Absorbent articles with refastenable side seams

ES 2 460 366 T3

DESCRIPTION

Absorbent articles with side seams, fixable repeatedly

The present invention relates to absorbent articles adapted to contain body exudates. More particularly, the invention corresponds to single-use absorbent articles of the trouser type having side seams that can be repeatedly attached.

Currently known single-use absorbent learning pants, intended for children going through the learning stage, have proven especially desirable and useful. These training pants generally include an absorbent shell that includes a liquid-impervious outer shell, a liquid-permeable body-side liner, and an absorbent body or frame. The training pants further comprise elastic side panels that are permanently attached to opposite side edges of the absorbent shell. The frame and the side panels therefore form a unitary opening for the hips and two openings for the legs. The fit of the trousers can be further enhanced by means of gathering along the waist and leg openings.

The components of traditional type learning pants are permanently attached or sewn together to achieve a pants type product. US 4,938,757 discloses training pants. WO 96/03949 discloses absorbent swimming articles. These products are especially attractive to caregivers and are useful in bathroom learning processes because the pants have a very garment-like appearance. Children identify diaper products with babies, and most children do not want to be identified as babies. As a consequence, these children do not want to wear baby diapers and instead prefer to wear learning pants that resemble adult undergarments. Therefore, the change from a traditional diaper to a more garment-like or undergarment-like training pants can be an important step in the toilet training process.

However, a drawback of current learning pants is that the way of applying them is limited to their donning just like a pants. The application of the product as trousers is advantageous in many cases, and is particularly suitable for active and walking children. However, even for the same children, there may be cases where it would be useful to apply the product in a similar way to a diaper. For example, it may be more comfortable to apply the product as a diaper when there is a desire not to remove the child's shoes. Since it is difficult to know when an application of one type or another will be necessary, it is beneficial to have an adaptable garment for use as a diaper or as pants. This is preferable to keep both types of clothing available. A product that can be applied as a diaper or as pants alternatively allows easy checking of the inside of the product without having to pull it down.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a single-use absorbent article that provides a garment-like or undergarment-like appearance of a traditional learning pant while still facilitating the option of its application as a diaper or as a pant.

Characteristics of the invention

In response to the unmet needs in this sector, referred to above, a trouser-type single-use absorbent article has been discovered, which has side seams capable of successive fastening. The present invention provides an absorbent article as set forth in claim 1. The absorbent article includes an attachment system that can be repeatedly attached, released, and reattached. The resealable seams formed by the components of the fastening system are arranged along the sides of the absorbent article for comfort and to achieve a garment-like appearance similar to conventional training pants. and elastic side panels can be disposed on each side of the resealable seams for a fit and comfort comparable to traditional training pants.

Seams with repeatability are desirably relatively thin, narrow, and flexible so that they can have the look and feel of a cloth garment. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the repeatability seams have a length-width ratio of about 2 or greater, such as about 2 to about 25, in particular, 5 or more, such as about 5 to 8. . Seams with repeatability define a length dimension and a width dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension. For a child weighing approximately 9 to 15 kilograms (20-34 .bs.), For example, the length dimension is desirably approximately 5 to 13 centimeters, such as about 10 centimeters, and the width dimension it is desirably about 0.5 to 3 centimeters, such as about 2 centimeters. Desirably, but not necessarily, the length dimension may be generally aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article and the width dimension may be generally aligned parallel to the transverse axis of the absorbent article. The term "generally parallel" used in this description refers to an angle of about 35 degrees or less with respect to the

ES 2 460 366 T3 reference axis, and more particularly within about 20 degrees or less of the reference axis.

The fasteners may comprise any repeatable fasteners suitable for absorbent articles, although they desirably comprise mechanical fasteners rather than adhesive type fasteners to achieve better performance. Suitable mechanical type fasteners can be provided by shaped materials with nestable geometric shapes, such as hooks, loops, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stem, male and female coupling, buckles, snap fasteners or the like. In specific embodiments, the fastener components and attachable fastener components comprise hook-and-loop type fasteners. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions, density and polymer composition of the hooks and loops can be selected to obtain the desired level of fixation between the fixation components and the conjugated or attachable fixation components. A more aggressive hook material may comprise a material with a higher average hook height, a higher percentage of directionally aligned hooks, or a more aggressive hook shape.

As disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 112,709, pending with the current one, filed December 18, 1998 by CP Olson et al. ", The seam with repeatability can comprise one or more main zones with repeatability and one or more reinforced fastening zones with repeatability. The aforementioned main and reinforced zones with repeatability can be constructed to provide differential levels of fixation and, especially, increased levels of fixation in locations that are subjected to higher levels of separation forces.

As disclosed in US Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 112,775, pending with the current one, filed December 18, 1998 by CP Olson and entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Hinged Attachment Devices," the seam With repeatability, it can comprise individual fastener materials with narrow gaps from one another. The narrow gaps provide a hinge with desirable characteristics to improve the engagement and fixation of the fixture components.

The disclosed absorbent articles are adapted for use adjacent to the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles are desirably preset to provide the wearer with a pant-like product. The product can be donned like a conventional training pants, and can then be attached or removed as easily as a diaper-like product. In addition, the product can be applied as a diaper instead of pants. Supplemental detachable fasteners such as break point attachments may be used to maintain the absorbent article in trouser configuration until the user intentionally disengages the fasteners.

The fastening system allows an easy inspection of the inside of the product in the form of trousers. If necessary, the fastening system also allows the trousers to be removed quickly and easily. This is particularly advantageous when the pants contain excrement. If desired, the caregiver can completely remove the product in the form of pants, replacing it with a new one, without having to remove the child's shoes and other clothes. The present fastening system can be used by a wide variety of absorbent products, including training pants, diapers, incontinence garments, or other garments, using mechanical or adhesive fasteners.

A detailed description of the construction and design of a form of training pants can be found in US Patent 4,940,464 issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al., Which describes different materials from which the pants can be made. of learning, as well as a method of realization of the own learning pants.

Definitions

Within the context of this description, each of the terms or phrases indicated below will have the meaning or meanings indicated.

"Joined" refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, fixing or the like of two elements. Two elements can be considered to be linked to each other when they are directly linked to each other or indirectly to each other, such as in the case where each of them are directly linked to intermediate elements.

"Understanding" is an open term and does not exclude additional elements not indicated or other phases or steps of the method.

"Connected" refers to joining, adhering, fixing or the like of two elements. Two elements can be considered to be linked to each other when they are directly connected to each other or indirectly to each other, such as in the case where each is directly connected to intermediate elements.

ES 2 460 366 T3 "Disposable" or "single use" refers to articles that are designed for disposal after limited use, rather than being washed or otherwise reused for use.

"Arranged" and variations of this term are intended to mean that one element can be integral or in one piece with another, or that one element can be a separate structure, attached to another element.

"Elastic", "elasticized" and "elasticity" mean the property of a material or composite by virtue of which it tends to regain its original dimensions and shape after removal of the force causing deformation.

"Elastomers" refers to a material or compound that can be elongated at least 25% of its relaxed length and will recover, when the applied force is released, at least 10% of its elongation. It is generally preferable that the elastomeric or composite material is capable of being elongated at least 100%, more preferably at least 300% of its relaxed length, recovering, after release of the applied force, at least 50% of its elongation.

"Fabrics" is used to refer to all types of web, fibrous, woven, knitted and non-woven.

"Flexible" refers to materials that are compliant and readily conform to the general shape and contour of the wearer's body.

"Force" includes a physical influence exerted by one body on another that causes the acceleration of bodies that are free to move and the deformation of bodies that are not free to move. Force is expressed in grams per unit area.

"Graphic" refers to any design, drawing, or the like that is visible on an absorbent article.

"Hydrophilic" describes fibers or fiber surfaces that are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can be described, for its part, in terms of contact angles and surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Appropriate equipment and techniques for measuring the wettability of specific fibrous materials or mixtures of fibrous materials can be achieved using a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System, or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers that have a contact angle less than 90^or are designated as "wettable" or hydrophilic, whereas fibers that have contact angles greater than 90^or they are designated "non-wettable" or hydrophobic.

"Integral" is used to refer to different parts of a single unit element rather than separate structures attached or placed or arranged close to each other.

"Inward" and "outward" refer to positions relative to the center of an absorbent article and, in particular, transversely and / or longitudinally toward or away from the longitudinal and transverse center of the absorbent article.

"Layer", when used in the singular can have the double meaning of a single element or a series of elements.

"Impervious to liquids", when used in a description of a single layer or multilayer material, means that a liquid, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or multilayer laminated material, under normal conditions of use. , in a general direction perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of contact of the liquid. The liquid or urine may be spread or transported parallel to the plane of the liquid impermeable layer or laminate, but is not considered to be within the meaning of “liquid impermeable” when used in this description.

"Longitudinal" and "transverse" have the usual meaning, indicated by the longitudinal and transverse axes indicated in Figures 2 and 3. The longitudinal axis is arranged in the plane of the article and is generally parallel to a vertical plane that intersects the user standing in the middle of the right and left on the body when wearing the article. The transverse axis lies in the plane of the article generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The article, as shown, is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction.

"Element" or "member", when used in the singular, can have the double meaning of a single element or a series of elements.

"Nonwoven" and "nonwoven web" refer to materials and webs of material that are formed without the aid of texturing or knitting processes.

ES 2 460 366 T3 "Operatively attached", with reference to the attachment of an elastic element to another element, has the meaning that the elastic element once fixed or connected to said element, or treated by heat or chemicals, as per stretched or the like, provides the element with elastic characteristics; and with reference to fixing one non-elastic element to another element, it means that the element can be fixed in any suitable way that allows the desired or intended function of the joint element to be carried out. The joining, fixing, connection or the like can take place directly, for example, by joining any of the members directly to an element, or can take place indirectly by means of another member arranged between the first member and the first element.

"Outside coating graphic" refers to a graphic that is directly visible when inspecting the outer surface of a garment, and for a garment with repeatability it refers to inspecting the outer surface of the garment, when the system fixing is attached the same as in use conditions.

"Permanently attached" refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, fixing, or the like of two elements of an absorbent garment such that the elements tend to remain together during conditions of normal use of the absorbent garment.

"Repeatability" refers to the characteristic of two elements that are capable of detachable attachment, detachment, and subsequent detachability reattachment, without substantial permanent deformation or breakage.

"Detachably attached" or "detachably attached" and variants thereof refer to two elements connected or connectable in such a way that said elements tend to remain connected if there is no separation force applied to one or both elements, and said elements being capable of separation without permanent substantial deformation or breakage. The separation force required is typically greater than that which occurs while wearing the absorbent garment.

"Break" means the breakage or disintegration of a material; In tensile force testing, the term refers to the total separation of a material into two parts at once or in phases, or the making of a hole in certain materials.

"Stretch bond" refers to an elastic member being attached to another member while the elastic member is stretched approximately 25% of its lowered length. Desirably, the term "stretch bonded" refers to the situation in which the elastic member is extended approximately 100%, and more desirably a minimum of approximately 300%, relative to its relaxed length, when it is attached to the other element.

"Stretch bonded laminate" refers to blended material having at least two layers where one layer is a gathering layer and the other layer is an elastic layer. The layers are joined together when the elastic layer is in stretchable conditions so that when said layers are released, the layer that has the capacity to do so is gathered.

"Surface" includes any layer, film, woven, non-woven, laminated, combined or similar material that is permeable or impermeable to air, gases and / or liquids.

"Traction" comprises a uniaxial force that tends to cause a body to stretch or the balancing force within said body that resists the stretch or extension force.

"Thermoplastic" describes a material that softens upon exposure to heat and returns to a substantially un-softened state when cooled to room temperature.

These terms can be defined with additional language in the remaining parts of this description.

Brief description of the drawings

The above and other characteristics of the present invention as well as the way to achieve them will become more apparent, and the invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which similar characteristics in different figures have been given the same numeral. reference.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a type of single-use absorbent article, not having all the features of the present invention, in which the fastening system has been shown engaged to one side of the absorbent article and disengaged at the other side of the absorbent article itself.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the single-use absorbent article shown in Figure 1, in an unfixed, stretched and flattened condition, and showing the surface of the article away from the wearer.

ES 2 460 366 T3

Figure 3 shows a plan view similar to Figure 2, but showing the surface of the article directed to the user when the article is worn, and with parts cut away to show the underlying features.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of an alternative single-use absorbent article not having all of the features of the present invention, and shown in an unfixed, stretched and flattened arrangement, and showing the surface of the article away from the wearer.

Figure 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of a portion of a side panel of the absorbent article shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows an enlarged plan view of a side panel of the type shown in Figure 1.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged plan view of a part of an alternative side panel, which is not part of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of a single-use absorbent article, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and shown in an unfixed, stretched and flattened condition, and showing the surface of the article away from the wearer. .

Detailed description of the drawings

The principles of the present invention can be incorporated into any single-use absorbent article. Examples of such items include diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, other personal or health care garments, or the like. For ease of explanation, the description will refer to a children's learning pants.

With reference to Figure 1, a single-use absorbent article, such as a training pants -20-, is shown in a partially attached condition. Article 20 is not an embodiment of the invention. The training pants -20- comprise an absorbent frame -32- and a fastening system -80-. The absorbent shell -32 defines a front waist area -22-, a rear waist area -24-, a groin area -26- that interconnects the front and rear waist areas, an internal surface -28- configured to establish contact with the wearer, and an outer surface 30 opposite the inner surface that is configured to contact the wearer's garments. Referring further to Figures 2 and 3, the absorbent shell 32 also defines a pair of transversely opposed side edges 36 and a pair of longitudinally opposed waist edges, which are designated as waist front edge 38 and waist edge. back of the waist -39-. The front waist zone -22- is contiguous with the front waist edge -38-, and the rear waist zone -24- is contiguous to the rear waist edge -39-.

The illustrated absorbent shell 32 comprises a rectangular composite structure 33, a pair of transversely opposed front side panels 34, and a pair of transversely opposed rear side panels 134. The combined structure -33- and the side panels -34- and -134- may be integrally formed or may comprise two or more separate elements, as shown in Figure 1. The combined structure -33- shown comprises an outer liner -40-, a liner or body side liner -42- (Figures 1 and 3) that is connected to the external liner in overlapping relationship, an absorbent assembly - 44- (figure 3) which is located between the outer covering and the body side covering, and a pair of retention flaps -48- (figure 3). The rectangular combined structure -33- has opposite linear end edges -45- that form parts of the front and rear waist edges -38- and -39-, and opposite linear side edges -47- that form parts of the side edges - 36- of the absorbent frame -32- (figures 2 and 3). For reference purposes, vectors -48- and -49- show the orientation of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, respectively, of the training pants -20- shown in Figures 2 and 3.

With the learning pants -20- in the fixation position, as partially shown in Figure 1, the front and rear waist areas -22- and -24- are joined together defining a three-dimensional pant configuration that has an opening -50- for the waist and a pair of openings for the legs -52-. The front waist area -22- comprises the part of the training pants -20- which, when used, is arranged in the front part of the user, while the rear waist area -24- comprises the part of the training pants. which, when used, is arranged on the back of the user's body. The groin area -26- of the training pants -20- comprises the part of the training pants that, when used, is arranged between the user's legs and covers the lower part of the user's torso. The front and rear side panels -34- and -134- comprise the parts of the training pants -20- which, in use, are arranged on the hips of the user.

The front waist area -22- of the absorbent frame -32- includes the transversely opposite front side panels -34- and a front center panel -35- (Figures 2 and 3) arranged between and interconnecting the side panels. The rear waist area -24- of the absorbent frame -32- comprises the rear side panels

ES 2 460 366 T3 transversely opposed -134- and a rear central panel -135- (Figures 2 and 3) arranged between the side panels and interconnecting them. The waist edges -38- and -39- of the absorbent shell -32- are configured to surround the wearer's waist, in use, and provide the waist opening -50- that defines the dimension of the waist perimeter. . Parts of the transversely opposite lateral edges -36- in the groin area -26- generally define the leg openings -52-.

The absorbent shell 32 is configured to contain and / or absorb any body exudates discharged from the user's body. For example, the absorbent shell 32 desirably but not necessarily comprises the pair of retention flaps 46 which are configured to provide a barrier to the transverse flow of body exudates. An elastic flap member -53- (FIG. 3) is operatively attached to each of the retaining flaps -46- in any suitable manner, as is well known in the art. The elasticized retention flaps -46- define an unfixed edge that adopts a vertical configuration, which is generally perpendicular, at least in the groin area -26- of the training pants -20- forming a watertight closure against the user body. The retaining fins -46- may be located along the transversely opposite lateral edges of the composite structure -33-, and may extend longitudinally for the entire length of the composite structure and may only partially extend. according to the length of the composite structure -33-. Suitable constructions and arrangements for retainer flaps 46 are generally well known to those skilled in the art and are described in US Patent 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to Enloe.

To further increase the retention and / or absorption of body exudates, the training pants -20 desirably include a front waist elastic element -54-, a rear waist elastic element -56-, and elastic elements -58- for the legs, as is well known to those skilled in the art (figure 3). The elastic waist members -54- and -56- can be operatively attached to the outer skin -40- and / or the body-side skin -42- along the opposing waist edges -38- and -39- , and can be extended over part or all of the edges of the waist. The elastic elements -58- for the legs are preferably operatively attached to the outer covering -40- and / or to the body covering -42- along the opposite side edges -36- and are positioned in the area of ​​the groin -26- of the learning pants -20-. The elastic elements 58 for the legs are desirably aligned longitudinally along each of the lateral edges 47 of the composite structure 33. Each of the elastic elements -58 for the legs has a front end point -63- and a rear end point -65-, the points of which represent the longitudinal ends of the elastic gathering caused by the elastic elements for the legs. The front end points -63- are desirably located adjacent the longitudinally innermost portions of the front side panels -34-, and the rear end points -65- are desirably located adjacent the longitudinally innermost portions. of the rear side panels -134-.

The elastic flap elements -53-, the waist elastic elements -54- and -56-, and the leg elastic elements -58 may be made of any suitable elastic material. As is well known to those skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include sheets, threads or tapes of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. Elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to the substrate, adhered to the gathered substrate, or adhered to a substrate, and then elasticized or shrinkaged, for example, by the application of heat, so that elastic forces are imparted to the substrate. retraction. For example, in a specific arrangement, elastic leg members 58 comprise a series of coalescing, dry-spun, multifilament spandex elastomeric yarns marketed under the trademark LYCRA7 and available from EI Du Pont de Nemours and Company. , Wilmington, Delaware, USA

The outer covering 40 desirably comprises a material that is substantially impervious to liquids, and that may be elastic, stretchable, or non-stretchable. The outer coating 40 may be a single layer of a liquid impermeable material, but desirably comprises a multi-layer laminated structure in which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. For example, the outer coating 40 may comprise an outer liquid impermeable layer and an inner liquid impermeable layer, which are suitably bonded together by a laminated adhesive (not shown). Suitable laminated adhesives, which can be applied continuously or intermittently in the form of beads, sprays, parallel swirls, or the like, are available from Findley Adhesives, Inc. from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA, or from National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, Wisconsin, USA, or from National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA The liquid-permeable outer layer can be of any suitable material and desirably a material that provides an overall fabric-like texture. An example of this type of material is a 20 gsm (grams per square meter) extruded fiber polypropylene nonwoven fabric. The outer layer can also be made of the materials from which the body-side liquid-permeable coating 42 is made. While the outer layer need not be permeable to liquids, it is desirable that it provide the wearer with a relatively cloth-like texture.

The inner layer of the outer covering 40 may be impermeable to liquids and water vapor, or it may be impermeable to liquids and permeable to water vapor. The inner layer is desirably made from a thin plastic film, although other materials may also be used.

ES 2 460 366 T3 flexible type liquid-tight. The liquid-impermeable inner layer or outer coating 40, when forming a single layer, prevents waste materials from wetting articles, such as sheets and other clothing, as well as the user and caregiver. A suitable liquid impermeable web for use as a liquid impermeable inner layer, or as a single layer liquid impermeable outer coating is a 1.0 mil polyethylene film available from the firm. Edison Plastics Company of South Plainfield, New Jersey, USA If the outer coating 40 is a single layer of material, it may be embossed and / or have a matte finish to provide a more cloth-like appearance. As mentioned above, the liquid-impervious material can allow vapors within the absorbent single-use article to escape, however preventing liquids from passing through the outer covering 40. A suitable "breathable" material is comprised of a microporous polymer film or nonwoven fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable microporous film is a PMP-1 sheet material, commercially available from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, or an XKO-8044 polyolefin film, commercially available from 3M Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the training pants -20- and, in particular, the outer covering -40- desirably comprise one or more components related to appearance. Examples of appearance-related components include, without limitation, graphics; highlighting or emphasizing openings for the legs and for the waist in order to make the shaping of the product more evident or visible to the user; highlighting areas or emphasizing areas of the product to simulate functional components, such as elastic leg bands, elastic waist bands, simulated flyers for boys, gathers for girls; areas of the products to change the appearance of the dimensions of the same; humidity indicators, temperature indicators and the like on the product; registration of a rear label or a front label on the product; and written instructions for registration at a desired location on the product.

The learning pants -20- shown, which is designed for use by young girls, includes a registered or aligned outer cover graphic -60-. In this design, the aligned graphic -60 comprises a simulated main graphic image -61-, simulated gathering -62- for the waist, and simulated gathering -64- for the legs. The main graphic image -61- includes a rainbow, the Sun, clouds, animal characters, railroad cars and balloons. Any suitable design can be used for the learning pants intended for use by young girls, so that it is aesthetically and / or functionally pleasing for them and also for the caregiver. Appearance-related components are desirably arranged on the training pants 20 in selected locations, which can be accomplished using the methods disclosed in US Pat. 5,766,389 issued June 16, 1998 to Brandon et al. The main graphic image -61- is desirably disposed in the front waist area -22- along the central longitudinal axis of the training pants -20-.

The body-side liquid-permeable liner -42- has been shown to be placed over the external liner -40- and absorbent assembly -44-, and can have the same dimensions as the external liner -40-, without this being necessary . The body-side coating 42 is desirably compliant, soft-touch, and non-irritating to children's skin. In addition, the body part coating 42 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent assembly 44, to present a relatively dry surface to the user and allow liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness.

The body-side coating -42- can be manufactured from a wide selection of sheet materials such as synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fiber), natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers) , the combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foam materials, cross-linked foam materials, apertured plastic films, or the like. Different woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for coating -42- on the body side. For example, the body side covering may be comprised of a meltblown web or extruded polyolefin fibers. The body side covering can also be a carded bonding web, composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body side coating can be comprised of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material can optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart the desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. For example, the material may be surface treated with about 0.28% by weight of surfactant commercially available from Rohm and Haas Co., under the trademark designation Triton X-102. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant can be applied to the entire body-side coating 42 or can be selectively applied to particular sections of the body-side coating, such as the mid-section along the longitudinal axis.

A suitable body-side liquid-permeable coating 42 is a nonwoven bicomponent web, having a basis weight of approximately 27 gsm. The bicomponent nonwoven may be a bicomponent extruded fiber web or a bicomponent bonded and carded web. Staple fibers

Suitable bicomponent ES 2 460 366 T3 comprise bicomponent polyethylene / polypropylene fibers from CHISSO Corporation, Osaka, Japan. In that specific bicomponent fiber, polypropylene forms the core and polyethylene forms the fiber envelope. Other fiber orientations are possible, such as lobular, side-to-side, end-to-end, or the like. While the outer skin 40 and the body side skin 42 may comprise elastomeric materials, it may be desirable in some arrangements for the composite structure to be generally inelastic such that the outer skin, the body side skin body and absorbent material assembly comprise materials that are generally not elastomers.

The absorbent assembly -44- (Figure 3) is disposed between the outer liner -40- and the body-side liner -42-, the components of which can be joined together by any appropriate means, such as adhesives, as is well. known in this technique. The absorbent assembly -44- can consist of any structure that, in general, is compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the skin of children, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body waste. The absorbent assembly -44- can be manufactured in a wide variety of dimensions and shapes, and from a wide variety of absorbent materials for the liquids commonly used in this technique. For example, the absorbent assembly 44 may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulosic foam sheet, mixed with particles of a high absorbency material, commonly known as a superabsorbent material. In a specific arrangement, absorbent assembly 44 comprises a matrix of cellulosic fluff, such as wood pulp fluff, and hydrogel-forming superabsorbent particles. Wood pulp fluff can be interchanged with synthetic, polymer, meltblown fibers, or combinations of meltblown fiber and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles can be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or they can be non-uniformly mixed. The fluffy, super absorbent particles can also be selectively placed in desired areas of an absorbent assembly 44 to better contain and absorb body exudates. The concentration of the super absorbent particles can also vary according to the thickness of the absorbent assembly -44-. Alternatively, absorbent assembly 44 may comprise a laminate of fibrous materials and superabsorbent material, or other suitable means for maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area.

Suitable super absorbent materials can be selected from polymers and modified natural, synthetic and natural materials. Super absorbent materials can be inorganic, such as silica gel, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers. Suitable superabsorbent materials are available from various commercial suppliers, such as the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan, USA, and Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG, D-47805 Krefeld, Federal Republic of Germany. Typically, a super absorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in water and desirably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in water.

In one arrangement, absorbent assembly 44 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a mixture of wood pulp fluff and super absorbent material. A preferred type of fluff is identified by the trademark designation CR1654, ex Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wisconsin, USA, and is a bleached, highly absorbent wood sulfate pulp containing primarily softwood fibers. . As a general rule, the superabsorbent material is present in the absorbent assembly -44 in an agreed amount of about 5 to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly 44 suitably has a density between approximately 0.10 and 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter. The absorbent assembly 44 may or may not be enveloped or comprised of a suitable cellulosic envelope that maintains the integrity and / or shape of the absorbent assembly.

The absorbent frame -32- can also incorporate other materials that have been basically designed to receive, temporarily store and / or transport liquids along the surface directed to the absorbent assembly -44-, therefore maximizing the absorbent capacity of the assembly. absorbent. A suitable material is indicated as a discharge layer (not shown) and comprises a material having a basis weight of approximately 50 grams per square meter, and which comprises a through-air-bonded bonding sheet and card. -carded ”), of a homogeneous blend of 60% 3 denier bicomponent fiber comprising polyester core / polyethylene sheath, commercially available from BASF Corporation, and 40% 6 denier polyester fiber, commercially available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation, of Portsmouth, Virginia, USA

As noted above, the training pants -20- shown has front and back panels -34- and -134- disposed on either side of the absorbent shell -32-. These transversely opposed front side panels -34- and the transversely opposed rear side panels -134- can be permanently attached to the composite structure -33- of the absorbent shell -32- in the corresponding front and rear areas of the waist -22 - and -24-, and are detachably fixed to each other by the fixing system -80-. More particularly, as best appreciated in Figures 2 and 3, the front side panels 34 may be permanently attached to the linear side edges 47 of the combined structure 33, extending transversely beyond them. , in the front waist area -22- along the attachment lines -66-, and the rear side panels -134- can be permanently attached to the

ES 2 460 366 T3 linear lateral edges of the composite structure in the rear waist area -24- along the fixing lines -66-, extending transversely beyond said lateral edges. The side panels -34- and -134 can be fixed using fixing means known to those skilled in the art, such as adhesives, thermal or ultrasonic bonding. The side panels 34 and 134 may also be formed as part of a component of the composite structure 33, such as the outer skin or the body side skin.

Each of the side panels -34- and -134- that have been shown defines a distal edge -68- separated from the fixation line -66-, an end edge of the leg -70- disposed towards the longitudinal center of the pants -20-, and an extreme waist edge -72- arranged towards the longitudinal end of the training pants. The extreme edge -70- of the leg and the extreme edge of the waist -72- extend from the lateral edges -47- of the composite structure -33- to the distal edges -68-. The edges -70- of the end of the leg of the side panels -34- and -134- form part of the lateral edges -36- of the absorbent frame -32-. In the rear waist area -24-, the extreme edges of the legs -70- form, desirably, and although not necessarily, a certain angle with respect to the transverse axis -49- to provide greater coverage towards the back of the pants, compared to the front of the pants. The edges 72 of the waist end are desirably parallel to the transverse axis 49. The waist end edges -72- of the front side panels -34- form part of the edge -38- of the waist front of the absorbent shell -32-, and the waist end edges -72- of the back side panels -134- form part of the rear waist edge -39- of the absorbent shell.

In specific arrangements to improve garment fit and appearance, side panels -34- and -134- desirably have an average length dimension measured parallel to longitudinal axis -48-, which is approximately 20% or more, and particularly 25% or ° more, of the total length dimension of the absorbent article, also measured parallel to the longitudinal axis -48-. For example, in training pants having an overall length of approximately 54 centimeters, the side panels 34 and 134 desirably have an average length dimension of approximately 10 centimeters or greater, eg, about 15 centimeters. While each of the side panels -34- and -134- extend from the waist opening -50- to one of the leg openings -52-, the rear side panels -134- have a dimension of Continuously decreasing length, as it moves from the fixation line -66- to the distal edge -68-, as best seen in Figures 2 and 3.

Each of the side panels 34 and 134 may include one or more different individual pieces of material. In specific arrangements, for example, each side panel 34 and 134 may include first and second side panel portions, joined in a seam, at least one of the portions comprising an elastomeric material (Figure 7). Also, alternatively, each of the individual side panels 34 and 134 may include an individual piece of material that is folded back on itself along an intermediate fold line (not shown).

The side panels -34- and -134- desirably comprise an elastic material capable of stretching in a general direction parallel to the transverse axis -49- of the training pants -20-. In specific arrangements, the front and rear side panels -34- and -134- may each comprise an inner part -78 arranged between the distal edge -68- and the corresponding front or central rear panel -35- or - 135-. In the arrangement shown, the inner parts -78- are arranged between the distal edges -68- and the lateral edges -47- of the rectangular composite structure -33-. The elastic material of the side panels -34- may be arranged in the interior parts -78- to make the side panels elastomers in a direction that is generally parallel to the transverse axis -49-. Most desirably, each of the side panels -34- is elastomeric from the waist end edge -72- to the leg end edge -70-. More specifically, individual samples of the side panel material, taken between the end edge of the waist -72- and the end edge of the legs -70- parallel to the transverse axis -49- and having a length from the attachment line - 66- to the distal edge -68- and a width of 2 centimeters, they are all elastomeric.

Suitable elastic materials, as well as the disclosed process of incorporating elastic side panels into a training pants, are described in the following US Patents: 4,940,464, issued July 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al; 2,224,405, issued July 6, 1993 to Pohjola; 5,104,116, issued April 14, 1992 to Pohjola; and 5,046,272, issued September 10, 1991 to Vogt et al. In specific arrangements, the elastic material comprises a thermally stretchable laminate (STL), neck-bonded laminate (NBL), reversible taper laminate, or stretch bond laminate (SBL). Methods for the manufacture of these materials are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in US Patent 4,663,220, issued May 5, 1987 to Wisneski et al; US Patent 5,226,992, issued July 13, 1993 to Mormon; and European Patent Application No. EP 0 217 032, published on April 8, 1987 in the name of Taylor et al. Alternatively, the side panel material may comprise other woven or non-woven materials, such as those described above as suitable for the body side outer covering 40 or 42 covering, or stretchable but non-elastic materials.

The training pants -20- also comprises a fastening system -80- for fixing the training pants around the user's waist (Figures 2 and 3). The fixing system -80- shown

ES 2 460 366 T3 comprises first and second fixation components -82- and -83- which are adapted to be connected repeatably to first and second conjugated fixation components -84- and -85-. In one arrangement, a surface of each of said first and second attachment components -82- and -83- comprises a series of coupling elements projecting from said surface. The coupling elements of these fixation components -82- and -83- are adapted to repeatedly engage and disengage with the coupling elements of the conjugated fixation components -84- and -85-.

In a specific arrangement, each of said first and second fixation components -82- and -83- comprise hook-type fixation elements, and the first and second conjugated fixation components -84- and -85 each comprise Loop-type complementary fasteners. In another specific arrangement, said first and second fixation components -82- and -83- each comprise loop-type fixation elements, and the first and second conjugated fixation components -84- and -85- comprise , each one of them, complementary fixing elements of the hook type. While the arrangements shown show the rear waist area -24- overlapping the front waist area -22-, which is convenient, the training pants -20- can also be configured so that the front waist area is overlaps with the back waist area. Loop-type fasteners typically comprise a fabric or material having a base structure or support structure and a series of loop elements that extend upward from at least one surface of the support structure. . The loop material can be made from any suitable material, such as an acrylic, nylon or polyester material, and can be made by methods such as warp knitting, stitch bonding or needle punching. Suitable loop materials are available from Guilford Mills, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina, USA under the trade designation No. 36549.

Hook-type fasteners typically comprise a fabric or material having a base or support structure, as well as a series of hook elements that extend upwardly from at least one surface of the structure. of support. In contrast to loop-type fasteners which desirably comprise a flexible fabric, the hook-type material advantageously comprises an elastic material to minimize unintentional disengagement of fastener components as a result of deformations of the fastener. hook material and for getting caught in garments or other items. The term "elastic" used in this description refers to a material with interconnect ability that has a predetermined shape and the characteristic of the interconnect material to revert to the predetermined shape after being coupled and uncoupled from a conjugated interconnect material complementary. A suitable hook material can be molded or extruded from nylon, polypropylene or other suitable materials. Single-sided hook materials, suitable for fastener components -82- and -83- or conjugated fastener components -84- and -85- are available from Velcro Indrustries BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands or its affiliates. , identifying itself as Velcro HTH-829 with a unidirectional pattern of hooks and having an approximate thickness of 0.089 millimeters (3.5 mils) and HTH-851 with a unidirectional pattern of hooks and having an approximate thickness of 0.051 millimeters (2 mils).

Referring particularly to Figure 3, the first and second attachment components -82- and -83- are desirably disposed on the inner surface -28- of the training pants -20- at the rear waist area -24. -. The first and second attachment components -82- and -83- are desirably disposed along the distal edges -68- of the back face panels -134-, abutting or being adjacent to the end edge of the waist. -72-. In some arrangements, for example, the first and second attachment components -82- and -83- are attached within about 2 centimeters, and more particularly, within approximately 1 centimeter of the distal edges -68-, the extreme edges waist -72- and the extreme edges of the legs -70-.

Referring specifically to Figure 2, the first and second conjugated fixation components -84- and -85- are disposed on the outer surface -30- of the training pants -20- in the front area -22- of the waist. The first and second conjugated fixation component elements -84- and -85- are dimensioned to receive the first and second fixation components -82- and -83- and are desirably positioned along the distal edges -68- of the front side panels -34- and abut or are adjacent to the end edge of the waist -72-. In certain arrangements, for example, the first and second conjugated fixation components 84 and 85 are located within about 2 centimeters and more particularly within approximately 1 centimeter of the distal edges 68, the end edges of waist -72- and the extreme edges of the leg -70-. In the case where the fixing components -82- and -83- comprise loop-type fixing elements arranged on the inner surface -28- and the conjugated fixing components -84- and -85- comprise fixing elements of the loop type hook arranged on the outer surface 30, the fixation components can have dimensions greater than the conjugated fixation components to ensure the coating of the rigid, outwardly directed hooks.

For the repeatably attachable seams -88- to be located on the sides of the wearer's body, it is particularly desirable that the transverse distance between the first and second attachment components -82- and -83 is substantially equal to the transverse distance between the first and second conjugated binding components -84- and -85-. The transverse distance between a set of fasteners is the distance measured in parallel

ES 2 460 366 T3 to the transverse axis -49- between the longitudinal central axes of the fastening elements, measured with the side panels -34- and -134- in a non-stretch arrangement.

The fixing components and the conjugated fixing components -82-85- can be adhered to the side panels -34- and -134- by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as adhesive bonding, ultrasound bonding or thermal junctions. In an alternative arrangement, the training pants -20 comprise only a single mating attachment component disposed in the front waist area -22- for repeatably attaching attachment components -82- and -83- (not shown). . In a further alternative arrangement, the attachment components and the mating attachment components may comprise integral parts of the side panels. For example, the elastomeric front side panels 34 can function as a conjugated fixation component in that they can comprise a material that can be releasably coupled with the fixation components 82 and 83. The first and second mating attachment components 84 and 85 are desirably rectangular, although they may alternatively be square, round, oval, curved, or otherwise non-rectangular in shape.

When the fixation components and the conjugated fixation components -82-85- are detachably coupled, the lateral edges -36- of the absorbent shell -32- of the groin area -26- define the openings -52- for the legs, and the waist edges -38- and -39- of the absorbent shell, including the waist end edges -72- of the side panels, define the waist opening -50-. For improved formation of leg openings -52-, it is desirable in some arrangements that the front side panels -34- be spaced longitudinally from the rear panels -134- (see Figures 2 and 3). For example, the front side panels -34- may be spaced longitudinally from the rear side panels -134- by a distance equal to approximately 20 percent or greater, especially 20 to 60 percent, and more particularly, 35 to 50 percent of the total length dimension of the absorbent article.

Once connected, the fixation components and the conjugated fixation components -82-85- form a seam -88- with repeatability (Figure 1). In specific arrangements, each of the fixation components and the conjugated fixation components -82-85- defines a dimension of length aligned, generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis -48- of the learning pants -20- and a width dimension generally aligned parallel with the transverse axis 49 of the training pants. For a child weighing approximately 20-30 pounds, for example, the length dimension of the fixation components and conjugated fixation components is desirably approximately 5 to 13 centimeters , such as, for example, 10 centimeters, and the width dimension is desirably about 0.5 to 3 centimeters, such as about 1 centimeter. The fixative components and the conjugated fixation components desirably have a length-to-width ratio of about 2 or greater, such as, for example, from about 2 to about 25, and in particular 5 or greater, such as from 5 to 8 approximately.

The seams 88 with repeatability desirably extend substantially the entire distance between the waist opening 50 and the leg openings 52 when the fastening components 82-85 are engaged. . More specifically, the seams with repeatability -88- can cover approximately 80 to 100 percent and, in particular, and approximately 90 to 98 percent of the distance between the waist opening -50 - and each of the leg openings -52-, said distance being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis -48-. To construct the seams -88- so that they extend substantially the entire distance between the waist and leg openings -50- and -52-, the attachment components -82-85- can be formed to cover approximately 80 to 100 percent and, more particularly, approximately 90 to 98 percent, of the distance between the end edge of the waist -70- and the end edge of the legs -72- of the side panels -34- and -134-.

The absorbent shell -32- and the fastening system -80- together define a repeatable fastener-capable training pants having an opening -50- for the waist and a pair of openings -52- for the legs. When the attachment system is engaged, it can be appreciated that the repeatably attachable pants comprise a pair of elastomeric front side panels -34- extending from the waist opening to each of the leg openings, a pair of elastomeric rear side panels -134- extend from waist opening to each leg opening, a pair of seams -88- extending with repeatability from the waist opening to the opening for each leg, and being positioned between the front and rear elastomer side panels, an elastomeric front waist band -54- arranged in the front waist area and arranged between the pair of elastomeric front side panels, an elastomeric rear waist band -56- disposed in the rear waist area and positioned between the pair of rear elastomeric panels and a pair of elastomeric leg elements -58- partially surrounding each of the leg openings. Each of the elastomeric elements -58- for the legs extends from an area adjacent to the elastomeric front side panel -34-, in the front waist area -22- to an area adjacent to the elastomeric rear panel -134- in the part back of the waist -24-.

An alternate training pant 300 is shown in a stretched and flattened arrangement in FIG. 4. The item 300 is not an embodiment of the present invention. The learning pants -300- comprises elements

ES 2 460 366 T3 in the form of panels -302- and -304- which are arranged, respectively, in the front and rear waist areas -22- and -24-. The panel element -302- of the front waist area -22- forms first and second side panels -310- and -312- that extend transversely outward from the composite structure -33- and the absorbent assembly -44- ( figure 3). Similarly, the panel element -304- of the rear waist area -24- forms the first and second side panels -314- and -316- that extend transversely outward from the composite structure -33- and the absorbent set -44-.

The training pants -300- also comprises first and second attachment components -82- and -83- attached to the inner surface -28- of the back attachment panels -314- and -316-, and the first and second Conjugated fixation components -84- and -85- attached to the outer surface -30- of the front fixation panels -310- and -312-. In a specific arrangement, the fixation components -82- and -83- comprise loop-type fixation elements and the conjugate fixation components -84- and -85- comprise hook-type fixation elements that are directed outwardly away from each other. of the body to minimize the danger of skin irritation.

Panel elements -302- and -304- may each comprise an integral part of a component of the composite structure -33-, such as the body-side skin -42- or a layer of the outer skin. -40-; or it may comprise a separate element attached to the composite structure; or they may comprise a series of layers, either in the form of integral parts, separate elements, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, panel elements -302- and -304- may represent parts of a single unitary element, such as a component of the composite structure -33-, for example, an elastic or stretchable outer covering (not shown). Panel elements -302- and -304- and therefore side panels -310-, -312, -314- and -316- may comprise elastic or non-elastic materials. Referring further to Figure 5, panel elements -302- and -304- of the arrangement shown comprise a series of elastomeric segments -320- disposed between an outwardly directed layer -322- and an inwardly directed layer -324. -.

The elastomeric segments -320- can be positioned and arranged so that the side panels -310-, -312-, -314- and -316- have elastic characteristics in a direction generally parallel to the transverse axis -49- of the pants. learning -300-. The elastomeric segments -320- can comprise films, webs, yarns, fibers or other similar elastomers, and can comprise elastic materials similar to those described with respect to other elastic components of the training pants -20- and -300-. The facing layers -322- and -324- may comprise materials of the type described with respect to the body side covering -42-, the side panels -34-, or the like.

An enlarged plan view of a side panel -34- of the type shown in Figure 1 is shown in Figure 6. Only one side panel -34- is shown in Figure 6, although it must understand that the other side panels may use a similar construction. The side panel -34- can be attached to the linear side edge -47- of the composite structure -33- along the fixing line -66-, and extending transversely with respect thereto. The side panel -34- defines a distal end -68- that is away from the fixation line -66-, an end edge -70- for the legs disposed towards the longitudinal center of the training pants -20-, and an edge waist end -72- disposed towards a longitudinal end of the training pants.

In specific arrangements, the fixation component -85- is spaced inwardly from the distal edge -68 and the end edges -70- and -72-, in order to protect the user against irritations that could be caused by contact with the fixation component. fixation. Specifically, the fixation component -85- may be spaced transversely inwardly from the distal edge -68- in the area of ​​reference numeral -100-. Also, the fastening component -85- may be longitudinally inwardly spaced from the end edge for the legs -70- in the area of ​​reference numeral -102-, and spaced inwardly longitudinally from the end waist edge -72- in the area of ​​reference numeral -104-.

The degree of separation balances the fact that a shorter distance is more difficult for children and parents to remove, but provides a more garment-like appearance, while a larger distance is easier for children to remove. children and parents, but provides a loose and inconsistent look that does not resemble a garment. Therefore, the fixation component 85 is desirably spaced transversely inward from the distal edge 68 by about 1 to 15 millimeters, particularly about 1 to 5 millimeters, such as about 2 millimeters. The fastening component -85- is desirably spaced longitudinally inward from the end edge -70- for the legs and from the end-waist edge -72- by about 2 millimeters or more, particularly about 5 millimeters or more, by example, about 5 to 15 millimeters.

A single side panel -34- of an alternative-type single-use absorbent article has been shown in Figure 7. The side panel -34- is attached to a composite structure -33- in an attachment line -66 -. The side panel -34- comprises a distal edge -68- transversely spaced with respect to the fixation line -66- and an end edge for the legs -70- as well as an end waist edge -72-, extending from the composite structure to the distal edge. The side panel -34- shown in figure 7 comprises a separate first element -90-, a second element -92-, and a third element -94- which are arranged in series from

ES 2 460 366 T3 the fixation line -66- to the distal edge -68-. The fixation component -83- is arranged in the third element -94 adjacent to the distal edge -68-.

The first element -90- is fixed to the second element -92- in a seam -96-, and the second element is fixed to the third element -94- in a seam -98-. The shown seams 96 and 98 extend from the extreme edge 70 of the legs to the extreme waist edge 72 of the side panel 34. The seams can be permanent seams or manually tear-off seams. Suitable permanent seams can be formed by adhesives, ultrasonic bonding or thermal bonding, or some combination thereof, and are designed to resist tearing. Suitable break-type seams can be formed manually, using means such as ultrasonic bonding to allow the side panel 34 to be easily breakable at or along the seam, or by the child's caregiver. These seams are suitably formed as overlap seams or flap seams. In specific arrangements, the first and second elements -90- and -92- comprise elastomeric materials and the third element -94- comprise a non-elastomeric material. Alternatively, the side panel may comprise two elements, one or two of which may be elastomers, which are attached to each other in a tearing or permanent seam (not shown).

The training pants -400- of the present invention is shown in a stretched and flattened arrangement in Figure 8. The training pants -400- comprises an absorbent shell defining a longitudinal axis 48, a transverse axis -49-, edges front and rear waist edges -38- and -39- parallel to the transverse axis and opposite side edges -36- extending between the front and rear waist edges. The learning pants -400- has a front waist area -22- contiguous to the front waist edge -38-, a rear waist area -24- contiguous to the rear waist edge -39- and a groin area - 26- which extends between and interconnects the front and rear waist areas. The absorbent shell shown comprises a rectangular-shaped composite structure -33-, with a pair of elastomeric front side panels -34- attached to the composite structure in the front waist region -22- and a pair of rear side panels elastomers -134 joined to the composite structure in the rear waist area -24-. The side panels -34- of the front waist area -22- are longitudinally spaced with respect to the side panels -134- of the rear waist area -24-.

The training pants -400- shown also comprises a pair of support members -402- that are attached to the rear side panels -134- and extend laterally outward therefrom. Support members 402 desirably but not necessarily comprise inelastic materials that are attached to side panels 134 at seams 404 using adhesives, ultrasonic bonding or thermal bonding, or the like. Alternatively, the training pants -400- may include support elements -402- that are attached to the front and rear side panels -34- and -134-, extending transversely outward from them, or only from the panels. front sides (not shown).

The fixing system for the training pants -400- comprises first and second fixing components -82- and -83- arranged on the support elements -402-. The attachment components -82- and -83- are adapted to detachably engage with first and second mating attachment components -84- and -85-, which are connected to the respective front side panels -34-. The attachment components 82 and 83 may comprise separate structures attached to the support members 402 or they may comprise integral parts, surfaces or zones of the support members. For example, support members 402 may comprise loop materials that function as fastener components 82 and 83. To achieve improved manufacturing, the width of the elastomer side panels -34- of the front waist area -22- is equal to the width of the elastomer side panels -134- in the rear waist area -24-. The width of the side panels -34- and -134- is represented in figure 8 by the vector -W- and excludes the width of the support elements -402-.

The learning pants -20-, -300- and -400- can also include detachable side joints (not shown) to achieve better reliability in maintaining the pants in preset conditions, particularly when it is being placed on the user's hips. or withdrawn from them. These detachable side joints are desirably configured for easy opening so that a caregiver can easily remove the training pants 20 after it is soiled. Detachable side links desirably comprise ultrasonic dotted joints. Absorbent articles, including such removable side seams, are further described in US patent application Serial No. 09 / 100,574 entitled "Single Use Absorbent Articles Having Passive Side Joints and Adjustable Attachment Systems", filed June 19, 1998 by Elsberg.

As described, the different components of the learning pants -20-, -300- and -400- can be integrally mounted to each other, using different types of suitable fixing means, such as adhesive, ultrasonic bonding and thermal bonds, or combinations thereof.