HK1016515B - Disposable absorbent article having a lotioned topsheet containing an emollient and a polyol polyester immobilizing agent - Google Patents

Description

Disposable absorbent article with emollient top layer comprising emollient and polyol polyester immobilizing agent

Technical Field

The present application relates to lotion compositions that reduce the adherence of BM to the skin, thereby improving the ease of BM clean-up and increasing softness to the skin. The lotion compositions disclosed in the present invention are particularly useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, wearing products, adult incontinence products and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an absorbent article having a lotion coating on the outer surface of the topsheet that is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and wearer motion and/or body heat.

Background

There are many types of disposable absorbent products, such as diapers, which have a high urine absorption capacity. Such disposable absorbent products typically include a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious backsheet. While these types of absorbent structures are quite effective in absorbing fluids, they do not absorb fecal material (i.e., "BM" as described below). Generally BM is trapped between the outer surface of the liquid permeable top layer and the skin of the wearer and the vast majority of the faecal matter adheres to the skin of the wearer.

To prevent BM from adhering to the wearer's skin, the user often applies a protective or "dispersing" product such as petrolatum or mineral oil to the buttocks and anal area prior to wearing the absorbent article. The method generally involves the user pouring the oil or lotion, for example, into their hands, rubbing their hands to distribute the oil or lotion over their hands, and then rubbing the oil or lotion onto the skin of the infant. To eliminate the need for such uneconomical, messy, and forgotten methods, many attempts have previously been made to prepare absorbent articles containing protective or therapeutic skin care substances on the topsheet.

One material that is applied as a lotion to diaper products to impart a pain-reducing protective coating is mineral oil. Mineral oil (also known as liquid mineral wax) is a mixture of various liquid hydrocarbons obtained by distillation of petroleum fractions of high boiling point (i.e. 300-. Mineral oil is liquid at room temperature, e.g., 20-25 ℃. Thus, even when applied to a diaper topsheet, mineral oil is relatively fluid and flowable.

Since mineral oil is fluid and flowable at room temperature, it tends not to remain on the surface of the topsheet, but rather migrates through the topsheet to the interior of the diaper. Thus, relatively large amounts of mineral oil need to be applied to the top layer to provide the desired therapeutic or protective coating lotion benefits. This will not only increase the cost of these lotioned diaper products, but will also have other deleterious effects.

One of the detrimental effects is that the handling properties of the fluid are reduced, since large amounts of mineral oil tend to block the openings of the top layer. In addition, mineral oil tends to act as a hydrophobic additive as it migrates to the interior of the diaper, thus reducing the absorbency of the underlying absorbent core (if used). This decrease in absorption becomes more pronounced as the amount of mineral oil applied increases.

Even without increasing its amount, the tendency of mineral oil to migrate once applied can have other deleterious effects. For example, the applied mineral oil may be transferred to, into and through the packaging material of the lotioned diaper product. This requires barrier-type packaging films to avoid mineral oil leakage from the diaper product from the pudendal (smearing) or other leakage.

It is therefore desirable to provide a lotioned diaper product which: (1) lotion benefits with desirable therapeutic or protective coatings, (2) without the need for substantial amounts of coatings that are liquid at room temperature (e.g., mineral oil), (3) without adversely affecting the absorbency of the diaper product; and (4) no encapsulating or barrier material is required for packaging.

US3,585,998 (to Hayford et al) teaches a disposable baby diaper which is lined with a series of crushable capsules containing baby oil (baby oil). This patent teaches that it is desirable to crush the capsule prior to use of the diaper by applying pressure using household items such as rolling sticks, hand irons (hand irons), etc. In US3,464,413 (Goldfarb et al) a crushable capsule of the same principle is used to prepare a bandage capable of delivering a medicament to a wound. The articles disclosed in these two patents have a serious drawback. That is, until the capsule is crushed by the applied pressure, the skin care substance contained in the capsule is either not delivered at all or is simply left unevenly on certain parts of the uncoated skin before the bandage or diaper is applied.

US3,896,807 (issued to bucchalter) teaches an article impregnated with the solid oil phase of a cream formulation which will form a cream upon the addition of moisture to the solid oil phase. The main disadvantage of the article disclosed in this reference is that the transfer of the beneficial agent from the absorbent substrate to the skin is delayed and is only achieved upon release of body fluids.

US3,489,148 (Duncan et al) teaches a baby diaper having a hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet incorporated therein; wherein a portion of the top layer is coated with a discontinuous film of an oleaginous material. A major drawback of the diaper disclosed in the Duncan et al patent is that the transfer speed of the hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet is slow in promoting the transfer of urine into the underlying absorbent core.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disposable diaper with a hydrophilic topsheet and excellent liquid handling properties.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hydrophilic diaper topsheet with a lotion coating on the outer surface of the topsheet that is transferable to the wearer's skin and effectively reduces the adherence of BM to the skin, thereby improving the ease of BM clean-up.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lotioned diaper product having: (1) the desired benefits of a lotion coating for BM release, cleansing, treatment or protection; (2) a considerable amount of mineral oil is not required; (3) no side effect on the liquid handling performance of the diaper; (4) no special packaging envelope or barrier material is required.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide skin care compositions which are effective in reducing BM adhesion to the skin and which also improve softness to the skin.

These and other objects are achieved using the present invention, as will become more apparent upon reading the following.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles having a lotion coating on the outer surface of the topsheet, said lotion coating being semi-solid or solid at room temperature (i.e. 20 ℃) and adapted to be transferred to the skin of the wearer, and further wherein said coating also acts to reduce the adherence of BM to the skin, thereby improving the ease of BM clean-up and enhancing skin softness.

Briefly stated, the disposable absorbent article of the present invention comprises:

A) a liquid impermeable back sheet;

B) a liquid permeable hydrophilic topsheet attached to said backsheet, said topsheet having an inner surface facing the interior of said diaper and an outer surface facing the skin of the wearer when said diaper is worn, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of said topsheet comprises an effective amount of an emollient coating which is semi-solid or solid at 20 ℃ and which is partially transferable to the skin of the wearer, said emollient coating comprising:

(i) from about 5% to about 95% of a substantially anhydrous lubricant having a plastic or liquid consistency at 20 ℃ and comprising a lubricant selected from the group consisting of petroleum-based lubricants, fatty acid ester lubricants, alkyl ethoxylate lubricants, silicone lubricants and mixtures thereof;

(ii) from about 5% to about 95% solid polyol polyester; and

C) an absorbent core disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer.

The amount of lotion coating on at least a portion of the topsheet of the diaper of the present invention is preferably from about 0.1 to about 25mg/in²(mg/inch)²) More preferably from about 1-10mg/in². The lotioned diaper topsheet according to the invention provides the desired BM-cleaning, therapeutic and/or protective lotion coating benefits. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, a relatively small amount of emollient composition is needed to impart the desired skin care benefits. In addition, no special barrier or containment materials are required to package the lotioned diaper product of the present invention.

As will be described hereinafter, the lotion compositions of the present invention preferably have a melting point profile (melting profile) such that they are relatively immobile and located on the diaper topsheet at room temperature, and are transferable to the wearer's skin at body temperature, but do not become completely liquid under extreme storage conditions.

Importantly, the lotion compositions of the present invention can be readily transferred to the skin by normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the lotion composition alters the surface energy of the skin and/or forms a "barrier" that reduces the skin's affinity for BM. Thus, the tendency of BM to adhere to the skin is reduced and is easily removed. It is also believed that the polyol polyester molecules do not readily penetrate the wearer's skin, but rather remain on or near the skin surface, providing a durable lubricating feel to the skin.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a preferred method of applying the lotion composition of the present invention to a diaper topsheet.

Figure 2 is a simplified flow diagram showing an alternative method of applying the lotion composition of the present invention to the top layer of a diaper.

Figure 3 is an absorbent article in the form of a diaper according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The term "comprising" as used in the present invention means that various components, ingredients or steps can be simultaneously employed in the practice of the present invention. Thus, the term "comprising" includes the more limited terms "consisting essentially of …" and "consisting of …".

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

A. Absorbent article

The term "absorbent article" as used herein refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against the skin of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article after a single use. Examples of disposable absorbent articles include feminine hygiene undergarments, such as feminine sanitary napkins and pantiliners, diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders (diaper holders), training pants (training pants), and the like.

Disposable absorbent articles generally comprise: a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable bottom layer connected to the top layer and an absorbent core placed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The disposable absorbent article and its components (including the topsheet, the backsheet, the absorbent core, and any individual layers of these components) have a body surface and a garment surface. As used herein, "body surface" means the surface of an article or component that is intended to be worn against or in close proximity to the body of a wearer, while the "garment surface" is on the opposite side and will be against or in close proximity to the wearer's undergarments when the disposable absorbent article is worn.

The following description will generally discuss absorbent core, topsheet and backsheet materials for disposable absorbent articles. It should be understood that this general description applies to the various components of the particular absorbent article as shown in fig. 3 and described further below, in addition to those disposable absorbent articles generally described in the present invention.

Generally, the absorbent core is capable of absorbing or retaining liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or other bodily exudates). Preferably, the absorbent core is compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The absorbent core can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, "T" -shaped, figure eight, asymmetric, etc.). In addition to the absorbent composite of the present invention, the absorbent core may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as refined wood pulp, which is commonly referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials for use in the absorbent core include corrugated fibrous pads; a melt-blown polymer comprising coform (coform); chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue paper comprising a single ply and a plurality of plies; an absorbent foam; an absorbent sponge body; a superabsorbent polymer; an absorbent gel material; or any equivalent material or mixture of equivalent materials or mixtures of such materials.

The configuration and structure of the absorbent core may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core may have zones of varying thickness and/or have such a distribution that it is thicker in the center; may have a hydrophilic gradient; may have a gradient of the absorbent composite of the present invention, a gradient of superabsorbent material; may have a lower average density and a lower average basis weight zone, such as a receiving zone; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should be matched to the design load and the intended use of the absorbent article. In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to accommodate different uses, such as diapers, incontinence pads, underpants, conventional feminine hygiene pads and overnight feminine hygiene pads, as well as to accommodate wearers ranging from infants through adults.

The absorbent core may include other absorbent components commonly used in absorbent articles, such as a dusting layer, a wicking or receiving layer, or a secondary topsheet to increase wearer comfort.

The topsheet preferably has a soft, supple hand and is non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet is liquid permeable, permitting liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. Suitable topsheet layers can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials (e.g., nonwoven webs of fibers); polymeric materials such as porous formed thermoplastic films, porous plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; a porous foam; reticulated foam; a reticulated thermoplastic film; and thermoplastic scrim. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), or be selected from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. When the top layer comprises a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web can be prepared by a number of known processes. For example, the nonwoven web can be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, a combination of the foregoing, and the like.

The backsheet is liquid impermeable (e.g., menses and/or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other soft, liquid impermeable materials can also be used. The term "soft" as used in the present invention refers to materials that are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet will prevent the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core from wetting articles which come into contact with the absorbent article, such as bed sheets, briefs, pajamas and undergarments. Thus, the base layer 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 film-coated nonwoven material. A suitable base layer is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012mm (0.5mil) to 0.051mm (2.0 mils). Exemplary polyethylene films are those made by Clopay Corporation (Cincinnati, Ohio) under the designation P18-1401 and those made by Tredegar Film Products (Terre Haute, Indiana) under the designation X P-39385. The base layer is preferably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. In addition, the chassis layer may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the chassis layer is breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the chassis layer. The size of the bottom layer is defined by the size of the absorbent core and the exact absorbent article design chosen.

The bottom layer and the top layer are placed adjacent to the garment surface and the body surface, respectively, of the absorbent core. The absorbent core is preferably attached to the topsheet, the backsheet or both by known fastening means (not shown in figure 3), such as are well known in the art. However, it is contemplated that in embodiments of the present invention, the entire absorbent portion is not bonded to the topsheet, the backsheet, or both.

For example, the bottom layer and/or the top layer may be secured to the absorbent core or the bottom layer and the top layer may be bonded to each other by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or a series of individual lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. It has been found that satisfactory adhesives are prepared by the H.B. Fuller company (St.Paul, Minnesota) under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. The securing method will preferably include an open mesh pattern of adhesive filaments as disclosed in US4,573,986(1986.3.4 issued to Minetola et al), which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary methods of securing the open mesh pattern of adhesive filaments include, by way of illustration, the open mesh pattern shown in US3,911,173(1975.10.7 issued to Sprague, Jr.); US4,785,996(1978.11.22 to Zwieker et al); and the device and method of US4,842,666(1989.6.27 to Werenicz) is a plurality of strands of adhesive filaments spun into a spiral pattern. These patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Additionally, the bonding method may include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic welding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any suitable bonding method known in the art, or a combination of such bonding methods.

A preferred disposable absorbent article in which the lotion topsheets of the present invention are used is a diaper. The term "diaper" as used in the present invention refers to absorbent articles that are generally worn by infants, and absorbent articles that are worn by incontinent persons about their lower torso. In other words, the term "diaper" includes baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products and the like.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the diaper 50 of the present invention in a flat, uncontracted state (i.e., with the elastic induced contraction pulled out) with portions of the structure cut away to more clearly show the structure of the diaper 50 with the portion of the diaper 50 that is facing away from the wearer, i.e., the exterior surface, facing the viewer. As shown in FIG. 3, the diaper 50 preferably includes a liquid pervious topsheet 520; a liquid impermeable backsheet 530 joined to the topsheet 520; an absorbent core 540 positioned between the topsheet 520 and the backsheet 530, the absorbent core 540 having a garment-facing surface 542, a body-facing surface 544, side edges 546, a waist edge 548, and ears 549. The diaper preferably further comprises elastic leg cuffs 550; a plurality of elastic waist features indicated at 560; and a plurality of locking systems, indicated at 570.

The diaper 50 shown in figure 3 has an outer surface 52, an inner surface 54 opposite the outer surface 52, a first waist region 56, a second waist region 58, and a periphery 51 defined by the outer edges of the diaper 50, wherein the longitudinal edges are designated 55 and the two end edges are designated 57. Although one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a diaper is generally described in terms of a pair of waist regions and a crotch region between the waist regions, for simplicity of use in this application, the diaper 50 is described as having only waist regions that include portions of the diaper generally designated as crotch portions. The inner surface 54 of the diaper 50 comprises the portion of the diaper 50 which is placed against the body of the wearer during use (i.e., the inner surface 54 is generally comprised of at least a portion of the topsheet 520 and other components which are associated with the topsheet 520). The outer surface 52 comprises the portion of the diaper 50 that is positioned away from the wearer's body (i.e., the outer surface 52 generally consists of at least a portion of the backsheet 530 and other components that are joined to the backsheet 530). (the portion of the diaper 50 or component thereof which faces the wearer used in the present invention is also referred to as the body-facing surface, and likewise, the portion which faces away from the wearer is also referred to as the garment-facing surface.) the first waist region 56 and the second waist region 58 each extend from both end edges 57 of the periphery 51 to the lateral centerline 53 of the diaper 50. Fig. 3 also shows a longitudinal centerline 59.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the diaper 50 in which the length and width of the topsheet 520 and backsheet 530 are generally greater than the length and width of the absorbent core 540. The elastic leg cuff 550 and the chassis layer 530 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 540 so as to form the periphery 51 of the diaper 50.

The diaper of the present invention may have many well-known configurations in which an absorbent core is suitable for use in the present invention. Exemplary configurations are generally described in US3,860,003(1975.1.14 issued to Buell); US5,151,092(1992.9.29 to Buell et al); US5,221,274(1993.6.22 issued to Buell et al). These patents are incorporated herein by reference. Another diaper configuration that can be readily adapted for use in the present invention is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/203,456 (application 1994.2.28), which is incorporated herein by reference. With the description of the present invention, the absorbent cores of the diapers described in these patents may suitably comprise the absorbent composite of the present invention as the absorbent gelling material described therein.

A top layer 520 particularly suitable for use in the diaper 50 is carded and thermally bonded by methods known to those skilled in the textile art. A satisfactory top layer of the present invention comprises polypropylene fibers of about 2.2 denier, staple length. As used herein, "staple length fibers" refers to those fibers having a length of at least about 15.9mm (0.625 inch). Preferably, the top layer has a basis weight of from about 14 to 25g/m 2. A suitable top layer is manufactured by Veratec, inc, a division of international paper corporation (Walpole, Mass.) under the designation P-8.

The topsheet 520 of the diaper 50 is preferably made of a hydrophilic material to promote the rapid passage of liquid (e.g., urine) through the topsheet. If the topsheet is made of a hydrophobic material, at least the upper surface of the topsheet is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment so that liquids can pass through the topsheet more rapidly. This will reduce the possible outflow of body exudates from the top layer instead of through the top layer and being absorbed by the absorbent core. The top layer can be rendered hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet with a surfactant include spraying the topsheet material with a surfactant and immersing the topsheet material in a surfactant. A more detailed description of the described treatments and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,344(1991.1.29 issued to Reising et al) entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multi-Layer Absorbent Layers" and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,345(1991.1.29 issued to Reising) entitled "Absorbent Articles with fast-receiving Absorbent cores" both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the diaper described in this invention, the backsheet 530 has an improved hourglass shape extending beyond the absorbent core a minimum distance of about 1.3 to 6.4 centimeters (about 0.5 to 2.5 inches) around the entire diaper periphery.

The absorbent core 540 may be of any size and shape that matches the diaper 50. A preferred embodiment of the diaper 50 is an asymmetric, modified T-shaped absorbent core 540 with ears in the first waist region and a generally rectangular shape in the second waist region. Exemplary Absorbent Structures having wide acceptance and commercial success for use as Absorbent cores in the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678(1986.9.9 issued to Weisman et al) entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structure"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Dual-Layered Cores" (1987.6.16 issued to Weisman et al); US4,888,231 entitled "Absorbent Core with a Dusting Layer" (1989.12.19 entitled Angstadt); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735(1989.5.30 issued to Alemany et al) entitled "high Density absorbent element having a Low Density and Low basis weight receiving zone". In addition, the absorbent core may also include a dual core system comprising a chemically stiff fibrous acquisition/distribution core disposed over an absorbent storage core, as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,423 entitled "absorbent article with elastic waist feature and enhanced absorbency" (1993.8.10 issued to Alemany et al); and US5,147,345 entitled "high efficiency absorbent article for incontinence control" (1992.9.15 issued to Young, LaVon and Taylor). These patents are incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the diaper 50 further comprises elasticized leg cuffs 550 to provide improved containment of liquids and other body exudates; an elastic waist feature 560 providing improved fit and capacity; and a locking system 570 forming a side lock that will cause the first waist region 56 and the second waist region 58 to assume an overlapping configuration so as to maintain lateral tension along the circumference of the diaper to hold the diaper on the wearer. In addition, the diaper 50 may further include elastic side flaps (not shown) in the waist regions 56 and 58 to provide elastically extensible features that provide a more comfortable and snug fit and can be more effectively utilized in the diaper 50.

The elastic leg cuff cuffs 550 can be constructed in a number of different configurations, including those described in US3,860,003; US4,909,803(1990.3.20 to Aziz et al); US4,695,278(1987.9.22 issued to Lawson); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,454(1989.1.3 issued to Dragoo), which are incorporated herein by reference.

The elastic waist feature preferably comprises an elastic waistband (not shown) which may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in US4,515,595(1985.5.7 to kievt et al); US5,026,364(1991.6.25 issued to Robertson); and the above-referenced US5,151,092(1992.9.29 to Buell et al), which are incorporated herein by reference.

The elastic side panels can be constructed in a number of configurations. Examples of diapers with elastic side panels placed in the diaper ears (ear flaps) are disclosed in US4,857,067(1989.8.15 to Wood et al); U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,781(1983.5.3 to Sciaraffa et al); US4,938,753(1990.7.3 to Van Gompel et al); and US5,151,092(1992.9.29 to Buell et al); these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

An exemplary locking system 570 is disclosed in US4,846,815(1989.7.11 issued to Scripps); US4,894,060(1990.1.16 issued to Nestegard); US4,946,527(1990.8.7 issued to Battrell); US3,848,594(1974.11.19 to Buell); US B14,662,875(1987.5.5 to Hirotsu et al); and US5,151,092(1992.9.29 to Buell et al); these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 50 is preferably applied to the wearer by the following method; one waist region of the diaper, preferably the second waist region 58, is first placed on the back of the wearer and the remaining diaper portion is passed between the legs of the wearer with the result that the other waist region, preferably the first waist region 56, is placed on the front of the wearer. And then the locking system is used for lateral locking.

The lotioned topsheet of the present invention can also be used in disposable wearing products. The term "wearing article" as used herein refers to a disposable garment with fixed side edges and leg openings. The wearer is put on the wearer by inserting their legs into the leg openings and sliding them into position on the wearer's lower body. Exemplary wearing articles are disclosed in US5,246,433(1993.9.21 to Hasse et al).

Another disposable absorbent article to which the lotioned topsheet of the present invention may be applied is an incontinence article. The term "incontinence article" refers to pads, undergarments (pads secured in place by the same suspension system, such as straps, etc.), pads for absorbent articles, capacity boosters for absorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, etc., whether they are worn by adults or by other incontinent persons. Suitable incontinence articles are disclosed in US4,253,461(1981.3.3 issued to Strickland et al); US4,597,760 and US4,597,761 (issued to Buell); the above-mentioned US4,704,115; US4,909,802 (issued to Ahr et al); US4,964,860(1990.10.23 issued to Gipson et al); and US patent application Ser. No. 07/637,090(Noel et al 1991.1.3 application) (PCT published under the number WO92/11830, 1992.7.23).

B. Skin lotion composition

The emollient compositions of the present invention can be solid, or more often semisolid, at 20 deg.C, i.e., room temperature. By "semi-solid" is meant that the lotion composition has rheological characteristics that are generally pseudoplastic or plastic fluids. The lotion composition may have the appearance of a semi-solid when no shear force is applied, but may flow when the shear rate is increased. This is based on the fact that although the emollient composition contains primarily solid components, it also includes some minor liquid components.

The lotion compositions of the present invention are at least semi-solid at room temperature so that minimal migration of the lotion occurs in embodiments where the lotion composition is applied to the topsheet of a disposable absorbent article. In addition, the lotion composition has a final melting point (100% liquid) above potential "stressed" storage conditions (e.g., in arizona warehouse, in florida automotive trunk, etc.), which may be greater than 45 ℃. Specifically, the lotion composition of the present invention should have the following melting point profile:

characteristics of Preferred ranges Optimum value

Liquid% at room temperature (20 ℃ C.) 2-503-25

Liquid% at body temperature (37 ℃) 25-9530-90

Final melting point (DEG C) is not less than 38 and not less than 45

Because of the solid or semi-solid state at room temperature, these lotion compositions do not flow or migrate into the interior of the diaper topsheet to which they are applied. This means that less lotion composition is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective coating lotion benefits.

When applied to the outer surface of the diaper topsheet, the lotion composition of the present invention will be transferred to the wearer's skin by normal contact, wearer motion and/or body heat. Importantly, the lotion disclosed in the present invention will reduce the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean-up and improving skin softness.

The diaper topsheet of the present invention contains an effective amount of the emollient composition. The term "effective amount of emollient coating" as used herein refers to an amount of a particular emollient composition effective to reduce BM adhesion to the skin and/or improve softness of the wearer's skin when applied to the diaper topsheet. Of course, the effective amount of emollient coating will depend to a large extent on the particular emollient composition used.

The lotion composition of the present invention comprises: (1) a lubricant for improving the lubricity of the solid polyol polyester; (2) a solid polyol polyester fixative; (3) optionally a hydrophilic surfactant; and (4) other optional components.

The viscosity of the lotion composition (including the emollient, immobilizing agent, and optional components) should be as high as possible to prevent the lotion from flowing into the interior of the diaper. Unfortunately, high viscosity can also result in lotion compositions that are difficult to apply without processing problems. Therefore, a balance must be made so that the viscosity is high enough to hold the lotion composition on the surface of the diaper topsheet, but not so high as to create processing problems. Suitable viscosities for the lotion compositions are generally from about 5 to 200 centipoise, preferably from about 15 to 100 centipoise, when measured at 60 ℃.

Polyhydroxy polyesters

"polyol" means a polyol having at least 4 hydroxyl groups, preferably 4 to 12 hydroxyl groups, and most preferably 6 to 8 hydroxyl groups. The polyhydroxy compounds include monosaccharides, disaccharides and trisaccharides, sugar alcohols, other sugar derivatives (e.g., alkyl glycosides), polyglycerols (e.g., diglycerol and triglycerol), pentaerythritol, and polyvinyl alcohol. Preferred polyols include: xylose, arabinose, ribose, xylitol, erythritol, glucose, methylglycoside, mannose, galactose, fructose, sorbitol, maltose, lactose, sucrose, raffinose and maltotriose. Among the particularly preferred polyols is sucrose.

"polyol polyester" means a polyol having at least 4 ester groups. Although it is not necessary for all of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol to be esterified, the disaccharide polyester should have no more than 3, more preferably no more than 2 unesterified hydroxyl groups. Typically, substantially all of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol (e.g., at least about 85%) are esterified. In the case of sucrose polyesters, typically about 7 to 8 hydroxyl groups of the polyol are esterified.

By "liquid polyol polyester" is meant a polyol polyester, described hereinafter, having a fluid consistency at a temperature of about 37 ℃ or less. By "solid polyol polyester" is meant a polyol polyester having a plastic or solid consistency at a temperature of about 37 ℃ or above, as will be described hereinafter. As will be described hereinafter, liquid polyol polyesters and solid polyol polyesters can be successfully used in the emollient compositions of the present invention as lubricants and immobilizing agents, respectively. In some cases, the solid polyol polyester may also provide some lubricating function.

The polyhydroxy compounds may be esterified using fatty acids and/or other organic groups having at least 2 carbon atoms and up to 30 carbon atoms. Typically, the fatty acids and/or other organic groups contain from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably at least from 12 to 16 carbon atoms. The acidic groups may be saturated or unsaturated, including positional or geometric isomers, such as cis-or trans-isomers, straight or branched aliphatic or aromatic species, and may be the same for all ester groups, or may be a mixture of different acid groups. Alternatively, the polyol may be esterified using cycloaliphatic, e.g., cyclohexane carboxylic acid, and polymeric ester-forming groups, e.g., polyacrylic acid and dimeric fatty acid.

The liquid polyol polyester and the nondigestible oil have complete melting points at a temperature of about 37 ℃ or less. Suitable liquid nondigestible edible oils for use in the present invention include liquid polyhydroxy polyesters (see Mattson & Volpenhein, U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,186(1971.8.17 publication, Jandacek); U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,195(1977.1.25 publication)); liquid esters of tricarboxylic acids (see US4,508,746, 1985.4.2 publication by Hamm); liquid diesters of dicarboxylic acids, such as derivatives of malonic and succinic acids (see U.S. 4,582,927 to Fulcher; 1986.4.15 publication); liquid triglycerides of alpha-branched carboxylic acids (see Whyte's US3,579,548; 1971.5.18 publication); liquid ether and ether esters containing neopentyl moieties (see U.S. 2,962,419, 1960.11.9 publication by Minich); liquid fatty polyethers of polyglycerols (see Hunter et al, US3,932,532; 1976.1.13 publication); liquid alkyl glycoside fatty acid polyesters (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,4,840,815; 1989.6.20 publication by Meyer et al); liquid polyesters of two ether-bonded hydroxypolycarboxylic acids (e.g., citric acid or isocitric acid) (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,888,195; 1988.12.19, Huhn et al); and liquid esters of epoxide-extended polyols (see White et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,613; 1989.8.29).

Preferred liquid nondigestible oils are sugar polyesters, sugar alcohol polyesters and mixtures thereof, said materials preferably being esterified with fatty acids containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, most preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Those substances that contain minimal or no solids at body temperature (i.e., 98.6F., 37℃.) typically contain a high proportion of C₁₂Or lower fatty acid groups, or containing groups with a high proportion of C₁₈Or ester groups of higher unsaturated fatty acid groups. In the liquid polyol polyester, the preferred unsaturated fatty acids are oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof.

The nondigestible polyol polyester hardblock or solid materials suitable for use in the present invention may be selected from: solid sugar polyesters, solid sugar alcohol polyesters and mixtures thereof, and contain ester groups, for example typically 5 to 8 ester groups, consisting essentially of long chain saturated fatty acid groups. Suitable saturated fatty acid radicals comprise at least 14, preferably from 14 to 26, optimally from 16 to 22 carbon atoms. The long-chain saturated fatty acid radicals can be used individually or in mixtures with one another. Further, linear fatty acid groups are typical of long chain saturated fatty acid groups.

It is also possible to use certain medium-melting polyhydroxyfatty acid polyesters which have been developed and which have specific rheological characteristics which define their physical properties, i.e.their melting point, viscosity, shear rate and viscosity, and also their crystal size and shape. (see European patent application Nos. 236,288 and 233,856; 1987.9.9 and 8.26 to Bernhardt.) these medium melting polyhydroxy polyesters are viscous at body temperature and have high liquid/solid stability, which makes them very good at coating the skin. Examples of said medium-melting polyhydroxypolyesters are: polyesters obtained by substantially completely esterifying sucrose with a 55: 45 mixture of fully hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated methyl esters of cottonseed or soybean oil fatty acids.

Preferred liquid polyol polyesters include sucrose polyesters. Particularly preferred liquid polyol polyesters include: sucrose esterified with a mixture of fully hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated cottonseed or soybean oil fatty acid methyl esters or mixtures thereof is hereinafter referred to as sucrose polycinnamate and sucrose polybeanester, respectively.

Preferably C₁₀-C₂₂The mixture of saturated fatty acid esterified, completely liquid polyol polyester and completely solid polyol polyester hardblock (e.g. sucrose octastearate) may be solid at room temperature. (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,195 to Jandacek and U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,196 to Jandacek/Mattson; both of which are published at 1977.1.25 and incorporated herein by reference.)

Liquid or solid polyhydroxy polyesters can be prepared by a number of methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These methods include: transesterification of a polyol (i.e., a sugar or sugar alcohol) with a methyl, ethyl or glyceride containing the desired acid groups using various catalysts; acylating the polyhydroxy compound with an acid chloride; acylating the polyol with an anhydride; and acylating the polyol with the desired acid itself. (see, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,831,854; 3,600,186; 3,963,699; 4,517,360 and 4,518,772; incorporated herein by reference; these patents all disclose suitable processes for the preparation of polyhydroxy polyesters.)

When preparing a mixture of liquid and solid non-digestible and non-absorbable materials, the non-digestible particles may be dispersed as discrete, unaggregated entities in the liquid non-digestible oil. However, these nondigestible particles can also be agglomerated together to form larger aggregates dispersed in the liquid nondigestible oil. This is particularly true for those lamellar like nondigestible particles. The aggregates of lamellar-like nondigestible particles are generally assumed to be spherulite with porous characteristics and therefore capable of retaining large quantities of liquid nondigestible oil.

The solid nondigestible particles can be used alone or dispersed in a nondigestible liquid oil component.

Various esterified polyhydroxy polyesters

"various esterified polyol polyesters" contain two basic types of ester groups: (a) ester groups formed from long chain saturated fatty acid groups, and (b) ester groups formed from acid groups "different" from these long chain saturated fatty acid groups.

Suitable long chain saturated fatty acid radicals contain from 20 to 30, more preferably from 22 to 26, carbon atoms. The long-chain saturated fatty acid groups can be used individually or in the form of mixtures with one another in any ratio. Typically, straight chain (e.g., normal) fatty acid groups are used.

The different groups may include C₁₂Or higher unsaturated fatty acid radicals, or C₂-C₁₂Or a mixture thereof, or may be an aliphatic-aliphatic aromatic acid group, or a very long chain fatty acid or various branched cyclic or substituted acid groups.

Preferred "different" acid groups include long chain unsaturated fatty acid groups containing at least 12, preferably 12 to 26, more preferably 18 to 22 carbon atoms, and short chain fatty acid groups containing 2 to 12, preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

More preferred solid polyhydroxy polyesters include octaesters of sucrose in which 7 of the 8 sucrose hydroxyl groups on average are esterified with behenic acid and the remaining hydroxyl groups are esterified with short chain fatty acids containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the short chain fatty acid comprises oleic acid. The solid sucrose polyester, in which about 7 sucrose hydroxyl groups are esterified with behenic acid, is hereinafter referred to as sucrose behenate.

Fatty-fatty acid radicals are fatty acid radicals which are themselves esterified with another fatty acid or other organic acid and which carry at least one hydroxyl group. Ricinoleic acid is a preferred hydroxy fatty acid. Sources of hydroxy fatty acids include hydrogenated castor oil, stropanthus divericatus seed oil, calendula officinalis seed oil, hydrogenated stropanthus divericatus seed oil and hydrogenated calendula officinalis seed oil, cardamine elasticum seed oil, crude bran diesel oil, mallotus japonicus de-colorized oil, and mallotusclaoxyyloides oil.

Alternatively, hydroxy fatty acids can be synthetically prepared by oxidative hydroxylation of unsaturated fatty acids using oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate, osmium tetroxide, and peracids such as peracetic acid. Using this method, 9, 10-dihydroxy-octadecanoic acid is produced from oleic acid and 9, 10, 12, 13-tetrahydroxy-octadecanoic acid is produced from linoleic acid. Another method for the synthetic preparation of hydroxy fatty acids, such as 10-hydroxy-12-cis-octadecenoic acid and 10-hydroxy-12 cis, 15 cis-octadecanoic acid, is the conversion of fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid by microorganisms such as Nocardia Cholesteroliim.

The same fatty acid source used to esterify the polyhydroxy compound can be used to esterify the hydroxyl groups of the hydroxy fatty acid groups. These fatty acid sources include aromatic acids such as benzoic acid or methylbenzoic acid; branched groups such as isobutyric acid, neooctanoic acid or methyl stearic acid; ultralong chain saturated or unsaturated fatty acid groups, such as eicosanoic acid or eicosenoic acid; cyclic aliphatic such as cyclohexane carboxylic acid; and polymeric ester groups such as polyacrylic acids and dimeric fatty acids.

In addition, aromatic acid groups can also be used as the different groups. A number of aromatic compounds may be used, either alone or in admixture with each other in any proportion, including benzoic acid compounds such as benzoic acid or toluic acid; aminobenzoic acid compounds such as aminobenzoic acid and aminomethylbenzoic acid; hydroxybenzoic acid compounds such as hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and salicylic acid; methoxybenzoic acid compounds such as anisic acid; acetyl phenyl acetic acid compounds such as acetyl mandelic acid; and halogenated benzoic acid compounds such as chlorobenzoic acid, dichlorobenzoic acid, and fluorobenzoic acid; acetylbenzoic acid, cumic acid, phenylbenzoic acid, and nicotinic acid; and polycyclic aromatic species including fluorene carboxylic acids.

In addition, various other ester-forming groups can also be used as materials for forming the different ester groups of the various esterified polyol polyester particles used in the present invention. The other group may be a branched alkyl chain; an ultralong chain saturated or unsaturated group; cyclic aliphatic groups include cyclobutanecarboxylic acid, cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, cyclohexaneacetic acid, and hydroxycycloacids such as ascorbic acid; polycyclic aliphatic acids such as abietic acid; polymeric ester-forming groups such as polyacrylic acid and dimeric fatty acids; and alkyl chain groups comprising a haloamino or aryl group.

By means of the processes described for the preparation of the polyhydroxy polyesters, it is possible to prepare a variety of esterified polyhydroxy polyesters by esterifying the desired polyhydroxy compounds with the necessary kind of ester-forming groups. When the methyl ester route is used to prepare the different esterified solid polyhydroxy polyesters with mixed different acid and long chain saturated fatty acid groups, the octaester of one of the acids (e.g., a different acid, or a long chain saturated fatty acid) can be prepared first, followed by partial transesterification of the original reaction product with other types of methyl esters.Polyhydroxy polyester polymers

Other solid, nondigestible polyol polyesters include polyol polyester polymers. The polyhydroxy polyester polymer is prepared by polymerizing a polyhydroxy polyester monomer to provide an esterified polyol moiety having at least two independent linkages via covalent bonds between fatty acid groups. For example, two sucrose octa-behenates may be crosslinked between fatty acids to form a polymer. The repeating units of the polyhydroxy polyester polymer may be the same or different such that the generic term "polymer" herein includes the specific term "copolymer". The number of repeating monomer (or comonomer) units to prepare the polyhydroxy polyester polymer is from about 2 to 20, preferably from 2 to 12. Depending on the method of their preparation, the polyhydroxypolyester polymers are generally oligomers, i.e.dimers, trimers or tetramers, comprising from 2 to 4 monomer units.

The most preferred polyhydroxy polyester polymers are sucrose polyester polymers having a number average molecular weight of about 4000 to about 60,000, preferably about 4000 to about 36,000, more preferably about 5000 to about 12,000.

One method of preparing a solid polyol polyester polymer is to polymerize a polyol polyester using known methods including, but not limited to, photochemical reactions and reactions using transition metal ions, heat or free radical initiators such as di-t-butyl peroxide.

Alternatively, the polyol polyester polymer may be prepared directly by esterifying and/or transesterifying a polyol with a polybasic polymeric fatty acid or derivative thereof. For example, the polyhydroxy polyester polymers may be prepared by reacting the acid chloride or anhydride of the desired polymeric acid with sucrose, preferably using a sequential esterification process. Alternatively, the polyhydroxy polyester polymer may be prepared by reacting the methyl ester of the desired polymeric acid with sucrose in the presence of a fatty acid soap and a basic catalyst such as potassium carbonate.

Typical examples of polymerizable acids are those acids comprising two or more double bonds (polyunsaturated acids) such as linoleic, linolenic and eleostearic acids, stearidonic acid, eicosadienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, arachidonic acid, 5, 13-docosadienoic acid and 4,7, 11-docosatriene-18-ynoic acid. Monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, elaidic and erucic acids can also be used to prepare suitable long chain fatty acid dimers, which in turn can be used to form solid polyhydroxy polyester polymers. Preferred polymerized polybasic fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives used to prepare the polymer-containing polyol polyesters include dibasic acids resulting from the dimerization of polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as soybean or cottonseed oil or fatty acids or fatty acid lower esters derived from animal fats such as tallow.

All of the foregoing classes of polymerized fatty acids can be prepared by a number of methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,353,967, 1967.11.21 to Lutton; U.S. Pat. No. 2,482,761, 1949.9.27 to Goebel; U.S. Pat. No. 2,731,481, 1956.1.17 to Harrison et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,793,219, 1957.5.21 to Barrett et al; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.) 1.Lubricant agent

A key active ingredient in the lotion compositions of the present invention is one or more emollients. A lubricant as used herein is a material that is soft, soothing, supple, coating, lubricating, moisturizing, or cleansing the skin. Lubricants generally accomplish several of these purposes, such as soothing, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. For the purposes of the present invention, these lubricants have a plastic or fluid consistency at 20 ℃ i.e. at room temperature. This particular emollient consistency provides the lotion composition with a soft, lubricious, and lotion-like hand.

Additionally, the lubricants used in the present invention are substantially free of water. By "substantially free of water" is meant that no water is intended to be added to the lubricant. In making or using the lotion compositions of the present invention, no water need be added to the lubricant, and an auxiliary drying step may also be required. However, small or trace amounts of water in the lubricant, which may be absorbed due to, for example, ambient humidity, may be allowed without causing side effects. Typically, the lubricants used in the present invention comprise about 5% or less water, preferably about 1% or less water, and optimally about 0.5% or less water.

The lubricants used in the present invention may be petroleum-based fatty acid esters, alkyl ethoxylates, fatty acid ester ethoxylates, fatty alcohols, silicones, or mixtures of these lubricants. Suitable petroleum-based lubricants include: those hydrocarbons having a chain 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 mineral wax") and mineral wax (also known as "ozokerite", "petrolatum" and "mineral jelly"). Mineral oil generally refers to a mixture of hydrocarbons of lower viscosity and with 16 to 20 carbon atoms. Mineral waxes generally refer to mixtures of hydrocarbons that are more viscous and have 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Mineral waxes and mineral oils are particularly preferred emollients for the emollient lotion compositions of the present invention.

Suitable fatty acid ester lubricants include those made from C₁₂-C₁₈Fatty acids, preferably from C₁₆-C₂₂Saturated fatty acids, and short chains (C)₁-C₈Preferably C₁-C₃) Those derived from monohydric alcohols. Representative examples of such esters include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, meatIsopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethyl hexyl palmitate and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid ester lubricants may also be prepared from longer chain fatty alcohols (C)₁₂-C₂₈Preferably C₁₂-C₁₆) And shorter chain fatty acids such as esters of lactic acid, such as lauryl lactate and cetyl lactate.

Suitable alkyl ethoxylate lubricants include C having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 30₁₂-C₂₂An alcohol ethoxylate. Preferred fatty alcohol ethoxylate lubricants are selected from: lauryl, cetyl and stearyl ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 23, and mixtures thereof. Representative examples of the alkyl ethoxylates include latreth-3 (lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3), laureth-23 (lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 23), cetetb-10 (cetyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10) and steareth-10 (stearyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10). These alkyl ethoxylate lubricants are typically used in combination with petroleum-based lubricants such as mineral waxes in 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 C₁₂-C₂₂Fatty alcohol of (2), preferably C₁₆-C₁₈The fatty alcohol of (1). Representative examples include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. These fatty alcohol lubricants are generally used in combination with a petroleum-based lubricant such as mineral wax in 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 suitable lubricants for use in the present invention include silicone compounds. Suitable polysiloxane materials for use in the present invention generally include those having monomeric siloxane units of the structure:wherein R is for each independent siloxane monomer unit₁And R₂And may be, independently of each other, hydrogen or any alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, halocarbon, or other group. Any of these groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. R in any particular monomer unit₁And R₂May be different from the corresponding functional group of the next attached monomer unit. Furthermore, the polysiloxane may be linear, branched or have a cyclic structure. Radical R₁And R₂Independently of one another, can be other silane-based functional groups such as, but not limited to, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, silanes, and polysilanes. Further radicals R₁And R₂A number of organic functional groups may also be included 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 -phenylethyl, β -phenylethyl, α -phenylbutyl and the like. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like. Illustrative halohydrocarbon groups are chloromethyl, bromoethyl, tetrafluoroethyl, fluoroethyl, trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, hexafluoroxylyl and the like.

The viscosity of the useful polysiloxanes can vary as much as possible as the usual polysiloxanes vary, as long as the polysiloxanes can flow or can be made to flow when used in the diaper topsheet. This includes, but is not limited to, as low as 5 centistokes (measured by glass viscometer at 37 ℃) to about 20,000,000 centistokes. Preferably, the polysiloxane has a viscosity of from about 5 to about 5,000 centistokes, more preferably from about 5 to about 2,000 centistokes, and most preferably from about 100 to about 1000 centistokes, at 37℃. High viscosity silicones which are themselves flow resistant can be effectively deposited on the diaper topsheet by such means as emulsifying the silicone in a surfactant, or providing a solution of the silicone with the aid of a solvent such as hexane (by way of example only). The particular method of applying the silicone lubricant to the diaper topsheet is discussed in more detail below.

Preferred polysiloxane compounds for use in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,282(Ampulski et al), published at 1991.10.22, which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred silicone compounds that may be used as lubricants in the lotion compositions of the present invention include phenyl-functional polymethylsiloxane compounds (e.g., Dow Corning 556 Cosmetic-Grade Fluid: polyphenylmethylsiloxane) and cetyl-or stearyl-functional dimethicones, such as Dow 2502 and Dow2503 silicone fluids, respectively. In addition to such substituents with phenyl functions or alkyl groups, effective substituents are also amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester and thiol groups. Among these effective substituents, such groups containing phenyl, amino, alkyl, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are more preferable than others; most preferred are phenyl functional groups.

In addition to petroleum-based lubricants, fatty acid ester ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylate lubricants, fatty alcohol lubricants, and silicones, the lubricants useful in the present invention may also include minor amounts (e.g., up to about 10% of the total amount of lubricant) of other conventional lubricants. These other commonly used lubricants include propylene glycol, glycerin, triethylene glycol, spermaceti or other waxes, fatty acids and fatty alcohol ethers having 12 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty chain, such as stearic acid, propoxylated fatty alcohols; c₁₂-C₂₈Glycerol esters of fatty acids, acetyl glycerol esters and ethoxylated glycerol esters; other fatty esters of polyhydric alcohols; lanolin and its derivatives. These additional emollients are added in a manner that maintains the solid or semi-solid character of the emollient lotion composition.

Other suitable lubricants include the aforementioned liquid polyhydroxy polyesters.

The amount of emollient that can be incorporated into the lotion composition will depend on a variety of factors including the particular emollient involved, the desired lotion benefit, other components in the lotion composition, and the like. The lotion composition may comprise from about 5 to about 95% of a lubricant. Preferably, the lotion composition comprises from about 10% to about 90%, most preferably from about 15% to about 85% of the emollient.

2. Fixing agent

Another key component of the lotion compositions of the present invention is the aforementioned solid polyhydroxy polyester which is capable of immobilizing a emollient on the topsheet of the diaper to which the lotion composition is applied. In addition, additional immobilizing agents, as described below, may also be incorporated into the emollient compositions. Because the lubricant in the composition has a fluid consistency at room temperature (about 20℃.), the lubricant will tend to flow or migrate even when subjected to the most moderate shear. When applied to the diaper topsheet, especially in a molten or molten state, the lubricant will not substantially remain on the surface of the topsheet. The lubricant will tend to migrate and flow to the interior of the diaper.

Because of the hydrophobic nature of many of the lubricants used in the lotion compositions of the present invention, migration of the lubricant into the interior of the diaper can have an undesirable effect on the absorbency of the diaper core. In addition, this means that much more lubricant must be added to the diaper topsheet in order to obtain the desired therapeutic or protective emollient benefit. Increasing the amount of lubricant used will not only increase the cost, but will also have an undesirable effect on the absorbency of the diaper core.

By having the majority of the lubricant on the surface of the diaper topsheet to which the lotion composition is applied, the immobilizing agent counteracts this tendency for the lubricant to migrate or flow. This is believed to be due in part to the immobilizing agent raising the melting point of the emollient composition above the melting point of the lubricant. Since the fixing agent is also miscible with the lubricant (or dissolved therein by means of a suitable emulsifier), it also traps the lubricant on the surface of the diaper topsheet.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the fixative is "locked" to the surface of the diaper topsheet. This can be achieved by using a fixative that rapidly crystallizes (or solidifies) on the surface of the top layer. Furthermore, external cooling of the treated diaper top layer by means of blowers, fans or the like can accelerate the crystallization of the fixing agent.

In addition to being miscible with (or soluble in) the lubricant, the fixing agent must have a melting point of at least about 35 ℃. In this way, the fixative will not have a tendency to migrate or flow by itself. Preferred fixing agents have a melting point of at least about 40 ℃. Typically, the melting point of the fixing agent ranges from about 50 ℃ to about 150 ℃.

Suitable additional fixatives for use in the present invention include: is selected from C₁₄-C₂₂Fatty alcohol, C₁₂-C₂₂Fatty acids and C having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 30₁₂-C₂₂Fatty alcohol ethoxylates and mixtures thereof. Preferred fixatives include: c₁₆-C₁₈Fatty alcohols, most preferably selected from: cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Other preferred fixatives include: c₁₆-C₁₈Fatty 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: c having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 5 to about 20₁₆-C₁₈An alcohol ethoxylate. Fatty alcohols and fatty acids are preferred and fatty alcohols are linear.

Importantly, these preferred auxiliary fixatives are C₁₆-C₁₈The fatty alcohol increases the rate of crystallization of the emollient, allowing the emollient to crystallize rapidly onto the surface of the substrate. Thus, lower amounts of emollient can be used, or superior emollient feel can be obtained. Traditionally, a greater amount of lotion was required to create softness, as these liquids would flow into the diaper core.

Other types of fixatives can be used alone or in combination with the fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and fatty alcohol ethoxylates described above. Examples of these other classes of immobilizing agents 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 nature. These esters and amides should also be relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin, since the use of a diaper topsheet to which the lotion composition is applied may be sensitive to the skin.

Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention will have the following structural formula:wherein R is C₅-C₃₁Carbonyl, preferably straight-chain C₇-C₁₉Alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight-chain C₉-C₁₇Alkyl or alkenyl, most preferred is straight chain C₁₁-C₁₇Alkyl or alkenyl groups, or mixtures thereof; y is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety in which the hydrocarbyl chain carries at least 2 free hydroxyl groups directly attached to the chain; n is at least 1. Suitable Y groups may be derived from polyols such as glycerol, pentaerythritol; sugars such as raffinose, maltodextrose, galactose, sucrose, glucose, xylose, fructose, maltose, lactose, mannose, and erythrose; sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol and sorbitol; and alditol anhydrides such as sorbitan.

One class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes certain sorbitan esters, preferably C₁₆-C₂₂Sorbitan esters of saturated fatty acids. Because of this typical preparation process, these sorbitan esters often comprise mixtures of mono-, di-, tri-, etc. esters. Representative examples of suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitan palmitate (e.g., SPAN40), sorbitan stearate (e.g., SPAN60), and sorbitan behenate, as well as mono-, di-and tri-esters comprising one or more of these sorbitol esters, such as sorbitan palmitate mono-, di-and tri-esters, sorbitan stearate mono-, di-and tri-esters, sorbitan behenate mono-, di-and tri-esters, and mixed tallow fatty acid sorbitan mono-, di-and tri-estersEsters and triesters. Additionally, mixtures of different sorbitan esters may be used, such as mixtures of sorbitan palmitate and sorbitan stearate. A particularly preferred sorbitan ester is sorbitan stearate, typically a mixture of mono-, di-and tri-esters (plus some tetraesters) such as SPAN60, and the sorbitan stearate sold under the trade name GLYCOMUL-S (Lonza, Inc.). Although these sorbitan esters usually comprise mixtures of mono-, di-and tri-esters, plus some tetra-esters, in these mixtures mono-and di-esters are the major component.

Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes: certain monoglycerides, preferably C₁₆-C₂₂Monoglycerides of saturated fatty acids, such as glycerol monostearate, glycerol monopalmitate and glycerol behenate. In addition, as with sorbitan esters, mixtures of monoglycerides will generally comprise certain diesters and triesters. However, the mixture should contain mainly monoglyceride 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 C of sucrose₁₂-C₂₂A saturated fatty acid ester. Sucrose monoesters and diesters are particularly preferred and include sucrose monoesters and diesters of stearic acid and sucrose monoesters and diesters of lauric acid.

Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amides for use in the present invention have the following structural formula:in the formula R¹Is H, C₁-C₄Alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl or mixtures thereof, preferably C₁-C₄Alkyl, methoxyethyl or methoxypropyl, more preferably C₁Or C₂Alkyl or methoxypropyl, most preferably C₁Alkyl (i.e., methyl) or methoxypropyl; r²Is C₅-C₃₁Hydrocarbyl, preferably straight chain C₇-C₁₉Alkyl or alkenyl radicals, morePreferably straight chain C₉-C₁₇Alkyl or alkenyl, most preferred is straight chain C₁₁-C₁₇Alkyl or alkenyl groups, or mixtures thereof; z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety wherein the linear hydrocarbyl chain carries at least 3 hydroxyl groups directly attached to the chain. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,927(Honsa), 1992.12.29 publication (incorporated herein by reference), which discloses the polyhydroxy fatty amides and methods of making the same.

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

The Zf moiety is preferably selected from-CH₂-(CHOH)_n-CH₂OH，-CH(CH₂OH)-[(CHOH)_n-1]-CH₂OH，-CH₂OH-CH₂-(CHOH)₂(CHOR³)(CHOH)-CH₂OH, wherein n is an integer of 3 to 5, R³Is H or a cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most preferred are glycidyl groups wherein n is 4, especially-CH₂-(CHOH)₄-CH₂OH。

In the above structural formula, R¹Can be, for example, N-methyl, N-ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl, N-methoxypropyl or N-2-hydroxypropyl; can be aligned with R²The selection is made to provide, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, myristamide, capramide, palmitamide, tallowamide, and the like. The moiety Z may be 1-deoxyglycidylglucosyl, 2-deoxyglycidylfructosyl, 1-deoxyglycidylmaltosyl, 1-deoxyglycidyllactosyl, 1-deoxyglycidylgalactosyl, 1-deoxyglycidylmannosyl, 1-deoxyglycidylmaltotriosyl or the like.

The most preferred polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have the general formula:in the formula R¹Is methyl or methoxypropyl; r²Is C₁₁-C₁₇A linear alkyl or alkenyl group. These include: N-lauryl-N-methyl glucamide, N-lauryl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, N-palmityl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, N-tallow-N-methyl glucamide or N-tallow-N-methoxypropyl glucamide.

As indicated previously, certain fixatives require emulsifiers that are soluble in the lubricant. This is particularly the case for certain gluconamides such as N-alkyl-N-methoxypropyl gluconamides 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 solubilize these ceramide fixatives in petrolatum. Other suitable emulsifiers include: steareth-2 (with the structural formula CH)₃(CH₂)₁₇(OCH₂CH₂)_nOH-compatible polyethylene glycol ethers of stearyl alcohol, wherein n has an average value of 2), sorbitan tristearate, isosorbide laurate (isosorbide laurate), and glycerol monostearate. The emulsifier is used in an amount sufficient to dissolve the fixing agent in the lubricant so that a substantially homogeneous mixture is obtained. For example, an approximately 1: 1 mixture of N-coco-N-methyl glucamide and mineral wax will generally not melt into a single phase mixture when 20% of a 1: 1 mixture of steareth-2 and sorbitan tristearate is added as an emulsifier.

Other ingredients that may be used as immobilizing agents, either alone or in combination with the immobilizing agents described above, include mineral waxes, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, mineral wax, ozokerite, esparto wax, ouricury wax, rezowax, and other known waxes. The preferred wax is mineral wax. An example of a particularly preferred mineral wax is Parrafin s.p.434 (available from Strahl and Pitsch inc. p.o. box 1098 westbaylon, NY 11704).

The amount of immobilizing agent that should be added to the emollient composition will depend on a variety of factors including the particular emollient involved, the particular immobilizing agent involved, whether an emulsifier is required to solubilize the immobilizing agent in the emollient, other components in the emollient composition, and the like. The lotion composition may comprise from about 5 to about 95% of a fixative. Preferably, the lotion composition comprises from about 5% to about 50%, most preferably from about 10% to about 40%, of the immobilizing agent.

3. Optional surfactant

As mentioned above, it is particularly desirable that the topsheet of the diaper is made of a hydrophilic material in order to enable liquid (e.g. urine) to pass through the topsheet quickly. It is also important that the lotion composition be sufficiently wettable to ensure more rapid passage of liquid through the topsheet. This will eliminate the possibility that bodily waste will flow out of the lotion coating rather than being absorbed through the topsheet and into the absorbent core. Depending on the particular fixative used in the present invention, additional hydrophilic surfactants (or mixtures of hydrophilic surfactants) may or may not be required to improve wettability. For example, certain fixatives such as N-coco-N-methoxypropyl glucamide have HLB values of at least about 7 and are sufficiently wettable without the addition of hydrophilic surfactants. Other immobilizing agents having an HLB value of less than about 7, such as C, when the lotion composition is applied to the topsheet of a diaper₁₆-C₁₈The fatty alcohol will require the addition of a hydrophilic surfactant in order to improve wettability. Likewise, a hydrophobic lubricant such as mineral wax would require the addition of a hydrophilic surfactant.

Suitable hydrophilic surfactants are miscible with the lubricant and fixative to form a homogeneous mixture. These surfactants should also be mild and non-irritating to the skin, as the skin may be sensitive with disposable absorbent products that apply the lotion composition. Typically these hydrophilic surfactants are non-ionic and not only are non-irritating to the skin, but they also avoid undesirable effects on the underlying fabric laminate structure, such as reduced tensile strength.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are substantially non-migratory after the lotion composition is applied to the diaper topsheet and typically have an HLB value of from about 4 to about 20, preferably from about 7 to 20. To be non-migratory, these nonionic surfactants will typically have a melting temperature that is higher than the temperatures encountered during storage, transportation, transaction, and use of the disposable absorbent article, for example at least about 30 ℃. In this regard, these nonionic surfactants will preferably have a melting point similar to the foregoing immobilizing agents.

Suitable nonionic surfactants for use in the present invention include: an alkyl glycoside; alkyl glycoside ethers as disclosed in US4,011,389(Langdon et al, published 1977.3.8); alkyl polyethoxylated esters such as Pegosperse 1000MS (available from Lonza, Inc., Fair Lawn, New Jersey), C having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 20, preferably from about 2 to about 10₁₂-C₁₈Ethoxylated sorbitan mono-, di-and/or tri-esters of fatty acids, such as TWEEN60 (sorbitan stearate with an average degree of ethoxylation of about 20) TWEEN 61 (sorbitan stearate with an average degree of ethoxylation of about 4), and condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with about 1 to about 54 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol is generally of a straight (linear) configuration and contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols containing an alkyl group of from about 11 to about 22 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of the ethoxylated alcohol include: the condensation product of myristyl alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, the condensation product of coconut alcohol (a mixture of fatty alcohols with alkyl chains varying between 10 and 14 carbon atoms) with about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. Many suitable ethoxylated alcohols are available on the market, including TERGITOL 15-S-9 (C)₁₁-C₁₅Condensation products of linear alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), sold by union carbide; KYROEOB (C)₁₃-C₁₅Linear alcohol with 9 moles of epoxyCondensation products of ethane) from The Procter&Sold as gambleco; surfactant sold under the trade name NEODOL (by Shell chemical company), in particular NEODOL25-12 (C)₁₂-C₁₅Condensation product of a linear alcohol with 12 moles of ethylene oxide) and NEODOL25-6.5T (C)₁₂-C₁₃Condensation products of linear alcohols with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide that have been distilled (topped) to remove certain impurities); in particular surfactants sold under the trade name PLURAFAC (sold by BASF corporation), in particular PLURAFAC A-38 (C)₁₈Condensation products of linear alcohols with 27 moles of ethylene oxide). (certain hydrophilic surfactants, particularly ethoxylated alcohols such as NEODOL25-12 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 (i.e., Steareth-2) and Brij 76 (i.e., Steareth-10) being particularly preferred. Additionally, mixtures of cetyl and stearyl alcohols ethoxylated to an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 10 to about 20 may also be used as hydrophilic surfactants.

Another class of suitable surfactants for use in the present invention includes: aerosol OT, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sold by American CyanamidCompany.

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

The amount of hydrophilic surfactant required to increase the wettability of the emollient composition to the desired value will depend on the HLB value and amount of immobilizing agent used, the HLB value of the surfactant used, and like factors. When it is desired to increase the wetting properties of the emollient composition, the composition can contain from about 1% to about 50% of a hydrophilic surfactant. When increased wettability is desired, it is preferred that the lotion composition comprises from about 1% to about 25%, most preferably from about 10% to about 20%, of a hydrophilic surfactant.

4. Other optional components

Emollient compositions also contain other optional components commonly found in such lubricants, creams and lotions. These optional ingredients include water, pH lowering or buffering systems, vitamins, emollients or anti-inflammatory agents, viscosity modifiers, fragrances, disinfecting and sterilizing active agents, pharmaceutically active agents, film formers, deodorants, opacifiers, shrinking agents, solvents, and the like. In addition, stabilizers or antioxidants may be added to enhance the longevity of the emollient composition, such as cellulose derivatives, proteins, and lecithin. Suitable pH buffering systems include citrate. Suitable vitamins include vitamins a and E. Suitable emollients or anti-inflammatory agents include aloe vera (aloe vera) and panthenol. Such materials are well known in the art as additives to such formulations and may be used in the lotion compositions of the present invention in the appropriate proportions.

C. Treatment of diaper topsheets with lotion compositions

In preparing the lotioned diaper product of the present invention, the lotion composition is applied to the outer surface (i.e., the body-facing surface) of the diaper topsheet. Any application method that evenly distributes the lubricating material with a molten or liquid consistency may be used. Suitable methods of administration include: spray coating, printing (e.g., flexographic printing), coating (e.g., gravure coating), extrusion, or a combination of these application methods, such as spraying the lotion composition onto a rotating surface, such as a calendar roll, and then transferring the composition to the outer surface of the diaper topsheet.

The lotion composition should be applied to the diaper topsheet in such a way that the topsheet is not saturated with the lotion composition. If the topsheet becomes saturated with the lotion composition, there is a great potential risk that the lotion will block the openings in the topsheet and will reduce the ability of the topsheet to transport fluids to the underlying absorbent core. In addition, there is no need to saturate the top layer in order to obtain the therapeutic and/or protective emollient benefits. A particularly suitable application method applies a majority of the lotion composition to the outer surface of the diaper topsheet.

The minimum amount of lotion applied to the diaper topsheet is an amount effective to reduce the adherence of BM to the wearer's skin. The lotion composition is preferably applied to the topsheet of the diaper of the present invention in an amount of about 0.1 to 25mg/in²More preferably about 1-10mg/in²(milligrams of lotion per square inch of applied top layer). Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, a small amount of the emollient composition is required to impart the desired skin care benefits. The relatively small amount of emollient composition is sufficient to impart the desired therapeutic and/or protective emollient benefit to the topsheet, but does not saturate the absorbency and/or wettability of the topsheet.

The lotion composition may be applied to the entire topsheet surface or to a portion of the surface of the diaper. Preferably, the lotion composition is applied in a strip aligned with the disposable absorbent article and positioned on the longitudinal centerline. Most preferably, the lotion composition is applied to a discontinuous topsheet pattern, such as a patch (patch) of 3.75 inches wide (the transverse direction of the diaper) and 7 inches long (the longitudinal direction of the diaper) generally disposed against the second waist region, as described in the examples below.

In addition, the lotion composition may be applied unevenly to the outer surface of the diaper topsheet. By "non-uniform" is meant that the amount of lotion composition, pattern of distribution, etc., can vary across the top surface. For example, certain treated topsheet surface portions may have greater or lesser amounts of emollient composition, including surface portions that do not have any emollient composition on their surface.

The lotion composition can be applied to the topsheet at any step during assembly. For example, the lotion composition can be applied to the topsheet of the finished disposable absorbent article prior to packaging. It is also possible to apply the lotion composition to the topsheet before the topsheet is combined with the other raw materials into the final disposable absorbent product.

The lotion composition is typically applied to the topsheet of the diaper in a molten state. Since the lotion composition melts at temperatures significantly above room temperature, it is usually applied to the top layer as a heated coating. Typically, the lotion composition is heated to about 35-100℃, preferably 40-90℃, prior to application to the diaper topsheet. After the molten lotion composition is applied to the diaper topsheet, it is allowed to cool and solidify to form a solidified coating or film on the topsheet surface. The method of application is preferably designed to aid in the cooling/solidification of the emollient.

Spray, gravure, and extrusion coating processes are preferred when applying the lotion composition of the present invention to the diaper topsheet. Figure 1 illustrates a preferred method that includes spraying a coating onto the diaper topsheet before the topsheet is assembled with other raw materials into a final product. Referring to fig. 1, a nonwoven top layer web 1 is unwound from a top layer parent roll 2 (rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 2 a) and advanced to a spray station 6 where one side of the web is sprayed with a hot, molten (e.g., 65 c) lotion composition. After leaving the spray station 6, the nonwoven topsheet web 1 becomes a topsheet web with an emollient loaded layer indicated at 3. The lotion-loaded top web 3 is then passed around guide rolls 4 and 8 and then wound onto a lotion-loaded top parent roll 10 (rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 10 a).

Figure 2 illustrates another preferred method of continuously or intermittently spraying the lotion composition onto the diaper topsheet during the transfer operation. Referring to fig. 2, the conveyor belt 1 advances on the guide rollers 3 and 4 in the direction indicated by the arrows and returns to the conveyor belt 2. Conveyor 1 carries the diaper 5 without lotion applied thereto to a spray station 6 where a top-coat patch 7 is sprayed with a hot, molten (e.g., 65 c) lotion composition. After leaving the spray station 6, the diaper 5 without lotion has been changed to a lotion-loaded diaper 8 with a lotion top layer. The amount of emollient composition transferred to the topstain zone 7 is controlled as follows: (1) the rate of ejection of the molten emollient composition from spray station 6; and/or (2) the speed of the conveyor 1 at the painting station 6.

While the embodiments previously described are preferred embodiments of the present invention, various modifications to these preferred embodiments are possible. Some modified preferred embodiments are described below.

For example, embodiments are envisioned wherein the lotion composition comprises a liquid only or a solid only polyol polyester. In the case of the solid polyhydroxy polyester, lubricity is provided by the solid polyhydroxy polyester itself.

In other variations, the lotion composition can be applied to the inner surface of the diaper topsheet and/or to a layer disposed below the topsheet (e.g., tissue paper). In these applications, the body temperature of the wearer, in combination with the pressure and friction generated by the weight and movement of the wearer, will cause a portion of the lotion to pass through the topsheet and adhere to the wearer's skin.

In still other embodiments, the lotion can be applied to any portion of the diaper that is capable of contacting the wearer's skin. For example, the lotion composition of the present invention may be applied to the leg cuff area (e.g., the elastic liner, standing cuff or elastic outerlining seal cuff in the disposable diaper products described previously).

The lotion composition described in the present invention can also be used alone as a skin care composition such as hand cream and lotion, because the lotion composition is effective for protecting and softening the skin.

It is clear that all the above embodiments are included within the scope of the present invention. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Diaper top with skin lotionDetailed description of the method for producing the layer

The treatment of the diaper topsheet with the lotion composition of the present invention is described in detail below:description of the ingredients

Dow Corning (Midland, MI)556cosmetic fluid-polyphenylmethylsiloxane.

Dow Corning (Midland, MI)2503 Silicone wax-predominantly (89%) was dimethyl, methyloctadecylsiloxane.

3. Polyhydroxy polyester (sucrose fatty acid polyester (SEFA)) -Procter & Gamble co.

Liquid polyhydroxy polyester-SEFA cotton ester (sucrose polyester) in the following embodiment:

chain length of ester (carbon Unit) By weight%

C：14 0.2

C：16 13.6

C：17 0.1

C：18-0 7.0

C：18-1 51.8

C：18-2 25.8

C：18-3 0.4

C：20 0.3

Greater than C: 200.5

Solid polyhydroxy polyester-SEFA behenate (sucrose polybehenate) in the following examples:

chain length of ester (carbon Unit) By weight%

C：14 0.1

C：16 3.9

C：17 0.0

C：18-0 1.5

C：18-1 5.9

C：18-2 6.6

C：20 3.0

C：22 77.1

C：24 1.5EXAMPLES formulations

Examples	SEFA Cotton ester (%)	SEFA behenate (%)	DowCorning2503	DowCorning556
					1		15	85
2		10	65	25
					3	85	15

Example 1

A. Preparation of skin lotion composition

An anhydrous lotion composition (lotion a) was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e., liquid) components: dow Corning (Midland, MI)2503 silicone wax, SEFA behenate (sucrose polybehenate manufactured by Procter & Gamble co., Cincinnati, OH). The weight percentages of these components are listed in the following table:

TABLE 1

Composition of	By weight%
		Dow Corning2503	85
SEFA behenate ester	15

B. Diaper topsheet prepared by hot melt spraying

Lotion composition a was placed in a heated container at 145 ° F. The composition was then spray coated (using a Dynatec E84B1758 spray head operating at 160 ℃ F. and a spray pressure of 2.40 lb/in²(gauge pressure)) onto the diaper topsheet, the spray area was 3.75 inches wide (diaper transverse direction) and 7 inches long (diaper longitudinal direction), and the spot area began 1 inch forward of the transverse centerline and extended toward the back of the product. The addition amount is 0.006g/in²(9.3g/m²)。

Example 2

A. Preparation of skin lotion composition

An anhydrous lotion composition (lotion B) was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e., liquid) components: dow Corning (Midland, MI)556 silicone cosmetic fluid, Dow Corning (Midland, MI)2503 silicone wax, SEFA behenate (sucrose polybehenate manufactured by Procter & Gamble co. The weight percentages of these components are listed in the following table:

TABLE II

Composition of	By weight%
		Dow Corning556	25
Dow Corning2503	65
		SEFA behenate ester	10

B. Diaper topsheet prepared by hot melt spraying

Lotion composition a was placed in a heated container at 145 ° F. The composition was then spray coated (using a Dynatec E84B1758 spray head operating at 160 ℃ F. and a spray pressure of 2.40 lb/in²(gauge pressure)) onto the diaper topsheet, the spray area was 3.75 inches wide (diaper transverse direction) and 7 inches long (diaper longitudinal direction), and the spot area began 1 inch forward of the transverse centerline and extended toward the back of the product. The addition amount is 0.006g/in²(9.3g/m²)。

Example 3

A. Preparation of skin lotion composition

An anhydrous lotion composition (lotion C) was prepared by mixing together the following molten (i.e., liquid) components: SEFA cotton esters (sucrose polygossypol esters manufactured by Procter & Gamble co., Cincinnati, OH), SEFA behenate esters (sucrose polydocosanate esters manufactured by Procter & Gamble co., Cincinnati, OH). The weight percentages of these components are listed in the following table:

TABLE III

Composition of	By weight%
		SEFA Cotton esters	85
SEFA behenate ester	15

B. Diaper topsheet prepared by hot melt spraying

Lotion composition a was placed in a heated container at 145 ° F. The composition was then spray coated (using a Dynatec E84B1758 spray head operating at 160 ℃ F. and a spray pressure of 2.40 lb/in²(gauge pressure)) onto the diaper topsheet, the spray area was 3.75 inches wide (diaper transverse direction) and 7 inches long (diaper longitudinal direction), and the spot area began 1 inch forward of the transverse centerline and extended toward the back of the product. The addition amount is 0.006g/in²(9.3g/m²)。

Claims (12)

1. A disposable absorbent article characterized in that it comprises:

A) a liquid impermeable back sheet;

B) a liquid pervious topsheet attached to said backsheet, said topsheet having an inner surface facing the interior of said absorbent article and an outer surface facing the skin of the wearer when said diaper is worn, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of said topsheet comprises an effective amount of an emollient coating which is semi-solid or solid at 20 ℃ and which is partially transferable to the skin of the wearer, said emollient coating comprising:

(i) 5-95% of a substantially anhydrous lubricant having a plastic or liquid consistency at 20 ℃ and comprising a lubricant selected from the group consisting of petroleum-based lubricants, fatty acid ester lubricants, alkyl ethoxylate lubricants, silicone wax lubricants and mixtures thereof;

(ii) 5-95% of a fixing agent capable of fixing said lubricant to the outer surface of said top layer, said fixing agent having a melting point of at least 35 ℃ and comprising a solid polyol polyester comprising polyols having at least 4 hydroxyl groups esterified with fatty acids or other organic groups having at least 2 carbon atoms and at most 30 carbon atoms; and

C) an absorbent core disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer.

2. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said polyhydroxy compound of said solid polyhydroxy polyester is selected from the group consisting of: sugars, sugar derivatives, sugar alcohols, polyglycerols, pentaerythritol, polyvinyl alcohol and mixtures thereof.

3. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said polyhydroxy compound of said solid polyhydroxy polyester is selected from the group consisting of: arabinose, ribose, xylitol, erythritol, glucose, methylglycoside, mannose, galactose, fructose, sorbitol, maltose, lactose, sucrose, raffinose, and maltotriose, and mixtures thereof.

4. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said fatty acid or group is a carboxylic acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

5. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the carboxylic acid is behenic acid.

6. The disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fatty acid or group is selected from the group consisting of: aliphatic, aromatic, polymeric ester-forming groups, dimer fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

7. The disposable absorbent article according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least 85% of the hydroxyl groups of the polyhydroxy polyester are esterified.

8. The disposable absorbent article of any of claims 1-7, wherein said polyhydroxy polyester comprises sucrose esterified with a mixture of fully hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated methyl soyate.

9. The disposable absorbent article according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein said solid sugar polyester comprises a solid sugar polyester, a solid sugar alcohol polyester and mixtures thereof, wherein said solid sugar polyester and said solid sugar alcohol polyester contain ester groups comprising long chain saturated fatty acid groups of at least 14 carbon atoms, wherein said solid polyhydroxy polyester is an aggregate of lamellar-like particles.

10. The disposable absorbent article according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the polyhydroxy polyester is a differently esterified polyhydroxy polyester containing two ester groups:

a) a group formed from a long-chain saturated fatty acid group having 20 to 30 carbon atoms, and

b) groups formed from acid groups different from the long chain saturated fatty acid groups, wherein the different acid groups are selected from C₁₂Or higher unsaturated fatty acid radicals, C₂-C₁₂The saturated fatty acid group of (a), fatty-fatty acid, aromatic acid, polyacrylic acid, dimer fatty acid ultralong-chain acid group, branched cyclic group, substituted acid group, and mixtures thereof.

11. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein said different acid groups include long chain unsaturated fatty acid groups containing at least 12 carbon atoms, and short chain saturated fatty acid groups containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

12. The disposable absorbent article of any of claims 1-11, wherein said lotion is applied to said topsheet in an amount of from 0.1 to 25g/m²。