Patent ID: 12239514

The drawings, described below, are provided for purposes of illustration, and not of limitation, of the aspects and features of various examples of embodiments described herein. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” when used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” (which may all be used interchangeably) where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together. For example, two or more parts may be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached” or “fastened” by bonding them together with an ultrasonic or heat bond or other technique that does not require a bonding agent, with a bonding agent such as an adhesive, through mechanical bonding, with a mechanical fastener, or in any other manner.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein.

Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

Disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable undergarments, pants, diapers, other garments, have either a closed (e.g., pants) or open (e.g., diapers) product chassis, with an absorbent core system located between two substrate layers. The first substrate layer is on the inside of the article, often referred to as a topsheet, and the second substrate is on the outside of the article, often referred to as a backsheet. The absorbent core system often contains a mixture of pulp and super absorbent polymer (SAP). In some cases, absorbent cores have been designed to be thinner to improve the comfort of users and to provide a better product fit. One process of making the absorbent core thinner is to increase the quantity of SAP and decrease the quantity of pulp. However, SAP requires a certain amount of void volume to properly absorb liquids. Increasing the SAP relative to the pulp may result in fluid that is not absorbed rapidly, often referred to as free fluid. Accordingly, an acquisition distribution layer (ADL) may be added on top of the absorbent core. The ADL can provide the void volume needed to absorb the free fluid the SAP inside the absorbent core could not rapidly absorb. In addition to the ADL, a standing leg cuff is provided along each longitudinal side of the absorbent core, thereby reducing fluid leakage along the crotch and leg areas. In various embodiments, the standing leg cuffs may be positioned above the absorbent core or transversely outboard of the absorbent core.

Referring toFIGS.1-2, shown therein is an example embodiment of a disposable absorbent article10. The article10has a topsheet12and a backsheet14. In this example embodiment, the backsheet14is formed of two layers: a poly barrier16and a nonwoven backsheet18. An absorbent core20is disposed between the topsheet12and the backsheet14. An acquisition distribution layer22is positioned between the topsheet12and the absorbent core16. In this example embodiment, the absorbent core20is positioned between a top core wrap24and a bottom core wrap26. Either or both of the top and bottom core wraps24,26may be a tissue or a nonwoven web. The top and bottom core wraps may fully or partially cover, surround, or wrap around all or part of the absorbent core20.

In the example ofFIGS.1-2, the article10includes a first standing leg cuff28aand a second standing leg cuff28b, referred to together as standing leg cuffs28. The standing leg cuffs28include a cuff web32and one or more elastic strands34. In some embodiments, the standing leg cuffs may include a plurality of elastic strands34. As exemplified, the standing leg cuffs are coupled to the topsheet12by one or more bonds36. The bond36may be any bond type capable of securing various components of the article10to another component of the article10. For example, as illustrated, the bonds36are adhesive. In some embodiments, the bonds36may be ultrasonic bonds. In some embodiments, some of the bonds36may be adhesive and some may be ultrasonic.

The various layers of the article10may be formed of different materials. The topsheet12is at least partially liquid pervious. For example, the topsheet12may be a hydrophilic nonwoven web. The ADL22may be made of a high loft carded nonwoven. In some embodiments, the ADL22may include or be formed of an apertured poly film. The apertures of the apertured poly film may be 3-dimensional. The absorbent core20may be formed of a single layer or a dual layer. In some embodiments, the absorbent core20may be made of an airlaid material. The absorbent core20has one or more absorbent materials.

In some embodiments, the absorbent core20may have a plurality of absorbent materials. The absorbent core20may be made of pulp, SAP, or a blend of pulp and SAP. InFIGS.1-2, the absorbent core20includes a single layer containing a blend of pulp and SAP. The absorbent material in the absorbent core may be a single pulp material or a plurality of pulp materials. For example, the absorbent material may include one or more of the following: rayon fibers, cotton fibers, bamboo fibers, soft pine, eucalyptus fibers, superabsorbent polymer particles, superabsorbent polymer fibers, peat moss, cross-linked cellulose fibers, cellulose acetate, polypropylene tow, polymer fibers, surfactant treated nonwovens, binder fibers, linen fibers, hemp fibers, ramie fibers, jute fibers, natural cellulose fibers, miscanthus pulp fibers, sponges, absorbent foams, etc.

As described above, the backsheet14may be a laminate that includes both the poly barrier16and the nonwoven backsheet18. The poly barrier16is typically fluid impervious. In some embodiments, the poly barrier16may be a poly film. In some embodiments, the poly barrier16may be a breathable poly material, such as a microporous film. The backsheet14and/or the absorbent core20may include a poly laminate whereby the poly film is extruded onto the nonwoven web.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the topsheet12may be treated with a surfactant. The surfactant renders the topsheet12hydrophilic, thereby facilitating fluid flow to areas that have been surfactant treated. For example, referring still toFIGS.1-2, the topsheet12has three zones: a left zone42, a middle zone44, and a right zone46. In some embodiments, the middle zone44may be treated with the surfactant, such that the middle zone44has increased hydrophilicity relative to the left and right zones42,46. In some embodiments, the topsheet12may be hydrophobic. Accordingly, the topsheet12may be strategically treated by the surfactant to improve the fluid flow from the topsheet12to the ADL22. In some embodiments, the middle zone44may be processed to allow fluids to flow through. For example, the portion of the topsheet12in the middle zone44may be perforated or formed of a porous material to allow fluid to flow more easily through the topsheet12.

As exemplified inFIGS.1-2, the base38of each standing leg cuff28is coupled to the topsheet12within the left zone42and right zone46through a bond36. In some embodiments, the standing leg cuffs28may be coupled to the topsheet12adjacent the transverse inboard edges of the left and right zones42,46. By coupling the base38of the standing leg cuffs28along these edges, the risk of fluid wicking underneath the standing leg cuffs28is decreased. To achieve the standing function of each standing leg cuff28, one or more elastics34are tensioned or elongated and coupled to the cuff web32adjacent to its top40. The top40may be the top edge of the standing leg cuff28or may encompass a top region of the standing leg cuff28that does not include the base38. In other words, the top region40is distal to the base38of the standing leg cuff28. The cuff web32is then folded over and coupled to itself to cover the elastics34. The cuff web32may be closed over the elastics34by any means known in the art, such as with an adhesive, mechanical fastening or by ultrasonic bonding. By folding the cuff web32over the elongated elastics34, the standing leg cuff28is lifted away from the topsheet and may extend upwardly from the topsheet12, thereby allowing the standing leg cuffs28to come into contact with the body of a user when in use.

Gasketing Barrier

One of the most important functions of disposable absorbent articles is to absorb bodily fluids quickly and adequately, in order to prevent fluid leakage outside of the product. In some cases, the absorbent cores may be overwhelmed in certain regions with the high volumes of fluid that is emitted upon them in a short period of time. As described above, some absorbent core designs have been thinned by increasing the ratio of SAP to pulp in the composition of the absorbent core. SAP takes longer to absorb liquid than pulp, thereby occasionally resulting in free fluid that is not absorbed immediately by the absorbent core. In addition, the absorbent core, or a portion of it, can become saturated with fluid, which slows down the flow of fluid into the core. The possibility of free fluid flowing within the product and the inability of the absorbent core to absorb all fluid at once results in a need for an improved fluid barrier and containment system.

In an example embodiment, there is provided an absorbent article with improved leakage protection and comfort, as shown inFIGS.3-11. In the example embodiments, the absorbent article10includes standing leg cuffs28, each having a gasketing barrier50at the top40of the standing leg cuff28. The gasketing barrier50is coupled to, or near to, the standing leg cuffs28, thereby providing a more efficient means of containing the fluid and preventing the fluid from leaking out of the product. Reducing the leakage thus provides improved absorbency performance during use.

In some embodiments, the gasketing barriers50may be formed of a soft and lofty nonwoven material. For example, the soft and lofty nonwoven material of the gasketing barriers50is softer than one or more of the topsheet12and the cuff web32. The soft gasketing barriers50may improve the comfort of the user. For example, as described above, the absorbent article10includes one or more elastics34in each standing leg cuff28. The elastics34are tensioned to allow the standing leg cuffs28to contact the skin of a user. The elastics34thus need to be tensioned such that a sufficient pressure is applied to the skin of the user to prevent leakage through the sides of the absorbent article10. Such applied pressure often results in irritation of the user's skin, resulting in red markings and rashes.

The cuff web32and the gasketing barriers50may be made of different materials. For example, referring toFIGS.4and12, the standing leg cuffs28include the gasketing barriers50and the cuff webs32. As shown, the cuff webs32are formed of a different material than the gasketing barriers50. As noted above, the gasketing barriers50may be formed of a soft and lofty nonwoven material. In some embodiments, the gasketing barriers50may be formed of a carded web nonwoven while the cuff webs32may be formed of a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond nonwoven. For example, the gasketing barriers50may be formed of a bicomponent fiber carded nonwoven. An advantage of this material is that the biocomponent fibers provide increased softness while also containing polypropylene for increased strength. Accordingly, the comfort of the user may be improved while also providing a denser fiber structure, which may improve the leakage protection of the standing leg cuffs28. In some embodiments, one or both of the gasketing barrier50and the cuff web32may be at least partially sustainable. For example, the material may include cotton.

In some embodiments, the cuff web32and the gasketing barrier50may be formed of materials with different basis weights. For example, the cuff web32may be made of a material with a basis weight of about 20 to about 25 gsm. The gasketing barrier50may be made of a material with a basis weight of about 10 to about 15 gsm. Accordingly, the cuff web32and the gasketing barrier50may form a laminate. The basis weight of the laminate may be in the range of about 10 to about 25 gsm.

The material used to form the gasketing barriers50may be softer than the material used to form the cuff webs32. This design may improve the comfort of the user while also improving the leakage protection of the standing leg cuffs28. For example, the softness of materials used herein may be determined through tests performed by SGS, such as by one or more of the TS7 test, the TS750 test, and/or the SGS softness index. Exemplary Softness Index values for different nonwovens may be found in the table below:

SGSBasis Wt.Softness#(gsm)ManufacturerNonwoven DescriptionIndex175013.5BerryStandard SMS56176418.0ShalagCarded Bi-Co Web88(ST61ETH18)176513.5BerrySSMMS Kamisoft (with soft61additive)176617.0BerrySTNC (KS-VM/PV)64176735.0BerrySSMMS Kamisoft65176835.0BerryAPEX High Loft Nonwoven74

The positioning of the gasketing barriers50on the standing leg cuffs28may vary. In some embodiments, the gasketing barriers50may cover one side of the cuff web32. As exemplified inFIG.12, the cuff web32has a first side33and an opposed second side35, each extending between the base38and the top40of the cuff web32. As shown, the gasketing barrier50is coupled to the second side35of the cuff web32. The gasketing barrier50may cover the entire length of the cuff web32, extending from the base38to the top40as shown inFIG.12, or may cover only a portion of the cuff web32.

In some embodiments, the gasketing barriers50may cover at least a portion of each side of the cuff web32. For example, as shown inFIG.4, the gasketing barriers50cover the top40of the cuff web32, partially covering the first side33and the second side35of the cuff web32.

In some embodiments, the elastics34of each standing leg cuff28may be covered by the gasketing barriers50. The gasketing barriers50may therefore provide a robust and soft gasketing means, reducing corrugations or micro-gaps along the top edge of the standing leg cuffs28. Positioning the gasketing barriers50along the top40of the standing leg cuffs28and over one or more elastics34may help prevent fluid leakage while providing a softer gasketing means against the body.

For example, referring toFIG.11, shown therein is an image of the article10with gasketing barriers50. As shown in the image, the gasketing barriers50cover the top40of the standing leg cuffs28, providing a soft barrier for the user's skin. As shown, the gasketing barriers50form folds51that are generally transverse to the length of the standing leg cuffs28. The folds51are also generally evenly spaced from one another. Having a generally consistent texture of folds51for the gasketing barriers50may improve the comfort of the user by allowing for a more even pressure to be applied to the user's skin.

In some embodiments, the softened contact between the standing leg cuffs28and the skin of the user may allow for the tension of the elastics34to be increased. Increasing the tension of the elastics34may reduce leakage at the standing leg cuffs28. However, retracting the elastics34at higher tensions may result in a scratchy/rough feeling for the user of the article10. The scratchy/rough feeling is caused by a reduction in the thickness of the nonwoven material between the elastic34and the user's skin due to the increased tension of the elastic34. The nonwoven material typically acts as a buffer to protect the skin from the elastic material under tension. Thus, a higher quantity of soft nonwoven material reduces the likelihood of skin irritation. The loftiness and softness of the gasketing barriers50may provide a more cushioned and smoother material in direct contact with the body, thereby improving the comfort and skin wellness of the user. The combination of a softer material at higher tension may therefore provide for reduced leakage without compromising the comfort of the user.

In some embodiments, the soft and lofty nonwoven used in the gasketing barriers50may also be hydrophobic. For example, the gasketing barriers50may include small denier fibers. When compressed together with elastic, denier fibers may create a thicker and higher density elastic composite. This composite may create a more robust and effective fluid barrier. The small denier fibers may include a blend of materials such as bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers may include a polyethylene sheath and polypropylene core, polyethylene sheath and polyester core, or polypropylene sheath and polyester core.

The soft gasketing barriers50may be used in additional locations on the article10. For example, the gasketing barriers50may be used along the edges of the front and/or back waist openings of the absorbent article10. Traditional absorbent products, such as pants or underwear, contain waistbands where the phobic nonwoven materials of the product chassis are folded over, from outside to inside, over the elastic material(s). This process creates the front and back waist openings of the product. By including the gasketing barriers50on the front and/or back waist openings, the comfort and leakage of the article may be improved. In some embodiments, the gasketing barriers50may be used in both the standing leg cuffs28and along the front and back waist openings of the absorbent article10. The gasketing barriers50may also be added to leakage barrier flaps and/or fecal containment pockets, which are intended to keep urine and/or feces from leaking out the back and/or waist area of the product. These leakage barriers flaps are usually positioned in the cross-direction of the product, which is perpendicular to the front and back edges of the absorbent core.

The use of the gasketing barriers50described herein may also reduce the cost of improving the comfort and leakage of the absorbent article10. For example, traditional standing leg cuffs that are attached to absorbent articles often include elastic material(s) that are positioned between two thin layers of phobic nonwoven materials. The standing leg cuffs typically include one layer of phobic nonwoven material that is folded upon itself over the elastic material(s). If the thin layers of phobic nonwoven material were all replaced with a thicker, phobic, nonwoven material, the cost of the article would increase. However, by merely replacing the top portion of the standing leg cuffs with a thick, phobic, nonwoven material, the rest of the thin layers of nonwoven material may remain the same. Therefore, the comfort and leakage of the article may be improved without significantly affecting the cost of the article.

Similarly, the use of the gasketing barriers50on the front and back waist openings may improve the comfort and leakage of the article without significantly affecting the cost. If this thinner layer of phobic nonwoven material at the front and back waist openings were replaced with a thicker layer of phobic nonwoven material, the cost of the product would increase due to the much larger surface area of the front and back chassis of the article compared to the standing leg cuffs. However, merely replacing the waistband area of the product chassis with a thicker layer of phobic nonwoven material reduces the cost of improving the leakage and comfort of the article.

The improved fluid containment and comfort features described above may be used in a variety of different absorbent products, such as, for example, training pants, baby diapers, adult diapers, adult pants, youth pants, incontinence pads, incontinence male guards, wound care, feminine hygiene articles, etc.

Referring toFIGS.3-7, shown therein are example embodiments of an article10with gasketing barriers50. As shown more clearly inFIGS.4and7, the standing leg cuffs28are coupled to the topsheet12by bond36. Joining the standing leg cuffs28to the topsheet12in this manner allows for a simplified construction of the article10. For example, the standing leg cuffs28may first be assembled separately from the rest of the article10and then may be easily attached to the topsheet12.

Referring toFIGS.5A-5F, shown therein is an example process for manufacturing the standing leg cuffs28. As shown inFIGS.5A and5B, elastics34may be coupled to the gasketing barrier50. In some embodiments, a second gasketing barrier50bmay be applied on top of the elastics34and the first gasketing barrier50a. The two gasketing barriers50may be used to sandwich the elastics34and secure them in place before folding, as shown inFIG.5C. Each of the first and second gasketing barriers50may be formed of the same or different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the first gasketing barrier50a, which is coupled to the cuff web32, may be made of a lighter weight nonwoven material that is less soft and less lofty as compared to the second gasketing barrier50b. The first gasketing barrier50amay be formed of a lighter weight nonwoven without reducing the comfort to the user because the first gasketing barrier50amay not contact the skin of the user and may mainly be used as a carrier for the elastics34.

The elastics34may be coupled to the gasketing barriers50by any means known in the art, such as by an adhesive, mechanical fastening, or ultrasonic bond. For simplicity, the bonds for the elastics34are omitted from the figures. Once the elastics34are coupled to the gasketing barriers50, the assembled gasketing barriers50are then coupled to the cuff web32to form the standing leg cuff28, as shown inFIGS.5D and5E. In the example embodiment, the gasketing barrier50is coupled to the cuff web32by adhesive bonds36. Once the standing leg cuff28is assembled, it may then be coupled to the top sheet12, as shown inFIG.5F.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the elastics34may first be coupled to the cuff web32. In such embodiments, the standing leg cuff28may have a single gasketing barrier50since the elastics34may be supported on one side by the cuff web32and on the other side by the gasketing barrier50. For example, referring toFIGS.6A-6D, shown therein is an example process for manufacturing the standing leg cuffs28. As shown inFIG.6A, the elastics34are first coupled to the cuff web32. As described above, the bonds securing the elastics34are omitted from the figures for simplicity. Once the elastics34are coupled to the cuff web32, the gasketing barrier50may be positioned over the elastics34such that a portion of the gasketing barrier50extends past the end of the cuff web32, producing some overlap, as shown inFIG.6B. The overlapping portion of the gasketing barrier50may then be folded and adhered to the cuff web32, as shown inFIG.6C. Once the gasketing barrier50is coupled to the cuff web32, the entire standing leg cuff28may be coupled to the topsheet12, as shown inFIG.6D.

The elastics34may be positioned in the standing leg cuffs28in any location that allows the standing leg cuffs28to form a barrier adjacent to the topsheet12. Referring toFIG.4, shown therein is a cross-sectional view of the disposable absorbent article10, focusing on the crotch area of the article10. In some embodiments, as described above, the elastics34may be coupled between two gasketing barriers50aand50bbefore forming the standing leg cuffs28. For simplicity,FIG.4illustrates a single layer of gasketing barrier50. As shown in the example embodiment, the elastics34are elongated and coupled to the gasketing barriers50. The gasketing barriers50are folded over and coupled to the cuff web32.

Referring now toFIG.7, shown therein is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an article10, manufactured using the process of manufacturing the standing leg cuff28inFIGS.6A-6D, wherein the elastics34may be coupled to one side of the gasketing barriers50. The gasketing barriers50may then be coupled to the cuff web32. Positioning the elastics34on one side of the standing leg cuffs28may improve the speed of manufacturing the article10since only one set of elastics34needs to be properly positioned before securing the elastics34to the standing leg cuffs28.

Referring toFIGS.8-10, shown therein are example embodiments of an absorbent article10of alternative construction. The article10includes first and second side sheets13a,13b, together referred to as side sheets13. The side sheets13are coupled to the backsheet14. The side sheets13may be a nonwoven material. In this example embodiment, the gasketing barriers50may encompass the elastics34and may be coupled to one or more of the standing leg cuffs28and the topsheet12. Thus, the top layer of the article10is formed of three sheets, rather than a single top sheet12as shown inFIGS.3-7.

The intersection between the side sheets13and the top sheet12may be used to form the standing leg cuffs28. In the example embodiment shown inFIGS.8-10, the standing leg cuffs28are formed by coupling the side sheets13to the topsheet12. Next, one or more elastics34are coupled to the inside of each gasketing barrier50. The gasketing barrier50may then be coupled to both the topsheet12and the side sheet13, thereby covering the joined region between the two sheets. Alternatively, the elastics34may be coupled to the joined region between the topsheet12and the side sheet13. The gasketing barrier50may then be placed over the elastics34and coupled to the topsheet12and the side sheet13.

Forming the article10with side sheets13may allow for the use of different materials for the baby side of the article10. For example, the side sheets13may be a hydrophobic material and the topsheet12may be a hydrophilic material. Using different materials for the side sheets13and the topsheet12may improve the transmission of fluids from the topsheet12to the absorbent core20without treating the topsheet12with a surfactant and without processing the topsheet12to have pores and/or apertures. Additionally, having hydrophobic side sheets13may improve the leakage of the article10by reducing the likelihood that liquid will travel past the peripheral edges of the topsheet12.

In some embodiments, as shown in the example embodiments ofFIGS.8-10, one or more elastics48may be disposed between the side sheets13and the backsheet14to provide elastic retraction to the sides of the article10. The standing leg cuffs28provide the first barrier and the side elastics34provide a second barrier, thereby improving the leakage protection of the article10.

In some embodiments, adding additional elastics34and48to the article10may improve the comfort of the user. For example, by increasing the number of elastics34and/or48, the tension of the elastics may be reduced, while maintaining a similar level of leakage protection. Reducing the tension of the elastics34and48also reduces the pressure the elastics apply on the skin of the user, thereby improving the comfort of the user.

In some embodiments, the elastics34and/or48may be differentially tensioned. For example, referring toFIG.4, the elastic34proximate the top40of the standing leg cuff28may have a lower tension than the remaining four elastics34distal to the top40. Reducing the pressure along the top40of the standing leg cuffs28may improve the comfort of the user, while maintaining a higher pressure along the remaining elastics34to ensure that the leakage protection is not reduced. In some embodiments, each of the elastics34may be differently tensioned.

In some embodiments, the standing leg cuffs28may have elastics34of varying lengths along different portions of the standing leg cuffs28. For example, referring again toFIG.4, the elastic34proximate to the top40of the standing leg cuff28may be shorter than the remaining four elastics34. Decreasing the length of the elastic34may reduce the costs of manufacturing the article10. Shortening the elastic34proximate the top40may also improve the comfort of the user by allowing for reduced tension due to the decrease in elasticity in the waist regions of the article10.

The comfort of the user may also be improved by increasing the surface area of the gasketing barriers50. As described above, the gasketing barriers50may be coupled at or near the top40of the standing leg cuffs28to improve the leakage and comfort of the diaper10, as shown in the example embodiments ofFIGS.3-7. In some embodiments, the gasketing barriers50may be coupled to or near the base38of the standing leg cuffs28. For example, referring toFIGS.8-10, each gasketing barrier50is coupled to each of the side sheet13and the topsheet12, near the base38of the standing leg cuff28. Coupling the gasketing barriers50at or near the base38of the standing leg cuffs28increases the surface area of the gasketing barriers50, thereby improving the comfort of the user. The increased surface area of the gasketing barriers50may help reduce red marks caused by the elastics34on the skin of the user.

In some embodiments, as exemplified inFIGS.9-10, the article10may include positioning adhesive52and release paper54. The release paper54prevents the adhesive52from adhering to other surfaces before its use. The positioning adhesive52may be used to adhere the article10to a user's garment to prevent the article10from moving from its desired position. To use the positioning adhesive52a user must first remove the release paper54and then place the positioning adhesive52against the garment.

One type of material that can be used for the soft gasketing barriers50is a soft hydrophobic nonwoven. For example, in one embodiment, the soft gasketing barrier50may be formed with a soft nonwoven material having a basis weight of 18 gsm, identified as ST61ETH18, available from Shalag Nonwovens located in Oxford, North Carolina. Other materials and basis weights can be used. This includes through-air-bonded nonwovens, spunlaced nonwovens, carded nonwovens, laminated nonwovens, soft spunbond nonwovens, etc. The nonwoven basis weight can range from 15 to 125 gsm. For example, one type of material that can be used as the gasketing barrier is a hydrophobic carded nonwoven from TWE (Para Therm Loft 469) with a basis weight of about 22 gsm.

One type of material that can be used as the cuff web32is a thin hydrophobic nonwoven, comprising of SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond), with a basis weight of about 13.5 gsm, available from Berry Global located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Other materials and basis weights can be used. This includes poly films, poly film & nonwoven laminates, extruded poly & nonwoven laminates, breathable films, breathable poly laminates, etc. In some embodiments, the SMS nonwoven may provide a hydro-head of at least 15 mBar.

One type of material that can be used as the elastic strand34is a synthetic spandex thread identified as 800 dTex available from Hyosung located in Seoul, South Korea.

One type of material that can be used to adhere the elastic strand34to the soft gasketing barriers50is an elastic hot melt adhesive identified as H4356 available from Bostik Corporation located in Wauwatosa, WI.

One type of material that can be used to adhere the standing leg cuffs28to the topsheet12is a construction hot melt adhesive identified as H4384 available from Bostik Corporation located in Wauwatosa, WI.

One type of absorbent core20that can be used is a mixture of cellulose pulp and super absorbent polymer that is wrapped in top nonwoven24and bottom nonwoven26. One type of cellulose pulp that can be used is soft-pine ECF pulp available from Domtar located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. One type of superabsorbent polymer that can be used is identified as Aquakeep HP650 available from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company located in Osaka, Japan. One type of nonwoven wrap that can be used is a 10 gsm hydrophilic nonwoven available from Berry Global located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the acquisition distribution layer22is hydrophilic high-loft nonwoven identified as ST6PERH50 from Shalag Nonwovens located in Oxford, North Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the poly barrier16is a 0.65 mil polyethylene film available from Berry Global located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the topsheet12is a 15 gsm zone-coated nonwoven available from Berry Global located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On type of material that can be used as the side nonwoven13for pad-like products is a 15 gsm hydrophobic nonwoven from Berry Global located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the backsheet14is 13.5 gsm soft hydrophobic nonwoven available from Fitesa located in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the backsheet14is a 0.55 mil polypropylene and polyethylene film available from Berry Global located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the backsheet14is a breathable poly laminate identified as XC3-121-2477 available from Berry Plastics located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One type of material that can be used as the positioning adhesive52is a hot melt adhesive identified as NW1043 available from H.B. Fuller Corporation located in St. Paul, Minnesota.

One type of material that can be used as the release paper54is a 32 gsm silicone-coated printed paper available from Mondi Group located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims is not limited to the examples set out herein, but should be understood in a manner consistent with the description as a whole.