CA2231637A1 - Absorbent article having containment flaps with receiving reservoirs - Google Patents
Absorbent article having containment flaps with receiving reservoirs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2231637A1 CA2231637A1 CA002231637A CA2231637A CA2231637A1 CA 2231637 A1 CA2231637 A1 CA 2231637A1 CA 002231637 A CA002231637 A CA 002231637A CA 2231637 A CA2231637 A CA 2231637A CA 2231637 A1 CA2231637 A1 CA 2231637A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- absorbent article
- containment
- flap
- containment flap
- bodyside liner
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
- A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
- A61F13/494—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means
- A61F13/49406—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the crotch region
- A61F13/49413—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the crotch region the edge leakage prevention means being an upstanding barrier
- A61F13/4942—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the crotch region the edge leakage prevention means being an upstanding barrier the barrier not being integral with the top- or back-sheet
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
- A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
- A61F13/495—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers with faecal cavity
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
- A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
- A61F13/494—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means
- A61F13/49406—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the crotch region
- A61F13/49413—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the crotch region the edge leakage prevention means being an upstanding barrier
- A61F2013/4944—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the crotch region the edge leakage prevention means being an upstanding barrier having multiple barriers
Abstract
An absorbent article includes an absorbent core located between a bodyside liner and an outer cover. A containment flap is joined to the bodyside liner. A reservoir wall attaches to the containment flap and a base structure comprising, in combination, the bodyside liner and an outer cover. Passageways in the containment flaps allow exudates to flow from the region between the flaps and into a reservoir defined outwardly from the containment flap. In one embodiment, a surface near the outer edge of the reservoir wall is attached to the bodyside liner. In another embodiment, the reservoir wall attaches to the outer cover of the absorbent article. In yet another embodiment, the reservoir wall attaches to the containment flap, first near a distal edge thereof, and secondly near the base of the containment flap.
Description
WO 97/16144 PCT/IJS96/lS101 A8SORBENT ARTICLE HAVING CONTAINMENT FLAPS ~ITH RECEIVING RESERVOIRS
Backqround of the Inventlon Techn~cal Field ~ he present invention relates to an absorbent article for receiving body exudates. ~uch absorbent articles may have containment flaps for impeding or containing spread or flow of the body exudates.
DescrlDtion of the Related Art Absorbent articles such as infant dlapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, and the like are well known. Such articles haYe achieved a wide acceptance due to their ability to receive and absorb body exudates. In order to move bowel movements and other exudates away from the user's body, the prior art has considered utilizing an aperture in the center of the absorbent article.
For example, U.S. Patent 4,892,536 to DesMarais et al. discloses a diaper with a large passageway in the center section of the bodyside liner to ~acilitate movement of solid and semi-solid waste materials away from the user's body. This arrangement was supposed to reduce contact of the waste with the skin of the wearer.
Freeland, U.S. Patent No. 4,990,147 and Freeland et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,269,775 are other patents that d~sclose similar attempts to prevent~ 25 solid waste mater~als from contact~ng a wearer of a diaper.
WO 97/16144 PCT/US96/lSlOl The patents listed above all attempt to place the sol1d waste in direct contact w~th the absorbent core through a relat1vely large opening centrally located in the bodyslde liner. Accordingly, the solid waste occupies a reservo1r, centrally located in the absorbent article, between the bodyside liner and the absorbent core. There is no teaching of modifying any contalnment flaps to provide a path or direction for exudates to travel transversely across the length or width of the absorbent article to a receiving reservoir at or adjacent the outer perimeter of the absorbent article. Further, the aperture location shown in the above patents may not readily collect an overflow of urine. The sudden presence of a large quantity of urine was not addressed by these patents.
~marY of the Invent~on In order to improve the leakage protection of a diaper, the present 1nvention modlfles one or more containment flaps of an absorbent article by prov~ding passageways or openings, preferably near the base of the flaps that lead into a receiving reservoir, at or adjacent the outer perimeter of the absorbent article. The reservoir receives urine, fecal material or other exudates which travel through the openings e.g. as pressure builds from a pool agains~ the flap. The openings in the contalnment flaps thus prevent the exudates from leaking over or around the containment flaps by providing an alternative path for releasing the pressure against the containment flaps.
In one aspect, the present invention resides in an absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion connecting the front and rear portions, the crotch portion having opposite longitudinal side portions. The absorbent article includes a base structure, the base structure comprising, in combination, a liquid-permeable bodyslde liner and an outer cover. An absorbent core is located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. A containment flap is joined to the bodyside liner and includes at least one passageway formed through the containment flap. A reservoir wall is attached to the flap and the base structure to form a reservoir for exudates.
Another embodiment of the invention resides in an absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch port~on connecting WO 97/161~4 PCT/US96/15101 the front and rear portions, the crotch portion having opposite longltudinal side portlons. The absorbent article includes a base structure, the base structure comprising, in combination, a liquid-permeable bodyside liner and an outer cover. An absorbent core is located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. First and second longitudinally extending leg cuffs are located in the crotch portion at oppositely dlsposed longltudinal side portions thereof. The absorbent article also includes a pair of containment flaps containing at least one passageway and extending longitudinally from the front portion to the rear portion of the article, the flaps being joined to the bodyside liner. Respective first and second reservoir walls are attached to a respective one of the containment flaps at corresponding first loci. A
second locus of each reservoir wall is attached to the base structure at a posltion disposed outwardly from the respective containment flap and inwardly from the outer edge of the bodyside liner.
In another embodiment, the reservoir wall may be attached to the outer c~ver outwardly of the flaps.
In yet another embodlment, the reservoir wall may be attached at the top distal end of the contalnment flap and at the lower base of the conta1nment flap. This arrangement forms the reservoir with the conta1nment flap and reservoir wall only.
The passageways may comprise sllts, apertures of various shapes, as well as breaks ln the seams joining the respective containment flaps to the bodyslde liner. The apertures preferably have an open area of no more than about 7 square centimeters for each flap, and preferably have cross-sectional areas corresponding to diameters from S to 25 mlllimeters. At least one passageway, and preferably at least three passageways are contemplated for each conta1nment flap.
Further, the passageways may be formed by cuts in the containment flaps, the cuts being serpentine in configuration and forming serpentine edges, and belng effected before attachment to the bodyside liner. The serpentine edges provide lobes and open or cut-out spaces between the respective lobes. The containment flaps are not attached to the liner at these spaces when the distal ends of the lobes are bonded or otherwise attached to the bodyside liner at intermittent locations. These spaces then comprise the passageways referred to earlier.
Further, the passageways may be formed by cuts in the containment flaps, the cuts being zig-zag in configuratlon and forming zig-zag edges, and being effected before attachment to the bodyside liner. The zig-zag edges provide teeth and open or cut-out spaces between the respective teeth. The containment flaps are not attached to the liner at these spaces when the distal ends of the teeth are bonded or otherwise attached to the bodyslde l~ner. These spaces then comprise the passageways referred to earl1er.
Brief DescriDti~n ~f the Drawinqs Fig. l illustrates an absorbent article accordlng to the present inventlon.
Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken at 2-2 in Fig. l of a diaper w~th the reservoir wall attached to the containment flap and the bodyside liner.
Fig. 3 lllustrates a sheet of flap mater1al with a zig-zag cut.
Fig. 3a illustrates a broken view of the sheet of flap material shown 1n Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 illustrates a sheet of flap material with a serpentine cut.
Fig. 4a illustrates a broken view of the sheet of flap material shown in Flg. 4.
Fig. 5 ls a cross-sectional view of another diaper with the reservoir wall attached to the containment flap and the outer cover.
Fig. 6 ls a cross-sectional view of yet another diaper with the reservoir wall attached only to the containment flap.
Detailed Descript1on of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention relates to absorbent articles designed to absorb body exudates. Whtle the preferred embodiments of the present invention-w~ll be descr1bed in terms of a disposable diaper adapted to be worn by infants and toddlers about the lower torso, the present invention is equally applicable to other absorbent articles such as adult incontinent briefs, training pants and the like.
The present invention can best be understood by a reference to the drawings in whlch like numerals represent like elements. Fig. l illustrates a diaper 8 suitable for use in the present invention. The dlaper 8 of Flg. I shows the containment flaps I0, the passageways 12, the bodyslde llner 14 and the reservoir wall 16. Fig. I also shows attachment means, such as hook and loop fasteners 18, 20, for securing the diaper upon a child. The first fastener 18 comprises a mechanical fastener such as the hook of a hook and loop fastening system mounted on the outer cover 22. The second fastener 20 then comprises a corresponding loop material attached to the outer cover 22 and adapted to releasably engage wlth the hook materlal of the first fastener 18.
Further, other well known fasten1ng means may be used to support the diaper 8 upon a person. Also, as shown in Fig. I, the passageways 12 are preferably located at or ad~acent the base 23 of the containment flaps 10 .
The containment flaps I0 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 lnclude elastlclzed material 24 to shape and posltion the flap. The flap material may be IS somewhat permeable. The contalnment flaps 10 may be joined to the bodyside llner by heat sealing, sonic bonding, adhesive bondlng or the llke. Adheslve bonding lncludes the use of glue lines, glue dots or other arrangements.
Contalnment flaps I0 may lnclude flap elast1cs 24 as shown ln Flg. 2. These flap elastlcs may suitably compr1se one or more individual strands of elastomerlc materlal. For example, a plurality of elastic strands may be conflgured ln a spatlally separated, generally parallel arrangement. The elastic strands can be distrlbuted over the full wldth of the flap and formed of a rubber materlal. The elastic strands may 2~ also be placed 1n an 1ntermediate posltion or fold of the containment flap I0 ln a lengthwlse directlon. The elastic strands may run the entlre length of the containment flap I0 or only a portlon of the length of the contalnment flap near the crotch of the diaper 8. A suitable elastlc strand may, for example, be composed of a 470 decitex LYC M ~
elastomer, 620 decttex LYC M ~ elastomer or other elastomers with suitable characterlstics. Flap elast1cs 24 are preferably integrated into - contalnment flaps I0 at least adjacent the dlstal edge 26 of the respectlve containment flap I0 and remote from bodyside liner I4 in a stretched condltlon such that the contractlon of the elastlc components thereof gathers and shortens the distal edge 26 of the containment flap I0 from the fully extended conditlon. As a result, the dlstal edge 26 of the contalnment flap lO tends to posit~on itself in a spaced relatlon away from the bodys1de liner 14 toward a generally uprlght and approximately perpendlcular conflguration in especially the crotch portton of the diaper as shown ~n Fi~s. 2, 5 and 6.
Leg cuffs 28 are suitably formed by portions of the outer cover 22 and/or the bodyside liner 14, which extend transversely beyond the longltud1nal sides of the absorbent core 30. The leg cuffs 28 may also be formed from separate materlals wh~ch are attached to the outer cover 22 and/or the bodys~de liner 14. Leg cuffs 28 include leg elastlcs 3Z.
Materials suitable for forming leg elastics 32 include strands or ribbons of a polymeric, elastomeric material which are adhered to the diaper 8 at the leg cuff 28 whlle in a stretched positlon. or which are attached to the diaper 8 while the diaper is pleated, such that elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the leg cuff 28. Further, the leg elastics 32 shown 1n Figs. 2 and 5 may be made of a material s~m~lar or ldent~cal to the flap elastics 24.
The containment flaps l0 may be constructed of a material whlch is the same as, or different than the material comprising bodyslde liner 14.
Alternatively, the containment flaps lO may also be made from a material which ls the same as the material of outer cover 2Z. The contalnment flaps lO are preferably liquid impervious. The contalnment flap l0 may be formed from a polymeric f~lm materlal or from e.g. a nonwoven material which is subs~antially liquid impervious. The containment flaps 10 may be formed by a single or mult;ple layer of material with appropriate elastics secured thereto as shown in Fig. 5. Figs. 2, 5 and 6 show the presence of the elastlcs 24 ln the containment flap. Other arrangements are also contemplated. For example, the elastics may be placed at multiple locatlons on the containment flap 10.
A suitable bodyslde llner 14 may be manufactured from a wlde selectlon of web materlals, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastlc films or natural fibers. For example, the bodyslde liner 14 may comprise wood or cotton flbers. Other possible materlals are synthetlc flbers, such as polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combinatlon of natural and synthetic fibers. Bodyside liner 14 ls suitably utillzed to help lsolate the llqulds held in the absorbent core 30 ~rom the wearer's skln.
Yarlous woven and nonwoven fabrics may be used for bodyside liner 14. For example, bodyside liner 14 may be composed of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The bodyside liner may also comprise a carded and/or bonded web composed of natural and/or synthetic flbers. The bodyside liner may also be composed of a substantlally hydrophobic material wherein the hydrophobic materlal ls treated wlth a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettabil1ty and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the present lnventlon, the bodyslde llner 14 may comprlse a nonwoven, spunbond, polypropylene fabric composed of about Z.8-3.2 denier fibers formed lnto a web having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.06 grams per cubic centlmeter. The fabric is then surface treated with about 0.28 weight percent of a surfactant.
The bodyside liner 14 may comprise a multiplicity of components or layers whlch correspond to any of the materials disclosed herein, as well as others known ln the art.
It ls generally preferred that the outer cover 22 of the dlaper 8 be formed from a material whlch is substantially impermeable to liquids. A
typlcal outer cover 22 may be manufactured from a thin plastlc fllm or other flexlble llquld-impermeable materlal. For example, the outer cover 22 may be formed from a polyethylene fllm havlng a thlckness of from about 0.012 millimeters to about 0.051 milllmeters. If the outer cover 22 should have a more clothllke feellng, it may comprise a polyethylene film laminated to a surface of a nonwoven web, such as a spunbond web of polyolefln flbers. For example, a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters may have thermally laminated thereto a spunbond web of polyolefln fibers having a thickness from 1.5 to 2.5 denler per filament, whlch nonwoven web has a basis weight of about 24 grams per square meter. Further, the outer cover 22 may be formed of a woven or nonwoven flbrous web whlch has been totally or partlally constructed or treated to lmpart a desired level of liquld lmpermeability to selected reglons that are adjacent or proximate the absorbent core 30.
Still further, the outer cover 22 may opt~onally be composed of a micro-porous material which permits vapors to escape from the absorbent core 30 while stlll preventing liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover Z2. The outer cover 2Z and bodyside liner 14, in combination form a base structure 33 for the diaper 8.
The absorbent core 30 suitably comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosic fluff, in combination wjth a high-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In aparticular embodiment, absorbent core 30 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and wood pulp fluff. In place of the wood pulp fluff, one may use synthetlc, polymeric, meltblown fibers or a comblnation o~ meltblown fibers and natural f1bers. The superabsorbent material may be substantially homogeneously mlxed with the hydrophllic flbers or may be otherwise combined lnto the absorbent core.
Alternat~vely, the absorbent core 30 may comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and superabsorbent material or other suitable means of maintainlng a superabsorbent material in a localized area.
The absorbent core 30 may have any of a number of shapes. For example, the absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. rt is generally preferred that the absorbent core 30 be narrower in the crotch portlon than the rear or front portion.
The hlgh-absorbency material in the absorbent core 30 can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and mater~als. The hlgh absorbency materials can be inorganic materials, such as sllica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers.
The term crosslinked refers to any means for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials substantially water insoluble but Z5 swellable. Such means can include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, coYalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophil~c associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associat~ons or Van der Waals forces.
The top edges (See Figs. 2 and 5) of the reservoir walls 16 are preferably attached to the containment flaps 10 at or near the distal edges 26 of the containment flaps lO and away from the bodyside liner 14.
The reserYoir walls can be formed of materials similar to those contained in the outer cover 22. The reservoir walls 16 preferably are formed of an impermeable nonwoven material or film, and/or combination of the two.
Examples of materials for the reservoir walls 16 include a polyethylene film having a th1ckness of about 0.012 millimeters or a polyethylene film thermally lamlnated to a spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. The reservoir walls 16 are also preferably attached to the base structure 33 outwardly from the containment flap 10 and toward the outer edge of the diaper 8 as shown in Flgs. 2 and 5. This arrangement forms a reservoir 34 to receive exudates.
At a first locus of attachment, a first surface of a reservoir wall 16, near an upper edge 35 thereof, ;s bonded or attached to a corresponding surface of the respectlve contalnment flap 10 near the distal edge 26. The lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached to the base structure 33 and/or containment flap 10 near base 23. For instance, a surface near a lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 ls attached to a corresponding surface of the base structure 33. Therefore, the reservoir wall 16 is attached to the containment flap 10 and base structure 33 to thereby form the reservoir 34.
Thls arrangement allows urine and/or fecal material and the like to travel through the passageway 12, including in response to pressure against the containment flap 10. The exudates are then received by the reservoir 34.formed between the reservoir wall 16, the contalnment flap 10, and optlonally the base structure 33. In general, the exudates pass through the passageway 12 lnto reservoir 34 ln preference to leaking past or over the containment flaps 10. The reservoir wall 16 may be attached to the containment flap 10 and base structure 33 by sewing, heat sealing, sonic bondlng, adhesive bonding or the like.
The passageways 12 of a containment flap 10 are large enough that a runny bowel movement and/or urlne may pass through, but small enough to avoid entrapment of body parts. The passageways 12 may comprise slits, apertures of various shapes, as well as interruptions in the joinder between the containment flap and the bodyside liner. The apertures of passageways 12 may have a total combined open area from 0.1 to 7 square centimeters for each containment flap 10. Preferably each aperture has an open area corresponding to a cross-sectional area of a diameter from about 5 to about 25 millimeters. Preferably each lndlvidual aperture is no greater than 0.5 square centimeters to avoid any possibility of penile strangulation. Slits may have a length from about 5 to about 25 milllmeters. Preferably, the slits are less than 12 millimeters long to avold any possibility of penile strangulation. In most instances, all of g _ _ the apertures comblned, have a total open area for both containment flaps lO of no greater than 12 square centimeters. The passageways 12 may be 1ntermittently spaced the ent~re length of the containment flap lO as shown 1n Fig. 1 or may be confined to a targeted area. One such area would be along the back port10n of the flap to collect exudates from bowel movements. A preferred area for the passageways 12 1s along the base or bottom 23 of the containment flap 10 near the bodyside liner 14 as shown ~n F~g. l.
Wh11e any number of passageways may be effectlve with respect to applicant's invention, preferably at least three passageways are present in each conta1nment flap lO.
The passageways 12 may be formed by cutting a single piece of material into two containment flaps lO in a zig-zag manner as shown in F1gs. 3 and 3a. After the cut is completed, two conta1nment flaps with zig-zag edges are created from one p1ece of material as shown in Fig. 3a.
Then, the d1stal portions 38 of the teeth 40 formed by the zig-zag edges of each containment flap lO are sewn, bonded, or otherwise attached, preferably longitudlnally onto the bodyside liner 14 at 1ntermittent locat10ns. When the conta1nment flaps lO are attached, open spaces 4Z
between the teeth 40 are left unattached or unbonded. Th1s arrangement forms passageways 12 from the spaces 42 between the teeth 40 of the contatnment flaps 10 and there is no waste of any piece of the material when formlng passageways 12.
Further, a serpent1ne pattern may be cut from a sheet of material as shown 1n F~gs. 4 and 4a. Th~s sheet of material, when cut into two pieces, then becomes two containment flaps with serpentine edges. The distal portions 44 of the lengths or lobes 46 formed by the serpentine edyes of each contalnment flap 10 are then sewn, bonded or otherwise attached, preferably longitudinally onto the bodyside liner 14 at 1nterm1ttent locat10ns. When the containment flaps lO are attached, the open spaces 4B between the lobes 46 are left unattached or unbonded.
This arrangement forms passaqeways 12 from the spaces 48 between the lobes 46 of the conta1nment flaps lO. The second flap lO created by edges of the serpentlne cut ls attached in a similar manner. Once again, the spaces 48 between the lobes 46 of the serpentine pattern then comprise passageways 12 which allow exudates to travel to the reservo~r WO 97/161~14 34. Forming the flaps lO in this manner ensures there is no waste of any piece of the material when forming passageways 12.
While a z1g-zag pattern and a serpentine pattern have been illustrated, there are an infinite var1ety of other patterns which also may be utilized. The chief criter1a for select1ng a pattern is to prov1de the proper number of, and d1mensions for, passageways 12.
The volume of the receiving reservoir 34 is controlled, at least in part, by the locus at which the upper edge 35 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached to the conta1nment flap lO and the locus at whlch the lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached to a surface of the base structure 33 or to the base 23 of containment flap lO. Attaching the lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 to the outer cover 22 at a surface of the base structure 33 as shown in Fig. 5 contributes to an increased volume for the reservoir 34. In the illustrated embodiments, the longitudinal ends of the containment flaps lO are also bonded or otherwise attached to the base structure 33. S1milarly, the long1tudina1 ends of reservo1r 34 are closed by securement of reservo1r wall 16 to containment flap lO along a l1ne travers1ng from generally lower edge 36 to upper edge 35. This arrangement forms a reservoir 34 connected vla the passageways 12 to the central port10n 50 of the diaper 8 wh1ch may contain a sudden flow of exudates which could otherwlse leak around or over the containment flaps lO.
Further, as shown 1n Fig. 5, spac1ng the reservo1r wall 16 outwardly from or beyond the leg elastics 32 maximizes the volume capac1ty of reservoir 34. Th~s arrangement also allows exudates contained in reservoir 34 to pass through the bodyside liner 14 to reach the absorbent core 30. Thls allows more of the exudates to reach the absorbent core 30. In such instances where exudates travel first into reservoir 34 and thence to the core 30, reservoir 34 acts as a temporary holding locus, hold1ng the exudates away from the user~s body unt11 11quid port10ns thereof are absorbed by core 30. This increases the eff1ciency and capability of the diaper 8 to operate effect1vely during a sudden release of exudates without leak1ng.
The spacing between conta1nment flaps lO, across the central portion 50 of the diaper 8 can be varied in accordance with a variety of acceptable design parameters. As the containment flaps 10 are spaced _ closer together to minimize the stain area on the buttocks due to a bowel movement, the volume available between the flaps 10, absent the invention, to contain exudates is reduced. Absent the invention, as exudates flll the pocket in the central portion 50 of the diaper, the exudates begin to go over the flap, and/or up the back of the diaper.
Therefore, the invention shown herein reduces the staln area and prov1des greater comfort to the wearer because an alternate path of low resistance is provided for movement of exudates through passageways 12 and away from the wearer's skin. With respect to urine, the same logic may be applied.
A sudden flow of urine may be released more rapidly than the core 30 can absorb it. The excess urine can pass through passageway 12 to the reservoir 34 and be held there until it is absorbed by the absorbent core 30. Once in the reservoir 34, the urine can flow back out the passageway 12 to the absorbent core 30, or can flow through the bodyside liner 14 directly to the absorbent core 30. Thls arrangement also allows for faster, more efflcient absorpt~on by the core 30 since urine is contactlng a greater surface area of the core. The invention may also be arranged so that a portion of the reservoir is directly above the absorbent core 30. Such an arrangement requires that the containment flaps lO be placed closer to one another than shown in the drawings.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the reservoir wall 16 is attached only to the contalnment flap lO. This arrangement may be more simply constructed than the earlier embodiments. A first surface of the upper edge 35 of reservoir wall l6 ~s sewn, bonded or otherwise attached near the distal edge 26 of the containment flap lO. The oppos~ng surface of the lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached near the base 23 of the containment flap lO. ~hile the opposing surface of the reservoir wall 16 is shown attached to the base of the flap ln Fig. 6, el~her the same or the opposlng surface of the reservoir wall 16 may provide the attachment whlch forms reservoir 34. Loci on the ends of the reservoir wall 16 are attached to the containment flap 10 to form a reservoir 34 sealed except for the passageways 12.
Those skilled in the art will now see that certain modifications can be made to the apparatus and methods herein disclosed with respect to the illustrated embod~ments, w1thout departing from the spirit of the instant CA 02231637 l99X-04-09 inventlon. And while the 1nvention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications, and alterations, and all such arrangements, modifications, and alterations are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.
Backqround of the Inventlon Techn~cal Field ~ he present invention relates to an absorbent article for receiving body exudates. ~uch absorbent articles may have containment flaps for impeding or containing spread or flow of the body exudates.
DescrlDtion of the Related Art Absorbent articles such as infant dlapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, and the like are well known. Such articles haYe achieved a wide acceptance due to their ability to receive and absorb body exudates. In order to move bowel movements and other exudates away from the user's body, the prior art has considered utilizing an aperture in the center of the absorbent article.
For example, U.S. Patent 4,892,536 to DesMarais et al. discloses a diaper with a large passageway in the center section of the bodyside liner to ~acilitate movement of solid and semi-solid waste materials away from the user's body. This arrangement was supposed to reduce contact of the waste with the skin of the wearer.
Freeland, U.S. Patent No. 4,990,147 and Freeland et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,269,775 are other patents that d~sclose similar attempts to prevent~ 25 solid waste mater~als from contact~ng a wearer of a diaper.
WO 97/16144 PCT/US96/lSlOl The patents listed above all attempt to place the sol1d waste in direct contact w~th the absorbent core through a relat1vely large opening centrally located in the bodyslde liner. Accordingly, the solid waste occupies a reservo1r, centrally located in the absorbent article, between the bodyside liner and the absorbent core. There is no teaching of modifying any contalnment flaps to provide a path or direction for exudates to travel transversely across the length or width of the absorbent article to a receiving reservoir at or adjacent the outer perimeter of the absorbent article. Further, the aperture location shown in the above patents may not readily collect an overflow of urine. The sudden presence of a large quantity of urine was not addressed by these patents.
~marY of the Invent~on In order to improve the leakage protection of a diaper, the present 1nvention modlfles one or more containment flaps of an absorbent article by prov~ding passageways or openings, preferably near the base of the flaps that lead into a receiving reservoir, at or adjacent the outer perimeter of the absorbent article. The reservoir receives urine, fecal material or other exudates which travel through the openings e.g. as pressure builds from a pool agains~ the flap. The openings in the contalnment flaps thus prevent the exudates from leaking over or around the containment flaps by providing an alternative path for releasing the pressure against the containment flaps.
In one aspect, the present invention resides in an absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion connecting the front and rear portions, the crotch portion having opposite longitudinal side portions. The absorbent article includes a base structure, the base structure comprising, in combination, a liquid-permeable bodyslde liner and an outer cover. An absorbent core is located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. A containment flap is joined to the bodyside liner and includes at least one passageway formed through the containment flap. A reservoir wall is attached to the flap and the base structure to form a reservoir for exudates.
Another embodiment of the invention resides in an absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch port~on connecting WO 97/161~4 PCT/US96/15101 the front and rear portions, the crotch portion having opposite longltudinal side portlons. The absorbent article includes a base structure, the base structure comprising, in combination, a liquid-permeable bodyside liner and an outer cover. An absorbent core is located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover. First and second longitudinally extending leg cuffs are located in the crotch portion at oppositely dlsposed longltudinal side portions thereof. The absorbent article also includes a pair of containment flaps containing at least one passageway and extending longitudinally from the front portion to the rear portion of the article, the flaps being joined to the bodyside liner. Respective first and second reservoir walls are attached to a respective one of the containment flaps at corresponding first loci. A
second locus of each reservoir wall is attached to the base structure at a posltion disposed outwardly from the respective containment flap and inwardly from the outer edge of the bodyside liner.
In another embodiment, the reservoir wall may be attached to the outer c~ver outwardly of the flaps.
In yet another embodlment, the reservoir wall may be attached at the top distal end of the contalnment flap and at the lower base of the conta1nment flap. This arrangement forms the reservoir with the conta1nment flap and reservoir wall only.
The passageways may comprise sllts, apertures of various shapes, as well as breaks ln the seams joining the respective containment flaps to the bodyslde liner. The apertures preferably have an open area of no more than about 7 square centimeters for each flap, and preferably have cross-sectional areas corresponding to diameters from S to 25 mlllimeters. At least one passageway, and preferably at least three passageways are contemplated for each conta1nment flap.
Further, the passageways may be formed by cuts in the containment flaps, the cuts being serpentine in configuration and forming serpentine edges, and belng effected before attachment to the bodyside liner. The serpentine edges provide lobes and open or cut-out spaces between the respective lobes. The containment flaps are not attached to the liner at these spaces when the distal ends of the lobes are bonded or otherwise attached to the bodyside liner at intermittent locations. These spaces then comprise the passageways referred to earlier.
Further, the passageways may be formed by cuts in the containment flaps, the cuts being zig-zag in configuratlon and forming zig-zag edges, and being effected before attachment to the bodyside liner. The zig-zag edges provide teeth and open or cut-out spaces between the respective teeth. The containment flaps are not attached to the liner at these spaces when the distal ends of the teeth are bonded or otherwise attached to the bodyslde l~ner. These spaces then comprise the passageways referred to earl1er.
Brief DescriDti~n ~f the Drawinqs Fig. l illustrates an absorbent article accordlng to the present inventlon.
Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken at 2-2 in Fig. l of a diaper w~th the reservoir wall attached to the containment flap and the bodyside liner.
Fig. 3 lllustrates a sheet of flap mater1al with a zig-zag cut.
Fig. 3a illustrates a broken view of the sheet of flap material shown 1n Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 illustrates a sheet of flap material with a serpentine cut.
Fig. 4a illustrates a broken view of the sheet of flap material shown in Flg. 4.
Fig. 5 ls a cross-sectional view of another diaper with the reservoir wall attached to the containment flap and the outer cover.
Fig. 6 ls a cross-sectional view of yet another diaper with the reservoir wall attached only to the containment flap.
Detailed Descript1on of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention relates to absorbent articles designed to absorb body exudates. Whtle the preferred embodiments of the present invention-w~ll be descr1bed in terms of a disposable diaper adapted to be worn by infants and toddlers about the lower torso, the present invention is equally applicable to other absorbent articles such as adult incontinent briefs, training pants and the like.
The present invention can best be understood by a reference to the drawings in whlch like numerals represent like elements. Fig. l illustrates a diaper 8 suitable for use in the present invention. The dlaper 8 of Flg. I shows the containment flaps I0, the passageways 12, the bodyslde llner 14 and the reservoir wall 16. Fig. I also shows attachment means, such as hook and loop fasteners 18, 20, for securing the diaper upon a child. The first fastener 18 comprises a mechanical fastener such as the hook of a hook and loop fastening system mounted on the outer cover 22. The second fastener 20 then comprises a corresponding loop material attached to the outer cover 22 and adapted to releasably engage wlth the hook materlal of the first fastener 18.
Further, other well known fasten1ng means may be used to support the diaper 8 upon a person. Also, as shown in Fig. I, the passageways 12 are preferably located at or ad~acent the base 23 of the containment flaps 10 .
The containment flaps I0 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 lnclude elastlclzed material 24 to shape and posltion the flap. The flap material may be IS somewhat permeable. The contalnment flaps 10 may be joined to the bodyside llner by heat sealing, sonic bonding, adhesive bondlng or the llke. Adheslve bonding lncludes the use of glue lines, glue dots or other arrangements.
Contalnment flaps I0 may lnclude flap elast1cs 24 as shown ln Flg. 2. These flap elastlcs may suitably compr1se one or more individual strands of elastomerlc materlal. For example, a plurality of elastic strands may be conflgured ln a spatlally separated, generally parallel arrangement. The elastic strands can be distrlbuted over the full wldth of the flap and formed of a rubber materlal. The elastic strands may 2~ also be placed 1n an 1ntermediate posltion or fold of the containment flap I0 ln a lengthwlse directlon. The elastic strands may run the entlre length of the containment flap I0 or only a portlon of the length of the contalnment flap near the crotch of the diaper 8. A suitable elastlc strand may, for example, be composed of a 470 decitex LYC M ~
elastomer, 620 decttex LYC M ~ elastomer or other elastomers with suitable characterlstics. Flap elast1cs 24 are preferably integrated into - contalnment flaps I0 at least adjacent the dlstal edge 26 of the respectlve containment flap I0 and remote from bodyside liner I4 in a stretched condltlon such that the contractlon of the elastlc components thereof gathers and shortens the distal edge 26 of the containment flap I0 from the fully extended conditlon. As a result, the dlstal edge 26 of the contalnment flap lO tends to posit~on itself in a spaced relatlon away from the bodys1de liner 14 toward a generally uprlght and approximately perpendlcular conflguration in especially the crotch portton of the diaper as shown ~n Fi~s. 2, 5 and 6.
Leg cuffs 28 are suitably formed by portions of the outer cover 22 and/or the bodyside liner 14, which extend transversely beyond the longltud1nal sides of the absorbent core 30. The leg cuffs 28 may also be formed from separate materlals wh~ch are attached to the outer cover 22 and/or the bodys~de liner 14. Leg cuffs 28 include leg elastlcs 3Z.
Materials suitable for forming leg elastics 32 include strands or ribbons of a polymeric, elastomeric material which are adhered to the diaper 8 at the leg cuff 28 whlle in a stretched positlon. or which are attached to the diaper 8 while the diaper is pleated, such that elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the leg cuff 28. Further, the leg elastics 32 shown 1n Figs. 2 and 5 may be made of a material s~m~lar or ldent~cal to the flap elastics 24.
The containment flaps l0 may be constructed of a material whlch is the same as, or different than the material comprising bodyslde liner 14.
Alternatively, the containment flaps lO may also be made from a material which ls the same as the material of outer cover 2Z. The contalnment flaps lO are preferably liquid impervious. The contalnment flap l0 may be formed from a polymeric f~lm materlal or from e.g. a nonwoven material which is subs~antially liquid impervious. The containment flaps 10 may be formed by a single or mult;ple layer of material with appropriate elastics secured thereto as shown in Fig. 5. Figs. 2, 5 and 6 show the presence of the elastlcs 24 ln the containment flap. Other arrangements are also contemplated. For example, the elastics may be placed at multiple locatlons on the containment flap 10.
A suitable bodyslde llner 14 may be manufactured from a wlde selectlon of web materlals, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastlc films or natural fibers. For example, the bodyslde liner 14 may comprise wood or cotton flbers. Other possible materlals are synthetlc flbers, such as polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combinatlon of natural and synthetic fibers. Bodyside liner 14 ls suitably utillzed to help lsolate the llqulds held in the absorbent core 30 ~rom the wearer's skln.
Yarlous woven and nonwoven fabrics may be used for bodyside liner 14. For example, bodyside liner 14 may be composed of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The bodyside liner may also comprise a carded and/or bonded web composed of natural and/or synthetic flbers. The bodyside liner may also be composed of a substantlally hydrophobic material wherein the hydrophobic materlal ls treated wlth a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettabil1ty and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the present lnventlon, the bodyslde llner 14 may comprlse a nonwoven, spunbond, polypropylene fabric composed of about Z.8-3.2 denier fibers formed lnto a web having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.06 grams per cubic centlmeter. The fabric is then surface treated with about 0.28 weight percent of a surfactant.
The bodyside liner 14 may comprise a multiplicity of components or layers whlch correspond to any of the materials disclosed herein, as well as others known ln the art.
It ls generally preferred that the outer cover 22 of the dlaper 8 be formed from a material whlch is substantially impermeable to liquids. A
typlcal outer cover 22 may be manufactured from a thin plastlc fllm or other flexlble llquld-impermeable materlal. For example, the outer cover 22 may be formed from a polyethylene fllm havlng a thlckness of from about 0.012 millimeters to about 0.051 milllmeters. If the outer cover 22 should have a more clothllke feellng, it may comprise a polyethylene film laminated to a surface of a nonwoven web, such as a spunbond web of polyolefln flbers. For example, a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters may have thermally laminated thereto a spunbond web of polyolefln fibers having a thickness from 1.5 to 2.5 denler per filament, whlch nonwoven web has a basis weight of about 24 grams per square meter. Further, the outer cover 22 may be formed of a woven or nonwoven flbrous web whlch has been totally or partlally constructed or treated to lmpart a desired level of liquld lmpermeability to selected reglons that are adjacent or proximate the absorbent core 30.
Still further, the outer cover 22 may opt~onally be composed of a micro-porous material which permits vapors to escape from the absorbent core 30 while stlll preventing liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover Z2. The outer cover 2Z and bodyside liner 14, in combination form a base structure 33 for the diaper 8.
The absorbent core 30 suitably comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosic fluff, in combination wjth a high-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In aparticular embodiment, absorbent core 30 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and wood pulp fluff. In place of the wood pulp fluff, one may use synthetlc, polymeric, meltblown fibers or a comblnation o~ meltblown fibers and natural f1bers. The superabsorbent material may be substantially homogeneously mlxed with the hydrophllic flbers or may be otherwise combined lnto the absorbent core.
Alternat~vely, the absorbent core 30 may comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and superabsorbent material or other suitable means of maintainlng a superabsorbent material in a localized area.
The absorbent core 30 may have any of a number of shapes. For example, the absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. rt is generally preferred that the absorbent core 30 be narrower in the crotch portlon than the rear or front portion.
The hlgh-absorbency material in the absorbent core 30 can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and mater~als. The hlgh absorbency materials can be inorganic materials, such as sllica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers.
The term crosslinked refers to any means for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials substantially water insoluble but Z5 swellable. Such means can include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, coYalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophil~c associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associat~ons or Van der Waals forces.
The top edges (See Figs. 2 and 5) of the reservoir walls 16 are preferably attached to the containment flaps 10 at or near the distal edges 26 of the containment flaps lO and away from the bodyside liner 14.
The reserYoir walls can be formed of materials similar to those contained in the outer cover 22. The reservoir walls 16 preferably are formed of an impermeable nonwoven material or film, and/or combination of the two.
Examples of materials for the reservoir walls 16 include a polyethylene film having a th1ckness of about 0.012 millimeters or a polyethylene film thermally lamlnated to a spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. The reservoir walls 16 are also preferably attached to the base structure 33 outwardly from the containment flap 10 and toward the outer edge of the diaper 8 as shown in Flgs. 2 and 5. This arrangement forms a reservoir 34 to receive exudates.
At a first locus of attachment, a first surface of a reservoir wall 16, near an upper edge 35 thereof, ;s bonded or attached to a corresponding surface of the respectlve contalnment flap 10 near the distal edge 26. The lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached to the base structure 33 and/or containment flap 10 near base 23. For instance, a surface near a lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 ls attached to a corresponding surface of the base structure 33. Therefore, the reservoir wall 16 is attached to the containment flap 10 and base structure 33 to thereby form the reservoir 34.
Thls arrangement allows urine and/or fecal material and the like to travel through the passageway 12, including in response to pressure against the containment flap 10. The exudates are then received by the reservoir 34.formed between the reservoir wall 16, the contalnment flap 10, and optlonally the base structure 33. In general, the exudates pass through the passageway 12 lnto reservoir 34 ln preference to leaking past or over the containment flaps 10. The reservoir wall 16 may be attached to the containment flap 10 and base structure 33 by sewing, heat sealing, sonic bondlng, adhesive bonding or the like.
The passageways 12 of a containment flap 10 are large enough that a runny bowel movement and/or urlne may pass through, but small enough to avoid entrapment of body parts. The passageways 12 may comprise slits, apertures of various shapes, as well as interruptions in the joinder between the containment flap and the bodyside liner. The apertures of passageways 12 may have a total combined open area from 0.1 to 7 square centimeters for each containment flap 10. Preferably each aperture has an open area corresponding to a cross-sectional area of a diameter from about 5 to about 25 millimeters. Preferably each lndlvidual aperture is no greater than 0.5 square centimeters to avoid any possibility of penile strangulation. Slits may have a length from about 5 to about 25 milllmeters. Preferably, the slits are less than 12 millimeters long to avold any possibility of penile strangulation. In most instances, all of g _ _ the apertures comblned, have a total open area for both containment flaps lO of no greater than 12 square centimeters. The passageways 12 may be 1ntermittently spaced the ent~re length of the containment flap lO as shown 1n Fig. 1 or may be confined to a targeted area. One such area would be along the back port10n of the flap to collect exudates from bowel movements. A preferred area for the passageways 12 1s along the base or bottom 23 of the containment flap 10 near the bodyside liner 14 as shown ~n F~g. l.
Wh11e any number of passageways may be effectlve with respect to applicant's invention, preferably at least three passageways are present in each conta1nment flap lO.
The passageways 12 may be formed by cutting a single piece of material into two containment flaps lO in a zig-zag manner as shown in F1gs. 3 and 3a. After the cut is completed, two conta1nment flaps with zig-zag edges are created from one p1ece of material as shown in Fig. 3a.
Then, the d1stal portions 38 of the teeth 40 formed by the zig-zag edges of each containment flap lO are sewn, bonded, or otherwise attached, preferably longitudlnally onto the bodyside liner 14 at 1ntermittent locat10ns. When the conta1nment flaps lO are attached, open spaces 4Z
between the teeth 40 are left unattached or unbonded. Th1s arrangement forms passageways 12 from the spaces 42 between the teeth 40 of the contatnment flaps 10 and there is no waste of any piece of the material when formlng passageways 12.
Further, a serpent1ne pattern may be cut from a sheet of material as shown 1n F~gs. 4 and 4a. Th~s sheet of material, when cut into two pieces, then becomes two containment flaps with serpentine edges. The distal portions 44 of the lengths or lobes 46 formed by the serpentine edyes of each contalnment flap 10 are then sewn, bonded or otherwise attached, preferably longitudinally onto the bodyside liner 14 at 1nterm1ttent locat10ns. When the containment flaps lO are attached, the open spaces 4B between the lobes 46 are left unattached or unbonded.
This arrangement forms passaqeways 12 from the spaces 48 between the lobes 46 of the conta1nment flaps lO. The second flap lO created by edges of the serpentlne cut ls attached in a similar manner. Once again, the spaces 48 between the lobes 46 of the serpentine pattern then comprise passageways 12 which allow exudates to travel to the reservo~r WO 97/161~14 34. Forming the flaps lO in this manner ensures there is no waste of any piece of the material when forming passageways 12.
While a z1g-zag pattern and a serpentine pattern have been illustrated, there are an infinite var1ety of other patterns which also may be utilized. The chief criter1a for select1ng a pattern is to prov1de the proper number of, and d1mensions for, passageways 12.
The volume of the receiving reservoir 34 is controlled, at least in part, by the locus at which the upper edge 35 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached to the conta1nment flap lO and the locus at whlch the lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached to a surface of the base structure 33 or to the base 23 of containment flap lO. Attaching the lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 to the outer cover 22 at a surface of the base structure 33 as shown in Fig. 5 contributes to an increased volume for the reservoir 34. In the illustrated embodiments, the longitudinal ends of the containment flaps lO are also bonded or otherwise attached to the base structure 33. S1milarly, the long1tudina1 ends of reservo1r 34 are closed by securement of reservo1r wall 16 to containment flap lO along a l1ne travers1ng from generally lower edge 36 to upper edge 35. This arrangement forms a reservoir 34 connected vla the passageways 12 to the central port10n 50 of the diaper 8 wh1ch may contain a sudden flow of exudates which could otherwlse leak around or over the containment flaps lO.
Further, as shown 1n Fig. 5, spac1ng the reservo1r wall 16 outwardly from or beyond the leg elastics 32 maximizes the volume capac1ty of reservoir 34. Th~s arrangement also allows exudates contained in reservoir 34 to pass through the bodyside liner 14 to reach the absorbent core 30. Thls allows more of the exudates to reach the absorbent core 30. In such instances where exudates travel first into reservoir 34 and thence to the core 30, reservoir 34 acts as a temporary holding locus, hold1ng the exudates away from the user~s body unt11 11quid port10ns thereof are absorbed by core 30. This increases the eff1ciency and capability of the diaper 8 to operate effect1vely during a sudden release of exudates without leak1ng.
The spacing between conta1nment flaps lO, across the central portion 50 of the diaper 8 can be varied in accordance with a variety of acceptable design parameters. As the containment flaps 10 are spaced _ closer together to minimize the stain area on the buttocks due to a bowel movement, the volume available between the flaps 10, absent the invention, to contain exudates is reduced. Absent the invention, as exudates flll the pocket in the central portion 50 of the diaper, the exudates begin to go over the flap, and/or up the back of the diaper.
Therefore, the invention shown herein reduces the staln area and prov1des greater comfort to the wearer because an alternate path of low resistance is provided for movement of exudates through passageways 12 and away from the wearer's skin. With respect to urine, the same logic may be applied.
A sudden flow of urine may be released more rapidly than the core 30 can absorb it. The excess urine can pass through passageway 12 to the reservoir 34 and be held there until it is absorbed by the absorbent core 30. Once in the reservoir 34, the urine can flow back out the passageway 12 to the absorbent core 30, or can flow through the bodyside liner 14 directly to the absorbent core 30. Thls arrangement also allows for faster, more efflcient absorpt~on by the core 30 since urine is contactlng a greater surface area of the core. The invention may also be arranged so that a portion of the reservoir is directly above the absorbent core 30. Such an arrangement requires that the containment flaps lO be placed closer to one another than shown in the drawings.
Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the reservoir wall 16 is attached only to the contalnment flap lO. This arrangement may be more simply constructed than the earlier embodiments. A first surface of the upper edge 35 of reservoir wall l6 ~s sewn, bonded or otherwise attached near the distal edge 26 of the containment flap lO. The oppos~ng surface of the lower edge 36 of the reservoir wall 16 is attached near the base 23 of the containment flap lO. ~hile the opposing surface of the reservoir wall 16 is shown attached to the base of the flap ln Fig. 6, el~her the same or the opposlng surface of the reservoir wall 16 may provide the attachment whlch forms reservoir 34. Loci on the ends of the reservoir wall 16 are attached to the containment flap 10 to form a reservoir 34 sealed except for the passageways 12.
Those skilled in the art will now see that certain modifications can be made to the apparatus and methods herein disclosed with respect to the illustrated embod~ments, w1thout departing from the spirit of the instant CA 02231637 l99X-04-09 inventlon. And while the 1nvention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications, and alterations, and all such arrangements, modifications, and alterations are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (24)
1. An absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion connecting said front and rear portions, said crotch portion having opposing longitudinal side portions, said absorbent article comprising:
(a) an outer cover;
(b) a bodyside liner mounted to said outer cover, said bodyside liner and said outer cover, in combination, comprising a base structure of said absorbent article;
(c) an absorbent core located between said bodyside liner and said outer cover;
(d) a containment flap joined to said bodyside liner;
(e) a reservoir wall attached to said containment flap and said base structure, and forming a reservoir between said reservoir wall, said bodyside liner and said containment flap; and (f) at least one passageway formed in said containment flap for transferring exudates through said containment flap into said reservoir.
(a) an outer cover;
(b) a bodyside liner mounted to said outer cover, said bodyside liner and said outer cover, in combination, comprising a base structure of said absorbent article;
(c) an absorbent core located between said bodyside liner and said outer cover;
(d) a containment flap joined to said bodyside liner;
(e) a reservoir wall attached to said containment flap and said base structure, and forming a reservoir between said reservoir wall, said bodyside liner and said containment flap; and (f) at least one passageway formed in said containment flap for transferring exudates through said containment flap into said reservoir.
2. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said at least one passageway has a cross-sectional area corresponding to a diameter of between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters.
3. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said at least one passageway comprises a slit having a length between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters.
4. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said containment flap comprises a first containment flap, said absorbent article further comprising a second containment flap, said first and second containment flaps comprising sections of a material severed by a serpentine cut forming corresponding serpentine edges along a length thereof, said serpentine edges forming lobes in said material, and corresponding spaces between said lobes, said spaces comprising said at least one passageway when said lobes of each said flap are attached to said base structure.
5. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said containment flap comprises a first containment flap, said absorbent article further comprising a second containment flap, said first and second containment flaps comprising sections of a material severed by a zig-zag cut forming corresponding zig-zag edges along a length thereof, said zig-zag edges forming teeth in said material, and corresponding spaces between said teeth, the spaces between said teeth comprising said at least one passageway when said teeth of each said flap are attached to said base structure.
6. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said at least one passageway comprises at least three passageways through said containment flap.
7. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said at least one passageway is formed by slits in said flap.
8. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said containment flap is joined to said bodyside liner at intermittent locations, separated by spaces between adjacent ones of the intermittent locations, wherein said at least one passageway comprises a respective said space.
9. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said reservoir wall is attached to said bodyside liner of said absorbent article at a position disposed outwardly from said containment flap.
10. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said reservoir wall is attached to said outer cover of said absorbent article at a position disposed outwardly from said containment flap.
11. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein said at least one passageway is formed in the base of said containment flap.
12. An absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion connecting said front and rear portions, said crotch portion having opposing longitudinal side portions, said absorbent article comprising:
(a) an outer cover;
(b) a bodyside liner mounted to said outer cover, said bodyside liner and said outer cover, in combination, comprising a base structure of said absorbent article;
(c) an absorbent core located between said bodyside liner and said outer cover;
(d) first and second containment flaps, said containment flaps being joined to said bodyside liner, said containment flaps each having a distal edge away from said bodyside liner and a base adjacent to said bodyside liner;
(e) first and second reservoir walls, said first and second reservoir walls being attached to the corresponding said containment flaps near the distal edges of the corresponding said containment flaps and separately attached to the corresponding said containment flaps near the bases of the corresponding said containment flaps, and thereby forming corresponding first and second reservoirs between the respective said containment flaps and the respective said reservoir walls; and (f) at least one passageway formed in each said containment flap for transferring exudates through said containment flaps into said reservoirs.
(a) an outer cover;
(b) a bodyside liner mounted to said outer cover, said bodyside liner and said outer cover, in combination, comprising a base structure of said absorbent article;
(c) an absorbent core located between said bodyside liner and said outer cover;
(d) first and second containment flaps, said containment flaps being joined to said bodyside liner, said containment flaps each having a distal edge away from said bodyside liner and a base adjacent to said bodyside liner;
(e) first and second reservoir walls, said first and second reservoir walls being attached to the corresponding said containment flaps near the distal edges of the corresponding said containment flaps and separately attached to the corresponding said containment flaps near the bases of the corresponding said containment flaps, and thereby forming corresponding first and second reservoirs between the respective said containment flaps and the respective said reservoir walls; and (f) at least one passageway formed in each said containment flap for transferring exudates through said containment flaps into said reservoirs.
13. An absorbent article according to claim 12 wherein said at least one passageway in each said containment flap has a cross-sectional area corresponding to a diameter of between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters.
14. An absorbent article according to claim 12 wherein said at least one passageway in each said containment flap comprises a slit.
15. An absorbent article according to claim 12 wherein said at least one passageway in each said containment flap comprises at least three passageways through each said containment flap.
16. An absorbent article according to claim 12 wherein said at least one passageway in each said containment flap is formed by slits in the respective said flaps.
17. An absorbent article having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion connecting said front and rear portions, said absorbent article having opposing outer longitudinal edges extending along a length thereof, said crotch portion having opposing longitudinal side portions, said absorbent article comprising:
(a) an outer cover;
(b) a bodyside liner mounted to said outer cover, said bodyside liner and said outer cover, in combination, comprising a base structure of said absorbent article;
(c) an absorbent core located between said bodyside liner and said outer cover;
(d) first and second containment flaps, said containment flaps being joined to sald bodyside liner;
(e) first and second reservoir walls, a first locus on each said reservoir wall being attached to a respective one of said containment flaps, a second locus on each said reservoir wall being attached to said base structure, said second locus being displaced from said first locus; the attachment of said reservoir walls to said base structure being disposed outwardly from the respective said containment flap and inwardly from the respective said outer longitudinal edge to form respective first and second reservoirs for exudates; and (f) at least one passageway formed in each said containment flap and extending into the respective said reservoir.
(a) an outer cover;
(b) a bodyside liner mounted to said outer cover, said bodyside liner and said outer cover, in combination, comprising a base structure of said absorbent article;
(c) an absorbent core located between said bodyside liner and said outer cover;
(d) first and second containment flaps, said containment flaps being joined to sald bodyside liner;
(e) first and second reservoir walls, a first locus on each said reservoir wall being attached to a respective one of said containment flaps, a second locus on each said reservoir wall being attached to said base structure, said second locus being displaced from said first locus; the attachment of said reservoir walls to said base structure being disposed outwardly from the respective said containment flap and inwardly from the respective said outer longitudinal edge to form respective first and second reservoirs for exudates; and (f) at least one passageway formed in each said containment flap and extending into the respective said reservoir.
18. An absorbent article according to claim 17 wherein said at least one passageway in each said containment flap has a cross-sectional area corresponding to a diameter of between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters.
19. An absorbent article according to claim 17 wherein said at least one passageway in each said containment flap comprises a slit.
20. An absorbent article according to claim 17 said first and second containment flaps comprising sections of a material severed by a serpentine cut forming corresponding serpentine edges along a length thereof, said serpentine edges forming lobes in said material, and corresponding spaces between said lobes, said spaces comprising said at least one passageway in each respective containment flap when said lobes of each said containment flap are attached to said bodyside liner.
21. An absorbent article according to claim 17, said first and second containment flaps comprising sections of a material severed by a zig-zag cut forming corresponding zig-zag edges along a length thereof, said zig-zag edges forming teeth in said material, and corresponding spaces between said teeth, the spaces between said teeth comprising said at least one passageway in each respective said containment flap when said teeth of each said containment flap are attached to said bodyside liner.
22. An absorbent article according to claim 17 including at least three passageways through each said containment flap.
23. An absorbent article according to claim 17 wherein said at least one passageway of each said containment flap is formed by slits in the respective said flaps.
24. An absorbent article according to claim 17 wherein said containment flaps are joined to said bodyside liner at intermittent locations, separated by spaces between adjacent ones of the intermittent locations, wherein said passageways comprise respective said spaces.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/550,431 US5674213A (en) | 1995-10-30 | 1995-10-30 | Absorbent article having containment flaps with receiving reservoirs |
| US08/550,431 | 1995-10-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2231637A1 true CA2231637A1 (en) | 1997-05-09 |
Family
ID=24197162
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002231637A Abandoned CA2231637A1 (en) | 1995-10-30 | 1996-09-20 | Absorbent article having containment flaps with receiving reservoirs |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5674213A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0862400A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH11514253A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR19990067181A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR004235A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU705517B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9611274A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2231637A1 (en) |
| CO (1) | CO4750625A1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL123746A0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997016144A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA968903B (en) |
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-
1995
- 1995-10-30 US US08/550,431 patent/US5674213A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-09-20 JP JP9507945A patent/JPH11514253A/en active Pending
- 1996-09-20 BR BR9611274A patent/BR9611274A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-09-20 KR KR1019980703132A patent/KR19990067181A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-09-20 AU AU71148/96A patent/AU705517B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1996-09-20 EP EP96932290A patent/EP0862400A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1996-09-20 IL IL12374696A patent/IL123746A0/en unknown
- 1996-09-20 WO PCT/US1996/015101 patent/WO1997016144A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-09-20 CA CA002231637A patent/CA2231637A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-10-23 ZA ZA968903A patent/ZA968903B/en unknown
- 1996-10-29 CO CO96057165A patent/CO4750625A1/en unknown
- 1996-10-29 AR ARP960104958A patent/AR004235A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH11514253A (en) | 1999-12-07 |
| AU7114896A (en) | 1997-05-22 |
| ZA968903B (en) | 1997-05-28 |
| EP0862400A1 (en) | 1998-09-09 |
| KR19990067181A (en) | 1999-08-16 |
| BR9611274A (en) | 1999-01-26 |
| US5674213A (en) | 1997-10-07 |
| AU705517B2 (en) | 1999-05-27 |
| IL123746A0 (en) | 1998-10-30 |
| WO1997016144A1 (en) | 1997-05-09 |
| AR004235A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
| CO4750625A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |