CA2475091C - Zoned disposable absorbent article for urine and low-viscosity fecal material - Google Patents

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second juxtaposed with the back of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the front of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material. The first region has a PACORM value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.

Description

' ~ CA 02475091 2004-08-16 zoNFD DtsPOSASZ,E Assox~Fl~r AR.TICL~
FOR URINE AND
LOw.Vi5Ci7S1TY FECAi. MATS:' FIFLL7 OF THE D~IVI~"I'ION
This invention relates to disposable absorbent articles, Such a5 di8peT5 Rttd adt~tlt incontinence products, and more particularly w disposable absorbeern articles which have the ability to efieetively beadle both utyne and toawviseosity fecal material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INUI:.'NTION
Many types of disposable absorbent prodttets, such as~ diapers, arc available that have a high capacity for absorbing urine. Disposable ,products of this type generally COIl1pT15C SQInC sort of fluidpcraieabte topsheet material, a~n. absorbent core, atad a fluid-impenmesble backsheet material. Altbougb these types of absorbent xiruchues may be highly efficient for the absorption of fluids; they catmot absorb bowel movements ( i_e., hereiaaRtr referred to as "BM"). Typically, the BM is trapped between the outer suarfacx of the fluid-pe~razeable topsheet and the skin of the ~, muah of is ac~ering to the waster's skin.
To prevent 8M from at~iag to the weata's skirt, the caregiver ofb~ applies proteotive or nrepelleat" products such as vaseline or mnneral oil to the buttocks and seal region before placing the absorbent article on the weax~c. 'Ibis procedsw-~
usually involves the caregiver's pouring of the oil or lotion, for example, in one of !bait hands, rubbing both hands together to distribute the substance thercoa and then wiping the setae on -the skin of tbc infant To eliminate the need for this wasteful, messyr, and c$.tily forgotten prucedu~, there bare bees numerous previous attempts m prepare absorbetzt articles which contain a protective or thaapcutic skis cae~e substance on the topsheet.
due substance that bas been applied as a lotion to absorbent products to impart a soothing, prateetive coating is minertl o!!. Mineral oil (ai.~o lo~own as IiQuid petrolatuana is a mixna~e of various lzquid hydrocarbons obtained by distilling the high-boiling ('Le., 300°-390°C) fiactioas is petroleum. Mineral oil is liquid ai ambient tempetattnns, e.g. 20

2 °-25°C. As a result, mineral oil is relatively fluid and mobile, even when applied to article topsheets.
Because mineral oil is fluid and mobile at ambient temperatures, .it tends nvt to remain localized on the surface of the topsheet, but instead migrates through the topsheet into the interior of the diaper. Accordingly, relatively high levels of mineral oil need to be applied to the topsheet to provide the desired therapeutic or protective coating lotion benefits. This leads not only to increased costs for these lotioned products, but other detrimental effects as well.
One of these detrimental effects is a decrease in the fluid handling properties as high levels of mineral oil tend to block the topsheet openings. Also, as mineral oil migrates to the interior of the article, it tends to act as a hydrophobic additive, thus decreasing the absorbency of the underlying absorbent core, if one is used.
This decrease in absorbency becomes more pronounced as the level of mineral oil applied is increased.
Past attempts to solve the problems associated with BM compromised the urine handling properties of the article. Therefore, it is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a disposable absorbent article having superior urine and BM
handling properties.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIOl~TT
The invention is a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second region juxtaposed with the back of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the front of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material. The First region has a PACORM
value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a disposable absorbent article having a first region and a second region, a pair of opposing end edges, a pair of opposing side edges extending between the pair of end edges and a lateral centerline disposed between the pair of opposing end edges, the disposable absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet having an outer surface and an 2a inner surface, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a fecal management member which is present only in the second region, formed of a separate layer and positioned immediately adjacent the inner surface of the topsheet, wherein the first region is defined by one of the pair of opposing end edges and the lateral centerline and the second region is defined by the other one of the pair of opposing end edges and the lateral centerline, wherein the topsheet within the second region has a plurality of apertures with an effective size greater than 0.1 square millimeters and an effective open area of at least about 12 percent, and wherein the outer surface of the topsheet within the second region comprises an effective amount of a skin care composition which is semi-solid or solid at 20°C and which is partially transferable to a wearer's skin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood by the following drawings taken in conjunction with the accompanying specification wheirein like components are given the same reference number and:

a n CA 02475091 2004-08-16

3 Figure 1 is a tcp plan view, Shawn paztially in cuta~ray, of a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic side elevational view of an apparatus which may tx used to measure the trams-topsheet penetration.
Figure 3 is a perspective vycw of a fecal aranagexrieat member.
Figure 4 is an illustration of the test set up for the Acquisition Test.
Figure 5 is an illt:strarion of the test set trp for the Pest Acquisition Callagen Rcwct Method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTrON
As used herein, the term e'absorbent article" rtfera to devicts which absorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which arc placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contrsiu the various exudates discharged from the body. The term "disposable" is cued he~rsia: to describe absorbent articles which are not intended to be lsundesed or otheruvise restored or teased as an absorbent article (i.e., tbry are intended to be discarded after a sfnglr~ use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of is sa environtzzenrally conapatiblc manner). A ~uuitary" absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which gre fonaed of separate its united together to form a coa~linated eatiry so that they do not xequir~e separate manipulative parts like a separate bolder and liner. A preferred embodiment of an. absorbent article of the pr~ut invention is the unit~r disposable absorbent article, diaper 20, shown in figure 1. As used herein, the tern "diaper" refers to an absorbent atticie generally worxt by infants and adult iucontiaent persons and is worn about the lower torso of the wearer. The present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs, incontinence ur~d~crgarmcats, absorbe'at inserts, diapers holders and liners, feminine hygiene ganoQeutR, and the lz'ke.
Figure 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present iavcsuion is its flat-out, uacon::r~ted state (i.e., with elastic induced co~ction pulled out) With portions of fuze sirucr>re being cut-away to more clearly show the consauctioa of the diaper 20 acid with the portion of the diaper 20 which faces or carttaats the , the inner staferx, otidnted towards the viewer. As shows is Figure 1, the diaper a0 preferably comprises a liquid pervious topshcct Z4: a liquid impctvious backstteet 26 joined with the topsheet 24; an absorbent cone 28 intermediate the topsheet 24 and the backsheet Z6; end a fecal management member 30 positioned between the topsheet 24 asd tbo absorbent core 28.
The diaper 20 may further comprise eiasticiud side panels (not showtz);
alasticiZed leg cuffs (net shown); an elastic waist feature (not shown); and a fastening system with tape tabs generally multiply designated as 36.
The diaper 20 is shown in Figure 1 to have a first region 3 i juxtaposed with the front of the wearer while the diaper 20 is being worn and a second region 32 opposed to the first region 31 and juxtaposed with the back of tbie wearer while the diaper 20 is beiue wom, acrd a periphery which is defined by the outer edges of the diapdc' 20 in which the longitudinal edges are designated 33 and the end edges are designated 35. In Figure 1 the first region 31 is shown as exteadiag from one end edge 35 to the lateral cencetline 21 and tlne second region 32 is shown as extending from the opposing cad edge 35 to the lateral centerline 21. For purports of discussion, the lateral centerline 21 is shows as the boundary between the first region 31 sad the sccoad region 32 is Figure 1.
However, the boundary between the first region 31 and the second region 32 may be positioned at other loeatioraS, for ~Y~~~ple closer to one of the respective end edges 35. The first region 31 beis~.g juxtaposed with the front of tkie wearer should,be superior in the handling of urine.
The second region being juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of fecal material, in pacticnlar low-viscosity tbcsl macerisl.
The inner surface of the diaper 2~ comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which is adjacent to the wearer's body during use (i.e., the 'inner stn~e ge.~ally as formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 24 Brad other eomponeats joined to the topsheet 24). The outer surface comprises that portion of the diaper 2o which is positioned away from the wearer's body {i.e., the outer surface generally is farmed by at least a pordon of the backsheet 26 and other components joined to the backsbeet 2b'~ during use_ Figtuz 1 shows an cmbodimcat of the drapes 20 in which the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 have length and width dimensions genaatly larger , than those of the absorbent tort 28_ The topshect 24 and the backshcet 26 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 28 to themby form the pcraphery of the diaper 20. Whsle the topsheet 24, the ist~~eksheet 2b, and the cone 28 may be assemblod in s vauri~y tsf well known configurations, prefen~ed diaper configurarinns are described generally 'sit U.S. Patent 3,860,003 entitled "Conttactable Side Portions for Disposable Diaper" which issuod to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975; and U.S. Patent 5,1151,092, "A6sorbertt Article With Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed R~iliem Flaniral Hinige~, issued to Kenneth, B. Buell et al. September 29, 1992.
The absorbent core 28 may be say absorbent mesas which as geneislly compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the v~esser's skin, sad capable of absotbittg and retaining liquids such as urine and other certRin body exW. As shown in Figure 1, the absorbent core 28 has a gattnGnt surface, a body surface, side cdga, and waist edges. The absorbent pore 28 may be cnarsufactured is a wide variety of Sizes and ~sbapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, '°T"-shaped, asymmettie, etc.j nerd goat a vYide warievy of liquid-absorbent taatcrisls co:~toaly used is disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as comminutcd wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt.
Examples of othtr suitable absorbent materials include . .creped cellulose waddlrtg;
meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modi~i~ed or dross-linked cellulosie fibers; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates;
absorbent foams;
absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials.
The configuration and consnvction of the absorbent core 28 may also be Varied (e.g., the absorbent core 28 may have untying caliper zones, a ltydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient; or lower average density and lower averagt basis weight acquisition zones; or raay comprise ot~e or more layers oa~ savcntres). The total absvrbeot capacity of the absorbttit core 28 should, hog, be compatible with the desig4 loeditlg and the intended use of the dispel 20. Further, the sire and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 may be ~raried to accommodate wes:,ers ranging 8~om through adults.
Exeno~plary absorbent strurtlmcs f~ tine as the absosbent com 28 ase described is U..S. patent 4.~ 1 .678 Ctltttled "HI ~ AbS01'bent ftlllCttll"C5°
1SS11ed t0 WelS~B~! et al. on September 9. 1986: U.S. Patent 4,673,402 mud~:d "Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores" issued to Wciscnazs et al. om Jume x 6, 1987; U.S. Patent a,g88,Z31 eetitled "Ahsorbeac Cole I~sving A Dusting I,arycr" issue to Angstsdt on Deoe~be= 19, 1989; and U~. Pat~t 4,834,735, entitled '~~Iigh Density Absorbent Members having Lower Density and Lower Basle Weight Acquisition ~oncs", issued ho Alemany et al. oa May 30, 1989. , :tee backsheet 26 is positioned adjacent the gamaent surface of t~ absorbent ~c 28 and is preferably joined thereto by attachment means (not such as those well known in the art. As used herein, the term "joined" encompasses coafigtttarioas whereby an element is disectly scorned to the other element by a~xiag the element directly to the' other clencrent, and configurations whereby the element is ;indirectly seettrad to the other element by a~xiag the element to intermediate members) which is tear are axed to For example, the backshcct 26 may be s<curad to the absorbent oore 28 by a uniform continuous Dyer of adhesive. a pauerned layer of adhesive, or sa array of separate lines,, spirals, or spots of adl~sive: Adhesives ~whicb have bxn found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota and marketed as HL-1258. The attachment means will preferably comprise an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment Garment", which issued to Minetola et al. on March 4, 1986, more preferably several lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern such as is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,785,996 issued. to Ziecker, et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989.
Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations of these attachment means as are known in the art.
The backshcet 26 is impervious to liquids (e.g., wine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
The baekshcct 26 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 28 from wetting articles which contact the diaper 20 such as bedsheets and undergarments. The backsheet 26 may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric flints such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet 26 is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Particularly preferred materials for the backsheet 26 include ,..
blown films and RR5475 cast films as manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc, of Terre Haute, Indiana. The backsheet 26 is preferably.embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the backsheet 26 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core 28 (i.e., be breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 26.
The topsbeet 24 has a first or inner surface oriented toward the interior of the disposable diaper and an opposed second or outer surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when the diaper is worn. The topsheet 24 is preferably joined to the backsheet 26 by means such as those well known in the art. Suitable attachment means are described above with respect to joining the backsheet 26 to the absorbent core 28. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 a.nd the backsheet 26 are joined directly to each other in the diaper periphery.

There are a number of marsufacturing techniques which tray be ' used to manufacture the topsheet 24. For example, the topsheet 24 may be a nonwoven web of fibers spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, meltblowa, hydxoentauglcd, eombinatioas or composite la~ooii~aces of the alcove, yr the like. Preferred topsheeta 2~4 include a cardedlcarded composite, hydroentantgled over a wire forming screen and thcr~lly air-tbtough bonded by mesas well known to those. skilled. in the nonwovens art and hydroeataaglement of fibrous webs. Alternatively, apenlued fvrated iilnu, woven netting; smd woven aper<urad netting may be suitable.
As messtioned above; the second region 32 of the diaper 20 should .be designed to be superior iru the bapdling of low-viscosity fecal rnatetial as compared to the first region 3I which should be supes;or in the hsadliag of uriao. The traps-topsheet capacity reflects the diapct~ ability to boodle Iow-viscosity fecal material. 'Ihe se~eond region 32 of the diaper 20, the region dcsagncd to handle tow viscosity fecal tnatesial, should have a relatively high traps-topsheet capacity. Prcfcssbly, the ~cond region 32 of the diaper 20 ,.
should have a relatively higher traps-topshcet cap$city than the first region 3 t.
There is an inverse relationship brc~eeu the asinirnvm traps topsbect capacity necessary to handle lowviscosity fecal trial cad the suurfasc area of the diaper 20 having this itiinimum eapaeary. A.s a larger perGCptsgt of the diaper 2~
svtfacc area has s trans~topsheet capacity suffcient to boodle tow-viscosity fecal material, the necessary traps-topsheet capacity diminishes.
In aay case, the second region 32 of the diaper 20 should have a traps-topsheet capacity of at least about 0.20 grams per square inch previded at least 30 sq~usre inches of the dupes 20 has scab a tracts-topsheet capacity and prefeaably apt least 45 sqt>a~ inches of the diaper 20 has such a traps-topsheet capacity. It is believed that a mi~aiaauma of 4 square inches of the diaper 20, which arse closely registered with the anal opeeing, are aecesss:y to handle low-viscosity fecal material. If such a mlatively small region of the diaper 20 is provided, this region of the diaper 20 should have a tracts-toy capacity of at least r~bottt O.SO sad preferably at least about 0.60 grains per square inch.
The trade-off tzans~topshcet capaxity a~da nniainzum surface area fur a diaper 2o according to the present itsvemion which is necessary to handle low-viscosity fecal material and the preferred surface arra for s diaper' 20 according to ~o prat iuaventlon is illusQated in Table I below:

Minimum Daaper 5urfaeePreferred Diaper Trsn9-topsbeet .Area Having 'this ' 'Sivfacc Ases Having This Capacity Traris-topsheet Capacity'fra~ovs-tapsbeet Capacity (aram~uate inch)(sguste-inch 1 ~"sausre~irrches,) 0.20 30 45 0.30 15 25 0.40 12 20 0.50 4 10 0.60 4 4 Tm~_~~t eapaciry is mrasured by the following lost The apparatus 39 used for this measurement is illustrated is Figure 2.
A hollow stainless steel cylinder 40 mounted vn a plate 42 is provided: The stainless steel cylinder 4d has s height of 7.5 centimet~ets (2.95 inclus), as inside dis~neter of 5.08 crntimeters (2.00 inches) and as outside diameter of b.3 centimeters 12.48 inches).
The bottom of the cylinder 40 extends below the place a discancc of 3.5 raillirneters, ~ and has a lip with au annular thiclsaess of 3.5 millimeters. The lip 43 p~cvonts the fees' material analog, discussed below, frann leaking outside the desigr~atcd tt st area of the sample.
Also provided is a weight 44 of 100.6 grams. The weight 44 is also ~lindricall;
shaped and has a diametar of 5.08 centimeters (2.0 inches), so that ~e weight 44 fit tightly within the cylinder 40 but can freely slide throughout the bole in the cylinder 4t 'This arrangement provides a pry of 49.5:' hl~g;~.s per square meter (0.071 pouac . , per sqvs~re inch) and a test area of 3.142 square inches. If desired, the,. weigFht 44 t~
have a handle 45 to allow it to be easily inserted izzto and removed from the cylinder .a0.
A sample 4b to be tested is provided. The sample 46 is preferably cut from t1 second region 32 of as existing diaper 20, but ~rophcoioally tztay be supplied in to material forest as a laminate of the various components of the diaper 20. The sample 46 cut to s 10.16 by 10.16 centimeters (4 by 4 inch) square see. The sample 4b is tak from any area of the diaper 20 having the absorbent cone 28 inside the square wbi defines the sstupls 46.
If the sample 45 is cut fmm a diaper 20, the øaraple should ixvclude all layers t coraponeats of the diaper 20 from the topsheet 24 through and including the backsh 26. Care must be taken when removing tine satnplc 46 from the diaper 20 not to desoroy the sample 46 or cause unintended gross deforxnaxion of the topsheet 24. The topsheet 24, or its equivalent in the diaper 20, is removed from the balance of the sample 46. The sample 4b (without the firs! topsheet 24) is weighed to the nearest 0.01 grams: The topsheet 24 is them carefully reed to its original position in the sample 46, without being joined thereto. If difficulty is encountered in remov~i,~a;g the sample 46 from the diaper 24, or in removing the topsheet 24 from the sample 46, the sarrtple 46 and the surrounding pottion of the diaper 20 may be frozen prior to or after cutting.
Freezing tztay be accomplishhed using PH100-15 circuit refrigerant made by Philips ECG, Itte. of VlTaltham. lVlassachusec~.
The cylinder 40 is eemtered on the sample 46. A syringe having an opening ef 5 to 6 ttnillimeters dispenses 10 cubic centimeters of test fluid through the bole in she cylinder 40 onto the top of the sample 46. T'he test fluid is au analog formulated as described below_ ?he i 00_6 weagiat 4.4 is inserted through the hole in the cylinder 40 and gently placed on the test fluid far a per~ad of 2 minutes.
ARer Z minutes the weight 44 and cylinder 40 arc removed from the sample 46.
The topsbeet 24 is removed front the sample a6 by dragging the topshact 24 paral)d to the sample 46 and discarded. The remainder of the sample: 46 is then icwcighed. The traps-topsheet capacity is the iac;rease in weight of all layers of the sample 46 underlying the topsheet 24 divided by the sample 46 test area of 3.142 square ipches.
The test fluid is sa analog made by mixing 3 percent by weight Carbopol 94 available from the B. F. Goodrich Corporation of Breekswille, Ohio, or an equivalent acrylic polymer, in dista'iled water for Sue minutes using a band held electric tnaacer. 1'he mixture is allowed to equilibrate for at least 12 hours and aged for the traps-tapshcet capacity test within 72 boors.
The second rogioa 32 diaper 20 arxordi,ng to the present invention preferably provides a traps-topsheet capacity, as mcasta~od by the foregoing test, of at least O.aO
~~ams per square iuxb., more preferably at least 4.30 grams per sqt>are inch, even more preferably at least 0.40 grams per squaro inch, still more preferably at least 0.50 g:mns per square inch, sad most preferably at least 0.60 grams per square inch.
The topsheet 24 racy allow penetrxtiozt of the feral material to achieve the traps-topsbeet capacities set forth in Tabk I, by hawing apcrhuts with an effccdvc aperture size of at least 0.2 square millimeters, and preferably at least 0.3 squats millimeters. Effective apatures are those which hare a gray level of I8 o~c less on a starrdsrd gray level srcsie of 0-255, under the !crags acquisition pararnertrs described below.
~=Trade-mark i0 The topshext 24 within tha xcotui neaion 32 preferably has alt effective open arts of as least 15 perxat, more preferably tlu tap~heet has as eifective open arcs of at lease ZO ~rcent, eves taore prefbrably, the topshcct has an effective open area of at least Z5 parceat, sod cavst preferably the topsheat has an affective cpect arra of at least 3Q pa~ceat.
The affoccive apexnue sine sad efve open area ato det~siaad by the fvllowiag procedure using the image analysis described below. Tlye proc~urt bas three principal steps: iras~e acqu~tio0. i.e., obtaining rave images of areas on the tus~aco of tha topaboat 24; image a~a~suseeaeat, i.e., tneasudng the petrxtxtagc open arra of as image a~ .of individual apama~es sad thsis pacimatsn; sad data atwlysis, i.e..
a~cparzi~g the pmcentage open area, individual apesatrs area, and paimW aocasura~nLS W a spresdshat whale froquaocy distributions, snag of saes distaributims, trod l~ydtaulic radius cons ace rondo. .
Ana image analysis aysoem braving a fianOe ~abbor boasd., microscope, camera at~d image analysis softwara is utilized. A tnodcl DT2853 frame grsbbar boasd available froth .
Data Translation of Marlboro, Mass. is provided ~ VV3I5900 rnoaitror taicroscope, a video eamara, bavittg sVH50 leas with a coarser type itlu~miastia~u head avaiLble frota the Keyeaee Company of Fait Lawn, NJ. alt also pwvidod,aud used to aoq»s an isnsgs to be saved to ~ compura tile. The Keyonce microscope acav3zes the imago and tl~ inane grabber board oounvects the analog signal of this image into computtt readable digital format The image is saved to computer tile and ma:sesed using suitable ao~na~e snob as the Opti>laas Image Analysis sotiware; version 3.i, available W the BioScaa Cos»pacty of Edmaons, Wash. 1a or3es to vac the Optimas Ianege Analysis soflyvarc, the coatputar abotsid have Windows softwaa, version 3.0 or tats, aveil8ble from the ll~crosoft Carporadoa of Rodmood, Wash. And also have a CPLt at lease equivalont to the ?stet 80386. Atsy auitablo daslc top PC rosy be eased, with a 486 DX39 drpe PC lraviag beta found to be~ partioularIy suitable. Images being saved Lo and reatllisd tlrom $le watt displayed on a Souy TtsnitronMaaoaito= model PVM-I343M0 with a $nal display mag~ni$ca:ion of about SIIX.
'I~ imago scdttisitiou step, t~ above requires 10 diffa~t regions 8om a representative tapshea 24 sample of s particular type of diaper ZO or $nm sample matarial to be tefued. Each regio~a is rectaagdar, aaca~ia8 about_S.8 millimeters by 4~
miuimstas. The sample is plaid on : hlacic ~aaat board to ia~ease the r~sst b the fsad the pardon of the sample which de~CS the apwattes. Tho moan pay ravel and smndsird deviation of the blade mat board were 16 and ~i, respectively.
Images are sequdrsd with tt~ lights off using the Keyence monitor aticroscopc mouasad on a aopyataad directly about the sample. Tht K~eyeaee light source ~Z
illuminating the sample is adjusted and irtonitorcd with the Optimal software~to measure tlae mean gray Ievel and standard deviation of a 4.3 density wedge on a Kodak Gray Scale available from Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, N'cw York. "The coatml of Keyence light source is adjusted so that the mean gray level of the illuminated wvedge is 111 -!- 1 and the standard deviation is 10 ~ Z . All images werz acquired during a single time period, sad the Keyence light source is moaitared by measuring the mean gray level and standard deviation of the wedge throughout the image acquisition process.
In measuring as individual apertwe, only the effective apernw~e size' is of iziterest.
Measuring the effective aperture size qusatif es the aperture size iat~eaded to contribute to the porosity of the tvpsheet 24, and account for eontsibutiot~ of fibers and fiber bundles which uravttse as area intended to be as aperh~re. An efFective aperture is any hole through the topsheet 24 having a~ gray lcvd less than or equal to l 8 using image acquisition parameters as described herein. Thus, an intended aperture stay be dsvided iat~o plural effective apem~res by traverse fibers.
The image analysis software is calibrated in tniliimeters by a ruler image acquirrd frotn the sample images. A 3 by 3 pixel averaging filter found in the Optimas 3. l I:aage menu is applied to each saved image to ~neduce noise. The aparnrres are detected in the gray level range of 0 through 18_ An apanue which is not fully cantaincd within the 5.8 by 4.2 viewing area is not considered in the individual area and perimeter measurements.
'Therefore, area and perimeter averages and distributions are avt affected by a which arc not wholly contained within the field ofview.
I-Iowever, individual apertures which could not be fully viewed in the image arc included is the percentage open ar~aa calculattioa. This difference . nccuts because the percent open area is sitaply the image of pixel ratios from 0 through 18 to the total number of pixels in the image. having a gray level 1p or great.~r were not cnuttced in the open area calculation.
The percentage open area for the average of 1 Q iautges f~r each topshte! 24 is measured u~ng the Optimas Image Anavlysis software. The percentage open area is defined as the ratio of the nutnber of pixels having a gray level fi~om 0 through 18 to the total number of pixels for the image. The percentage open area is measured for each image repr~centiag one particular region from a topsheet sample. The percentage open area from each of the 10 individual images is then avcrageci to yield a pcrcczztage open area for the entire sample.
The data analysis is conducted by an Excel spreadsheet, also available from the Misrosofi Corporation of Redmond, Washington. The Excel spreadsheet o~tgaaized the percentage open area, aprrture area, and aperture perimeter measurements obtained from ~=Trade-mark ~i v-~ ~. ~..~..

the Optimal software, Sample averages and standard da~xtiox~, size sad frequency distributions of individual aperture areas arid hydraulic radius corotputationS (area divided by perimeter) for individual aperntres are obtained using the spreadsheet.
Distributions of individual apesn~,re area are also computed using ehe Excel sprcadshcc~t. The aperzvres are sorted into bins of certain size ranges, The n~umbe~r of aptrutre areas falling into ccrta,in size ranges of interest is determined as well as the sum of the areas within each range. The ranges are set is int~cements of 0.05 square millimeters. These areas are ~ expressscd as a percentage of the total open area of the satuple_ The frequency and Smm of the arcs dis-cributious are obtained by combining individual aperture measurements $otzl all 10 images for each sample.
The fecal msaagemertt member 30 naay either be absorbent or nonabsorbent. A
material suitable for an absorbent fecal management member 30 is a ccllulosic fibrous structure, such as paper. The eellulosie Sbrous stxuctme cnay be made by having a continuous high basis weight network with discrete regions of low basis weight, or even discrete aperdsres having a zero basis weight. In a diaper 2o braving such a fecal managetaent member 30, the low-viscosity fecal material passes tbroug~ the topsheet 24 sad resides on the fecal management member 3Q. 'The low basis weight disexett regiot~
or apert~urs form cells which immobilize the low-viscosity fecal maurial_ Once the lovwriscosity fecal nsaterial is i~obiliud is this position, it does not return to soil or irritate the skin of the wearer. Ftmthe<more, the low viscosity fecal material can be dewateird into scpararce componeiats by the capillary action of the more fluid componerrts of the low-viscosity fecal material into tlae cellulosic fibrous material of the fecal msaagetneat member 30.
In another embodiment, a nonabsorbent fecal man~ernent member 30 may be provided. If a nonabsorbent fecal tnanagcmcnt member 30 as selc~etcd, it may be provided is the form of an ~arn.~d formed $.lnot caee~ting the caliper rcqttiretaeata described above_ A suitable forested. filter is available Trodegar Corporation of 'Tore Haute, Indiana under the desi~oation 305790.
Of course, if the fecal management member 30 is nonabsorbent, it must be associated with a core 28 which has adequate capacity to absorb and retain the fluids deposited thereon.
Figure 3 is anathcr ~cmbodimrnt of a fecal maaageeanent t:retaber 30.
Creaeraily the fecal management member 30 is a sheet of loop material 118 baying a backing iZ0 having front and rear major ~uffaccs 123 and 124, sad a multiplicity of longitudinally oriented fibers in a specially formed sheet of fibers l2ti hawing anchor generally non-deformed .anchor portions 127 bonded by being Embedded in the bsclCing layer 120 at spaced elongate generally parallel bacsdizzg locations 128 that are cotxtinuous in one direction along the front surface 123 with arcuate portions 130 of the sheet of fibers 126 projecting from the front surface 123 of the backing layer 110 between she bonding locauoxzs I28 in continuous rows alsa extendiirg trsusversely across the sheet of loop material 118_ 'zhe arcuate porti~r~s I30 of the sheet of fibers 126 have a generally uniform height from the backing layer 124 of greater thaw about O.S .nyi,[lirrreters and preferably greater than sibout 1.0 millimeters, the height of the formed shoot of fibers 126 is at least one third, and preferably one half to one arid one half times the distance between the bonding locations 128, the individual fi'bezs in the sheet of f hers 126 are less than 25 denier (preferably is the rage of 1 to 10 de~t~uier) tax size, and the sheet of fibers 126 without the backing I20 has s basis weight in the rautg~ of 5 co 300 grams pct square meter (and preferably is the range of 15 to I00 grams per s~gv~are meter) measured along the First surface 123 to provide su~Fxeisat open area between the fibers in the sheet of fibers 126 along the arcuste portions 130 (i.e., between about 10 and 90 perce~at open area) to afford ready pe:setration of feel material into the individual fibers along the -~arcwate portions 130.
Suitable materials for use as the backing 120 include but are not limited to thcrzraoplastic films, porous flnns, apettttred films, apertvred foroxed films, woap~erhu~ed formed films, nonwoven webs, breatlsable materials, such .as breathable films, including but not limited to microporoug 8i~ms, aid aoawovGn webs arid the like. The baekitxg 120 is preferably a relatively thin layer having a thiclosess is the range of about 0.00125 to 0.025 centinxeoets.
The fibers iix the sheet of 8btts 126 eaa be dispo~ is various directeons with respect to the parallel bonding locaaions 128 and may or tray not be bonded together at crossover points is the areuare portions 130; can be disposed is various directions with respect to the parallel bonding locations X28 with the majority of the fibers in the sheet of fibezs 12b (i.e., over 80 or 90 percent) extending in directions at about a right angle to the bonding locations 128; Or al! Of the individltal fiber. to ~e sheet ~f fibers 126 can extend in directions generally at right angles to the spaced generally Parallel bo~adiuag locations 128.
To be the most effective in the handling of low viscosity fecal material tht fecal management member must hare a Iofled open stevcture, tine key component of this equation is the height of the arcuate portions 130 of the sheet of sbers 1Z6 fronn the backing 120. As mentioned above the arauate portions a 30 of the short of sbers 126 have s generally uniform hcigltt from the backing 120 cf greater that about 0.5 millimeters and preferably gseattr than about 1.0 millimeters. While every greater heights 1, would provide excellent handling of low~viscosity fecal material, e.g., heights of 5.0 centimeters, such heighrs would create unwanted bulk in the diaper which may cause discomfort for the waster.
Aaorher key component is the resiliency of the fecal raauagement mennber 30, more particularly the resiliency of the sheet of fibers 126. In order to remain open, the shod of fibers 12f must have a sufFicieat resiliency to withs~d the forces of psckagiug and those applied by the wearer. Preferably, the sheet of fibers I2b has a resiliency of at least 50°rb ai~er 30 seconds under as applied force of 100g1cm2. more prcferabiy, the sheet of fibers 126 has a resiliency of at least ?5°!o after 30 se~~onds under an applied force of 100g/ctn2, most preferably, the sheet of fibers 126 has a resiliency of at least 85% after 30 seeoads under an applied force of 100g/cm2.
As mentioned above, the taa~-topshect capacity reflects the diapers ability to handle low-viscosity fer8l. rnatezial. Similarly, the Post acquisition collagen rewet method (PACO~ te~ecis the diapers ability to handle urine. 'The f tat region 31 of the diaper 20, the region designai to handle twine, should have a relatively low PACORM.
Preferably, fhe first region 31 of the diaper 20 should have a relatively lowex PACURM
than the second region 32.
The first region 21 of the diaper 20 ~eferably has a PACORM value of lass than 120 mg, more preferably, a PACO1ZM value of less than 100 mg, and most preferably, a PACORM value of less than 80 mg.
~guisition Test This test should be carried out at about 22 +/~ Z°C and at 3$+J- 15%
telStive hutaidity. The synthetic urine used in these test methods is commonly lmowu as 3ayco SynUrinc and is avai;lablc from Jsyco Plta:xnaceuticals Company of Camp Hill.
Pennsylvania. The formula for the synthetic urine is: 2.0 g/1 of KCI; 2.0 ,gel o~P NaaS04;
.. , 0.85 g/1 of (IV'H4)I3aPO4: 0.15 g/1 (NN~I~)H2P04; 0_19 igll of CsClx; ad 0.23 ,g/1 of MgCl2,. ,A,11 of the chemicals ate of reagent grade. The pH of the syt:thetic Lrine is in ; :e range of 6.0 to b.4.
Referring to Figure 4, azt absorbent structure (410) is loadrd with a 75 ml gush of synthetic urine at a rate of IS ml/s using s pump ~lVlodcl ?520-00, supplied by Cole Parmer Instruments., Chicago, U.S.A.~, from a height of 5 cm above the sample sutfaae.
The time to absorb the urine is recorded by a timer. The gush is repeated at precisely 5 minute gush intervals until the article is su~eieatly loaded_ Cmrcrtt test data are 8by loading four bares.
=Trade-mark The test sample, yvhich can be a complete absorbent e~tticle or an absorbent structure co~onprisiag an absorbent core, a.topsheet, sad a baclksheet, is arranged to lie flat an a foam platform 411 within a perspex box (only base 412 of which is shown).
A
perspex plate 413 having a 5 cm diameter opening in its middle is placed on top of the sample on the loadlrag zone of the structure. Synthetic urine is introduced to the staple through a cylinder 414 fitted, and glued izxto tlae opening. Electrodes 415 are located on the lowest surface of the plate, in contact with the surfhce of the absorbent structure 410.
?he eleotrodes ase connected to the timer. Loads 416 a:E placed on top of 'the plate to simulate, for example a baby's weight A pressure of about SOg cmd2 (0.7psi) is achieved by positioning weights 426, e.g. for the cotazaonly available 31RAX~si~~e 2Q
kg.
As test fluid is introduced into the cylitsder it typically builds up on top of 'the absarbcat structure thereby completing an eleetsieal circuit between the electrodes. The test fluid is uaasported from the pump to the test assembly by rneaas of a tubing of about 8 mm diameter, v~hicb: is kept flllc~d with test fluid. ?hus the fluid starts to leave the tubing essentially at the same time the pump starts operating. At this time, also the timer is started, and the tisnct is stopped when the absorbent structure has absorbed the gush of urine, and the electrical correct between the electrodes is broken, The ai:duisition rate is dcfinod as the gush volume absorbed (ml) per unit rime(s).
~e acquisition rate is calculated for each gush introduced into the sample. Of particular interest in view of the current iawendon are the first cad the last of the four gushes.
This test is primazily designed to evaluate products generally referred to as MAXI
size products for a design capacity of about 3~0 ml, and having a respective Ulriatate Storage Capacity of about 30Q ml to d00 cal. If products with si~tnifiCa:ltlY
different capacities should be evaluated (such as can be envisage for adult incantincnce praducts or for smaller babies), the srtt;ags in particular of the fluid voturne per gush should be adjusted appropriately to about ZO% of the total article design capacity, and the ~dewiation from the stand_ std test protocei should be s~ecordtd, ~o~i~,Acquisition Collaaer; ~ewet Method (refe~,to 'flg. 4j Before cxocutiag the test, the ~,ollagen film as purchased from NA~'LJRIriI
GmbH, Weiuhein, Germany, under the d~sigrlation of C(3FFI~and at a basis weight of about 28g1m2 is .prepared by being cut into sheets of 90 nun diamzter e.g. by using a sample outs device, and by oquih'brating the ftlm in the contrnllcd environment of the_test soom (see above) for at least 12 hours (tweezers are ra be used for all handling of the collagen f~oo~)_ ~=TradeT mark ~n v ...,..~-..

At least 5 minutes, but not more than 6 Qainutes after the last gush of the above acquisition zest is absorbed, the cover plate and weights are removed., and the test sample (520) is carefully placed flat on a lab beach.

4 sheets of the precut sad equilibrated collagen material (510) are weighed with at least one milligr~ua accuracy, and then positioned centred onto the loadi~,g poi~t~t of the article. and covered by pa~peac plate (530) of 90 ram diameter, and abort 20 mm thiclaness. A weight (540) of 1S kg is carefully added (also centred). After 30 t/- 2 SeCOtldS the weight and pcrspex plate arc carefully removed again, sad the ~collagea films are reweighed.
?he Pose Acqufsidon Collagen Rcwei Method result is the tttoisture pick up of the collagen ftlm, expressed in mg.
It should be noted further, that this testing protocol can be adjusted easily according to specific product types, such as different baby diaper sizes, or adult incontinence articles, or catamoa'sal articles, or by the variation in the type and amount of loading fluid, the amount and size of the absorbent material, or by v8t'iatioas in the applicable pressure. Having ogee defused these relevant parameters; such modifications will ix obvious to one skilled in the art. 'When considering the results from the adjustod test protocol the products can easily be optimising these identiSed relevant parameter such as is a designed experiment according to standasd statistical methods with realistic in use boundary conditions.
In one embodiment, only the portion of tine topshert 24 within the second raglan 32 cvmpcaxs a skin care c~~pOSition. i~Jhile tho specific corrtposition is not the critical factor in achieving improved skin condition, it is apparent that the ~compositsott must provide either a prntactive, nonocolusive function (e.g., a relatively liquid impervious but vapor pervious bascicr) to avoid s3~au hypechydration sad skis exposure to materials contained in body exudates, or it must corrtaun agents that deliver, either directly or indiready, skim cane benefits. For example, in~di~rcct benefits include improved removal of skin irritants such as feces mr urine. 1'"~he composition may re it1 a variety of for~A,s, including, but not limited to, emulsions, lotions, creams, ointments, salves, powders, suspensions, encapsulations, gels, and the like.
As used heren, !he terns "effective amount of a skin cafe compositfon" zed to an amount of a patticul~ composition which, when applied or migrated to one or more of the wearer-contacting surfaces) of an absorbent article(s), will be. e~'ective in providing a pzozcctivc barrier and/or dclivegiag a skim care benefit when delivered via absorbent articles over tixue. Of course, the e~'ective amount of coanposition eppfied to the article will depend.; to a large extent, on the pattioular carnpositioa used.
Noaetlteless, the quantity of the c~mposition on at !cast a portion of the wearer-contacting surface of the absorbent article will preferably range from about 0.05 mglinZ (0.0078 mglctrtZ) to about 80 mg/in2 (1Z.4 rng/cm2), more preferably izorra about 1 mglisiZ (0.16 ru~em2) to about 40 mglin2 (6.Z0 rnglcrn2), still ~oaore preferably from abort 4 mg/inz (0.62 mg/ctn2) to about 26 .mg/in2 (a_03mg/cm~). 'l~,ese ranges are by way of illustration only and the skilled artisan will reeognixe that the nature of tfae composition will dictate the level that trust be applied to achieve the desired skin benefits, and that such levels are eseercainable by routine experimentation in light of the present disclosure.
Whiic the IeYel of skin care eotnposition applied to the absorbent article is an important aspee= of the present methods, more important is the aznouttt of compositiota transferred to the wearer's skis during use of one or more treated articles_ Though the I"stj111s1IC level delivcrzd to the skin to provide the desised skin benefits will depend to some degree on the nature of the composition employed, Applicants bave found that relauvely low levels may be delivered while still providing size desired skin effects. This is particularly true fox preferred compositions.
Another benef t of the present method is the controlled application of the skin care cotapositioa to deliver the low but e~'ecuve levels of couspositioa required.
This is in contrast to typically sparadie manual appllration of skin cart agents, where the csregiverluser often applies significantly greater levels t~f al8terisl than are needed.
Excessive materials added manually may adversely impact the fluid handling properties of the absorbent article, as a result of transfer from rbie skin w the article. Indeed, for certain materials, such as petrolatum, the levels applied manually may actually result in as occlusive elect, ttzereby compromising the skin. A benefit of.the present methods is providing a barrier to smcface moisture while avoiding occlusion of the skin (i.e., maintaining shin breatbabiliryj. Thus, the preset rnethads, which allow controlled composition delivery throughout the wear period, allow tnunsfer of optimal levels of the composition to the skin to improve skin condition.
With rd$ard to the level of skin care imposition that is transferred to the wearer dtaing use of one treaty abavrbent article worn far a period of about 3 hours (a typical daYt~e wear time), preferred is where at lease about 0.01 ntg/ia2 (0.0016 mg/cm2j, more preferably at least about o.05 mg/iao2 (0_0078 aoo~glcm2). still more preferably at least about 0.1 mgl-usZ (0.016 asg/emZ), of the composition is transferred to tree skin over a throe hour wear period. Typically, the amount of composition delivered by one treated article will be from about 0.01 mg/ia2 (0.0016 ragrem2) to about 5 mg/in~ (0.78 mglcmZ).
more preferably from about 0.05 rng~'ln2 (0.0078 mg/cttiz) to about 3 mglin2 (0.47 mgJcm2).

~.vw~.~...

still more preferably from about t).1 mglin2 c0_016, mg~cm~) to about 2 mg/'m2 10.31 mglcm~), over a three hour wear period.
Far continual use of treated articles (in other words, ~charagcs occur in accordance with normal use pattrnas, which typically include changes every 3 to 4 hours during the day and a fresh articla before overnight sleep) such aus for a period of 24 hours, it will be preferred that at least ai~out 0.03 uig~ia2 (0.004 mglc.ts2), nwre preferably at Icast about 0.1 m~in2 (Q.016 amglccrr2). still more preferably at least about 0.3 mg~in2 (0.047 mglcm2), of tht composition is transferred to the wearer's skin over the 24 hour period.
Typically, the sarotntt of composition delivered after- a period of ~4 hours where treated articles are applied at each change, with be from about 0.03 rn~g/iuZ (0.0047 rng~cm2) to about I8 mglin2 (2.74 tng/crn2), more ryplcally from about 0.1 rnglin2 (0.016 mglctaZ) to about IO mglin2 (1.55 tnglcm2), still more typically 5-om about 0.3 mg/in2 (0.047 mglcm2) to about 6 mp~in2 (0.93 mg/cm2)_ It will be recognized that of the numerous materials us~l iu the skin care compositions delivered to skin is accordance with the preseztt methods. those that have been deemed safe and effective sldu care agents are logical materials for use herein. Such materials include Category I actives as defined by the U_S_ Federal Food apd Drug Administration's CFDA) Ttazative Final Monograph on Skin Prozoctanz Drug Products for C?ver-the-Counter Human Uso, which presently include: alsatoi~ alutxfinum hydroXlde gel, calamine, cocoa butter, dirnethicoae, cod liver oil (in combination), glycerine, kaolin, petrolatum, lanoliu~, mineral oil, shark liver oil, whirl petroistuai, talc, topical shuncb~, zinc acetate, arc carbonate, ziuac o~dde, and the like. Other patemially useful asaterials are Category III actives as defined by tbc U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration's Tentative Firrat Monograph on. Skin Protectgtst Drug Products for Cher~Ihe-Cvuttter Human Use tentative final monograph oa. span protcctaz~t drug products for over-the.
cauater human use, which presently include: lire yatst cell der;vratiwes, aldioxa, aluminusr acetate, txvicroporous cellulose, cholecalciferol. colloidal oatmeal, cysteiae hydroohloride, dexpanthanal, Pertaviaa bglsarn oil, protein hydroly'sat~, ~cemeth3onine, sodium bicarbonate, Vitamin A, and the Iihe.
Many of the FDA monographed ~skia care i~n fredveats are cumemly utilized in corbmea~ially available skis care products, such as A and D~ Ointment, VaselineQ9 Petroleum Jelly, Desitin~r Diaper Rash Oiawneat and Daily Care ~Diamietu, Gold Bond~
Medicated Baby Powder. Aquaphor~ Healing Ointment, Baby MagicQ4 Haby Lotion, Johnson's Ultrd Sensitive~ Baby Cream, Johnson's baby lotion, lip balms, etc.
These coxartaercial products tray be applied to absorbent articles too create treated articles for use m V r rm~~~
l9 in the present methods, either with or witTnout modification of the product to facilitate delivery via this novel method.
As will be discussed hereinafter, the skin care cornpasftions useful in the methods of the pscscut invention preferably, though not necessarily,. have a txxeltiztg profile such that they are relatively immobile and localized on the wea~rer.cotltacting surface of the article at room temperature, are readily transferable to the wearer at body temperature, and yet are not completely liquid under extreme storage conditions.
Preferably, the compositions are easily transferable to the slap by way of normal contact, wearer motion, azzdlor body heat. Because the composition preferably is substantially immabilixed on the article's wearer-contacting siu'face, relatively love levels of composition are needed to impart the desired skin cafe beaefts. In addition, special lbarricr or wrapping materials tray be unnecessary in packaging the nested articles useful in the methods of the present invention.
In a preferred eraboditnent, the skin care compositions useful herein a~c~e solid, yr lucre often set~i-solid, at 20°C, i.e. at sasbie~ tempe~n~res_ ~y "semisolid" is meant that the composition has a theology typical ef pseudoplastic or plastic liquids.
Wl~cn no shear, is applied, the compositions can have the appearance of a semi~solld bui can be madt to flow as the shear rate is increased. This is due to the fact that, while the composition contains primarily solid compo:icnts, it also includes sores minor liquid co~mponents_ Preferably, the compositions of the present invention have a zero shear viscosity between about 1_0 X 106 ceufiipoisc acrd about 1.0 X IOg. More preferably, the z~
shear viscosity is about 5.0 ~i 106 centipoise anti about 5.0 X 10~ ceatipoise. . As used herein the term "uro shear viscosity" refers to a 'viscosity measured avt very low slxear rates (e_g., I.0 sec-I) using plate and cone viscometer (a suitable instrument is available tom TA Ittsnvments of New Castle, DE as model number CSL 100). One of skill is the art wlll recog~oiize means ~ther sham, high melting poant components (as discussed below) can be used to proviide comparable viscositics measured for such compositions comprising such ar~ans can be mea~-by extrapola#ing a plc: of viscosity vs. shear rate for such compositiorss to a shear rate of zero at a temperature of about 20°C. ~
Preferred compositions are at least sesai-solid at rao~o, tempeiaau~e to minimize eotapositioa migration. In additian, the corupositioas preferably have a final melting point (100% liquid) above potential "szressful~ storage conditions that can be greater rhea 4S°C (e.g., warehouse in Arizona, car trunk in Florida, etc.).
Reparesentative compositions having these tadt chara~cter~stics arc described in detail in U.S. Patent No.

5.643.588 (Roc et al.), U.B. Patent No. 5,507,760 (Roe et al.), U.S. Patent No. S,bOg,587, ~0 and U.S. Patent No. 5,635,191. Specifically, preferred compositions will have the following melt profile:
Characteristic Preferred RangeMost Preferred % liquid at 2-50 3-25 soom rein . (20~C) . .

liquid at 25-95 . 30-90 body temp. (37C) final mClung point ?38 X45 ('C) By being solid or semisolid at ambient temperatures" preferred compositions do not have a tende~acy to flow and migrate to a significant degree to undesired Locations of the article to which they are applied. This means less skin care coxnpositioa is rtquired for imparting dcsirablo therapeutic, protective or conditioning benefits.
To enhance immobility of preferred compositions, the: viscosity of the formulated compositions should be as high as possible to psevcut flow within tlxe article to undesired location. Unfomunately, in some instances, higher viseosit~es may inhibit transfer of composicioa to the wearer's skin. Therefore, a_ balance should be schieved so the vi,scosities ate high enough tn keep the c~mpositions Ioca~Lized on the surface of the article, but not so high as to impede transfer tn the wearei s skin. Suitable viscosities for the compositions will typically range ~iro~aa about ~ to about 500 ccrmipoise, preferably from about 5 to about 300 centipoise, more preferably fi;om about 5 to about centipoise, measured at 50 C using a rptational viscomet~e:r (a suitable viscometer is available from Lab Line Instruments, Ine. of Melrose Park, IL as Model 453Tj_ The viscometer is operated at 60 rpm using a number 2 spindle.
For compositions designed to provide s skin smoothness benefit, a useful active ia~~edieat in these compositions is one or more skin protsctaats or emollients. As used herein, the term '°emollieat° is a material that protects against wetness or irritation, , softens, soothes, supplcs, coats, lubricates, moisttui2es, protests and/or oleauses the skis.
(It will be reco~oized that several of the monographed actives listed above are "cmollient~t', as that term is used herein.) In a preferred embodiment, these emollients wild have either a plastic or liquid consisteztcy at ambient temperatures.
i.e., 20°C. This particular emollient consistency allows the compositf on to impart a soft.
lubricious, lotioa.like feel.
Representative emollients useful in the present invention include, but are not li.mited to, emollients that are petroleumbaaseed~ polyol pol~resters; sucrose ester fatty Zl acids; polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof; htitneetants; fatty acid ester type; atkyi ethoxylate type; fatty acid ester ethoxylates; fatty alcohol type;
polysiloxane type;
propylene glycol and derivatives thereof; glycerine and derivatives thereof, includitsg glyeenide, acetoglyccrides. and ethoxylated glyecrides of C12-C2g fatty aids;
triethylene glycol and derlvataves thereof spermaceti of other waxes; fatty acids; fatty alcohol ethers, particularly those havfuovg from 12 to 28 carbon atoms iia their fatty chain, such as stearie acid; propoxylated fatty aieohols; ether fatty esters of polyhydr~xy alcohols;. lanolin and its derivatives; kaolin and its derivatives; any of the manographCd slag care agcats listed above; or mixtures of these emollients. Suitable petrolemnbased crt:ollients include those hydrocarbons, or mixtures of hydrocarbons, having clsain lengths of from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Petroleum based hydrocarbons having these chain lengths iuaclude mined oil (also laso~rn as °liguid petmlatusn") and petrolatum {aYso known as °'mineral wax,°
"pctmlcum jelly" aund "mineral jolly"). Mineral oil usually refers to less viscous reixtures of hydrocarbons having from 16 to ZO carbon atoms. Petrolatum usually refers to more viscous mixtures of hydrocarbons having from I6 to 32 carbon atoms. fetrolat~
arid mineral oil are particularly preferred emollivms for cosnpositinns of the present invcntior~.
Suitatsle fatty acid ester type emollients include those derived from C12-,C2$
fatty acids, preferably C 16-C,~ sattusted fatty acids, and short chain (C 1 fig, preferably C 1-C3) monohydric alcohols. Representative cxainples of such esters include methyl pala~itate, methyl scearaxe, isopropyl latngte, asoprapyl .utyristate, isopropyl palatitate, ethyihe~yl palmitate and miucuna thereof. Suitable ferry acid ewer eutollients can also tx derived frosa exoer5 of longer chain fatty alcohols {C 12~C2g, preferably C 1 a-C 16) and shorter chain fatty acids e.g., lactic acid, such as lautyl lactate acrd cetyl lactate.
Suitable alkyl ethoxylate type emollients include Cla.C~ fatty alcohol ethoxyiases having as a~rerage degree of ezhoxylaxion of fzom about 2 to about 30.
Preferably, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate emollient is selected from the gmup consist~g of lar~ryt, ceryl, asfd straryl ethoxylates, and mixtures tberoof, having an average die of ethoxylatioa ranging from about 2 to about 23. Represen>mive examples of such alkyl ethoxylatos iachuie lauretb-3 (a lax~~l etiioxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3), lameth 23 (a tauryl ~hoxylate having sn average degree of cthvxylation of 23), ceteth-10 {a cetyl alcohol ethoxylate lnaviug as average degree of ethoxylaooa of IO) and steareth-10 (a stearyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree oaf ethoxylaxion of 10). When e~tployed, rb~ese alkyl ethaxylate emollients are typically used in eombinatian with the petroleumbased emollienrs, such as petrolatum. al a weight w ..r ~ ~..a~.. .

ratio of alkyl ethoxylate emollient to peuoleuzn-based emollient of from about I:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:2 to about 1.4.
Suitable fatty alcohol type emollients include C12-C~~ Entry alcohols, preferably 016-018 fanY ~cobols. Representative examples include eetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. When employed, these fatty alcohol emollients arc typically used in combination with the petroleuan-based emollients, such as petrolatum, at a weight ratio of fatty alcohol emollient to petroleum-based emollient of from about 1:1 to abort 1:~, prefezabIy from about 1:1 to about 1:2.
Other suitable types of emollierns for use herein include polysiloxane compounds.
In general, suitable polysiloxane materials for u~c in the precept invention include .those having monomerie siioxatte units of the following structure:
RI
--~i--O--~2 wherein, R 1 and R2, for each independent siloxane monotnerxc unit can each imdep~endently be hydrogen or any alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, sikaryl, arakyl, cycloalkyi, halogenated hydrocarbo~a, or other radical. Any of such radicals can be substituted or uusubstituted. RI and R2 radicals of any particular txtoaomeric unit may differ from tI~
corresponding functionalities of the next adjoining monom~esic tmii.
Additionally, the polysiloxane can be either a ssraigbx chain, a branched chain or have a cyclic structure.
The radicals Rl and R2 can additionally independcntiy be other silaceouS
functionalities such as, but not limited to siloxaaes, polysfl;axrmes, silanes, and polysilanes. 'Ihe radicals RI arid R2 may cosnai,a any of a variety of osgaudc fnrrctinnalities including, for example, alcohol, carboxylic acid, phenyl, and amine fuactionalfties.
PAY ~Yl radicals are methyl, ethyl, psopyt, bW y1, peniyL hexyl, ochl, dccyl, o~a~yyl, and the ldce. Exemplary alkenyl :adicals are vinyl, allyl, and the like.
lxcmplary aryl radicals are phenyl, Biphenyl, ssaphthyl, azrci tile like_ Exemplary ailfratyl radicals are toyl, xylyl, ethylphenyl, and the like. Exemplary aralkyl radicals are benzyl, alphaphertylethyl, beta-phearylethyl, Alpo phenylbtayl, and the like.
E,~cam~plary cycloalkyl radicals are cyclobutyl, cyclopcutyl, cycloltcxyl, and the like.
Exemplary ltaioge~red hydrocarbon radicals are Chloromcthyl, bromoethyl, tettafluorethyl, flnorethyl, uifluo:ethyl, trifluorodoyl, hexafluoroxylyl, and the like.
Viscosity of polysiloxaees useful may vary as widely as the viscosity of polysiloxasses its gesseTat vary, so long as the polysiloxane is flowable or eau be triads to be flowable for application to the article. This includes, but is not limited to, viscosity as low as 5 centistokes (at 37 C as measured by a glass viscometer) to about 20,000,000 centistokes. Preferably the polysiloxanes have a viscosity at 37°C
ranging from about S to about 5,000 centistokes, more preferably from about 5 to about 2,000 centistokes, most preferably from about 100 to about 1000 centistokes. High viscosity polysiloxanes which themselves are resistant to flowing can be effectively deposited upon the article by such methods as, for example, emulsifying the polysiloxane in. surfactant or providing the polysiloxane in solution with the aid of a solvent, such as hexane, listed for exemplary purposes only. Particular methods for applying polysiloxane emollients to absorbent articles are discussed in more detail hereinafter.
Preferred polysiloxanes compounds for use in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,059,282 (Arnpulski et al), issued October 22, 1991.
Particularly preferred polysiloxane compounds for use as emollients in the comuositions of the present invention include phenyl-.functional polymethylsiloxane compounds (e.g., Dow Coming*
556 Cosmetic-Grade Fluid: polyphenylmethylsiloxane) and cetyl or steaxyl functionalized dimethicones such as Dow* 2502 and Dow 2503 polysiloxane liquids, respectively. In addition to such substitution with phenyl-functional or alkyl groups, effective substitution may be made with amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde.
ketone, amide, ester, and thiol groups. Of these effective substituent groups, the family of groups comprising phenyl, amino, alkyl, carboxyl, and hydrox;~l groups are more preferred than the others; and phenyl-functional groups are most preferred.
Suitable humectants include glycerine, propylene glycol, sorbitoI trihydroxy stearin, and the like.
When present, the amount of emollient that can be included in the composition wiii depend on a variety of factors, including the particular ~mollier~c i~molved, the loiiori-like benefits desired, the other components in the composition and like factors. The composition will comprise from 0 to about 100%, by total weight, of the emollient.
Preferably, the composition will comprise from about 10 to about 95%, more preferably from about 20 to about 80%, and most preferably from about 40 to about 75%, by weight, of the emollient.
Another optional, preferred component of the therapeuticlskin protective/skin conditioning compositions useful in the methods of the present invention is an agent capable of immobilizing the composition (including t:he preferred emollient and/or other skin conditioning/therapeutic/protective agents) in the desired location in or on the treated article. Because certain of the preferred emollients in the composition have a plastic or liquid consistency at 20°C, they tend to flow or migrate, even when subjected to modest *=Trade-mark F

WlY9yJl.~ia ~

shear. When applied to a wearer contacting surface ox other location of an absorbent article, especially irt a melted or molten stale, the emollient will not remain primarily in or on the treated region. Instead, the emollient will tend to migrate and flow to undesired regions of the article.
Specit~tcally, if the emohierrt migrates into the irrteriot of ttte article, it can cause undesired effects on the absorbency of the article corn . due to ~ the hydrophobic characteristics of many of the emollients and other skin conditioning agents used in the compositions useful in the methods of the present invention. It also means that much more emollient has w be applied lo the article to gee the desired skin smoothness benefits.
Increasing the level of emollient not only inks tile cost, but also exacerbates the undesirable effect an the absorbency of the accicle's corn and undesired transfer of composition during proeessiag/eanverting of the treated articles.
'fhe immobilizing agent couatera~ts this tendency of the emollient to migzatc or flow by keeping the emollient primarily localized on the surface or in the region of the article tin which the composition is applied. This is believed to be due, in part, to the fact that the immobilia~g agent raises the arelting point aadlor viscosity of the composition above that of the emollient. Since the iaunobili~ag agent is preferably aisci~ble with the emollient (or solubiliaed in the carollieat with the aid of an appropriate emulsi~fner or dispersed therein), it entraps the emollient on the surface of the article°s wearer contacting surface arr in the z~egion to which it is applied.
It is also advantageous to °'Iock" the immobilizing evgent nn the wearer contacting surface or the region of the article to which it is applied. This csa be accompIishrd by using irn;nobili2ing agents which quickly set up (i.e., solidify) upon application to the article. In addition, outside cooling of the treated article via blowers, fans, cold rolls, tte.
can speed up crystalli~tion of the immobilizing agent.
In addition to being miscible witch (or svlubiiiz~ed la) the emollient, thn .
immobilizing agent will preferably have a melting profile that will pravidc a composition that is solid or semisolid at ambient tramperature. In this xegaxd, preferred immobili7~g agents will have a melting point of at least about 35°C. This is so the immobili~iag agent itself will not have a tendency to migrate or flow. Preferred itmxtobilizlng ages will have melting points of at least about 40 C. 'Fypieslly, t~ imaaobiliang agent will have a melting palm in the range of fin~m about 50 to about 150 C.
When utilized, immobilizing agents useful herein ,can be selected from any of a number of agents, so long as the preferred pz7aperties of the slain Bare coaiposiboa provide the skis benefits described b~erein_ Prefertad immobilizing agents wZll ootnpriss a member selected from the group consisting of C 1 ~-C~ fatty alcohols, C 12~G~
fatty VIV'77~i~.,arv .
acids, and C 1 Z-C22 fatty alcohol ethnxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging fmm 2 to about 30, aad mixtures thereof- Preferred immobilizing ageats include C 16-C 1 g fatty alcohols, most preferably crystalline high melting materials selected from tire group consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl aleohal, beheQyl alcohol. and mixtlwes thereof. f'hhe linear structure of these materials era speed up solidification on the treated absvrbczrt articlr.) Mixtures of cetyl alcohol and stearyi atcohol are patticutarly preferred.
Other preferred immobili.2aireg agents include C 1 ~~C 1 g fatty acids, most preferably selected from the gmup consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, sad mixttu~s thereof.
Mixtiues of palmitic acid aad stearic acid ate particularly preferred. Still other pr~eferr~
immobili2ing agents include C 16-C 18 ~y alcohol rthoxyIates havitfg as average degree of ethoxylation raagiag from, abaut 5 to about 20. Preferably, the fatty alcohols, fatty acids cad fatty alcohols are linear. Iaapottantly, these prefcrtrd itamobiliang agents such as the C 1 s - C 1 g fatty alcohals incmase the rate of ctysiallizatioa of the composition causing the composition to cryxtalli2e rapidly natn the surd of the substrate.
Other types of iEagredieat~s that cam be used as i~nmobilit~g sgeZits, ei'tlleY' alone, or in combination with the above~mentioned fmtnobilizing agents, include waxes such es c~rttaxtba, ozakerite, beeswax, candelflla, para~n,, ec~, espartfl, ouricuri, rexowax, isopataf~n, sad other known mined attd mineral wakes. 7~'be high melt point of these materials can help immobilize the composition en the desired su~aee or lOCatiQll on the article. Additionally micmcrystalline waxes are effective immobilizing agents.
Microcrystxllixsc waxes can aid ~ "locking° up low Molecular weitght hydrocarbons within the side cars oomposition. Preferably the wax is s pasas~:a wsac. ,A,~
exataple of a particularly preferred altW rite iosmobili~ng agent is a psra~ia wax such as Parrafin S.P.
434 from Strahl and Pitach Iac. P.~. Box 1098 West 8abylot~, NY 11704.
Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use is the present invention will have The ~~ula_ O
II
R-G Y
_ a wherein R is a Cg-C31 hydro~rbyl group, preferably straight chain C~.C 19 alkyl or ~nxl, rnorc prcfrrably straight cbaia Cp-C 1 ~y alkyl or alkenyl, :anal preferably susight c~ C11~%l7 ~kYl or alketsyl, or a»,xture thereof; Y is a polyhydmxyhydrocarbyl as "
moiety having a hydxocarbyl chain with at least 2 free hydroxyls directly connected to the chain; and n is at Ieast I _ Suitable Y groups can be derived from polyols such as glycerol, pentaerythritol; sugars such as raffinose, maltodexztase, g,alactose, sucrose, glucose, xylose, fructose, mahose, lactose* marsnose and crythrose; sugar alcohols such as erythrital, xylitol, raalitol, niannitol and sorbitol; and anhydrides of sugar alcohols such as sorbitan. . .
One class of suitable palyhydroxy fatty acid estcrs for use in the present invention compziscs certain sorbitan esters, preferably the sorbitan esters of C 16-C2a saturated fatty acids. Because of the rasrlacr is which they are typically mayufacnu~ed. these sorbitan esters usually comprise aiiactures of mono-, dl-, tri-, ere. estas_ Representative eX3tpples of suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitsa pelmitstes (e.g:; SPAN ~t0), sorbitan stearates (e.g., SPAN 6D), and Sorbitaa bchenates, that comprise one or more of the mono-, dl- and tt'i-ester versions of these svrbitan esters, e.g., sarbitan ruouo-., dl- and tri-palmitate.
sorbhan mono-, dl. and tri-stearate, sorbitart n~trno-; dl mad tai~behenate, ss wen as mixed tallow fatty acid sorbitaa mono-, dl- and tri-esters. Mixtures of different sorbitsn esters can also be used, such as sorbiraa paimitates with sorbitan ste$sates.
Particularly preferred sorbitaa esters are the sorbitan stearaces, typically as a naixt~u~e of mono-, di-and tri~esters (plus some tetraester) such as SPAN 60, end sorbitan ssearates sold under the trade name GLYCOMiJL~S~by Lonza, Inc. Although these sorbitsa esters typically contain mixtures of mono-, dl- and tri-es~ers, plus some tctraes~cr, the mono-sad di-es'teers ate usually the predomiasiat species in these miuctures.
Another el~ss of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid ~st~crs fur use is the present invention snmprises certain giyceryl moaoesters, preferably glyceayl monoesitrs of C16-C~ saturated fatty acids such as g3yceryl monosteatau, glyceryl mvaopalmitabe, and glyccryl mflnobelxaste. Again, like the sorbitaa esters, glyceryl rnonoester mixtimes will typically contain some di~ and trsester. However, such miscnures should contain predominantly the glyceryl monoester species to be useful is the proem invention.
Another class of suitable polyhydmxy fa~y acid esters foY use its the present invention coruprise certain sucrose fatty acid esters, preferably the CIZ.C~
sanaated, ferry acid esters of sucrose. Sucrose tnonocstcrs and diestrrs are particularly preferred and include sucrose mono. and di-sce~ate and sucrose mono- and &- lawrate.
Suitable polyhydmxy fatty acid aides for use in the prescat invention will have the formats:
O R' R~-N-Z
~=Trade-mark 29 . _ wherein R1 is H; C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, Z-hydroxypropyl, methoxytthyl;
meehoxypropyl or a mixtiue thereof, preferably C1-C4 alkyl, mtthoxyethyl or methoxypropyl, more prcfcrably C 1 or Cz alkyl or metboxyprupyl , xnoct preferably C 1 alkyl (i.e.. methyl) or meihoxypropyl; and R2 is a CS-C3 g hydrocarbyl group, preferably straight chain Cy-C l g alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C~-C
17 ~Yl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain Cl1-CI7 alkyl or allceayl, or mixture ~teo~ arrd Z is a polyhydroxyhydr~oesrbyl moiety having a linear hydro~carbyI chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly canneeted to the chain. See U.S. patatt 5.174, 927 (Honsa), issued December 29, 1992 which discloses these polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, as well ~as their preparation.
The Z moiety preferably will be derived fmm a reducing sugar in a xeAUCnvc amination reaction; most preferably glycityl. Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fivctase, maltose, lactose, geJartose, asannose, and xylose. I-iiph dextrose core syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and high maltose corn syrup csa be utilized, as well as the individual sugars listed above. These corn sy:ups ten yield mix~t~ucs of sugar compoaents for the Z moiety.
The Z moiety preferably will be selected from the gsoup eonsistiag of -CH2.
tCHOH~,-CHaOH, -CH(CH2oH)-(tCHOH~I]-CH2OH, -Chi20H-CH2_ (Cl-IOI~tCHOR3)(CHOffj-CHZOH, where n is an integer Stmt 3 to 5, and R3 is H
or a cyclic or aliphatic monoaaccharide. Most prcf~cd are the glyeityls where n i5 4, particularly -CH2-(CHOI~,4-CH20H.
ho the above.fo~rmui~, Rl can be, for exmupls. N-=nctttyl, N-rthyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2 hydroxyethyi, N-methoxypropyl or N-2-hydro~rpmpyl. R2 can be selectod to provide, fbr example, cacamides, steararairlrs, oleaiaides, Isurazaides, xnyrzi~sscamides, capricannides, p,aam~.~atcLa, taUowataidcs, etc., The Z
moiety cart ba 1-deoxyglucityl, 2~eoxy5tu~ryl, l~.deoxymaltityl, I-denxylactityl, 1-deoaygatactityl, 1-deoxymaanityl, 1-deaxyr~analtotiriotityl, etc.
?he most preferred polyhydrox; fatty acid amides have the general fvrtnuls:
Fix -~N--C ~ --OH
HZ HZ

wherein Rl is methyl or methoxyprop)rl; RZ is a C1l-C17 straight~bain alkyl os aikeayl group. ' ?here include N-lauryl-N-methyl glucamide, N-lauryl-N-methoxypropyl 1'~ v aaW ..err...

glucarnide, N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamidc. N-cocoyt-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, N-palmicyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, N-tallowyl-N-methyl glucamide, or N-tallowyl-N-ruethoxypropyl glucamide.
As previously noted, some of the in~obiliziug agtnts may require an emulsifier for solubili~tioa in the emollient. This is ~ particularly the case for certain of the glucamides such ss the N-alkyl-N-methoxypropyl glucaruides having HLB values of at least about 7. Suitable emulsifiers will typically include those having HLB
values balow about 7. I,n this regard, the sorbitan esters previously described, such as the sorbitan yes, having HLB values of about 4.9 or less have been found useful in solubilizing These glucamide inaxnobili~ing agents in petrolatum. Other suitable emulsifiers include sce~eth.2 (polyetlayletn; glycol etha~s of stcaryl alcohol that conform to the formula CH3(CH~1~(OCHZCH~OH, wbrne n has an average value of ~), sorbitaQ tremarste, isosorbide laurate, and glyeexyrl inonostearare. The emulsifier can be included in an anaouat suf~eient :o solubili~e the iu~rnobiliang agent us the emollient such that a substantially homogeneous z~xture is obtained. For example, an approxim8tely 1:l mixture of N-cocoyl-N~xnethyl gluc.~amide and petrvlattun that will normally not melt into a single phase mixture, wil! welt into a si~agle phase mi~mue upon the addition of 20°~0 of a 1:I mixture of Steateth-a and sorbitan trist~earate as the enautsiScc.
Other types of ingredients that can be used as xmmobilizit~g agents, either alone, or is combination with the above~mentioaed immobilizing agents, include waxes such as .
caraauba, beeswax, candrlilla, paraf~,, ceresir~ esparto, ouricsui. re,2owax, and other lcrtown waxes. Pscfersbly the wax is a gara~ux wax.. A,z~; exs~ple of a particularly preferred psraf~a wax is Psrrafia S.F'. 434 from Strahl and Pftscb ~nc. PØ
Box 1098 West Babylon, NY l I~D4.
The aaaozmt of the optional iaunobiliziag agent that can be~ included i~o, the cauiposition yvill dtpend on a variety of factors, including the actives (e_g~
emollients) involved, the particular immobilizistg agent ixivolved, the other components in the composition, whether an emulsifier is required to soIubiliae the immobilizing ag~at is the other cottlpoaeDL~; and lika factors. When present, the consposition will typically comprise from abort 5 to about 90% of the imwnrobili~iag agent. Preferably, the composition well comprise from about 5 to about 50%, most preferably frota about 10 to about 40'.6, of the inamohilizing agent-Of course, it is highly desirable that at least a portiow of the article's topshcst be made of a hydrophilic material to promote rapid trader of liquids (s.g., urine) through the topsheet Similarly, it may be desirable that the coasposition be su ~ffeciently wettablc to easu~re that liquids will transfer through the topshcet rapidly.
Alternatively, a9 hydrophobic skin cane composition may be utilized, so long as they are applied such that yte fluid handling propetves of the topsheet are adequately maintained. (For example, as discussed below, nonuzliform application of the composition to the topsheet is one means to accomplish this goal.) This dinninishes the likelihood that body exudates will flow off the composition-seated topshctt rather than being drawn through the topsheet arid being absorbed by the absorbent core. .
Vt7here a hydrophilic composition is desired, depending upon the particular components used in the composition, a mydrophilf c surfactant {or a znixtute of hydrophilic surfactants) may, ar rosy not, be required to improve wettabiliry, For example, some immobili2ing agents, such as N-cocoyl-N.methoxypropyt glucarnide have HLB
vaaues of at least about 7 and are sufficiently wettable without the addition of hydrophilic surfactant. Other immobilizing agents such as the C 16 - C 1 g fatty alcohols having HLB
values below about 7 may require addition of hydrophilic surfactant to improve wet~abiliry when the composition is applied to article topsheets. Similarly, a hydrophobic etnoilieat such as petrolatum may require 'the addition of a hydrophilic surfactant if hydropbzlic composition is desired. Of course, the concern around we~uabiliry is sot a factor when the wearer-contacting stufaae under consideration is other thaw the article's topshcct or when fluid handling properties Of the topsbeet are adequately maintained via other means (e.g., nontnsiform application).
Suitable hydrophilic surfactants will preferably be aaiseible with the other components of the skin catz connposition so as ~ta form blended mixtures.
Because of possible skin sensitivity of those us~g disposable absvrbeat products to which ttsc composition is applied, these surfacta:zts should also be relatively aaild and non-itriiattug to the skin. Typically, these hydrophilic surfactants are nonionic to be~ not only non-irritat;ng to the skis, but also to avoid other undesirable e~crs on airy other saructsuzs within the rioted arti~clc_ For example, reductions is tissue latniunace Tensile sflreagth, adhesive bond su~cieacies, and the like.
Suitable nonionic surfactaa~ may be s~tb,.ctantially~ aonmig~raiory after the composition is appGad to the article and will typically have HLB values is the swage of fi~eta about 4 to about 20, preferably froiu about ~ to about ~0. To be noniaigratory, these nonionic surfactants will typically have melt tetape:atures g~Cr than the temperatures commonly encouatercd during storage, shipping, mcrchaadising, sad use of disposable absorbent ~u~, e.g., at Icasc about 30°C. 1n this regard; these nonionic surfactants will preferably have melting points sirnilat- to those of the itamobilaaing agCnts previously desaibcd.

Suitable nonionic surfactants for use in compositions that will be applied to the articles, at least in the liquid discharge region of the diaper, include alkylglycosides;
alkylglycoside ethers as described in U.S. patent 4,011,389 (Langdon, et al.), issued March 8, 1977, alkylpolyethoxylated esters such as Pegosperse* 1000MS
(available from Lonza, Inc., Fair Lawn, New Jersey), ethoxylated sorbitan mono-, di- and/or tri-esters of C,Z-Ci8 fatty acids having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 20, preferably from about 2 to about 20, such as TVhEEN* 60 (sorbitan esters of stearic acid having an average degree of ethoxylation of about 20) and TWEEN 61 (sorbitan esters of stearic acid having an average degree of ethoxylation of about 4), and the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 54 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol is typically in a straight chain (linear) configuration and contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particular?y NrPierre~ are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from about 11 to about 22 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of such ethoxylated alcohols include the condensation products of myristyl alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, the condensation products of coconut alcohol (a mixture of fatty alcohols having alkyl chains varying in length from 10 to 14 carbon atoms) with about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. A
number of suitable ethoxylated alcohols are commercially available, including TERGITOL*

(the condensation product of C»-C15 linear alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; KYRO EOB (condensation product of C13-C~5 linear alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter &
Gamble Co., the NEODOL* brand name surfactants marketed by Shell Chemical Co., in particular hTEODOL 25-12 (condensation product of C 12-C 15 linear alcohols with 12 rnuies of ethylene oxide) and NEODOL 23-6.ST (condensation product of C~2-C~3 linear alcohols with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide that has been distilled (topped) to remove certain impurities), and especially the PLURAPAC* brand name surfactants marketed by BASF
Corp., in particular PLURAFAC A-38 (a condensation product of a CI8 straight chain alcohol with 27 moles of ethylene oxide). (Certain of the hydrophilic surfactants, in particular ethoxylated alcohols such as NEODOL 2S-12, can also function as alkyl ethoxylate emollients). Other examples of preferred ethoxylated alcohol surfactants include ICI's class of Brij* surfactants and mixtures thereof, with Brij 72 (i.e., Steareth-2) and Brij 76 (i.e., Steareth-10) being especially preferred. Also, mixtures of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol ethoxylated to an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 10 to about 20 may also be used as the hydrophilic surfactant.
*=Trade-mark .4s~other type of suittable surfactant fvr use in the composition includes Aerosol' OT, a dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid marketed by American Cyanamid Cornpaay.
Still another type of suitable surfactant far use in the composition includes silicone copolymers such as General Electric ~ SF 1 I $8 (a copolymer of a polydimethylsiloxatte and a polyoxyalkylene ether) and Gleneral Electric SF
1228 (a silicone polyether copolymer). These silicone surfactants can be used in combination with the other types of hydrophilic surfactants discussed above, such as the crhoxylated alcohols. Thtse silicone surfacsaats have been found to be effective at cottcentrat3vns as low as O.I %, more preferably from about 0.25 to about 1.0°l°, by weight of the co~axposition.
The amount of hydrophilic surfactant required to increase the wettability of the composition no a desired level will depend in-part upon the HLB value and, level of immobilizing agent, if any, used. the I-iLB waiue of the surf°ac~nt used cad like factors.
'The compasitioa can comprise from about 0.1 to about 50% of the hydrophilic surfactant whe;f peeded tQ increase the wettability pmpcrcics of the composition.
Preferably, the composition comprises from abort I to about 25%, most preferably from about 10 to about 20%, of the hydrophilic suQfactatxt when needed to increase wettability.
Compositions can comprise other cux~aponents typically pr eseat in emulsions, creams, ointment, lotions, powders, sfispensiorts, etc. of this type. These cormponeats include water, viscosity raadifiers, perfumes, disinfectant antibacterial actiwes, antiviral agents, vitat~ains, phaimaceutieal actives, film fortners, deodorar~, opacificrs, ,nets ingents, solvents, preservatives, acrd the like. In addition, stabilizers can be 8dded to enh2tnct the shelf life of the composition such as cellulose derivatives, proteins snd lccithizz. All of tht.se materials are well known ire the art as ariditives for such forpnulations and eau be employed in appropriate sraoutses is the compositions for use herein.
If watcr.based skin cart compositions are used, a preservative will be needed.
Suitable preservatives include propyl paraben, methyl paraben, benxyl alcoh~.:, .
bet'izylkannium, tribasic calciunn phosphate, $FiT, os acids such as citric, tartaric, tnaleie, .
lactic, malic, beiozoic, salicylic. and the like. Suitable viscosity increasing agents include some of the agents described as effcccive immobilizing agents. Qther suitable viscosity increasing agents include alkyl galactontataztap, silica. tale, magnesium silicate, sorbitol, colloidal silicone dioxide, magnesieirn aluminum silicate, zinc stcarate, wool wax alcohol, sorbitoa, sesquioleate, cetyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose and other modified cellulosos.
Suitable solvents include propylene glycol, glycerine, cyclotnethicone, polyethylene ~=Trademark gl~ycols, hexalenc glycol, diol sad rnulti-hydroxy based solveztts. Suitable vitamins intrude A. D3, E, BS and E acetate.
In preparing products according to the present i»vention, the lotion composiuon is applied to the outer surface {i.c., body facing surface) of the eopsheet 24 within the second region 32. ,A.ny of a variety of application methods that distribute lubricious zxtaterials having a molten or liquid consistency can be used. Suitable methods include spraying, printing (e.g., flexographic pzinting~, coating (e.g., gravure casting), exuusion, ar combinations of these application techniques, e.g. spraying the composition an s rotating surface, such as a calender roll, that then, txan~sfers the cotnp~osition to.the outer surface of the article topsheet.
An effective amount of composition needs to be applied to the second region 32 of the topsheet Z4 for reducing the adherence of BM to the skin and/or providing a skin benefit to the wearer. The composition is preferably applied to the second region 32 of the tapshect in as amount ranging from about 0.1 mg~ir~2 tc~ about 35 tng/in2~
Such levels of composition are believEd to be adequate to impart the desire therapeutic andlar protective benefits to the topsheet The composition can be applied to the second region ,3Z of the tapsbeet 24 at any point during asserrsbly. For example, the composition can be applied to tlne topsheei of the finished disposable absor6ertt product before it has been packaged. The compos~irion can also be applied t4 tho topsheer before it is combined with the other raw materials to farm a finished disposable absorbent pact, 'Ihe composition is typically applied fivm a inert thereof to the article topsheet.
Since the composition melts at significantly above ambient temper~tes, it is usually applied as a heated coating to the topsheet. Typically, rha composition is heated to a tempaat~e in the range from about 35_ to about 100°C, preferably firm 40° to about 90°C, prior to being applied to the article topsheet_ Once the melted composition has been applied to the article topsheet, it is allowed to cool arid solidify to ~Fsolidified coating or fihm on the surface of the topsheet. Preferably, the applicadan process is designed to aid in the cooling/sct up of the composition.
Referring now to Figtms 1 and 3, the fecal managesaent member 30 is preferably secured to the mpshGCt 24 in a very mis~imat extent to preseree the ope~ess of the f~eea~l mana.gexnerat toember 30 to allow ready potion of low-viscosity fecal material..
Mote pre~exably, the fecal management member 30 is not secured w the topsherct 24 at all Pig the openness of the fecal rraanagetncnt member 30 aid also allowing the topsheet 2~l to separate ~axn the fecal management zncrnber 30 ~c~ag additiotta3 void space. However, xt is recognized tlra: the fecal management member 30 should be secured withitz the diaper ?0 to prevent it from freely moving about. To this end, iT 15 preferred that the fecal management member 30 be secured directly to the underlying absorbent core 28. A particularly preferred attachment mesas is an adhesive havang a hydrophilieity which is greater than tb~e laydrophilicity of the fecal management member 30. More preferably, the atlachzaetxt mesons is an adhesive haring a hydrophilicity which is greater than the sheet of f bets 126, and more preferably a hydrophilicity which is also greater than the hydrbphilieity of the backing 120. ' The absorbent core 28 is preferably secemed direccty to the topsbeet 24. A
particularly preferred att~chtaent means is sa adhesive having a hydtmphilicity which is greater than the hydmphiiicity of the topslneet 24. More preferably, the attachment naeaas is an adhesive having a hydrophilicity which is greazcr than the sheet of i5bers 126, more preferably a hydrophiiicity w~rhach is also than the hydrophiliciry of xhe backing z2t).
Wb~en constructing the diaper 20, the topsheet is preferably positioned on a conveyer ox other suitable ptncessitlg equipment such that its raiser surface is facing upwsrd_ The ,fecal ~oaanagement member 30 is then positioned on the topsheet 24 in the region corresponding to the second region 32 such that the backing 120 of the fecal management member 30 is Facing upward. An ac~ivc is then applied to tho inner surface of the t~cpsheet 2a and the backing 120. The adhesive se3ected at least has a bydrophilicity greater than that of the topsheet 24, and preferably, the adhesive selected has a hydrophilicity greater than that of both the wpsheet 24 and the fecal management member 30. The fecal management mepabex 3t? block3 the adhesive prcventxag it &nrn contacting the portions of the topsheet lying underneath the fecal rnanagcment member 30.
Suitable mesas for applying the adhesive include a uni~f'oxxa continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned 1$yer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. One prefrrred attachment mesas co~enp~rises ssr open pattern networ>c of filameuLs of adhesive as dixlosed in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 entitled "Disposable Waste-Containment C~arme;ut", which issued to Minetols et al. on March 4, 1986.
Other seiitable attaehn~e~nt means include several lines of adhesive filaments which are swirled into a .
spis$1 pattern, as is ~ illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown is U.S.
Patent 3,911,1 ?3 issued to Sprague, 3r. on October 9, ~ 19?5: U.S. P~Gcnt 4,785,496 issued to Ziecker, et al. on Navetnber 22, 1978; and U.S_ Patent 4.842,666 isstncd to ~ercnicz on June 27, 1919.

3 ~1 The amount of adhesive and application technique can be selected to control the degee of penetration of the adhesive ixyto the topsheet 24 VWillC~i iS DOt blOCked by the fecal management member 30. If the topsheet 24 is relatively hydrophobic, it may be desirable to have a greater degree of penetratloxx of adhesive into the topsheet 24 within the first region 31. Alt~rnatively, if the topsheet 24 is relatively hydrophillie less penetration of the adhesive may be needed to obtain the desired urine haodiing characteristics in the first region 31. .
The diaper 20 may further comprise elasticized 1e$ cuffs (not shown) which provide improved contairuncnt of liquids and other body exudates. Each el2~cticized lag cuff aasy conapzise several different embodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates ira the leg rtgions. (The 1Gg cuff' can be and is sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps, batxier cuffs, or elastic au'ffs.) U.S. Patent 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper 20 which providts a coutractiblc leg opening hawing s side flap and one or more elastic members to provide as elasticized leg cuff (gasicetang cuff. .
Commonly asxigned ' U.S. Patent 4,909,803 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elasticized Flaps" issued to Axiz et al: on IVIareh 20. 1990, describes a disposable diaper 20 having "stated-up" elasticized flaps (barrier cu$s) to improve the coatalunment of the leg regions. Commonly assigned U.S_ Patent 4,695,2?8 cutitlcd "Absorbent Article Having Dual Cubs" issued to Lawson ca September 22, 198?, describes a disposable diaper 20 having dual cuffs including a gasketing cuff and a barrier ettff, ?he diaper 20 preferably further coazprises as elastic waist feature (uot shovrn) that provides improved fit and conteiauaeat The elastic waist feature is that pQrtiou or ~onc of the diaper ZO which is irtteaded to elastically expand and contract to dy~nannically fyt the wearers waist, The elastic waist feature at least extends longitudi~raaUy outwardly from at least one of the waist edges of the absorbent core 28 and geraerally forms at least a portion of the end edge of the diaper 20. Disposable diapers are generally cons~n~eted so as to have two elastic waist f, one posit;os~ed is the first region 31 and one positioned in the second region 32, although diapers can be constructed with a single elastic waist feature- Further, while the elastic waist feature or any of its -consritafetzt elements can comprise a separate element affixed to the diaper 20, the elastic waist feafiae is preferably constructed as as extension of other elements of the diaper 2~ such 8s tbc ba~ck~heet 26 or the topsheet 24, preferably both the baclcsheet 2fi and the topsheet 24. The elasticized waistband 34 may be constructed in a nutaber of different configurations inc3udiag those described itn U.S. Patent 4,5x5,595 issued to Kievit et al. on May ?, l9ss and the above referenced U.S. Patent 5,151,092.

Zhe diaper 20 also comprises a fastening system 36 which forms a side closure which maintains the first region 3l and the second region 32 in an overlapping configuratioa such that latrrat tensions are maintxiaed around the citcuuzuference of the diaper 20 to mairitaia the diaper 20 on the wearer. Exemplary fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,846,81 S entitled "Disposable Diaper Having Ate Improved Fastening Device" issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; U.S. Patent 4,894,060 .entitled "Disposable Diaper With Improved Hook Fastener Poreioa" issued to Nestegard on January 1 b, 19901; commonly assigned U.9. Patent 4,946,527 eatitlecl "Pressure-,Sensitive Adhesive Fastener And Method of Making Same" issued to Eiattrell on August 7, 1994;
commonly assigned U.S. Patmt 3,848,594 entitled "Tape Fastening System for Disposable Diaper" island to Buell on, November 19. 1974; commody assigrrod U.S.
Patent B 1 4,662,875 entitled "Absorbent Aatiele" issued to Piiivtsu et al, on May S, 1987;
and the hereinbefore referenced U.S_ Patent 5,151,092. ~.
The diaper 20 is preferably applied to a wearer by positioniiasg one of the regions, preferably the second region 32, wader the wearer's back and draw ag the remainder of the diaper 20 between the wearer's legs so that the other legion, paefexably tbie $urst region 3 t, is positioned across the frost of the wearer. The tape tabs 36 of the fastening system are then released from the release portion. The diaperer then wraps the elasticized side panel around the waearer, while still grasping the tab portion. The fastearsiag system is secuured to the outer surface of tha diaper 20 to cffoet two side closure.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled imm the art that various other changes and modifications can he made without departixtg from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It is therefore iz~tcndcd to cover in the appended claiaus all snob changes acrd modifications that an within the scope of this invention.

Claims (8)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. A disposable absorbent article having a first region and a second region, a pair of opposing end edges, a pair of opposing side edges extending between said pair of end edges and a lateral centerline disposed between said pair of opposing end edges, said disposable absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet having an outer surface and an inner surface, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, and a fecal management member which is present only in said second region, formed of a separate layer and positioned immediately adjacent said inner surface of said topsheet, wherein said first region is defined by one of said pair of opposing end edges and said lateral centerline and said second region is defined by the other one of said pair of opposing end edges and said lateral centerline, wherein said topsheet within said second region has a plurality of apertures with an effective size greater than 0.1 square millimeters and an effective open area of at least about 12 percent, and wherein said outer surface of said topsheet within said second region comprises an effective amount of a skin care composition which is semi-solid or solid at 20°C and which is partially transferable to a wearer's skin.

2. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said topsheet within said second region has an effective open area of at least 15 percent.

3. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said topsheet within said second region has an effective open area of at least about 20 percent.

4. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said topsheet within said second region has a plurality of apertures with an effective size greater than 0.2 square millimeters.

5. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said topsheet within said second region has a plurality of apertures with an effective size greater than 0.5 square millimeters.

6. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said topsheet within said second region has a plurality of apertures with an effective size greater than 1.0 square millimeters.

7. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the skin care composition comprises a petroleum based emollient selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, petrolatum, and mixtures thereof.

8. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein said skin care composition comprises an immobilizing agent, said immobilizing agent having a melting point of at least about 40°C.