CA2165296C

CA2165296C - Disposable absorbent article having an inflatable spacer

Info

Publication number: CA2165296C
Application number: CA002165296A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Gary Dean Lavon; Theodora Beck
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 1993-06-23
Filing date: 1994-05-26
Publication date: 2000-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-26
Also published as: US5330459A; JPH08511704A; KR100275024B1; ATE161706T1; WO1995000090A1; DE69407786D1; HK1012890A1; CA2165296A1; EP0705087B1; JP3434823B2; EP0705087A1; DK0705087T3; GR3026375T3; AU6959094A; ES2111307T3; DE69407786T2

Abstract

A disposable diaper having an inflatable component is disclosed. The inflatable component comprises an inflatable spacer, a gas evolving material, and a port for receiving an activating material. The port can comprise a gas impermeable, liquid permeable membrane, an adhesive closure, or a mechanical closure. The inflatablespacer maintains a fecal void space intermediate the top sheet and the back sheet of the diaper.

Description

DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING AN
INFLATABLE SPACER
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The present invention is related to disposable absorbent articles, and more is particularly, to a disposable diaper having an inflatable spacer for maintaining a fecal void space.
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Disposable absorbent articles are wcll known in the art. Disposable absorben~
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3o articles are used to absorb and retain body exudstes, such as urine, fecal material, menses, and the like. A particular desired feature of disposable absorbent articles is the capability to acquire and hold body exudstes to eliminate, or at least minimize, leakage of body exudues from the absorbent article.
References in the prior art disclose a cavity or cutout in the absorbent core to 3s receive fecal material. The fecal material passes through the topsheet and is received by the cavity or cutout in the sbsorbert core. ~ These references suffer from the drawback that a cavity in the absorbent core decreases its absorbent capacity, and that the cavity is limited in volume to the size of the absorbent core. Examples of such teachings include U.S. Patent 2,043,325 issued June 9, 1936 to Jackson, Jr.;
U.S.
ao Patent 4,731,065 issued March 15, 1988 to Yamada; U.S. Patent 4,834,737 issued .~

:~iay 30, 1989 to Khan: and CS Patent S.Ob2.8.t0 issued ~iovember 5. 1991 to Holt, et al.
Other references teach adding a spacer to the disposable absorbent article.
Such spacers can suffer from the drawback that they increase the thickness and bulkiness of the disposable absorbent article, and thereby increase shipping and to storage costs. Examples of such references include U.S. Patent 5,171.236 issued December 15, 1992 to Dreier et al.; European Patent No. 644,748, published December 23, 1993; and United States Patent No. 5,306,266, issued April 26, 1994.
Still other references disclose absorbent articles having inflatable structures.
French Patent Application 2,561,078 published September 20, 1985 in the name of Lefebvre discloses a diaper having an inflated structure which is inflatable by mouth.
Such inflation can be awkward or inconvenient, especially in public places or when the 2o diaper is already fastened to the wearer. Such an arrangement is also disadvantageous because of sanitary considerations, and because inflation may vary from consumer to consumer, resulting in over or under inflation of the swcture and unpredictable product performance.
U.S. Patents 3,881,491 and 3,921,232 issued to Whyte on May 6, 1975 and is November 25, 1975, respectively, disclose disposable absorbent articles having a plurality of discrtte self inflating structures. Each serf inflating structure includes a wall of semipermable material and a gas evolving material. Upon exposing the outside of the semipermeable walls of the individual self inflating structures to an activator material, such as water or urine, the activator material permeates the 3o individual structures to interact with the gas evolving material, whereby the individual swctures become inflated by evolved gas. The structure taught by Whyte primarily addresses core densiscuion.
Whyte's self inflating structures suffer from the disadvantage that water or urine must contact each self inflating stnrcture if aD the self inflating swctures are to be 3s properly inflated. Typically, only portions of the absorbent article will be wetted by urine during use. Therefore, marry of Whyte's self inflating structures may remain uninflated. Also, initial inflation of the Whyte structure can separate the gas evowing material from the semipermeable wall, thereby slowing or stopping further inflation of the structure.
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Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article having an inflatable spacer for maintaining a fecal void volume.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper_having an inflatable spacer which is inflated by mixing a gas evolving material with an activating material, and a port for receiving the activating material.
1o Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper having an spacer inflated by combining a gas evolving material and a liquid, and a selectively positioned liquid acquisition component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a disposable absorbent article having a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet having an aperture for receiving fecal material, an absorbent core disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, and an inflatable component. The inflatable component comprises an inflatable spacer disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, and an 2o acquisition component in fluid communication with the inflatable spacer.
The inflatable spacer has an inflated volume and inflated thickness for maintaining a fecal void space thickness intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, and is preferably registered with the aperture in the topsheet.
The acquisition component includes a gas evolving material for inflating the inflatable spacer upon combining with an activating material, and a port for receiving the activating material. In one embodiment, the port comprises an adhesive or mechanical closure through which water can be added. In another embodiment, the port comprises a semipermeable membrane which is substantially liquid permeable, and substantially impermeable to the evolved gas.
3o The acquisition component has an inflated volume less than the inflated volume of the inflatable spacer, and can include the gas evolving material disposed in a pocket having first and second boundaries. The first boundary can comprise the semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane is selectively positioned longitudinally intermediate the aperture in the topsheet and the front edge of the disposable absorbent article to acquire urine for activating the gas evolving material.
The second boundary comprises a membrane substantially pervious to the evolved gas. The second boundary supports the gas evolving material adjacent the semipermeable membrane as the inflatable component is inflating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA«'INGS
While the Specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the associated drawings in which like reference numerals represent the same component and:
to Figure 1 is a top plan view of a disposable diaper embodiment of the present invention, the diaper shown partially cut-away and incorporating an inflatable component shown in phantom and comprising an inflatable spacer and a fluid acquisition component, the inflatable spacer having an inflated shape comprising a generally U-shaped figure opening rearward.
is Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure l, with the inflatable component joined to an upper layer of the absorbent core, and showing the spacer inflated.
Figure 3 is an instant cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure I, with the spacer shown inflated.
2o Figure 4 is a top plan view of the inflatable component having a generally U-shaped inflatable spacer and an acquisition component.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4 showing the spacer to have a greater inflated thickness than the inflated thickness of the acquisition component, and showing the gas evolving material 2s supported adjacent the semipermeable membrane by a gas permeable membrane.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4 showing the spacer prior to inflation.
Figure 7 is a top plan view of a disposable diaper embodiment of the present 3o invention with an inflatable component comprising an inflatable spacer having an inflated shape comprising a keyhole figure, and a port for receiving a liquid disposed in the front edge of the diaper.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 showing a port comprising an adhesive closure.
3s Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 showing a port comprising a mechanical closure comprising a channel element and a rib element which can be pressed into interlocking relationship with the channel element.

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which are.placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe 1o absorbent articles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).
A "unitary" absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which are formed of separate parts united together to form a coordinated entity so that they do not require separate manipulative parts like a separate holder and liner. A preferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention is the unitary disposable absorbent article, diaper 20, shown in Figure 1. As used herein, the term "diaper"
refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and incontinent persons that is worn about 2o the lower torso of the wearer. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments such as sanitary napkins, and the like.
Figure I is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in its flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with elastic induced contraction pulled out) with portions of the structure being cut-away to more clearly show the construction of the diaper 20 and with the portion of the diaper 20 which faces or contacts the wearer, the inner surface, oriented towards the viewer. The diaper 20 is shown in Figure 1 to have a front waist region 22, a rear waist region 24, a crotch region 26, and a periphery 28 3o comprising longitudinal edges 30 and front and rear end edges 32. The diaper 20 also has a lateral centerline 34 and a longitudinal centerline 36.
As used herein, the "longitudinal" dimension, direction, or axis of the diaper is aligned front to back with respect to the wearer as the disposable absorbent article is worn. The "lateral" or "transverse" dimension, direction, or axis of the diaper 20 is orthogonal the longitudinal direction and is sideways aligned as the diaper 20 is worn.
The "Z-direction" is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transverse directions, and is illustrated in Figure 3.
The front waist region 22 and the rear waist region 24 are those portions of the diaper 20 which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer and are generally the 4o highest elevation of the diaper 20 when the wearer is in the standing position. The front waist region 22 encircles a portion of the wearer's abdomen and the rear waist region encircles a portion of the wearer's lower back. The crotch region 26 is disposed between the front and rear waist regions 22, 24 and is that part of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is between the wearer's legs.
As shown in Figures 1-3, the diaper 20 comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 38, to a liquid impervious backsheet 42 joined with the topsheet 38, and an absorbent core 44 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42. The absorbent core can comprise an upper layer 44U joined to the topsheet 38 and a lower layer joined to the backsheet 42. The topsheet 38 and the upper core layer 44U
comprise apertures 46 and 47, respectively, for receiving fecal material.
The diaper 20 has an inner surface 39 comprising that portion of the diaper 20 which is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during use (i.e., the inner surface 39 generally is formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 38 and other components joined to the topsheet 38). The diaper also has an outer surface 43 comprising that portion of the diaper 20 which is positioned away from the wearer's body (i.e., the outer surface 43 generally is formed by at least a portion of the backsheet 42 and other components joined to the backsheet 42.
Referring to Figures 1-3, the diaper 20 according to the present invention also comprises at least one inflatable component 200. The inflatable component 200 comprises an inflatable spacer 210 having at least one inflatable chamber 230, and an acquisition component 280. The spacer 210 is disposed intermediate the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 for maintaining a Z-direction fecal void space 211, as shown in Figure 3. The acquisition component 280 is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber 230, such as through passageway 270 (Figure 5).
Referring to Figures 4-6, the acquisition component 280 comprises a gas 3o evolving material 300 which evolves a gas for inflating the inflatable spacer chamber 230 upon combining with an activating material, such as water, or a liquid comprising water, such as urine or other body fluids. The acquisition component 280 also comprises a port 400 for receiving the activating material. The port 400 can comprise a semipermeable membrane 500.
The term "semipermeable membrane" as used herein refers to a membrane which is substantially liquid permeable and substantially impermeable to the evolved gas. The term "substantially liquid permeable" refers to a membrane through which a liquid, such as a body fluid, can pass to activate the gas evolving material 300 within the acquisition component 280 when the gas pressure inside the acquisition 4o component 280 is greater than or equal to the gas pressure outside the acquisition component 280. The gas pressure outside the acquisition component will typically be atmospheric pressure, or about 1 0 standard atmosphere ( 14 7 paler) In a preferred embodiment, the liquid passes through the semipermeable membrane 500 and ipto the acquisition component 280 as the result of osmotic pressure. The semipermeable membrane 500 preferably has a hydraulic permeability of at least 0.05 x 10-5 to cm3/(cm2-arm-sec), more preferably at least 0.5 x 10-5 cm3/(cm2-arm-sec), and most preferably at least 1.0 x 10-5 cm3/(cm2-arm-sec). The semipermeable membrane preferably also has a salt permeability less than 2.4 x 10-~ gram/(cm2-arm-sec.). The hydraulic and salt permeabilities for a membrane can be determined as disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,108,383 issued April 28, 1992, to White.
1s By the phrase "substantially impermeable to the evolved gas" it is meant that less than 100 cubic centimeters, preferably less than 40 cubic centimeters, and more preferably less than 5.0 cubic centimeters of the evolved gas at standard temperature and pressure can pass through a semipermeable membrane 500 having a surface are of 20 6.45 square centimeters ( I .0 square inch) in one hour when the pressure difference across the membrane 500 is 0.068 atmospheres ( 1.0 psi) during the one hour interval.
The inflatable spacer 210 is inflatable from a first Z-direction thickness T1 (Figure 6) to have a predetermined shape having a second Z-direction thickness (Figure 5) substantially greater than the firn thickness T 1. The spacer 210 thereby 2s maintains the fecal void space 211 intermediate the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42, which void space 211 can be otherwise closed by the wearerrs weight.
The acquisition component 280 is positioned longitudinally forward of the insatable spacer 210. The semipermeable membrane 500 is positioned longitudinally irte:znediate the apawre 46 in the topsheet 38 and the front edge 32 of the diaper 20 3o to directly or indirectly (when upper core layer 44U is present) underlie the portion of the topsheet 38 which is wetted by urine during use. Selective location of the semipermeable membrane 500 forward of the aperture 46 and in the urine deposition region minimizes the surface area of semipermeable membrane 500 which is required for insertion of the spacer 210. Such selective location also ensures that an adequate 3s and reliable source of liquid is available for inflation of the spacer 210.
The acquisition component 280 has an inflated volume less than the inflated volume of the spacer 210, and an inflated thickness T3 less than the inflated thickness T2 of the spacer 210. More of the evolved gas is therefore available to inflate spacer 210 (rather than acquisition component 280) than would be available if the acquisition ao component 280 had a volume or thickness equal to or greater than the volume or ..

21 6529 fi thickness of the inflatable spacer ? 10 Therefore, the amount of gas evolving material 300 and water needed to inflate the spacer ? 10 is minimized. The thickness T3 is also preferably less than the thickness T2 to reduce the bending stiffness of the portion of the inflatable component 200 extending forward of the spacer 210.
Referring to Figure 1, the diaper 20 preferably also includes a. pair of tape tab to fasteners 54 positioned in the rear waist region 24 for fastening the diaper 20 to the wearer. The diaper can also have gasket cuffs (not shown), barrier leg cuffs 62 (not shown), and waist elastic features, such as an elasticized waist band (not shown).
U.S. Patent 3,848,594 issued November 19,1974 to Buell and U.S. Reissue Patent Bl 4,662,875 reissued May 5, 1987 to Hirotsu et al.
~5 illustrate suitable tape tab fasteners 54. U.S. Patent 3,860,003 issued January 14, 1975 to Bueii; U.S. Patent 4,081,301 issued March 28, 1978 to Buell; U.S.
Patent 4,695,278 issued September 22, 1987 to Lawson; U.S. Patent 4,808,177 issued February 28. 1989 to DesMarais: and U.S. Patent 4,938,755 issued July 3, 1990-to Foreman illustrate gasket cuffs and barrier leg Zo cuffs. U.S. Patent 4,515,595 issued May 17, 1985 to Kiev; and U.S. Patent 4,816,025 issued March 28, 1989 to Foreman illustrate an elasticized waistband for a diaper 20, Fgures 1-3 show a preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 in which the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 have length and width dimensions generally larger Zs than those of the absorbent core 44. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 extend laterally and longitudinally beyond the edgy of the absorbent core 44 to thereby form the periphery 28 of the diaper 20. While the topsheet 38, the backsheet 42, and the absorbent core 44 may be assembled in a variety of well known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are described generally in U.S. Patent 3,860,003 3o issued to BueU on January 14, 1975 and U.S. Patent 5,151,092 issued to Bucll on September 29, 1992.
The embodiment described herein is suitable for a wearer weighing about 7.3 kilograms to about 12.2 kilograms ( 16 to 27 pounds) and having ischia bones spaced about 3.0 centimeters to about 7.6 centimeters ( 1.2 to 3 .0 inches) apart. It will be 3s understood that if the spacer 210 and the diaper 20 are intended for use with smaller or larger weuers, including adults, the spacer 210 and the diaper 20 can be scaled accordingly.
The spacer 210 is preferably inflatable from the first thickness T I to the second, substantially greater thickness T2. By "substantially greater" it is meant that 4o T2 is at least 10 times, and preferably at least about 50 times as great as T I . The x, r, ....
WO 95!00090 PCTIUS94105957 spacer 210 should have a second thickness T2 (Figure 7) in the Z-direction of at least 0 64 centimeters (0.25 inch). The inflated thickness T3 of the acquisition component 280 should be less than about 3I4 of the thickness T2, and more preferably is less than about 1/4 of the thickness T2. T3 can be about 0.32 centimeters (0.125 inches). The thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 are measured under a Z-direction compressive loading of l0 175 kilograms per square meter (0.25 pound per square inch), where the compressive loading is applied over an area having a circular area of application, or footprint, of about 6.45 square centimeters ( 1.0 square inch). The thickness measurement can be made using a dial indicator such as an Ames Gauge available from the Ames Corporation of Waltham, Massachusetts. Another suitable measurement means includes a VIR Electronic Thickness Tester, Model II, available from the Thwing Albert Instrument Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The spacer 210 illustrated in Figure 1 and 5 has an inflated shape comprising a generally U-shaped figure opening rearward, and having a laterally extending portion 220 joining two longitudinally extending portions 222. Where the laterally extending 2o spacer portion 220 is omitted, the spacer 210 in Figure 2 can comprise two separate longitudinally extending portions 222. The spacer 210 can also have an inflated shape comprising any number of closed figures, including but not limited to circles, squares, ovals, or the "keyhole" shape shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the spacer 210 can comprise separate straight or curvilinear segments.
i5 Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the U-shaped spacer 210 sized for the above mentioned wearers can have an overall longitudinal dimension 212 of about 10.2 to about 15.2 centimeters (4.0 to 6.0 inches) and a transverse opening 213 of about 3.81 centimeters (1.5 inches). Such a spacer 210 may also have an overall transverse dimension 214 of about 9.52 centimeters (3.75 inches). The spacer 210 may have a 3o width 215 (Figure 2) at the laterally extending portion 220 of about 0.063 to 3.81 centimeters (0.25 to 1.5 inches), and a width 216 at the longitudinally extending portions 222 of about 2.54 to 3.81 centimeters ( 1.0 to 1.5 inches).
The port 400 comprising the semipenmeable membrane 500 can have a shape including, but not limited to, a rectangle, square, circle, oval, straight or curvilinear 35 lines, or combinations thereof. For the spacer dimensions listed above, the port 400 can have a longitudinal length 217 of at least about 2.54 centimeters ( 1.0 inch), and preferably about 5.08 to 7.62 centimeters (2.0 to 3.0 inches), and a lateral width 218 of at least about 1.27 centimeters (0-55 inch), and preferably at least about

2.54 to 5.08 centimeters ( 1.0 inch to 2.0 inch). The port 400 should be disposed longitudinally ao forward of the aperture 46 in the urine deposition region, and is preferably laterally ~~s~~~s io centered on the longitudinal centerline 36. The rearward most edge of port 400 can be spaced about 0.63 to 5.08 centimeters (0.25 to 2.0 inches) forward of the aperture 46 for diapers 20 sized to fit female wearers, and can be spaced about 2.54 to 10.2 centimeters ( 1.0 to 4.0 inches) forward of the aperture 46 for diapers 20 sized to fit male wearers.
The diaper 20 sized to fit the aforementioned range of wearers may be made having a topsheet 38 with a longitudinal dimension of about 43.8 centimeters ( 17.25 inches) and a backsheet 42 having a longitudinal dimension of about 46.4 centimeters (18.25 inches). The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 according to the present invention may have a transverse dimension, at the crotch region 35, of about 15.9 centimeters (6.25 inch) and about 21.3 centimeters (8.4 inches) respectively.
The difference in dimensions between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 foreshortens the topsheet 38 relative to the backsheet 42 creating the void space 211 therebetween, even with the absorbent core 44 disposed intermediate the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42. The aperture 46 in the topsheet 38 and the aperture 47 in the 2o upper core layer 44U are registered with one another to provide a passageway for the communication of fecal material from the wearer's anal opening into the void space 211.
As used herein, a "void space" is a cavity intermediate the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42, which cavity is sized to accept fecal material. The void space 211 can be closed if the absorbent core 44 is compressed between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 by the wearer's weight. When inflated to the have the second thickness T2, the spacer 210 supports the wearer's weight and thereby maintains the void space 211 such that the void space 211 has a thickness of at least about 0.65 centimeters (0.25 inch) and a volume of at least about 16.4 cubic centimeters ( 1.0 cubic inches).
3o Examining the components of the diaper 20 in more detail, the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 are generally coextensive and at least partially peripherally joined together. As used herein the tenor "joined" refers to the condition where a first member or component is affixed or connected to a second member or component, either directly, or indirectly, where the first member or component is affixed or connected to an intermediate member or component which in turn is affixed or connected to the second member or component.
The topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 may be joined by any means well known in the art, such as adhesive bonding or heat sealing. A particularly preferred method of joining the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 is using hot-melt adhesive such as 4o manufactured by Century Adhesives, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio and marketed as 21 6529 fi Century 5?''7; HLl?58 adhesive sold by the H. B Fuller Company of St. Paul.
;Minnesota; or Findley Adhesive H2031 available from the Findley Adhesive Company of Elmgrove, Wisconsin. In a particularly preferred embodiment, adhesive joining is accomplished by longitudinally oriented adhesive bands or spirals.
As used herein, the term "absorbent core " refers to any component of the to diaper 20 used for absorbing and retaining body exudates. The absorbent core 44 may have opposed major faces and may, if desired, be encased by one or more layers of tissue (not shown), or may be coated with a release agent to reduce friction against the fecal material.
The tissue layer, if present, improves the tensile strength of the absorbent core ~s 44 and reduces its tendency to split or clump when wetted. The tissue layer may further improve transverse wicking of fluids and more evenly distribute absorbed liquids throughout the absorbent core 44. A tissue layer having a basis weight of approximately 16 grams per square meter (10 pounds per 3,000 square feet) and-an air permeability of approximately 30 cubic meters per minute per square meter ( 100 2o cubic feet per minute per square foot) and a differential pressure of 13 millimeters of water (0.5 inch of water) has been found to worfc well.
The absorbent core 44 may be made from s variety of commonly uxd materials such as comminuted wood pulp, typically referred to as airfelt. If desired, the absor-bent core 44 may further contain particulate or fibrous absorbent gelling materials as 2s is commonly uxd in the art. In partiwlu, the absorbent core 44 may be made in accordance with the teachings of commonty assigned U.S. Patent 4,610,678 issued September 9, 1986 to Weisrnan et al.; U.S. Patent 5,137,537 issued August 11, to Haron et al; and U.S. Patent 5,147,345 issued September 15, 1992 to Young a al.
show how to 3o make ~n absorbent core 44 suitable for ux with the present invention.
Absorbent gelling materials made in accordance with commonly assigned U.S. Patent Re.
32,649 issued April 19, 1988 to Brandt et al. have been found suitable for ux in a diaper 20 according to the present invention.
If desired, the Iowa layer 44L of the absorbent core 44 may have discrete 3s storage and acquisition zones. The storage zone has a higher average density and higher aversge basis weight than the acquisition zone, so that the acquisition zone may effectively and efficiently acquire rapidly dixharged liquids and transport the same to the storage zone for long term containment. Such a lower layer 44L may be made in accordance with the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Patent 4,834,735 4o issued May 30, 1989 to Alemany et al.
y ~~~'ro?~...> ' ' Figures 3 and 4 illustrated an upper layer 44U which is joined to the underside of the topsheet 38 and a lower layer 44L which is joined to the upper side of the backsheet 42. The absorbent core 44 has longitudinal and transverse dimensions generally less than those of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42.
The lower layer 44L of the absorbent core 44 may be made of a variety of sizes and shapes, such as rectangular or hourglass. Of course, a single layer absorbent core 44, as is well known in the art may be utilized.
The upper and lower layers 44U and 44L of the absorbent core 44 may be adhesively joined to the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42, respectively, or joined thereto by any attachment means well known in the art. Particularly preferred attachment 1 s means are adhesive spirals and longitudinal and transverse bands of adhesive.
Particularly preferred types of adhesive are manufactured by Century Adhesives, Inc.
of Columbus, Ohio as Century 5227, HL-1258 Adhesive sold by the H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota and XPO-9-035 adhesive manufactured by the Ivi'wnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, l~nnesots.
2o Preferably, the lower layer 44L of the absorbent core 44 extends the entire longitudinal dimension of the diaper 20 between the front waist region 22 and the rear waist region 24, but does not intrude into either the front waist region 22 or the rear waist region 24. The upper layer 44U of the absorbent core 44 insulates the wearer from the impression and applied pressures of the spacer 210, which occur when the 25 weans is sitting while wearing the diaper 20. For this reason, the upper layer 44U of the absorbent core 44 is preferably present at least between the rear waist region 24 and the aperture 46.
Preferably, the exposed faces of the upper layer 44U and the lower layer 44L
(those face not attached to the topsheet 38 or the backs>xet 24 respectively) are well 3o de$ned and do not intrude into the void space 211. Intrusion of a significant quantity of loose 5bers into the void spaces 211 from the absorbent core 44 could iraemrpt (if not block) the uansport of fecal muerial in the longitudinal direction, and prevent the isolation of such fecal material from the skin of the warm.
Refening back to Figure 1, the "topaheet" refers to any liquid pervious facing 3s of the diaper 20 which contacts the skin of the wearer while the diaper 20 is worn and prevents substantial contact of the absorbent core 44 with the skin of the wearer. The topsheet 38 is preferably compliant, tactilely pleasant and non-irritating to the skin of the wearer. Preferably the topshert 38 is treated to be hydrophilic, to more readily transport body exudates to the absorbent core 44.

21 s529 s t3 ~sr~~ '"_~d .~ suitable topsheet 44 may be manufactured from materials such as porous foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers).
synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of the foregoing. A particularly preferred topsheet 38 comprises polypropylene fibers having a denier of about 2.2 and a length of about 15.9 millimeters (0.62 inches). The to topsheet 38 may be manufactured according to a number of techniques. For example, the topsheet 38 may be a nonwoven web of fibers spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, combinations of the above, or the like. A
particularly preferred topsheet 38 is carded and thermally bonded and has a basis weight of about 18 to about 25 grams per square meter. A suitable topsheet 38 is marketed by is Veratec, Inc., Division of International Paper Company of Walpole, Massachusetts under the designation P-8.
The topsheet 38 can have an elastic panel 48 (Figure 1) intermediate the lateral axis 34 and the rear waist region 24. Such an elastic panel 48 maintains the topsheet 38 close to the wearer's skin, and helps to maintain registration of the aperture 46 Zo with the anal opening. A suitable elastic psnd 48 msy be incorporated according to the teachings of commonly assigned U. S. Patent 5,032,120 issued luly 16, 1991 to Fredand et al., which patent shows how to make material suitable for the elastic panel 48 and incorporate the elastic panel into the topsheet 38, and commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,037,416 zs issued August 6, 1991 to Allen et al., which puent illustrates s paracularfy preferred material of construction for the elastic pond 4a.
The aperture 46 is preferably laterally centered on the longitudinsl centerline 36. The aperture 46 may be of ar~y shape desired with s suitable shape being an oval 3o having a longitudinal dimension of about 5.1 centimeters (2.0 inches) and a transverse dimension of about 3.8 centimeters ( 1.5 inches). The resrwsrdmost edge of the aperture 46 is disposed at least about 12.7 centimeter (5.0 inches), and preferably about 15.2 centimeters (6.0 inches) to about 21.6 centimeters (8.5 inches) from the rear edge 3Z of tier diaper 20 while it is worn.
33 It is desirable that the spacer 210 be registered with the apatura 46 snd 47. A
spacer 210 so registered spaces a part of the dispa 20 underlying the apertures 46 and 47, such as a part of the absorbent core 44 or the backsheet 42, away from the wearer's body. Body exudates, such as solid and liquid fecal matter, can thereby pass through the apertures 46 and 47 and into void space 211.

WO 95100090 ~ 16 ~ 2 9 ~
I .i Aperture 47 is aligned with aperture 46, and preferably has a shape the same as, or similar to, the shape of aperture 46. Preferably, the spacer 210 is registered with the apertures 46 and 47, such that spacer 210 does not substantially obstruct aperture 46 or aperture 47, and such that at least a portion of each aperture 46 and 47 is disposed intermediate the longitudinally extending portions 222 of spacer 210.
1o The backsheet 42 is impervious to fluids, such as urine, and prevents fluids absorbed by and contained in the absorbent core 44 from wetting undergarments, clothing and bedding. As used herein the "backsheet" refers to any barrier disposed outwardly of the absorbent core 44 as the diaper 20 is worn and which contains absorbed liquids within the diaper 20. The backsheet 42 is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
The backsheet 42 may be a polyolefinic film, such as polyethylene, having a thickness of about 0.01 millimeters to about 0.051 millimeters (0.0005 to 0.002 2o inches). If desired, the backsheet 42 may be embossed or matte finished to provide a cloth-like appearance and may be breathable. A suitable backsheet 42 can be made from a blend of about 45 to 90 percent linear low density polyethylene and about 10 to 55 percent polypropylene. Exemplary backsheet 42 films are sold by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation RR8220 blend for blown films and RR5475 blend for cast films.
Referring to Figures 4-6, the inflatable component 200, including the inflatable spacer 210 and the acquisition component 280, is formed by peripherally joining two flexible chamber walls 232 and 234 at seams 240. The flexible chamber wall 232 has an inner surface 233 and an outer surface 235. The flexible chamber wall 234 has an 3o inner surface 236 and outer surface 238. The inflatable spacer 210 and the acquisition component 280 are shown formed between the same two flexible chamber walls 232 and 234 in Figure 5. The inflatable chamber 230 is in fluid communication with the acquisition component 280 through channel 270. Alternatively, the inflatable spacer 210 and the acquisition component 280 can be formed separately and joined in a subsequent assembly step.
The portion of the flexible wall 232 comprising the acquisition component 280 includes an aperture 237. The semipermeable membrane 500 is joined at its periphery to the inner surface 233 of the flexible wall 232 to extend beyond the perimeter of the aperture 237, and to provide a port 400 at the aperture 237 which is substantially 4o pervious to water and substantially impervious to the gas evolved.
Alternatively, the 5 semipermeable membrane 500 can be joined to the outer surface 235 of the flexible wall 232. In yet another embodiment, the flexible chamber wall 232 does not form a part of the acquisition component 280. Instead, the semipermeable membrane 500 can extend the full length and width of the acquisition component 280. ' The semipermeable membrane 500 is joined along a forward edge and two longitudinal 1o side edges to the flexible chamber wall 234, and is joined along a rearward edge to the flexible chamber wall 232.
The gas evolving material 300 is disposed in the acquisition component 280 intermediate the semipermeable membrane 500 and the flexible chamber wall 234.
The gas evolving material 300 can include an osmotic promoter. An "osmotic 15 promoter" is any material which increases the osmotic pressure difference across the semipermeable membrane and enhances water transfer through the semipermeable membrane into the acquisition component 280.
The acquisition component 280 can include a pocket- 520 for containing the gas evolving material 300. The pocket 520 has a first boundary comprising the 2o semipermeable membrane 500 and a second boundary comprising a gas permeable membrane 540 which is pervious to the gas evolved by the gas evolving material 300.
Gas evolved in the pocket 520 can pass through the membrane 540 into the spacer chamber 230, as shown by arrow 502 in Figure 5. By the phrase "gas permeable membrane" it is meant that at least 500 cubic centimeters, preferably at least cubic centimeters, and more preferably at least 50,000 cubic centimeters of the evolved gas at standard temperature and pressure can pass through such a membrane having a surface area of 6.45 square centimeters (1.0 square inch) in one hour when the pressure difference across the membrane is 0.068 atmospheres ( I .0 psi) during the one hour interval.
3o The gas permeable membrane 540 can extend beyond the perimeter of the semipermeable membrane 500, and can be joined peripherally to the inside surface 233 of the flexible chamber wall 232. Alternatively, the gas permeable membrane 540 can be joined to the semipermeable membrane 500. The gas evolving material 300 is preferably supported between the semipermeable membrane 500 and the gas permeable membrane 540, and is preferably supported adjacent the semipermeable membrane 500 by the gas permeable membrane 540.
It is desirable to support the gas evolving material adjacent the semipermeable membrane 500. As the inflatable component 200 is inflated, the flexible chamber wall 234 will be urged away from the semipermeable membrane 500 by the pressure of the ao evolved gas. If the gas evolving material 300 is supported on the flexible chamber l6 wall 234. the aas evolving material and osmotic promoter may be spaced from the semipermeable membrane 500 as the inflatable component 200 is inflated. Water passing through the membrane 500 may run into inflatable chamber 230 without wetting the gas evolving material 300. Further, if the gas evolving material comprises an osmotic promoter, the effectiveness of the osmotic promoter in, enhancing water 1o transfer through the semipermeable membrane 500 will be reduced as the osmotic promoter is spaced from the semipermeable membrane 500. Therefore, there may not be sufficient liquid transported across the membrane 500 to provide complete inflation of the spacer 210. By supporting the gas evolving material 300 and osmotic promoter adjacent the semipermeable membrane 500, the gas permeable membrane 540 15 promotes reliable, rapid inflation of the inflatable spacer 210.
The gas evolving material 300 should be non-toxic and combine to evolve an inert gas which is non-toxic in the quantities generated. The gas evolving material 300 preferably comprises a combination of a bicarbonate, such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, with a powdered acid to evolve carbon dioxide when Zo wetted by the xcond activating material 400. The gas evolving material 300 can also comprix the osmotic promoter. Suitable powdered acids include, but are no limited to citric acid, tartaric acid, terephthalic acid, and salicylic acid. Suitable osmotic promoters include, but are not limited to sugars, such as glucox, and salts.
As used herein the term "salt" refen to halide salts of Groups IA and IIA of the periodic chart, is such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride. A suitable gas evolving material 300 comprises sodium chloride mixed with an effervescent powder containing heat treated sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and salicylic acid. Such an effervexent powder is availabk in tablet form from Miles, Inc. of Elkhart, Indians under the trade name Alks-Sdtza. About 1.0 to 2.0 grams of sodium chloride can be mixed with each 3o gram of Alka-Sdtza. The gas evolving material 300 can be mixed with an anhydrous gd-like material, such as glycerol, to comprix s gd inside the pocket 520.
The speed of inflation of the inflatable component 200 can be controlled by forming the gas evolving material 300 as a 5ne powder (rapid inflation), or as a compressed tablet (slow inflation). In addition, the gas rvolving material 300 can 3s have a water soluble coating to provide a time delayed in8stion.
Of course, the required amount of the gas evolving material 300 will vary depending upon the inflated volume of the inflatable component 200. The amounts of the bicarbonate and the powdered acid which are mixed to evolve a given volume of carbon dioxide when dissolved in water can be determined by stoichiometry.
4o Commonly assigned U.S. Patent 3,881,491 issued to Whyte on May 6, 1975 . ,-e/~ i ~a Y. i V i '~; ~d.~'''''''~_ ,4~

shows method for calculating the amounts of a bicarbonate and a powdered acid which can be mixed to provide a given volume of carbon dioxide gas when dissolved in water.
For instance, following the teachings of the above mentioned patent, approximately 0.0179 grams of potassium bicarbonate can ~~ mixed with approximately 0.0172 grams of citric acid powder to evolve approximately four cubic centimeters of carbon dioxide assuming standard temperature and pressure conditions, an inflated pressure inside an inflatable structure of 15.7 psi, and an initial air volume of one cubic centimeter of air within the inflatable structure prior to inflation.
Far embodiments using the Alka-Seluer powder listed above, the following mixture provides about 100cc of gas and sufficient osmotic promotion: 0.6b2 gram heat treated sodium bicarbonate: 0.346 gram citric acid; 0.112 gram salicylic acid, and 2.0 grams sodium chloride.
The flexible chamber walls 232 and 234 should be gas and liquid impermeable, and are preferably made from a material which is soft. The inflatable spacer chamber 230 should maintain an inflated thickness T2 of at least 0.635 centimeters (0.25 inch) for at least one hour, preferably at least three hours, and more preferably at least six houn when the spacer 210 is subjected to a Z-dirxtion compressive load of t 75 kg per square centimeter (0.25 pounds per square inch), and should not completely flatten or rupture when subjected to an impact load such as can result when the is wearer sits, or suddenly falls down. Suitable materials for walls 232 and 234 include but are not limited to synthetic thermoplastic films, thermoplastic fiimlmetal foil laminates, natural rubbers, and laminated films of natural rubber and synthetic thermoplastics. Suitable materials for walls 232 and 234 include polyethylene films having a thickness between 0.000635 and 0.0127 centimeters (0.25 to 5.0 mils).
The 3o walls 232 and 234 can have a modulus of elasticity less than that of the semipermesble membrane 500, so that the walls 232, 234 deform to a grcata extent than the membrane 500 under loading.
One suitable material for making walls 232 and 234 includes s polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.028 millimeters ( 1. l mil) designated C-8323 and 35 available from Tredegar Industries of Terre Haute. Indiana. Another suitable film from which walls 232 and 234 can be made is designated Faa7 arvd is available from the F.~ocon Corporation of Houston. Ttxas.
One or both of the walls 232 and 234 can be pre-formed, such as by vacuum forming or embossing. Referring to Figures 5-6, the portion of the chamber wall 234 ao associated with the inflatable spacer 210 can be vacuum formed, such that the _~
~;,,y , inflatable spacer 310 has an inflated thickness T2 which is greater than the inflated thickness T3 of the acquisition component 280. In some applications, the walls 232, 234 may be preformed such that the spacer 210 has more than one inflated thickness.
For example, the spacer 210 may include laterally extending hinge lines of reduced inflated thickness to reduce the bending stiffness of the spacer 210. In such 1o applications where the spacer 210 has more than one inflated thickness, the thickness T2 corresponds to the maximum inflated thickness of the spacer 210.
The walls 232 and 234 can be joined at seams 240 by any suitable joining method such as heat/pressure sealing, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like. One suitable adhesive for forming seams 240 comprises a hot-melt adhesive is such as the Findley Adhesive H2031.listed above. Suitable seams 240 can also be formed using a Vertrod Thermal Impulse Heat Sealer Model 15MGC marketed by the Vertrod Corporation of Brooklyn, New York.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the inflatable component 200 can be joined to the diaper 20 by joining one of the walls, such as wall 232, to an underlying structure, Zo such as the topsheet 38, backsheet 42, or absorbent core 44. The inflatable component 200 can be joined to the underlying structure by any suitable joining rt>etltOd such as headprasure sealing, adhesive bonding, uhrasonic bonding, or the like. One suitable adhesive comprises the Findley Adhesive H2031. In Figures 2 and

3, the inflatable component 200 is shown joined to upper core layer 44U.
Zs Aliernuiveiy, in anbodiments not having an upper core layer 44U, the inflatable component 200 can be joined directly to the topsheet 38.
The umipertrtable membrane 500 is substantially impervious to the carbon dioxide tvotved by the gas evolving muerial 300, and is substantially pervious to estate. Examples of semipamesble membranes 500 are provided in above referenced 3o U.S. Pstera 3,881,491 to Whyte, such as Nylon 6 film having a thickness of about 0.0025 oentimtter ( 1 mil), potyvinylchloride film having a thick of about 0.0025 ceM'tmeter ( 1 mil), and Rohm tit Haas high Acryloniuile bartia film having a thiclatess of about 0.0050 cxntimeta (2 mil). Another suitable mums! from which semipamabla manbrane 500 can be formed comprises a cellulose acetate membrane.
3s U.S. Patent 5,108,383 issued to White on April 28, 1992 disdoses a irritable cellulose acetate membrane for forming manbrane 500.
A preferred ceilulox acetate membrane for forming the semipermeable membrane 500 can be made according to the tachings of Example 2 of U. S.
Patent do 5,108,383 with the following modifications: The membrane is cast with a knife edge J f:

l9 s upon a polyester or polypropylene support film. The film is quenched in a 10 to I S
degree Centigrade water bath. ARer annealing, the membrane is immersed in 25 volume percent glycerol and 0.05 volume percent Tergitol 15-S-7 nonionic surfactant.-Tergitol I S-S-7 is available from the Union Carbide Chemical and Plastics Company, Industrial Chemicals Division of Danbury, Connecticut. The membrane is cast to 1o have a thickness between about 25 and 50 microns, and in one embodiment is about 35 microns thick.
The semipermeable membrane 500 can be adhesively joined to the chamber wall 232. A suitable elastic adhesive for joining the semipertneable membrane 500 to the wall 232 comprises Adhesive 34-55-34 available from the National Starch and ~s Chemical Company of Bridgewater, New Jersey.
The gas permeable membrane 540 can be formed from any material which is substantially pervious to carbon dioxide. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to woven and nonwoven materials, and apertured films. The gas permeable membrane 540 is preferably formed from a material which is hydrophobic. The term Zo "hydrophobic" can be defined in terms of the contact angle between a liquid and a surface. The American Chemical Society Publication "Contact Angle, Wettability, and Adhesion," edited by Robert F. Gould and copyrighted in 1964 shows how the Contact angle Cart be desamined. A surface is hydrophobic with regard to membrane 540 if the contact 2s angle is greater than about 80 degrees, and preferably a least 90 degrees.
A
suitable material from which the gas pertnesble membrane 540 can be formed is a spunbond hydrophobic polypropylene nom~roven having a fiber denier between 2.5 and 3.0 sttd s basis waght betwart about 16 grams per square meter and about grant: per square meter such ss is marketed by Fiberweb - North America of 3o S'unpsonr;lle, South Carolina.
The gas permable membrane 540 can be adhaively joined to the chamber wall 232.. A suitable adl>esive for joining the gas permeable membrane 540 to the chamber wall 232 comprises the F'tndley Adhesive H2031 listed above.
~gtrres 7-9 show an alta~ative embodiment of the present imrention wherein a 3s port 400 comprises a substsndalty gas impervious and water impervious fastenable closure through which a predetermined amour of water wt be introduced to the inflatable component 200. Referring to Figure 7, the inflatable component 200 comprises an inflatable spaces 210 (shown having a keyhole shape), an acquisition component 280 containing the gas evolving muerial 300 and including the port 400, 4o ar>d a channel 272 for fluidly connecting the spacer 210 and the acquisition 2~
.i, ~L
H R~ ~ r~'~

,o component 280. The spacer 210, channel .72, and acquisition component 280 can be formed by peripherally joining two flexible walls 232 and 234 as described above.
The port 400 is preferably disposed intermediate the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 in the periphery 28 of the diaper 20 so that the port 400 is 'easily accessible both before and after the diaper 20 is fastened to the wearsr,. The port 400 is preferably disposed in the front or rear waist regions 22, 24. In Figure 7, the port 400 is shown disposed in the front edge 32 of the front waist region 22. The wearer or diaperer can introduce a predetermined amount of water into port 400, such as with a graduated pipette, dropper, or syringe, to thereby inflate the spacer 210 either before or aRer the diaper is fastened to the wearer.
is Referring to Figure 8, the port 400 can comprise an adhesive closure 420.
The adhesive closure 420 comprises a double sided adhesive strip 422 having a surface joined to the chamber wall 232, and a release strip 424 joined to an opposing surface of the adhesive strip 422 and positioned intermediate the adhesive strip 422 and the chamber wall 234. A suitable adhesive for forming adhesive strip 422 comprises the 2o F'utdley Adhesive H2031. Any commercially available reieax lines commonly used for such purposes can be used herein. Nonlimiting examples of suitable rdease liners are BL 30 MG-A SB.OX E110 and BL 30 MG-A SILOX 4 P/O both of which arc manufactured by the Akrosil Corporation of Menashs, Wixonsin.
The diapercr or wearer can introduce water into the acquisition component 280 is by inserting the end of the syringe intermediate the relesse strip 424 and the chamber wall 234, and directing the water contained in the syringe into the acquisition component 280. Agar removing the syringe from the adhesive closure 420, the release strip 424 can ba peeled from the adhesive strip 422. The port 400 can then be soled by pressing together the portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 overlying 3o the adhesive closure 420, thereby adhesively joining the adhesive strip 422 to the chamber wall 234.
. 1;gore 9 shows a port 400 comprising a mechanical closure 440. The mechanical closure 440 preferably comprises a female channel dement 442, which can be joined to the chamber wsll 234, and a male rib dement 444 which can be joined to 3s the chamber wall 232. Such mechanicd closures are commonly used as fasteners for plastic container, food storage bags, snd the like. U.S. Pstent 4,212,337 issued Juiy 15, 1980 to Kamp shows a suitable mechanical closure 440.
Water can be introduced to the acquisition component 280 through the closure 40 440 as described above. 'The male rib element 444 can then be interlocked with the . ;~
a :;~~,, ~ ~ , .

r..

female channel element 442 to seal the port 400 by pressing together the portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 overlying the mechanical closure 440.
The gas evolving material 300 can be disposed intermediate the port 400 and a gas permeable membrane 541, as shown in Figure 8. The membrane 541 can extend between and be joined to the chamber walls 232, 234. The membrane 541 can 1o maintain the gas evolving material adjacent the port 400. The membrane 541 is preferably hydrophobic, as described above, to prevent water entering the port from flowing around the material 300 without activating the material 300. A
suitable material from which membrane 541 may be formed is a spunbond hydrophobic polypropylene nonwoven having a fiber denier between 2.5 and 3.0 and a basis weight between about 16 grams per square meter and about 30 grams per square meter such as is marketed by Fiberweb - North America of Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Alternatively, the gas evolving material 300 can be enclosed in a water permeable, gas permeable envelope 542, as shown in Figure 9. The envelope 542 can be joined to one of the chamber walls 232, 234, and maintains the gas evolving 2o material 300 adjacent to the port 400. The envelope 542 should be hydrophilic, or at least not hydrophobic.
The diaper 20 is applied to the wearer by positioning the rear waist region 24 under the wearer's back and drawing the remainder of the diaper between the wearer's legs, so that the front waist region 22 is positioned across the front of the wearer.
The ends of the tape tab fasteners 54 are then secured to outwardly facing areas of the diaper 20.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended 3o claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A disposable absorbent article having a front edge, a rear edge, longitudinal edges, and longitudinal and lateral centerlines, the disposable absorbent article comprising:
a liquid impervious backsheet;
a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet, the liquid pervious topsheet comprising an aperture for receiving fecal matter;
an absorbent core disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet;
an inflatable component comprising:
an inflatable spacer disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, the inflatable spacer having an inflated volume and inflated thickness for maintaining a fecal void space thickness intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, the inflatable spacer comprising at least one inflatable spacer chamber;
a gas evolving material disposed within the inflatable component, the gas evolving material evolving a gas for inflating the inflatable spacer upon combining with an activating material; and a port for receiving the activating material and communicating the activating material to the gas evolving material.

2. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the gas evolving material is disposed intermediate a gas permeable membrane and the port.

3. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the port further comprises a semipermeable membrane.

4. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the port further comprises an adhesive closure.

5. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the port further comprises a mechanical closure.

6. The disposable absorbent article of Claims 4 or 5 wherein the port is disposed in one of the absorbent article edges.

7. A disposable absorbent article having a front edge, a rear edge, longitudinal edges, and longitudinal and lateral centerlines, the disposable absorbent article comprising:
a liquid impervious backsheet;
a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet, the liquid pervious topsheet comprising an aperture for receiving fecal matter;
an absorbent core disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet;
an inflatable component comprising:
an inflatable spacer disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and having an inflated volume for maintaining a fecal void space intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, the inflatable spacer comprising at least one inflatable spacer chamber; and an acquisition component in fluid communication with the inflatable spacer chamber, the acquisition component comprising:
a gas evolving material disposed within the acquisition component, the gas evolving material evolving a gas for inflating the inflatable spacer chamber upon combining with an activating material; and a cellulose acetate membrane for receiving the activating material and communicating the activating material to the gas evolving material, the cellulose acetate membrane positioned longitudinally intermediate the aperture in the topsheet and the front edge of the disposable absorbent article.

8. A disposable absorbent article having a front edge, a rear edge, longitudinal edges, and longitudinal and lateral centerlines, the disposable absorbent article comprising:
a liquid impervious backsheet;
a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet, the liquid pervious topsheet comprising an aperture for receiving fecal matter;
an absorbent core disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet;
an inflatable component comprising:
an inflatable spacer disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and having an inflated volume for maintaining a fecal void space intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, the inflatable spacer comprising at least one inflatable spacer chamber; and an acquisition component in fluid communication with the inflatable spacer chamber, the acquisition component comprising:
a gas evolving material disposed within the acquisition component, the gas evolving material evolving a gas for inflating the inflatable spacer chamber upon combining with an activating material; and a semipermeable membrane, at least a portion of the semipermeable membrane longitudinally positioned intermediate the aperture in the topsheet and the front edge of the disposable absorbent article.

9. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 8 wherein the inflatable spacer is registered with the aperture in the topsheet.

10. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 9 wherein the inflatable spacer comprises longitudinally extending portions registered with the aperture in the topsheet.

11. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 10 wherein the inflatable spacer has an inflated shape comprising a generally U-shaped figure opening rearward and having a laterally extending portion disposed intermediate the aperture in the topsheet and the front edge of the disposable absorbent article.

12. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 8 wherein the acquisition component has an inflated volume less than the inflated volume of the inflatable spacer.

13. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 12 wherein the acquisition component has an inflated thickness less than an inflated thickness of the inflatable spacer.

14. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 8 wherein the gas evolving material evolves carbon dioxide upon combining with water.

15. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 14 wherein the gas evolving material comprises mixture of a powdered acid and a bicarbonate.

16. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 8 wherein the gas evolving material is disposed in a pocket having a first boundary formed by the semipermeable membrane and a second boundary formed by a gas permeable membrane.

17. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 16 wherein the gas evolving material is supported adjacent to the semipermeable membrane.

18. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 16 wherein the gas permeable membrane is hydrophobic.

19. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 17 comprising an osmotic promoter disposed in the pocket.

20. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 19 wherein the osmotic promoter comprises a salt.

21. A disposable absorbent article having a front edge, a rear edge, longitudinal edges, and longitudinal and lateral centerlines, the disposable absorbent article comprising:
a liquid impervious backsheet;
a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet, the liquid pervious topsheet comprising an aperture for receiving fecal matter;
an absorbent core disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet;
an inflatable component comprising:
an inflatable spacer disposed intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and having an inflated volume for maintaining a fecal void space intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, the inflatable spacer comprising at least one inflatable spacer chamber and having longitudinally extending portions registered with the aperture in the topsheet; and an acquisition component in fluid communication with the inflatable spacer chamber and having an inflated volume less than the inflated volume of the inflatable spacer, the acquisition component comprising:
a pocket having first and second boundaries, the first boundary comprising a semipermeable membrane, the semipermeable membrane longitudinally positioned intermediate the aperture in the topsheet and the front edge of the disposable absorbent article, and the second boundary comprising a gas permeable membrane;
and a mixture comprising a bicarbonate, a powdered acid, and a salt, the mixture supported adjacent the semipermeable membrane by the gas permeable membrane.

22. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 21 wherein the gas permeable membrane is hydrophobic.