MXPA00012986A - Disposable absorbent articles having translational operative members - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article having a support member comprising a top sheet, a backsheet, or an absorbent core, and a translational operative member for enhancing the capacity for containing bodily waste. The translational operative member is capable of being moved from one region of the article to another or within a region via a translating device. The translating device comprises a moisture sensitive element capable of expanding or contracting when wetted.

Description

DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ITEMS THAT HAVE TRANSFER OPERATING MEMBERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION f This invention relates to disposable absorbent articles adapted to be worn by a user. More particularly, this relates to disposable absorbent articles having a translation operation member attached to an activated translation device through interaction with the exudates. downloaded from the user's body.

• BACKGROUND The main function of disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and trusses for adult incontinence is to prevent body waste from staining, wetting, or otherwise contaminating garments or other items, such as sheets that come in contact with the wearer. In recent years, disposable diapers, such as those disclosed in the United States Patent No. _A 3,860,003 issued to Kenneth Barclay Buell on January 14, 1975; incorporated here by reference, have become very popular with the public and have generally replaced durable cloth absorbent articles because of their convenience and reliability. However, despite the effectiveness of these disposable absorbent articles, body waste often leaks or is stored within the diaper in such a way that waste will stain and / or irritate the body. user's skin. In this way, the search has continued with even more effective devices.

For example, a problem perceived by the caregivers of babies or by the users of, and the caregivers of those who carry, adult diapers is that associated with the operation of the disposable diaper that is subjected to multiple discharges of urine (for example "insults"). urine"). The initial discharge of the urine is rapidly absorbed by the diaper without leakage, or spills, of urine around the sides or ends of the diaper. Subsequent urine discharges are then absorbed less rapidly than the initial discharge because the absorbent element is already at the bottom saturated with urine. In this case, it sometimes happens that a part of the second discharge is not absorbed fast enough to prevent at least A portion of the discharge leaks around the sides or ends of the diaper. The effects of undesirable leakage and / or inappropriate containment are • especially evident with respect to fecal material deposited in the diaper. The fecal eses contained in the diaper can damage the wearer's skin during the time and the leaks from the fecal esus of the diaper almost invariably present the toilet nasty / dirty. Various attempts have been made to assist the characteristics of the diapers such as barriers, cavities, spacers, transverse barriers, top sheets with openings and the like to limit movement of the material through the top sheet and / or to better confine the material Fecal in the diaper. However, the success of «. these attempts has been limited mainly due to the containment capacity as well as to the ability to reduce the negative effects of faeces. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a disposable absorbent article having increased absorbent and / or containment capacity which would minimize the negative effects of fecal eses or other bodily waste of viscous fluid on the wearer or the caregiver. The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article having translational operation members capable of being moved from one section of the article to another by means of translating devices activated through the interaction with the depot deposits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an absorbent article having a primary contiguous white zcna with an initial discharge of body waste., a support member comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, or an absorbent core, and a translation operation member. The translation operation member may move from one region of the article to another or within a region via the translation device. The translation device, directly or indirectly attached to one end of the support member and at another end to the translation operation member, comprises a simple moisture element capable of expanding or contracting when it is wetted. The translation device interacts with the primary target area. The translation operation member comprises an auxiliary absorbent core, an auxiliary upper sheet coated with lotion, a cover for concealing the waste, a separator providing a gap to receive the waste, and a cavity for receiving and containing the waste. The disposable absorbent article may include any one or combination of operation members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will come to be better understood with respect to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article of the present invention having a portion cut away to reveal the underlying structure, the surface that it gives to the body of the article giving the observer. Figure 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention, wherein the operation member comprises an auxiliary absorbent core. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 2 depicting the auxiliary absorbent core and the translation device. Figure 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article 10 of the present invention wherein the operation member comprises two auxiliary absorbent cores connected through a translation device. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 4 depicting the auxiliary absorbent cores connected through a translation device. Figure 6 is a plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention wherein the operation member comprises a cavity for containing the waste. Figure 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of the article • absorbent of the present invention wherein the operation member comprises a separator providing a gap for waste. Figure 8 is a plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention wherein the operation member comprises a cover providing a barrier to limit movement of the waste. Figure 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article 25 illustrated in Figure 8 wherein the cover is a part of the topsheet. & amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; Figure 11 is a plan view of an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention wherein the operation member comprises an A 5 waste management element. Figure 12a is a view of one embodiment of the translation device of the present invention comprising a connection element linked to an expandable element. Figure 12b is a cross-sectional view of the translation device shown in Figure 12a.

• DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although this description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular way and claiming in a different manner what is considered as the invention, it is anticipated that the invention can be more easily understood by reading the detailed description of the following invention and of the invention. study of the drawings included. As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to the • devices that absorb and contain body waste, and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or close to the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Longitudinal is an address that runs parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Longitudinally includes directions within + 45 ° of the longitudinal direction. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are not generally intended to be washed or restored or reused in another way as an absorbent article (ie, they are intended to be disposed of after use). simple and, 1fe ^ J ^., ^ A ^ y¿fc -, faith g- preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). (As used here, the term "arranged" is used to imply that an element or elements of the diaper is formed (attached and placed) in a particular location or position as a unitary structure with other 4 ^ 5 diaper elements or as a separate joined element. to another element of the honeycomb. As used herein, the term "attached" encompasses configurations by which one element is directly secured to another element by fixing the element directly to the other element and configurations by which an element is indirectly secured to another element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members who in change are attached to the other element.) A "unitary" absorbent article refers to absorbent articles that are formed of separate parts joined together to form • a coordinated entity in such a way that they do not require separate manipulated parts such as a separate fastener and liner. As used herein "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons around the smooth lower. As used herein, "primary target zone" is the point at which the initial body waste contacts the disposable absorbent article. In addition, when an element is located, at least in a larger part, in a position adjacent to the primary target area, it is said to be in register with the primary target area.

^^ When an element is placed, at least for the most part, in a position not adjacent to the primary target zone, said to be remote from the primary target zone. Although the present invention is equally applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments, absorbent inserts, diaper liners and liners, sanitary garments female, cloths, scourers, bandages and the like, a preferred embodiment of an article fc »» »» aaa - ** "«. *. The absorbent article of the present invention is the unitary disposable absorbent article, such as the diaper 20, shown in Figure 1. One embodiment of this invention is an improved disposable diaper. In its simplest form, the disposable diaper of this invention (hereinafter referred to simply as the "diaper"), comprises support members that include a liquid-permeable top sheet which, in use, is placed close to the body of the diaper. user; a waterproof backsheet which, in use, is placed remote from the wearer's body and adjacent to any external garment that the wearer must come to wear; an absorbent main core and a multifunctional operation member of translation (ie, mobile) referred to herein as an operation member. The operation member may include a cavity to contain the waste, a cover • providing a barrier to limit the movement of the waste, a separator providing a recess for waste, an auxiliary absorbent core, a waste management element and the like or any combination thereof.

The support members of the upper sheet and the back sheet are normally secured to one another around the periphery of the diaper. The support member of the absorbent main core is interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet and is normally fixed to the back sheet. The members of operation are ^^ typically locate sections of the primary target areas, in relation to the support members. However, the operation members adjacent to the primary target areas may be located depending on the configuration. The operation members are not generally fixed to the support members except as described hereinafter. The diaper further comprises a translation device for translating (it is to say, move) to the operating members relative to the support members The translation device comprises a moisture sensitive element capable of expanding or contracting when it is wetted. The moisture sensitive element may be directly or indirectly attached to the translation operation member. In certain embodiments, the moisture sensitive element comprises at least one moisture sensitive filament attached at a first point to a > 5 operation. A second moisture sensitive filament point, away from the first point, is attached to one of the support members, such as the absorbent core, the topsheet, or the backsheet so that the filament (i.e. translation device) interacts with the primary target area. By "interacting with a primary target zone" it is implied that the translation device is in record with the primary target area and, thus, directly wetted by the initial flow of body waste as it makes contact with the primary area of • white or, alternatively, it is separated from the primary target zone and is indirectly wetted by, for example, the transport of fluid from the primary target area to the translation device. When the filament gets wet, it shrinks and generally draws the operation member in register with the primary target area, such that the benefits achieved by moving the operation member can be realized as provided by additional waste voltage, concealment of the waste and / or by providing a region relatively new in the place to receive • subsequent waste discharges. In general, the translation device works to provide a movement or change of position of the operation member relative to the rest of the article and / or the user. In the alternative embodiments, illustrated in Figures 12a and 12b, the translation device may comprise an expandable element 77 that directsi, or indirectly, translates to the operation member 70 relative to at least one portion of the item or the user. The expandable member 77 may, for example, comprise an expandable foam or porous absorbent polymeric macrostructure which , * ", < * fe¿ ^ iaa¿ ^? tt ^ - ^ B i¿ ^ l ^ Jg ^ ^ expands when it comes in contact with water.The suitable expandable foams are high internal phase thin emulsion foams until they are wetted as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207 entitled "Thin Absorbent Foam Materials Until Wet for Aqueous Body Fluids and Ak5 processes for making the same "issued to Dyer et al. On February 7, 1995, incorporated herein by reference, Suitable porous expandable polymeric porous macrostructures are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,102,597 issued to Roe et al. on April 7, 1992, U.S. Patent No. 5,124,188 issued to Roe et al. on June 23, 1992 and in U.S. Patent No. 5,428,076 issued to Roe on June 27, 1995, all of the which are incorporated herein by reference, the expandable member 77 may • be directly connected to the operating member 70 or may be connected indirectly through a connecting element 79 such as a cord (shrinkable or non-shrinkable), a canvas, a film, a tape, or any other suitable means. In 15 some modalities, as shown in Figure 12 a and 12b, the element of cone > Ion 79 is wrapped around the expandable element 77 in its unexpanded state in a loop-like arrangement or "sliding loop" such that when the expandable element expands, the connecting element 79 will move the operating member 70 to a distance equivalent to the increase in the circumscribed perimeter of the element expandable 77. Without considering the exact nature or structure of the translation device, it can be activated (i.e., made to contract, expand, rotate, change morphology, or any other action that results in the translation of the operating member) by any energizer as is known in the art, including humidity (ie, water), temperature (e.g., certain NIPAM gels as known in the art to expand and contract with a change in temperature), a change in pH, and i > rt aSS - ^ »» electric fields (for example, as in the case of electrically sensitive gels as are known in the art). Figure 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in its flattened state with parts of the structure that are cut away to clearly show more clearly the diaper support members 20. The portion of the diaper 20 which gives the user is oriented towards the observer. As shown in Figure 1, the diaper 20 preferably comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet 24, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 26, an absorbent core 28 which is preferably positioned between at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26, panels 10 laterals 30, elasticized leg cuffs 32, an elastic waist feature 34, and a generally designated fastening system 40. The diaper 20 is shown in FIG.

• Figure 1 to have a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposite the first waist region 36 and a crotch region 37 located between the first waist region and the second waist region. The periphery of the diaper 20 is defined by the outer edges of the diaper 20 in which the longitudinal edges 50 generally run parallel to a longitudinal centerline 100 of the diaper and the end edges 52 run between the longitudinal edges 50 generally parallel to the line. lateral central 110 of the diaper 20. ^ The chassis 22 of the diaper 20 comprises the main body of the diaper 20.

The frame 22 comprises at least a portion of the absorbent core 28 and preferably an outer covering layer including the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. If the absorbent article comprises a separate fastener and liner, the chassis 22 generally comprises bra and lining. (For example, the fastener may comprise one or more layers of material to form the outer cover of the The article and the liner may comprise an absorbent assembly that includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core 28. In these cases, the fastener and / or lining may include a fastener that is used to retain the liner in place during the entire time of use.) For the single absorbent articles, the chassis 22 comprises the main structure of the diaper 20 with other additional features to form the mixed structure of the diaper. Although the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core fc5 can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, typical diaper configurations are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 entitled "Portions. contractable laterals for disposable diaper "which was issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; and in the United States Patent No. 5,221, 274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,554,145 entitled "Absorbent Article With Extensible Feature of Film Weft Waist in Structural Form with Multiple Zones" which was issued to Roe et al. on September 10, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234 entitled "Disposable Drawstring Underpants" which is issued Buell on October 29, 1996; U.S. Patent No. 5,580,411 entitled "Null waste method for making side panels for absorbent articles" which was issued to Nease et al. on December 3, 1996; and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 723,179 entitled "Absorbent Article with Multi-Direction Extendable Side Panels" presented on 30 September 20, 1996 on behalf of Robles and others; each of which are incorporated herein by reference. The backsheet 26 is generally that part of the diaper 20 placed adjacent to the garment-facing surface 45 of the absorbent core 28, which prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from staining the articles that can to be in contact with the diaper 20, such as sheets and undergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 is impervious to liquids (e.g. rnß ?? ^ &3t !! A ^ S ^ W? MV6 YES? ¡??? 6sm- 'A. urine) and comprises a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm about 0.051 mm. Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN and sold under the trade names X153D6, X10962 and X10964. Other suitable materials of the backsheet may include breathable materials that allow the vapors to escape from the diaper 20 while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary respirable materials may include materials such as woven wefts, non-woven wefts, etc. woven, composite materials such as nonwoven webs coated with film, and microporous films as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, TX, under the • EXXAIRE designation. Suitable composite breathable materials comprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. These composite breathable materials are described in greater detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746, published June 22, 1995 in the name of E.l. DuPont and the co-pending United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 744,487, filed on November 6, 1996 in the name of Curro. Other breathable backsheets are described which include non-woven webs and ^^ films formed with openings in U.S. Patent No. 5,571, 096 issued to Dobrin et al. On November 5, 1996. Each of these references is hereby incorporated by reference herein. The backsheet 26, or any part thereof, may be elastically extensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet 26 may comprise a film web in the form of a structural elastic ("SELF").

A film web in the form of structural elastic is an extensible material exhibiting a behavior similar to elastic in the direction of elongation without the & 5 ^ \ ^ aiM¿J iS * f, use of additional elastic materials and is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,518,801 entitled "Screen materials exhibiting elastic-like behavior, which is He issued to Chappell, et al., on May 21, 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference In the alternate embodiments, the back sheet 26 may comprise elastomeric films, foams, yarns, or combinations of these and other suitable materials with Nonwoven materials or synthetic films The backsheet 26 can be attached to the topsheet 24, the absorbent core 28 or any other element of the diaper 20 by any means of known in the art. For example, the joining means may include a continuous uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of lines, • spirals or separate adhesive spots. A preferred attachment means comprises an open pattern adhesive filament network as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Garment of Waste Containment". which was issued to Minetola et al. On March 4, 1986. Other suitable attachment means include several lines of adhesive filaments which are twisted in a spiral pattern, as illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in the patent United States No. 3,911, 173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; patent • from the United States No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, and others on November 22, 1978; and in U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. The adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by the company H.B. Fuller from St. Paul, Minnesota and marketed as HL-1620 and HL-1258-XZP. Alternatively, the means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic joints, mechanical dynamic joints or any other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means as are known in the art.

The topsheet 24 is preferably placed adjacent to the body surface of the absorbent core 28 and can be attached to it and / or to the backsheet 26 by any means of attachment known in the art. Suitable attachment means were described above with respect to the means for attaching the backsheet 26 to other elements of the diaper 20. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 are directly bonded together. if in some places and they are indirectly joined in other places by linking them directly to other elements of the diaper 20. The top sheet 24 is preferably docile, of soft feel, and not irritant to the user's skin. In addition, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is permeable to liquid, allowing liquids to easily penetrate through its • thickness. A suitable top sheet 24 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; cross-linked foams; plastic films with openings, woven or non-woven wefts of natural fibers (for example, wood fibers or of cotton) of synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the topsheet 24 includes fibers, the fibers can be spun glued, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art.

^^ A suitable top sheet 24 comprising a length of cut fiber web of polypropylene is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Massachusetts under the designation P-8. Top sheets of suitable formed film are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, entitled "Absorption structures having tapered capillaries", which was issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having a Stain Resistant Top Sheet", which was issued to Mullane, and j & aAfc - »* - JZ; Z - * * b. £ * t, others on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 entitled "Resilient plastic weft exhibiting fiber-like properties", which was issued to Radel, et al. on August 3, 1982, U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 entitled "Three-dimensional plastic weft" macroscopically expanded that exhibits a non-glossy visible surface and a "cloth-like" impression, which was issued to • Ahr, and others on July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,294"Multilayer Polymer Film" issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Other suitable tops 30 are made in accordance with U.S. Patent Nos. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643 which were issued to Curro and others € 2 September 10, 1986 and December 16, 1986, respectively, and both of which are incorporated herein by reference. These formed movies are available from • part of The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE" and on behalf of Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana as "CLIFF-T". Preferably, the topsheet 24 is made of a material hydrophobic or is treated to be hydrophobic so as to isolate the user's skin from the liquids contained in the absorbent core 28. If the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material, preferably at least the top surface of the top sheet 24 is treated to make it hydrophilic in such a way that liquids will transfer to ^^ through the top sheet more quickly. This decreases the likelihood that Body waste flows out of the topsheet 24 instead of being drawn through the topsheet 24 and absorbed by the absorbent core 28. The topsheet 24 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant or by incorporating a surfactant into the the top sheet 24. Suitable methods for treating the top sheet 24 with a surfactant include spraying the top sheet material 24. with the surfactant and immerse the material within the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of this treatment and hydrophilic ability is contained in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344 entitled "Absorbent articles with multi-layer absorbent layers" issued to Reising, et al. On January 29, 1991 and in the patent. No. 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent articles with fast-absorbing absorbent cores" issued to Reising on January 29, 1991. A more detailed discussion of some suitable methods for incorporating the agent • surfactant on the top sheet can be found in the United States Statutory Invention Registry No. H1670, published on the 1st. July 1997 in the name of Aziz and others. Each of these references is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the top sheet 24 may include a screen with openings or a film with openings that is hydrophobic. This can be achieved by eliminating the step of hydrophilizing treatment from the production process and / or applying a • hydrophobic treatment to the top sheet 24, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene compound such as SCOTCHGUARD or a hydrophobic lotion composition, as described below. In these modalities, it is preferred that the openings be large enough to allow the penetration of aqueous fluids such as urine without significant resistance. Any portion of the topsheet 24 can be coated with a lotion as is known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,760 entitled "Article 1 disposable absorbent having a top sheet with lotion containing an emollient and a polyol polyester immobilizing agent "which was issued to Roe on March 4, 1997, U.S. Patent No. 5,609,587 entitled" Diaper having a top sheet with lotion comprising a liquid polyol polyester emollient and an immobilizing agent "which was issued to Roe on March 11, 1997; No. 5,635,191 entitled "Diaper having an upper sheet with lotion containing a polysiloxane emollient" which was issued to Roe et al. On June 3, 1997, and in United States Patent No. 5,643,588 entitled "Diaper. that has a superior troja with lotion "which was issued to Roe and others the 1st. July 1997. The lotion may work alone or in combination with another agent such as the hydrophobization treatment described above. The topsheet 24 can also include or be treated with antibacterial agents, some examples of which are described in PCT publication No. WO 95/24173 entitled "Absorbent articles containing antibacterial agents in the upper sheet for odor control" which was published on September 14, 1995 in the name of Theresa Johnson. In addition, the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26 or any portion of the topsheet 24 or the backsheet 26 may be finished in highlight and / or no gloss to provide a more fabric-like appearance. The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, capable of forming, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body wastes. The absorbent core 28 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetrical, etc.) and can comprise a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as pulp crushed wood, which is usually referred to as air felt.

^^ Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include cellulose wadding W 20 acrespada; blown polymers in the molten state, including coform; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of materials. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 28 can also be varied (for example, the core or absorbent cores or other absorbent structures or structures may have zones of variable gauge, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or acquisition zones with average density. minor and average weight base minor; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 must be compatible with the design load and intended use of the diaper 20. • Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,610,678 entitled "High Density Absorbing Structures" issued to Weisman et al. On September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402 entitled "Articles Absorbents with Layered Double Cores "issued to Weisman et al. On June 16, 1987, U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735, entitled" Absorbing Members of • high density having areas of acquisition of lower density and lower basis weight "issued to Aleman and others on May 30, 1989; United States Patent Mo. 4,888,231 entitled" Absorbent core having a dedusting layer ". to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 5,137,537 entitled "Absorbent structure containing individualized fibers of wood pulp cellulose crosslinked with polycarboxylic acid" which was issued to Herron et al. on August 11, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345 entitled "Articles ^^ Absorbents with high efficiency for incontinence management "issued to Young and others on September 15, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,342,338 entitled "Disposable absorbent article for low viscosity fecal material" issued to Roe on August 30, 1994; U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345 entitled "Foam Absorbing Materials for Aqueous Body Fluids and Absorbent Articles Containing These Materials" issued to DesMarais et al. on November 9, 1993; US Patent No. 5,387,207 entitled "Thin foam absorbent materials until wet for aqueous body fluids and process for making them" issued to Dyer et al. On February 7, 1995; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,625,222 entitled "Foam absorbing materials for aqueous fluids made from high internal phase emulsions having very high water-to-oil ratios" issued to Des Marais on July 22, 1997. Each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. • The diaper 20 may also comprise at least one elastic waist feature 34 that helps provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature 34 is generally intended to expand and contract elastically to dynamically adjust the wearer's waist. Characteristic The waist elastic 34 preferably extends at least longitudinally outwardly from at least one waist edge 62 of the absorbent core 28 and • generally forms at least a portion of the end edge 52 of the diaper 20. Disposable diapers are often constructed to have two elastic waist characteristics, one placed in the first waist region 36 and one placed in the waist region. second waist region 38. In addition, while the elastic waist feature 34 or any of its constituent elements may comprise one or more separate elements attached to the diaper 20, the elastic waist feature 34 may be constructed as an extension of other waist elements. diaper 20, such as the backsheet 26, the ^ top sheet 24, or both the back sheet 26 and the top sheet 24. 9 The elastic waist feature 34 can be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,515,595 issued to Kievit and others on May 7, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 4,710,189 issued to Lash on the 1st. December 1987; U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; and in the United States Patent No. 5,221, 274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993. Other suitable waist configurations may include the cover features Such as those described in United States Patent No. 5,026, 364 issued to Robertson on June 25, 1991 and in United States Patent No. 4,816,025 issued to Foreman on March 28, 1989. the aforementioned references are incorporated herein by reference. The diaper 20 can also include a fastening system 40. The system of • fastener 40 preferably maintains the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38 in an overlapping configuration to provide lateral stresses around the circumference of the diaper 20 to maintain the diaper 20 on the wearer. The fastening system 40 preferably comprises tape tabs or clamp and hook clamping components, although other known clamping means are generally acceptable. Some of the fastening systems are disclosed • copies in U.S. Patent No. 3,848,594 entitled "Disposable diaper tape fastening system" issued to Buell on November 19, 1974; U.S. Patent No. B1 4,662,875 entitled "Absorbing article" issued to Hirotsu and others on May 5, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,846,815 entitled "Disposable diaper having an improved fastening device" issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,894,060 entitled "Disposable diaper with improved hook fastener portion" issued to Nestegar the ^ January 16, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527 entitled "Bra pressure sensitive adhesive and method for making the same "issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990, and the hereinabove referred to United States patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,221, 274 issued to Buell on June 22, 1993. The fastening system may also provide a means to maintain the article in a configuration of as disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al. On October 16, 1990. Each of these patents is incorporated here for reference. In alternative modalities, opposite sides of the garment can be sewn or welded to form a pant. This allows it to be used as a type diaper that is stretched, such as a training pant. The diaper 20 may also comprise side panels 30. The side panels 30 may be elastic or extensible to provide a more comfortable fit and • of contour initially comfortably adjusting the diaper 20 to the wearer and holding this adjustment throughout the time of use even after the diaper has been loaded with exudates since the elasticized side panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract. The side panels 30 can also provide greater effective application of the diaper 20 because even if the diaper pulls an elasticized side panel 30 farther than the other during application, the diaper 20 will "self-adjust" during use. Although the diaper 20 of the present invention typically has the side panels 30 disposed in the second waist region 38, the diaper 20 can be provided with side panels 30 arranged in the first waist region 36 or both of the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. The side panels 30 can be constructed in any of the appropriate configurations. Examples of diapers with elasticized side panels are disclosed in the patent of the States ^^ United No. 4,857,067 entitled "Disposable diaper with shirred ears" issued to Wood, and others on August 15, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,381, 781 issued to Sciaraffa, and others on May 3, 1983; U.S. Patent No. 4,938,753 issued to Van Gompel et al. on July 3, 1990; and the above-referenced U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on September 9, 1992, and in U.S. Patent No. 5,221, 274 issued to Buell on December 22, 1992.

June 25, 1993; United States Patent No. 5,669,897 issued to LaVon and others the September 23, 1997 entitled "Absorbent articles that provide adjustment ítStei íim SSbt SfiR a »S .: - .. ÍIfc .. ', dynamic sustained", United States patent application Serial No. 08 / 155,048 entitled "Absorbent article with extensible side panels in multiple directions" presented on On November 19, 1993, in the name of Robles, and others, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, the diaper 20 may further include leg cuffs 32 that provide • Improved containment of liquids and other body wastes. Leg bends can also be referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier folds or elastic folds. U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 discloses a disposable diaper that provides a collapsible leg opening having a flap side and one or more elastic members to provide an elasticized leg fold (a packing fold). U.S. Patent Nos. 4,808,173 and • 4,909,803 issued to Aziz et al. On February 28, 1989 and March 20, 1990, respectively, describe disposable diapers having "upright" elastified fins (barrier folds) that improve containment of the leg regions.

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454 issued to Lawsop September 22, 1987 and Draggo on January 3, 1989, respectively, describe disposable diapers having double folds including packing folds and barrier folds. In some modalities, it may be desirable to treat all or part of ^^ The leg folds with a lotion as described above. The embodiments of the present invention also include cavities for receiving and containing waste, separators that provide voids for waste, barriers to limit the movement of waste in the article, compartments or voids that are accepted and contain the waste materials deposited in the waste. the diaper, and the like, or any combination thereof. The examples of the cavities and spacers for use in the absorbent products are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,514,121 issued to Roe et al. On May 7, 1996, entitled "Diaper having an expulsion separator", patent of the United States No. 5,171, 236 issued to Dreier et al. On December 15, 1992, entitled "Disposable absorbent article having core separators"; U.S. Patent No. 5,397,318 issued to Dreier on March 14, 1995, entitled "Absorbing article having a cavity bend"; United States Patent No. • 5,540,671 issued to Dreier on July 30, 1996, entitled "Absorbing article having a cavity fold with an apex"; and in PCT application WO 93/25172 published December 3, 1993, entitled "Separators for use in hygienic absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having this separator"; and in the patent of the United States No. 5,306,266 entitled "Flexible separators for use in disposable absorbent articles" issued to Freeland on April 26, 1994. The examples of • the compartments or holes are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,968,312 entitled "Disposable diaper with fecal compartment", issued to Khan on November 6, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 4,990,147 entitled "Article absorbent with elastic lining for insulation of waste material "issued to Freeland on February 5, 1991; United States Patent No. 5,62,840 entitled "Disposable diapers" issued to Holt et al. On November 5, 1991; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,269,755 entitled "Top sheets of three sections for ^^ Disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that have these 9 20 top sheets of three sections "issued to Freeland and others on December 14, 1993. Examples of transverse barriers are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,554,142 entitled "Absorber Article Having Multiple Cross-Sectional Height Effectiveness" issued September 10, 1996 in the name of Dreier et al .; PCT patent WO 94/14395 entitled "Absorbent article having a partition Cross section "published on July 7, 1994 in the name of Freeland, et al., And United States Patent No. 5,653,703" Absorbing article having partition i ^ t «t ^ fi? ^ ~ jijt¿e mséßB0Bmá? ~ ~ -J £ F < -. "Angular upright transverse tweft" issued to Roe et al. On August 5, 1997. All of the references cited above are hereby incorporated by reference herein, embodiments of the present invention may also include a waste management element capable of accept, store and / or immobilize effective and efficient body wastes of viscous fluid as they are • watery fecal. The waste management element can be located anywhere within the article, including the crotch region or any waist region, or it can be associated with or be included in any member or support element such as the core 28, a fold of leg, etc. In the preferred modalities it is located the waste management element in the region of the article that is close to the user's perianal region when it is used. This helps ensure that any waste • discharged is deposited in or near the waste management element. Examples of waste management elements for use in absorbent products are described in copending application Serial No. 08/970509, filed on November 14, 1997, granted on February 19, 1999, entitled "Item for handling of body wastes of viscous fluids". Figure 2 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of Figure 1 from which the upper sheet 24 has been removed in such a way that the internal arrangement of the elements ^^ can be more easily observed. The diaper 20 comprises the back sheet 26, the 9 20 absorbent main core 28, the operation member 70, and a translation device 78 comprising an element sensitive to moisture. For the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the operating member 70 comprises an auxiliary absorbent core 80 and the moisture sensitive element comprises a moisture sensitive filament 75. The auxiliary absorbent core 80 is capable of moving (e.g., " move ") with respect to absorbent main core 28 through filament 75.

The filament 75 is attached to the auxiliary absorbent core 80 at a first junction point 74 and to the absorbent main core 28 at a second junction 76. The filament 75 can be attached to the first and second junctions 74, 76 by any convenient means, such as by the use of common thermal fusion adhesive. • The moisture sensitive element, shown in Figure 2, is a simple filament 75, however, it should be understood that multiple filaments may be used at the discretion of the manufacturer. In addition, a tape or other similar elongated structure can be used in place of the filament 75. The moisture sensitive filament 75 includes shrinking materials (ie, which become shorter) when wetted with water, urine, or other fluid body waste. The moisture-sensitive filament 75 can be elastically before shrinking, after shrinking, or both before and after shrinking, but elasticity is not a necessary property for use in the present invention. The exemplary moisture sensitive filaments are discussed in detail in the patent of the United States No. 4,418,524 issued to Ito et al. On December 6, 1983, the patent of which is incorporated herein by reference. The degree of shrinkage or shrinkage of any moisture sensitive filament used in the practice of this invention should To be suitable for transferring the operation member to a desired location depending on the configuration. For example, the moisture sensitive filament 75 may comprise a composite material of at least one moisture sensitive filament comprising carboxymethylated cellulose having a degree of substitution of about 0.15 to about 0.4 and at least one ordinary filament (per example, not sensitive to humidity) to, among other attributes, increase the overall strength of the composite material. In another embodiment, the composite material may comprise a filament sensitive to moisture and an ordinary filament. The composite material can be twisted to increase its moisture sensitivity attributes. The moisture sensitive filament will contract from about 50% to about 75%, preferably about 90%, of its original length when wetted with urine, or other fluid body waste. • In an alternate embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the diaper 20 comprises the backsheet 26, the absorbent main core 28, and two operation members comprising the auxiliary absorbent core 80 and a second auxiliary absorbent core 82 connected through the moisture sensitive filament 75 The moisture sensitive filament 75 is attached to the auxiliary absorbent core 80 at a first junction point 74 and to the second auxiliary absorbent core 82 at a second point of • joint 76. The auxiliary absorbent core 80 and the second auxiliary absorbent core 82 are capable of moving (eg, "moving") with respect to the absorbent main core 28 and one with respect to the other. In use, the moisture causes the filament 75 to contract thereby entraining the auxiliary absorbent cores 82 and 80 together and towards the target area. The distinction between the diaper 20 of Figures 2 and 3 and the diaper 20 of Figures 4 and 5 is that the diaper configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5 comprises ^. two mobile auxiliary absorbent cores 80 and 82 while diaper configuration 9 shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises only an auxiliary absorbent core capable of moving individual 80. The materials and methods of construction of the two diaper configurations are similar and the previous discussions apply equally for both configurations. In Figures 4 and 5, the moisture sensitive filament 75 is shown attached to the auxiliary absorbent cores 80 and 82. In other versions of this invention, not illustrated, multiple filaments sensitive to moisture may be used (as shown in FIG. described above) and each of the moisture sensitive multiple filaments may be attached between the multiple auxiliary absorbent cores or between one of the auxiliary absorbent cores and the absorbent main core 28. Other embodiments of the present invention include said operating members of translation 70 as described above and including a cavity 90 • to contain the waste illustrated in Figure 6, a separator 120 providing a recess for the waste illustrated in Figure 7; a cover 130 providing a barrier to limit the movement of waste illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10; an auxiliary upper sheet coated with lotion by applying lotion to the wearer's skin; and a Waste management element 150 illustrated in Figure 11 or combinations thereof. • A cavity 90 for containing the waste is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,514,121 issued to Roe et al. On May 7, 1996. The cavity 90, illustrated in Figure 6, collects and receives the fecal material, avoiding it so the excessive spread and mud against the user's skin. The cavity 90 can be oriented longitudinally concave towards the first region, longitudinally concave towards the second waist region 38, it can be a closed figure, or it can simply present a straight barrier. As a member of translation operation, ^^ the cavity can be made to move longitudinally in relation to the members of 9 20 support by way of the translation device 78 physically emptying or removing fecal material in order to increase the effectiveness of the cavity in collecting and receiving body waste. In another embodiment, the translation operation member comprises a spacer 120 providing a hollow space for the fecal eses. The separate 1 20, 25 illustrated in Figure 7 keeps the hollow space open while the weight of the user's body is imposed on the upper sheet 24. The separate 120 is generally a linear element having a longitudinal dimension substantially greater than any other dimension and generally oriented longitudinally. The separator 120 can be made of rubber or foam material with an open release foam which is preferred over the closed cell foams in order to minimize occurrences of the redness marking. Once activated, the translation device • 78 can move spacer 120 to a position that hides waste from the wearer's skin and provides space for additional fecal discharges. In another embodiment, the operation member may include a cover 130 providing a barrier to limit movement of the waste. The cover 130 illustrated in Figure 8, can be used in conjunction with spacer 130 providing a hollow space. Once the user defecates, the cover 130 can • being made to slide over the hollow space via the translation device 78, concealing the fecal material from the user's skin. As shown in Figure 9 and 10, the cover 130 may include a separate sheet or a folded portion of the top sheet 24. Another embodiment for the operation member that can serve as a cover 130 and is similar in operation to the cover 130 is an auxiliary upper sheet 24 coated with lotion. The top sheet coated with lotion 24 is arranged apart ^^ of the primary target area between the top sheet 24 and the user's skin. Once activated, the translation device slides the upper sheet 24 coated with lotion between the article and the user's skin, thus transferring the lotion to the user's skin. In another embodiment, the operation member may comprise a waste management element 150. As previously described, the waste management element 150, illustrated in Figure 11, is preferably located in the crotch region of the article that is close to the perianal region of the user when it is used. Generally, due to the effects of gravity, fecal material collected within the element tends to deposit in the crotch region 37 midway between the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38, thereby reducing the minimum the effective area used by the waste management element 150. By making the waste management element 150 an operating member 70 that can be moved longitudinally, the effective area of the element 150 is increased. For each of the previously described embodiments , the first attachment point 74 of the translation device 78 is fixed to the operation member 70 while the second attachment point 74 is fixed to a support member such as the upper sheet 24, the rear sheet 26 or the absorbent core 28. For each embodiment, the translation device 78 interacts with the primary target zone which may be • the point at which the fecal material or urine initiates contact with the topsheet 24. Although the particular embodiments and / or individual features of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

In the art, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be apparent that all combinations of these modalities and features are possible and may result in the preferred embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are ^^ designed to protect all these changes and modifications that are within reach of this invention. , if < ß7

Claims (38)

1. CLAIMS An absorbent article having a first waist region, a second waist region opposite the first waist region, a crotch A5 region disposed in the first waist region and the second waist region, and a major target area, the absorbent article comprising: a support member, an absorbent core; a translation operation member juxtaposed with the support member; and a translation device having a first end attached to the translation operative member f and a second end attached to the support member such that a portion of the translation device interacts with the main target area.
2. 2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes one of the following; a top sheet, a back sheet, or an absorbent core.
3. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the translation device comprises a moisture sensitive element. 4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, in 9 where the moisture sensitive element comprises a filament composed of carboxymethylated cellulose having a degree of substitution of about 0.15 to about 0.
4. 4. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the filament will shrink from about 50% to about 75% of its 25 original length when it gets wet. 6. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the filament will shrink to approximately 90% of its original length when wet. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the moisture sensitive element comprises an expandable element. 8. The absorbent article according to claim 7 wherein the translation device further comprises a connecting element that connects the operating member to the expandable element. 9. The absorbent article according to claim 8, in Wherein the connecting element includes one or more of the following: a cord, a canvas, a film, a ribbon, and a non-woven material. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the translation device is activated by means of one or more of the following energizers: humidity, heat, pH change, and an electric change. 11. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the operation member comprises a cavity for receiving and containing the waste in such a way that the cavity is moved by the translation device, the waste is emptied into the cavity. 12. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the operating member comprises a separator providing a recess to receive the waste such that as the separator is moved by the translating device the waste contained therein is concealed from the waste. the user's skin providing additional space for later waste. 13. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the operation member comprises a cover such that as ñh. moves the cover by the translation device, the cover hides the waste of the user's skin. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein the cover comprises a part of the top sheet. 15. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the operation member comprises an auxiliary topsheet coated with lotion such that as the top sheet coated with lotion is moved by the translation device the lotion is transferred to the user's skin The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the operating member comprises an auxiliary absorbent core that is moved into position by the translation device to provide absorption capacity • additional for body waste. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the operation member comprises a waste management element that 15 has an effective area that increases as the waste management element is moved by the translation device. 18. A sanitary napkin having a first region, a second region opposite the first region, a crotch region disposed between the first region To region and the second region and a second primary of target, comprising the article 20 absorbent: a back sheet joined with the top sheet; an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the top sheet and the back sheet; a translation operation member juxtaposed with the top sheet; a translation device having a first end attached to the translation operation member and a second end attached to the upper sheet such that a portion of the translation device interacts with the primary target area. 19. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein the operation member comprises a cover that conceals exudates from the wearer's skin as the cover is moved by the translation device. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein the cover comprises a portion of the top sheet. 21. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein the operation member comprises an auxiliary topsheet coated with lotion that as the upper sheet coated with lotion is moved by the translation device, the lotion is transferred to the user's skin. . 22. The absorbent article according to claim 18, wherein the operating member comprises an auxiliary absorbent core that can be moved to a position by the translational device to provide the additional absorption capacity for the exudates. 23. An absorbent article having a first waist region, a second waist region opposite the first waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region, and at least one area primary white, the absorbent article comprising: a back sheet joined with the back sheet; an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the top sheet and the back sheet; a plurality of translation operation members juxtaposed with the top sheet; and a plurality of translation devices having first ends attached to the translation operation members and second ends attached to the top sheet so that portions of the translation devices interact with the at least one primary target area. 24. The disposable absorbent article in accordance with • claim 23, wherein the plurality of translation devices comprise at least one moisture sensitive element. The absorbent article according to claim 24, wherein the moisture sensitive element comprises a filament composed of cellulose 10 carboxymethylated having a degree of substitution of about 0.15 to about 0.4. 26. The absorbent article according to claim 25, wherein the filament will shrink from about 50% to about 75% of its original length when wet. 27. The absorbent article according to claim 25, wherein the filament will shrink approximately 90% of its original length when wet. 28. The absorbent article according to claim 24, wherein the moisture sensitive element comprises an expandable element. 29. The absorbent article according to claim 28, wherein the translation device further comprises a connecting element joining the operation member to the expandable element. 30. The absorbent article according to claim 29, wherein the connecting element includes one or more of the following; a cord, a lierzo, 25 a film, a tape, or a non-woven material. rAaaa 31. The absorbent article according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of the translation devices are activated by one or more of the following energizers: humidity, heat, change in pH, or electric field. 32. The absorbent article according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of operation members include a cavity for receiving and containing the waste such that as the cavity is moved by the translation device, the waste is emptied into the container. cavity. 33. The absorbent article according to claim 23 wherein the plurality of operating members include a separator providing a The hollow to receive the waste in such a way that as the separator moves through the translation device the waste contained therein is hidden from the • user's skin providing additional space for later waste. 34. The absorbent article according to claim 23 wherein the plurality of operating members include a cover in such a manner as 15 that as the cover moves through the translation device it conceals the waste of the user's skin. 35. The absorbent article according to claim 34 wherein the cover comprises a portion of the top sheet. ^ 36. The absorbent article according to claim 23 in 9 2l0 wherein the plurality of operating members include an auxiliary topsheet coated with lotion such that as the top sheet is moved by lotion coating through the translation device the lotion is transferred to the wearer's skin. 37. The absorbent article according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of the operation member includes an auxiliary absorbent core that 25 can be moved to a position by the translation device providing additional absorption capacity for body wastage. 38. The absorbent article according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of operation members include a waste management element having an effective area which increases as the waste management element is moved by the translation device. • • a ^ fe¡M5Mdfej8.¿a.t ^? s > .-! AaJ !? J ^ aaSSfes & fc ^ Mfe-a.