Disposable absorbent article having refastenable side seams and a wetness sensation member

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer. A wetness sensation member provides a wetness sensation on the wearer's skin upon urination. Highlighting that is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article may be associatively correlated with the concept of toilet training and indicates the presence of the wetness sensation member in the article while providing a visual reference and topic for conversation relevant to toilet training. Refastenable side seams enable the configuration, application, and removal of the article as a pair of training pants or as a diaper, while providing an appearance like training pants when the article is worn and allowing easy inspection of the interior of the article without the necessity of pulling the article downward. The synergistic effect of each feature in combination with one or more of the other features enhances the usefulness of the article in toilet training.

1 . A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet and haying a body-facing surface;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet;    at least one wetness sensation member including a water-permeable body-facing layer covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow control layer disposed between the water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the water-permeable body-facing layer and having two laterally opposed flow control layer side edges, at least a portion of each of the two flow control layer side edges being disposed laterally inwardly of the article side edges; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in an x-y plane such that the wearers awareness of urination is enhanced.    
     
     
         2 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein the primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener.  
     
     
         3 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein the refastenable side seam comprises at least one discrete mating fastening component with which the primary fastening component is adapted to engage.  
     
     
         4 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein the refastenable side seam is adapted to fasten the opposing waist regions together in an overlapped configuration and comprises at least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten respective overlapped portions of the opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening component.  
     
     
         5 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 4  wherein the primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener and the secondary fastening component is an adhesive.  
     
     
         6 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 1  further comprising a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface Of the topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training of the wearer.  
     
     
         7 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 6  wherein the visible highlighting comprises at least one area of the flow control layer of the wetness sensation member including a graphic visibly differing in coloration from the topsheet.  
     
     
         8 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 6  wherein the visible highlighting is associatively correlated with the concept of urinary toilet training.  
     
     
         9 . A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet;    at least one wetness sensation member comprising a water-permeable portion of the topsheet covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow control layer disposed between the water-permeable portion of the topsheet and the absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the water-permeable portion of the topsheet and having two laterally opposed flow control layer side edges, at least a portion of each of the two flow control layer side edges being disposed laterally inwardly of the article side edges; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable portion of the topsheet in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in an x-y plane such that the wearer's awareness of urination is enhanced.    
     
     
         10 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 9  further comprising a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training of the wearer.  
     
     
         11 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 9  comprising a plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one another.  
     
     
         12 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 11  wherein the topsheet comprises two longitudinally extending oppositely facing Z-folds parallel to the longitudinal axis and the flow control layer of each of the respective wetness sensation members is disposed within a respective one of the two Z-folds.  
     
     
         13 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 12  wherein the two Z-folds further comprise two longitudinally extending elastic members disposed along the two flow control layers.  
     
     
         14 . A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet;    at least one wetness sensation member including a water-permeable body-facing layer covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow control layer disposed between the water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the water-permeable body-facing layer, no portion of the water-permeable body-facing layer extending longitudinally or transversely beyond the flow control layer; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in an x-y plane such that the wearer's awareness of urination is enhanced.    
     
     
         15 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 14  comprising a plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis, no portion of the water-permeable body-facing layer of each of the respective wetness sensation members extending longitudinally or transversely beyond the respective flow control layer.  
     
     
         16 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 14  further comprising a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training of the wearer.  
     
     
         17 . A package comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent articles for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer, each of the disposable absorbent articles having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, and comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet;    at least one wetness sensation member including a water-permeable body-facing layer covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow control layer disposed between the water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the water-permeable body-facing layer and having two laterally opposed flow control layer side edges, at least a portion of each of the two flow control layer side edges being disposed laterally inwardly of the article side edges; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in an x-y plane such that the wearer's awareness of urination is enhanced.    
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 17  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles is configured such that the refastenable side scam is fastened.  
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 17  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles further comprises a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet timing of the wearer.  
     
     
         20 . The package of  claim 17  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles further comprises at least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten respective portions of the opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening component, the secondary fastening component being fastened and the primary fastening component being open.  
     
     
         21 . A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet;    at least one wetness sensation member including a flow control layer disposed between a water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction.    
     
     
         22 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 21  wherein the primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener.  
     
     
         23 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 21  wherein the refastenable side seam comprises at least one discrete mating fastening component with which the primary fastening component is adapted to engage.  
     
     
         24 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 21  wherein the refastenable side seam is adapted to fasten the opposing waist regions together in an overlapped configuration and comprises at least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten respective overlapped portions of the opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening component.  
     
     
         25 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 24  wherein the primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener and the secondary fastening component is an adhesive.  
     
     
         26 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 21  further comprising a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training of the wearer.  
     
     
         27 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 21  comprising a plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one another.  
     
     
         28 . A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, a body-facing surface, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet;    at least one flow control layer;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet, at least a portion of the absorbent core being disposed between the flow control layer and the backsheet; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein the flow control layer retards flow in a z direction of urine deposited by the wearer into the disposable absorbent article.    
     
     
         29 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 28  wherein the primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener.  
     
     
         30 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 28  wherein the refastenable side seam comprises at least one discrete mating fastening component with which the primary fastening component is adapted to engage.  
     
     
         31 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 28  wherein the refastenable side seam is adapted to fasten the opposing waist regions together in an overlapped configuration and comprises at least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten respective overlapped portions of the opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening component.  
     
     
         32 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 31  wherein the primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener and the secondary fastening component is an adhesive.  
     
     
         33 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 28  further comprising a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the flow control layer in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface.  
     
     
         34 . The disposable absorbent article of  claim 28  comprising a plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one another.  
     
     
         35 . A package comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent articles for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer, each of the disposable absorbent articles having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, and comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet;    at least one wetness sensation member including a flow control layer disposed between a water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side scam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction.    
     
     
         36 . The package of  claim 35  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles is configured such that the refastenable side seam is fastened.  
     
     
         37 . The package of  claim 35  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles further comprises a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training of the wearer.  
     
     
         38 . The package of  claim 35  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles further comprises at least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten respective portions of the opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening component, the secondary fastening component being fastened and the primary fastening component being open.  
     
     
         39 . A package comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent articles for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer, each of the disposable absorbent articles having a longitudinal axis, a body-facing surface, two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, and comprising: 
 a backsheet;    a topsheet attached to the backsheet;    at least one flow control layer;    an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet, at least a portion of the absorbent core being disposed between the flow control layer and the backsheet; and    at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist region,    wherein the flow control layer retards flow in a z direction of urine deposited by the wearer into the disposable absorbent article.    
     
     
         40 . The package of  claim 39  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles is configured such that the refastenable side seam is fastened.  
     
     
         41 . The package of  claim 39  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles further comprises a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the flow control layer in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface.  
     
     
         42 . The package of  claim 39  wherein each of the disposable absorbent articles further comprises at least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten respective portions of the opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening component, the secondary fastening component being fastened and the primary fastening component being open.