CZ214895A3 - Absorption article - Google Patents

Abstract

This is absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, pull-on diapers, diaper holders and the like, that provide maximized dynamic fit range in the waist opening and improved gasketing action along the leg openings. Side panels (23) extend outwardly from side flaps (37) to provide a wide fit range in the waist opening. The side flaps (37) comprise no elastic for gasketing action and the flaps are relatively narrow. Extended leg cuffs (60) are connectively associated with a chassis (21) along the side flaps (37) so as to provide the gasketing action. Each of the extended leg cuffs (60) has a free distal edge (65) remote from the side flap (37) and a spacing member (67) for spacing the distal edge (65) upwardly away from the absorbent chassis (21). This absorbent article has enough width in the side panels (23) and enough width in the leg openings as needed.

Description

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence briefs, stretch diapers, diaper holders and the like, and more particularly to absorbent articles having elasticized leg regions for dynamic fit around the wearer as well as improved comfort features of the absorbent article. product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The main function of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and incontinence briefs or underwear components is to absorb and contain body exudates. They are expected to prevent these exudates from staining, moistening or otherwise contaminating clothing or other products, such as bed linen, coming into contact with their wearer. Current disposable diapers consist of a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core and elasticized side flaps with one or more elastic members adjacent the longitudinal edge of the diaper to form the elasticized leg openings. . Overall, the elasticized side flaps can effectively prevent leakage and spillage from fluid-loaded diapers

-. In the clothing contacting the edges of the diaper, the elasticized flaps constitute a liquid-tight barrier between the edge of the diaper and the contacting clothing, and in addition provide a sealing function around the wearer's legs to maintain closure around the foot and minimize snagging.

When it comes to pull-on diapers, such as training pants, these have become popular especially for use on children learning the toilet. Previously, some of these training pants were made elastically extensible using an extensible side panel positioned in the training pants such that the waist openings and leg openings having these elasticized side flaps were at least partially surrounded by elasticized belts. Another type of stretchable side panel of the diaper is formed by attaching discrete stretchable members to the edge of each side flap of the disposable garment in the front and back waist regions. While the extensible member described above is useful for forming the stretch diapers, it has been found that wide extensible side panels are preferred to maintain a wide range of dynamic fit.

However, while the extensible side panel should be affixed to or associated with the side flap edge, the width of these extensible side panels and the width of the elasticized side-flaps are considered as parameters that should be balanced to ensure appropriate the extent of the waist fit in the waist opening and the effective sealing function around the leg openings. It was therefore difficult to maximize the functions of the extensible side panels and the elasticized side flaps by maximizing a uniform width between the extensible side panel and the elasticized side flaps.

In addition, such an extensible side panel is used on a diaper having a closure system such as an adhesive tape fastening system to close its front and back, the above mentioned difficulty relates to all types of absorbent articles having such an extensible side panel.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article having sufficient width of extensible side panels and sufficient width of elasticized leg openings as needed to maximize both the dynamic fit range in the waist opening and improve sealing functions along the leg openings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, the absorbent article comprises a chassis absorbent body, a pair of side flaps, a pair of side panels, and a pair of longitudinally extended leg cuffs. The absorbent chassis has a front portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion connecting the front and rear portions, and a pair of side edges in the longitudinal direction throughout the front, crotch and back portions. A pair of side flaps extends outwardly from each side edge of the absorbent chassis, each side flap having a side edge. A pair of side panels extends outwardly from the side edge of the side flap at the front and rear. A pair of longitudinally extended leg cuffs is continuously associated with the absorbent chassis along the side flap in the crotch portion and extending longitudinally at least partially into the front portion and the rear portion. Each of the extended leg cuffs has a free distal edge spaced from the side edge of the side flap at least in the crotch portion so as to extend outwardly from the side flap. Each of the widened leg cuffs comprises a spacer means located at least in the crotch portion for spacing the distal edge upward from the absorbent chassis.

Overview of the drawings

While the specification in question ends with the claims particularly emphasizing and clearly claiming the subject matter considered to be the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be more easily. .pochopen-.z_. “Following — description.,. which is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which the same designations are used to designate substantially identical elements and where:

Giant. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper of the present invention in a typical user configuration of both. will be applied to some wearer.

Giant. 2 is a plan view of a chassis of a disposable diaper of the present invention with cut away portions to show the base structure, a surface that will form the outer surface of the disposable member facing away from the viewer.

Giant. 3 partial rust along hatch 3-3 from Fig) 2. Giant. 4 partial rust along srafy 4-4 FIG. 2. Giant. 5 partial rust along srafy 5-5 FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term absorbent article refers to devices that absorb and retain body exudates and, more particularly, devices that are positioned directly adjacent or adjacent to the wearer ' s body to absorb and retain various body exuded exudates. The disposable wear as used herein refers to absorbent articles which are not expected to be laundered or otherwise recovered or reused as an absorbent article (ie, are expected to be disposed of after a single use and preferably recycled, composted or otherwise, it is disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner. The term complex absorbent article refers to absorbent articles that are formed from separate parts joined together to form a coordinated unit such that they do not require separate manipulative parts such as a separate holder and pad. A preferred embodiment of the complex disposable garment of the present invention, the disposable pull-on diaper 20, is shown in FIG. 1.

The stretching diaper 20 of FIG. 1 includes an absorbent chassis 21, extensible side panels 23, side seams 25, and dual leg cuffs 27 around the leg openings 28.

Giant. 2 is a partially perspective cross-sectional view of the disposable pull-on diaper 20 of FIG. 1, prior to joining the front portion 29 and the rear portion 31 of the absorbent chassis 21 together by a side seam. The absorbent chassis 21 of the present invention preferably has a symmetrical, modified hourglass shape. The absorbent chassis 21 has at least a front portion 29, a rear portion 31, a crotch portion 21 / longitudinal side regions 35, and an extensible side portion 23 operatively attached to the side flaps 37 in the front portion 29 and the rear portion 31. The side flaps 37 are formed from an extension of the backsheet 39 and the topsheet 41 extending outwardly from and along the side edges 43 of the absorbent core 45 at least in the crotch portion 33. The side flap 37 of the present invention is relatively narrower than the side flap 37 multi-elastic members known in the art. Dual leg cuffs 27 include an upright barrier cuff 50 and an expanded leg cuff 60, which will be described in greater detail below.

Extended leg cuff

As shown in FIG. 2a and 3, the extended leg cuffs 60 of the present invention provide dynamic fit and comfort to the skin, as well as a structure to restrict the free flow of body exudates along the topsheet 41 and retain and retain these exudates within the diaper 20 and provide sealing functions. Each extended leg cuff 60 is a flexible member with a closer edge 61 and a distal edge 65. The term flexible in this material refers to materials that are compliant. and easily adapts to the overall shape and contours of the body. In addition, if the spacing means 67 comprises one or more elastic members, the extended leg cuffs 60 must be retractable such that the distal edges 65 may be sufficiently spaced from the topsheet 41. The extended leg cuffs 60 may be made of a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene. , polyester ,, rayon. nylon, foams, plastic foils, formed foils, elastic laminates, and elastic leg cuffs 60 may be foam. At. a number of techniques were used. E.g. the expanded leg cuffs 60 may be woven, nonwoven, nonwoven, carded, laminate of a nonwoven polypropylene material secured to a liquid impervious polyethylene film, e.g., as known in the art.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the extended cuff 60, and more particularly, the distal rim 63, is disposed adjacent to and preferably disposed within the longitudinal rim 69 of the diaper 20. The term disposed within is defined as a direction toward the proximal edge 71 of the diaper 20. The proximal rim 62 is preferably disposed within the longitudinal rim 69 such that the exudates, particularly the released fecal material, which is not readily absorbed and tends to be carried along the topsheet 41 contact the extended leg cuff 60 in front of the diaper. Thus, the proximal edge 63 is preferably positioned between the longitudinal edge 69 and the longitudinal centerline 71 of the diaper, more preferably between the longitudinal edge 69 and the side edge 43 of the absorbent core 45 at least in the crotch portion 33 of the diaper 20. Most preferably, the proximal edge 63 is arranged along the side of the longitudinal edge 69 at least in the crotch portion (It should be noted that if the upright barrier cuffs 50 are elasticized by one or more lapel elastic members to form the upright leg seal cuff adjacent each side of the side edge 43 of the absorbent core 45, as known in the art, then the proximal edge 63 of the extended leg cuff 60 will preferably be positioned between the erectable barrier cuff 50 and at least in the crotch portion 33.

the proximal edge 63 by the longitudinal edge 69

The body proximal 63 and distal 65 edges of the extended leg cuff 60 are relative to each other and define the effective width of each extended leg cuff 60. The proximal 63 and distal 65 edges may be in a parallel, non-parallel, rectilinear or curvilinear relationship. In addition, each extended leg cuff 60 may have a cross-sectional diversity of different regions. including round, square, rectangular or any other shape. Preferably, the proximal edge 63 is spaced from the distal edge 65 in a parallel and curvilinear relationship. The effective width of the extended leg cuff 60 is an important parameter in limiting leakage of body exudates out of the diaper 20. If the effective width of the cuff 60 is too small, gaps will occur between the wearer's leg and the distal rim 65 so that liquids can flow over the distal the lip 65 into the periphery 73 of the diaper 20. The expanded cuff 60 of the present invention does not act on the width of the expanding side panel 23 while the side flap 37 does not include any elastic members to provide a sealing function and the flap 37 is relatively narrow. Thus, the expanded sleeve 60 may have a relatively wide width in use to provide an effective sealing function. Of course, the effective width should be dimensioned because the size of the wearer increases or decreases, especially in adult wearers.

Preferably, the distal edge 65 of each expanded cuff 60 is not attached to any of the diaper backing members 20 at least in the crotch portion 33 so that it may be spaced outwardly from the topsheet 41. The distal edge 65 is preferably spaced from the topsheet 41 so as to extend the cuff 60 more easily. applied to the wearer and ensures that the fit of the extended cuff 60 is in the no-movement zone of the crotch-part-3-3- loop-stepped-m-ok-ol-o-thigh-si-tel- As used herein, the term " located from " includes embodiments in which the distal edges 65 may assume one or more positions relative to the topsheet 41, including sometimes occupying a position adjacent to the topsheet 41.

The distal edge 65 of each widened cuff 60 is disposed within the proximal edge 63, preferably out of the proximal edge 63 in the front portion 29 and back portion 31 so as to avoid forming gaps between the leg and the distal edge 65 and to render the flow of exudates more efficient. . The term out (or out of mold) is defined as the direction away from the diaper axis 71 that is parallel to the respective edge of the diaper 20 according to which the expanded cuff 60 is arranged. (I.e., the upstream direction defined by the term located within.) The distal edges 65 are maintained outside of the nearer 63 in both the front 29 and rear 31 by the closing means 75, preventing them from being reversed. In FIG. 2,3 and 4, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure means 75 is disposed in the closure zone 77 located away from the side flaps 37, and in this or another preferred embodiment of the invention at least a portion of the closure means 75 is positioned above at least a portion of the extensible side panel 23. .

The more distal edges 65 are also shown in FIG. 2 and 4, arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the end edge 79 of the diaper 20 in the front portion 29 and the rear portion 31. While this is a preferred embodiment, the distal ends 65 may alternatively be sloped to or away from each other, particularly one to secondly, if the extended leg cuffs 60 are made of a material with less extensibility such that the distal edges 65 are disposed not perpendicular to the end edges 79. The inclination of the extended leg cuffs 60 relative to the end edge 79 can help allow the extended cuff 60 to curvature - outwardly by means of the widened extensible side panels 23 during use to provide a loop fit along the leg opening 28.

The distal edges 65 are preferably spaced laterally from one another in the crotch portion 33. This lateral gap of the distal edges 65 is particularly important in the crotch portion 33 to ensure ease of wear by the wearer and to ensure that the extended leg cuffs 60 extend outwardly from the central axis. 71 of the diaper 20 by a loop fit. Of course, the lateral gap should be dimensioned as the size of the wearer increases or decreases, especially when the wearer is an adult wearer.

A preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 of FIG. 1 is provided with extended leg cuffs 60 each connected to the side flaps 37 of the diaper 20. The term associated includes any means for securing the extended leg cuff 60 to the diaper 20 and includes embodiments wherein the extended leg cuffs 60 are separated by members directly or indirectly attached to the side panels. flaps 37 or embodiments in which the expanded leg cuffs are assembled from the same member or material as some element of the diaper 20, such as an upright barrier cuff.

such that the expanded leg cuffs 60 are a continuous and non-divided element of the erectable barrier cuff 50. The leg cuffs. 60 may alternatively be attached to the backsheet 39, the topsheet 41, or any combination of these or other diaper elements 20. In a preferred embodiment, the extended leg cuffs 60 are connected to the side flaps 37 (directly to the portion of the top 41 and backsheet 22). a lateral flap 37) by means of a sealing means 81 such as an adhesive to form the proximal edge 63, the distal edge 65 being formed by folding the end, the material 61 back to itself and secured to the next segment by distal attachment means 83. The material 61 is back on itself and sealed to the distal edge 65 by a sealing means. more preferably to the inner or outer surface of the bottom layer 39 of the side flap 37 by means of sealing means, as shown. Giant. 3. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, the extended leg cuffs 60 are constructed of the same material of the upright barrier cuff 50, the preferred material of this embodiment-n-is-poly-y-propylene-ene. The closer edges 63 and side flaps 37 are joined together in any suitable manner. As used herein, the term includes configurations by which proximal edges 63 are directly fixed to side flap 37 by attaching proximal edges directly to side flap 37 and configurations by which proximal edges 63 are indirectly secured to side flap 37 by attaching proximal edges 63 to intermediate members which are then further attached to the side flap 37. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal edges 63 and side flap 37 are directly attached to each other at least in the crotch portion 33 by means of sealing means 81.

The sealing means of the present invention 81 for connecting the proximal edges 63 to the side flaps 37 is shown in FIG.

3. The sealing means 81 provides a seal (closure) along the proximal edge 63. To provide a barrier to leakage of liquids through the upper layer of the absorbent core 85, the sealing means 81 provides protection.

41. While the topsheet 41 may be stretched to seal against leakage of fluids emanating from the edges of the absorbent core 45 or the wick effect along the topsheet 41, it may be increased by making the topsheet 41 or the absorbent core 45 not extend beyond the proximal edge 63. the means 81 may be any means for securing the proximal edges 63 to the side flaps 37 such as adhesives, heat / pressure seals, ultrasonic bonding, double surface adhesive tapes, or any other means or methods known in the art. The sealing means 81 is preferably three adhesive lines or spiral lines, consisting of a hot melt adhesive such as those produced by the Eastman Chemical Products Company of Kingsport, Tennessee, sold under the tradename Eastbond A-3 or Century. AdhesiveS, Xnc. of Columbus, Ohio, sold under the name Century 5227. In a preferred embodiment, the sealant 81 consists of a nonwoven fabric strip surrounding the elastomeric adhesive.

The spacing means 67 to maintain the gap of the distal edge 65 from the topsheet 41 is any member that is gathered, moved, solidified, shortened, or otherwise behaves on each of the edges 65.

the expanded leg cuff 60, resulting in the cuff being able to withstand easy application to the wearer and a sealing function around the wearer's buttocks to provide a loop fit.

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the spacing means 67 preferably comprises elastic members operatively associated extended leg cuffs 60 adjacent the distal elastic members 67 are preferably secured to the expanded cuff 60 in an elastically contractible condition such that in a normally unstretched configuration the elastic members 67 effectively contract or take up the distal rim 65 the expanded cuffs 60. The elastic members 67 may be secured to the expanded cuff of the foot 60 in an elastically retractable condition by at least two methods, as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,199,599. No. No. 3,860,003, entitled " Tightening Side Panel for Disposable Diaper " issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 26, 1974, which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the length of the elastic member 67 is generally dictated by the design of the diaper. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the elastic member 67 extends along substantially the entire length of the extended leg cuff 60 in the crotch portion 33, although other lengths are also recognizable.

As shown in FIG. 2a and 3, the elastic member 67 is operatively associated with the extended leg cuff 60 by fastening it within the extended cuff 60 by the elastic attachment means 85. The elastic fastening means 85 should be flexible and sufficiently adhesive to keep the elastic member 67 in its full state. Although the elastic members 67 can be attached to the extended cuff 60 adjacent only the end of the elastic member 67, it is preferred to attach the entire length of the elastic member 67 to the expanded leg cuff - -60-. El-ast-i-ck-eam-pros-fe Preference is given to hot-melt adhesive adhesives such as those sold by Findley Adhesive Incorporated, Elmg.rove, Wisconsin, such as Findley Adhesives 581, although elastic members are preferred. 67 may be attached to the expanded collar 60 by any other means well known in the art. For example, the elastic members 67 may be ultrasonic bonded or heat / pressure sealed into the expanded leg cuff 60 using a plurality of joint patterns, or the elastic members 67 may simply be adhered to the expanded cuff 60. A more detailed description of how the elastic members 67 can be positioned and fastened to the expanded collar 60 can be found in US patent No. A method and apparatus for continuously attaching discrete, stretched elastic strands to predetermined, isolated portions of disposable absorbent articles, issued to Kenneth B. Buell on March 28, 1978 and U.S. Pat. No. No. 4,253,461, entitled Absorbent Panties, issued to Danny Strickland and Ronald B. Visscher on March 3, 1981, both incorporated herein by reference. It should be noted that one or more (a plurality) of elastic members 67 may be used to elastize each extended leg cuff 60. Preferably, one or two elastic members 67 are used to elastize each extended cuff 60.

The elastic member 67 found suitable is an elastic strand of 0.18 mm by 1.5 mm cross section and made of natural rubber as available from Easthampton Rubber Company of Stewart, Virginia under the trademark L-1900 Rubber Compound. . Other suitable elastic members 67 may be made of natural rubber, such as the elastic tape sold under the trademark. Fulflex 9411 from Fulflex Company of Middleton., Rhode Island. Stretch elastic member of any heat-shrinking state of the art. Other suitable elastic materials may include a wide variety of materials well known in the art, such as elastomeric films, polyurethane films, Lycra, elastomeric foams, and molded elastic materials. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic members 67 and the elastic fastening means 85 may be formed by an extensible adhesive strip having the material may also comprise a known current thickness of 0.5 mils which is available from Findlay Adhesives Incorporated, Elm Grove, Wisconsin as Findley Adhesives 581, sold under the trademark H 2330.

In addition, the elastic members 67 can assume multiple configurations. For example, the width of the elastic members may vary, the elastic members 67 may comprise a single strand or a plurality of parallel or non-parallel strips of elastic material, or the elastic members 67 may be linear or curved.

The spacing means 67 for positioning the distal edge 65 out of the topsheet 41 may optionally include several other elements. For example, the expanded leg cuff 60 may have stiffening means disposed in or on each expanded cuff 60. The stiffening means must be sufficiently rigid that the distal edge 65 is spaced from the topsheet 41. Suitable materials for the stiffening means include foams, nonwovens, entangled fibers , polyethylene foil, foam foils, spray adhesives, foam elastomerics, polyester, polyurethane or highly lightweight materials.

The spacer 67 may also include means to shorten the length of the distal rim 65 compared to the length of the edges of the diaper 20. The rim 65 may be shortened in fold or fold at distal edge 65. This fold or fold is secured by any holding means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art; such as adhesives or thermal bonds. Optionally, a section may be cut from the distal edge 65 and the resulting edges combined to form some interface or overlap. The distal edge 65 may also be shortened by attaching a distal length. the edges 65 to the topsheet 41 in a position different from that where it would

Other known techniques for shortening them may be used, such as diapers.

Closing means 75 for fastening the front and rear ends of the extended leg cuff 60 are shown in FIG. 2, 3 and 4. The closure means 75 provides a more comfortable fit for the wearer and fixes the distal edges 65 of the extended leg cuff 60 in the appropriate position to form a sufficient sealing cuff. In a preferred embodiment, the closure means 75 is disposed at the front portion 29 and at the rear portion 31. The remaining portions of the distal edges 65 are preferably not attached to any backing structure of the diaper 20 such that the distal edges 65 are left openly open. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the closure zones 77 are formed above the side panel 23 adjacent the opening of the legs 28 of the crotch portion 22). This assembly is preferred to provide a looped fit around the wearer's buttocks, in particular to prevent leakage from the joint of the expansive side panel 23 and the expanded leg cuff 60 as well as the flexibility of the width of the expansible side panel 23. In a preferred embodiment, the closure means 75 the end and the back end are covered by the rear ear.

the closure means 75 may include any fastening means known in the art such as ultrasonic bonds or heat / pressure connections, or seals using a plurality of bonding patterns or adhesives and / or adhesives, the closure means 75 preferably being adhesive strips consisting of a hot melt adhesive such as manufactured by Eastman Chemical Products Company of Kingsport, Tennessee, sold under the tradename Eastbond A-3 or Century Adhesives, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, sold under the name Century 52.27.

extensible (adjacent front respectively

Straightening barrier cuff

The dual leg cuff 27 further comprises an erectable barrier cuff 50. The erect cuff 50 may include several different embodiments to reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg openings 28. U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,803, entitled Disposable Absorbent Fabric with Elasticized Flaps, issued to Aziz a Blaney on March 20, 1990, discloses a disposable diaper with erect elasticized flaps (barrier flaps) to improve retention in leg regions. Patent US No. 4,695,278, entitled Dual Cuff Absorbent Product, issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, discloses a disposable dual cuff diaper comprising a sealing cuff and a barrier cuff. U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,115, entitled Disposable Waist Wear Apparel, issued to Buell on November 3, 1987, discloses a disposable diaper or incontinence component with side leak vent edges configured to retain loose fluids therein. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

The erectile barrier cuffs 50 provide an obstacle to restrict the free flow of body exudates along the topsheet 41 and provide an assembly to retain and retain these exudates within the diaper 20. Each of the erectable barrier cuffs 50 is a flexible member with a nearer 91 and more distal, inward and outer edge. out. In addition, when the spacer members comprise one or more spacer elastic members, the erectable barrier cuffs 50 must be retractable such that the distal edges can be sufficiently spaced from the topsheet 41 so that the formed channel along the erectable barrier cuffs 50 is open to limit engagement. and detaining body exudates in the diaper. The barrier cuffs 50 may be made of a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plastic foils, molded foils and elastic foams. Many techniques can be used in the manufacture of the upright barrier cuffs 50. For example, the cuffs may be woven, nonwoven, nonwoven, carded, or the like. A particularly preferred erectable barrier cuff 50

16 comprises a polypropylene material containing no coating or surfactant to render it impervious to liquids. A particularly preferred polypropylene material is manufactured by Crown Zellerbach Company under the name Celestra. in a preferred embodiment, the barrier cuff 50 is comprised of the same material or an expanded leg cuff material 60.

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the erection barrier cuffs 50 are disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge 69 of the diaper 20 and preferably adjacent the inwardly extended leg cuffs 60. The proximal edges 91 are preferably disposed within the proximal edges 63 of the extended leg cuffs 60. The proximal edge 91 of the erection barrier cuff 50 is preferably located within the extended leg cuff 60 such that the exudates, particularly the released fecal material, which is not readily absorbed and tends to float along the topsheet 41, contacts part of the channel of the upright barrier cuff 50 before being able to contact the extended leg cuff 60. 50 are preferably positioned adjacent the leg cuffs 60 to provide effective, dual flow restriction to body exudates. The proximal edge 91 of the barrier 50 is preferably arranged between the proximal edge 63 widened. The leg cuff 60 and the longitudinal centerline 71 of the diaper 20. Preferably, the proximal edge 91 of the cuff 50 is positioned between the proximal edge 63 of the expanded leg cuff 60 and the side edge 43 of the absorbent core 45 at least in the crotch portion 33 of the diaper 20.

Closer 91 and more 93 edges of the righting barrier cuff. 50. are relative to one another and define the effective width of each erectable barrier cuff 50. Closer 91 and more distal 93 edges may be in parallel, non-parallel, rectilinear or curvilinear relationship. In addition, each upright barrier cuff 50 may have a diversity of cross-sectional areas including rounded. square, rectangular, or any other shape such as that shown in FIG. 2, 3 and 4. Preferably, the proximal edges 91 are spaced from the distal edges 93 in a parallel and curvilinear relationship to provide the upright barrier cuffs 50 with the same effective widths.

As shown in FIG. 2a and 3a, the distal edges 95 of the erectable barrier cuff 50 are preferably arranged within the proximal edges 91 of the cuff 50 to create a more effective obstruction to the exudate flow. The distal edges 95 are held within the proximal edges 91 by means of a closure means 103 to prevent their rotation. Although the distal edges 95 may optionally be arranged at a different position relative to the proximal edges 91, these are not preferred.

The distal edges 95 are preferably not attached to any other element at least in the crotch portion 33 of the diaper 20 so that they may be positioned outwardly from the topsheet 41. The distal edges 95 are preferably positioned outwardly from the topsheet 41 so that the erectable barrier cuffs 50 can form a channel. As used herein, the term spaced apart includes embodiments in which the distal edges 95 may assume one or more positions relative to the topsheet 41, including sometimes occupying a position adjacent to the topsheet 41. Distance between the distal edge 95 and the topsheet 41 is measured along a line drawn from the distal edge 95 to the nearest portion of the topsheet 41 when the distal edge 95 is positioned as far away from the topsheet 41 as possible (i.e., in an elastically contracted position) ).

The erectile barrier cuffs 50 are preferably hydrophobic and more preferably liquid impervious to prevent penetration of body exudates. The liquid-impervious erection barrier 50 slows the movement of the fluid through the embrace baffle -50 to 50%. yet leakage resistant. The erectile barrier cuffs 50 may be rendered impermeable by any method well known in the art such as selectively treating the cuffs 50, not treating the barrier cuffs 50, or by attaching separate material to the erecting barrier cuffs 50. The cuffs 50 may additionally be provided with absorbent means attached thereto. or inside these.

A preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 of FIG. 3, 4 and 5 is provided with each of the erectable barrier cuffs 50 attached to the side flaps 37 (i.e., the backsheet 39). The term attached includes any means for attaching the upright barrier cuffs 50 to the diaper 20 and includes an embodiment in which the upright barrier cuffs 50 are separate members directly or indirectly adjacent to the side flaps 37 (ie, integral) or embodiments in which the upright barrier cuffs are 50 assembled from the same member or material as any element of the diaper 20 such that the upright barrier cuffs 50 are a continuous and non-divided element of the side flaps 37 (ie, complex). The upright barrier cuffs 50 may alternatively be attached to the backsheet 39, the absorbent core 45, the topsheet 41, or any connection of these or other elements of the diaper 20, such as the extended leg cuff 60, as discussed previously. In a preferred embodiment, both the extended leg cuffs 60 and the upright barrier cuffs 50 are integral with the lateral Integral upright barrier leg cuffs 60 are thus formed by a single separate strip of material by an intermediate segment adjacent the side flaps 37 by sealing means. 81 such as adhesive. forming a proximal edge 91, wherein the distal edge is formed by folding the end of the material back on itself and fixed to yet another segment by the distal attachment means and the remainder of the material, the side flap portion 37 extending and ending out of the proximal edges 91 and preferably associated with the backsheet 39 by means of sealing means 81 to define a portion of the side flap 37 between the proximal edges 91 of the erection barrier cuff 50 and the proximal edges 63 of the extended leg cuffs 60.

the collars 50 preferably with flaps 37 and widened

The upright barrier cuffs 50 and side flaps 37 (backsheet 39) are adjacent together in any suitable manner. The term adjacent, as used herein, includes configurations by which the upright barrier cuffs 50 are directly attached to the side flaps 37 by attaching portions of the upright barrier cuffs 50 directly to the backsheet 39 and the configurations by which the upright barrier cuffs 50 are indirectly attached to the side flaps. 37 by attaching them to the intermediate members, which are then further attached to the backsheet 39. In a preferred embodiment, the erectable barrier cuffs 50 and side flaps 37 are directly adjacent to each other by sealing means 81 such as adhesive or any other attachment means such as heat pressure sealing, ultrasonic connection, or any other method known in the art. For example, a uniform, continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or some array of separate lines or points of adhesive may be used. The sealing agent 81 is preferably a hot melt adhesive such as that manufactured by Eastman Chemical Products Company of Kingsport, Tennessee, sold under the tradename Eastbond A-3, or by Century Adhesives, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, sold under the name Century 5227. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing means 81 consists of a strip of nonwoven material enclosing the elastomeric adhesive. (It should be noted that the sealing means 81 mentioned herein are preferably the same kind of means as the sealing means 81 for attaching the proximal edges 63 of the extended leg cuff 60 to the side flaps 37.

Sealing means 81 for holding adjacent edges 91 of upright barrier cuff 50 with side flaps 37 provides leakage-resistant closure along proximal edge 91 to create a fluid leakage barrier through topsheet 41 to prevent fluids from leaking below the straightening collar 50 to diaper edges 20.

The spacing means 105 to maintain the spacing of the distal edges 95 from the topsheet 41 is any member that scoops, contracts, solidifies, shortens, or otherwise acts on the upright barrier cuff 50, causing it to straighten to secure channel 101 along the barrier upright 50 which it acts as a limitation of leakage of exudates.

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the spacing member 105 preferably comprises a spacing elastic member 105 operatively associated with each barrier cuff 50 adjacent the distal edge 95. The spacing elastic member 105 is preferably affixed to the upright cuff 50 in an elastically retractable condition such that in a normal, unrestricted configuration , the spacer elastic member 105 effectively contracts or takes on the distal edge 95 of the barrier cuff 50. The spacer elastic member 105 may be secured to the erectable barrier cuff 50 in an elastically contractible state by at least two methods, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. No. 3,860,003 issued to Kenneth B. Buell.

The length of the spacer elastic member 105 is generally dictated by the design of the diaper. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the elastic member 105 extends substantially along the entire length of the erector barrier cuff. 50 in the crotch portion 33, in a most preferred embodiment, the spacing-elastic members 105 _t extend beyond the crotch portion 33 at any distance, including the entire path to the end edges of the diaper 20, to provide the most effective span of the erection barrier cuffs 50 from the topsheet 41.

How are you . FIG. 3, the spacer elastic member 105 is operatively associated with the upright barrier cuff 50 by its attachment within the cuff 50 by the spacer elastic attachment means 107. A more detailed description of the manner in which the elastic spacer members 105 can be positioned and secured to the upright barrier cuffs 50 can be provided. found in U.S. Pat No. No. 4,081,301, issued to Kenneth B. Buell on March 28, 1978, and U.S. Pat. No. No. 4,253,461 issued to Strickland and Vishscher on March 3,

Κ

1981, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should also be noted that one or more spacer elastic members 105 may be used to elastize each upright barrier cuff 50.

The elastic spacer 105, which has been found suitable, is an elastic strand with a cross section of 0.18 mm by 1.5 mm, made of natural rubber, as available from Easthampton Rubber Company of Stewart, Virginia, under the trademark L-1900 Rubber Compound. Also, other suitable spacing elastic members 105 may be made of natural rubber, such as elastic tape sold under the trademark Fulflex 9411 from Fulflex Company of Middleton, Rhode Island. The spacer elastic member 105 may also comprise any heat-shrinking material well known in the art. Other suitable elastic materials can include a wide variety of materials well known in the art, such as elastomeric films, polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, and shaped elastic scrims. in a preferred embodiment, the elastic members 105 and elastic attachment means 107 may be formed by an expanded adhesive strip having a thickness of 0.5 mils available from Findlay Adhesives-Incorporated, Elm Grove, W.Isconsin as Findley Adhesives-581, sold under the trademark H-2330.

In addition, the spacing elastic members 105 may assume multiple configurations. For example, the width of the spacer elastic members 105 may vary, the elastic members 105 may include one or more strands, parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material, or the spacer elastic members 105 may be rectilinear or curved.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And out of the topsheet 41 may optionally comprise several other elements as previously described with respect to the spacer means of the extended leg cuff 60.

The closure means 103 for securing the distal edges 93 of the upright collars 50 together provide a more comfortable fit for the wearer and prevent the distal edges 93 of the upright collar 50 from being inverted when being worn and worn. Inversion is generally defined as the rotation of the inwardly arranged distal edges 93 outwardly when the diaper 20 is mounted on the wearer.

The sealing means 103 are preferably adhesive strips consisting of a hot melt adhesive such as. those sold by the Eastman Chemical Products Company of Kingsport, Tennessee, under the trade name Eastbond A-3 or Century Adhesives, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, entitled Century 5227, although other closure means known in the art may also be used, such as ultrasonic connections or heat / pressure seals.

The wearer should be positioned by the wearer by positioning 28 and sliding it upwardly to provide the erection 50 and the extended leg cuffs 60 to provide the respective positions and functions described herein.

The stretching diaper 20 of its leg into the leg opening of the respective position, wherein

SIDE PART

The absorbent chassis 21 further includes extensible side panels 23 in the front portion 29 and the rear portion 31. The extensible side panel 23 is self-manipulating elements secured to the chassis 21, but may be formed from stretching the materials of the chassis 21. The extensible side panel 23 provides an elastically extensible device. which provides a more comfortable and adjacent fit by initially comfortable fit of the disposable undergarment to the wearer and maintain the fit throughout the wearing period after the disposable article has been loaded with exudates, since the extensible side panel 23 allows the sides of the disposable product to expanded and contracted.

As shown in FIG. 2, each extensible side panel 23 comprises that portion of the absorbent chassis 21 that extends laterally outwardly from and along the central portion 33 of the absorbent. the chassis 21 into the longitudinal side region of the absorbent chassis 21. The side panel 23 generally extends longitudinally from the end edge 109 of the absorbent chassis 21 to portions of the longitudinal edge 69 of the absorbent chassis 69 that forms the leg opening 28. (this longitudinal edge segment is referred to as the leg edge) . The extensible side panel 23 may be formed by portions of the top 41 and backsheet 39 that extend beyond the side flap 37.

In a preferred embodiment, in FIG. 4, the extensible side panels 23 are formed by securing a piece of the extensible panel to the side edge 38 of the side flap 37 in the front portion 29 and the rear portion 31 so that the extensible side panel allows to be elastically extensible as needed in the lateral direction (laterally elastically extensible). ). As used herein, the term "elastically extensible" means that segment or portion of the chassis 21 that extends at least one direction (preferably laterally sideways of the side panel) when tensioning forces (typically lateral tensile forces of the side panel) are applied and restores to approximately its previous size and configuration when these forces are eliminated.

A more detailed description of such a side panel 23 is given in U.S. Pat. 4,490,464, 4,938,753 and 4,938,757, all issued to Vah Gompel, et al. These patents disclose a panty-like garment formed by attaching discrete stretch members to the edge of each side flap 37 of the disposable garment in the front and back waist regions. Discrete extensible members are described as being formed by stretching the elastic or extensible layer into a selected elongation, placing the non-extensible layer as a nonwoven material on the expanded layer, joining the layers together and allowing the layers to release so as to that the non-stretch layer is picked up. A method for producing an expansible member is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,364, issued to Sisson, Aug. 15, 1978, U.S. Pat

No. No. 4,209,563, issued to Sisson on June 24, 1978; No. 4,525,407, issued to Ness on June 25, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,741, issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989; No. 409,315, The Procter & Gamble Company, Jan. 23, 1991, all incorporated herein by reference.

SIDE SEW

Referring again to FIG. 1, the side seams 25 are preferably formed by joining together the longitudinal side region of the expansive side panel 23 of the front part 29 and the longitudinal side region of the expansive part 23 of the rear part 31. The seams 25 may be formed in a number of different ways. For example, seams 25 may be formed by joining together portions of outwardly extending longitudinal side regions to form outwards. The seam may be any suitable means known in the art, such as ultrasonic bonding, heat sealing, adhesive bonding, and the like. Examples of such seam techniques are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,355,425 issued Jones, et al., Oct. 30, 1982,

4,619,649 issued to Roberts on October 28,

US No. No. 4,909,804, issued to Douglas, Sr., U.S. Pat. 1982, and patent

March 20, 1990, also incorporated by reference.

ABSORPTIONAL SASI

The absorbent chassis 21 includes a liquid pervious top. a layer 41, a liquid impermeable backsheet 39 associated with the topsheet 41, and. an absorbent core 45 disposed between the topsheet 41 and the backsheet 39. FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred diaper 20 wherein the length and width of the topsheet 41 and the backsheet are generally greater than the absorbent core 45. The topsheet 41 and the backsheet 39 extend beyond the edges 43 of the absorbent core 45. While the topsheet 41, the backsheet 39 and the absorbent core 45 may be assembled in a variety of known configurations, a preferred configuration of a diaper is generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, entitled Expandable Side Parts for Disposable Diapers, by Kenneth B. Buell on January 14,. 1975 and patent application US Ser. 07/715 152, entitled, Absorbent article with a dynamic, elastic waistband device having a pre-arranged, flexible bend hinge, issued to Kenneth B. Buell et al., June 13, 1991, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The absorbent core 45 can be any absorbent means that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other body exudates. As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the absorbent core 45 has side edges 43 and waist edges. The absorbent core 45 can be made in a wide range of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangle, hourglass, T-shape, asymmetric, etc.) and a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, commonly known as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including coform, chemically stiffened, treated or crosslinked cellulose fibers, fabric containing silk bands and fabric laminates, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any equivalent material or combination of materials. The configuration and assembly of the absorbent core 45 may also vary (e.g., the absorbent core 45 may have different thickness zones, some hydrophilic gradient, superabsorbent gradient or lower acquisition zones).

average densities - and - n - i - higher - average - area - weights (areas -) - or may include one or more layers or structures).

However, the overall absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 45 should match the proposed load and intended use of the diaper 20. Furthermore, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 45 may vary to accommodate wearers ranging from infants to adults. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 45 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678, entitled High Density Absorption Structures, issued to Weisman et al. September 9, 1986, U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402, entitled Dual-Layer Core Absorption Structures, issued to Weisman et al. June 16, 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231, entitled Dust Layer Absorbent Core, issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; No. 4,834,735, entitled High Density Absorbent Members, and with Lower Density and Lower Weight Scale Acceptance Zones, issued to Alemany et al. May 30, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 39 is disposed adjacent the garment facing surface of the absorbent core. 45 and is preferably attached thereto by attachment means (not shown) well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 39 may be secured to the absorbent core 45 by a uniform, continuous layer of adhesive, its patterned layer, or by grouping it into discrete lines, spirals, or points. The adhesives it produces were found to be satisfactory uspokoj. Gompany of St. B. Fuller Paul, Minnesota under the trade name HL-1258. The attachment means will preferably comprise an open pattern adhesive fiber network as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986, entitled "Disposable Clothing Component for Retention of Body Exudates," issued to Minetol et al. on March 4, 1986, more preferably a plurality of adhesive-fiber lines twisted into a spiral pattern, as illustrated by the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173, issued to Sprague, Jr. October 7, 1975, U.S. Pat. No. 4 78-5 966, issued to Ziecker et al. November 22, 1987, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the attachment means may include thermal bonds.

pressure couplings, ultrasonic couplings, dynamic mechanical couplings, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations thereof known in the art.

The backsheet 39 is impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term flexible refers to materials that are compliant and easily adaptable to the overall shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 39 prevents the exudates absorbed and retained by the absorbent core 45 from wetting articles that contact the diaper 20, such as bedding and undergarments. Thus, the backsheet 39 may comprise woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven materials. Preferably, the backsheet 39 is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Particularly preferred materials for this layer include blown film RR822O and cast film RP5475, manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of Terre Haute, Indiana, USA. The backsheet 39 is preferably embossed and / or matt coated to provide a more fabric appearance. Further, the backsheet 39 may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core 45 (i.e., is breathable) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 39.

The topsheet 41 is disposed adjacent the body facing surface of the absorbent core 45 and is preferably joined thereto and the backsheet 39 by a fastener (not shown) / well known in the art. Suitable attachment means are described with respect to the attachment of the backsheet 39 to the absorbent core 45. As used herein, the term " attached " includes " conglomerate ". an element is attached to the second element by its direct attachment thereto and a configuration wherein the element is attached to the second element by attachment to the intermediate member (s) which. is further attached to said second element. In preferred form

In the present invention, the topsheet 41 and the backsheet 39 are directly attached to each other in the periphery of the diaper and indirectly attached to each other by their direct connection to the absorbent core by the attachment means (not shown).

The topsheet 41 is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 41e is fluid permeable (e.g., urine) to facilitate passage (e.g., urine) through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 41 may be made of a wide variety of materials such as porous foams, reticular foams, mesh plastic sheets, or woven or nonwoven structures of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g. , polyester or polypropylene) or any combination of natural and man-made fibers. Preferably, the topsheet 41 is made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from the fluids retained by the absorbent core 45. There are many manufacturing techniques that can be used to make it. For example, the topsheet 41 may be a nonwoven web of nonwoven fibers, carded, wet laid, meltblown, hydro-knitted, a combination of the above, or the like. A preferred topsheet 41 is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the art. A preferred topsheet 41 comprises a constant-length polypropylene fiber material structure such as those manufactured by Veratec, Inc. of the Division of International Paper Company of Walpole, Massachussetts, USA, under the designation P-8.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to include all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. An absorbent article comprising: an absorbent chassis having a front portion. . a rear portion, a crotch portion connecting the front and rear portions, and a pair of side edges extending longitudinally throughout the front, crotch and rear portions, a pair of side flaps extending outwardly from each side edge of the absorbent chassis, each side flap having a side edge; a pair of side panels extending. outwardly from the side edge of the side flap at the front and back and a pair of longitudinally extended leg cuffs continuously associated with the absorbent chassis along the side flap at the crotch and at least partially extending longitudinally into the front and back, each of the extended leg cuffs have a free distal edge spaced from the lateral edge. the side flaps at least in the crotch portion so as to extend outwardly from the side flap, and each of the extended leg cuffs comprises a spacing means disposed at least in the crotch portion absorption chassis. 2. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said spacing means comprises spacing. elastic member. 3. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said extended leg cuffs are liquid impervious. 4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said extended leg cuffs are an integral side edge of the side flaps. 5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said absorbent article is in accordance with claim 1 in that the side panel comprises an extensible part. 6. The absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the front and rear side panels are joined by seams to create / maintain lateral tension in at least a portion of the front and rear panels. 7. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said side panels additionally comprise a closure system for generating / maintaining lateral tension in at least a portion of said front portion and a rear portion. ř /