MXPA98009433A - Absorbent article having a recolecc duct - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article which includes conduit means which are located on a body facing surface along a longitudinal centerline of said absorbent article for collecting and transporting faecal material. The conduit means is configured to maintain at least partial contact with a gluteal fold region between the gluteus of the user when in use. The conduit means includes an interior surface which defines an internal hollow volume for containing the fecal material and at least one opening through the internal surface to allow the fecal matter to pass up to the internal hollow volume. Conduit means also define a relatively high resistance to compression and a level of flexibility for improved performance

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A COLLECTION DUCT Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an absorbent article for absorbing body fluids and exudates, such as urine and fecal matter. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent garments, such as disposable diapers and adult incontinence garments, which are configured to collect and contain fecal matter and prevent runoff.

Description of Related Art Conventional absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, employ absorbent materials located between a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable backsheet to absorb body exudates. Such conventional absorbent articles have also typically included elastic leg cuffs and waistbands to help reduce runoff of body exudates.

However, many such absorbent articles have not been completely satisfactory. For example, many conventional absorbent articles have not completely contained the body exudates within the article during use thereby undesirably resulting in runoff which has fouled the wearer's clothes. This problem of runoff has been particularly evident in the crotch area of such absorbent articles when a faecal material leaked or flowing by the user during use has been segregated. Typically, the crotch area of such articles is relatively narrow to provide an optimal fit between the user's legs. The narrow crotch portion and the correspondingly low amount of the absorbent material in the crotch area has adversely affected the ability of the article to absorb and contain all exudates from the body which are typically discharged in this area resulting in runoff. Such problems have increased when the user is particularly active and continually exerts pressure on the crotch area of the article. The problem of runoff has also occurred because the secreted fecal matter has an affinity with the skin. As a result of this, such faecal material has been displaced along the user's skin and has not been sufficiently contained or controlled within the absorbent articles.

Some conventional absorbent articles have included elasticized barrier or containment fins in the leg sections of the article to reduce such run-off. However, such containment fins have not completely eliminated all runoff from the article. For example, exudates such as running stool have remained on the skin and have been transferred along the user's skin until they escape through the small openings between the containment fins and the user's body. Such openings between the user's body and the containment fins have been created by an improper adjustment of the article around the user and by the movements of the user during use.

As a result of this, even when such containment fins have improved the operation of such articles, there is still a need to further reduce the number of drains and, in particular, the number of fecal runoff from such absorbent articles.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new disposable absorbent article has been discovered which has a collection conduit for collecting and containing fecal material.

As used herein, the term "flexibility" refers to the flexibility of a given material according to the flexibility test set forth below.

As used herein, the term "compressive strength" refers to the value of compressive strength determined according to the compression strength test set forth hereinbelow.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which comprises conduit means. The conduit means is located on a body facing surface along a longitudinal center line of the absorbent article to collect and transport fecal material. The conduit means is configured to maintain at least partial contact with the gluteal fold region between the gluteus of the user when in use. The duct means includes an outer wall which defines an internal duct and at least an opening through the outer wall inside the internal duct to collect and transport the fecal matter. Each opening in the external wall is configured to define an area of at least about 0.8 square centimeters. In a particular embodiment, the conduit means defines an internal hollow volume of at least about 5.0 cubic centimeters to contain said fecal material and a compressive strength of at least about 25 percent.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a front waist section, a rear waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects said front and back waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges, and a pair of laterally opposite side edges. The article comprises a) a layer of backing sheet; b) a liquid-permeable top sheet layer which is connected in a superimposed relationship to the backing sheet layer; c) an absorbent body which is located between the upper sheet layer and the backing sheet layer; and d) a collecting duct which is located on the upper sheet layer along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The collection conduit includes an exterior wall which defines an internal group to collect and transport the fecal matter. In a particular embodiment, at least about 25 percent of the outer wall of the collection duct in the target zone remains open to collect and transport the fecal matter into the internal duct.

In another particular embodiment, the absorbent article further comprises a waist flap which is located in the back waist section of the absorbent article. The waist flap defines a fastening edge which is attached to the end edge and the side edges of the absorbent article in the rear waist section and a free edge which extends inward from the end edge towards the middle section of the belt. Article. The free edge remains at least partially not attached to the top sheet of the absorbent article to provide a bag to contain body exudates. The waist flap can extend inward over a longitudinal end of the collection duct.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent article which comprises a) a backing sheet layer; b) a liquid-permeable top sheet layer which is connected in an over-laying relationship to the backing sheet layer; c) an absorbent body which is located between the upper sheet layer and the backing sheet layer; and d) a spiral coil which is located on the top sheet layer along a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The spiral coil defines an interior hollow volume of at least about 5.0 cubic centimeters and a compressive strength of at least about 25 percent to collect and contain fecal material. In a particular embodiment, the spiral coil defines a flexibility of less than about 20 centimeters and an inner surface having a coefficient of friction of no more than about 1.0.

The various aspects of the present invention can advantageously provide an absorbent article which effectively absorbs and contains body exudates. In particular, the present invention removes and collects exudates such as fecal matter from the user's skin and transports such exudates to parts of the article where they are most effectively contained. As a result of this, the absorbent articles of the various aspects of the present invention have a reduced runoff when compared to conventional absorbent articles which results in an improved consumer preference.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a top plan view, partially in section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 representatively shows a sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2; Figure 3 representatively shows a sectional view of a collection conduit according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 representatively shows a sectional view of a collection conduit according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 representatively shows a top plan view partly in section of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 representatively shows a top plan view partly in section of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention; Y Figure 7 representatively shows a top plan view partly in section of an absorbent article according to still another embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention The following detailed description is made in the context of a disposable diaper article * which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. It will be readily apparent, however, that the absorbent article of the present invention may also be suitable for use as other types of absorbent articles, such as pads for women's care, incontinence garments, underpants or training underpants, and the like. . In addition, the invention will be described in the context of its various configurations. It should be appreciated that the alternative arrangements of the invention may comprise any combination of such configurations.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an integral absorbent garment article, such as disposable diaper 20, generally defines a front waist section 22, a rear waist section 24, an intermediate section 26 which interconnects waist sections front and rear, a pair of laterally opposite side edges 28, and a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges 30. The front and rear waist sections include the general parts of the article which are constructed to extend essentially over the front abdominal regions and subsequent user, respectively, during use. The middle section of the article includes the general part of the article which is constructed to extend through the user's crotch region between the legs. The opposing side edges 28 define the leg openings for the diaper and are generally curvilinear or contoured to fit more closely on the wearer's legs. The opposite end edges 30 define a waist opening for the diaper 20 and are typically straight but may also be curvilinear.

Figure 1 is a representative plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in a non-contracted and planar state. Parts of the structure are partially cut to more clearly show the interior construction of the diaper 20, and the surface of the diaper that contacts the wearer faces the observer. The diaper 20 includes a backing sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 32, a liquid and porous permeable top sheet 34, placed in a front relationship with the backing sheet 32, and an absorbent body 36, such as an absorbent pad, the which is located between the back sheet and the top sheet. The diaper 20 also defines a lateral direction 38 and a longitudinal direction 40. The marginal portions of the diaper 20, such as the marginal sections of the backsheet 32 may extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent body 36. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the backsheet 32 extends outwardly beyond the terminal marginal edges of the backsheet. absorbent body 36 for forming side margins 42 and end margins 44 of diaper 20. Top sheet 34 is generally coextensive with backsheet 32 but may optionally cover an area which is larger or smaller than the area of the backing sheet. backup sheet 32, as desired.

To provide the improved fit and to help reduce runoff of the diaper body exudates 20, the side margins 42 and the end margins 44 of the diaper can be elastified with suitable resilient members such as the elastic leg members 46 elastic waist members 48. For example, elastic leg members 46 may include single or multiple threads of elastic or elastomeric compounds which are constructed to operably fold or fold the side margins 42 of the diaper 20 to provide the elasticized leg bands which can fit closely around the user's legs to reduce runoff and to provide improved comfort and appearance. Similarly, the waist elastic members 48 can be used to elasticize the end margins 44 of the diaper 20 to provide the elasticized waistbands. The waist elastics are configured to operatively gather and pick up the waistband sections to provide a comfortable and elastic tight fit around the wearer's waist.

The elastic members 46 and 48 are secured to the diaper 20 in an elastically contractible condition such that in a configuration under normal tension, the elastic members effectively contract against the diaper 20. For example, the elastic members 46 and 48 may be elongated and securing the diaper 20 while the diaper is in an uncontracted condition. In Figures 1 and 2, the elastic members 46 and 48 are illustrated in their stretched and non-contracted condition for the purpose of clarity. Alternatively, the diaper 20 may include a pair of separate elasticated and shirred leg packings (not shown) which are fastened to the diaper along the side margins 42 in at least the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 to provide the Elastic leg cuffs. Such leg cuffs may be configured to extend further and bridge through the respective concave portion of the lateral margins 42.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, may further include a pair of fasteners 50 which are employed to secure the diaper 20 around the waist of a wearer. Suitable fasteners 50 include hook-and-loop type fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners, buttons, pins, mushroom and curl fasteners, and the like. A cooperating side panel member 52 may be associated with each fastener and may be constructed to be non-elastic or may be elastically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 38 of the diaper 20.

The diaper 20 may also include a pair of elastically stretched, longitudinally extending containment flaps (not shown) which are configured to maintain a vertical perpendicular arrangement in at least the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 to serve as an additional barrier to the diaper 20. the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The diaper 20 can further include an emergence management layer 54 positioned between the topsheet 34 and the absorbent body 36 which is configured to efficiently hold and distribute the liquid exudates in the absorbent body 36. The emergence management layer 54 can prevent liquid exudates from stagnating and collecting on the part of the diaper placed against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the level of skin hydration. Suitable constructions and arrangements of containment fins and emergence management layers are well known to those skilled in the art. Other suitable diaper components can also be incorporated onto the absorbent articles of the present invention.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, further includes at least one collection duct 60 which is located on the surface facing the body of the upper sheet 34. For example, the diaper 20 can include from 1 to about 3 collection ducts which are aligned longitudinally in the diaper 20. The duct 60 is configured to collect and transport the fecal matter to the diaper regions 20 such as the waist section 24 later to more effectively contain such material within the diaper 20.

The diaper 20 can be of various suitable shapes. For example, the diaper may have a general rectangular shape, a T-shape or an approximately hourglass shape. In the embodiment shown, the diaper 20 has a generally "I" shape. Examples of diaper configurations suitable for use in connection with the present application and other diaper components suitable for use on diapers are described in the United States of America No. 4,798,603 issued January 17, 1989 to Meyer et al., In United States Patent No. 5,176,668 issued January 5, 1993 to Bernardin; in U.S. Patent No. 5,176,672 issued January 5, 1993 to Bruemmer et al .; in U.S. Patent No. 5,192,606 issued March 9, 1993 to Proxmire et al., and in U.S. Patent No. 5,509,915 issued April 23, 1996 to Hanson et al. Descriptions are incorporated herein by reference in the extent to which they are consistent therewith. The various aspects and configurations of the invention can provide distinctive combinations of softness, conformation to the body, reduced red marking of the wearer's skin, reduced skin hydration, and improved containment of body exudates.

The various components of the diaper 20 are integrally assembled together using various types of suitable fastening means, such as adhesive, sonic joints, thermal bonds or combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown, for example, the topsheet 34 and the backsheet 32 are assembled together and to the absorbent body 36 with adhesive, such as a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive can be applied as a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned adhesive layer, a sprayed adhesive pattern, or an array of separate lines, swirls or spots of adhesive. Similarly, the other components of the diaper such as the elastic members 46 and 48 and the fasteners 50 can be assembled in the diaper article 20 by employing the above identified fastening mechanisms.

The backing sheet 32, of the diaper 20 as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the backing sheet 32 be formed of a material which is essentially impermeable to liquids. For example, a typical backsheet can be made of a thin plastic film or other material impervious to flexible liquid. For example, backing sheet 32 may be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeters (2.0 mils). If it is desired to present the backing sheet with a feeling of more type of cloth, the backing sheet 32 may comprise a polyolefin film having a non-woven fabric laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a woven fabric by spinning of polyolefin fibers. For example, a thin-stretched polypropylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters (0.6 mil) may have thermically laminated to a woven fabric bonded by spinning polypropylene fibers, whose fibers have a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5. denier by filament, whose non-woven fabric has a basis weight of about 17 grams per square meter (0.5 ounces per square yard). Methods for forming such cloth-type backing sheets are known to those skilled in the art.

In addition, the backsheet 32 may be formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer which has been fully or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent to or close to the body. absorbent 36. Still additionally, the backing sheet 32 can optionally be composed of a microporous "breathable" material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent body 36 while still preventing the exudates of the liquid from passing through the backing sheet 32. back sheet 32 typically provides the outer cover of diaper 20. Back sheet 32 may also be etched or otherwise provided with a matte finish to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The topsheet 34, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, suitably presents a body facing surface to which it is compliant, of soft feel and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 34 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 36 to present a relatively dry surface to the user, and may be sufficiently porous to be permeable to the liquid, allowing the liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet 34 can be made from a wide selection of fabric materials such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers ( for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 34 is suitably employed to help isolate the user's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent body 36.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics may be used for the topsheet 34. For example, the topsheet may be composed of a melt blown or spin-bonded polyolefin fiber fabric. The top sheet may also be a bonded-carded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The topsheet may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 34 comprises a non-woven fabric, spun bonded, of polypropylene composed of fibers of about 2.8-3.2 deniers formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 20 grams per meter square and a density of around 0.13 grams per cubic centimeter. The fabric can be treated on the surface with about 0.28 percent by weight of a surfactant commercially available from Rohm and Haas Co. under the trade designation Triton X-102. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brushing or the like. The surfactant can be applied to the entire upper sheet 34 or can be selectively applied to particular sections of the upper sheet 34, such as the mid section along the longitudinal center line of the diaper, to provide greater wettability of such sections.

The absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulose fluff fabric, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material . In a particular embodiment, the absorbent body 36 comprises a cellulosic fluff matrix, such as the fluff of wood pulp and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. The wood pulp fluff can be interchanged with melt blown, synthetic polymer fibers or with a combination of melted blown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles may be mixed essentially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or they may not be uniformly mixed. The fluff and the superabsorbent particles can also be selectively placed in the desired areas of the absorbent body 36 to better contain and absorb exudates from the body. The concentration of the superabsorbent particles may also vary through the thickness of the absorbent body 36. Alternatively, the absorbent body 36 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and superabsorbent material or other suitable means for maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area.

The absorbent body 36 can have any of a number of shapes. For example, the absorbent body may be rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped. It is generally preferred that the absorbent body 36 be narrower in the crotch area than in the front or back of the diaper 20. The size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 36 should be compatible with the size of the intended user and the liquid load imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article.

High-absorbency materials can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural materials and polymers. High-absorbency materials may be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term "crosslinked" refers to any means for effectively making the materials normally water-soluble essentially insoluble but swellable in water. Such means may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic association or Van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic polymeric high-absorbency materials include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ethers), copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethers of vinyl and alpha olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl orpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol) and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include the natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums , such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and fully or partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be useful in the present invention. Such high-absorbency materials are well known to those skilled in the art and are widely commercially available. Examples of superabsorbent polymers suitable for use in the present invention are SANWET IM 3900 polymers available from Hoechst Celanese located in Portsmouth, Virginia and DOW DRYTECH 2035LD polymer available from the Dow Chemical Company, located in Midland, Michigan.

The high-absorbency material can be in any of a wide variety of geometric shapes. As a general rule, it is preferred that the high-absorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However, the high absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, flakes, rods, spheres, needles, or the like. As a general rule, the high-absorbency material is present in the absorbent body in an amount of from about 5 to about 90 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the absorbent body 36.

Optionally, an essentially hydrophilic tissue wrapping sheet (not shown) can be employed to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous structure placed by air of the absorbent body 36. The tissue wrapping sheet is typically placed around the absorbent body over the less the two main front surfaces thereof and composed of an absorbent cellulosic material, such as creped wadding or high wet strength tissue. In one aspect of the invention, the tissue wrapping sheet can be configured to provide a transmission layer which helps to rapidly distribute the liquid over the mass of absorbent fibers comprising the absorbent body. In another aspect of the invention, the wrapping sheet material on one side of the absorbent fibrous mass may be attached to the wrapping sheet located on the opposite side of the fibrous mass.

The collection conduit 60, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is configured to help reduce leakage by collecting and transporting the fecal material from the target area of the diaper 20 to the diaper regions 20 which they have an increased capacity to absorb and contain such material. How it is used here, the term "target zone" refers to that part of the diaper 20 which is configured to directly receive the insult of the user's fecal exudates and is generally located in the crotch portion of the diaper 20. In particular, the The objective may extend from about 5 to about 10 centimeters in length with about one third of its length extending essentially from the center line of the diaper to the front waist section 22 of the diaper 20 and the remainder extending longitudinally toward the diaper section. rear waist 24 of diaper 20. Since the crotch portion of diaper 20 is typically the narrowest part of diaper 20, it generally does not have sufficient absorbent capacity and area to absorb and contain all exudates from the body during heavy insults. Further, in use, the crotch portion of the diaper 20 may have forces exerted thereon which may tend to force the exudates, and in particular the fecal matter out of the diaper. Thus, the collection conduit 60 of the present invention is configured to convey such exudates to other parts of the diaper 20 to provide better containment and reduced drainage.

In the illustrated embodiments, a single collection conduit 60 is located along the longitudinal centerline 40 of the diaper 20 and is configured to maintain at least partial contact with the bent gluteal region of the wearer when in use. As used herein, the term "gluteal bending" is intended to mean the somewhat hollow region between the gluteus of the user. The collection conduit 60 is configured to go in the gluteal fold region during use to maintain close contact with the user's anal region to collect and transport essentially all fecal exudates. When located in the glute fold, the collection conduit 60 is not subjected to all the compressive forces exerted by the user, and as a result of this, it remains more open and causes limited red marking and irritation of the user. . The desired location of the collecting duct 60 in the glute fold also tends to prevent the hollow space between the user's buttocks being pinched together thus preventing the explosive flow of fecal matter up the diaper which may result from such pinching. The collection conduit 60 further tends to provide a scraping and entrapping effect during use to help remove and collect fecal material from the wearer's skin.

In general, the collection duct 60 is placed on the face facing surface of the upper sheet 34 of the diaper 20. The collection duct 60 can remain essentially unattached to the upper sheet 34 or can be attached to the upper sheet 34 using the conventional means described above such as the adhesive. In one embodiment of the present invention, the collection conduit 60 can be held in place by one or more strips of a material such as a non-woven material or a foam material which extends over the surface facing the conduit body of collection 60 and which can be attached to the upper sheet 34 of the diaper 20 using adhesive. Desirably, the material strips do not cover any of the openings 70 in the conduit 60. The strips of material may be provided by a material which is relatively smooth to provide a cushion between the conduit 60 and the wearer's body to avoid irritation and the one marked in red. Such a strip can also be somewhat absorbent in nature to help absorb liquid exudates.

Typically, the collection conduit 60 is located in the intermediate section 26 of the diaper 20 and may or may not extend into the front or rear waist sections 22 and 24. The collection conduit 60 may or may not be located in the target area. depending on whether it is intended to be in close proximity to the user's anus to collect and transport the fecal matter to the other parts of the diaper 20. Desirably, the collection conduit 60 is at least partially located in the target area for a improved performance. In a particular embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, a longitudinal end of the collection conduit 60 is located at a distance 74 from the center line of the diaper 20 toward the front section 22 of the diaper 20 and the conduit 60 extends longitudinally inside of the diaper 20. the waist rear section 24 of the diaper. For example, the longitudinal end of the collection conduit 60 may be located at a distance 74 from about 0 to about 5.0 centimeters and desirably from about 1 to about 3 centimeters from the centerline toward the front waist section 22 of the diaper 20. Such a configuration is desirable to allow the collection conduit 60 to collect the fecal material in the target area or in the intermediate section 26 of the diaper 20 and transport it to the back waist section of the diaper. Desirably, the collection conduit 60 is configured to be positioned just between the user's genitals to avoid irritation. Such location is particularly important when the diaper 20 is intended for use by males. The opposite end of the duct 60 which is located in the back waist section of the diaper 20 can remain open so that the fecal matter can exit the duct 60 at a location in the diaper 20 which can more easily contain it. Alternatively, the end of the duct extending to the posterior waist section can be covered so that the fecal material can not leave the duct 60.

The collection conduit 60 may have any shape that provides the desired collection and transportation of the fecal material. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the collection conduit may be in the form of a spiral coil. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 3-6, the collection conduit 60 may have a tubular or triangular configuration. The shapes such as the triangular shape illustrated representatively in Figure 4 can more easily conform to the gluteal fold region between the gluteus of the wearer. Another suitable form for the collection conduit 60 is a semi-triangular shape with the curved sides to provide an improved fit between the gluteus of the user. Alternatively, the collection conduit does not require to be completely enclosed. For example, the conduit 60 may have a V-shaped, C-shaped shape with the end of the V or the C being positioned facing the upper sheet of the diaper 20.

As it was representatively illustrated in the figures 1-6, the collection conduit 60 defines an exterior wall 62, an interior surface 64, an exterior surface 66 and a thickness 78. The interior surface 64 of the collection conduit 60 defines an internal duct 68 which provides a hollow volume for the collection and transport of fecal material. The collection conduit 60 further defines at least one opening 70 through the outer wall 62 which is configured to allow the fecal matter to pass through the outer wall and into the internal duct 68. The opening 70 is located on a part of the outer wall which is not in contact with the upper sheet 34 of the diaper 20 so that it remains clear in use to collect fecal material. As representatively illustrated in Figure 6, when the collecting duct 60 is completely enclosed, the duct 60 can further define a plurality of holes 82 through the part of the outer wall 62 which is in contact with the upper sheet 34 to allow any liquids to pass out of the conduit 60 to the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20.

The internal duct 68 of the collecting duct 60 is configured to contain and transport the fecal material. The size of the internal duct 68 may vary depending on the intended use and the load of the diaper 20. However, in general it is desirable that the internal duct 68 of the collection duct 60 provide at least about 5.0, more desirably so less about 15.0 and more desirably at least about 20.0 cubic centimeters of hollow volume to contain fecal matter. To provide such a hollow volume, the internal duct 68 can extend essentially along the entire length 72 of the collecting duct. For example, the section 72 of the collection conduit 60 and the corresponding portion of the internal conduit 68 can be from about 10 to about 80 percent, and desirably from about 35 to about 60 percent of the length of the diaper 20. On the diaper article intended for use by a medium-sized infant, the section 72 of the collection conduit 60 may be at least about 5.0 centimeters and desirably from about 5.0 to about 30.0 centimeters. The internal duct 68 of the collecting duct 60 may also define an average cross-sectional area of at least about 0.4 square centimeters and desirably of at least about 1.0 square centimeters to provide the desired hollow volume.

The collecting duct 60 is also configured to maintain the hollow volume in the internal duct 68 during use to contain the fecal matter. For example, it is desirable that the collection conduit 60 be able to withstand any compressive forces in the z-direction which can be exerted by the user during use. Since the collection conduit 60 is located at or along the gluteal fold, the compressive forces exerted by the user are minimized because the collection conduit 60 tends to gently detach the gluteus from the user and also locate between the buttocks. However, even when such compressive forces may be low, it is still desirable that the collection conduit 60 be resistant to compression. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the collection conduit 60 defines a compressive strength in the z-direction of at least about 25 percent, desirably at least about 50 percent, and more desirably of at least around 70 percent. For example, the collection conduit 60 may have a compressive strength of from about 25 to about 90 percent. When the collection conduit has a compressive strength lower than the values stated above, the collection conduit may be folded during use which adversely affects the ability of the conduit to collect, contain and transport fecal material. Conversely, if the compressive strength of the collecting duct is very high, the collection duct can cause undesired red irritation and marking of the wearer's skin. Due to the location of the collecting duct between the buttocks, red marking can be kept to a minimum even with a material highly resistant to compression.

It is also desirable that the collection conduit 60 be flexible so that it readily conforms to the shape and contours of the gluteal fold region between the gluteus of the wearer. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the collection conduit 60 defines a flexibility of less than about 20 centimeters and desirably less than about 15 centimeters. If the flexibility of the collection conduit is very low, the collection conduit may not effectively go in the gluteal fold region along the user's body and may cause undesired red marking and irritation of the wearer's skin.

The flexibility of the collection conduit 60 also provides an important role in the removal of fecal material from the wearer's skin. As the collection conduit is bent and flexed, the openings through the conduit wall expand and contract thereby providing a scraping action along the wearer's skin and a entrapment action to remove and collect any fecal matter. adhered to the skin.

The inner surface 64 of the outer wall 62 of the collecting duct 60 is configured to define the internal duct 68 which is intended to contain and transport the fecal material. In order to improve the transport of the fecal material along the internal duct 68, it is desirable that the inner surface 64 of the outer wall 62 be relatively smooth and slippery so that the fecal material moves easily along it without adhering to this. In a particular embodiment, it is desirable that the inner surface 64 have a bending coefficient of no more than about 1.0 and desirably no more than about 0.5 to provide improved transportation of the fecal matter. When the coefficient of friction of the internal surface 64 is very high, the fecal matter may tend to adhere to the surface and block the internal duct 68. Therefore, when the coefficient of friction of the internal surface is very high, the overall capacity of the collecting duct may not be fully utilized and additional fecal material may be prevented from entering the duct.

When the collection conduit 60 is located in the target area of the diaper 20, the collection conduit 60 may have any number of openings 70 through the outer wall 62 to provide the desired collection of fecal material. For example, the outer wall 62 of the collecting duct 60 may have from 1 to about 10 openings therethrough in the duct. The openings 70 are generally configured to be located in the target area of the diaper 20 to readily accept fecal material. Desirably, the openings 70 in the collection conduit 60 are positioned such that, in use, they are located in the glute fold and in close proximity to the wearer's anus. For example, the collection conduit 60 may have about 1 opening per centimeter in length in the target area. The openings 70 are furthermore configured so that in use they are not blocked or covered by the upper sheet 34 so that they can accept and easily collect the fecal material. For example, the openings 70 may be located on the side of the body surface or on the side surfaces of the collection conduit 60 to collect fecal material. Applicants have discovered that by having more than one opening and desirably a plurality of openings in the collecting duct 60, the location of the openings is not critical as it can be with only one opening to obtain a proper placement of the opening in relation to the opening. to the user's anus. In addition, if one of the openings is plugged during use, the adjacent openings can easily receive and collect any excess fecal material.

The openings 70 and the outer wall 62 of the collection conduit 60 may have any desired shape that provides collection of the fecal material. For example, the openings 70 may be circular, elliptical, square, triangular, rectangular, and the like, or may be continuous. In a particular embodiment, as representatively illustrated in Figure 1, the collection conduit 60 may be a spiral coil which defines a coil width 84 and a continuous coil spacing 86 which provides the opening 70 through the wall outer 62. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, openings 70 may be circular or elliptical in shape.

Applicants have discovered that the size of the openings 70 and the corresponding percentage of the area of the outer wall that remains open is important to provide the desired collection of the fecal material while still being able to contain an essential part of the fecal matter within. of the internal duct 68 of the collecting duct 60. For example, when the openings are discrete openings, it is desirable that each opening 70 define an area of at least about 0.8 square centimeters, desirably from about 1.0 to about 5.0 square centimeters, and more desirably from about 1.5 to about 3.0 square centimeters for improved performance. Alternatively, when the opening 70 is a continuous strip, such as the spacing 86 defined in the spiral coil in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, it is desirable that the strip or spacing 86 define a width which is from about 0.5. at about 4.0 centimeters and desirably from about 1.0 to about 2.5 centimeters in width to provide improved performance. When the size of the opening 70 is larger than that described above, the opening 70 can adequately collect the fecal matter but such fecal material can easily return through the opening 70 during use or the user's body can be forced to open cause irritation and discomfort. When the size of the opening is smaller than that described above, the fecal matter may not flow easily through the opening 70 to the internal duct 68 of the collection duct 60. Instead, the fecal material may follow the surface 66 of the duct 60 and undesirably result in runoff.

Desirably, the outer wall 62 of the collection conduit 60 has a sufficient total opening area due to the openings 70 to allow all fecal matter to enter the collection conduit even under heavy insults. For example, it is desirable that the openings 70 through the outer wall 62 include at least 25 percent and desirably at least about 50 percent of the area of the outer surface 66 of the outer wall 62 in the target area for provide an improved collection of fecal matter during heavy insults. Desirably, the openings through the outer wall 62 provide a total open area of at least about 5.0 square centimeters and more desirably of at least about 10.0 square centimeters in the target area for improved performance. The number of openings in the duct and the total open area of the duct outside the target area, such as the far end of the duct in the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20 may be less than that in the target area since will enter and less fecal matter will be collected into the duct in such areas. The number of openings and total open area of the duct 60 also increases the flexibility of the duct.

If the collection conduit 60 is not located in the target area but instead is located further toward the back of the diaper 20, the collection conduit 60 may not be required to have openings through the exterior wall provided that the longitudinal end of the duct closest to the target area is open. The open end therefore allows the fecal matter to flow into the duct so that it can be collected and transported to other parts of the diaper. Such a configuration may be particularly desirable when the collection conduit 60 is used in conjunction with a rear waist flap as described below.

As representatively illustrated in Figure 6, the collection conduit 60 can further define a plurality of holes 82 through the portion of the outer wall 62 which is in contact with the upper sheet 34 to allow any liquids to pass outwardly. from the duct 60 to the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20. For example, the collection conduit 60 can include from about 2 to about 20 holes 82 through the face facing surface of the outer wall 62 for improved operation. The orifices 82 provide improved results particularly when the fecal matter is liquid or runs such as in newborn infants which are being fed with the breast. The orifices 82 also tend to dewater and reduce the viscosity of the fecal material in the conduit so that it remains inside the conduit for improved operation. Similarly, the orifices 82 will allow any urine entering the conduit 60 to pass to the absorbent body 36.

The collection conduit 60 of the various aspects of the present invention, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-7, can be made of any material that provides the desired levels of compressive strength and flexibility. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figure 1, the collection conduit may be a spiral coil which is made of a TYGON tube material. Desirably each coil of the spring coil is configured to deform slightly in the z-direction when the forces are exerted on it instead of bending or bending which may undesirably reduce the effectiveness of the coil. In a particular embodiment, the coil spring may have an inner diameter of at least about 0.5 centimeter and desirably from about 1.0 to about 2.0 centimeter, a coil width 84 of from about 0.2 to about 0.5 centimeters, and a spacing 86 between each coil from about 0.3 to about 1.5 centimeters. A particularly suitable coil is made of the TYGON tube having an internal diameter of about 1.3 centimeters, an outer diameter of about 1.9 centimeters, and a length of about 17.8 centimeters. The TYGON tube is split and slightly stretched to provide the coil. Suitable tubes from which spring coils are manufactured are commercially available from Baxter Diagnostics, a business having offices located in McGraw, Illinois under the trade designation S-50-HL. Another suitable tube is available from Advanced Technology Products Co., a business having offices located in Milford Center, Ohio, under the trade designation 532-30-WH and having an inner diameter of from about 0.2 to about 0.7 centimeters. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the collection conduit 60 may include a TYGON tube material as described above which has not been cut into a coil. Alternatively, the collection conduit may be made of other materials such as thermoformed materials or foamed polymers.

As representatively illustrated in Figure 7, the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention may further include a rear waist flap 90 which is located on the face side of the diaper 20 in the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. In general, the rear waist flap 90 defines a fastened edge 92 which is fastened to the end edge 30 and said side edges 28 of the diaper 20 in the rear waist section 24. The rear waist flap 90 further defines a free edge 94 which extends inwardly from the end edge 30 of the diaper 20 to the intermediate section 26 of the diaper 20. The free edge 94 of the rear waist flap 90 is configured to remain at least partially not fastened on top sheet 34 of diaper 20 to provide a pouch 96 for containing exudates from the body. To keep the bag 96 open during use, the free edge 94 of the waist flap 90 can be rendered elastically contractible by means well known to those skilled in the art. For example, an elastic yarn may adhere adhesively to the free edge 94 in an elongated condition so that when the elastic yarn relaxes it contracts and folds the free edge 94 of the waist flap 90.

In a particular embodiment, the rear waist flap 90 may extend inward toward the intermediate section 26 and over a longitudinal end of the collection duct 60. In such a configuration, the collection duct 60 is configured to transport the fecal matter from the area of objective or intermediate section 26 of diaper 20 to the rear waist section 24 and, in particular, to the bag 96 formed by the rear waist flap 90 where it can be contained. The waist flap 90 can extend inward over the collection duct at any distance 98 that provides the desired containment of fecal matter. For example, the free edge 94 of the waist flap 90 may extend inward over the collection duct by a distance 98 of at least about 3.0 centimeters and desirably at least about 6.0 centimeters for improved performance . In such a configuration, the collection conduit 60 also acts as a space to maintain the free edge 94 of the waist flap 90 in a spaced apart relationship with the upper sheet 34 of the diaper during use.

The waist flap 90 can be made of many materials well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the waist flap 90 can be made from the materials described above as being very suitable for the backsheet 32 to the top sheet 34 of the diaper. In a particular embodiment, the waist flap 90 is made of a material which is essentially impermeable to liquid, or which has become essentially impermeable to liquid to provide improved containment of the faecal material.

Therefore, the different aspects of the present invention advantageously provide an absorbent article having improved containment and control of exudates from the body, and in particular, fecal matter. The collection conduit of the present invention has the properties of elasticity and compression flexibility to effectively collect fecal material from the wearer's skin. As a result of this, such a collection conduit can reduce the amount of runoff of the absorbent articles which are caused because the fecal matter slides along the user's skin, and particularly along the user's skin in the gluteal fold region between the gluteus of the user. The collection conduit also provides a transport duct for bringing the fecal material out of the narrow crotch portion and to the back of the article or to a hollow space centrally located in the article where the article is more capable of containing and absorbing it. As a result of this, absorbent articles made in accordance with the present invention can have a reduced incidence of drainage in the crotch portion of the article.

Compression Resistance Test This test is configured to measure the compressive strength of the materials intended to be used as the collection conduit according to the present invention. The compressive strength of the materials indicates the ability of the material to maintain the interior hollow volume during use.

A sample of the material intended to be used as the conduit is cut to a length of 12.7 centimeters. A plate having a length of 12.7 centimeters and a width of 3.8 centimeters was placed on the conduit and the height of the conduit was measured and recorded as the original height. A weight of 2.11-kilograms was then placed on the plate and the compressed height of the duct was measured. The value of compressive strength of the material sample was then obtained by dividing the compressed height by the original height and multiplying the result by 100 percent.

Flexibility test This test is configured to measure the flexibility of the materials intended to be used as the collection conduit according to the present invention. The flexibility of the materials indicates the ability of the material to conform to the user's body without causing irritation. A sample of material intended to be used as the conduit was cut to a length of 22.9 centimeters. The sample was placed on a horizontal plate, which has attached at one end thereof, a tilt plate which is inclined at an angle of 42 ° from the horizontal plane. One end of the sample is aligned with the intersection of the horizontal plate and the inclined plate. The force is then applied to the opposite end of the sample to move the sample at a rate of 1.27 centimeters per second on the inclined plate. The sample has been moved on the inclined plate until the hanging end of the sample bends and comes into contact with the inclined plate. The distance at which the sample moved until it made contact with the slant plate was then measured and recorded as the flexibility value for the sample.

Having thus described the invention in detail, it will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached clauses.

Claims (40)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A disposable absorbent article which comprises a conduit means which are located on a body facing surface along a longitudinal center line of said absorbent article for collecting and transporting fecal material and which are configured to maintain minus a partial contact with the gluteal fold region between a user's buttocks, when in use.

2. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means define an internal hollow volume of at least about 5.0 cubic centimeters, to contain said fecal material.

3. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means define an internal cross-sectional area of at least about 0.4 square centimeters.

4. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means define a section of at least about 5.0 centimeters.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means includes an outer wall which defines an internal duct and at least one opening through the outside to said internal duct for collecting and transporting said duct. fecal matter.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said at least one opening is selectively located along a portion of said conduit means which are located in a target area of said article and which they are configured to remain essentially free of contact with the surface facing the body of said absorbent article in use to collect said fecal material from said user.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said conduit means define from 1 to about 10 openings through said outer wall inside said internal duct, to collect and transport said fecal material.

8. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that each of the openings defines an area of at least about 0.8 square centimeters.

9. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said conduit means further define a plurality of orifices of said outer wall up to the internal duct at locations which are at least partially in contact with said surface facing said duct. body of said absorbent article to allow the liquid parts of said fecal material to pass from the internal duct to an absorbent body of said absorbent article.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said internal duct extends along a length of said duct means and defines an area in the average cross section of from about 0.4 square centimeters.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said internal duct extends along a length of said duct means and defines an average cross-sectional area of at least about 1.0 square centimeters.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said duct means includes an outer wall which defines an internal duct wherein at least about 25 percent of said outer wall remains open in a target area for collect and transport said fecal material into the internal pipeline.

13. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that a portion of said outer wall, which remains open defines an open area of at least about 5.0 square centimeters.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the conduit means comprise a spring coil having an internal diameter of at least about 0.5 centimeters and a spacing between each coil for collecting and transporting said fecal material .

15. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means comprises a tube having a plurality of holes therethrough.

16. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means define a resistance to the understanding of at least about 25 percent.

17. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said conduit means define a flexibility of less than about 20 centimeters.

18. An absorbent article having a front waist section, a back waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects said front and back waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges and a pair of laterally opposite side edges, said Article includes: a) a backup sheet layer, b) a liquid-permeable upper sheet layer, which is connected in an opposite relation to said backing sheet; c) an absorbent body which is located between said top sheet layer and said backing sheet layer, and d) a collection duct which is located on said top sheet layer along a longitudinal center line of said article. absorbent and which includes an exterior wall which defines an internal duct to collect and transport the fecal material.

19. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said internal duct defines a hollow volume of at least about 5.0 cubic centimeters to make contact with said faecal material.

20. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said collection conduit defines a length of from about 10 to about 80 percent of a length of said article.

21. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said collection conduit defines the opposite ends wherein a first of said ends is located in said intermediate section of said absorbent article and a second of said ends is located in said back waist section of said absorbent article.

22. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that said first end is located from about zero to about 5.0 centimeters from a lateral centerline of said absorbent article toward the front waist section of said absorbent article.

23. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that at least about 25 percent of said outer wall in a target zone of said article remains open to collect and transport said fecal material to the internal duct.

24. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 23, characterized in that a portion of said outer wall which remains open defines an open area of at least about 5.0 square centimeters.

25. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said collection conduit comprises a spring coil having an internal diameter of at least about 0.5 centimeters and a spacing between each coil for collecting and transporting said fecal matter. .

26. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said collection conduit comprises a plurality of holes therethrough.

27. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said collection conduit defines a resistance to the understanding of at least about 25 percent.

28. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said collection conduit defines a flexibility of less than about 20 centimeters.

29. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that it further comprises a waist flap, which is located in said back waist section of said absorbent article, and which defines a fastened edge which is attached to said waist. end edge and said lateral edges of said absorbent article in said posterior waist section and a free edge which extends inwardly from said end edge towards the intermediate section and which remains at least partially unattached to the upper sheet said absorbent article to provide a bag to contain body exudates.

30. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that said waist flap extends inwardly on one end of said collection conduit.

31. An absorbent article having a front waist section, a back waist section, an intermediate section, which interconnects said front and rear waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges and a pair of laterally opposite side edges, said article comprises: a) a layer of backing sheet b) a liquid-permeable upper sheet layer which is connected in a superimposed relation to said backing sheet layer; c) an absorbent body, which is located between said upper sheet layer and said backing sheet layer; Y d) a spiral coil which is located on said top sheet layer along a longitudinal center line of said absorbent article and which defines an interior hollow volume of at least about 5.0 cubic centimeters and a compressive strength of at least about 25 percent to collect and contain fecal matter.

32. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said inner hollow volume is at least about 15.0 cubic centimeters.

33. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said spiral coil defines a compressive strength of at least about 50 percent.

34. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said spiral coil defines a flexibility of at least about 20 centimeters.

35. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said spiral coil includes a nonwoven material that includes at least a portion of an outer surface of said spiral coil, which is configured to be in contact with the skin of the user in use.

36. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said spiral coil defines an interior surface having a coefficient of friction of no more than about 1.0.

37. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that spiral coil defines a coil width of from about 0.2 to about 0.5 centimeters and a width of spacing between said coils from about 0.3 to about 1.5 centimeters.

38. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said spiral coil defines an inner diameter of less than about 0.5 centimeters.

39. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said spiral coil includes an outer wall which defines said internal hollow volume wherein at least about 25 percent of said outer wall in a target area of said article it remains open to collect and transport said fecal material into said internal hollow volume.

40. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 39, characterized in that said outer wall, which remains open defines an open area of at least about 5 square centimeters. SUMMARY An absorbent article which includes conduit means which are located on a body facing surface along a longitudinal centerline of said absorbent article for collecting and transporting faecal material. The conduit means is configured to maintain at least partial contact with a gluteal fold region between the gluteus of the user when in use. The conduit means includes an inner surface which defines an internal hollow volume for containing the fecal material and at least one opening through the internal surface to allow the fecal material to pass up to the internal hollow volume. The conduit means also define a relatively high resistance to compression and a level of flexibility for improved operation.