US20170246054A1 - Absorbent article with absorbent body providing improved access to containment pocket of waist containment member - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) can include a waist containment member (54) and an absorbent body (34, 134, 234, 334, 434). The waist containment member (54) can include a proximal portion (76) and a distal portion (78) configured to freely move with respect to the chassis (11) when the absorbent article (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is in a relaxed configuration to provide a containment pocket (82). The absorbent body (34, 134, 234, 334, 434) can be configured to provide improved access for exudates into the containment pocket (82) of the waist containment member (54).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/212051, filed Aug. 31, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in a manner consistent with the present application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• A primary function of personal care absorbent articles is to absorb and retain body exudates such as urine, fecal material, blood, and menses with additional desired attributes including low leakage of the exudates from the absorbent article and a dry feel to the wearer of the absorbent article. By preventing leakage of the exudates from the absorbent article, the absorbent article intends to prevent the body exudates from soiling or contaminating a wearer's or caregiver's clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that can come in contact with the wearer.
• One common mode of failure is for exudates to leak out of the rear waist region or the front waist region of an absorbent article. As one example, fecal material that is not absorbed or contained by the absorbent article can move past the gaps between the absorbent article and the wearer's skin in the rear waist region and soil or contaminate the wearer's skin and clothing near their back. This may be more common of an occurrence for semi-solid fecal material, such as low viscosity fecal material, which can be prevalent with younger children. Such exudates can move around on the bodyside liner of an absorbent article under the influence of gravity, motion, force, and pressure by the wearer of the absorbent article. In such a circumstance, not only does the wearer's absorbent article need to be changed, but the wearer's clothing and/or bedding often also needs to be changed, resulting in additional work, expense, and stress for the caregiver.
• Attempts have been made in the past to provide containment systems, especially on the bodyside liner or near the rear waist region to solve the problems described above. One example is by providing a waist elastic member and not adhering a portion of the waist containment member closest to the lateral axis of the absorbent article to the bodyside liner, such that the non-adhered portion of the waist elastic member can provide a containment pocket for exudates. One example of this configuration is a HUGGIES® Little Snugglers diaper. Although absorbent articles with such containment members intend to prevent leakage of exudates and have functioned adequately, failures can still occur.
• Thus, there is a desire for improvements to containment systems and containment members of absorbent articles to prevent leakage of exudates, especially in the waist regions of the absorbent article. There is also a desire for improvements in containment systems to have increased void volumes to hold body exudates until the absorbent article can be changed.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
• In one embodiment, an absorbent article can include a chassis including a body facing surface. The absorbent article can further include a waist containment member disposed on the body facing surface of the chassis. The waist containment member can include a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge. The second longitudinal side edge can be opposite from the first longitudinal side edge. The waist containment member can further include an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge. The upper lateral edge can be opposite from the lower lateral edge. The waist containment member can also include a proximal portion coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis and a distal portion being free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in the relaxed configuration to provide a pocket for exudates. The absorbent article can include an absorbent body including a first end edge, a second end edge, and a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between the first end edge and the second end edge. The first end edge of the absorbent body can include a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion. The first portion and the second portion can each be disposed under waist containment member and the intermediate portion can be disposed to not be under the waist containment member.
• In another embodiment, an absorbent article can include a chassis including a body facing surface. The absorbent article can further include a waist containment member disposed on the body facing surface of the chassis. The waist containment member can include a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge. The second longitudinal side edge can be opposite from the first longitudinal side edge. The waist containment member can further include an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge. The upper lateral edge can be opposite from the lower lateral edge. The waist containment member can also include a proximal portion coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis and a distal portion being free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in the relaxed configuration to provide a pocket for exudates. The absorbent article can include an absorbent body including a first end edge and a second end edge. The absorbent body can also include a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between the first end edge and the second end edge. The absorbent body can further include a first section having a first thickness and a second section having a second thickness. The first section and the second section can each at least partially be disposed under the waist containment member. The absorbent body can also include an intermediate section between the first section and the second section. A thickness of the intermediate section can be less than the first thickness and less than the second thickness. At least a portion of the intermediate section can be disposed under the waist containment member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• A full and enabling disclosure thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures in which:
• FIG. 1 is side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article, such as a diaper, in a fastened condition.
• FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 in a stretched, laid flat, unfastened condition.
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line3-3 fromFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line4-4 fromFIG. 2.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the back waist region of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 in a fastened condition against a wearer's buttocks and back, where the cross-section is taken in a high compression resistance zone similar toFIG. 3.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the back waist region of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1 in a fastened condition against a wearer's buttocks and back, where the cross-section is taken in a low compression resistance zone similar toFIG. 4.
• FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbent article in a stretched, laid flat, unfastened condition.
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of an absorbent article in a stretched, laid flat, unfastened condition.
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line9-9 fromFIG. 8.
• FIG. 10 is a top plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of an absorbent article in a stretched, laid flat, unfastened condition.
• FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbent article, such as a pant.
• FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 11 in a stretched, laid flat condition.
• Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
• In an embodiment, the present disclosure is generally directed towards an absorbent article having an absorbent body and a waist containment member that can provide a containment pocket. In conjunction with the absorbent body, the waist containment member can provide a low compression resistance zone that can provide easier access for body exudates to enter the containment pocket. The absorbent body and the waist containment member can also provide increased void volume for body exudates. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure include such modifications and variations.
• When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.
• Definitions:
• The term “absorbent article” refers herein to an article which may be placed against or in proximity to the body (i.e., contiguous with the body) of the wearer to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid exudates discharged from the body. Such absorbent articles, as described herein, are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use instead of being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to various disposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, diapers, diaper pants, training pants, youth pants, swim pants, feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to, menstrual pads or pants, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
• The term “acquisition layer” refers herein to a layer capable of accepting and temporarily holding liquid body exudates to decelerate and diffuse a surge or gush of the liquid body exudates and to subsequently release the liquid body exudates therefrom into another layer or layers of the absorbent article.
• The term “bonded” or “coupled” refers herein to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered bonded or coupled together when they are joined, adhered, connected, attached, or the like, directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements. The bonding or coupling of one element to another can occur via continuous or intermittent bonds.
• The term “carded web” refers herein to a web containing natural or synthetic staple length fibers typically having fiber lengths less than about 100 mm. Bales of staple fibers can undergo an opening process to separate the fibers which are then sent to a carding process which separates and combs the fibers to align them in the machine direction after which the fibers are deposited onto a moving wire for further processing. Such webs are usually subjected to some type of bonding process such as thermal bonding using heat and/or pressure. In addition to or in lieu thereof, the fibers may be subject to adhesive processes to bind the fibers together such as by the use of powder adhesives. The carded web may be subjected to fluid entangling, such as hydroentangling, to further intertwine the fibers and thereby improve the integrity of the carded web. Carded webs, due to the fiber alignment in the machine direction, once bonded, will typically have more machine direction strength than cross machine direction strength.
• The term “film” refers herein to a thermoplastic film made using an extrusion and/or forming process, such as a cast film or blown film extrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films, and other porous films which constitute liquid transfer films, as well as films which do not transfer fluids, such as, but not limited to, barrier films, filled films, breathable films, and oriented films.
• The term “gsm” refers herein to grams per square meter.
• The term “hydrophilic” refers herein to fibers or the surfaces of fibers which are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materials can be provided by Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System, or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles less than 90 are designated “wettable” or hydrophilic, and fibers having contact angles greater than 90 are designated “nonwettable” or hydrophobic.
• The term “liquid impermeable” refers herein to a layer or multi-layer laminate in which liquid body exudates, such as urine, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact.
• The term “liquid permeable” refers herein to any material that is not liquid impermeable.
• The term “meltblown” refers herein to fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging high velocity heated gas (e.g., air) streams which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which can be a microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous or discontinuous, are generally smaller than about 0.6 denier, and may be tacky and self-bonding when deposited onto a collecting surface.
• The term “nonwoven” refers herein to materials and webs of material which are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. The materials and webs of materials can have a structure of individual fibers, filaments, or threads (collectively referred to as “fibers”) which can be interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven materials or webs can be formed from many processes such as, but not limited to, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, carded web processes, etc.
• The term “pliable” refers herein to materials which are compliant and which will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearer's body.
• The term “spunbond” refers herein to small diameter fibers which are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine capillaries of a spinnerette having a circular or other configuration, with the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced by a conventional process such as, for example, eductive drawing, and processes that are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to Hartmann, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,538 to Peterson, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and often have average deniers larger than about 0.3, and in an embodiment, between about 0.6, 5 and 10 and about 15, 20 and 40. Spunbond fibers are generally not tacky when they are deposited on a collecting surface.
• The term “superabsorbent” refers herein to a water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic material capable, under the most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight and, in an embodiment, at least about 30 times its weight, in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. The superabsorbent materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers.
• The term “thermoplastic” refers herein to a material which softens and which can be shaped when exposed to heat and which substantially returns to a non-softened condition when cooled.
• The term “user” or “caregiver” refers herein to one who fits an absorbent article, such as, but not limited to, a diaper, diaper pant, training pant, youth pant, incontinent product, or other absorbent article about the wearer of one of these absorbent articles. A user and a wearer can be one and the same person.
• Absorbent Article:
• Referring toFIGS. 1-10, a non-limiting illustration of anabsorbent article10,110,210,310 for example, a diaper, is illustrated. Other embodiments of the absorbent article could include training pants, diaper pants, youth pants, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene articles. While the embodiments and illustrations described herein may generally apply to absorbent articles manufactured in the product longitudinal direction, which is hereinafter called the machine direction manufacturing of a product, it should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art could apply the information herein to absorbent articles manufactured in the latitudinal direction of the product, which hereinafter is called the cross direction manufacturing of a product, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the absorbent article410 inFIGS. 11 and 12 provides an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article410 that can be manufactured in cross-direction manufacturing process.
• Theabsorbent article10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-6, the absorbent article110 inFIG. 7, the absorbent article210 ofFIGS. 8 and 9, the absorbent article310 ofFIG. 10, and the absorbent article410 ofFIGS. 11 and 12 can each include a chassis11. Theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can include afront waist region12, arear waist region14, and acrotch region16 disposed between thefront waist region12 and therear waist region14 and interconnecting the front and rear waist regions,12,14, respectively. Thefront waist region12 can be referred to as the front end region, therear waist region14 can be referred to as the rear end region, and thecrotch region16 can be referred to as the intermediate region. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 11 and 12, a three-piece construction of an absorbent article410 is depicted where the absorbent article410 can have a chassis11 including a front waist panel13 defining thefront waist region12, a rear waist panel15 defining therear waist region14, and an absorbent panel17 defining thecrotch region16 of the absorbent article410. The absorbent panel17 can extend between the front waist panel13 and the rear waist panel15. In some embodiments, the absorbent panel17 can overlap the front waist panel13 and the rear waist panel15. The absorbent panel17 can be bonded to the front waist panel13 and the rear waist panel15 to define a three-piece construction. However, it is contemplated that an absorbent article can be manufactured in a cross-direction without being a three-piece construction garment.
• Theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can have a pair of longitudinal side edges18,20, and a pair of opposite waist edges, respectively designated front waist edge22 andrear waist edge24. Thefront waist region12 can be contiguous with the front waist edge22 and therear waist region14 can be contiguous with therear waist edge24. The longitudinal side edges18,20 can extend from the front waist edge22 to therear waist edge24. The longitudinal side edges18,20 can extend in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal direction30 for their entire length, such as for theabsorbent articles10,110,310 illustrated inFIGS. 2, 7, 8, and 10. In other embodiments, the longitudinal side edges18,20 can be curved between the front waist edge22 and therear waist edge24. In the absorbent article410 ofFIGS. 11 and 12, the longitudinal side edges18,20 can include portions of the front waist panel13, the absorbent panel17, and the rear waist panel15.
• Thefront waist region12 can include the portion of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 that, when worn, is positioned at least in part on the front of the wearer while therear waist region14 can include the portion of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 that, when worn, is positioned at least in part on the back of the wearer. Thecrotch region16 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can include the portion of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 that, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and can partially cover the lower torso of the wearer. The waist edges,22 and24, of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 are configured to encircle the waist of the wearer and together define a central waist opening23 (as labeled inFIG. 1 andFIG. 11) for the waist of the wearer. Portions of the longitudinal side edges18,20 in thecrotch region16 can generally define leg openings for the legs of the wearer when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is worn.
• Theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can include anouter cover26 and abodyside liner28. Theouter cover26 and thebodyside liner28 can form a portion of the chassis11. In an embodiment, thebodyside liner28 can be bonded to theouter cover26 in a superposed relation by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, or other conventional techniques. Theouter cover26 can define a length in alongitudinal direction30, and a width in thelateral direction32, which, in the illustrated embodiment, can coincide with the length and width of theabsorbent article10,110,310,410. As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 7, 8, 9, and12, theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can have a longitudinal axis29 extending in thelongitudinal direction30 and a lateral axis31 extending in thelateral direction32.
• The chassis11 can include anabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434. Much of the description herein for absorbent bodies will be applicable to several embodiments of anabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434, however, the discussion will focus onabsorbent body34 illustrated inFIGS. 2-6. That same discussion of theabsorbent body34 can apply to other embodiments of absorbent bodies134,234,334,434 unless otherwise noted.
• Theabsorbent body34 can be disposed between theouter cover26 and thebodyside liner28. Theabsorbent body34 can have longitudinal edges,36 and38, which, in an embodiment, can form portions of the longitudinal side edges,18 and20, respectively, of theabsorbent article10. Theabsorbent body34 can have afirst end edge40 that is opposite asecond end edge42, respectively, which, in an embodiment, can form portions of the waist edges,22 and24, respectively, of theabsorbent article10. In some embodiments, thefirst end edge40 can be in thefront waist region12. In some embodiments, thesecond end edge42 can be in therear waist region14. In an embodiment, theabsorbent body34 can have a length and width that are the same as or less than the length and width of theabsorbent article10. Thebodyside liner28, theouter cover26, and theabsorbent body34 can form part of anabsorbent assembly44. In the absorbent article410 ofFIGS. 11 and 12, the absorbent panel17 can form theabsorbent assembly44. Theabsorbent assembly44 can also include a fluid transfer layer (not shown) and a fluid acquisition layer (not shown) between thebodyside liner28 and the fluid transfer layer (if present) as is known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Theabsorbent assembly44 can also include a spacer layer (not shown) disposed between theabsorbent body34 and theouter cover26 as is known by one of ordinary skill in the art.
• Theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can be configured to contain and/or absorb liquid, solid, and semi-solid body exudates discharged from the wearer. In some embodiments, containment flaps50,52 can be configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. To further enhance containment and/or absorption of body exudates, theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can suitably include awaist containment member54. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed in therear waist region14 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410. In some embodiments, awaist containment member54 can be disposed in thefront waist region12. In some embodiments, such as theabsorbent article10 illustrated inFIG. 2, awaist containment member54 can be disposed in thefront waist region12 and awaist containment member54 can be disposed in therear waist region14.
• Thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 to help contain and/or absorb body exudates. In some embodiments, such as in theabsorbent articles10,110,210,310 depicted inFIGS. 1-10, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on thebody facing surface56 of thebodyside liner28. In some embodiments, such as in the absorbent article410 depicted inFIGS. 11 and 12, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on the body facing surface58 of the rear waist panel15.
• As will be discussed in greater detail below, thewaist containment member54 can include a proximal portion76 and distal portion78. The proximal portion76 can be coupled to the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 and the distal portion78 can be free to move with respect to the chassis11 when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is in a relaxed configuration to provide a containment pocket82 for exudates.
• Theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can further include legelastic members60,62 as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The legelastic members60,62 can be attached to theouter cover26 and/or thebodyside liner28 along the opposite longitudinal side edges,18 and20, and positioned in thecrotch region16 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410. The legelastic members60,62 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis29 as shown inFIGS. 2, 7, 8, 10, and 12 or can be curved as is known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The legelastic members60,62 can provide elasticized leg cuffs.
• Additional details regarding each of these elements of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 described herein can be found below and with reference to theFIGS. 1 through 12.
• Outer Cover:
• Theouter cover26 and/or portions thereof can be breathable and/or liquid impermeable. Theouter cover26 and/or portions thereof can be elastic, stretchable, or non-stretchable. Theouter cover26 may be constructed of a single layer, multiple layers, laminates, spunbond fabrics, films, meltblown fabrics, elastic netting, microporous webs, bonded-carded webs or foams provided by elastomeric or polymeric materials. In an embodiment, for example, theouter cover26 can be constructed of a microporous polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
• In an embodiment, theouter cover26 can be a single layer of a liquid impermeable material, such as a polymeric film. In an embodiment, theouter cover26 can be suitably stretchable, and more suitably elastic, in at least thelateral direction32. In an embodiment, theouter cover26 can be stretchable, and more suitably elastic, in both the lateral32 and the longitudinal30 directions. In an embodiment, theouter cover26 can be a multi-layered laminate in which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. In some embodiments, theouter cover26 can be a two layer construction, including an outer layer (not shown) and an inner layer (not shown) which can be bonded together such as by a laminate adhesive. Suitable laminate adhesives can be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a spray, parallel swirls, or the like, but it is to be understood that the inner layer can be bonded to the outer layer by other bonding methods, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, or the like.
• The outer layer of theouter cover26 can be any suitable material and may be one that provides a generally cloth-like texture or appearance to the wearer. An example of such material can be a 100% polypropylene bonded-carded web with a diamond bond pattern available from Sandler A.G., Germany, such as 30 gsm Sawabond 4185® or equivalent. Another example of material suitable for use as an outer layer of anouter cover26 can be a 20 gsm spunbond polypropylene non-woven web. The outer layer may also be constructed of the same materials from which thebodyside liner28 can be constructed as described herein.
• The liquid impermeable inner layer of the outer cover26 (or the liquid impermeableouter cover26 where theouter cover26 is of a single-layer construction) can be either vapor permeable (i.e., “breathable”) or vapor impermeable. The liquid impermeable inner layer (or the liquid impermeableouter cover26 where theouter cover26 is of a single-layer construction) can be manufactured from a thin plastic film. The liquid impermeable inner layer (or the liquid impermeableouter cover26 where theouter cover26 is of a single-layer construction) can inhibit liquid body exudates from leaking out of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 and wetting articles, such as bed sheets and clothing, as well as the wearer and caregiver.
• In some embodiments, where theouter cover26 is of a single layer construction, it can be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth-like texture or appearance. Theouter cover26 can permit vapors to escape from theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 while preventing liquids from passing through. A suitable liquid impermeable, vapor permeable material can be composed of a microporous polymer film or a non-woven material which has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability.
• Bodyside Liner:
• Thebodyside liner28 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can overlay theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 and theouter cover26 and can isolate the wearer's skin from liquid waste retained by theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434. In various embodiments, a fluid transfer layer (not shown) can be positioned between thebodyside liner28 and theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434. In various embodiments, an acquisition layer (not shown) can be positioned between thebodyside liner28 and theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 or a fluid transfer layer, if present. In various embodiments, thebodyside liner28 can be bonded to the acquisition layer, or to the fluid transfer layer if no acquisition layer is present, via adhesive and/or by a point fusion bonding. The point fusion bonding may be selected from ultrasonic, thermal, pressure bonding, and combinations thereof.
• In an embodiment, thebodyside liner28 can extend beyond theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 and/or a fluid transfer layer, if present, and/or an acquisition layer, if present, and/or a spacer layer, if present, to overlay a portion of theouter cover26 and can be bonded thereto by any method deemed suitable, such as, for example, by being bonded thereto by adhesive, to substantially enclose theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 between theouter cover26 and thebodyside liner28. Thebodyside liner28 may be narrower than theouter cover26. However, in other embodiments, thebodyside liner28 and theouter cover26 may be of the same dimensions in width and length. In other embodiments, thebodyside liner28 can be of greater width than theouter cover26. It is also contemplated that thebodyside liner28 may not extend beyond theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 and/or may not be secured to theouter cover26. In some embodiments, thebodyside liner28 can wrap at least a portion of theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434. It is further contemplated that thebodyside liner28 may be composed of more than one segment of material. Thebodyside liner28 can be of different shapes, including rectangular, hourglass, or any other shape. Thebodyside liner28 can be suitably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and can be the same as or less hydrophilic than theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 to permit body exudates to readily penetrate through to theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 and provide a relatively dry surface to the wearer.
• Thebodyside liner28 can be manufactured from a wide selection of materials, such as synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or the like. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, rayon, wood, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers, polyolefins, such as, but not limited to, copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and aliphatic esters such as polylactic acid, finely perforated film webs, net materials, and the like, as well as combinations thereof.
• Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for thebodyside liner28. Thebodyside liner28 can include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a polymer film, a film-fabric laminate or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Examples of a nonwoven fabric can include spunbond fabric, meltblown fabric, coform fabric, carded web, bonded-carded web, bicomponent spunbond fabric, spunlace, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Thebodyside liner28 need not be a unitary layer structure, and thus, can include more than one layer of fabrics, films, and/or webs, as well as combinations thereof. For example, thebodyside liner28 can include a support layer and a projection layer that can be hydroentagled. The projection layer can include hollow projections, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0121623 invented by Kirby, Scott S. C. et al.
• For example, thebodyside liner28 can be composed of a meltblown or spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. Alternatively, thebodyside liner28 can be a bonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. Thebodyside liner28 can be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material can, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant can be applied to theentire bodyside liner28 or it can be selectively applied to particular sections of thebodyside liner28.
• In an embodiment, abodyside liner28 can be constructed of a non-woven bicomponent web. The non-woven bicomponent web can be a spunbonded bicomponent web, or a bonded-carded bicomponent web. An example of a bicomponent staple fiber includes a polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. In this particular bicomponent fiber, the polypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms the sheath of the fiber. Fibers having other orientations, such as multi-lobe, side-by-side, end-to-end may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In an embodiment, abodyside liner28 can be a spunbond substrate with a basis weight from about 10 or 12 to about 15 or 20 gsm. In an embodiment, abodyside liner28 can be a 12 gsm spunbond-meltblown-spunbond substrate having 10% meltblown content applied between the two spunbond layers.
• Although theouter cover26 andbodyside liner28 can include elastomeric materials, it is contemplated that theouter cover26 and thebodyside liner28 can be composed of materials which are generally non-elastomeric. In an embodiment, thebodyside liner28 can be stretchable, and more suitably elastic. In an embodiment, thebodyside liner28 can be suitably stretchable and more suitably elastic in at least the lateral or circumferential direction of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410. In other aspects, thebodyside liner28 can be stretchable, and more suitably elastic, in both the lateral and thelongitudinal directions32,30, respectively.
• Fastening System:
• In an embodiment, theabsorbent article10,110,210,310 can include a fastening system. The fastening system can include one or more back fasteners91 and one or more front fasteners92. The embodiments shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, and 10 depict embodiments with one front fastener92. Portions of the fastening system may be included in thefront waist region12,rear waist region14, or both.
• The fastening system can be configured to secure theabsorbent article10,110,210,310 about the waist of the wearer in a fastened condition as shown inFIG. 1 and help maintain theabsorbent article10,110,210,310 in place during use. In an embodiment, the back fasteners91 can include one or more materials bonded together to form a composite ear as is known in the art. For example, the composite fastener may be composed of a stretch component94, a nonwoven carrier or hook base96, and a fastening component98, as labeled inFIGS. 2 and 6. As shown inFIG. 5B, in some embodiments thewaist containment member54 can extend to back fasteners91. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can be directly coupled to the stretch component94 of the back fasteners91.
• Absorbent Body:
• Theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 of the respective embodiments of theabsorbent articles10,110,210,310,410 as described and illustrated herein can be suitably constructed to be generally compressible, conformable, pliable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. Theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, I-shape, hourglass shape, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. As illustrated inFIG. 2, theabsorbent body34 can include longitudinal side edges36,38 opposite from one another and afirst end edge40 and asecond end edge42. Thefirst end edge40 can be opposite from thesecond end edge42. The longitudinal side edges36,38 can extend between thefirst end edge40 and thesecond end edge42. Although thefirst end edge40 is illustrated as being disposed in thefront waist region12 and thesecond end edge42 is illustrated as being disposed in therear waist region14, the classification of “first” and “second” need not be synonymous with the “front” and rear”waist regions12,14. For example, thefirst end edge40 could be in therear waist region14.
• The size and the absorbent capacity of theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer (infants to adults) and the liquid loading imparted by the intended use of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410. Theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can have a length and width that can be less than or equal to the length and width of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410.
• In an embodiment, theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be composed of a web material of hydrophilic fibers, cellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In an embodiment, theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be a matrix of cellulosic fluff and superabsorbent material. In an embodiment, theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 may be constructed of a single layer of materials, or in the alternative, may be constructed of two or more layers of materials.
• Various types of wettable, hydrophilic fibers can be used in theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434. Examples of suitable fibers include natural fibers, cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made from inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester or polyamide fibers, or composed of nonwettable thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefin fibers which have been hydrophilized by suitable means. The fibers may be hydrophilized, for example, by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material which has a suitable hydrophilic moiety and is not readily removed from the fiber, or by sheathing the nonwettable, hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after formation of the fiber. Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers. In an embodiment, theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be free of superabsorbent material.
• If a spacer layer (not shown) is present, theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be disposed on the spacer layer and superposed over theouter cover26. The spacer layer can be bonded to theouter cover26, for example, by adhesive. In some embodiments, a spacer layer may not be present and theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can directly contact theouter cover26 and can be directly bonded to theouter cover26. However, it is to be understood that theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 may be in contact with, and not bonded with, theouter cover26 and remain within the scope of this disclosure. In an embodiment, theouter cover26 can be composed of a single layer and theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be in contact with the singer layer of theouter cover26. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a layer, such as but not limited to, a fluid transfer layer (not shown) and/or a spacer layer, can be positioned between theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 and theouter cover26. Theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be bonded to the fluid transfer layer and/or the spacer layer if present.
• In some embodiments, such as in theabsorbent body34 depicted inFIGS. 2-6, thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 can include a first portion42a, a second portion42b, and an intermediate portion42c. The intermediate portion42ccan be disposed between the first portion42aand the second portion42b. As illustrated inFIG. 2, theabsorbent body34 can include a first section43anear thesecond end edge42 and a second section43bnear thesecond end edge42. The first section43acan include the first portion42aof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. The second section43acan include the second portion42bof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, theabsorbent body34 can be configured to have an area47 with no absorbent material laterally between the first section43aand the second section43b.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, the first portion42aand the second portion42bof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 can be disposed under thewaist containment member54, but the intermediate portion42ccan be configured such that is not disposed under thewaist containment member54, as will be discussed in further detail below. As discussed herein, a portion or component being disposed “under” another component or portion refers to the juxtaposition of components in the plane created by thelongitudinal direction30 and thelateral direction32 when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is in the stretched, laid-flat configuration and when viewing theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 from the body facing surface19 of the chassis11, such as illustrated inFIGS. 2, 7, 8, 10, and 12. For example, the first portion42aof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 is disposed “under” thewaist containment member54 because at least a portion of thewaist containment member54 overlaps with or is superposed over the first portion42aof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 ofFIG. 2. In contrast, the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 is not disposed “under” thewaist containment member54 because thewaist containment member54 does not overlap with nor is superposed over the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 ofFIG. 2. In other words, agap85 is created between the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 and the lowerlateral edge88 of thewaist containment member54. The advantages and benefits of such a configuration are described in further detail below.
• The absorbent article410 and absorbent body434 in the absorbent article410 depicted inFIG. 12 provides a similar example of a first portion442a, second portion442b, and intermediate portion442cof the second end edge442 of the absorbent body434 as depicted inFIG. 2. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 12, thesecond end edge42,442 can be linear, arcuate, or curved. Likewise, portions42a,42b,42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 ofFIG. 2 are linear segments whereas portions442a,442b,442cof the second end edge442 of the absorbent body434 ofFIG. 12 are arcuate in shape.
• In some embodiments, thefirst end edge40 of theabsorbent body34 can be configured in a similar manner to thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 described above. For example, thefirst end edge40 illustrated inFIG. 2 includes a first portion40a, a second portion40b, and an intermediate portion40c, where the intermediate portion40cis between the first portion40aand the second portion40band the first portion40aand the second portion40bare disposed under awaist containment member54, but the intermediate portion40cis not disposed under thewaist containment member54.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 provide two cross-sectional views of theabsorbent body34 ofFIG. 2.FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view through the first section43aof theabsorbent body34 near thesecond end edge42 and through the first portion42aof thesecond end edge42.FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view through the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. As illustrated inFIG. 3 and as discussed above, the first section43aand the first portion42aof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 are disposed under thewaist containment member54. A similar view would be depicted if a cross-section was taken through the second section43bof theabsorbent body34 and the second portion42bof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. As shown inFIG. 4, however, the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 is not disposed under thewaist containment member54, and thus, agap85 is created between the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34 and lowerlateral edge88 of thewaist containment member54.
• FIGS. 5 and 6 provide similar cross-sectional views toFIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, except where theabsorbent article10 is being worn by a wearer101 over the wearer's buttocks103 and lower back105. InFIG. 5, the cross-section is being taken through the first section43aof theabsorbent body34 and through the first portion42aof thesecond end edge42 of the absorbent body. InFIG. 6, the cross-section is being taken through the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34.
• As shown inFIG. 5, thewaist containment member54 is compressed against the wearer's skin at their lower back105 and the first section43aof theabsorbent body34 compresses the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 against the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54, rendering it challenging for exudates to enter the containment pocket82 created by thewaist containment member54. A similar phenomena would be viewed if a cross-section would be taken through the second section43bof theabsorbent body34 and the second portion42bof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34.
• However,FIG. 6 illustrates that thewaist containment member54 is not compressed tightly against the wearer's skin at their lower back105 when viewed at the cross-section through the intermediate portion42cof thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. Instead, the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 can be disposed against the wearer's skin, but the proximal portion76 can be kept away from compressing against the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 to provide a better entrance, or improved access, for exudates to the containment pocket82 created by thewaist containment member54. In addition to the improvement of access of exudates to enter the containment pocket82, the configuration of theabsorbent body34 can also provide the benefit of increased void volume in the containment pocket82.
• In embodiments where theabsorbent article10,110,210,310 includes back fasteners91 with a stretch component94, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed to be longitudinally aligned with the stretch component94 of the back fasteners91. This longitudinal alignment is of particular relevance to help improve access to the containment pocket82 of thewaist containment member54 as described above. As the stretch components94 of the back fasteners91 are stretched in opposite directions (for donning theabsorbent article10,110,210,310 as well as in the fastened configuration), the stretch components94 can apply a tensioning force to thewaist containment member54. This tensioning force can force the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 towards the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 (e.g., the bodyside liner28), such as shown inFIG. 6. However, by having the first portion42aand the second portion42bbe disposed under thewaist containment member54, but having the intermediate portion42cnot be disposed under thewaist containment member54, the containment pocket82 can have improved access near the intermediate portion42cof theabsorbent body34, as well as having improved void volume overall.
• In some embodiments, thelateral width48 of the intermediate section42ccan be at least 25% of the lateral width49 of thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34, more preferably at least 30% of the lateral width49 of thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34, and even more preferably at least 40% of the lateral width49 of thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. In some embodiments, thelateral width48 of the intermediate section42ccan be at least 50% of the lateral width49 of thesecond end edge42 of theabsorbent body34. As shown inFIG. 2, thelateral width48 of the intermediate section42cand the lateral width49 of thesecond end edge42 is measured in thelateral direction32 when theabsorbent article10 is in the stretched, laid flat configuration.
• In some embodiments, such as in the embodiment of the absorbent article110 depicted inFIG. 7, the absorbent body134 can be configured such that the second end edge142 includes at least two intermediate sections142c. For example, the absorbent body134 includes four intermediate section142cthat are not disposed under thewaist containment member54 inFIG. 7. Of course it is contemplated that theabsorbent body34 can be configured such that the second end edge142 could include other amounts of intermediate sections142c, such as two, three, or five or more intermediate sections142cthat are not disposed under thewaist containment member54.
• The intermediate sections142ccan each provide improved access to the containment pocket182 as well as increased void volume for the containment pocket182, as discussed above. The areas147 of no absorbent material relating to the intermediate sections142cof the absorbent body134 can create grooves or channels and are shown as longitudinal-oriented rectangles inFIG. 7, however, it can be appreciated that these areas could be of any suitable shape and/or size. The combined lateral width (not labeled for purposes of clarity) of the intermediate sections142ccan be calculated by adding together the lateral width of each of the intermediate sections142cfor the second end edge142 of the absorbent body134, as measured in thelateral direction32 when the absorbent article110 is in the stretched, laid flat configuration. The combined lateral width of the intermediate sections142ccan be at least 25% of the lateral width149 of the second end edge142 of the absorbent body134, more preferably at least 30% of the lateral width149 of the second end edge142 of the absorbent body134, and even more preferably at least 40% of the lateral width149 of the second end edge142 of the absorbent body134. In some embodiments, the combined lateral width of the intermediate sections142ccan be at least 50% of the lateral width149 of the second end edge142 of the absorbent body134.
• Turning now toFIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of an absorbent article210 is illustrated. The absorbent article210 can include an absorbent body234 that can include a first section243anear the second end edge242 having a first thickness246a. The absorbent body234 can also include a second section243bnear the second end edge242 having a second thickness246b. In some embodiments, the first thickness246acan be substantially equal to the second thickness246b. The absorbent body234 can include an intermediate section243cdisposed between the first section243aand the second section243b. The intermediate section243ccan include a thickness246cthat is less than the first thickness246aand that is less than the second thickness246b. The first thickness246aand the second thickness246bare labeled inFIG. 9 as the thickness of the absorbent body234 longitudinally adjacent to the intermediate section243c, as the first thickness246aand the second thickness246bcan be substantially equal to the thickness of the absorbent body longitudinally below the intermediate section243c. In some embodiments, the thickness246cof the intermediate section243ccan be less than 75% of the thickness246aof the first section243aand less than 75% of the thickness246bof the second section243b. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness246cof the intermediate section243ccan be less than 50% of the thickness246aof the first section243aand less than 50% of the thickness246bof the second section243b.
• The intermediate section243cof reduced thickness can be provided in a variety of ways. In one example, the intermediate section243ccan be provided by embossing an absorbent body234 in the intermediate section243c, but not embossing the first section243aor the second section243b. Of course, it is contemplated that the intermediate section243chaving a reduced thickness can be provided via other methods and still be within the scope of this disclosure.
• In some embodiments, the absorbent body234 can include a bridge section243dnear the second end edge242 that spans between the first section243aand the second section243b. The bridge section243dcan include a thickness (not labeled inFIG. 9 for purposes of clarity) that is greater than the thickness246cof the intermediate section243c. In some embodiments, the thickness of the bridge section243dcan be substantially equal to the first thickness246aand/or can be substantially equal to the second thickness246b. Additionally, the intermediate section243ccan include a lower edge243ethat is not disposed under thewaist containment member54, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9.
• As illustrated inFIG. 8, at least a portion of the intermediate section243ccan be disposed under thewaist containment member54. In some embodiments, the lower edge243eof the intermediate section243ccan be disposed such that the lower edge243eis not disposed under thewaist containment member54. By having reduced thickness246cof theabsorbent body34 in the intermediate section243cas compared to the thickness246aof the first section243aand the thickness246bof the second section243b, thewaist containment member54 can have increased void volume. Additionally, by having the lower edge243eof the intermediate section243cnot disposed under thewaist containment member54 can provide for the benefit of improved access for exudates into the containment pocket82, as discussed above with respect to configurations of theabsorbent bodies34,134 discussed above and illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 7, respectively.
• Another alternative embodiment of an absorbent article310 including an absorbent body334 and awaist containment member54 is illustrated inFIG. 10. The embodiment inFIG. 10 is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, however, the absorbent body334 inFIG. 10 includes a plurality of intermediate sections343c, or in other words, at least two intermediate sections343c. The absorbent body334 illustrated inFIG. 10 includes four intermediate sections343c, but it is contemplated that the absorbent body334 could include other numbers of intermediate sections343cother than four intermediate sections343c. Additionally, although the intermediate sections343care shown as longitudinal-oriented rectangles inFIG. 10, it can be appreciated that the intermediate sections343ccould be of any suitable shape and/or size.
• The intermediate sections343ccan include a thickness that is less than the first thickness of the first section343aof the absorbent body334 near the second end edge342. The intermediate sections343ccan include a thickness that is less than the second thickness of the second section343bof the absorbent body334 near the second end edge342. In one embodiment, the thickness of each of the intermediate sections343ccan be substantially the same. In some embodiments, the thickness of each of the intermediate sections343ccan be less than 75% of the thickness of the first section343aand less than 75% of the thickness of the second section343b. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of each of the intermediate sections343ccan be less than 50% of the thickness of the first section343aand less than 50% of the thickness of the second section343b. The absorbent body334 can also include a bridge section343d. The bridge section343dcan include a thickness that is substantially equal to the first thickness of the first section343aand/or substantially equal to the second thickness of the second section343b. Although a cross-sectional view is not shown for the embodiment forFIG. 10 through an intermediate section343c, the thicknesses of the intermediate sections343c, the first section343a, the second section343b, and the bridge section343dcould appear similar to the cross-sectional view through the intermediate section243cof the absorbent body234 illustrated inFIG. 9. The intermediate sections343ccan each provide similar benefits as noted above for the intermediate section243cof absorbent body234 discussed above and illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9.
• Containment Flaps:
• In an embodiment, theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can include a pair of containment flaps50,52. The containment flaps50,52 can be formed separately from the absorbent chassis11 and attached to the chassis11 or can be formed integral to the chassis11. In some embodiments, the containment flaps50,52 can be secured to the chassis11 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 in a generally parallel, spaced relation with each other laterally inward of the leg openings to provide a barrier against the flow of body exudates. Onecontainment flap50 can be on a first side of the longitudinal axis29 and theother containment flap52 can be on a second side of the longitudinal axis29. In an embodiment, the containment flaps50,52 can extend generally in alongitudinal direction30 from thefront waist region12 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310 through thecrotch region16 to therear waist region14 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310. In some embodiments, the containment flaps50,52 can extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis29 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410, however, in other embodiments, the containment flaps50,52 can be curved, as is known in the art. In other embodiments, such as the absorbent article210 inFIGS. 11 and 12, the containment flaps50,52 can be disposed on the absorbent panel17 in thecrotch region16.
• In embodiments where the containment flaps50,52 are coupled to the chassis11, the containment flaps50,52 can be bonded to thebodyside liner28, theouter cover26, or a spacer layer (not shown) if present with a barrier adhesive, as is known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Of course, the containment flaps50,52 can be bonded to other components of the chassis11 and can be bonded with other suitable means other than a barrier adhesive. The containment flaps50,52 can be constructed of a fibrous material which can be similar to the material forming thebodyside liner28. Other conventional materials, such as polymer films, can also be employed.
• The containment flaps50,52 can each include a base portion64, aprojection portion66, and one or more flap elastic members68 (as labeled inFIGS. 2 and 12). The base portion64 can be bonded to the chassis11, for example, to thebodyside liner28 or theouter cover26 as mentioned above. Theprojection portion66 can extend away from the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 at least in thecrotch region16 when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is in a relaxed configuration. Suitable elastic materials for the flap elastic members68 can include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric materials. Of course, while two elastic members68 are shown in eachcontainment flap50,52, it is contemplated that the containment flaps50,52 can be configured with one or three or more elastic members68. Alternatively or additionally, the containment flaps50,52 can be composed of a material exhibiting elastic properties itself. It is contemplated that the containment flaps50,52 can be of various configurations and shapes, and can be constructed by various methods, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.
• Leg Elastics:
• Legelastic members60,62 can be secured to theouter cover26, such as by being bonded thereto by laminate adhesive, generally laterally inward of the longitudinal side edges,18 and20, of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410. The legelastic members60,62 can form elasticized leg cuffs that further help to contain body exudates. In an embodiment, the legelastic members60,62 may be disposed between inner and outer layers (not shown) of theouter cover26 or between other layers of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410, for example, between the base portion64 of eachcontainment flap50,52 and thebodyside liner28, between the base portion64 of eachcontainment flap50,52 and theouter cover26, or between thebodyside liner28 and theouter cover26. The legelastic members60,62 can be one or more elastic components near eachlongitudinal side edge18,20. For example, the legelastic members60,62 as illustrated herein each include two elastic strands. A wide variety of elastic materials may be used for the legelastic members60,62. Suitable elastic materials can include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric materials. The elastic materials can be stretched and secured to a substrate, secured to a gathered substrate, or secured to a substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, such that the elastic retractive forces are imparted to the substrate. Additionally, it is contemplated that the legelastic members60,62 can be formed with the containment flaps50,52, and then attached to the chassis11 in some embodiments. Of course, the legelastic members60,62 can be omitted from theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
• Waist Containment Member:
• In an embodiment, theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 can have one or morewaist containment members54. As will be discussed in more detail below, thewaist containment member54 can help contain and/or absorb body exudates, especially low viscosity fecal matter, and as such, can be preferred to be in therear waist region14. In some embodiments, such as illustrated inFIG. 2, anabsorbent article10 can have awaist containment member54 disposed in thefront waist region12. Awaist containment member54 in thefront waist region12 can help contain and/or absorb body exudates, such as urine, in thefront waist region12. Although not as prevalent as in therear waist region14, in some circumstances, fecal material may also spread to thefront waist region12, and thus, awaist containment member54 disposed in thefront waist region12 can help contain and/or absorb body exudates as well. In some embodiments, such as theabsorbent article10 depicted inFIG. 2, awaist containment member54 can be in both therear waist region14 and thefront waist region12.
• Thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44. In some embodiments, such as in embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-10, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on thebody facing surface56 of thebodyside liner28. However, in some embodiments, such as the absorbent article410 inFIG. 12, thewaist containment member54 can be disposed on a body facing surface58 of the rear waist panel15.
• Thewaist containment member54 can include a first longitudinal side edge72 and a second longitudinal side edge74 (labeled inFIGS. 2 and 12). The first longitudinal side edge72 can be opposite from the second longitudinal side edge74. The distance between the first longitudinal side edge72 and the second longitudinal side edge74 can define a width51 of thewaist containment member54 in thelateral direction32, as shown inFIG. 2. It can be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first longitudinal side edge72 can substantially align with the firstlongitudinal side edge18 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second longitudinal side edge74 can align with the second longitudinal side edge20 of theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410.
• Thewaist containment member54 can also include an upper lateral edge70 and a lower lateral edge88 (as labeled inFIGS. 2 and 12). The upper lateral edge70 can be opposite from the lowerlateral edge88. As illustrated inFIGS. 3-6 and 9, thewaist containment member54 can also include a proximal portion76 and a distal portion78. The proximal portion76 can be coupled to the body facing surface19 of chassis11 (e.g., the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44 or thebody facing surface56 of the bodyside liner28) whereas the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 can be free to move with respect to the chassis11 and theabsorbent assembly44 when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is in the relaxed configuration.
• In some preferred embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can include a fold79athat can separate the proximal portion76 from the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54. As used in this context, the fold79aseparates the proximal portion76 from the distal portion78 in that the fold79adefines a transition between the proximal portion76 and the distal portion78. However, it is contemplated that thewaist containment member54 need not include a fold79ato separate the proximal portion76 from the distal portion78. It is contemplated that the present disclosure includes awaist containment member54 that is not folded in such a C-shape fashion as illustrated inFIGS. 3-6 and 9. For example, it is intended that awaist containment member54 having a proximal portion76 that is not under the distal portion78 is within the scope of this disclosure.
• The proximal portion76 can be coupled to the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 with an adhesive80 (as labeled inFIGS. 3, 4, and 9), and in some embodiments, the proximal portion76 can be coupled to the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44. In some embodiments, such as in embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 2-10, the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 can be coupled to thebody facing surface56 of thebodyside liner28. However, in some embodiments, such as the absorbent article410 inFIG. 12, the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 can be coupled to the body facing surface58 of the rear waist panel15. The proximal portion76 can be coupled to the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44 with adhesive80 along the entire length of the proximal portion76 in thelongitudinal direction30, however, it can be contemplated that only a portion of the proximal portion76 in thelongitudinal direction30 is coupled to the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44. Of course, it is contemplated that the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 can be coupled to the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 or the body facing surface45 of theabsorbent assembly44 by means other than an adhesive80, such as by pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the proximal portion76 is coupled to the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 in thelateral direction32 in a continuous fashion, as opposed to an intermittent fashion, such that a barrier to body exudates is formed between the proximal portion76 and the body facing surface19 of the chassis11.
• As illustrated in the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4, the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 can include a longitudinal length measured in thelongitudinal direction30 that is substantially the same as a longitudinal length of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 can include a longitudinal length measured in thelongitudinal direction30 that is less than a longitudinal length of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54. Although not depicted, it is contemplated that the longitudinal length of the proximal portion76 can be larger than the longitudinal length of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54. For purposes herein, the longitudinal length of the proximal portion76 and the longitudinal length of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 are measured when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is in the stretched, laid flat configuration.
• As illustrated inFIG. 6, because the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 can freely move with respect to theabsorbent assembly44 when theabsorbent article10 is in the relaxed configuration, the distal portion78 can help provide the containment pocket82 when theabsorbent article10 is in the relaxed configuration. The containment pocket82 can help provide a barrier to contain and/or can help absorb body exudates. The containment pocket82 can be especially beneficial for containing and/or absorbing low viscosity fecal matter, which can be prevalent in younger children. To help prevent lateral flow of body exudates that are contained by the containment pocket82 of thewaist containment member54, the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 can be bonded to the proximal portion76 of thewaist containment member54 and/or the body facing surface19 of the chassis11 near the first and second longitudinal side edges72,74, respectively.
• In some embodiments, the width51 of thewaist containment member54 in thelateral direction32 as compared to the width53 of the chassis11 (as labeled inFIG. 2) can have a ratio of about 0.85 to about 1.00. In some embodiments, the width51 of thewaist containment member54 in thelateral direction32 as compared to the width53 of the chassis11 can have a ratio of about 0.87 to about 1.00. And in other embodiments, the width51 of thewaist containment member54 in thelateral direction32 as compared to the width53 of the chassis11 can have a ratio of about 0.90 to about 1.00. For purposes herein, the width53 of the chassis11 for use in this ratio is the width of the chassis11 in the waist region in which thewaist containment member54 is disposed and both width measurements are taken in a direction parallel to thelateral direction32. Additionally, the width51 of thewaist containment member54 in thelateral direction32 and the width53 of the chassis11 as discussed for the ratios herein are to be measured when theabsorbent article10,110,210,310,410 is in the stretched, laid flat configuration.
• In preferred embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can include at least oneelastic member86. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can include multipleelastic members86, such as nine elastic members86 (as labeled inFIGS. 3, 4, and 9). Of course, it is contemplated that thewaist containment member54 can include other amounts ofelastic members86, or not includeelastic members86 at all. In some embodiments, theelastic members86 can be spaced evenly in thelongitudinal direction30 in the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54. Theelastic member86 can span substantially from the first longitudinal side edge72 to the second longitudinal side edge74 of thewaist containment member54. Theelastic member86 can be disposed in the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54, and preferably, is located near afree edge88 of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54. As labeled inFIGS. 3, 4, and9, in some preferred embodiments, the elastic member(s)86 can be disposed within a laminate portion90 of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 to aid in containing the elastic member(s)86. The laminate portion90 can be disposed near thefree edge88 of the distal portion78 of thewaist containment member54 and, in some embodiments, can be formed by a fold79bin the distal portion78 at the lowerlateral edge88.
• A wide variety of elastic materials may be used for the elastic member(s)86 in thewaist containment member54. Suitable elastic materials can include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, elastic foams, or thermoplastic elastomeric materials (e.g., films). The elastic materials can be stretched and secured to a substrate forming thewaist containment member54, secured to a gathered substrate, or secured to a substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example, with the application of heat, such that the elastic retractive forces are imparted to the substrate forming thewaist containment member54.
• Thewaist containment member54 can be disposed to be coupled to the chassis11 by being placed either over the containment flaps50,52, as depicted in the embodiments illustrated and described herein. However, it is also contemplated that thewaist containment member54 can be disposed to be coupled to the chassis11 by being placed under the containment flaps50,52 as well.
• Thewaist containment member54 can be comprised of a variety of materials. In a preferred embodiment, thewaist containment member54 can be comprised of a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (“SMS”) material. However it is contemplated that thewaist containment member54 can be comprised of other materials including, but not limited to, a spunbond-film-spunbond (“SFS”), a bonded carded web (“BCW”), or any non-woven material. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can be comprised of a laminate of more than one of these exemplary materials, or other materials. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can be comprised of a liquid impermeable material. In some embodiments, thewaist containment member54 can be comprised of a material coated with a hydrophobic coating. The basis weight of the material forming thewaist containment member54 can vary, however, in a preferred embodiment, the basis weight can be between about 8 gsm to about 120 gsm, not including theelastic members86 in thewaist containment member54. More preferably, the basis weight of the material comprising thewaist containment member54 can be between about 10 gsm to about 40 gsm, and even more preferably, between about 15 gsm to about 25 gsm.
• As discussed above, thewaist containment member54 andabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be configured to provide improved access to the containment pocket82 of thewaist containment member54. In some embodiments, theabsorbent body34,134,234,334,434 can be configured to provide increased void volume for the containment pocket82. The additional void volume can provide increased storage retention of exudates that are contained within the containment pocket82.
• Embodiments
• Embodiment 1: An absorbent article comprising: a chassis including a body facing surface; a waist containment member disposed on the body facing surface of the chassis, the waist containment member comprising: a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the second longitudinal side edge being opposite from the first longitudinal side edge; an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, the upper lateral edge being opposite from the lower lateral edge; a proximal portion being coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis; and a distal portion being free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in the relaxed configuration to provide a pocket for exudates; and an absorbent body including a first end edge, a second end edge, and a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between the first end edge and the second end edge, the first end edge of the absorbent body including a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion, the first portion and the second portion each being disposed under waist containment member and the intermediate portion not being disposed under the waist containment member.
• Embodiment 2: The absorbent article ofembodiment 1, wherein a fold separates the proximal portion from the distal portion of the waist containment member.
• Embodiment 3: The absorbent article of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent body includes at least two intermediate portions, wherein the at least two intermediate portions are not disposed under the waist containment member.
• Embodiment 4: The absorbent article ofembodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the lateral width of the intermediate portion is at least 25% of a lateral width of the first end edge of the absorbent body.
• Embodiment 5: The absorbent article ofembodiment1, wherein a combined width of the at least two intermediate portions is at least 25% of a lateral width of the first end edge of the absorbent body.
• Embodiment 6: The absorbent article of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the waist containment member includes at least one elastic member.
• Embodiment 7: The absorbent article of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent article further comprises: a fastening system including a pair of back fasteners disposed on opposite side edges of the absorbent article, the pair of back fasteners each including a stretch component, the waist containment member being longitudinally aligned with the stretch component of each back fastener.
• Embodiment 8: The absorbent article of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent article includes a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region, the waist containment member being disposed in the rear waist region.
• Embodiment 9: An absorbent article comprising: a chassis including a body facing surface; a waist containment member disposed on the body facing surface of the chassis, the waist containment member comprising: a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the second longitudinal side edge being opposite from the first longitudinal side edge; an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, the upper lateral edge being opposite from the lower lateral edge; a proximal portion being coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis; and a distal portion being free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in the relaxed configuration to provide a pocket for exudates; and an absorbent body comprising: a first end edge and a second end edge; a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between the first end edge and the second end edge; a first section having a first thickness; a second section having a second thickness, the first section and the second section each at least partially disposed under the waist containment member; and an intermediate section between the first section and the second section, a thickness of the intermediate section being less than the first thickness and less than the second thickness, at least a portion of the intermediate section being disposed under the waist containment member.
• Embodiment 10: The absorbent article of embodiment 9, wherein the intermediate section includes a lower edge, and the lower edge of the intermediate section is not disposed under the waist containment member.
• Embodiment 11: The absorbent article of embodiment 9 orembodiment 10, wherein the first thickness is substantially equal to the second thickness.
• Embodiment 12: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein the thickness of the intermediate section is less than 75% of the first thickness and less than 75% of the second thickness.
• Embodiment 13: The absorbent article of any one embodiments 9-12, wherein the absorbent body includes at least two intermediate sections wherein a thickness of each of the at least two intermediate sections is less than the first thickness and less than the second thickness.
• Embodiment 14: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 9-13, wherein a fold separates the proximal portion from the distal portion.
• Embodiment 15: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 9-14, wherein the waist containment member includes at least one elastic member.
• Embodiment 16: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 9-15, wherein the absorbent article further comprises: a fastening system including a pair of back fasteners disposed on opposite side edges of the absorbent article, the pair of back fasteners each including a stretch component; and wherein the waist containment member is longitudinally aligned with the stretch component of each back fastener.
• Embodiment 17: The absorbent article of any one of embodiments 9-16, wherein the absorbent article includes a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region, the waist containment member being disposed in the rear waist region.
• All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
• While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (19)

1. An absorbent article comprising:

a chassis including a body facing surface;

a waist containment member disposed on the body facing surface of the chassis, the waist containment member comprising:

a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the second longitudinal side edge being opposite from the first longitudinal side edge;

an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, the upper lateral edge being opposite from the lower lateral edge;

a proximal portion being coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis; and

a distal portion being free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in the relaxed configuration to provide a pocket for exudates; and

an absorbent body including a first end edge, a second end edge, and a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between the first end edge and the second end edge, the first end edge of the absorbent body including a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion, the first portion and the second portion each being disposed under waist containment member and the intermediate portion not being disposed under the waist containment member.

2. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein a fold separates the proximal portion from the distal portion of the waist containment member.

3. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent body includes at least two intermediate portions, wherein the at least two intermediate portions are not disposed under the waist containment member.

4. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the lateral width of the intermediate portion is at least 25% of a lateral width of the first end edge of the absorbent body.

5. The absorbent article ofclaim 3, wherein a combined width of the at least two intermediate portions is at least 25% of a lateral width of the first end edge of the absorbent body.

6. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the waist containment member includes at least one elastic member.

7. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent article further comprises:

a fastening system including a pair of back fasteners disposed on opposite side edges of the absorbent article, the pair of back fasteners each including a stretch component, the waist containment member being longitudinally aligned with the stretch component of each back fastener.

8. The absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent article includes a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region, the waist containment member being disposed in the rear waist region.

9. An absorbent article comprising:

a chassis including a body facing surface;

a waist containment member disposed on the body facing surface of the chassis, the waist containment member comprising:

a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, the second longitudinal side edge being opposite from the first longitudinal side edge;

an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, the upper lateral edge being opposite from the lower lateral edge;

a proximal portion being coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis; and

a distal portion being free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in the relaxed configuration to provide a pocket for exudates; and

an absorbent body comprising:

a first end edge and a second end edge;

a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between the first end edge and the second end edge;

a first section having a first thickness;

a second section having a second thickness, the first section and the second section each at least partially disposed under the waist containment member; and

an intermediate section between the first section and the second section, a thickness of the intermediate section being less than the first thickness and less than the second thickness, at least a portion of the intermediate section being disposed under the waist containment member.

10. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the intermediate section includes a lower edge, and the lower edge of the intermediate section is not disposed under the waist containment member.

11. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the first thickness is substantially equal to the second thickness.

12. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the thickness of the intermediate section is less than 75% of the first thickness and less than 75% of the second thickness.

13. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the absorbent body includes at least two intermediate sections wherein a thickness of each of the at least two intermediate sections is less than the first thickness and less than the second thickness.

14. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein a fold separates the proximal portion from the distal portion.

15. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the waist containment member includes at least one elastic member.

16. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the absorbent article further comprises:

a fastening system including a pair of back fasteners disposed on opposite side edges of the absorbent article, the pair of back fasteners each including a stretch component; and wherein the waist containment member is longitudinally aligned with the stretch component of each back fastener.

17. The absorbent article ofclaim 9, wherein the absorbent article includes a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region, the waist containment member being disposed in the rear waist region.

18. The absorbent article ofclaim 6, wherein the absorbent article further comprises:

a fastening system including a pair of back fasteners disposed on opposite side edges of the absorbent article, the pair of back fasteners each including a stretch component; and wherein the waist containment member is longitudinally aligned with the stretch component of each back fastener.

19. The absorbent article ofclaim 15, wherein the absorbent article further comprises:

a fastening system including a pair of back fasteners disposed on opposite side edges of the absorbent article, the pair of back fasteners each including a stretch component, the waist containment member being longitudinally aligned with the stretch component of each back fastener.

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