Convertible belted diaper

Abstract

An absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, incontinence brief, diaper holder, training pant or the like, having a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article will be constructed and fitted to the wearer. The fastening system allows the wearer to choose between conventional, belted, and pull-up diaper configurations. Further, the fastening system is designed to ensure easy changing and removal of the absorbent article as well as easy inspection for soiling. Such absorbent articles comprise a containment assembly generally comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, first and second belt flaps extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the containment assembly, and a refastenable fastening system comprising a first fastening assembly and a second fastening assembly. The first fastening assembly is designed for constructing the absorbent article in a belted configuration. The second fastening assembly, designed as an alternative to the first fastening assembly, provides a system for fastening the absorbent article in a conventional configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A disposable absorbent article having a refastenable fastening system allowing the absorbent article to be fitted to a wearer in a belted configuration or in a conventional configuration, the absorbent article comprising: a) a containment assembly having a rear waist region, a crotch section, a front waist region, a pair of longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface opposite of said inner surface, said containment assembly comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet;   b) a first belt flap extending laterally outwardly from one of said longitudinal edges of said containment assembly in said rear waist region, said first belt flap having a proximal edge joined to said rear waist region, a distal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said proximal edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface;   c) a second belt flap extending laterally outwardly from the other of said longitudinal edges of said containment assembly in said rear waist region, said second belt flap having a proximal edge joined to said rear waist region, a distal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said proximal edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface;   d) a first fastening assembly for fastening said absorbent article in a belted configuration comprising: i) a first belt flap closure member disposed adjacent said distal edge on said first belt flap on said outer surface;   ii) a second belt flap closure member disposed adjacent said distal edge on said second belt flap on said inner surface, said second belt flap closure member being engageable with said first belt flap closure member to form a belt;   iii) a rear waist region closure member disposed on said outer surface on said containment assembly in said rear waist region; and   iv) a front waist region closure member disposed adjacent each said longitudinal edge of said containment assembly in said front waist region on said inner surface; said front waist region closure member being engageable with said rear waist region closure member; and     e) a second fastening assembly for fastening said absorbent article in a conventional configuration comprising: i) a first closure member disposed adjacent said distal edge on said first belt flap on said inner surface,   ii) said second belt flap closure member disposed adjacent said inner surface on said second belt flap adjacent said distal edge of said second belt flap, and   iii) a third closure member disposed adjacent the end edge of said front waist region on said outer surface of said containment assembly, said third closure member being engageable with said second belt flap closure member component and said first closure member.     
     
     
       2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first fastening assembly comprises mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
       3. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said second fastening assembly comprises mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
       4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first fastening assembly and said second fastening assembly each comprise mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
       5. The absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said front waist region closure member, said first closure member and said second belt flap closure member comprise a landing component. 
     
     
       6. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said landing component comprises a loop component of a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
       7. The absorbent article of claim 6 wherein said first belt flap closure member, said rear waist region closure member, and said third closure member comprise an engaging component. 
     
     
       8. The absorbent article of claim 7 wherein said engaging component comprises a hook component of a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
       9. The absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said belt flaps are elastically extensible. 
     
     
       10. The absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said first and second belt flaps are unitary with said containment assembly. 
     
     
       11. The absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said first and second belt flaps are separate elements joined to said containment assembly. 
     
     
       12. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first fastening assembly comprises adhesive fasteners. 
     
     
       13. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said second fastening assembly comprises adhesive fasteners. 
     
     
       14. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first fastening assembly and said second fastening assembly comprise adhesive fasteners. 
     
     
       15. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said rear waist region closure member comprises a pair of fastening elements disposed on laterally opposing sides of the containment assembly.