MXPA96002664A - Absorbent article having a barrier antiescurrimientos dobl - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent articles that have side panels that provide a bent anti-fall barrier that promotes better suppression and adjustment. The absorbent articles comprise a liquid-permeable top sheet (38), a liquid-impermeable back or back sheet (42), an absorbent core (44) positioned between the top sheet and the backsheet, and a side panel (62). ) extending laterally from each of the longitudinal edges (36) of the absorbent article and having a proximal edge (64) and an edge during (66); separation means to separate the far edge away from the liquid receiving surface (top sheet ) of the absorbent article, and closure means (78) to secure the inwardly distant edges of the proximal edges in the front waist region (22). The distal edge of the side panel is secured inwardly from the proximal edges in the front waist region and is disposed outside the proximal edge in the rear waist region (24) when fitted to the wearer. In this way, the side panels are bent so that the portion of the side panels in the rear waist region provide a sealing action around the user's buttocks to contain the exudates, and a comfortable fit, while the raised portions of the side panels in the crotch portion and the closed portion of the side panels in the front waist region provide channels to contain, restrict and maintain body exudates

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A BARRIER ANTISCURRIMIENTOS DOBLADA This is a continuation in part of the Application Serial Number 08 / 073,253 filed on 06/07/93, which is pending; which is a continuation of Application Serial Number 07 / 821,260 filed on 10/01/92, which has been "" '' abandoned, which is a continuation of Application Serial Number 07 / 561,767 filed on 08/02 / 90, which has been abandoned, which is a divisional of Application Serial No. 07 / 382,157 filed on 07/18/89, which has been issued as United States Patent Number 4,964,860.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinence articles, pantiliners, feminine pads and more specifically, to absorbent articles having side panels that mold when the absorbent article is placed on the wearer to provide anti-fall barriers that they improve the repression characteristics and the adjustment of the absorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The main function of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and incontinent or panty-protective articles is that of absorbing and retaining body exudates. Such items are therefore expected to prevent body exudates from staining, wetting or otherwise contaminating your clothing or other items, such as mattresses and bedding, that come into contact with the user. The most common failure in this type of product occurs when the body exudates run off the article through the spaces created between the article and the user's leg or waist toward the adjacent clothes, because they are not immediately absorbed. within the article and the absorbent article is not able to maintain a perfect fit in the user, causing the spaces that allow the body exudates to drain out of the absorbent article to be created. For example, urine tends to be deposited on the topsheet long before it can be absorbed and, therefore, urine flows into the spaces in the absorbent article where it can come into contact with clothing or other items by the urine. which can be absorbed. On the other hand, inconsistent fecal matter that is not readily absorbed by the absorbent article tends to "float" on the liquid receiving surface and somehow pass through the spaces between the article and the user's legs or waist. Current disposable diapers have a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core and elasticated skirts in the crotch that are usually formed by an elastic member covered by the upper and back sheets, which extend beyond the edges of the body. absorbent core. Generally, these elasticated skirts in the crotch are effective in preventing wetting and spills of diaper fluid loaded into the garment adjacent to the edges of the diaper where the elasticated skirts of the crotch have a barrier impervious to fluids in between. the edges of the diaper and the clothing in contact, and in addition, provides a sealing action on the user's legs to maintain a seal on the leg and minimize the creation of spaces. However, runoff along the perimeter of the diaper can still occur. Because the diaper is worn for long periods of time, the forces tend to act on the diaper to degrade the fit on the wearer. Large spaces and warps of the diaper are formed on the legs and waist by the degradation in the fit. Therefore, when the liquids are deposited on the upper sheet, part of the liquid is not absorbed immediately through the upper sheet and then the liquid migrates towards the edges of the diaper where it can run off or pass through the diaper spaces and get in contact with the underwear or dress, where it can be absorbed by it and moisten it. Disposable diapers may also contain anti-seizure barriers which inhibit inconsistent fecal matter or spills of urine or liquids from staining the wearer's clothing. The anti-drip barriers restrict the free fluid of this material and provide a structure for retaining said material within the diaper, such that this material floats freely or flows towards the upper sheet of the diaper, being always contained within the diaper. Despite the effectiveness of such structures in the containment of this material, it has been found that liquids may leak beyond the trapping barriers and stain the wearer's clothing because the construction of the diaper does not allow a lasting fit of the diaper in the user. In addition, the anti-sinking barriers may not be properly applied to the user, this because a good initial adjustment is not achieved and therefore, a lasting adjustment is often more difficult. Examples of some diapers and absorbent articles are described in the patent literature; these are: Patent Number Re. 26,151 of the United States reissued on January 31, 1967 (originally issued on April 27, 1965 under Patent Number 3,180,335), to Robert C. Duncan and which describes a disposable diaper with folded side wings inward and means for securing the ends of the bent edges inward of the side wings in position on the face of the absorbent area of the diaper Patent Number 3,860,003 from the United States, issued on January 24, 1985 to Kenneth Barclay Buell and describing contractile side parts for disposable diaper These diapers have lateral wings extended outwardly and elastic members forming seals on the leg Patent Number 4,490,148 from the United States, issued December 25, 1984 to Bo Beckestrom, that describes an incontinence article or diaper that has lateral wings that are bent inward and that are fixed at the ends to the posterior leaf and whose wings are lat They have elasticized free edges. The Beckestrom patent obeys to that in the Duncan patent the lateral wings are not secured in the crotch area. Beckestrom places the securing points on the ends of the lateral wings behind the belt lordes of the absorbent core and secures them to underlying portions of the backsheet. Patent Number 4,964,860 from the United States, issued to Gibson et al. October 23, 1990 and describing an absorbent article of two separable pieces with a disposable element and with folded side panels (Fig. 2). The disposable element is temporarily secured to a belt that holds the disposable part against the wearer's waist. Patent Number 5,087,255 of the United States, issued to Bret A. Sims on February 11, 1992 and describing an absorbent article with a bent anti-fall barrier that provides better containment and adjustment to the waist. While this absorbent article has been effective, it is not economical to manufacture. The anti-drip barrier is manufactured independently of the absorbent core, the upper and back sheets and must be placed on the upper top sheet during a maquila process. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article having improved containment characteristics than those described in Patent of Sims and in the two garments of Gibson et al. but that is much more convenient and efficient to use and manufacture. It is a further objective to provide an absorbent article having a bent anti-sinking barrier that acts as an obstacle against the leakage of body exudates. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article that is easy to apply to the wearer and that ensures better continence because it is less sensitive to variations in the application of the diaper, providing an improved durable fit. These and other objects of the invention will very soon be apparent when they are considered with reference to the following description and when they are taken in connection with the drawings that accompany this text.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinence articles, diaper carriers, training diapers, pantiliners and similar articles having folded anti-fall barriers that improve the fit and containment characteristics of the absorbent article, which is more convenient and cheaper to manufacture than other products currently on the market. The absorbent article of the present invention has a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region, a liquid pervious top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet associated with the top sheet, an absorbent core placed between the upper sheet and the back sheet and a pair of longitudinally extending side panels formed preferably of extensions of the upper, back or both sheets. Each of the side panels has a distal edge and a proximal edge, which extend longitudinally from the front waist region to the rear waist region passing through the crotch region. The side panels further comprise a separation means disposed adjacent the far edge of each side panel in the crotch region. The side panels are folded inward and attached to the top sheet in the front waist region, * -, while the side panels are folded outward in the rear waist region. In this way, when adjusted to the user, the side panels are folded along their entire length. This causes the side panels to move from the comfortable position by sealingly fitting over the user's buttocks to the raised configuration in the crotch region known as the "immobile zone". The resulting folded runoff barrier is placed in the immobile area of the user's crotch region, causing an improved fit and better containment characteristics throughout the time of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the description concludes with claims that point particularly and differently claim the matter that is considered to form the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following descriptions, which are taken in conjunction with the drawings that accompany them, in which designations were used to designate substantially identical elements which are: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the body of a disposable diaper of the present invention with portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure, the surface of the diaper that makes contact with the body, is facing the reader. Figure 2 is the view of a fragmentary section taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is the view of a fragmentary section taken along line 3-3 of the Figure 1. Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of an absorbent article according to an alternative body of the invention. Figure 5a is a fragmentary sectional view of an absorbent article of an alternative body of the invention. Figure 5b, is a fragmentary sectional view of an absorbent article of another alternative body of the invention. Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of an absorbent article of another alternative body of the invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of another absorbent article according to the present invention in which the side panels are folded in the crotch region of the garment, the surface of the diaper making contact faces the reader. Figure 8 is a perspective view of another disposable diaper of the present invention with wings in the region of the rear waist, the surface of the diaper making contact faces the reader. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the garment of Figure 1 with the side panels folded inwards for packaging.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative body of the present invention with a belt. Figure 10b is a perspective view of an alternative body of the present invention with a reusable belt. Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternative body of the present invention with a fastening system in the front and rear regions of the waist. The surface in contact with the clothes faces the reader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to articles that absorb and contain body exudates and more specifically to articles that are placed against or in proximity to the wearer's body to absorb and contain the different exudates discharged by the body. Absorbent articles are typically differentiated into reusable and disposable. "Disposable" refers to items that were created to be discarded after being used once (they were not created to be washed, restored, or reused). The absorbent articles of the present invention are preferably disposable absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may also be defined if they are "unitary", which do not require separate parts or if they comprise an element of a diaper system as a separate retainer and layer. The absorbent articles of the present invention are preferably unitary. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a unitary disposable absorbent article, diaper 20. As used herein the term "diaper" refers to a garment generally worn by infants and incontinent persons. It should be understood that the present invention also applies to other disposable absorbent articles such as incontinence articles, pantiprotectors, disposable training pants, belt diapers, food, sanitary napkins, and the like. Figure 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention fully stretched and flat (ie, with all the induced contraction of the elastic without pulling) with portions of the structure cut to more clearly show the construction of the diaper (20) and with the portion of the diaper 20 that comes in contact with the user facing the reader. The diaper (20) is shown in Figure 1 to have a body facing surface (40) (facing the reader in Figure 1), a garment facing surface (41) opposite the body facing surface (40), a front waist region (22), a back waist region (24), a crotch region (26) and a periphery that is defined as the outer edges of the diaper (20) in which the longitudinal edges they are designated with the number 30 and the ends with the number 32.

The waist regions generally comprise those portions of the diaper (20) which when worn surround the wearer's waist. The waist regions may include an elastic element such that they fit around the wearer's waist. The crotch region (26) in that portion of the diaper (20) placed between the front waist region (22) and the back (24) region and comprises that portion which when worn is placed between the user's legs and covers the low torzo of the user. The diaper (20) also has a lateral longitudinal axis (34) and a longitudinal axis which is designated 36). The diaper (20) comprises a permeable topsheet (38), a waterproof backsheet (42), with an inner surface (23) (as shown in Figures 2 and 4) and an outer surface (28) opposite to the internal surface (23); an absorbent core (44) with side edges that are designated as side edges (50) and waist edges (52); side panels (62) with a proximal edge (64) and a distant one (66); a first end (72) and a second end (74); separation means (76) as elastic members (77) for separating the distant edge (66) away from the body facing surface (40) and closure means (78) to secure at least a portion of the distant edge (66) ) on the near edge (64) in the front region of the waist (22). In a preferred embodiment of the diaper (20) in which the backsheet (42) has generally larger dimensions than those of the absorbent core (44) the backsheet (42) extends beyond the edges of the absorbent core (44). ) of the periphery of the diaper (20) and the side panels (62). The periphery defines the outer perimeter or in other words the edges of the diaper (20). The periphery comprises the longitudinal edges (30) and the terminal edges (32). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the topsheet (38) may have the same end as the backsheet (42) along the end edges (32) as well as the longitudinal edges (30) of the diaper (twenty) . Preferably the near edge (64) of the side panel (62) defines the longitudinal edge (30) of the diaper (20) in the front region of the waist (22) and preferably comprises an extension of the top sheet (38), or the back (42) or both. The distant edge (66) of each side panel (62) defines the longitudinal edge (30) of the diaper (20) in the crotch region (26) or the region of the rear waist (24). However, the distant edge (66) is secured to the underlying structure (upper sheet 38) of the diaper (20) on the proximal edge (64) in the region of the front waist (22) by the means for closing (78) which preferably comprise an adhesive. (As the term "inside" has been used, it is defined as the direction toward the longitudinal axis (36) of the diaper (20)). Therefore, the distant edge (66) closes in the front region of the waist (22) (it does not open and it is not possible for it to separate from the surface in contact with the body (40)).

Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1 and illustrates a preferred construction of the side panel (62) and showing a top sheet (38) the back (42), the core absorbent (44) and the separation means (76). The absorbent core (44) is positioned between the top sheet (38) and the back sheet (42); the top sheet (38) and the back sheet (42) extend beyond the side edge (50) of the absorbent core (44) to form the side panel (62). In the body shown, the top sheet (38) is secured to the backsheet (42) along the distant edge (66) by an adhesive bead (35). Preferably, an adhesive layer (37) was used to secure the absorbent core (44) to the backsheet as will be seen later. The separation means (76), as a plurality of the elastic members (77), lie adjacent to the distant edge (66) of each side panel (62). Preferably, an elastic connecting member (86) attaches the elastic members (77) to the diaper (20). The distant edge (66) is thus far from the surface facing the body (40) of the upper sheet (38) by an elastic action of the elastic members (77); therefore a channel (88) is formed between the near edge (64) and the distant edge (66).

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view 3-3 in Figure 1 and illustrates a preferred construction of the side panel (62) and the front waist region (22) the top sheet (38) and the rear sheet (42) extend further beyond the edges (50) of the absorbent core (44) to form the side panels (62). As shown in Figure 3, the upper sheet (38) is folded on itself and secured by the first means for closing (78) on the body showing the outer surface (28) of the back sheet (42) is adjacent to the user's skin when the garment is made. Therefore, it is desired that it adopt designs in which the outer surface (28) is formed of or covered with fabric or a similar substitute in order to provide a user-friendly skin surface. The absorbent core (44) may be any generally compressible, conformable, absorbent material that does not irritate users' skin and is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body exudates. The absorbent core (44) can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. (Rectangular, asymmetric, etc.) and a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as pulp of crushed wood more commonly known as airflet. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, super absorbent polymers, absorbent gelatinous materials, or any other equivalent material or combination of materials. The total absorbency of the absorbent core (44) must, however, be compatible with the design of the exudate load and the use for which the diaper was created (20). In addition, the absorption capacity and configuration of the absorption core (44) can be varied to accommodate users of infants to adults (The absorbent core can have a variant gauge or a hydrophilic grade, a capillary differential, low density areas , or may not contain gelling materials). The absorbent core (44) may comprise a sheet of absorbent material of hydrophilic fibers and particles of absorbent solifer (hydrogel) as the absorbent structure described in US Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled "High Density Absorbent Structure" issued to Paul T Wiseman and Steven A. Goldman on September 9, 1986 and whose patent is incorporated herein by reference. The preferred bodies of the absorbent core (44) are generally described in US Pat. No. 5,234,423 entitled "Absorbent Articles With Elastic Waist and Greater Absorbency", issued to Germany et al. on August 20, 1993; and U.S. Patent No. 5,214,445 entitled "Absorbent Structures Containing Super Absorbent Material and Weaving Reinforced Fibers" issued to Young et al. on June 8, 1993, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of absorbent cores used in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Number 5,124,188 entitled "Porous, Absorbent, Polymeric Macrostructures and Methods for Doing the Same" issued to Roe et al. on June 23, 1992; US Pat. No. 5,137,537 entitled "Absorbent Structure Containing Etched Polycarboxylic Acid and Cellulose Fibers of Wood Pulp" issued in Herrón et al. on August 11, 1992; Patent Number 5,180,622 from the United States entitled "Absorbent Members Containing Interlinked Cross-linked Aggregates" issued to Berg et al. on January 19, 1993; Patent Number 5,260,345 from the United States entitled "Absorbent Foamy Materials for Aqueous Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing Such Materials" issued to DesMarais et al. on November 9, 1993; Patent Number 4,673,402 from the United States entitled "Absorbent Articles with Dual Sheet Cores" issued to Paul T. Wiseman, Don I. Houghton and Dale A. Gellert on June 16; and PCT Publication Number WO92 / 11830 published July 23, 1992 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Fast Multilayer Acquisition Core". All of these patents and their applications are incorporated herein by reference. The backsheet (42) is positioned adjacent the absorbent core (44) adjacent to the surface that does not face the skin of the wearer and is secured to that part by means of means of fixing the core (37) as Those well known in the art For example, the backsheet 42 can be secured to the absorbent core 44 by a continuous and uniform adhesive layer, by a layer of adhesive and to a pattern, or a layer of repaired lines or spots. An adhesive that has been found to be acceptable is that manufactured by HB Fuller Company of St. Paul Minn. and marketed as HL1258.The core fixing means preferably comprises an open network of adhesive filament patterns as shown in US Pat. Patent Number 4,573,986 of the United States entitled "Disposable Waste Container Garment", issued to JA Minetola and David R. Tucker on March 4, 1986, which is reincorporated herein by reference. of an open network of filaments comprises several lines of filaments of swirling adhesive as the pattern illustrates in the apparatuses and methods shown in US Pat. No. 3,911,173 issued to Spryn Jr. on October 7, 1975; Patent Number 4,785,996 from the United States issued to Zieckler, et al. on November 22, 1978 and US Patent Number 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the fixation means may comprise heat bonds, or any other suitable fixation means or combinations of these fixation means which is already known in the art.

The backsheet (42) is impervious to liquids and is preferably manufactured from a very thin plastic film, although other flexible impermeable materials can also be used. The backsheet (42) prevents the exudates absorbed and retained in the absorption core (44) from wetting the articles that are in contact with the diaper (20) such as mattresses and bedding or underwear. Still further, the backsheet (42) can allow the vapors to escape the absorption core (44) while preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet (42). Thus, the backsheet (42) may comprise woven or non-woven, polymeric films, like films, thermoplastics of for example polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials as materials covered by non-woven material. On the other hand, the backsheet (42) may comprise a sheet of a non-woven sheet and a polymeric film. Including bodies in which the non-woven sheet extends beyond the dimensions of the polymeric film. An example of backsheet (42) is a polyethylene film with a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 cm (2.0 mils). As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that readily yield and that will adapt to the general shape and contours of the human body. A suitable polyethylene is manufactured by Tredegar Film Products Inc. of Teme Haute IN and is marketed on the market as Tredegar X8526. The top sheet (42) is preferably stamped and / or is given a matt finish to provide a more garment appearance. The upper sheet (38) is flexible, soft to the touch and does not irritate the user's skin. Moreover, the upper sheet (38) is permeable, allowing liquids to penetrate freely through its thickness. A suitable top sheet can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as porous, articulated, open plastic films, natural fibers (wood or cotton), synthetic fibers (polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. There are a variety of manufacturing techniques that can be used in the manufacture of the top sheet (38).

For example, the upper sheet (38) can be woven or non-woven, spun, carded, etc. A preferred top sheet (38) comprises staple length polypropylene fibers with a 2.2 denier such as P-8 manufactured by Veratec Inc. A division of the Inter Paper Company of Walpole, Massachusetts.

As used herein, the term "pounds of the length of a staple" refers to those that have a length of at least . 9 mm (0.625 inches). A preferred top sheet (38) is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the art of fabrics. A preferred embodiment, the topsheet (38) is made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquids in the absorbent core (44). If the topsheet 38 is made of a hydrophobic material, at least the top surface of the topsheet 38 is treated so that it is hydrophilic such that the liquids are transferred more rapidly through the topsheet 38. This decreases the likelihood that the exudates of the body flow out of the upper sheet 38, instead of being channeled through the upper sheet 38 and being absorbed by the absorbent core 44. The upper sheet 38 can be made hydrophilic by treatment with an agent surfactant which includes spraying the material of the topsheet 38 with a surfactant or immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such treatment is contained in U.S. Patent 4,988,344 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multiple Layer Absorbent Layers" issued to Reising and various, January 29, 1991, and U.S. Patent 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Absorbent Nuclei of Rapid Acquisition "issued to Reising on January 29, 1991, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The upper sheet 38 and the back or back sheet 42 can be joined together in any appropriate manner as is well known in the art of diaper manufacturing. As used herein, the term "attached" encompasses configurations that the topsheet 38 is directly attached to the backsheet 42 by attaching the topsheet 38 directly to the backsheet 42, and configurations that the topsheet 38 is indirectly attached to the backsheet 42 by fixing the topsheet 38 to intermediate members which in turn are attached to the backsheet 42. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 are directly bonded together in the periphery of the diaper by attachment means 35 such as an adhesive or any other attachment means as is known in the art. The appropriate attachment means are discussed previously with respect to the backsheet 42. The diaper 20 further comprises a pair of side panels 62 that provide a structure for restricting the free flow of exudates from the body along the body-facing surface. 40 of the diaper 20, and to maintain and contain such exudates within the diaper 20. In a preferred embodiment, the side panels 62 are impervious to liquids. Thus, in the front waist region 22, where the side panels 62 are bent over the surface facing the body 40 of the absorbent core 44, the side panels 62 prevent the deposition of liquid on the top sheet 38 by further migration. beyond the absorbent core 44. This helps to ensure that no liquid that has not been immediately absorbed by the absorbent core 44 will be absorbed before it migrates to the areas from which the liquids can drain out of the diaper 20. In the region of crotch 26, the side panels 62 are raised in the immobile areas of the wearer and provide an anti-leakage barrier impervious to the liquids that make up the wearer's body, providing repression of body exudates further when the diaper 20 has been loaded. In the rear waist region 24, the side panels 62 provide a sealing action around the user's seat which helps to prevent cracks that can lead to leakage. Each side panel 62 is a flexible member having a proximal edge 64 and a distal end 66. The distal edge 66 of the side panel 62 is that part of the side panel 62 that is laterally spaced outwardly of the absorbent core 44, when the side panel 62 is in a flattened state (before the side panel 62 is bent and attached to the top sheet 38 in the front waist region 22). The distal edge 66 of each of the side panels 62 is preferably not secured to any underlying element of the diaper 20, in at least the rear waist region 24, preferably both of the rear waist region 24 and the crotch region. 26. The distal edge 66 is preferably spaced away from the body facing surface 40 in the crotch region 26, such that the side panel 62 can form a channel 88 (as shown in Figure 2) to improve the diaper repression 20. As used herein, "spacing" includes embodiments where the distant edges 66 may assume one or more positions in relation to the surface facing the body 40, including sometimes assuming a position adjacent to the facing surface. to the body 40. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the distal edge 66 of each of the side panels 62 is disposed laterally inward of the trailing edge. 64 in the front waist region 22 to present a more effective barrier against the flow of exudates. The distant edges 66 are held within the proximal edges 64 in the front waist region 22 by first closure means 78 to prevent their inversion. The proximal edge 64 is that portion of the side panel 62 that is disposed adjacent the side edges 50 of the absorbent core 44. (When the side panels 62 are in a flattened configuration, the proximal edge 64 is laterally spaced inward from the distant edge 66). The distant edge 66 is spaced apart from the proximal edge 64, and its spatial relationship to each other defines the effective width of each of the side panels 62. The proximal edges 64 and the distant edges 66 may be in a parallel, non-parallel relationship, straight or curve. In addition, each of the side panels 62 may have a variety of different cross-sectional areas, including circular, square, rectangular or any other type of shape. Preferably, the proximal edge 64 is spaced from the distal edge 66 in a parallel and straight relationship. The effective width of the side panel 62 is an important parameter in reducing the runoff of body exudates out of the diaper 20. If the effective width of the side panel is too small, then gaps will form between the user's leg and the distant edge. 66, such that liquids can flow over the far edge 66 toward the periphery of the diaper 20. As shown in Figure 1, the distal edges 66 are preferably spaced apart from each other in the front waist region. However, the lateral spacing between the distant edges 66 may vary from being mutually intersecting to abutting each other, to be laterally spaced to the width of the proximal edges in the front waist region 22. Thus, in a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the distant edges 66 may be laterally spaced from about -25mm (-1 inch) (overlapping the edges) to about 150mm (6 inches). Preferably, the distant edges 66 are spaced apart in such a manner that the side panel will fit in the crease of the user's deep leg instead of going along the user's outer thigh. The distant edges 66 are also shown in the Figure 1, which are arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the end edge 32 of the diaper 20, in the front waist region 22. While this is a preferred embodiment, the distant edges 66 may alternatively be angled toward or away from one of another, preferably towards one another, such that the distant edges 66 are disposed non-perpendicular to the end edges 32. Angulating the side panels 62 relative to the end edge 32, can assist in allowing the side panel 62 to remain spacing of the surface facing the body 40 in the crotch region 26 during use. The distal edges 66 are preferably spaced laterally from each other in the crotch region 26. The lateral space of the distal edges 66 is especially important in the crotch region 26 to prevent exudates from the body, especially urine, from leaking out. of the diaper 20 in the user's leg regions. If the distant edges 66 are laterally spaced too far apart from one another, then the side panels 62 have an increased tendency to "come out" of the crotch region 26, such that the urine can flow over the side panels 62. If the edges 66 are spaced too closely from one another, then the side panels 62 provide a reduced area for the deposition of the exudates such that the exudates can be directly deposited on the side panels 62 and flow towards the edges of the diaper 20. The distant edge 66 of each of the side panels 62 is preferably disposed laterally away from each of the proximal edges 64 in the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20, when the diaper is in a flattened condition without contracting. The term "outside" is defined as the direction outside the longitudinal center line 36 of the diaper 20. (ie, the opposite direction of the direction defined by the term "inward"). By this, the side panel 62 extends laterally outwardly in the rear waist region 24 when the diaper 20 is a flattened condition without contracting. The laterally extending portion of the side panel 62 promotes better restraint that is less sensitive to variations in application and provides a contoured fit around the user's buttocks. Because the distal edge 66 is disposed inward of the proximal edge 64 in the posterior waist region 24, the distal edge 66 becomes "folded" along its length when the diaper 20 is fitted to a wearer. This inflection transforms the side panels 62 of the fit comfortably around the buttocks (the outwardly extending portion) to rise in the "motionless" zone of the crotch region 26 for better suppression. The resulting "folded anti-scuff barrier" is easy to apply to the user and ensures that the adjustment of the side panel 62 is in the "motionless" zone in the crotch region 26, with a comfortable fit around the user's seat in at least the posterior waist region 24.

It has been found that the anti-twist barrier bent in this manner provides a sealing action around the user's buttocks to provide a sustained comfortable fit that reduces the escape of body exudates, especially BM runny, and a straight sinking barrier in the crotch region. and the front waist region 22 for repressing, containing and handling body exudates within the diaper along the channel 88. However, it has been found that if the side panel 62 is "pulled" too far into the front waist region 22 along its length of side panel 62, then body exudates will tend to flow over side panels 62. In this way, it is preferred that the bent anti-spill barrier, in use, provide a sealing action around the user's seat provide a comfortable fit (ie, the outlet portion of the anti-creep barrier is placed) in less than about 50% of the diaper length, more preferably less than about 40% of the length of the diaper 20, and more preferably only in the rear waist region 34. ( The percentage of the length of the exit portion is defined as that length of the diaper in which the side panel is removed, divided by the total length of the diaper at 100%). In this manner, the straight portion of the side panel (distant edge 66 disposed inward of the proximal edge 64) is provided, in use, of at least about "%" of the length of the diaper, preferably at least 60%. of the diaper length, and more preferably of the front waist region towards and throughout the crotch region 26. The outlet portion of the side panel 62 can be maintained at less than about 50% of the diaper length in a number of diapers. For example, the closure means 78 may extend in the longitudinal direction, thereby ensuring that the outlet portion is maintained at less than about 50% of the length of the diaper 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7 , a crotch attachment means 100 may be disposed in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 to secure the distal edge 66 inward of the proximal edge 64. The crotch attachment means 100 may comprise any joining means as is known in the art, including those described below with respect to the closure means 78 which maintain the distal edges 66 inwardly of the longitudinal edges 30 of the front waist region. In addition, the joint provided by the crotch attachment means 100 may be breakable, such that the wearer may release all or a portion of the distant edge 66 in the crotch region 26 to obtain the desired fit. The closure means 78 for securing the first end 72 of the closed side panel 62 is shown in the "" "" Figure 1. The closure means 78 provides a more comfortable fit for the user and secures the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62 in an appropriate position to form a bent anti-drip barrier In a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the closure means 78 is disposed in the front waist region 22. The remaining portions of the far edges 66 are preferably not secured to any underlying structure of the diaper 20, so that the distant edges 66 are left open freely.In a preferred embodiment, the length of the closure means 78 is from about 25mm (about 1 inch) to about 100mm. (about 4 inches), more preferably between about 35mm (about 1.5 inches) and about 75mm (about 3 inches). refers this construction to create a comfortable fit around the user's buttocks to especially prevent the escape of fecal material. While each of the closure means 78 may comprise any of several security means as are known in the art, such as ultrasonic joints or heat / pressure joints or seals using a variety of bonding patterns, or adhesives and / or adhesives, preferably the closure means are adhesive beads consisting of adhesive as manufactured by HB Fuller Company of St. Paul Minnesota, and marketed as HL-1258. As shown in Figure 1, the separation means 76 preferably comprises elastic members 77 that are operatively associated with each of the side panels 62 adjacent the distant edge 66. The elastic members 77 are preferably secured to the side panels 62 in a elastically contractible condition, such that in a normally loose configuration, the elastic members 77 effectively narrows or joins the distant edge 66 of the side panels 62. The elastic members 77 can be secured to the side panels 62 in an elastically contractible condition in at least two ways as discussed in US Patent No. 3, 860,003, entitled "Contractible Side Portion For Disposable Diaper", which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 26, 1974, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the length of elastic member 77 in general, is dictated by the design of the diaper. In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the elastic member 77 extends along substantially the entire length of the side panels 62 in the crotch region 26, although other lengths are knowable. The resilient members 77 are preferably not disposed in the front waist region 22. The lack of attachment of the distal edge 66 adjacent the end edge 32 helps to reduce the forces tending to pull the diaper downward, resulting in warping and forming. diaper tracts 20 in the waist regions. As shown in Figure 2, the elastic member 77 is operatively associated with the side panels 62 by securing to or within the side panels 62 with an elastic attachment means 86. The elastic attachment means 86 must be flexible and of sufficient grip to keep the elastic member 77 in its stretched condition. While the elastic members 77 can be secured to the adjacent side panels 62 only the ends of the elastic member 77, it is preferable to secure the full length of the elastic member 77 to the side panels 62. (In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where The absorbent article comprises ear flaps 45 (as shown in Figure 8), the elastic members 77 may be attached to the ear flaps 54 (as shown in Figure 8), the elastic members 77 may be attached to the flaps 77. ear flaps 54 of the posterior waist region 24). Elastic attachment means 86 herein are preferably glue beads made of hot melt adhesive, as marketed by Findley Adhesives Incorporated, Elmgrove, Wisconsin, as Findley Adhesives 581, although the elastic members may be attached to the side panels 62 in any of several other ways that are well known in the art. For example, the elastic members 77 can be ultrasonically bonded or heat sealed / pressed into the side panels 62 using a variety of bonding patterns, or the elastic members 77 can simply be glued to the side panels 62. Further description Detailed description of the manner in which elastic members can be placed and secured to side panels 62, can be found in US Patent No. 4,081,301, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Continuously Attaching Discrete, Stretched Elastic Strands to Predetermined Isolated Portions of Disposable Absorbent Products ", which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on March 28, 1978, and US Patent No. 4,253,461, entitled" Absorbent Brief "issued to Danny L. Strickiand and Ronald B. Visscher on March 3, 1981 , both of which are incorporated herein by reference. It will be noted that one or more (a plurality of) elastic members 77 can be used to elasticize each of the side panels 62. Preferably, three elastic members 77 are used to elasticize each of the side panels 62. An elastic member 77 that It has been found suitable, it is an elastic yarn having a cross section of 0.18mm by 1.5mm and it is made of natural rubber, as is available from Easthampton Rubber Company of Stewart, Virginia, under the brand name Rubber Compound L-1900. Other suitable elastic members 77 may be made from natural rubber, such as elastic tape sold under the brand Fulflex 9411 from Fulflex Company of Middletown, Rhode Island. The elastic member 77 may also comprise any heat-shrinkable material as is well known in the art. Other suitable elastic materials may comprise a wide variety of materials, as are well known in the art, including elastomeric films, polyurethane films, Lycra, elastomeric adhesives and formed elastic fabrics. In addition, the elastic members 77 can take a plurality of configurations. For example, the width of the elastic members 77 can be varied; the elastic members may comprise a single thread or several threads in parallel or not of elastic material; or the elastic members 77 can be straight or curved. The separation means 76 may alternatively comprise several other elements. For example, the side panels 62 may have reinforcement means disposed on or on each of the side panels 62. The reinforcement means must be sufficiently rigid such that the far edge 66 is spaced away from the body facing surface. 40. Suitable materials for reinforcing means include foams, non-woven fabrics, wadding, polyethylene film, formed films, powdered glues, foamed elastomers, polyester, polyurethane, or high materials. The separation means 76 may also comprise means for restricting the length of the distant edge 66 in comparison to the length of the edge of the diaper 20. The distant edge 66 may be restricted by making a fold or a fold at the distant edge 66. This fold or crease is secured by any of the retention means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as adhesives or heat sealants. Alternatively, a section can be cut from the distant edge 66 and the resulting edges are provided together to form a splice or overlap joint. Distant edge 66 may also be constrained by attaching a length of distant edge 66 to upper sheet 38 at a different position from where distant edge 66 would lie when diaper 20 is in a flattened condition. Other means of restraint may also be employed as are known in the art. The manner in which the diaper 20 is applied to a user will vary depending on the modality being used. In this way, the preferred methods for using the different modalities are described in more detail below. In each case, however, the distal edge 66 of the side panels 62 is pulled laterally outwardly such that the distal edges 66 are positioned away from the proximal edges 64, in the rear waist region. This provides a sealant configuration around the user's seat. The distant edges 66 of the side panels 62 remain inside the longitudinal edges 30 in the front waist region 22. Thus, the side panels 62 are bent, forming the anti-sinking barrier which remains elevated in the "immobile" zone of the user , in the crotch region 26. Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention taken in the front waist region 22. In this embodiment, the top sheet folds around the side edges 50 of the core absorbent 44. Preferably, at least a portion of the topsheet 38 extends between the backsheet 42 and the user facing side 46 of the absorbent core. The topsheet 38 and the absorbent core 44 are preferably attached to the backsheet 42, using a layer of adhesive 37 or any other means as is known in the art. In addition, as shown in Figure 4, the backsheet 42 includes a longitudinal hem 33 that encloses the elastic members 77. The hem 33 is preferably formed by wrapping a portion of the backsheet 42 around the elastic members 77, and securing the backsheet 42 to itself, inwardly of the elastic members 77, with an adhesive score 35. Preferably, the backsheet 42 is wrapped around the elastic members 77 such that the inside surface 23 of the backsheet 42, make contact with the elastic 77 and the adhesive count 35. This configuration helps to prevent any liquid, which is deposited on the inner surface 23 of the backsheet 42, from migrating beyond the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62, in the posterior waist region 24 and the crotch region 26. This modality is generally considered less desirable than other modalities, however, because only one fold of material is present in the side panels 62. Particularly, the side panels 62 come under substantial tension when the garment is worn. Depending on the nature of the backsheet 42, the side panels 62 of a single fold may not be strong enough for active users. Figure 5a illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the topsheet 38 comprises side extensions 21a that wrap around the backsheet 42 and are preferably secured to the outer surface 28 of the backsheet 42 with a score of adhesive 39 or other attachment means (eg. pressure, heat, ultrasonic, etc.). This embodiment is particularly useful when the backsheet 42 is formed of a plastic film. Since most users do not like to feel the plastic close to their skin, covering the back sheet 42 with the extension 21a of the upper sheet 38, which is typically made of a non-woven fabric, presenting a cloth effect on the surface facing the body 40 of the panels 62 folded inward and provides the fabric feel facing the skin. (A particularly desirable material for use as the backsheet 42 is an aligned non-woven polyfilm weft, however, the backsheet 42 may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films or polyethylene or polypropylene, or materials composites such as non-woven materials coated with film.) Another suitable construction of the side panels 62 provides the backsheet 42 comprising a laminate of a non-woven web and a polymeric film, wherein the non-woven web extends beyond the dimensions of the web. the polymeric film for forming the side panels 62. Figure 5b is still another alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the topsheet 38 has side extensions 2lb which comprise separate members attached to the topsheet 38. The side extensions 2lb are wrapped around of the backsheet 42 and are preferably secured to the surface outer layer 28 of backsheet 42 with an adhesive score 39 or other attachment means (eg, pressure, heat, ultrasonic, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the lateral extensions 21b comprise nonwoven web materials that are hydrophobic, and thus, prevent liquids from depositing on the topsheet 38 from the wicks, beyond the backsheet 42 impermeable to the liquids placed on the side panels 62. The side extensions 21b may be attached to the topsheet 38 by any means known in the art, including, but not limited to, adhesives and mechanical-dynamic bonding as described in the patent. No. 4,919,783, entitled "Dynamic Mechanical Bonding Method and Appartus", issued to Ball and others, on April 24, 1990, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the backsheet 42 includes a portion 25 that is bent around the elastic members 77, forming a longitudinal hem 33. The hem 33 is preferably formed by wrapping a portion of the backsheet 42 around the elastic members 77 and securing the backsheet 42 to itself, inwardly of the elastic members 77, with an adhesive score 35. Preferably, the backsheet 42 is wrapped around the elastic members 77 such that the surface internal 23 of the backsheet 42, makes contact with the elastic members 77 and the adhesive count 35. This configuration helps to prevent, any liquid that is deposited on the interior surface 23 of the backsheet 42, from migration beyond of the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62 in the rear waist region 24 and the crotch region 26. The top sheet is preferably secured to the outer surface 28 of the portion 25 of the backsheet 42 which wraps around the elastic members 77 with a layer of adhesive 39 or other suitable attachment means. In this configuration, the upper sheet 38 will be exposed against the user's skin in at least the rear waist region 24. Figure 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention having ear flaps 54 extending laterally outwardly from the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62, in the rear waist region 24. The ear flaps 54 provide a structure which, along with the front waist region 22 and the rear waist region 24, encircle the wearer's waist. Each of the ear flaps 54 has a proximal edge 51 and a distal edge 53. In a preferred embodiment, at least one ear flap 54 is attached to each of the side panels 62. The proximal edge 51 of the flap 48 ear 54 is preferably attached to the distal edge 66 of side panel 62. The proximal edge 51 of ear flap 54 may be attached to the user facing surface 41 of backsheet 42, or to the surface facing body 40 of the upper sheet 38, or between the upper sheet 38 and the back sheet 42. The ear flaps may be attached to the side panels 62 by any means as is known in the art.; for example, the ear flaps 54 may be intermittently or continuously attached to the side panels 62, using hot or unheated adhesive, heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical-dynamic bonding, or any other method that be known in art. The ear flaps 54 can assume a number of different sizes, shapes, configurations and materials. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the ear flaps can be generally rectangular in shape, having dimensions of between approximately 5cm (2 inches) and 20cm (8 inches) in the lateral direction and between approximately Scm (2 inches) and 20cm (8 inches) in the longitudinal direction; the dimensions being measured while the ear flaps 54 are in a non-extended and relaxed condition. In addition, each of the ear flaps 54 may comprise a single piece of material or two or more pieces of material operatively associated to form each of the ear flaps 54. The ear flaps 54 are preferably attached to the distal edges 66. of the side panels 62 in * - "the rear waist region 24 by joining means (not shown) such as those well known in the art." A suitable means for attaching each of the ear flaps 54 to the side panel 62, is fusion bonding ( eg, ultrasonic bonding, heat or pressure.) Alternatively, the ear flaps 54 may be intermittently or continuously attached to the side panels 62, using adhesive, mechanical-dynamic bonding or any other method that is known in the art. of ear 54 are preferably extendable in at least the lateral direction, and may be formed of any suitable stretchable, stretchable or elastomeric material (As used herein, the term "extensible" refers to materials that are increased by at least The term "stretchable" refers to materials that are extensible when stretching forces are applied to the material, and offer some resistance to extension. The term "elastomeric" refers to materials that extend in at least one direction when a force is applied and return to approximately their original dimensions after the force is released). An elastomeric material that has been found to be especially suitable for use on the ear flaps 54, is a two-layer confinement laminate with an elastomeric film inserted between the confinement layers. As it is here, the term "confinement" can include any woven or non-woven material. An example of a suitable containment material is the nonwoven material manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpolo, Massachusetts, designated P-8. An example of a suitable film to be inserted between the confinement layers is the elastomeric film, EXX-550, manufactured by Exxon Chemical Company of Lake Zurich, IL. Alternate materials suitable for use as ear flaps 54 include woven wefts; non-woven wefts; films, including polymer films, foams; laminated materials, including film laminates, non-woven laminates, or zero-tension laminates; elastomers; elastomeric fabrics; mixed structural film wefts with elastic appearance; or any combination of materials as are known in the art. U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 entitled "Absorbent Article with Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having a Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge", issued to Buell et al., September 29, 1992, and US Patent No. 5,167,897 entitled "Method for Incrementally Stretching a Zero Strain Laminate Web tolmpart Elasticity Thereto ", issued to Weber and several, on December 1, 1992, describe suitable zero stress laminates and prestressed stretched laminates, and are incorporated herein by reference. The ear sections 54 preferably additionally comprise fasteners 56 disposed adjacent their distal edges 53. While the fastening means 54 may comprise any number of fasteners, as is known in the art, such as fasteners Mechanics, hook-and-loop type fasteners, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and cohesive materials, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, fasteners 56 preferably comprise tape tabs. The tape tab fasteners 54 can be any of those tape tabs well known in the art, such as adhesive tape tabs, described in US Patent No. 3,848,594 entitled "Tape Fastening System for Disposable Diaper", issued to Kenneth B. Buell on November 19, 1974. Examples of other fastening systems, including mechanical fastening systems are set forth in US Patent No. 4,869,724 issued to Scripps on September 26, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,848,815 issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; and U.S. Patent No. 5,242,436 issued to Weil, Buell, Clear and Falcone on September 6, 1993; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The embodiment of the present invention comprising ear flaps 54 is preferably fitted to the user as follows. The side panels 54 are initially unfolded from their folded configuration for packaging (as shown in Figure 9) and stretched laterally outward in opposite directions. The rear waist region 24 is placed under the user's back and the remainder of the diaper is stretched between the user's legs. The front waist region 22 is then placed across the front of the wearer's waist. The ear flaps 54 are then wrapped around the wearer's waist; the side panels are tensioned and extended to conform to the size and shape of the user. The ear flaps 54 are then fastened to the front waist region 22 by means of the fastening elements 56 disposed adjacent to the distal edges 53 of the ear sections 54. Figures 10a and 10b show alternative embodiments of the present invention. invention further comprising belts. As shown in Figure 10a, the belt 120 may be permanently attached to the diaper 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10b, the belt may be a separate reusable element that is releasably attached to the diaper 20 during use. In any case, the belt 120 is preferably disposed in the rear waist region 24, adjacent the end edge 32 of the diaper 20. The belt 120 can assume a number of different sizes, shapes, configurations and materials as is known in the art. . An example of an absorbent article comprising belts that are suitable for use with the present invention is described in US Patent No. 4,964,840 entitled "Detachable Two Piece Absorbent Garment" issued to Gipson et al. On October 23, 1990. shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the embodiments of the present invention comprising belts preferably additionally comprise fastening elements disposed in the front waist region 22. These fastening elements 122 of the front waist region 4 provide a means for securing the front waist region 22 to the rear waist region 24, or to the belt when the diaper 20 fits the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, at least one fastening element 122 of the front waist region is disposed in the front waist region 22. More preferably, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b, a fastening element of the region of The front waist is arranged adjacent to each longitudinal edge 30 of the diaper, in the front waist region. The fastening elements 122 of the front waist region can assume a number of different sizes, shapes and materials. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening elements 122 of the front waist region comprise pressure sensitive adhesives. Alternatively, the fastening elements 122 of the front waist region may comprise a hook-and-loop type fastening material, as described in the aforementioned US Patent No. 4,964,860. The configuration of the fitted diaper of the present invention is preferably adjusted to the wearer by first folding the side panel 62. This is done by either pulling laterally outwardly on the side panels 62 of the rear waist region 24, or by pulling laterally outwardly on the ends of the belt 120 which in turn provides tension to the projection of the side panels 62, in the "" "rear waist region The rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20 is then placed under the back The wearer then pulls the remainder of the diaper 20 between the wearer's legs so that the front waist region 22 is placed across the front of the user.The belt 120 is then fastened around the user's waist and fastening elements 122 of the front waist region are attached to the belt 120, forming a closure between the front waist region 22 and the rear waist region 24. In this configuration, the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62, in the rear waist region, provide a seal around the users' buttocks and , provide a bent anti-sinking barrier that rises in the motionless region of the crotch region 26. Figure 11 shows a pad embodiment of the present invention comprising means for securing the absorbent article to the wearer's underpants. In a preferred embodiment, the pad 1120 comprises a fastening member 112 of the front waist region and a fastening member 110 of the rear waist region. The fastening member 112 of the front waist region is preferably disposed adjacent the end edge 32 of the pad 1120 in the front waist region 22, and the fastening member 110 of the rear waist region is preferably disposed adjacent the edge. of end 32 of pad 1120 in back waist region 24. Any adhesive, glue, mechanical fastening means, hook-and-loop type fastener, or any other fastening means known in the art, can be used for fastener members. , being preferred with pressure sensitive adhesives. A suitable adhesive is Instant Lock 34-2833 manufactured by The National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, NJ. Suitable adhesive fasteners are also disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,917,697 entitled "Sanitary Napkins Having Flaps and Stress Relief Means" issued to Osborn III et al. On April 17, 1990. If a pressure sensitive adhesive is used, the adhesive is typically covered with a removable release layer 124 in order to keep the adhesive from drying, contaminating or adhering to a different surface than the desired surface before use. Suitable release layers are described in the aforementioned US Patent No. 4,917,697. Any commercially available release layer commonly used for such purposes can be used here. Non-limiting examples of suitable release layers are BL30MG-A SILOX and / or BL30MG-A SILOX 4P / 0, both of which are manufactured by the Akasil Corporation of Menasha, Wl. The pad embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 11, is adjusted to the user by first folding the side panels 62. This is done by bending laterally outwardly on the side panels 62 in the rear waist region 24. The fogging then removes any release layer (s) 124 and places the diaper on the wearer's undergarment. Preferably, the front waist region 22 should be placed in front of the wearer's undergarment and the back waist region 24 should be placed on the back of the wearer's undergarment. In this configuration, the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62 in the rear waist region 24 provide seal around the user's seat, while the distant edges 66 of the side panels 62 in the crotch region 26 are raised to provide an anti-sinking barrier bent in the immobile area of the user. Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to protect in the appended claims any changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A disposable absorbent article of the type that is fitted to a wearer, having a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region between said front waist region and said back waist region, a first end edge having corners, and a second edge of opposite end of said first end edge, said second end edge having corners, the absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a back sheet or backing impermeable to liquids, attached to said top sheet; an absorbent core having a pair of longitudinal edges interposed between said top sheet and said back sheet; a pair of longitudinally extending side panels, said side panels being formed by portions of the rear sheet extending laterally from said absorbent core, said side panels having distant edges and proximal edges, and preferably comprising a non-woven fabric provided in front of the user's skin; separation means operatively associated with each of said side panels to separate said far edges away from said top sheet of the absorbent article; and closure means for securing a portion of said distal edge of each said side panel to the absorbent article inward of said proximal edge and on said absorbent core, said closure means being disposed in said front waist region; characterized in that said side panels are inverted in said rear waist region in relation to said front waist region such that the corners of said first end edge consist of said proximal edges, and the corners of said second end edge consist of said edges. Distant, said second end edge being, in this manner, wider in lateral width than said first end. The disposable absorbent article, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a bonded ear skirt and extending outward from each of said side panels in the rear waist region, preferably comprising a stretchable laminate comprising a layer of elastomeric film between two layers of non-woven fabric. 3. The disposable absorbent article, according to claim 2, further characterized in that said ear flaps further comprise a fastening means for securing the absorbent article around the wearer's waist, preferably a tape tab having an end secured thereto. ear flap and a second end for attachment to said front waist region. The disposable absorbent article, according to claim 2, further characterized in that said ear flaps are permanently fixed in said front waist region of the absorbent article to form a brief. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said backsheet comprises a polymeric film, a non-woven fabric, a dual layer structure comprising a non-woven fabric coated with a polymeric film, or a non-woven fabric laminate and a polymeric film, said non-woven fabric extending outwardly beyond the edges of the polymeric film such that the non-woven fabric forms said side panels. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said side panel additionally comprises a portion of said top sheet extending laterally beyond and wrapping around said back sheet, such that said top sheet is adjacent to the wearer's skin, said top sheet comprising a non-woven fabric. 7. The disposable absorbent article, according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said upper sheet extends laterally beyond, wound around said longitudinal edges of said absorbent core. The disposable absorbent article, according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that each of said distal edges is folded on itself and secured thereto to form a fold enclosing said separation means, and preferably where said sheet The top extends laterally beyond said longitudinal edges of said absorbent core and is secured to said back sheet adjacent to said fold. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said side panels are folded inwardly and attached to said top sheet in said crotch region, such that said side panels also remain bent inwardly in said crotch region. 10. An absorbent pad of the type to be placed on an undergarment, having a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment, which is characterized in that said pad comprises: the absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims; and pad fastening means for securing said garment facing surface of the absorbent pad to an undergarment, said fastening means being disposed on said back sheet of said absorbent article. ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A BARRIER ANTISCURRIMIENTOS DOBLADA EXTRACT Absorbent articles that have side panels that provide a bent anti-fall barrier that promotes better repression and adjustment. The absorbent articles comprise a liquid-permeable top sheet (38), a liquid-impermeable back or back sheet (42), an absorbent core (44) positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet; a side panel (62) extending laterally from each of the longitudinal edges (36) of the absorbent article and having a proximal edge (64) and a distant edge (66); separation means for separating the far edge away from the liquid receiving surface (upper sheet) of the absorbent article; and closing means (78) for securing the inwardly distant edges of the proximal edges in the front waist region (22). The distal edge of the side panel is secured inwardly of the proximal edges in the front belt region and is disposed away from the proximal edge in the rear waist region (24) when fitted to the wearer. In this way, the side panels are bent so that the portion of the side panels in the rear waist region provide a sealing action around the user's buttocks to contain the exudates, and a comfortable fit, while the raised portions of the side panels in the crotch portion and the closed portion of the side panels in the front waist region provide channels for containing, restricting and maintaining body exudates.