WO2019027818A1

WO2019027818A1 - Absorbent article with adjustable leg openings

Info

Publication number: WO2019027818A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/044018
Authority: WO
Inventors: William W. GASTON
Original assignee: Attends Healthcare Products, Inc.
Priority date: 2017-08-04
Filing date: 2018-07-27
Publication date: 2019-02-07

Abstract

Disposable absorbent articles, such as adult incontinence briefs and protective underwear, with leg openings that are adjustable via drawstring-like flexible adjustment members.

Description

DESCRIPTION

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH ADJUSTABLE LEG OPENINGS

CROSS-REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/541,481, filed August 4, 2017, the contents of which application are incorporated into the present application in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to absorbent products such as adult incontinence briefs, protective underwear, and infant diapers; and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to such products with leg openings that are adjustable to improve fit around the leg and reduce leakage.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Examples of disposable absorbent articles that are wearable by a user include baby diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence briefs and underwear, all of which may be made in disposable forms. "Disposable" refers to articles that are designed to be discarded after a limited use rather than being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. Disposable absorbent products have met with widespread acceptance in the marketplace for a variety of applications, including infant and adult incontinence care, in view of the manner in which such products can provide effective and convenient liquid absorption and retention while maintaining the comfort of the wearer. Such disposable absorbent articles often include a topsheet that is configured to be closest to the wearer during use, a liquid-impermeable backsheet or outer cover, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. In some instances, such disposable absorbent articles also include an acquisition-distribution layer (ADL) disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. Elasticated standing leg cuffs and leg gathers are also often used in such articles to provide improved fit and reduced leakage around a wearer's legs, relative to articles without such cuffs or gathers.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,398,986 discloses certain prior art examples of training pants, and U.S. Patents No. 6,976,978 and No. 4,940,464 disclose certain prior art examples of disposable incontinence garments or training pants. [0005] One example of such a disposable absorbent article is shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, which depict a lower plan view and a perspective view, respectively, of adult protective underwear 10. Underwear 10 includes a chassis 14 having a front waist portion 18, an opposing rear waist portion 22, and a crotch portion 26 extending longitudinally between front and rear waist portions 18, 22. Chassis 14 further includes an outer surface 30 defined by a backsheet and configured to face away from a wearer during use of the diaper, and an opposing body facing surface 34 defined by a topsheet and configured to face a wearer during use of the diaper.

[0006] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, underwear 10 further includes a pair of front elastic side panels 38 and a pair of rear elastic side panels 42 configured to couple rear waist portion 22 to front waist portion 18 in a well-known configuration in which a left side 46 of the chassis defines a first leg opening 50 for a wearer's left leg, and in which a right side 54 of the chassis defines a second leg opening 58 for the wearer's right leg. In the depicted configuration, each of side panels 38, 42 includes a connection portion 62 configured to be coupled to a connection portion 62 of another of side panels 38, 42. Specifically, connection portion 62 of the left one of front side panels 38 is configure to be coupled to connection portion 62 of the left one of rear side panels 42, and connection portion 62 of the right one of front side panels 38 is configure to be coupled to connection portion 62 of the right one of rear side panels 42, such that the waist portions 18, 22 and side panels, 38, 42 cooperate to define a waist opening 66 as shown in FIG. IB. Connection portions 62 of the respective side panels can be permanently coupled together to define a tear-able side seam 70, such as, for example, via adhesive, ultrasonic, or thermal bonds. Such tear- able side seams generally cannot be refastened, and thereby render an article unusable once opened. Alternatively, connection portions 62 of the respective side panels can be removably coupled to define a refastenable or adjustable side seam, such as, for example, via hook-and-loop fasteners. Hook and loop fasteners are mechanical fasteners that include hooks, such as in a hook fastener portion, that are configured to engage loops in a loop fastener portion or in fibers of a sheet of fabric; for example, a nonwoven or woven fabric with fibers that define open or loop-like regions into which the hooks can extend and engage. Examples of such hook and loop fasteners may be referred to as VELCRO. [0007] As is known in the art, underwear 10 can include one or more elastic elements coupled to the chassis such that the one or more elastic elements resist expansion of a circumference of the first leg opening and resist expansion of a circumference of the second leg opening. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the depicted embodiment of the chassis (14) includes a first elastic region 74 along right side 46, and a second elastic region 78 along left side 54. In some configurations, elastic regions 74, 78 can each be defined by one or more elastic strands, which may be referred to in the art as "leg elastics," coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet or an additional leg cuff layer and the backsheet. In other configurations, elastic regions 74, 78 can each be defined by an elastic film coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet and the backsheet. In configurations in which elastic regions 74, 78 are defined by elastic film, the regions can be defined by separate pieces of elastic film or by separate regions of a single piece of elastic film. As shown in FIG. 1A, elastic regions 74, 78 may be parallel to and/or extend along a majority of a length of each of sides 46 and 54, provided that the elastic regions are configured to provide a biasing force that resists expansion of the leg openings when the chassis is in its closed configuration and tends to contract the leg opening around a wearer's leg, as shown in FIG. IB. Contraction of the leg opening to conform to the wearer' s leg is desired for good containment of urine and feces in an absorbent product. [0008] Another example of such a disposable absorbent article is shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, which depict lower plan views of an adult incontinence brief 100. Brief 100 includes a chassis 104 having a front waist portion 108, an opposing rear waist portion 112, and a crotch portion 116 extending longitudinally between front and rear waist portions 108, 112. Chassis 104 further includes an outer surface 128 configured to face away from a wearer during use of the diaper, and an opposing body facing surface 132 configured to face a wearer during use of the diaper. In the view of FIG. 2A, a dashed leader extends from the body facing surface to reference numeral 132 because body facing surface 132 is opposite outer surface 128 and therefore not visible in the view of FIG. 2A.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 2A, brief 100 further includes a pair of closure members 136 configured to couple rear waist portion 112 to front waist portion 108 in a well-known configuration in which a left side 140 of the chassis defines a first leg opening for a wearer's left leg, and in which a right side 144 of the chassis defines a second leg opening for the wearer's right leg, similar in some respects to what is shown in FIG. IB for training pant 10. In the depicted configuration, the closure members include a pair of back ears or back ear panels 148 each having a first end 152 bonded to rear waist portion 112 of chassis 104, and a second end 156 shown extending away from rear waist portion 112. "Bonded" refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, or the like, of two elements via adhesive(s), ultrasonic bond(s), and/or thermal bond(s). Two elements will be considered to be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements.

[0010] Each closure member 136 further includes a fastener tab 160 with a first end 164 bonded to back ear 148, a second end 168 shown extending laterally outward from back ear 148, and a fastener portion 172 coupled to the fastener tab. Back ears 148 are each formed of a stretchable elastic material, such as a nonwoven laminate, that permits adjustments in the width and tension of back ears 148 to vary the form and fit of brief 100 when worn by a user.

[0011] Fastener tabs 160 are formed of an inelastic nonwoven material and carry fastener portions 172. Fastener portions 172 include strips of hook material configured to interact with a corresponding loop material in the well-known hook-and-loop fastener arrangement. Connection of closure members 136 to front waist portion 108 is facilitated by a landing zone 176 configured to be engaged by fastener portions 172. In this embodiment, landing zone 176 is defined by an anchoring member that includes a strip of loop material bonded to front waist portion 108 of chassis 104, for example, to the backsheet, and configured to be engaged by the hook material of fastener portions 172.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2A, brief 100 also includes a pair of front ears 180 extending from opposite sides 140, 144 of chassis 104 with each of front ears 180 each having a first end 184 bonded to front waist portion 108 of chassis 104, and a second end 188 shown extending away from a respective side of front waist portion 108. Front ears 180 are each formed of a relatively soft nonwoven material and are each configured to be overlapped by the corresponding fastener tab 160 and/or back ear 148 to prevent the edges of fastener tab 160 from pinching, rubbing, or otherwise irritating a user's skin in use when fastening portions 172 are engaged with landing zone 176 to couple rear waist portion 112 to front waist portion 108. In some embodiments, front ears 180 include loop fastener portions or a fabric that is configured to be engaged by hook fastener portions such that fastener portions 172a can engage front ears 180.

[0013] Outer surface 128 is defined by a liquid-impermeable backsheet or cover 192 that defines outer surface 128, and a liquid-permeable topsheet 196 that defines body facing surface 132 and is configured to be closest to the wearer during use. "Liquid impermeable," when used in describing a layer or multi-layer laminate, means that a liquid, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact. "Lamination" is the technique of manufacturing a material in multiple layers, so that the composite material has benefits of all the combined layers, such as, for example, improved mechanical strength or durability, improved stability, lower permeability to water, and/or other properties. A laminate includes two or more layers of material(s) that are permanently assembled by heat, pressure, ultrasonic welding, or adhesives. [0014] As shown in FIG. 2B, the depicted embodiment include an absorbent core 200 disposed between topsheet 196 and backsheet 192. An "absorbent core" is a structure typically disposed between a topsheet and backsheet of an absorbent article and containing materials like SAP and/or cellulosic fibers that are configured to absorb liquid in the absorbent article.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2B, brief 100 also includes an acquisition-distribution layer (ADL) 204 disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. "Layer" when used in the singular can be a single element or a plurality of elements. For example, a plurality of sheets may together define a single layer, such as, for example, a layer with a particular function to which the sheets of the layer contribute.

[0016] As is known in the art, brief 100 can include one or more elastic elements coupled to the chassis such that the one or more elastic elements resist expansion of a circumference of the first leg opening and resist expansion of a circumference of the second leg opening. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the depicted configuration of the chassis (104) includes a first elastic region 208 along first side 140, and a second elastic region 208 along second side 140. In some configurations, elastic regions 208 can each be defined by one or more elastic strands, which may be referred to in the art as "leg elastics," coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet (or an additional leg cuff layer) and the backsheet. In other configurations, elastic regions 208 can each be defined by an elastic film coupled to the chassis, for example laminated between the topsheet (or an additional leg cuff layer) and the backsheet. In configurations in which elastic regions 208 are defined by elastic film, the regions can be defined by separate pieces of elastic film or by separate regions of a single piece of elastic film. As shown in FIG. 2B, elastic regions 208 may be parallel to and/or extend along a majority of a length of each of sides 140 and 144, provided that the elastic regions are configured to provide a biasing force that resists expansion of the leg openings when the chassis is in its closed configuration. [0017] As shown in FIG. 2A, chassis 104 has an overall relaxed length 212. [0018] Brief 100 of FIGs. 2A and 2B is typically packaged and sold in a folded, and unfastened configuration in which chassis 104 is folded in half such that rear waist portion 108 overlaps front waist portion 104, but fastener portions 172 do not engage landing zone 176.

[0019] The absorbent articles depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, when worn by a user with thighs that are relatively small relative to the user's waist, may suffer from leaks around the leg openings. For example, such articles and their leg openings are necessarily sized for most expected users, and certain users may have legs that are smaller than the smallest dimension or circumference to which the leg openings can be constricted by leg elastics, for example elastic regions 74 and/or 208. For such users, a gap may be left between the user's legs and the leg openings of the absorbent article.

[0020] Certain attempts have been made to address this type of leakage. Examples of absorbent articles with adjustable leg openings are disclosed in: (1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0187156; (2) U.S. Patent No. 4,630,320; and (3) U.S. Patent No. 6,572,596. SUMMARY

[0021] This disclosure includes embodiments of disposable absorbent articles, assemblies including disposable absorbent articles, and methods of making disposable absorbent articles, for example, adult incontinence briefs and protective underwear with leg openings that are adjustable for improved fit around a wearer's legs. [0022] Some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles comprise: a chassis having opposing front and rear waist portions, a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions, where a first end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear waist portion and a second end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a second end of the rear waist portion to define a closed configuration in which the front and rear waist portions cooperate to encircle and define a waist opening, a left side of the chassis defines a first leg opening, and a right side of the chassis defines a second leg opening, the chassis comprising a backsheet sheet and a topsheet and defining first and second passages between the backsheet and the topsheet, the first passage extending along a portion of the left side of the chassis, the second passage extending along a portion of the right side of the chassis, the portions of the right and left sides each including at least part of a circumference of the respective leg opening; an elongated, flexible first adjustment member disposed in the first passage, the first adjustment member having a first end coupled to the chassis and a second end extending out of the chassis through an end of the first passage such that the position of the first end relative to the end of the first passage can be adjusted to reduce a length of the portion of the left side of the chassis; and an elongated, flexible second adjustment member disposed in the second passage, the second adjustment member having a first end coupled to the chassis and a second end extending out of the chassis through an end of the second passage such that the position of the first end relative to the end of the second passage can be adjusted to reduce a length of the portion of the right side of the chassis.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, each of the first and second adjustment members is stretchable.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, the first passage extends along a majority of the left side of the chassis, and the second passage extending along a majority of the right side of the chassis. In some embodiments, the first end of the first adjustment member is bonded to the chassis at a point closer to the rear waist portion than to the front waist portion, and the first end of the second adjustment member is bonded to the chassis at a point closer to the rear waist portion than to the front waist portion.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, the second end of the first adjustment member is configured to be releasably coupled to a portion of the chassis at a point closer to the front waist portion than to the rear waist portion, and the second end of the second adjustment member is configured to be releasably coupled to a portion of the chassis at a point closer to the front waist portion than to the rear waist portion. In some embodiments, the second end of the first adjustment member comprises hook fasteners, and the second end of the second adjustment member comprises hook fasteners.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, the chassis further defines a waist passage between the backsheet and the topsheet, the waist passage extending across at least a part of the rear waist portion of the chassis, and the article further comprises: an elongated, flexible waist adjustment member disposed in the waist passage, the waist adjustment member having first and second ends extending out of the chassis through respective first and second ends of the waist passage such that the positions of the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member relative to the front waist portion can be adjusted to reduce a circumference of the waist opening when the article is in the closed configuration. [0027] Some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent article comprise: a chassis having opposing front and rear waist portions, a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions, where a first end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear waist portion and a second end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a second end of the rear waist portion to define a closed configuration in which the front and rear waist portions cooperate to encircle and define a waist opening, a left side of the chassis defines a first leg opening, and a right side of the chassis defines a second leg opening, the chassis comprising a backsheet sheet and a topsheet and defining a waist passage between the backsheet and the topsheet, the waist passage extending across at least a part of the rear waist portion of the chassis; and an elongated, flexible waist adjustment member disposed in the waist passage, the waist adjustment member having first and second ends extending out of the chassis through respective first and second ends of the waist passage such that the positions of the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member relative to the front waist portion can be adjusted to reduce a circumference of the waist opening when the article is in the closed configuration.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles with a waist adjustment member, the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member are configured to be releasably coupled to the front waist portion.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles with a waist adjustment member, the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member are configured to be releasably coupled to the rear waist portion to reduce a width of at least a portion of the rear waist portion.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles with a waist adjustment member, the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member comprises hook fasteners.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles with a waist adjustment member, the article further comprises: two closure members each having a first end bonded to the rear waist portion of the chassis, and a second end configured to overlap and be releasably coupled to the front waist portion to define the closed configuration. In some embodiments, each of the closure members comprises an elastic panel and a fastener portion coupled to the second end of the closure member, the fastener portion configured to be releasably coupled to the front waist portion. In some embodiments, the fastener portion comprises a hook material. In some embodiments, the elastic panel of each closure member has a first end defining the first end of the closure member, and a second end, and each closure member further comprises: a fastener tab having a first end bonded to the elastic panel, and a second end defining a second end of the closure member. [0032] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, an outer surface of the front waist portion of the chassis comprises a loop fastener portion.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, the front waist portion, rear waist portion, and crotch portion are defined by corresponding regions of a common chassis member. [0034] In some embodiments of the present disposable absorbent articles, the chassis includes an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0035] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term "substantially" is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term "substantially" may be substituted with "within [a percentage] of what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent. [0036] The terms "comprise" and any form thereof such as "comprises" and "comprising," "have" and any form thereof such as "has" and "having," and "include" and any form thereof such as "includes" and "including" are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that "comprises," "has," or "includes" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

[0037] Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of - rather than comprise/include/have - any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term "consisting of or "consisting essentially of can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open- ended linking verb. [0038] Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described.

[0039] The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

[0040] Some details associated with the embodiments described above and others are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. Views in the figures are drawn to scale, unless otherwise noted, meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment in the view.

[0042] FIG. 1A depicts a bottom plan view of a prior art disposable absorbent article, specifically adult protective underwear, in an open configuration.

[0043] FIG. IB depicts a perspective view of the protective underwear of FIG. 1A in a closed configuration. [0044] FIG. 2A depicts a bottom plan view of a prior art disposable absorbent article, specifically an adult incontinence brief, in an open configuration.

[0045] FIG. 2B depicts a bottom plan view of the brief of FIG. 2A, in an open configuration, showing certain internal components of the brief.

[0046] FIG. 3A depicts a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of the present disposable absorbent articles, specifically adult protective underwear, in an open configuration.

[0047] FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of the protective underwear of FIG. 3A in a closed configuration.

[0048] FIG. 4 depicts a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of the present prior art disposable absorbent articles, specifically an adult incontinence brief, in an open configuration. [0049] FIG. 5A depicts a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the present prior art disposable absorbent articles, specifically an adult incontinence brief, in an open configuration.

[0050] FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of the brief of FIG. 5A taken along the line 5B-5B shown in FIG. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Referring now to Figures 3 A and 3B; Figure 3 A depicts a bottom plan view of a first embodiment 10a of the present disposable absorbent articles, specifically adult protective underwear, in an open configuration; and Figure 3B depicts a perspective view of underwear 10a in a closed configuration. Underwear 10a is substantially similar in many respects to underwear 10 and, therefore, the differences will primarily be described here. For brevity and clarity, many of the reference numerals for features that are similar in underwear 10 to those in underwear 10a are therefore omitted in Figures 3A and 3B, but such features should be understood to be similar to those in underwear 10 for at least the depicted embodiment of underwear 10a, unless otherwise described for underwear 10a. [0052] The primary difference in underwear 10a relative to underwear 10 is that underwear 10a includes flexible adjustment members configured to be pulled and secured by a user to reduce the dimension of leg openings 50, 58 to conform to the legs of a wearer and resist leakage. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the chassis defines first and second passages 300a, 300b, between the topsheet and the backsheet, in which first and second flexible adjustment members 304a, 304b are disposed. As shown, first passage 300a extends along a portion of left side 46 of the chassis, second passage 300b extends along a portion of right side 54 of the chassis, and the portions of the right and left sides each include at least part of a circumference of the respective leg opening 50, 58.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, each adjustment member 304a, 304b has a first end 308 and a second end 312. Each of first ends 308 is secured to the chassis, for example adhered or otherwise bonded to the topsheet, the backsheet, and/or another component of the chassis. Each of second ends 312 extends out of the chassis through a respective one of openings 316a, 316b in the backsheet. In the depicted embodiment, second ends 312 are configured to be releasably secured to backsheet, such as, for example, by hook fasteners 320 configured to releasably engage a nonwoven material of the backsheet. In this configuration, second ends 312 can be pulled in direction 324 toward front waist portion 18 to reduce a length of the portion of the side 46, 54 of the chassis along which the respective adjustment member 304a, 304b extends, and thereby reduce the overall circumference around the respective leg openings 50, 58 to conform to the leg of a user. For example, to reduce the circumference of first leg opening 50, second end 312 of first adjustment member 300a can be disengaged from the backsheet, pulled in direction 324 toward front waist portion 18, and - as illustrated in Figure 3B - re-engaged with the backsheet to resist the second end being pulled back away from the front waist portion.

[0054] Passages 300a, 300b can be formed in any of various ways. For example, adhesive can be deposited on the topsheet and/or the backsheet, but omitted from both along the path of the respective passage such that when the topsheet and backsheet are adhered together, they are not adhered along the path of the passage. By way of further example, each adjustment members can be pre-disposed in a sleeve, formed for example of a film or nonwoven material, within which sleeve at least a portion of the adjustment member can slide, such that adhesive can be applied over the entirety of the topsheet and/or the backsheet and the sleeve adhered therebetween without interfering with the ability of the adjustment member to slide within the sleeve. In a further example, adhesive may be applied only to the outer edges of the topsheet and backsheet such that a single passage is formed between the lateral sides 46, 54 of the chassis and a portion of each adjustment member remains free to slide relative to the chassis. In any event, a majority of each adjustment member is preferably left free to slide relative to the chassis, for example, substantially all of each adjustment member with the exception of the portion of the respective first end 308 that is secured relative to the chassis.

[0055] Figure 4 depicts a bottom plan view of a second embodiment 100a of the present prior art disposable absorbent articles, specifically an adult incontinence brief, in an open configuration. Brief 100a is substantially similar in many respects to brief 100 and, therefore, the differences will primarily be described here. For brevity and clarity, many of the reference numerals for features that are similar in brief 100 to those in brief 100a are therefore omitted in Figure 4, but such features should be understood to be similar to those in brief 100 for at least the depicted embodiment of brief 100a, unless otherwise described for brief 100a.

[0056] The primary difference in brief 100a relative to brief 100 is that brief 100a includes a flexible adjustment member configured to be pulled and secured by a user to reduce the dimension of a waist opening formed by the front and rear waist portions 108, 112 to conform to the waist of a wearer and resist leakage. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the chassis defines a waist passage 400, between the topsheet and the backsheet, in which a flexible adjustment member 404 is disposed. As shown, passage 400 extends across at least a portion of rear waist portion 112, for example all of rear waist portion 112 as shown.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, adjustment member 404 has a first end 408 and a second end 412, each extending out of the chassis through openings 416, 420 at respective first and second ends of waist passage 400. In the depicted embodiment, first and second ends 408, 412 are configured to be releasably secured to backsheet, such as, for example, by hook fasteners 416 configured to releasably engage a nonwoven material of the backsheet and/or a loop fastener portion coupled to the backsheet. In this configuration, the positions of first and second ends 408, 412 of the waist adjustment member 404 relative to front waist portion 108 can be adjusted to reduce a circumference of the waist opening when the article is in the closed configuration. For example, first and second ends 408, 412 can be pulled outward in respective directions 420, 424 and engaged with front waist portion 108 to directly reduce the circumference of the waist opening. Alternatively, first and second ends 408, 412 can be pulled outward in respective directions 420, 424 and doubled back toward the center of rear waist portion 112 and engaged with the backsheet on the rear waist portion to reduce a width of rear waist portion 112 and, thereby, indirectly reduce the circumference of the waist portion. In the embodiment shown, a medial portion 428 of waist adjustment member 404 is secured to the chassis, for example adhered or otherwise bonded to the topsheet, the backsheet, and/or another component of the chassis.

[0058] As with passages 300a and 300b, passage 400 can be formed in any of various ways. For example, adhesive can be deposited on the topsheet and/or the backsheet, but omitted from both along the path of the waist passage such that when the topsheet and backsheet are adhered together, they are not adhered along the path of the passage. By way of further example, the waist adjustment member can be pre-disposed in a sleeve, formed for example of a film or nonwoven material, within which sleeve at least a portion of the adjustment member can slide, such that adhesive can be applied over the entirety of the topsheet and/or the backsheet and the sleeve adhered therebetween without interfering with the ability of the adjustment member to slide within the sleeve. In any event, a majority of the waist adjustment member is preferably left free to slide relative to the chassis, for example, substantially all of the waist adjustment member with the exception of medial portion 428 that is secured relative to the chassis. [0059] Referring now to Figures 5 A and 5B; Figure 5 A depicts a bottom plan view of a third embodiment 100b of the present prior art disposable absorbent articles, specifically an adult incontinence brief, in an open configuration; and Figure 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of brief 100b taken along the line 5B-5B shown in Figure 5A. Brief 100b is substantially similar in many respects to briefs 100 and 100a and, therefore, the differences will primarily be described here. For brevity and clarity, many of the reference numerals for features that are similar in briefs 100 and 100a to those in brief 100b are therefore omitted in Figure 4, but such features should be understood to be similar to those in briefs 100 and 100a for at least the depicted embodiment of brief 100b, unless otherwise described for brief 100b. [0060] The primary differences in brief 100b relative to brief 100a is that brief 100b includes concave sides 140, 144 and includes flexible adjustment members configured to be pulled and secured by a user to reduce the dimension of the leg openings to conform to the legs of a wearer and resist leakage. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the chassis defines first and second passages 500a, 500a, between the topsheet and the backsheet, in which first and second flexible adjustment members 504a, 504b are disposed. As shown, first passage 500a extends along a portion of left side 144 of the chassis, second passage 500b extends along a portion of right side 140 of the chassis, and the portions of the right and left sides each include at least part of a circumference of the respective leg opening.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 A and 5B, each adjustment member 504a, 504b has a first end 508 and a second end 512. Each of first ends 508 is secured to the chassis, for example adhered or otherwise bonded to the topsheet, the backsheet, and/or another component of the chassis. Each of second ends 512 extends out of the chassis through a respective one of openings 516a, 516b between the backsheet and the topsheet. In the depicted embodiment, second ends 512 are configured to be releasably secured to backsheet, such as, for example, by hook fasteners 520 configured to releasably engage a nonwoven material of the backsheet. In this configuration, second ends 512 can be pulled in respective directions 524, 528 away from rear waist portion 112 to reduce a length of the portion of the side 140, 144 of the chassis along which the respective adjustment member 504a, 504b extends, and thereby reduce the overall circumference around the respective leg openings to conform to the leg of a user. For example, to reduce the circumference of the first leg opening on side 144, second end 512 of first adjustment member 500a can be pulled in direction 524 away from rear waist portion 112, and engaged with the backsheet on front waist portion 108, or on rear waist portion 112, to resist the second end being pulled back toward opening 516a. [0062] As described above for passages 300a and 300b, passages 500a, 500b can be formed in any of various ways. For example, and as shown in Figure 5B, adhesive 532 may applied only to the outer edges of topsheet 196 and backsheet 192 such that a single passage is formed between the lateral sides 140, 144 of the chassis and a portion of each adjustment member remains free to slide relative to the chassis. By way of further example, adhesive can be deposited on the topsheet and/or the backsheet, but omitted from both along the path of the respective passage such that when the topsheet and backsheet are adhered together, they are not adhered along the path of the passage. As another example, each adjustment members can be pre-disposed in a sleeve, formed for example of a film or nonwoven material, within which sleeve at least a portion of the adjustment member can slide, such that adhesive can be applied over the entirety of the topsheet and/or the backsheet and the sleeve adhered therebetween without interfering with the ability of the adjustment member to slide within the sleeve. In any event, a majority of each adjustment member is preferably left free to slide relative to the chassis, for example, substantially all of each adjustment member with the exception of the portion of the respective first end 508 that is secured relative to the chassis.

[0063] The present flexible adjustment members can comprise any suitable material and/or form. For example, in some embodiments, the present flexible adjustment members can comprise a nonwoven strap or cord. In a further example, the present flexible adjustment members can comprise a woven string or cord to the second end of which a tab with hook fasteners is coupled.

[0064] The present flexible adjustment members can be included in the present disposable absorbent articles in addition to or in lieu of traditional leg elastics. For example, the flexible adjustment members can be inelastic or non-stretchable, and the chassis can include leg elastics such that the circumference of each leg opening can vary somewhat during use or the chassis can omit leg elastics such that the circumference of each leg opening remains substantially constant during use. Alternatively, at least a portion of the present flexible adjustment members can be elastic or stretchable such that the circumference of each leg opening can vary somewhat during use regardless of whether the chassis includes or omits leg elastics. As used in this disclosure, the term "stretch" and "stretchable" are used interchangeably to define a material or composite that can be elongated by at least 10% of its relaxed dimension, i.e., elongated to at least 1.10 times its relaxed dimension (an elongation of 10%), and that will recover upon release of the applied force at least 10% of its elongation. According to this definition, upon release of the applied force at 10% elongation, the material or composite must recover to at least about a 5% or less elongation. For example, a material or composite is deemed to be "stretchable" if a sample length of 100 centimeters can be elongated to a length of at least 110 centimeters, and upon release of the applied force recovers to a length of not more than about 105 centimeters. Many elastic or stretchable materials or composites can be elongated by more than 10% of their relaxed length, and many of these will recover to, or close to, their original relaxed length upon release of the applied force. These materials can include not only webs of elastic or stretchable films, such as cast or blown films, but also nonwoven fibrous elastic webs such as meltblown elastomeric fibrous nonwoven webs and elastic strands. "Elastic," "elasticized" and "elasticity" mean that property of a material by virtue of which it tends to recover its original size and shape after removal of a force causing a deformation. By way of example, flexible adjustment members 304a, 304b can each comprise an elastic or elasticized strap. In such embodiments, the relaxed length of the portion of the respective side of the chassis to which the first and second ends the adjustment strap are coupled is measured along the adjustment strap with the adjustment strap in its relaxed state. [0065] Various embodiments of the present flexible adjustment members can, as described above, include portions with hook fasteners configured to releasably engage a material of the chassis, such as a nonwoven material of the backsheet or a loop fastener material coupled to the chassis. The hook material can comprise a separate piece of material that is bonded or otherwise attached to the adjustment member. Alternatively, the hook material can be formed from and unitary with the attachment strap itself, rather than being separately formed and attached as a separate sheet of material. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,784,722 discloses a method and apparatus for producing hook fasteners on a piece of material.

[0066] The present backsheets are typically liquid-impermeable and can include, for example, an inner liquid-impermeable film and an outer nonwoven backsheet that can be a nonwoven fabric. A "film" is a membrane-like layer of material formed of one or more polymers, which does not have a form consisting predominately of a web-like structure of fibers and/or other fibers. In some embodiments of the present articles, backsheet or outer cover 192 can be breathable, for example, an inner liquid-impermeable film of backsheet 192 can comprise a breathable film. The terms "breathable," "breathable film," "breathable laminate" or "breathable outer cover material" or "breathable backsheet" refers to a film, laminate, or outer cover material having a water vapor transmission rate ("WVTR") of at least about 300 grams/m²/24 hours. Breathable materials typically rely on molecular diffusion of vapor, and are substantially liquid impermeable. "Nonwoven" fabrics, according to an INDA definition, are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally, or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn. The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is usually expressed as gsm or grams per square meter. "Nonwoven backsheet" is a backing substrate layer in the outer cover; a nonwoven backsheet is most often a nonwoven layer facing away from the wearer.

[0067] Each of the present disposable absorbent articles typically includes an absorbent core that may also include a cover layer or envelope material. The absorbent core, and/or the cover layer or envelope material, may comprise: nonwovens, SAP, cellulosic or non-cellulosic materials, films, fibers, or one or more substrates made of any one two or all of these combination materials. "Superabsorbent" or "superabsorbent material" or "SAP" refers to a water- swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic material capable, under the most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride and, more desirably, at least about 30 times its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride and, even more desirably, at least about 50 times its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. The SAP materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the SAP materials can be or include organic compounds such as cross linked polymers.

[0068] The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the methods and systems are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example, elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections may be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and/or functions, and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

[0069] By way of example, brief Figures 3A, 4, and 5A each depicts its respective chassis as a single-member chassis in which the front waist portion, rear waist portion, and crotch portion are defined by corresponding regions of a common chassis member. However, in other embodiments, the present absorbent articles can include a multi-member chassis, such as, for example, a well-known three-part construction in which the front waist portion is defined by a first chassis member or "front waist panel," the rear waist portion is defined by a second chassis member or "rear waist panel," and the crotch portion is defined by a third chassis member or "crotch panel" having a first end coupled to the first chassis member and a second end coupled to the second chassis member. Additionally, while the present absorbent articles are described with reference to adult incontinence briefs and protective underwear, the present absorbent articles can also comprise baby diapers and training pants. For example, baby diapers and training pants can also be provided with one or more of the present flexible adjustment members. Additionally, any of the present absorbent articles can comprise any of the various other elements and variations described in connection with the various chassis configurations, such as, for example, absorbent core(s), ADL(s), backsheet(s), topsheets, closure members, and/or the like.

[0070] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) "means for" or "step for," respectively.

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent article comprising:

a chassis having opposing front and rear waist portions, a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions, where a first end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear waist portion and a second end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a second end of the rear waist portion to define a closed configuration in which the front and rear waist portions cooperate to encircle and define a waist opening, a left side of the chassis defines a first leg opening, and a right side of the chassis defines a second leg opening, the chassis comprising a backsheet sheet and a topsheet and defining first and second passages between the backsheet and the topsheet, the first passage extending along a portion of the left side of the chassis, the second passage extending along a portion of the right side of the chassis, the portions of the right and left sides each including at least part of a circumference of the respective leg opening; and

an elongated, flexible first adjustment member disposed in the first passage, the first adjustment member having a first end coupled to the chassis and a second end extending out of the chassis through an end of the first passage such that the position of the first end relative to the end of the first passage can be adjusted to reduce a length of the portion of the left side of the chassis; and an elongated, flexible second adjustment member disposed in the second passage, the second adjustment member having a first end coupled to the chassis and a second end extending out of the chassis through an end of the second passage such that the position of the first end relative to the end of the second passage can be adjusted to reduce a length of the portion of the right side of the chassis.

2. The article of claim 1, where each of the first and second adjustment members is stretchable.

3. The article of claim 1, where the first passage extends along a majority of the left side of the chassis, and the second passage extending along a majority of the right side of the chassis.

4. The article of claim 3, where the first end of the first adjustment member is bonded to the chassis at a point closer to the rear waist portion than to the front waist portion, and the first end of the second adjustment member is bonded to the chassis at a point closer to the rear waist portion than to the front waist portion.

5. The article of any of claims 1-3, where the second end of the first adjustment member is configured to be releasably coupled to a portion of the chassis at a point closer to the front waist portion than to the rear waist portion, and the second end of the second adjustment member is configured to be releasably coupled to a portion of the chassis at a point closer to the front waist portion than to the rear waist portion.

6. The article of claim 5, where the second end of the first adjustment member comprises hook fasteners, and the second end of the second adjustment member comprises hook fasteners.

7. The article of any of claims 1-6, where the chassis further defines a waist passage between the backsheet and the topsheet, the waist passage extending across at least a part of the rear waist portion of the chassis, the article further comprising:

an elongated, flexible waist adjustment member disposed in the waist passage, the waist adjustment member having first and second ends extending out of the chassis through respective first and second ends of the waist passage such that the positions of the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member relative to the front waist portion can be adjusted to reduce a circumference of the waist opening when the article is in the closed configuration.

8. A disposable absorbent article comprising:

a chassis having opposing front and rear waist portions, a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the front and rear waist portions, where a first end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear waist portion and a second end of the front waist portion is configured to be coupled to a second end of the rear waist portion to define a closed configuration in which the front and rear waist portions cooperate to encircle and define a waist opening, a left side of the chassis defines a first leg opening, and a right side of the chassis defines a second leg opening, the chassis comprising a backsheet sheet and a topsheet and defining a waist passage between the backsheet and the topsheet, the waist passage extending across at least a part of the rear waist portion of the chassis; and

9. The article of any of claims 7-8, where the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member are configured to be releasably coupled to the front waist portion.

10. The article of any of claims 7-8, where the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member are configured to be releasably coupled to the rear waist portion to reduce a width of at least a portion of the rear waist portion.

11. The article of any of claims 9-10, where the first and second ends of the waist adjustment member each comprises hook fasteners.

12. The article of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:

two closure members each having a first end bonded to the rear waist portion of the chassis, and a second end configured to overlap and be releasably coupled to the front waist portion to define the closed configuration.

13. The article of claim 12, where each of the closure members comprises an elastic panel and a fastener portion coupled to the second end of the closure member, the fastener portion configured to be releasably coupled to the front waist portion.

14. The article of claim 13, where the fastener portion comprises a hook material.

15. The article of claim 13, where the elastic panel of each closure member has a first end defining the first end of the closure member, and a second end, and each closure member further comprises:

a fastener tab having a first end bonded to the elastic panel, and a second end defining a second end of the closure member.

16. The article of any of claims 5-15, where an outer surface of the front waist portion of the chassis comprises a loop fastener portion.

17. The article of any of claims 1-15, where the front waist portion, rear waist portion, and crotch portion are defined by corresponding regions of a common chassis member.

18. The article of any of claims 1-15, where the chassis includes an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.