CN1121241C - Absorbent articles having cuffs with skin-care composition disposed thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article, such as a diaper, containing cuffs with a skin care composition disposed thereon. The skin care composition disposed on the cuffs is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and/or wearer motion and/or body heat. The skin care compositions disclosed in the present invention are selected to maintain and/or improve the skin health of the wearer upon transfer during use, for example, to provide a skin protective barrier or a therapeutic benefit; to minimize the abrasion between the cuffs and skin in the area where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less skin irritation; to improve BM clean up on the skin, or to improve the barrier properties of the cuffs.

Description

Absorbent article with cuff having skin care composition distributed thereon

This application is a continuation-in-part of applications 08/766386, 08/884069, and 08/908852, filed December 3, 1996, June 27, 1997, and August 8, 1997, respectively. Application 08/884069 is a continuation of application 08/345159 filed November 28, 1994 (now US Patent 5,463,588).

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, women's underwear and the like having cuffs (including elastic leg cuffs). More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles having a skin care composition distributed on the cuff or cuff and topsheet. The composition is transferable to the wearer's skin through normal contact and/or motion and/or body heat of the wearer. The skin care compositions disclosed herein are selected to maintain and/or improve the health of the wearer's skin once transferred during use, such as providing a skin protective layer or therapeutic benefit, allowing a gap between the cuff and the wearer's skin in contact with it. Minimize friction so as not to produce erythema or skin irritation, improve BM cleansing on the skin or improve the barrier properties of the cuff.

The primary function of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and incontinence briefs or underwear is to absorb or contain body exudates. Accordingly, the purpose of such articles is to prevent bodily exudates from soiling, wetting or contaminating clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come into contact with the wearer. These products do not perform their most usual function when bodily exudates leak from the gap between the article and the wearer's thighs or waist onto adjacent clothing because the bodily exudates are not immediately absorbed by the article , the absorbent article does not fit snugly against the wearer, resulting in gaps that allow exudates to leak out of the article. For example, urine tends to settle on the topsheet in a gush, with the result that the urine migrates to the crevice between the article and the wearer, where it contacts clothing or other articles and is then absorbed. Additionally, loose exudates that are not readily absorbed by the absorbent article tend to "float" on the body contacting surface and enter the gap between the article and the wearer's thighs or waist.

Today's disposable diapers comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core and one or more cuffs, typically elastic cuffs, positioned in contact with the wearer's thighs and/or waist. These elastic cuffs prove to be generally effective in preventing wicking and overflow from the fluid-containing diaper to garments in contact with the edges of the diaper because the elastic cuffs provide a barrier between the edges of the diaper and the garment in contact with it, Additionally, padding is typically provided around the wearer's legs or waist, thereby maintaining a seal around the legs and waist with minimal gaps. However, these elastic cuffs have a greater tendency to dent and mark the wearer's skin due to the force generated by the elastic being concentrated in a narrow area causing excessive localized pressure. These skin effects are particularly serious for products worn by infants and incontinent elderly adults due to the skin's susceptibility to damage and sensitivity to even slight pressure or frictional actions. These skin effects are further exacerbated by skin clogging caused by such products. Clogging of the skin by diapers can lead to overhydration of the skin. Thus, overhydrated skin is more susceptible to damage from normal movement and friction with the elastic cuff band. It is generally known that overhydrated skin is more prone to skin disorders including diaper rash, rash, heat rash, chafing, pressure spots and loss of the skin barrier. Chafed, overhydrated skin reduces repellency, further contributing to an increase in diaper rash. 21 C.F.R 333.503 defines diaper rash as "an inflamed skin condition in the diaper area (perineum, buttocks, lower abdomen, and inner thigh) caused by one or more of the following: moisture, obstruction, irritation, contact with urine and/or fecal matter or both or continuous exposure or mechanical or chemical stimuli". To address the skin disorders associated with wearing diapers and other absorbent articles, skin protection and/or treatment products are commonly applied by the caregiver or the wearer to the buttocks, genitals, anus or other areas prior to application of the absorbent article by the wearer. The method often involves the caregiver applying the skin protection product to the hands and then to the wearer's skin. In order to eliminate this wasteful, messy, time consuming and forgettable step, attempts have been made to produce absorbent articles which contain skin care substances on the topsheet of the article.

A substance that has been used in diaper products to impart a soft protective layer is mineral oil. Mineral oil (also known as liquid petrolatum) is a mixture of various liquid hydrocarbons distilled off of the high boiling (ie, 300°C-390°C) petroleum fraction. Mineral oil is liquid at room temperature, eg, 20°C-25°C, and is relatively fluid and mobile when applied to a diaper. Since mineral oil is fluid and mobile at room temperature, it does not easily remain localized on the surface of the diaper, but migrates into the interior of the diaper. Therefore, higher levels of mineral oil need to be applied to the diaper to provide the desired therapeutic or protective effect. Not only does this increase the cost of these treated diaper products, but it also has other deleterious effects, including reducing the absorbency of the underlying absorbent core.

Even without increasing the amount of mineral oil, the ease of migration of the mineral oil once applied has other detrimental effects. For example, applied mineral oil can transfer to or into and through the packaging material of the treated diaper product. This requires protective packaging films to avoid soiling or leakage of mineral oil from diaper products.

US Patent 3 489 148 to Duncan et al. describes a baby diaper comprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet, a portion of which is coated with a discontinuous film of oleaginous material. A major disadvantage of the diapers disclosed therein is that the hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheets are slow in facilitating the transfer of urine to the underlying absorbent core.

In addition to the migration problems encountered when placing liquid compositions on the topsheet, the prior art does not recognize the skin care hazards caused by using a cuff, nor does it recognize the way to handle the cuff so that it goes on the topsheet. The distributed skin care composition remains on the cuff and is transferred to the user's skin in an effective amount to enhance skin care benefits. The prior art also fails to recognize that the topsheet of a treatment article alone is not necessarily capable of transferring the composition to all major areas of the wearer's skin.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide an absorbent article having a cuff with a skin care composition distributed thereon to improve skin care benefits, particularly in areas of the skin that come into contact with the wearer during use. The skin care composition must be transferable to the skin of the user to provide these skin benefits and not inhibit the function of the cuff in these products.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide diaper products or other absorbent articles having one or more cuffs with a skin care composition distributed thereon that (1) provide desirable therapeutic or barrier benefits; and/or (2) Does not require relatively large amounts of skin care compositions that are liquid at room temperature (such as mineral oil); and/or (3) does not adversely affect diaper product hygroscopicity; and/or (4) does not require special packaging or packaging Use protective material.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a diaper or absorbent article having one or more cuffs on which a skin care composition is distributed, wherein at least a portion of the composition is transferable to the wearer's skin to provide the desired Skin care benefits (including reducing skin irritation and erythema), therapeutic benefits (including reducing erythema and/or diaper rash and/or reducing the adhesion of BM to the skin, thereby improving the ease of BM cleansing. The present invention Another object is to improve the containment/protection function of the cuff when using hydrophobic skin care compositions.

These and other objects are attained by use of the present invention and will become more apparent upon reading the following disclosure.

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, having one or more cuffs having a skin care composition distributed (coated or transferable) on the body surface of the cuffs. Importantly, the skin care compositions used herein are readily transferred to the wearer's skin by normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Once transferred to the skin, the skin care composition provides desirable therapeutic and/or barrier benefits with little or no erythema, erythema, diaper rash, skin irritation and/or reduced adhesion of BM to the wearer's skin, Thus making the BM easy to clean. If a hydrophobic skin care composition is used, the skin care composition described herein can enhance the containment/protection properties of the cuff, thereby improving its leakage protection. Such hydrophobic skin care compositions allow flexibility in designing cuffs using nonwoven materials, resulting in reduced material costs, since they provide another means of obtaining the desired containment/protection properties.

As used herein, the term "bands" includes leg bands (including protective bands, padded bands, combinations and deformations thereof), transverse bands and pockets/pads, side panels, and waist bands (including waist flaps, waist belts, Waistcaps and integral waistcaps/belts) and combinations of all or some of these straps.

Essentially, the skin care compositions described herein provide protective and/or therapeutic benefits, including reduction of erythema and/or diaper rash, once transferred to the wearer's skin. The skin care composition also acts to minimize chafing between the cuff and the area of skin it contacts, thereby reducing erythema and/or skin irritation. In addition, the protective layer on the wearer's skin can reduce the adhesion of BM to the skin, making it easy to wash the BM.

As discussed below, the skin care compositions of the present invention preferably have a melting profile such that they are relatively immobilized and localized on the cuff at room temperature, are transferable to the wearer at body temperature, and are not completely liquid under extreme storage conditions . In these embodiments, less skin care composition is required to produce the desired skin care benefits. In addition, no special protective layer or wrapping material is required when packaging the treated product of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article of the present invention comprises a skin care composition distributed (coated and transferable) on the cuff and topsheet. Applicants have discovered that these preferred articles increase the transfer of the composition to the wearer's skin, thereby increasing the therapeutic and/or protective benefits discussed herein. Thus, as the skin coverage (ie, skin area) and/or the amount of composition transferred to a given skin site increases, transfer can be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention, partially cut away to reveal the underlying structure.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 1 .

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the absorbent article of the disposable diaper of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a preferred method of applying the composition of the present invention to the protective cuff of a diaper.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of another method of applying the composition of the present invention to the protective cuff of a diaper.

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a partial coronal view showing the sanitary napkin and panties of the present invention worn by a user.

The term "comprising" herein refers to various components, components or steps that can be commonly used in implementing the present invention. Accordingly, the term "comprising" includes the more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of".

As used herein, the term "skin care composition" refers to any composition comprising one or more agents which, upon transfer from an article to the wearer's skin, provide a therapeutic and/or protective benefit to the skin. Representative materials are discussed in detail below.

All percentages, ratios and proportions used herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

A. Hygroscopic products

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" means an article which absorbs and contains body exudates, and more particularly, refers to an article which is placed on the skin of the wearer to absorb and contain various exudates from the body. The term "disposable" is used to describe an absorbent article that is not laundered or recovered or reused as an absorbent article after one use. Examples of disposable absorbent articles include feminine hygiene articles, such as sanitary pants, sanitary napkins, and panty liners; diapers; incontinence products, such as briefs or underwear; diaper supports; diaper inserts;

Disposable absorbent articles generally comprise a chassis comprising an outer cover and an absorbent core enclosed within the outer cover, the outer cover comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-impermeable backsheet connected to the topsheet, the absorbent The core is preferably located between the topsheet and the backsheet. Disposable absorbent articles and components thereof, including the topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core and any layers of these components, have two major surfaces (a first surface and a second surface), commonly referred to as the body side and the garment side. As used herein, a "body side" (also known as a body-contacting surface or a skin-contacting surface) refers to the surface of an article or part that faces toward or adjacent to the wearer's body, while a "garment side" is the surface facing away from the wearer. On the other hand, the garment side is positioned towards the wearer's garments when the disposable absorbent article is worn.

The following description generally discusses the absorbent core, topsheet and backsheet materials used in disposable absorbent articles. It should be understood that this general description applies to the components of the specific absorbent article shown in Figures 1-4, as further described below, in addition to the components of the other disposable absorbent articles described herein.

Typically, the absorbent core is capable of absorbing or retaining liquids (eg, menstrual fluid, urine, and/or other body exudates). The absorbent core is preferably compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Absorbent cores can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., square, oval, hourglass, T-shaped, figure eight, symmetrical shape, asymmetric shape, etc.). In addition to the absorbent composite of the present invention, the absorbent core may comprise any of the various fluid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as comminuted wood pulp, which is commonly referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials for the absorbent core include creped cellulosic pads; melt blown polymers (including coform); chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue (including tissue wrap and tissue laminates); absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any Equivalent materials or combinations thereof, and mixtures.

The configuration and structure of the absorbent core can vary (e.g., the thickness of the absorbent core can vary and/or be thicker in the center, the absorbent core can have a gradient of hydrophilicity, a gradient of absorbent composites (e.g., a gradient of superabsorbency), Lower average density and lower average basis weight areas (such as acquisition areas; or comprising one or more layers), however, the overall absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should be compatible with the design load and intended use of the absorbent article. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core can be varied to meet the needs of different uses (such as diapers, incontinence pads, training pants, panty liners, regular sanitary napkins and overnight sanitary napkins) and the needs of different wearers (from infants to to adults).

The absorbent core may comprise other absorbent elements commonly used in absorbent articles, such as a dusting layer, a wicking or acquisition layer (surge management layer) or a secondary topsheet for increased wearer comfort.

The topsheet is preferably compliant, has a soft hand, and is non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet is liquid pervious in at least some regions, allowing liquids (such as menses and/or urine) to readily pass through its thickness. Suitable topsheets can be made of various materials such as woven and nonwoven materials (such as nonwoven webs) (including open nonwoven materials); polymeric materials (such as open formed thermoplastic films, open plastic films and hydroformed thermoplastic film); porous foam; reticulated foam; reticulated thermoplastic film; and thermoplastic gauze. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials consist of natural fibers (such as wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers), bicomponent fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers . If the topsheet comprises a nonwoven web, the nonwoven can be produced by various known techniques. For example, the web may be spunbonded, carded, wetlaid, meltblown, hydroentangled, hydroformed, hydroformed, combinations of the foregoing, and the like.

The backsheet is preferably impermeable to liquids (eg menses and/or urine) at least in the crotch region of the absorbent article and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impermeable materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to a material that is compliant and readily conforms to the shape and contours of the body. The backsheet prevents exudates absorbed and contained by the absorbent core from wetting articles that come into contact with the absorbent article, such as bed sheets, shorts, pajamas, and undergarments. The backsheet may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, a polymeric film such as a thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene, or a composite material such as a coated or film coated nonwoven. A suitable backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil), representative of which is available under the brand name P18-1401 from Clopay Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, from Terre Haute, Indiana. Tredegar Film Products manufactures it under the brand name XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet is permeable to vapors from the absorbent core (ie, the backsheet is breathable), while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet. Examples of breathable backsheets suitable for the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,571,096, "Absorbent Articles Having Breathable Side Panels," issued November 5, 1996 to Dobrin, Davis and Weirich, which patent is incorporated herein by reference). The size of the backsheet is determined by the size of the absorbent core and the selected design of the absorbent article.

The backsheet and topsheet are positioned adjacent the garment side and the body side, respectively, of the absorbent core. The absorbent core is preferably attached to the topsheet, backsheet or both by any known means using such attachment means as are known in the art. However, embodiments of the present invention include those in which the entire absorbent core is not attached to the topsheet, backsheet or both.

For example, the backsheet and/or the topsheet may be secured to the absorbent core or to each other with a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or a set of discrete lines, spirals or spots of adhesive. Adhesives which have been found satisfactory are manufactured by the H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota under the brand names HL-1258 or H-2031. The connector preferably comprises an open pattern network of adhesive filaments as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,573,986, issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola et al., which is incorporated by reference. A representative example of the connectors of the open pattern network of filaments includes several lines of adhesive filaments wound in a helical pattern as described in U.S. Patent 3 911 173 (issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975), Apparatus and methods are described in US Patent 4,785,996 (Zwieker et al., issued November 22, 1978) and US Patent 4,842,666 (Werenicz, issued June 27, 1989). The above patents are incorporated by reference. Additionally, attachment means may include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic welding, dynamic mechanical bonding, and any other suitable attachment means, or combinations of these attachment means known in the art.

A preferred disposable absorbent article is a diaper, wherein a "treated cuff" of the present invention is used ("treated cuff" as used herein refers to a cuff having one or more skin care compositions distributed thereon. bring). As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article normally worn on the lower body by infants and incontinent persons. In other words, the term "diaper" includes baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, and the like. The invention is also applicable to other types of disposable products such as sanitary napkins and panty liners containing cuffs.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 of the present invention in a flattened, uncontracted state (ie, with all elastic contraction removed). Portions of the structure of the diaper are cut away to more clearly show the structure of the diaper 20, with the portion of the diaper 20 that contacts the wearer facing the viewer (body side). The diaper 20 shown in Figure 1 has a front waist region 22, a rear waist region 24, a crotch region 26 and peripheral portions. The peripheral portion is defined by the outer edges of the diaper, with the longitudinal edges indicated at 30 and the end edges indicated at 32 . Additionally the diaper 20 has a transverse centerline (designated 34) and a longitudinal centerline (designated 36). The diaper 20 comprises a chassis; preferably a fastening system comprising a pair of tape-tab fasteners 54 and landing members 55; each comprising a sealing cuff 56 of a side flap 58 and a flap elastic 60; comprising The barrier cuff 62 has a proximal side 64, a distal side 66 and a barrier cuff member 63 at an end 74; and a spacer such as an elastic spacer 76 for separating the distal side 66 from the topsheet. The chassis includes (i) an outer cover comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet 38 and a liquid-impervious backsheet 42 and (ii) an absorbent core 44 having sides 46 . The diaper 20 additionally includes a seal 78 for sealingly securing the end 74 of each barrier cuff 62 . Although the various parts of the diaper can be assembled in various known constructions, the preferred diaper construction is generally described in U.S. Patent 4 695 278 issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, which is incorporated by reference.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 in which the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 are coextensive and generally have greater length and width dimensions than the absorbent core 44. The topsheet 38 is joined to the backsheet 42 and overlies the backsheet 42 to form the perimeter of the diaper 20 .

The diaper 20 has front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 respectively extending from peripheral end edges 32 to a transverse centerline 34 of the diaper 20 . The waist region comprises the portion of the diaper 20 that surrounds the wearer's waist when worn. The crotch region 26 is the portion of the diaper 20 in the waist region, including that portion of the diaper 20 that, when worn, lies between the thighs and covers the lower torso of the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the skin care composition 72 is distributed over each barrier cuff 62, preferably over the body surface of the barrier cuff to facilitate transfer to the wearer's skin during use. In the version shown, the skin care composition 72 is distributed proximate to the distal edge 66, preferably at least in the crotch region 26, and more preferably on the distal edge 66. Barrier cuff 62 most preferably includes one or more strips of skin care composition 72 distributed thereon. In the above embodiment, the skin care composition 72 is only distributed over a portion of the barrier cuff 62 . For certain skin care compositions, it is preferable to avoid applying the skin care composition to the portion of the barrier cuff adjacent to the elastic barrier to ensure that elastic creep caused by the interaction of the skin care composition and the adhesive is not obtained. As shown in FIG. 1 , in a preferred solution, the skin care composition 72 is not distributed in the portion adjacent to the end of the elastic spacer 76 in the front waist region, but may not be distributed in the region adjacent to the end of the rear waist region. Additionally, an adhesive that is compatible with the skin care composition can be used so that distribution of the skin care composition over the cuff relative to the end of the elastic barrier is not restricted. As discussed herein, the skin care composition can also be applied to the garment side of the barrier cuff and then "transfer through" to the body surface to increase the hydrophobicity of the barrier cuff and distribute to the body side to provide skin care benefits. Additionally, the skin care composition may be applied to other portions of the barrier cuff, the entire barrier cuff, the elastic barrier, and any other component of the cuff. The skin care composition can also be distributed in any pattern shape, including discontinuous or continuous patterns, or in any amount discussed below.

The diaper 20 shown in FIG. 2 has a garment side 86 and a body side 84 opposite the garment side 86 . The body side 84 of the diaper 20 includes the portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned adjacent the wearer's body during use. That is, the body surface 84 is generally formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 38 and other portions, including those portions adjoining the topsheet 38 . The garment side 86 comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which, in use, is located away from the body of the wearer. That is, the garment side 86 is generally formed by at least a portion of the backsheet 42 and other components including components attachable to the backsheet 42 .

2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating the diaper construction of the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20. As shown in FIG. It should be understood that the diaper construction of the front waist region 22 is substantially the same as the diaper construction of the rear waist region 24 . The absorbent core comprises an absorbent layer 48 which is completely surrounded by fabric layers 50 and 52 . The absorbent core 44 is located between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 . The topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 extend beyond the sides 46 of the absorbent core 44 to form side flaps 58 . The overlapping regions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet are preferably held together by wing fasteners 88, such as adhesive. In a preferred aspect, the elastic flaps do not extend into the rear waist region 24 and thus do not form a sealing cuff in this region. The illustrated barrier cuff includes a separate piece, barrier cuff piece 63 , which is secured to topsheet 38 . The proximal edge 64 is formed by securing the barrier cuff member 63 to the topsheet 38 with the proximal fastener 92 . The garment side 68 of the barrier cuff 62 (also referred to as the inner surface of the barrier cuff) is secured to the body side 40 by a seal 78 . Thus, the distal edge 66 is closed (ie, the distal edge is not spaced from the body surface 40). It should be noted that elastic spacers are not provided in this region, since the distal edge 66 is not designed to be spaced from the body surface 40 in the waist region. Thus, the barrier cuff is neither open nor intended to restrict the flow of bodily exudates in this area. In this particular embodiment, the skin care composition is preferably not distributed over the barrier cuff in the rear waist region.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing the diaper configuration in the crotch region 26 when formed (ie, the diaper 20 is elastically contracted) prior to use by the wearer. Absorbent core 44 includes absorbent layer 48 as shown, which is completely surrounded by fabric layers 50 and 52 . The absorbent core 44 is located between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 . The topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 extend beyond the sides 46 of the absorbent core 44 to form side flaps 58 . The overlapping regions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 are preferably secured together by wing fasteners 88, such as an adhesive. The topsheet 38 and backsheet 38 also enclose elastic flaps 60 adjacent the longitudinal edges 30 . The elastic wings 60 are preferably secured by elastic fasteners 90 in the side flaps 58 formed by the topsheet and backsheet. An elastically collapsible sealing band 56 is formed by side flaps 58 and elastic wings 60 . The sealing cuff has a body side 57 facing the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn and a garment side 59 opposite the body side 57 . The illustrated barrier cuff is formed by affixing a separate, barrier cuff member 63 to the topsheet 38 preferably between the elastic flaps 60 and the sides 46 of the absorbent core 44 . The proximal edge 64 of the barrier cuff 62 is formed by securing the barrier cuff member 63 to the topsheet 38 by the proximal fastener 92 . The resilient spacer 76 is enclosed in a channel formed when the ends of the barrier cuff member 63 are folded back in half. The elastic spacer 76 is fixed in the groove by the elastic fixing member 94 . The distal edge 66 of the barrier cuff is spaced from the body surface 40 by elastic contraction of the elastic spacer 76 . The illustrated barrier cuff is capable of confining, containing and retaining bodily exudates until the diaper 20 is removed from the wearer. The skin care composition 72 shown in FIG. 3 is distributed on the body side 70 of the cuff 62 so as to be transferred to the wearer's skin during use.

The diapers of the present invention can have many known constructions, the absorbent cores of which are adapted to suit the present invention. Representative structures are generally described in US 3 860 003 (issued to Buell on January 14, 1975); US 5,151,092 (issued to Buell et al. on September 29, 1992); US 5 580 411 (issued to Nease et al); US 5 569 232 (issued 29 October 1996 to Roe et al) and US 5 569 234 (issued 29 October 1996 to Buell et al). These patents are incorporated by reference.

The diaper chassis shown in the figures comprises the main body portion (container) of the diaper. The chassis comprises at least an absorbent core and preferably an outer cover comprising a topsheet and a backsheet. If the absorbent article includes a removable cover and liner, the chassis typically includes the cover and liner (i.e., the chassis includes one or more layers of material to form the cover while the liner includes absorbent composite materials such as the topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core) . For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis comprises the main structure of the diaper and additional components to form a composite diaper structure. Thus, the diaper chassis comprises a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core.

The topsheet 38, which is particularly suitable for the diaper 20, can be carded and thermally bonded by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the fabric art. A satisfactory topsheet of the present invention comprises 2.2 denier hand-tear length polypropylene fibers. As used herein, the term "hand-pulled length fibers" refers to fibers having a length of at least about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches). Preferably the topsheet has a basis weight of about 14-25 g/ ^m2 . A suitable topsheet is manufactured by Veratecinc., of Walpole Mass., a division of the International Paper Company, under the designation P-8. Another preferred topsheet is a 22 g/ ^m2 basis weight spunbond nonwoven available under the designation 9694 from Fiberweb North America, Inc. of Simpsonville, SC.

The topsheet 38 of the diaper 20 is preferably made of a hydrophilic material to facilitate rapid passage of liquids, such as urine, through the topsheet. If the topsheet is a hydrophobic material, preferably at least the body side or part of the body side of the topsheet is hydrophilized to allow liquids to pass through the topsheet quickly. This eliminates the possibility of bodily exudates flowing off the topsheet and not being absorbed through the topsheet and not being absorbed by the absorbent core. Treating the topsheet with a surfactant can render it hydrophilic. Suitable methods of treating the topsheet with the surfactant include spraying the topsheet material with the surfactant and immersing the material in the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of this hydrophilic treatment is found in U.S. Patent 4 988 344 (titled "Absorbent Article Having Multilayer Absorbent Layers", issued to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991) and U.S. Patent 4 988 345 (which Titled "Absorbent Articles Having Rapid Acquisition Absorbent Core," issued to Reising on January 29, 1991, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the preferred embodiments described herein, the topsheet of the absorbent article may also have a skin care composition distributed thereon. Representative processed topsheets are described in US 5 643 588 (entitled "Diaper with a lotion-treated topsheet", granted to Roe, Bakes & Warner on July 1, 1997) and US 5 635 191 (entitled " Diaper with lotion treated topsheet containing silicone emollient, issued June 3, 1997 to Roe & Mackey). These patents are incorporated by reference. Delivered via repeated use of absorbent articles with such treated topsheet Methods of skin care compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 08/926532 (P&G Docket No. 6823), entitled "Methods of Maintaining or Improving Skin Health," filed September 10, 1997 in the name of Elder et al.; U.S. Patent Application No. 08/926 533 (P&G Case No. 6822), entitled "Methods for Improving the Condition of the Skin," filed September 10, 1997 in the name of Van Rijswijck; and U.S. Patent Application No. 08/908 852 (P&G Case No. No. 5494CR), entitled "Diapers with Lotion-Treated Topsheets," filed August 8, 1997 in the name of Roe et al. Each of the aforementioned patent applications is incorporated herein by reference. As described herein, distributed at The skin care composition on the cuff and the topsheet will help transfer the skin care composition to a larger surface area of the skin than just treating the cuff. In addition, applying these two components can deliver a larger amount of the skin care composition to the wearer Specific sites and/or delivery of different dosage forms of skin care compositions to achieve different skin benefits.

In the preferred diaper embodiment herein, the backsheet 42 has a modified hourglass shape extending out of the absorbent core along the entire perimeter of the diaper. The backsheet is preferably a flexible, textile-like web laminate comprising selectively apertured polymeric formed films and nonwoven webs. Such a breathable backsheet is described in more detail in U.S. Patent 5,571,096 issued November 5, 1996 to Dobrin et al., which is incorporated by reference.

The absorbent core 44 can be of any size and shape compatible with the diaper 20 . A preferred diaper 20 has an asymmetrical, modified T-shaped absorbent core 44 having ear ends in the first waist region but having a generally square shape in the second waist region. Typical absorbent structures useful as absorbent cores of the present invention have gained wide acceptance and commercial success. Such absorbent structures are described in the following documents: US Patent 4610678, entitled "High Density Absorbent Structure", issued September 9, 1986 to Weisman et al.; US Patent 4 673 402, entitled "Absorbent Article with Double Layer Core" , to Weisman et al., June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent 4 888 231, entitled "Absorbent Core with Primer Layer"), Angstadt, December 19, 1989; European Patent Application 640330, P&G, March 1995 Published on 1st; and U.S. Patent 4 834 735, entitled "High Density Absorbent Member with Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Area", issued May 30, 1989 to Alemany et al. The absorbent core may also include a dual core system comprising an acquisition/distribution core of chemically hardened fibers positioned over an absorbent storage core, as detailed in U.S. Patent 5 234 423 (entitled "Having an Elastic Waist and Highly Absorbent Absorbent Articles"), issued August 10, 1993 to Alemany et al) and U.S. Patent 5,147,345 (entitled "Highly Effective Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Management", issued September 15, 1992 to Young, LaVon and Taylor). All of these patents are incorporated by reference.

In a preferred aspect, the cuffs of the diaper 20 include leg cuffs, including barrier cuffs 62 and/or sealing cuffs 56 for improved containment of liquids and other body exudates. These straps can be made in different shapes. The diaper 20 may also include cuffs with elastic waist members (not shown) and/or elastic side panels (not shown) to provide a better fit and more efficient application of the diaper 20 . These cuffs can be treated with a skin care composition.

Each leg cuff can have several different ways to reduce leakage of bodily exudates in the leg area (leg cuffs can and are sometimes called leg cuffs, side flaps, barrier cuffs, elastic leg cuffs, sealing cuffs or elastic cuffs ). US 3 860 003 discloses a disposable diaper which provides a retractable leg opening with side flaps and one or more elastic members to obtain elastic leg cuffs (sealing cuffs), incorporated herein by reference. US 4909803 describes a disposable diaper with "standing" elastic wings (barrier cuffs) for improved containment in the leg area, entitled "Disposable absorbent article with elastic wings", March 20, 1990 To Aziz et al., incorporated herein by reference. US 4 695 278 discloses a disposable diaper with a double cuff (comprising a sealing cuff and a barrier cuff), entitled "Absorbent Article with Double Cuff", issued September 22, 1987 to Lawson, This article is incorporated by reference. Each leg cuff preferably has a barrier cuff 62 and sealing cuff 56 as described in detail below, although each leg cuff may be configured in the same manner as any of the leg straps, flaps, barrier cuffs or elastic cuffs described above.

Each barrier cuff 62 is a flexible member having a proximal edge 64, a distal edge 66, a garment side 68 (also referred to as an inner surface), and a body surface 70 (also referred to as an outer surface). The garment side 68 is positioned towards the interior of the diaper, while the body side 70 is towards the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn. The barrier cuff 62 can be produced from a variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foam, nonwoven, plastic film, formed film, and elastic film or foam. Various production techniques can be used to produce barrier cuffs. For example, barrier cuff 62 may be woven, nonwoven, spunbond, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond, carded, coated, layered, or the like. A preferred barrier cuff 62 comprises a polypropylene material free of finishes or surfactants to impart liquid impermeability. A representative polypropylene fiber nonwoven is produced by Crown Zellerbach as Celestra. A particularly preferred nonwoven material is a carded nonwoven, available under the designation 67700 from PGI of Landisville, New Jersey. Alternatively, this material may be a non-woven fabric supplied under the designation MD 300A by Corovin GmbH of Peine, Germany. Additionally, due to the hydrophobic skin care composition used in the present invention, the barrier cuff can be made of a hydrophilic material and have a hydrophobic skin care composition distributed thereon to enhance its barrier properties.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the barrier cuff 62 , and in particular the proximal side 64 , is located near the inside of the longitudinal side 30 , adjacent to and preferably inboard of the sealing cuff 56 . The term "inboard" refers to the direction towards the centerline of the diaper (assigned 34 or 36) parallel to the sides of the diaper 20 along which specific sealing cuffs may be provided. The barrier cuff 62 is adjacent to the sealing cuff 56 to create a more effective dual restriction on the flow of bodily exudates. The barrier cuff is preferably positioned on the inside of the sealing cuff 56 so that exudates, especially loose fecal matter that is not easily absorbed and floats on the body surface 40, come into contact with the barrier cuff 62 before the barrier cuff 62 contacts the sealing cuff 56. Before. More preferably, the barrier cuff 62 is located between the elastic flap 60 of the sealing cuff 56 and the longitudinal centerline 36 of the diaper 20, most preferably between the elastic flap 60 and the side edges 46 of the absorbent core 44 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20. .

The proximal side 64 and the distal side 66 are spaced from each other and define the width of the barrier cuff 62 . The proximal side 64 and the distal side 66 are parallel, non-parallel, linear or curved, respectively. Additionally, barrier cuff 62 may have a variety of different cross-sections, including circular, square, square, or any other shape, as shown in FIG. 3 . The proximal side 64 and the distal side 66 are preferably spaced apart in a parallel and linear fashion from one another to provide a barrier cuff 62 of uniform width.

The preferred diaper 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a barrier cuff 62 attached to the topsheet 38 . Term " being connected to " comprises any method that barrier cuff 62 is fixed to diaper 20, comprises following embodiment: (1) barrier cuff 62 is a separate part, and its proximal edge is directly or indirectly fixed on the topsheet 38 (ie integral), (2) barrier cuff 62 and topsheet 38 are made of the same component or material so that proximal edge 64 is a continuous, undivided component (ie integral) of the topsheet. The barrier cuffs 62 may also be attached to the side panels 58, the backsheet 42, the absorbent core 44, the topsheet 38, or a combination of these components or other components of the diaper 20. In the preferred diaper 20, the barrier cuff is integral with the topsheet 38. The one-piece barrier cuff is preferably formed from a strip of material barrier cuff piece 63 secured to the top piece by proximal fasteners 92, the ends of the barrier cuff piece 63 being folded back in half to form the distal edge 66. .

The distal edge 66 is preferably located inboard of the proximal edge 64 to provide a more effective barrier to the flow of exudates. Distal edge 66 is held inboard of proximal edge 64 by closure 78 to prevent their inversion. While the distal edge 66 could be otherwise distributed relative to the proximal edge 64, these locations are not preferred.

Preferably the distal edge 66 is not attached to any other components in at least the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 such that it is spaced from the body surface 40 of the topsheet 38 to enhance article containment. As used herein, "spaced apart" includes arrangements where the distal edge 66 is at one or more locations relative to the bodyside 40 of the topsheet 38, including sometimes being adjacent to the bodyside 40. When the far side edge 66 and the top sheet were spaced as far as possible (i.e. in an elastically contracted state), the distance between the far side edge 66 and the body surface 40 of the top sheet 38 was along the distance from the far side edge 66 to the top sheet 38 closest part. Line segments are measured.

The leg cuffs of the present invention preferably include sealing cuffs 56 in addition to the barrier cuffs. The sealing cuff 56 is preferably adjacent the perimeter of the diaper 20 along each longitudinal edge 30 such that the sealing cuff 56 tends to pull and hold the diaper 20 against the thigh. Although the sealing cuff 56 may comprise any of several components known in the diaper art, a particularly preferred sealing cuff structure includes flexible side flaps 58 and elastic wings 60, as described in detail in Buell on January 14, 1975. US Patent 3 860 003, which is incorporated by reference. Another suitable method and apparatus for producing a disposable diaper having an elastic sealing cuff 56 is described in U.S. Patent 4 081 301 entitled "Continuously securing discrete, elongated elastic bands to predetermined separate portions of a disposable absorbent article" Method and Apparatus," issued to Buell on March 28, 1978, incorporated herein by reference.

The side flaps 58 should be highly flexible and contractible so that the elastic flaps 60 pull the side flaps 58 to provide the sealing cuff 56 at the wearer's legs and waist. The side panels 58 are preferably the portions of the diaper 20 between the perimeter and the sides of the absorbent core 44 . Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the side panels 58 are formed by extensions of the backsheet 42 and the topsheet 38 along at least the sides 46 of the absorbent core 44 of the diaper 20 in the crotch region 26. Alternatively, as described in US 3 860 003, the side flaps may be movable parts connected to the chassis (top sheet, back sheet and/or absorbent core) or a part of the side flaps may be a movable part.

The elastic wings 60 are preferably operably connected (secured thereto) to the side panels 58 in an elastically contractible condition such that the elastic wings 60 are effective to contract or gather the side panels 58 in the generally uncontracted configuration. The elastic flaps 60 are secured to the side flaps 58 in the elastically contractible condition in at least two ways. For example, the elastic wings 60 can be stretched and then secured to the side flaps 58 while the side flaps 58 are in an uncontracted state. Additionally, the side panels 58 are contracted, such as by pleating, and the elastic flaps 60 are secured to the contracted side panels 58 with the elastic flaps 60 in their non-relaxed or non-stretched state. Sealing cuffs may also comprise many different elastically extensible structures, such as elastic nonwovens or foams, such as stretch laminates as described in US Patent 5,151,092 (issued September 29, 1992 to Buell et al); and US 5,518,801 Structural elastic-like film (SELF) fabrics described in (Chappell et al., issued May 21, 1996), which are incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the elastic panels 60 extend substantially the entire length of the side panels 58 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20. In addition, the elastic members 60 can extend the entire length of the diaper 20 or to a suitable length to provide an airtight cuff. The length of the elastic wings 60 is determined by the diaper design.

The diaper 20 is shown in Figure 3, with elastic fasteners 90 securing the elastic wings 60 to the side panels 58 so that they are interconnected. The elastic mount 90 should be flexible and have sufficient adhesive properties to hold the elastic wings in the contracted state. The elastic fastener 90 is preferably a bead or spiral glue made of a hot melt adhesive such as sold as Findley 2511 or Findley H9254 by ATO Findley Corporation, Wauwatosa, Wis. It is recognized that traditional adhesives are not compatible with all skin care compositions. In particular, certain skin care compositions can reduce the integrity of the adhesive, resulting in elastic creep and/or insufficient cohesion. An adhesive found to be particularly effective in avoiding elastic creep when used in skin care compositions is Findley H9254. For a more detailed description of the manner in which the elastic wings 60 are positioned and secured to the diaper 20, see U.S. Pat. Buell). Both documents are incorporated by reference.

A suitable elastic wing member 60 was found to be an elastic band commercially available from natural rubber obtained under the trademark L-1900 rubber compound from Easthampton Rubber Thread Company of Stewart, Va. Other suitable elastic wings 60 may be made of natural rubber, such as the elastic sold under the trademark Fulflex 9211 by Fulflex Corporation of Scotland, N.C. A representative elastic member is a Lycra strap, such as that sold under the designation Lycra-XAT-151 by DuPont of Waynesboro, Virginia. The elastic wings 60 may comprise any heat shrinkable elastic material known in the art. Other suitable elastic wings 60 may comprise various materials known in the art, including: elastomeric films, Lycra films or tapes, polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, and formed elastic scrims.

In addition, the elastic fins 60 may have various shapes. For example, the width of the elastic wings 60 can vary from about 0.25 mm (0.01 inches) to 25 mm (1.0 inches) or more. The elastic wings 60 may comprise a single strand of elastic material or several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material. Alternatively, the elastic wings 60 are straight or curved. In addition, the elastic panels 60 can be attached to the diaper 20 in various ways known in the art. For example, the elastic flaps 60 may be ultrasonically bonded, heat/pressure sealed to the diaper 20, or simply glued to the diaper 20 using various bonding patterns.

The cuff may also include an elastic waist, such as a belt made of elastic thread (not shown), which can be in many different shapes, including US 4 515 595, US 5 026 364 and US 5 151 092 Those described in , wherein the skin care composition is distributed thereon. These patents were issued to Kievit et al., Robertson and Buell et al. on May 7, 1985, June 25, 1991, and September 29, 1992, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

The cuff may also include elastic side panels, which can be made into a number of configurations upon which the skin care composition is distributed. Examples of diapers with elastic side panels are disclosed in: US 4 857 067, issued August 15, 1989 to Wood et al; US 4 381 781, issued May 3, 1983 to Sciaraffa et al; US 4 938 753 , issued Jul. 3, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; US5,151,092, issued Sep. 29, 1992 to Buell et al.; US 5 580 411, issued Dec. 3, 1996 to Nease et al.; US 5 669 897, 1997 and US 5 569 232, issued 29 October 1996 to Roe et al. The aforementioned documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the cuff of the present invention may also include pockets to receive and hold waste, barriers to provide cavities for waste, barriers to limit movement of waste within the article, pockets to receive and contain waste deposited in the diaper. Chambers and spaces, etc., and combinations thereof, wherein a skin care composition is distributed over these parts. Pouches and barriers for use in absorbent articles are described in the following documents: US 5,514,121, entitled "Diapers with Expelled Liners", issued May 7, 1996 to Roe et al; US5 171 236, entitled "Disposable absorbent article having a core liner", issued 15 December 1992 to Dreier et al; US 5 397 318, entitled "Absorbent article having a pocket cuff", issued 14 March 1995 to Dreier ; US 5 540 671, entitled "Absorbent Article with Pocket Cuff with Corrugation Lines", awarded to Dreier on July 30, 1996; PCT Application WO 93/25172, published on December 3, 1993, entitled "Using Liners for hygienic absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such liners"; and US 5 306 266, entitled "Flexible liners for disposable absorbent articles", issued to Freeland on April 26, 1994 . Examples of chambers or cavities are disclosed in the following documents: US 4968312, titled "Disposable Diaper for Sec Absorbent Articles with Elastic Liners", issued February 5, 1991 to Holt et al., and US 5 269 755 entitled "Triple Topsheets for Disposable Absorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Products with Such Three Topsheets" Supplies", awarded 14 December 1993 to Freeland et al. Examples of suitable transverse barriers are described in the following documents: US 554142, entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multilayer Effective Height Transverse Partitions", filed in the name of Dreier et al., issued September 10, 1996; Freeland et al. PCT Patent WO 94/14395 entitled "Absorbent Article with Upright Transverse Partitions", published on July 7, 1997; and US 5653703, entitled "Absorbent Article with Angular Upright Transverse Partitions", 1997 Granted to Roe et al. on 5 August. All of these documents are incorporated by reference.

Exemplary fastening systems are disclosed in the following documents: US 4 846 815, issued July 11, 1989 to Scripps; US 4894060, issued January 16, 1990 to Nestegard; US 4946527, issued August 7, 1990 to Battrell; US 3848594, issued November 19, 1974 to Buell; US 4963140, issued October 16, 1990 to Robertson et al; US B1 4662875, issued May 5, 1987 to Hirotsu et al; Granted to Buell et al. All of these documents are incorporated by reference. A skin care composition may be distributed over one or more components of the immobilization system to further improve skin health properties. For example, the skin care compositions described herein can be distributed on tape tabs to moderate their effect on the skin.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the diaper 20 in an elastically contracted state prior to use. The topsheet 38 is shown as part of the body surface of the diaper 20; the backsheet 42 is positioned away from the wearer's body. The shown sealing band 56 gathers or contracts via elastic wings (not shown in FIG. 4 ). The diaper 20 has two barrier cuffs 62 that extend adjacent and inboard of the sealing cuff 56 . In the crotch portion, the distal edge 66 is gathered and contracted by an elastic barrier (not shown). In addition, the ends 74 of the barrier cuff 62 are tightly secured to provide comfort to the wearer, avoid reversal of the barrier cuff, and ease application of the diaper. The skin care composition 72 is distributed on (applied to or transferable to) the body surface of each barrier cuff 62, thereby transferring to the wearer's skin to provide the benefits discussed below.

The diaper 20 can be placed on the wearer by securing the rear waist region 24 to the wearer's rear and then pulling the remaining portion of the diaper 20 between the thighs so that the front waist region 22 is positioned at the front of the wearer. The ends of the tape flap fasteners 54 are preferably secured to landing members 55 to close the diaper 20 . In this manner, the barrier cuff 62 can be positioned in the crotch region of the wearer and provide the distribution and functionality described above. Once donned, the distal edge 66 of the barrier cuff 62 passes through the groin, parting upwardly along the wearer's buttocks. None of the barrier cuffs 62 wrap around the user's thighs. However, the sealing cuff 56 will wrap around the thigh, thereby creating a gasket effect on the thigh. The barrier cuff 62 contacts the wearer's skin and then transfers the skin care composition 72 to the skin to provide some or all of the benefits described herein.

The treated cuffs of the present invention can also be used in training pants or compression diapers. The term "training pant" refers to a disposable undergarment having fixed sides thereby defining fixed waist openings and leg openings. The training pants are put on by tucking the thighs into the leg openings and then sliding them over the wearer's lower torso. Suitable training pants are disclosed in US 5246433 (Hasse et al., issued September 21, 1993); US4940464 (Van Gompel et al., issued July 10, 1990) and US 5092861 (Nomura et al., issued March 3, 1992) disclosed in , all of which are incorporated by reference. The treated cuffs of the present invention are also suitable for such absorbent articles as combinations or fits of training pants and diapers (tight diapers), such as those described in US 5569234, entitled "Disposable tights", 1996 Awarded to Buell and Carlin on 29 October, incorporated by reference.

Another class of disposable absorbent articles for which the treated cuffs of the present invention may be used are incontinence articles. The term "incontinence article" refers to pads, undergarments (pads held in place by some suspension system such as buckles, etc.), inserts for absorbent articles, volume boosters for absorbent articles, briefs, mattresses, etc., whether adult or otherwise Incontinent wear. Suitable incontinence articles are disclosed in US 4,253,461 (issued to Strickland et al. on March 3, 1981); US 4,597,760 and 4,597,761 (issued to Buell); the aforementioned US 4,704,115; US 4,909,802 (issued to Ahr et al); 23 to Gipson et al); and PCT Publication WO 92/11830 (P&G, published Jul. 23, 1992). The above documents are incorporated by reference.

Figure 7 is a simplified partial cross-sectional view of another preferred diaper configuration of the present invention. The diaper 720 includes a chassis and a treated cuff attached thereto. The chassis comprises (i) an outer cover layer comprising a topsheet 38 portion and a backsheet 42 portion; and (ii) an absorbent core 44 . Each cuff includes a barrier cuff 762 and a sealing cuff 756 . The barrier cuff 762 includes a movable barrier cuff piece 763 having a wing portion 702 and a channel portion 704 .

Wing portions 702 are formed by securing portions of the barrier cuff member 763 to the backsheet 42 proximate the longitudinal edges 30 of the diaper using wing fastening means 88, such as adhesive. A leak-proof seal is formed by the wing mounts 88, the wing portions 68 and the backsheet 42, thereby preventing liquid from wicking along the topsheet 38 and leaking. The wing portions 702 and the backsheet 42 define the wings 758 of the sealing cuff 756 and encase the elastic wings 760 . The elastic wings 760 are secured by elastic fasteners 90 to the side flaps 758 formed by the wing portions and the chassis. Sealing band 756 is formed by side flaps 758 and elastic wings 760 .

The channel portion 704 of the barrier cuff 762 is adjacent to the wing portion 702 and has a proximal side 64 and a distal side 66 . The proximal edge 64 is preferably formed inside the sealing cuff 756, preferably between the side edge 46 of the absorbent core and the elastic wings 760, securing the barrier cuff member 763 to the backsheet by proximal fastening means 92 such as mechanical/pressure bonding. 42, thereby forming a leak-proof seal along the proximal edge 64 to prevent liquid from wicking through the topsheet 38, which prevents liquid from wicking to the sides of the diaper 20 below the barrier cuff. The distal side 66 is preferably inboard of the proximal side 64 and is not secured to any interior components of the diaper 20 . As shown in FIG. 7 , preferably, the end of the blocking cuff 763 is folded back in half, and then fixed to another part of the blocking cuff by a distal fixing member 96 to form a groove, forming the distal edge 66 . Spacers, such as resilient spacers 76, are encased in the channels. The elastic spacer 76 is fixed on the barrier band 762 by the elastic fixing member 94 . Another option is to secure only the ends of the elastic spacer to the barrier cuff piece to create a "drawstring elastic" such that the middle portion of the elastic "floats" in the channel . This "tight string" elasticity is described in detail in US 4,816,025, issued March 28, 1989 to Richardson, which is incorporated by reference. The distal edge 66 is spaced from the body surface 40 of the topsheet 38 by the gathering action of the elastic barrier 77 .

In the embodiment shown, the topsheet 38 is positioned adjacent the body surface of the absorbent core 44 and extends beyond the side edges 46 of the absorbent core 44 but ends inwardly of the proximal edges 64 . Alternatively, the topsheet may extend outwardly from the proximal edges, but terminate inboard of the outermost wing anchors 88 for structural benefit. A more detailed description of the cuff structure of this solution is found in US 4 795 454, entitled "Absorbent Article with Double Leakage-Proof Cuff", issued to Dragoo on January 3, 1989, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Wing portion 702 adjoins channel portion 704 and extends outwardly from proximal edge 64 of channel portion 704 to longitudinal edge 30 such that side flaps 758 are formed by extension of backsheet 42 and wing portion 702 . Although wing portion 702 is preferably a continuous portion of barrier cuff piece 763 , wing portion 702 may be formed from a different sheet of material secured to channel portion 704 of barrier cuff 762 . Accordingly, wing portion 702 has different physical properties, dimensions and characteristics compared to channel portion 704 . For example, wing members 702 need not be hydrophobic, nor need they extend outwardly to longitudinal sides 30 . Additionally, each barrier cuff 762 does not require a wing portion, so that the wing portion can be omitted entirely. However, it is preferred that the wing portion is hydrophobic, compliant, has a soft feel, and is non-irritating to the skin since, in use, it contacts the wearer's thigh.

An effective amount of the skin care composition is distributed on the cuff to provide a skin care benefit to the wearer. In order to effectively deliver the skin care composition to the wearer's skin in use, it is preferably distributed over the portion of the cuff that contacts the wearer's skin. Thus, the skin care composition can be distributed on both sides of the cuff, on one side thereof, or a partial area of one or both sides. In the version shown in Figure 7, the skin care composition can be distributed on the wing portion 702, the channel portion 704, or both. If distributed on the wing portion and the channel portion, the skin care composition dispensed need not be of the same formulation. In fact, each skin care composition can have different formulations and properties to provide different benefits. For example, a first skin care composition that reduces diaper rash can be distributed in the channel portion, while a second skin care composition that reduces skin inflammation and/or soothes the skin can be distributed in the wing portions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the first skin care composition 72 is distributed on the channel portion, preferably on the body side of the channel portion, and the second skin care composition 72' is distributed on the wing portion, preferably on the body side thereof; And the third skin care composition 72 " can be distributed on the top sheet, preferably on its body face. The formulations of the various skin care compositions need not be the same. But in this particular solution, the formulations of the various skin care compositions are the same. With The effective amount distributes each skin care composition so as to transfer it to the wearer's skin.

As shown in Figure 7, the skin care composition is preferably distributed in discontinuous portions of the wing and channel portions. More preferably, the skin care composition is applied in one or more strips, preferably these strips are parallel to those areas overlapping the elastic wings or elastic spacers. The first skin care composition 72 is preferably applied to the channel portion 704 in a broad band (about 3.56 centimeters (1.4 inches)) extending from the distal side 66 to the proximal side 64 . The length of the band extends along the length of the elastic barrier 76 (approximately 29.8 cm (11.75 inches long)) so that there is no skin care composition on the portion of the barrier cuff member 763 adjacent to the end of the elastic barrier in the front waist region Objects 72 are distributed thereon. (See, eg, Figure 1). Strips of second skin care composition 72' are distributed over wing portion 702.

The skin care composition is applied to the body side 57 or the garment side 59 of the barrier cuff member 763 . If applied to the garment, the skin care composition preferably acts as a hydrophobic layer to help prevent urine and BM from flowing to the barrier cuff. In addition, the skin care composition is coated so that it can migrate to or be delivered through the body side of the barrier cuff member, thereby being transferable to the wearer's skin and providing skin care benefits as discussed herein.

The skin care composition can also be distributed on the topsheet to provide a different benefit or the same benefit as when applied to the barrier cuff. Examples of skin care compositions for topsheets are described in US 5 643 588, issued July 1, 1997 to Roe et al, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 8 is another embodiment of a treated cuff of the present invention, particularly a breathable treated elastic leg cuff. As shown in Figure 8, the diaper 820 includes a chassis comprising an outer cover and an absorbent core 44 encased in the outer cover, the outer cover comprising a topsheet 38 and a backsheet 42, preferably the absorbent core 44 is encased in the topsheet 38 and the backsheet Between 42. Leg cuff 856 includes side flaps 858 and elastics 860 . Leg cuffs 856 are formed as a movable unit attached to the base. In this particular version, the side flaps 858 include two strap members: a first strap member 802 connected to the topsheet 38 and extending laterally outwardly from the topsheet and a second strap member 802 connected to the backsheet 42 and extending laterally outwardly from the bottomsheet. Two strap pieces 804 . First and second cuffs 802 and 804 enclose elastic member 860, which is operably connected to one or two cuff members to form a sealing cuff. In the particular embodiment shown, each cuff member is formed from a material that permits the passage of water vapor (breathable) but blocks the passage of liquid (breathable but liquid impermeable). In this solution, each cuff member comprises a non-woven fabric. However, other breathable materials may also be used, including porous formed films. A more detailed description of such leg straps is disclosed in US 4,636,207, issued January 13, 1987 to Buell. This patent is incorporated herein by reference.

The skin care composition can be distributed on the first, second cuff member or both. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 8, the skin care composition 872 is distributed over the first cuff member 802, preferably its body surface 802, so that when the leg cuff 856 is in contact with the wearer, the skin care composition 872 is easily transferred onto the wearer's skin. The skin care composition is preferably applied in one or more bands, which bands preferably coincide with those areas that overlap the elastic. Additionally, the skin care composition can be coated on the undergarment face 808 of either the first or second cuff member 802 or 804 and then migrate or pass through these materials to the body surface 806 of the first cuff member 802 to provide skin care benefits As well as reducing leakage from leg cuffs. Alternatively, the skin care composition may be applied to the elastic member and then passed through the elastic member to the body surface of the first cuff member. In a further embodiment, the backsheet extends all the way to the sides of the diaper in place of the second cuff member.

The breathability (vapor permeability) of the cuff enhances the functionality of many skin care compositions used in the present invention, because the exchange of water vapor in the diaper reduces the relative humidity within the diaper. In absorbent articles, excess relative humidity between the wearer's skin and the article interferes with the normal transport of water vapor to and from the skin or through the skin. Providing a means of transporting excess moisture (breathable cuff) will reduce the dynamics to excess moisture. This allows moisture adjacent to the skin to drain from the diaper, further enhancing the health of the wearer's skin over the improvement provided by the skin care compositions of the present invention alone. (Due to the distribution of the skin care composition on the topsheet, the protection of the disposable absorbent article against excessive hydration of the skin is improved, such as by improving breathability and improving the breathability of the skin. Excellent liquid handling properties are disclosed in Elder et al. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/926566 (P&G Docket No. 6832Q), entitled "Disposable Absorbent Articles Providing Skin Conditioning Benefits," filed September 10, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention having movable side panel laminates connected to the base (container assembly): front side panel 902 and rear side panel 904. The stretchable back side panel 904 has multidirectional stretch provided by the first side panel 906 and the second side panel 908 to provide differential stretch along the waist and legs of the diaper 920 . Side panels and diapers are described in more detail in Nease et al., entitled "A Waste-Free Process for the Production of Side Panels for Absorbent Articles," issued December 3, 1996, and November 1994, in the name of Robles et al. US Patent Application Serial No. 08/115,048, entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Multidirectionally Extensible Side Panels," filed on the 19th, is incorporated herein by reference. The diaper 920 has various treated cuffs and combinations thereof. The leg cuffs of the diaper 920 include a sealing cuff 956 of the base (receiving assembly) and the second side panel 908 and the leg side 910 of the front side panel 902 . The waist cinch includes an elastic waistband 912 of the base (receiving assembly) and waist sides 914 of the first side panel 906 and the front side panel 902 . In this approach, the skin care composition may be applied to the side panels or any portion thereof, to the sealing cuffs, elastic waistbands, or a combination of the foregoing. For example, the skin care composition is applied to the elastic waistband and a portion of the waist sides of each of the first and front side panels. The skin care composition can be distributed over each leg cuff (including a length of sealing cuff), the leg edge of the second side panel, and the leg edge of the front side panel. Thus, the skin care composition provides a therapeutic or protective layer to the wearer's thighs. Additionally, differently formulated skin care compositions may be distributed on all of these cuffs or any combination thereof. Another skin care composition may also be distributed on the topsheet 38 as described herein. As shown in Figure 10, the first skin care composition 972 is distributed on the first side plate 906 in a spiral manner; the second skin care composition 972' is distributed on the second side plate in a spiral manner 908, and the third skin care composition 972" is distributed on the front side panel 902 in a spiral manner. These skin care compositions can have the same or different formulations. If they have different formulations, each specific skin care composition Compositions should be formulated to provide unique skin care benefits in different areas of the wearer.

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of another preferred diaper configuration with the treated cuff positioned in the waist region of the diaper. In particular, the figure shows an integral waistcap/belt. A representative embodiment of such an integral waist buckle/belt is disclosed in US Patent 5,026,364, issued June 25, 1991 to Robertson, which patent is incorporated by reference. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to one-piece buckles/belts, but includes belts as shown in US 4,515,595, Kevit & Osterhage, 7 May 1985, as well as US 4,738,677, Foreman, 19 Apr, 1988 and US 4,743,246 (Lawson, issued May 10, 1988), all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The integral waist buckle/belt 1002 is formed from a single piece of elastomeric material operatively associated with the diaper 1020 . The outwardly facing portion 1004 is operatively attached to the waist panel 1058 near the end edge 32 of the diaper 1020 in an elastically contractible state by a waist belt fastener (not shown), such as ultrasonic adhesive. Inward portion 1006 is adjacent outward portion 1004 and has a proximal side 1064 and a distal side 1066 . The proximal edge 1064 of the inward portion 1006 is formed inside the end edge 32 of the diaper 1020, preferably between the waist edge 47 of the absorbent core 44 and the outward portion 1004, by means of a proximal fastener (not shown). An adhesive such as an adhesive joins a length of inward portion 1006 to waist flap 1058 (topsheet 38) to form a seal along proximal edge 1064. Far side edge 1066 is positioned at near side edge 1064 inboard, and as shown in the figure, it is not fixed to the lower layer component of diaper 1020, particularly on the topsheet 38, thereby forms inwardly part 1006 and the body surface 40 of topsheet 38 apart A waist buckle 1062 (stops the cuff). In the version shown, a single piece of material acts as both the elastic waistband 1056 and the waist buckle 1062 (barrier cuff). This single piece of material is referred to as the one-piece buckle/belt 1002. The waistband fits the diaper snugly against the wearer and blocks leakage at the waist, while at the same time, the waist buckle confines, contains and holds body exudates in the diaper. It should be noted, however, that the movable member can form both a waist buckle and a belt.

In the illustrated version, the skin care composition is distributed on the inward portion, the outward portion, or both, thus coating the waist buckle or belt. Preferably the skin care composition is applied to the body surface of the integrated waist buckle/belt so as to contact and transfer to the skin of the wearer during use. As shown in FIG. 10, the skin care composition 1072 is preferably distributed in one or more strips on the body surface 1070 of the integrated waist buckle/belt 1002, preferably near the distal edge 1066 of the waist buckle 1062 and distributed on the waist belt 1056. . In order to increase the hydrophobicity of waist buttons and provide a skin care composition that can be transferred to the skin, the skin care composition can also be applied to the surface of the clothing and then migrate to or through the body surface to provide a hydrophobic layer. It facilitates the transfer of skin care compositions to the wearer's skin while helping to impede the passage of fluids. In addition, skin care compositions of different formulations can be applied on the inner part and the outer part.

Another disposable absorbent article of the present invention is a feminine hygiene article, such as a sanitary napkin. Suitable feminine hygiene products are disclosed in US 4,556,146, Swanson et al., issued December 3, 1985; US B1 4,589,876, issued April 27, 1993, to Van Tilburg; US 4 687 478, issued August 18, 1997 to Van Tilburg; 1990 US 4 950 264 granted to Osborn, III on August 21, 1991; US 5 009 653 to Osborn, III on April 23, 1991; US 5 267 992 to Van Tilburg on December 7, 1993; February 14, 1995 US 5 389094 issued to Lavash et al.; US 5413568 issued May 9, 1995 to Road et al.; US 5 460 623 issued October 24, 1995 to Emenaker et al.; issued February 6, 1996 to Van Tilburg US 5 489 283; US 5 569 231 issued October 29, 1996 to Emenaker et al; and US 5 620 430 issued April 15, 1997 to Bamber, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 11 shows a coronal view of a section of a sanitary napkin 1120 having a treated cuff of the present invention, in use on a wearer's panties 1102. A more detailed description of a sanitary napkin with a barrier cuff can be found in US 5 649 917 issued to Roberts & Mancel on July 22, 1997, which patent is incorporated by reference. As shown in Figure 11, the sanitary napkin 1120 comprises a central absorbent pad comprising a topsheet 38, a backsheet 42, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42; wings 1104 extending along each longitudinal edge 1130 of the central absorbent pad. (Referred to in the industry as "wings" or "panels"), each wing 1104 has at least one axis of flexibility, preferably a first axis of flexibility 1106 and a second axis of flexibility 1108, so that in use the elastic Wings 1104 are pulled comfortably toward the body close to second flexible shaft 1108, resulting in a menses containing double walled barrier; treated cuff including barrier cuff 1162 (barrier) that Having a proximal side 1164 and a distal side 1166, the proximal side 1164 is attached to the sanitary napkin (in this version, preferably to the wings 1104) to contain bodily exudates.

A skin care composition 1172 is distributed over each barrier cuff 1162 to provide the described skin care benefits. While the skin care composition may be applied to the entire cuff, a surface thereof, or any portion thereof, in the illustrated version, the skin care composition is applied to the body of the barrier cuff 1162 in one or more bands On a portion of the surface, preferably near the distal edge 1166. Additionally, in the version shown, a second skin care composition 1172' can be distributed on each wing 1104. Distributed on the topsheet 38 is a third skin care composition 1172''. The second skin care composition 1172' distributed over the wings 1104 is preferably distributed over that portion of the wing that contacts the wearer in use, typically that portion of the wing adjacent the second flexible shaft 1108. The second skin care composition 1172' can be distributed between the first flexible shaft 1106 and the second flexible shaft 1108 and/or between the second flexible shaft 1108 and the distal edge 1110 of the wing. The skin care composition applied to the barrier cuff, topsheet and wings can be formulated differently so as to provide different skin care benefits on different parts of the wearer's skin. In the version shown, the skin care composition distributed on the topsheet, wings and barrier cuff has the same formulation.

B skin care composition

While the particular skin care composition delivered according to the present invention (referred to herein as a skin care composition or composition) is an important factor in achieving the desired skin effect, it is preferred that the skin care composition provide a non-occlusive function of protection (e.g., relatively non-occlusive). liquid-permeable, but vapor-permeable barrier) to avoid overhydration of the skin or exposure to substances contained in bodily exudates. Such compositions should also provide friction minimization to reduce skin irritation in areas where the cuff contacts the wearer's skin; or contain agents that directly or indirectly deliver skin care benefits. For example, indirect benefits include improved removal of skin irritants such as feces or urine. The compositions can be in various forms including, but not limited to, emulsions, lotions, creams, ointments, salves, powders, suspensions, capsules, gels, and the like.

As used herein, the term "an effective amount of a skin care composition" refers to an amount of a specific composition which, when applied to or migrated (distributed over) the body surface of the cuff, is effective to reduce the distance between the cuff and the contacted skin. friction between the BM, when passed through the cuff, can provide a protective barrier and/or achieve skin care benefits; and/or reduce the adhesion of the BM to the skin. In these preferred embodiments, the description of the skin care composition distributed on the cuff applies to the composition distributed on the topsheet, unless otherwise stated. Of course, the effective amount of composition to distribute on the cuff will depend largely on the particular skin care composition used. However, the amount of skin care composition distributed over at least a portion of the body surface of the cuff is preferably from about 0.05 mg/square inch (0.0078 mg/square centimeter) to 80 mg/square inch (12 mg/cm ² ), more preferably 1 mg/square inch Inch ² (0.16 mg/cm ² ) to about 40 mg/in ² (6 mg/cm ² ), more preferably about 4 mg/in ² (0.6 mg/cm ² ) to about 26 mg/in 2 (4 mg/cm ² ), These ranges are illustrative only, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the nature of the composition will determine the amount that must be distributed thereon to achieve the desired skin benefit, and these can be determined by routine experimentation in light of the present disclosure. Dosage.

While the amount of skin care composition distributed on the cuff is an important factor, even more important is the amount of composition delivered to the wearer's skin when using one or more treated cuffs. While the amount required to be delivered to the skin to provide the desired skin benefit depends to some extent on the nature of the composition used, applicants have found that lower amounts can be delivered and still provide the desired skin benefit. This is especially true for preferred compositions such as those described in the Examples.

Another benefit of the present invention is to control the application of the skin care composition so as to deliver a lower but effective amount of the desired composition. This is in contrast to the usual irregular hand application of the composition where the caregiver/user often uses a much larger amount of substance than is required. Manually added excess substances can adversely affect the handling fluid properties of absorbent articles due to transfer of these substances from the skin to the article. In fact, with some substances, such as petroleum jelly, the amount applied by hand actually creates a clogging effect that damages the skin as a result. The present invention has the benefit of providing a protective barrier to surface moisture while avoiding skin clogging (ie maintaining skin breathability). Thus, the present invention can deliver an optimal amount of composition to the skin to maintain/or improve skin health.

For the preferred skin care composition as described in Example 1, preferably at least about 0.01 mg/in ² (0.0016 mg/cm ² ), more preferably at least about 0.05 mg/in ² (0.0078 mg/cm ² ), more preferably at least about 0.1 mg/in ² (0.016 mg/cm ² ) in 3 hours Transfers to skin during wear. Generally, the amount of the composition delivered by a treated article is about 0.01 mg/square inch (0.0016 mg/cm ² ) to about 8 mg/square inch (1.24 mg/cm ² ), preferably about 0.05mg/square inch (0.0078mg/cm ² ) to about 6mg/square inch (0.93mg/cm ² ), more preferably about 0.1mg/square inch (0.016mg/cm ² ) to about 5mg/square inch ² (0.78mg /cm ² ).

It will be appreciated that of the various materials used in skin care compositions delivered to the skin according to the present invention, those skin care agents which are believed to be safe and effective are essential materials for use in the present invention. This type of material includes Class I active substances defined in the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Interim Final Regulation on Over-the-Counter Human Skin Protection Drugs (21 CFR §347), which mainly includes: alantoin , Aluminum Hydroxide Gel, Smithite, Cocoa Butter, Dimethicone, Cod Liver Oil (Blend), Glycerin, Kaolin, Petrolatum, Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Shark Liver Oil, White Petrolatum, Talc, Topical Starch , zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, etc. Other potentially applicable materials are Class III substances defined in the above-mentioned US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Interim Final Regulation on Over-the-Counter Human Skin Protection Drugs (21 CFR§347), which mainly include : Live yeast cell derivative, aldioxa, aluminum acetate, microporous cellulose, vitamin D ₃ , colloidal oat flour, cysteine hydrochloride, panthenol, peru balsam oil, protein hydrate, racemic methionine, Sodium bicarbonate, vitamin A, etc. It will be appreciated that one or more of these optional materials may be used in combination with other materials described herein.

As described below, skin care compositions useful in the present invention preferably have, though not necessarily, a melting point distribution such that at room temperature the composition can be relatively immobilized and confined to the surface of the cuff that contacts the wearer (body surface), at least a portion of the composition Transferable to the wearer at body temperature and still not completely liquid under extreme storage conditions. Preferably the composition is readily transferable to the skin by normal contact, wearer motion and/or body heat. Because the composition is preferably substantially immobilized on the wearer contacting surface of the cuff, relatively low levels of the skin care composition are required to impart the desired skin care benefit. Additionally, no special barrier (barrier) or wrapping material is required in packaging the articles of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the skin care composition of the present invention is solid, more usually semi-solid at 20°C, ie room temperature. "Semi-solid" means that the composition has the pseudoplastic or rheology of a plastic liquid. If no shear is applied, the composition has a semi-solid appearance, but as the shear rate is increased, the composition becomes fluid. This is because although the composition mainly includes solid components, it also includes some minor liquid components.

Preferably, the compositions of the present invention have a zero shear viscosity of from about 1.0 x ¹⁰⁶ centipoise to about 1.0 x ¹⁰⁸ centipoise, more preferably from 5.0 x ¹⁰⁶ to 5.0 x ¹⁰⁷ centipoise. The term "zero shear viscosity" as used herein refers to the viscosity measured with a disk and cone viscometer at very low shear rates (e.g., 1.0/sec); a suitable instrument is TA Instruments Inc. of New Castle, DE Available as CSL 100 model. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other components than high melting point components (described below) may be used to provide comparable measured viscosities, since such compositions including these components can be obtained by adding them Viscosity versus shear rate curves were extrapolated to zero shear rate at about 20°C for determination.

Preferred compositions are semisolid at least at room temperature to minimize migration of the composition. In addition, it is preferred that the final melting point (100% liquid) of the composition is above the storage conditions (greater than 45°C) that may be "harsh" (eg, warehouse in Arizona, car body in Florida, etc.). In particular, preferred compositions have the following melting point distributions: Characteristic Preferred Range Most Preferred Range % liquid 2-50 3-25 at room temperature (20°C) % liquid 25-95 30-90 at body temperature (37°C) Final melting point (℃) ≥38 ≥45

By virtue of being solid or semi-solid at room temperature, the preferred compositions have less tendency to flow and transfer to undesired areas of the absorbent article. This means that less skin care composition is required to achieve the desired therapeutic, protective and/or conditioning benefits.

In order to increase the hold of the preferred compositions, the viscosity of the formulated composition should be as high as possible to prevent flow from the cuff to undesired areas of the diaper. Unfortunately, in some cases, the high viscosity may inhibit the transfer of the composition to the wearer's skin, and be difficult to apply and cause processing problems. Thus, a balance should be reached in viscosity; high enough to anchor the composition on the body surface of the cuff, but not so high that it impedes transfer to the wearer's skin. Suitable viscosities for compositions generally range from about 1 to 5000 centipoise, preferably from about 5 to 300 centipoise, more preferably from about 5 to 100 centipoise, as measured at 60°C using a rotational viscometer (a suitable viscometer is available from Melrose Park, Lab Line Instruments, IL, as model 4537). The viscometer operates at 60 rpm using 2 spindles.

A useful active ingredient for compositions designed to provide skin care benefits is one or more skin protectants or emollients. As used herein, a lubricant is a material that prevents moisture or irritation, softens, soothes, softens, coats, lubricates, moisturizes protects and/or cleanses the skin. It should be recognized that the several actives described above are lubricants as defined herein. In preferred embodiments, these lubricants have a plastic or fluid consistency at room temperature, ie 20°C.

Representative lubricants useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, petroleum-based lubricants, fatty acid sucrose esters, polyethylene glycol and its derivatives, humectants, fatty acid esters, alkyl ethoxylates, fat Ester ethoxylates, fatty alcohols, polysiloxanes, propylene glycol and its derivatives, glycerin and its derivatives (including glycerides, acetylglycerides and glycerides of C12-C28 fatty acid ethoxylates), Triethylene glycol and its derivatives, spermaceti or other waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohol ethers (especially substances with a fatty chain length of 12-28 carbon atoms, such as stearic acid), propoxylated fatty alcohols, Fatty esters of other polyhydric alcohols, lanolin and its derivatives, kaolin and its derivatives, any of the above skin care agents alone, or a mixture of these emollients.

Suitable petroleum-based lubricants include those hydrocarbons having a chain length of 16 to 32 carbon atoms, or mixtures of such hydrocarbons. Petroleum-based hydrocarbons with these chain lengths include mineral oil (also known as "liquid petrolatum") and petrolatum (also known as "ozokerite", "petrolatum" and "mineral jelly"). Mineral oil generally refers to a mixture of lower viscosity hydrocarbons having 16-20 carbon atoms. Petroleum jelly generally refers to a more viscous mixture of hydrocarbons with 16-32 carbon atoms. Petrolatum and mineral oil are particularly preferred emollients for use in the lotion compositions of the present invention.

Suitable fatty acid ester lubricants include those derived from C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty acids, preferably C ₁₆ -C ₂₂ saturated fatty acids, and short chain (C ₁ -C ₈ , preferably C ₁ -C ₃ ) monohydric alcohols . Representative examples of such esters include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid ester lubricants are also derived from esters of longer chain fatty alcohols (C ₁₂ -C ₂₈ , preferably C ₁₂ -C ₁₆ ) and shorter chain fatty acids such as lactic acid, such as lauryl lactate and cetyl lactate .

Suitable alkyl ethoxylate-based lubricants include _C12 - _C22 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 30. Preferred fatty alcohol ethoxylate lubricants are selected from the group consisting of lauryl, cetyl and stearoyl ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 23, and mixtures thereof. Representative examples of the alkyl ethoxylate include, laureth-3 (lauryl ethoxylate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3), lauryl polyoxyethylene Ether-23 (lauryl ethoxylate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 23), ceteth-10 (cetyl alcohol ethoxylate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 10) and Stearyl Ethoxylate-10 (stearyl alcohol ethoxylate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 10). These alkyl ethoxylate lubricants are typically used in combination with petroleum-based lubricants such as petrolatum at a weight ratio of alkyl ethoxylate lubricant to petroleum-based lubricant of from about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:2 to about 1:4.

Suitable fatty alcohol lubricants include C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ fatty alcohols, preferably C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols. Representative examples include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. These fatty alcohol lubricants are typically used in combination with petroleum based lubricants such as petrolatum at a weight ratio of fatty alcohol lubricant to petroleum based lubricant of from about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:2 .

Other classes of lubricants suitable for use in the present invention include silicone compounds. Suitable polysiloxane materials for general use in the present invention include those materials having monomeric siloxane units of the following structure:

In the formula, for each independent siloxane monomer unit, _R1 and _R2 can independently be hydrogen or any alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkane groups, halogenated hydrocarbons, or other groups. Any of these groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. _R1 and _R2 in any particular monomeric unit may be different from the corresponding functional groups of the next linked monomeric unit. In addition, polysiloxane may be linear, branched or have a cyclic structure. The groups _R1 and _R2 may independently of each other be other silane-like functional groups such as, but not limited to, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, silanes and polysilanes. The groups _R1 and _R2 may also contain a number of organic functional groups including, for example, alcohol, carboxylic acid, phenyl and amine functional groups.

Exemplary alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, octadecyl, and the like. Exemplary alkenyl groups are vinyl, allyl and the like. Exemplary aryl groups are phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl and the like. Exemplary alkaryl groups are tolyl, xylyl, ethylphenyl and the like. Exemplary aralkyl groups are benzyl, α-phenethyl, β-phenethyl, α-phenbutyl and the like. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like. Exemplary halohydrocarbon groups are chloromethyl, bromoethyl, tetrafluoroethyl, fluoroethyl, trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, hexafluoroxylyl, and the like.

The viscosities of useful silicones can vary as much as silicones typically vary, so long as the silicones flow or are made to flow when used in absorbent articles. This includes, but is not limited to, as low as 5 centistokes (measured by a glass viscometer at 37°C) to about 20,000,000 centistokes. Preferably the polysiloxane has a viscosity at 37°C of from about 5 to about 5,000 centistokes, more preferably from about 5 to about 2,000 centistokes, most preferably from about 100 to about 1000 centistokes. High-viscosity polysiloxanes that are inherently resistant to flow by methods such as emulsifying the polysiloxane in a surfactant, or providing a solution of the polysiloxane with the aid of a solvent such as hexane (for example only) Effective deposition on absorbent articles. Particular methods of incorporating silicone lubricants into absorbent articles are discussed in more detail below.

Preferred polysiloxane compounds for use in the present invention are disclosed in US 5,059,282 (Ampulski et al.), published October 22, 1991, which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred silicone compounds useful as lubricants in the compositions of the present invention include, phenyl-functional polymethicone compounds (e.g., Dow Corning 556 Cosmetic-Grade Fluid: Polyphenylmethylsiloxane Oxane) and cetyl or stearyl functionalized polydimethylsiloxanes such as Dow 2502 and Dow 2503 polysiloxane fluids respectively. In addition to substituents with phenyl functions or alkyl groups, effective substituents are also amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester and thiol groups. Of these available substituents, those containing phenyl, amino, alkyl, carboxyl and hydroxy are preferred over others; most preferred is the phenyl function.

Suitable humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, trihydroxystearin, and the like.

The amount of emollient, if present, added to the composition will depend on various factors including the particular emollient involved, the skin benefit desired, other ingredients in the composition, and the like. The composition may comprise from about 0-100% lubricant by total weight, preferably from about 10-95% lubricant, more preferably from about 20-80%, most preferably from about 40-75% lubricant.

Another optional but particularly critical ingredient in certain skin care compositions of the present invention is the ability to hold the composition (including preferably emollients and/or other skin conditioning/protecting agents) in place on the treated cuff Reagents in or above. Since certain preferred lubricants in the composition have a plastic or fluid consistency at 20°C, the lubricant will tend to flow or migrate even when subjected to moderate shear. When applied to a body surface or other portion of a cuff, especially in a molten or molten state, the lubricant will substantially fail to remain on the treated area. Instead, the lubricant will tend to migrate and flow to undesired areas of the absorbent article.

In particular, due to the hydrophobic nature of many of the lubricants and other skin conditioning agents used in the compositions of the present invention, if the lubricant migrates into the interior of the article it can have an undesirable effect on the absorbency of the absorbent core. It also means that much more lubricant must be added to the cuff in order to obtain the desired benefits. Increasing the amount of lubricant will not only increase the cost, but will also add to the undesired effect on the absorbency of the core and the undesired transfer of the composition during processing/transfer of the treated cuff.

By keeping the lubricant primarily on the surface to which the composition is applied or on the cuff area, the fixative counteracts this tendency of the lubricant to migrate or flow. This is believed to be due in part to the fixative raising the melting point and/or viscosity of the composition above the melting point and viscosity of the lubricant. Since the immobilizing agent is preferably miscible with the lubricant (or dissolved or dispersed in the lubricant with the aid of a suitable emulsifier), it also traps the lubricant on the surface of the cuff that comes into contact with the wearer or on the surface to which it is applied. area.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it "locks" the fixative on the surface of the cuff that comes into contact with the wearer or the area where it is applied. This can be achieved by using a fixative that sets (or cures) quickly when applied to the cuff. In addition, external cooling of the treated band by means of blowers, fans, chill rolls, etc. can accelerate the crystallization of the fixative.

In addition to being miscible with (or soluble in) the lubricant, the fixative preferably has a melting point distribution that renders the composition solid or semi-industrial at room temperature. Thus, preferred fixatives should have a melting point of at least about 35°C. As such, the fixative itself will not have a tendency to migrate or flow. Preferred fixatives have a melting point of at least about 40°C. Typically, the fixative has a melting point in the range of from about 50°C to about 150°C.

Immobilizing agents, if used, for use in the present invention may be selected from a wide variety of materials so long as the preferred properties of the skin care composition provide the skin benefits described herein. Preferred fixatives include: selected from the group consisting of C ₁₄ -C ₂₂ fatty alcohols, C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ fatty acids and C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of about 2-30, and mixtures thereof. Preferred fixatives include: C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, most preferably crystalline high melting materials selected from the group consisting of: cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. The linear structure of these materials accelerates cure on the treated cuffs. Particularly preferred are mixtures of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Other preferred fixatives include: C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty acids, most preferably selected from: palmitic acid, stearic acid and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of palmitic and stearic acids are particularly preferred. Still other preferred fixatives include: _C16 - _C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 5 to about 20. Fatty alcohols and fatty acids are preferred and the fatty alcohols are linear. Importantly, these preferred fixatives, such as _C16 - _C18 fatty alcohols, increase the rate of crystallization of the composition, allowing the composition to crystallize rapidly on the surface of the substrate.

Other classes of fixatives that can be used include polyhydroxy fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, and mixtures thereof. Preferred esters and amides will have three or more free hydroxyl groups on the polyhydroxy moiety and are generally nonionic in character. These esters and amides should also be relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin due to possible skin sensitization using a cuff to apply the composition.

式中，R是C₅-C₃₁烃基，优选是直链C₇-C₁₉烷基或烯基，更优选的是直链C₉-C₁₇烷基或烯基，最优选的是直链C₁₁-C₁₇烷基或烯基，或其混合物；Y是多羟基烃基部分，其中烃基链至少带2个直接连接至该链上的自由羟基；n至少为1。合适的Y基团可由多元醇如甘油，季戊四醇；糖如棉子糖，麦芽糖葡萄糖，半乳糖，蔗糖，葡萄糖，木糖，果糖，麦芽糖，乳糖，甘露糖和赤藓糖；糖醇如赤藓糖醇，木糖醇，麦芽糖醇，甘露糖醇和山梨醇；以及糖醇酐如脱水山梨糖醇衍生得到。Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention will have the formula:

In the formula, R is a C ₅ -C ₃₁ hydrocarbon group, preferably a straight chain C ₇ -C ₁₉ alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a straight chain C ₉ -C ₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl group, most preferably a straight chain C ₁₁ -C ₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof; Y is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety wherein the hydrocarbyl chain has at least 2 free hydroxyl groups directly attached to the chain; n is at least 1. Suitable Y groups can be composed of polyols such as glycerol, pentaerythritol; sugars such as raffinose, maltose glucose, galactose, sucrose, glucose, xylose, fructose, maltose, lactose, mannose and erythrose; sugar alcohols such as erythrose Derived from sugar alcohols, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, and sorbitol; and anhydrides of sugar alcohols such as sorbitan.

One class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes certain sorbitan esters, preferably sorbitan esters of _C16 - _C22 saturated fatty acids. Due to the typical method of preparation, these sorbitan esters often comprise mixtures of mono-, di-, tri-, etc. esters. Representative examples of suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitan palmitate (e.g., SPAN 40), sorbitan stearate (e.g., SPAN 60), and sorbitan behenate, and Monoesters, diesters and triesters containing one or more of these sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan palmitate monoesters, diesters and triesters, sorbitan stearate monoesters, diesters and triesters, di Sorbitan mono-, di-, and triester lauryl acids, and mixed sorbitan mono-, di-, and triesters of tallow fatty acids. Alternatively, mixtures of different sorbitan esters may be used, such as a mixture of sorbitan palmitate and sorbitan stearate. A particularly preferred sorbitan ester is sorbitan stearate, usually a mixture of mono-, di-, and triesters (plus some tetra-esters) such as SPAN 60, and under the trade name GLYCOMUL-S (Lonza, Inc.) sorbitan stearate. Although these sorbitan esters generally contain mixtures of monoesters, diesters and triesters, plus some tetraesters, within these mixtures the monoesters and diesters predominate.

Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes certain monoglycerides, preferably monoglycerides of C ₁₆ -C ₂₂ saturated fatty acids, such as glyceryl monostearate, glycerol monopalm Glyceryl mono(behenic acid) ester. Also, as with sorbitan esters, mixtures of monoglycerides will generally contain some di- and triesters. However, said mixture should mainly contain monoglycerides for use in the present invention.

Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes certain sucrose fatty acid esters, preferably _C12 - _C22 saturated fatty acid esters of sucrose. Sucrose mono- and diesters are particularly preferred and include sucrose mono- and diesters of stearic acid and sucrose mono- and diesters of laurate.

Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amides for use in the present invention have the formula:

In the formula, ^R is H, C ₁ -C ₄ hydrocarbon group, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl or a mixture thereof, preferably C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, Methoxyethyl or methoxypropyl, more preferably C _or C _alkyl or methoxypropyl, most preferably C _alkyl (i.e. methyl) or methoxypropyl; R ² is C ₅ -C ₃₁ hydrocarbon group, preferably straight chain C ₇ -C ₁₉ alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C ₉ -C ₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain C ₁₁ -C ₁₇ Alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof; Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyl groups directly attached to the chain. See US 5,174,927 (Honsa), published December 29, 1992 (herein incorporated by reference), which discloses these polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and their preparation.

The Z moiety is preferably derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; most preferred is glycidyl. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. Dextrose-enriched corn syrup, fructose-enriched corn syrup, and maltose-enriched corn syrup can be used, as well as the various sugars listed above. These corn syrups can yield a mixture of sugar components for Part Z.

The moiety Z is preferably selected from _-CH2- (CHOH) _n - _CH2OH , -CH( _CH2OH )-[(CHOH) _n-1 ] _-CH2OH , _-CH2OH - _CH2- (CHOH) ₂ (CHOR ³ )(CHOH)-CH ₂ OH, wherein n is an integer of 3-5, R ³ is H or cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most preferred are glycidyl groups where n is 4, especially _-CH2- (CHOH) ₄ - _CH2OH .

In the above formula, ^R can be, for example, N-methyl, N-ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl, N-methoxypropyl base or N-2-hydroxypropyl. R2 can be selected to provide, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capramide, palmitamide, tallowamide, and the like. The Z moiety can be 1-deoxyglucosyl, 2-deoxyfructosyl, 1-deoxymaltosyl, 1-deoxylactosyl, 1-deoxygalactosyl, 1-deoxymannosyl, 1 - Deoxymaltotriose, etc.

The most preferred polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have the general formula:

In the formula, R ¹ is methyl or methoxypropyl; R ² is C ₁₁ -C ₁₇ linear alkyl or alkenyl. These substances include: N-Lauryl-N-methylglucamide, N-Lauryl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methylglucamide, N-cocoyl -N-Methoxypropylglucamide, N-palmityl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N-tallowyl-N-methylglucamide or N-tallowyl-N-methoxy propyl glucosamide.

As noted previously, certain fixatives require emulsifiers for dissolution in the lubricant. This is particularly the case with certain glucamides such as N-alkyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamides having an HLB value of at least about 7. Suitable emulsifiers generally include those having an HLB value below about 7. In this regard, it has been found that previously described sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan stearate having an HLB value of about 4.9 or less, can be used to dissolve these glucosamide fixatives in petrolatum. Other suitable emulsifiers include: laureth-2 (polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol conforming to the formula CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) ₁₇ (OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _n OH, where n is The average value is 2), sorbitan tristearate, isosorbide laurate, and glyceryl monostearate. The emulsifier is used in an amount sufficient to dissolve the fixative in the lubricant so that a substantially homogeneous mixture is obtained. For example, an approximately 1:1 mixture of N-cocoyl-N-methylglucamide and petrolatum will generally not melt into a single-phase mixture when 20% stearyl polyoxyethylene as an emulsifier is added. A 1:1 mixture of ether-2 and sorbitan tristearate will melt into a single phase mixture.

Other types of ingredients that can be used as fixatives, either alone or in combination with the above-mentioned fixatives, include waxes such as carnauba wax, ozokerite, beeswax, candelilla wax, paraffin wax, ozokerite, spanish wax , small crown coconut wax, rezowax, isoparaffin, and other known waxes. These high melting point materials can help to fix the composition on the desired surface or location of the cuff. In addition, microcrystalline wax is also an effective fixative. Microcrystalline waxes help to "lock" low molecular weight hydrocarbons into skin care compositions. A preferred wax is paraffin. Another example of a particularly preferred fixative is paraffin such as Parrafin S.P. 434 (available from Strahl and Pitsch Inc. P.O. Box 1098 West Babylon, NY 11704).

The amount of fixative added to the composition will depend on various factors, including the active substance (lubricant) involved, the particular fixative involved, other components in the composition (if present), and whether emulsification is required The agent dissolves the fixative in other components among other factors. The composition may contain about 5-90% fixative. Preferred compositions comprise from about 5% to 50%, optimally from about 10-40%, of a fixative.

The compositions also contain other ingredients normally present in such emulsifiers, creams, creams, lotions, powders, suspensions and the like. These components include water, viscosity modifiers, fragrances, disinfectant and antibacterial active agents, antiviral agents, vitamins, pharmaceutical active agents, film formers, aloe vera, deodorants, sunscreens, shrinkage agents, solvents, etc. In addition, stabilizers may be added to enhance the longevity of the composition, such as cellulose derivatives, proteins and lecithin. The use of these materials as additives to the formulations is well known in the art and may be used in appropriate proportions in the lotion compositions of the present invention.

If water-based skin care compositions are used, preservatives are required. Suitable preservatives include propylparaben, methylparaben, benzyl alcohol, benzyldimethylammonium salt, tribasic calcium phosphate, BHT or acids such as citric, tartaric, maleic, lactic, apple acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, etc.; suitable tackifiers include the effective fixatives described. Other suitable tackifiers include alkyl galactomannans, silicon dioxide, talc, magnesium silicate, sorbitol, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium aluminum silicate, zinc stearate, lanolin alcohol, sorbiton, Sesquioleate, cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and other modified celluloses. Suitable solvents include propylene glycol, glycerin, cyclomethicone, polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycols or polyhydric solvents. Suitable vitamins are A, D-3, E, B-5 and E acetate.

C. Treatment of the diaper topsheet with a lotion composition

In preparing the treated cuff products of the present invention, the skin care composition is preferably applied to the body surface (ie, the surface that comes into contact with the wearer) of the cuff. However, because some of the skin care compositions herein are capable of penetrating or migrating through some of the cuff materials described herein, it is also possible to apply the skin care composition to the garment side of the cuff, thus distributing an effective amount of the skin care composition over the body. combination. In fact, in some cases, although applied to only one surface, this may be the preferred method to get the benefits of a fully treated cuff (two-sided treatment).

The skin care composition can be applied to the cuff by any application method for distributing a lubricating material having a molten or liquid consistency. Suitable application methods include: coating (e.g. gravure or slot coating), spraying, printing (e.g. offset printing), extrusion or a combination of these coating methods, or other application methods such as spraying the skin care composition onto a rotating surface, such as a calender roll, and then upon contact transfer the composition to the body surface of the diaper cuff. If desired, a skin care composition can be applied to both sides of the cuff.

The skin care composition is applied to the cuff in such a way that the cuff is not supersaturated with the skin care composition. If the cuff is treated with an excess of the skin care composition, there will be a risk that the skin care composition will migrate to an undesired location in the article, for example, into the interior of the article, which will negatively affect the absorbency of the underlying absorbent core. Additionally, the cuff need not be saturated in order to obtain the benefits of a therapeutic and/or protective skin care composition.

The minimum amount of skin care composition applied to the cuff is the minimum effective amount to reduce rash, diaper rash, erythema, skin irritation or other unwanted skin conditions (the composition also reduces the adhesion of BM to the wearer's skin). The effective amount of a skin care composition will depend largely on the particular skin care composition employed. Since the lubricant is substantially immobilized on the body surface of the cuff, only a small amount of skin care composition is required to impart the desired skin care benefits. The relatively small amount of the composition is sufficient to impart the desired therapeutic and/or protective skin care composition benefits to the cuff.

The skin care composition can be applied evenly to one or both surfaces or a portion of the surface of the cuff. Preferably, the skin care composition is applied in a pattern shape such as stripes, squares, dots, or spirals, among others. Preferably the skin care composition is aligned with the portion of the cuff that will be in contact with the wearer in use. Most preferably, as described in the Examples below, the skin care composition is applied in strips to a discrete area of the cuff, such as typically 1.4 inches wide (cross direction of the diaper, covering the far side of the cuff). A flap 11.75 inches long (longitudinal direction of the diaper) was placed on the crotch region of the cuff body surface.

Additionally, the skin care composition may be applied unevenly to one or both surfaces of the cuff. By "non-uniform" is meant that the amount, pattern of distribution, etc. of the skin care composition can vary across the surface of the cuff. Certain treated surface portions, such as cuffs, may have greater or lesser amounts of skin care composition, including surface portions that do not have any skin care composition on their surface.

The skin care composition may be applied to the cuff or the fabric forming part of the cuff at any step during assembly. For example, the skin care composition can be applied to a cuff of a finished article prior to packaging. Alternatively, the skin care composition may be applied to a cuff or fabric before the skin care composition is combined with other materials into a final product, either in a refit location or as a pre-treatment material prior to combination with other components of the article.

Typically, the lotion composition is applied to the cuff in a molten state. Since the skin care composition does not melt until significantly above room temperature, it is usually applied to the cuff in the form of a heated paint. Typically, the skin care composition is heated to about 35 to about 100°C, preferably 40 to about 90°C, prior to application to the cuff. After the molten skin care composition is applied to the cuff, it is allowed to cool and solidify to form a cured coating or film on the surface of the cuff. Preferably the application process is designed to facilitate cooling/solidification of the composition.

When applying the skin care composition of the present invention to a cuff, slot coating, extrusion coating, gravure coating, and spray coating are preferred. Figure 5 illustrates a preferred method comprising, during the refitting operation, applying the skin care composition either continuously or discontinuously to the diaper barrier cuff by slot application. Referring to FIG. 5, the conveyor belt 1 runs on the diverting rollers 3 and 4 and returns to the conveyor belt 2 in the direction indicated by the arrow. Conveyor 1 carrying non-lotioned diapers 5 contacts slot coating station 6 where barrier cuff members 7 are coated with hot, molten (eg 65° C.) skin care composition. After leaving the slot coating station 6, the diaper 5 becomes a diaper 8 with a treated barrier cuff. The amount of the skin care composition transferred to the barrier cuff member 7 can be controlled by: (1) the speed at which the melted skin care composition is coated by the slot coating station 6; The running speed of the conveyor belt under the laying section 6; and/or (3) the contact position of the slot coating section. If necessary, the position of the coating section should be to coat the barrier cuff member 7 and the topsheet 38, so that the cuff and the topsheet are distributed with the skin care composition.

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of slot coating a skin care composition of the present invention in contact with a diaper cuff prior to assembly of the cuff with other materials into the final product. Referring to Figure 6, the non-woven cuff fabric 1 is unwound (rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 2a) from the parent roll 2 that blocks the cuff and is advanced to contact the slot spray station 6 where it is sprayed with hot, molten ( For example 65°C) skin care composition is sprayed on one side of the fabric. After leaving the slot spray station 6 , the nonwoven barrier fabric 1 becomes a treated barrier cuff web indicated at 3 . The treated barrier cuff web 3 is then passed around guide rolls 4 and 8 and then wound up on parent roll 10 (rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 10a). The treated fabric web is used on the chassis of the diaper to form the barrier cuff member of the barrier cuff in a reconstitution operation.

D. Skin care composition on topsheet and cuff

As shown in Figure 7, a first skin care composition may be applied to the topsheet while a second skin care composition is applied to one or more of the cuffs. It has now been found that the skin care composition is more effective when applied to both the topsheet and the cuff than alone. The combination of the treated topsheet and cuff provides a greater transfer area for the skin care composition so that there is a greater likelihood that all parts of the wearer's skin will remain in a healthy condition.

As noted above, the formulations of the first and second skin care compositions may be the same or different. However, it has been found that if the first and second skin care compositions are different, diapers can be designed to have specific skin care benefits on specific skin areas. For example, a first skin care composition specifically formulated to provide prevention and or treatment of diaper rash may be distributed on the topsheet because the topsheet is often in contact with the genital and buttock sheets during use. Because the cuff then tends to be in contact with the wearer's waist and legs, the second skin care composition can be specifically formulated to provide chafing and or erythema reduction benefits. Specific portions of the diaper may have skin care compositions specifically formulated to provide skin care treatment and maintenance to specific areas of the skin. This provides great flexibility in diaper design, enabling manufacturers to offer products specifically designed to meet the needs of a large number of different consumers.

Another variation in the formulation of skin care compositions is due to the function of the part on which the composition is distributed. For example, cuffs can generally be designed to contain and confine urine and soft, sticky BM within the diaper. It is desirable for the cuff to be hydrophobic, especially liquid impermeable, to prevent liquid from flowing through these materials. If the skin care composition is hydrophobic, it can help the cuff prevent liquids from passing through the cuff. In contrast, the topsheet needs to be highly liquid pervious to allow urine and menses to pass quickly through the topsheet and into the absorbent core. The distribution of the hydrophobic skin care composition on the topsheet reduces the effectiveness of the topsheet. It is more desirable to distribute the hydrophilic skin care composition on the topsheet to maintain the functionality of the topsheet. Therefore, in some aspects, it is desirable that at least part of the skin care composition on the topsheet is made of a hydrophilic material to facilitate rapid passage of liquids (eg, urine) through the topsheet. Similarly, the skin care composition should have sufficient wettability to ensure rapid flow of liquid through the topsheet. In addition, hydrophobic skin care compositions can also be used as long as they are applied to sufficiently maintain the liquid handling properties of the topsheet. This can be achieved, for example, by applying the composition non-uniformly to the topsheet. Examples of non-uniformity applications are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 08/908852 (P&G Docket No. 5494CR), filed August 8, 1997 by Roe et al., entitled "Diapers with Lotion Treated Topsheets," which Incorporated by reference.

If a hydrophilic composition is desired, a hydrophilic surfactant may or may not be required to improve wettability, depending on the particular components used in the composition. For example, certain fixatives such as N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropylglucamide have an HLB value of at least about 7 and are sufficiently wettable without the addition of hydrophilic surfactants. Other immobilizing agents with HLB values below about 7, such as _C16 - _C18 fatty alcohols, will require the addition of a hydrophilic surfactant in order to improve wettability when the composition is applied to the topsheet. Likewise, hydrophobic lubricants such as petrolatum require the addition of hydrophilic surfactants if a hydrophilic composition is desired. Wettability is not an issue if it is desired that the wearer contacting surface under consideration be hydrophobic or otherwise adequately maintain the liquid handling properties of the material (eg, non-uniform application).

Suitable hydrophilic surfactants are preferably miscible with the other components of the skin care composition so as to form a mixture. These surfactants should also be relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin due to possible skin sensitization from the use of disposable absorbent products to which the composition is applied. Usually these hydrophilic surfactants are non-ionic and not only are they non-irritating to the skin, but they also avoid undesired effects on other structures of the treated diaper. Such as reducing the tensile strength of laminated paper products, the bonding ability of adhesives, etc.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are substantially non-migrating after the composition has been applied to the topsheet, and generally have an HLB value of from about 4-20, preferably about 7-20. To be non-migratory, these nonionic surfactants will typically have a higher melting temperature, eg, at least about 30°C, than the temperatures encountered during storage, transportation, trade, and use of the disposable absorbent article. In this regard, these nonionic surfactants will preferably have melting points similar to the aforementioned fixatives.

For the composition of the present invention that will be coated on the topsheet, suitable nonionic surfactants include: alkyl glycosides; As disclosed in US4,011,389 (Langdon et al., published on March 8, 1977) incorporated herein by reference Alkyl glycoside ether; Alkyl polyethoxylated ester such as Pegosperse 1000MS (from Lonza, Inc., Fair Lawn, New Jersey), the average degree of ethoxylation is from about 2 to about 20, preferably from about 2 - Ethoxylated sorbitan mono-, di- and/or triesters of C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty acids of about 10, such as TWEEN 60 (sorbitan stearate with an average degree of ethoxylation of about 20 ) and TWEEN 61 (sorbitan stearate having an average degree of ethoxylation of about 4), and condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 54 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol is generally in a straight (linear) configuration and contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are condensation products of alcohols containing alkyl groups of about 11-22 carbon atoms with about 2-30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of such ethoxylated alcohols include: the condensation product of myristyl alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, coconut alcohol (fatty alcohols with alkyl chain lengths varying between 10-14 carbon atoms, mixture) and the condensation product of about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. A number of suitable ethoxylated alcohols are commercially available including TERGITOL 15-S-9 (a condensation product of a C ₁₁ -C ₁₅ linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), sold by Union Carbide; KYRO EOB (condensation product of a C ₁₃ -C ₁₅ linear alcohol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), sold by The Procter & Gamble Co.; NEODOL brand surfactants (sold by Shell Chemical Company), especially NEODOL 25-12 (C ₁₂ - Condensation product of C ₁₅ linear alcohol with 12 moles of ethylene oxide) and NEODOL 23-6.5T (condensation product of C ₁₂ -C ₁₃ linear alcohol with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide which has been distilled (topped) to remove certain impurities ); especially surfactants of the PLURAFAC brand (sold by the company BASF), especially PLURAFAC A-38 (condensation product of a C ₁₈ linear alcohol with 27 moles of ethylene oxide). (Certain hydrophilic surfactants, especially ethoxylated alcohols such as NEODOL 25-12 can also function as alkyl ethoxylated lubricants). Other examples of preferred ethoxylated alcohol surfactants include: Brij surfactants of the ICI' class and mixtures thereof, with Brij 72 (ie Steareth-2) and Brij 76 (ie Steareth-10) being particularly preferred. Additionally, mixtures of cetyl and stearyl alcohols ethoxylated to an average degree of ethoxylation of about 10-20 are also useful as hydrophilic surfactants.

Another class of suitable surfactants for use in the present invention includes: Aerosol OT, sodium dioctyl succinate sulfonate, sold by the American Cyanamid Company.

Yet another class of suitable surfactants for use herein includes silicone copolymers such as General Electric SF1188 (a copolymer of polydimethylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene ether) and General Electric SF1228 (a silicone poly ether copolymer). These silicone surfactants can be used in combination with the other classes of hydrophilic surfactants mentioned above, such as ethoxylated alcohols. These silicone surfactants have been found to be effective at concentrations as low as 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 1.0% by weight of the composition.

To obtain a hydrophilic composition, the amount of hydrophilic surfactant required to increase the wettability of the skin care composition to the desired value will depend in part on the HLB value and amount of the immobilizing agent (if used), so Factors such as the HLB value of the surfactant used. When desired to increase the wetting properties of the composition, the composition may contain from about 0.1 to about 50% of a hydrophilic surfactant. When increased wettability is desired, it is preferred that the composition comprises from about 1 to about 25%, most preferably from about 10 to 20%, of a hydrophilic surfactant.

Applicants have found that in order to maintain or improve the health of the skin under conditions of use of the absorbent article, absorbent articles treated with two or more skin care compositions as described herein can be reused over a period of time (such as several days) under normal conditions of use. The skin care composition is transferred to the wearer under exposure (eg, contact, exercise, caregiver handling after use of the article, body heat, etc.). In this regard, a method of maintaining or improving the health of the skin in an area covered by an absorbent article comprises the steps of:

(a) The absorbent article is applied to the wearer with first and second skin care compositions, once transferred to the skin, the first skin care composition provides therapeutic and/or protective skin benefits and the second skin care composition provides Second skin benefit.

(b) transferring at least a portion of the first and second skin care compositions to the wearer during wear; and

(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) with one or more additional articles with sufficient frequency of use to maintain or improve the The skin covered by the absorbent article is healthy, and there is no need for manual application of skin protectants (eg, by the skin care provider or wearer).

The key to this approach is the use of an absorbent article with two or more skin care compositions, and frequent cycling to deliver the first and second skin care compositions to the wearer's skin in a cumulative manner to maintain or improve skin healthy. Applicants have also discovered that relatively low amounts of composition delivered per wear are sufficient to obtain the skin benefits resulting from this novel mode of cumulative delivery.

The articles used in the method provide an efficient means of continuously transferring the skin care composition to the skin during use. As the compositions are transferred, they accumulate on the skin surface to create and maintain protection. As the used supply is discarded or replaced with a new supply, this cycle is repeated for further composition accumulation beyond that delivered by the single or original supply itself. Certain ingredients used in preferred skin care compositions are known to penetrate the stratum corneum (eg, petroleum jelly is preferred herein). Thus, even if some of the composition is removed as a result of washing, bathing, or discontinuous temporary use of the treated articles described herein, the user retains some of the benefits of the skin composition. Before all benefit of the composition is worn off, the user reapplying the treated article may benefit in reducing erythema and/or rash compared to a user who does not use the treated article.

As mentioned above, it is generally recognized that skin conditions are more susceptible to aggravated skin conditions when absorbent articles are used. Typically, these skin deteriorations manifest as: erythema (also known as erythroderma) and/or rash. Accordingly, the applicants herein describe a method for maintaining or improving the skin health of the absorbent article's footprint, wherein the end result of this method is that the skin covered by a comparable absorbent article that does not include a skin care composition can reduce or improve the health of the skin. Avoid erythema and/or rash.

Specific preparation examples of the treated diaper cuff and topsheet of the present invention

The treatment of the cuff and/or topsheet or fabric with the skin care composition according to the present invention is described in detail below.

Example 1

A. Preparation of Skin Care Compositions

A skin care composition (Composition A) was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e. liquid) components: petrolatum (available as Perfecta from Witco Company of Greenwich, CT); stearyl alcohol (available from P&G Company of Cincinnati, OH as CO 1897) and aloe vera extract (available as Kaydol of Veragel Lipoid from Madis Botanicals, South Hackensack, NJ). The weight percentages of these ingredients are as follows:

Table 1 components weight% vaseline 58 stearyl alcohol 41 aloe vera 1 B. Preparation of Treated Diaper Leg Cuffs by Hot Melt Coating Skin care composition A was placed in a heated jar at a temperature of 76.7°C (170°F). The composition was then spread directly on a 3.56 cm (1.4 inch) wide (diaper width Orientation, so that the far side edge of the barrier cuff is covered) and 29.8 cm (11.75 inches) long (diaper longitudinal) area of the body surface of the barrier cuff of the diaper, the coating area is located in the base in the longitudinal center, so that each One or both ends of the elastic barrier are covered with a skin care composition. The coating weight was 0.01168/inch ² (18.0 g/m ² ). The elastomeric spacer is operatively attached to the barrier cuff member with a specially formulated adhesive such as Findly H9254 previously described.

Example 2

The skin care composition A prepared in Example 1 was applied to each barrier cuff of the diaper in a strip of 3.56 cm (1.4 inches) wide (in the transverse direction of the diaper, so that the far side of the barrier cuff was covered), and stretched to the entire length of the barrier cuff. The coating weight was 0.0116 g/in ² (18.0 g/m ² ).

Example 3

The skin care composition A prepared in Example 1 was prepared in strips with an area of 3.56 cm (1.4 inches) wide (diaper transverse direction, with the far side of the barrier cuff covered) and 20.3 cm (8 inches) long (diaper longitudinal direction) Applied to the body surface of each barrier cuff of the diaper, the center of the coated area is located in the constricted area of the barrier cuff, so that the ends of the elastic barrier are not covered by the skin care composition. The coating weight was 0.0077 g/in ² (12.0 g/m ² ).

Example 4

A. Preparation of Skin Care Compositions

Anhydrous Skin Care Composition B was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e. liquid) ingredients: Mineral Oil (Carnation White Mineral Oil, USP, manufactured by Wito Corporation) and Cetearyl Alcohol (Linear C16-C18 primary alcohol, available as TA-1618 from P&G Company of Cincinnati, OH). The weight percentages of these ingredients are as follows:

Table II components weight% mineral oil 65 cetearyl alcohol 35

B. Fabrication of Treated Leg Cuffs by Hot Melt Coating

Skin care composition B was placed in a heated jar at a temperature of 76.7°C (170°F). The composition was then applied directly to a 3.56 cm (1.4 inch) width (diaper transverse direction, The far side of the barrier cuff is covered) and a 29.8 cm (11.75 inches) long (diaper longitudinal) area is coated on the barrier cuff of the diaper, and the coating area is centered on the constriction of the barrier cuff, so that each One or both ends of the elastic barrier are covered with a skin care composition. The coating weight was 0.0116 g/in ² (18.0 g/m ² ).

Example 5

A. Preparation of Skin Care Compositions

Anhydrous Skin Care Composition C was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e. liquid) ingredients: Mineral Oil (Carnation White Mineral Oil from Wito, USP), Cetearyl Alcohol (Linear C16-C18 Ceteareth 10 (a linear C16-C18 alcohol ethoxylate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 10, produced by ICI America). The weight percentages of these ingredients are as follows:

Table III components weight% mineral oil 50 cetearyl alcohol 35 Ceteareth 10 15

B. Preparation of treated diapers by hot melt coating

Composition C was placed in a heated tank at a temperature of 76.7°C (170°F). The composition was then applied to a 3.56 cm (1.4 in. ) wide (in the transverse direction of the diaper, so that the far side of the barrier cuff is covered) and 29.8 cm (11.75 inches) long (in the longitudinal direction of the diaper), the coating area is centered on the constricted area of the barrier cuff so that each One or both ends of the elastic barrier are covered with a skin care composition. The coating weight was 0.0116 g/in ² (18.0 g/m ² ).

Example 6

A. Preparation of Skin Care Compositions

Anhydrous skin care composition D was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e., liquid) ingredients: petrolatum (available as Perfecta from Witco Corporation of Greenwich, CT); cetearyl alcohol (a primary linear C16-C18 Alcohol, available as TA-1618 from P&G Company of Cincinnati, OH) and Ceteareth10 (linear C16-C18 alcohol ethoxylate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 10, produced by ICI America), and Veragel 1:1 Lipoid and Laydol ( Aloe Vera Extract in Mineral Oil, manufactured by Dr.madis Laboratories). The weight percentages of these ingredients are as follows:

Table IV components weight% vaseline 49 stearyl alcohol 35 Ceteareth 10 15 aloe vera 1

B. Preparation of treated diapers by hot melt coating

Skin care composition D was placed in a heated jar at a temperature of 76.7°C (170°F). The composition was then applied to a 3.56 cm (1.4 in.) Wide (diaper-wide, with the far side of the barrier cuff covered) and 29.8 cm (11.75 inches) long (diaper longitudinal), the coating zone is centered on the barrier cuff constriction so that each elastic One or both ends of the separator are covered with a skin care composition. The coating weight was 0.0116 g/in ² (18.0 g/m ² ).

Example 7

Composition A prepared in Example 1 was placed in a heated tank at a temperature of 76.7°C (170°F). The composition was then applied in strips to the article using a contact applicator (i.e. Meltex EP45 hot melt adhesive applicator head, 5 slots, operating at 76.7°C (170°F)). On the topsheet, these strips run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the article. In particular, 5 strips were applied, each 0.64 cm (0.25 inch) wide (cross article) and 29.8 cm (11.75 inches) long (diaper longitudinal). The coating amount was 7.7 mg/in ² (12.0 g/m ² , 1.19 mg/cm ² ). The distance between each strip is 0.79 cm (0.31 inches).

Skin care composition A was then applied to the body surface of the barrier cuff of the diaper in a 3.56 cm (1.4 inch) wide (diaper-wide orientation, covering the far side edge of the barrier cuff) extending to the barrier cuff the entire length of the belt. The coating weight was 0.0116 g/in ² (18.0 g/m ² ). The coating method is the same as in Example 1.

Example 8

Composition D prepared in Example 6 was placed in a heated tank at a temperature of 76.7°C (170°F). The composition was then applied in a uniform spread using a contact applicator (i.e. Meltex EP45 hot melt adhesive applicator head, 5 slots, operating at 76.7°C (170°F) On the topsheet of the article, these strips run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the article. In particular, 1 strip was applied, 6.35 centimeters (2.5 inches) wide (diaper-wide) and 29.8 centimeters (11.75 inches) long. The coating amount was 7.7 mg/in ² (12.0 g/m ² , 1.19 mg/cm ² ). The center of the bar is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the article.

Skin care composition A was then applied to the body surface of the barrier cuff of the diaper in a 3.56 cm (1.4 inch) wide (diaper-wide orientation, covering the far side edge of the barrier cuff) extending to the barrier cuff the entire length of the belt. The coating weight was 0.0116 g/in ² (18.0 g/m ² ). The coating method is the same as in Example 1.

Claims (22)

1. absorbent device of dressing near skin by wearer, this absorbent device comprises base and is connected the band of this base; This base comprises outer cover and the absorbent cores between described top flat and egative film, and described outer cover comprises egative film and the liquid-impermeable top flat that links to each other with this egative film; Described every band have first surface and with the first surface opposing second surface, it is characterized in that:

The skin care compositions of effective dose on described band distributes, described skin care compositions is a semisolid or solid-state at 20 ℃, and can be transferred to small part on the skin of wearer;

Described skin care compositions comprises:

(i) 10%-95% 20 ℃ be plasticity or fluid consistency lubricant and

(ii) 5%-90%'s can be fixed to described lubricant reagent on the described band.

2. the absorbent device of claim 1, wherein the described skin care compositions amount on described band is 0.0078 milligram/square centimeter-12.4 milligrams/square centimeter.

3. the absorbent device of claim 1, wherein said lubricant comprises oil-based lubricant, fatty acid ester lubricant, silicone based lubricant, fatty acid cane sugar ester lubricant, alkyl ethoxylate series lubricant agent, or the mixture of these lubricants.

4. the absorbent device of claim 3, wherein said fixative is selected from mulit-hydroxy fatty acid ester, polyhydroxy fatty acid amide, C14-C22 aliphatic alcohol, C12-C22 fatty acid, C14-C22 alcohol ethoxylate and composition thereof.

5. the absorbent device of claim 4, wherein said compositions further comprises Aloe extract.

6. the absorbent device of claim 1, wherein said skin care compositions is distributed on the described first surface.

7. the absorbent device of claim 6, thus the described first surface of wherein said band in use contacts the organizator surface with wearer skin.

8. the absorbent device of claim 6, wherein this first surface comprises that in use surface away from wearer is to form the medicated clothing face.

9. the absorbent device of claim 8, wherein said skin care compositions is transferred to described second surface by described first surface.

10. the absorbent device of claim 1, wherein said band comprises the sealing band, the sealing band comprises the flank that formed by the described top flat of part and the elastic component that links to each other with this flank in operation.

11. the absorbent device of claim 1, wherein said band comprise the band that stops with described top flat integral type formation.

12. an absorbent device of being dressed near skin by wearer, this absorbent device comprise base with side, are connected stopping band and being distributed in the described skin care compositions that stops the effective dose on the band spare of this base; This base comprises outer cover and wraps in the interior absorbent cores of described outer cover; The described band spare that stops comprises that activity stops band spare and elastomer isolators; Described activity stops the far lateral side that band spare has proximal edges and is separated by with described proximal edges, and described proximal edges links to each other with described outer cover, and the part of described far lateral side is not fixed on this absorbent device; Thereby described elastomer isolators links to each other with described far lateral side in operation and makes the described band spare that stops erectly away from said outer cover; Described skin care compositions is a semisolid or solid-state at 20 ℃, and can be transferred to small part on the skin of wearer;

Described skin care compositions comprises:

(i) 10%-95% 20 ℃ be plasticity or fluid consistency lubricant and

The (ii) reagent that described lubricant can be fixed to described band of 5%-90%.

13. the absorbent device of claim 12, the wherein said band that respectively stops has alar part and recessed road part.

14. the absorbent device of claim 13, wherein said skin care compositions are coated on the described recessed road part at least.

15. the absorbent device of claim 14, wherein said skin care compositions are coated on described recessed road part and the alar part.

16. the absorbent device of claim 13 also comprises the sealing band adjacent with described barrier leg cuff.

17. the absorbent device of claim 12, thereby wherein said base limit longitudinal extension makes the described band that stops arrange along the shank of wearer.

18. the absorbent device of claim 12, wherein said absorbent device is a diaper.

19. the absorbent device of claim 12, wherein said absorbent device is a sanitary towel.

20. an absorbent device of being dressed near skin by wearer, this absorbent device comprise base, be connected the sealing band of this base and be distributed in the skin care compositions of the effective dose on the described sealing band; This base comprises outer cover and the absorbent cores between described top flat and egative film, and described outer cover comprises egative film and the liquid-impermeable top flat that links to each other with this egative film; Described absorbent cores has side;

Described sealing band comprise along and one of from the described limit of described absorbent cores outward extending flank, described flank comprises the first movable band spare that at least one and described base is connected, with the elastic component that links to each other on described flank is operated;

Described skin care compositions is a semisolid or solid-state at 20 ℃, and can be transferred to small part on the skin of wearer;

Described skin care compositions comprises:

(i) 10%-95% 20 ℃ be plasticity or fluid consistency lubricant and

The (ii) reagent that described lubricant can be fixed to described band of 5%-90%.

21. the absorbent device of claim 20, the wherein said first band spare link to each other with described top flat to form the described surface of described flank.

22. the absorbent device of claim 21, wherein said skin care compositions are distributed on the described surface of the described first band spare.

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