from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, preferably to about <NUM>% and more preferably to about <NUM>% of LS, the pocket(s) is (are) provided such that the likelihood of the first and second open edge <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> overlaying the gluteal grove of the wearer is reduced. The article of the present invention is (also) suitable for baby/toddler pants which are already more active compared to new born babies. However, increased activity generally leads to a higher likelihood that the article sags, so that the waist edge (=distal edge of the front and back belt) shifts downwardly during use. Thereby, also the waist guard, including the first and second open edges, tends to shift downwardly during use. To address and counterbalance such movement, the first and second open edges may be provided sufficiently high (in the longitudinal dimension, i.e. towards the distal edge of the back belt) to reduce or avoid the risk of overlap of the first and second open edge with the gluteal grove. If the first and second open edge overlaps with the gluteal grove, the pocket may not able be to properly receive fecal material.

As exemplified in <FIG> (but not limited to embodiments shown in these Figures, but applicable to all absorbent articles of the present invention), the area of the back elastic belt <NUM> superposing the first and optional second elastic portion <NUM>, <NUM> is defined a correlated portion <NUM>. The correlated portion <NUM> may be elasticized or may not be elasiticized. The tensile stress of the first and optional second elastic portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be different than that of the correlated portion <NUM>. The difference in tensile stress of the first and optional second <NUM>, <NUM> to the correlated portion <NUM> may be at least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>%. Without being bound by theory, such tensile stress difference enables the first and second elastic portions to be in close contact with the wearer, while pulling away the first and second open edges from the correlated portion, thus opening the first and the optional second pocket. Thus, the first and the optional second pocket are configured to have good containment capacity.

The absorbent core <NUM> may partially superpose the area of the first and the optional second pocket <NUM>, <NUM> to provide at least some absorbent capacity in this region. At least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the area of the first pocket <NUM> and at least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the area of the optional second pocket <NUM> may superpose the absorbent core <NUM>. Even so, the combined thickness of the waist guard WG, the correlated portion <NUM> of the back elastic belt <NUM>, and the portion of the absorbent main body <NUM> sandwiched therebetween may be kept to no more than about <NUM>, preferably no more than about <NUM>. This is so that the thickness of the article does not interfere with the opening of the first and the optional second pocket.

The absorbent main body <NUM> of the absorbent article may comprise one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs <NUM> and one or more pairs of leg elastics. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may be positioned laterally inboard of leg elastics. Each barrier leg cuff <NUM> may be formed by a piece of material which is bonded to the absorbent main body <NUM> so it extends upwards from a body-facing surface of the absorbent main body <NUM> when the absorbent article is worn, and provide improved containment of body exudates approximately at the junction of the torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> are delimited by a proximal edge joined directly or indirectly to the topsheet <NUM> and/or the backsheet <NUM> and a free terminal edge, which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may extend at least partially between the front and back transversely extending end edges <NUM> of the absorbent main body <NUM> along and adjacent to each of the two side edges <NUM> of the absorbent main body <NUM> and may be at least present in the crotch region <NUM>, and may extend into the front and back waist region <NUM>, <NUM>. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may each comprise one or more elastics (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free terminal edge. These elastics cause the barrier leg cuffs to help form a seal around the legs and torso of a wearer. The leg elastics extend at least partially between the two transversely extending end edges <NUM> of the absorbent main body <NUM>. The leg elastics essentially cause portions of the absorbent article proximate to the absorbent main body's two (i.e. left and right) side edges <NUM> to help form a seal around the legs of the wearer. The leg elastics may extend at least within the crotch region <NUM>.

A part of the second waist guard sheet <NUM>, or a part of the first and second waist guard sheet, may be directly attached to the topsheet <NUM>; and a part of the second waist guard sheet <NUM>, or a part of the first and second waist guard sheet, may be directly attached to the barrier leg cuffs <NUM>.

Opacity is measured using a <NUM>° illumination/<NUM>° detection, circumferential optical geometry, spectrophotometer with a computer interface such as the HunterLab LabScan XE running Universal Software (available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc. , Reston, Va. ) or equivalent instrument. Instrument calibration and measurements are made using the standard white and black calibration plates provided by the vendor. All testing is performed in a room maintained at <NUM> ± <NUM> and <NUM> ± <NUM>% relative humidity.

The spectrophotometer is configured for the XYZ color scale, D65 illuminant, <NUM>° standard observer, with UV filter set to nominal. The instrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's procedures using the <NUM> inch port size and <NUM> inch area view. After calibration, the software is set to the Y opacity procedure which prompts the operator to cover the sample with either the white or black calibration tile during the measurement.

Articles are pre-conditioned at <NUM> ±<NUM> and <NUM>% ± <NUM>% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, the article is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of the article is measured. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut <NUM> long and <NUM> wide.

The specimen is placed over the measurement port. The specimen should completely cover the port with the surface corresponding to the body-facing surface of the waist guard sheet (for the first waist guard sheet: The body facing surface relates to the surface of the sheet that is directed towards the body of the wearer inside the first waist pocket; for the second waist guard sheet: the body facing surfaces relates ot the surface of the sheet that is directed towards the body of the wearer inside the second waist pocket) directed toward the port. The specimen is gently extended until taut in its longitudinal direction so that the specimen lies flat against the port plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure the specimen to the port plate in its extended state for testing. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The specimen is then covered with the white standard plate. A reading is taken, then the white tile is removed and replaced with the black standard tile without moving the specimen. A second reading is taken, and the opacity is calculated as follows: <MAT>.

Specimens from five identical first and second waist guard sheets, respectively, are analyzed and their opacity results recorded. The average opacity for the first waist guard sheet and second waist guard sheet is calculated and report separately, each to the nearest <NUM>%.

Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 Air Permeability Tester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S. ) with a custom made <NUM> cm2 circular aperture (also available from Advanced Testing Instruments) or equivalent instrument. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintained at <NUM> ± <NUM> and <NUM>% ± <NUM>% relative humidity.

The articles are pre-conditioned at <NUM> ± <NUM> and <NUM>% ± <NUM>% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, using scissors, a test specimen is cut <NUM> long by <NUM> wide.

The specimen is centered over the measurement port. The specimen should completely cover the port with the surface corresponding to the body-facing surface of the waist guard sheet (for the first waist guard sheet: The body facing surface relates to the surface of the sheet that is directed towards the body of the wearer inside the first waist pocket; for the second waist guard sheet: the body facing surfaces relates ot the surface of the sheet that is directed towards the body of the wearer inside the second waist pocket) directed toward the port. The specimen is gently extended in its longitudinal direction until taut so that the specimen lies flat across the port. Adhesive tape is applied to secure the specimen across the port in its extended state for testing. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The test pressure is set to allow air to pass through the specimen. The pressure is typically set for <NUM> Pa. The sample ring is closed and the measuring range is adjusted until the range indicator shows green to indicate that the measurement is within the accepted limits of the instrument. The air permeability is recorded to the nearest <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>/min.

The caliper of the material sample is measured using a dial gauge or digital equivalent with a resolution of ± <NUM> and a circular "foot" having a flat bottom circular surface with a diameter of <NUM>. The gauge is mounted over a base having a horizontal flat rigid upper surface, such that the entire bottom surface of the foot contacts the upper surface of the base.

The downward force exerted by the foot on the base or on a material sample inserted between the foot and the base is depending on the weight of the foot, i.e. depending on the exact equipment used.

The weight exerted by the foot of the gauge can be measured by mounting the gauge over a suitable top-loading balance such that the balance pan is in the same relative position to the gauge as the base. It is independent of the caliper of the material sample. The force is adjusted by adding weight to the foot such that the total weight is <NUM>, i.e. the pressure exerted by the foot of <NUM> diameter is <NUM> ± <NUM> Pa.

The gauge is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The material sample is cut as a circle of <NUM> diameter. Such material sample is placed on the base such that the foot is completely in contact with the material sample.

The caliper of the material sample is determined by reading the gauge with the foot resting on the base (G0). The foot of the gauge is then raised and the material is laid flat on the base. The foot is lowered gently onto the material sample and the gauge reading is taken <NUM> seconds after the foot comes into contact with the sample (GT). The caliper of the material sample at that location is the difference between the two readings (GT-G0). The caliper is the average of three replicates and is reported in millimeters rounded to the nearest <NUM>.

The low surface tension fluid strikethrough time test is used to determine the amount of time it takes a specified quantity of a low surface tension fluid, discharged at a prescribed rate, to fully penetrate a sample of the first or second waist guard sheet which is placed on a reference absorbent pad.

For this test, the reference absorbent pad is <NUM> plies of Ahlstrom grade <NUM> filter paper (<NUM> × <NUM>) and the test fluid is a <NUM> mN/m low surface tension fluid.

This test is designed to characterize the low surface tension fluid strikethrough performance (in seconds) of the first and/or second waist guard sheet.

Lister Strikethrough Tester: The instrumentation is like described in EDANA ERT <NUM>-<NUM> section <NUM> with the following exception: the strike-through plate has a star-shaped orifice of <NUM> slots angled at <NUM> degrees with the narrow slots having a <NUM> length and a <NUM> slot width. This equipment is available from Lenzing Instruments (Austria) and from W. Fritz Metzger Corp (USA). The unit needs to be set up such that it does not time out after <NUM> seconds.

Reference Absorbent Pad: Ahlstrom Grade <NUM> filter paper, in <NUM>×<NUM> areas, is used. The average strikethrough time is <NUM>+<NUM> seconds for <NUM> plies of filter paper using the
<NUM> mN/m test fluid and without the waist guard sheet sample. The filter paper may be purchased from Empirical Manufacturing Company, Inc. (EMC) <NUM> Reinhold Drive Cincinnati, Ohio <NUM>.

Test Fluid: The <NUM> mN/m surface tension fluid is prepared with distilled water and <NUM>+/-<NUM>/liter Triton-X <NUM>. All fluids are kept at ambient conditions.

Claim 1:
An absorbent article (<NUM>) having a longitudinal centerline and a longitudinal direction along and in parallel to the longitudinal centerline; a transverse centerline and a transverse direction along and in parallel to the transverse centerline, a front waist region (<NUM>) with a front waist edge (<NUM>), a back waist region (<NUM>) with a back waist edge (<NUM>) and a crotch region (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between the front and back waist region (<NUM>, <NUM>), the absorbent article (<NUM>) comprising an absorbent main body (<NUM>), the absorbent main body comprising a topsheet (<NUM>), a backsheet (<NUM>), and an absorbent core (<NUM>) sandwiched there between;
wherein a waist guard (WG) is disposed in and attached to the back waist region (<NUM>) such that at least a first pocket (<NUM>) is formed, the first pocket (<NUM>) extending along the longitudinal direction from a first closed base line (<NUM>) at or adjacent to the back waist edge (<NUM>) towards a first open edge (<NUM>), wherein the complete area of the first pocket (<NUM>) superposes the backsheet (<NUM>);
the waist guard (WG) being formed of at least a first waist guard sheet (<NUM>) and a second waist guard sheet sheet (<NUM>), each of the first and second waist guard sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>) forming a portion of the first pocket (<NUM>);
wherein the first pocket (<NUM>) comprises at least a first elastic portion (<NUM>), the first elastic portion (<NUM>) being provided along and/or adjacent to the first open edge (<NUM>);
the first waist guard sheet (<NUM>) being different from the second waist guard sheet (<NUM>), the difference being selected from the group consisting of basis weight, air permeability, caliper, Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time, Opacity, and combinations thereof; and
wherein the first and second waist guard sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>) are attached to each other at or adjacent to the back waist edge (<NUM>), the attachment between the first and second waist guard sheet forming the first closed base line (<NUM>) of the first pocket (<NUM>).