CZ362099A3 - Absorption article having leg cuffs treated with skin treatment preparation containing polysiloxane softening agent - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent article having a diaper comprising leg cuffs covered with a lotion. The means described in the solution minimize abrasion between these cuffs and skin in flatter mutual contact, which leads to less skin irritation. Mixtures of these compositions they also limit the adherence of fecal materials to the skin the wearer, thereby facilitating purification from them. Composition the composition comprises plastic or liquid polysiloxane emollients are polymethylsiloxanes s a functional phenyl group; immobilizing means fatty alcohol or paraffin wax immobilization the softener surface of the cuffs of the diaper legs; and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve processability and / or the stability of the compositions thereof. Because it is polysiloxane plasticizer surfactant essentially immobilized, to achieve the desired therapeutic or the protective benefit of the coating of the care composition less skin is enough.

Description

Absorbent articles having leg cuffs treated with a skin care composition comprising a polysiloxane emollient

Technical field

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, adult training and panties, incontinence devices similarly having foot cuffs. More particularly, the invention relates to absorbent articles having a lotion coating on the surface of the leg cuffs that is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and movement of the wearer and / or body heat thereof. The skin care compositions of the present invention minimize abrasion between these cuffs and the skin in an area where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less skin irritation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The main function of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and panties for incontinence (urine retention) or undergarments is to absorb and retain body exudates. Thus, these products are intended to prevent body exudates from contaminating, moisturizing or otherwise affecting clothing or other products, such as bed linen, that come into contact with the wearer.

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The most common failure mode for these products occurs when body exudates escape from gaps between the product and the legs or waist into the adjacent garment because they are not immediately absorbed inside the article and the absorbent article is unable to maintain its good wearer position, creating gaps to escape the exudates. from the absorbent article assembly. For example, urine tends to be deposited on the topsheet in sprays, so that it moves into the gaps of the body where it can come into contact with and be absorbed by clothing or other products. In addition, liquid fecal material that is not readily absorbed by the absorbent article tends to float on the liquid acquisition surface and finds its way through gaps in the article at the wearer's leg or waist.

Current disposable diapers have a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and elasticized leg flaps, generally formed from an elastic portion enclosed in a continuous topsheet and backsheet that extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core. These elasticized leg cuffs are generally capable of preventing leakage and overflow from a fluid-loaded diaper into clothing by contacting the edges of the diaper such that the elasticized leg cuffs present a liquid impervious barrier between the diaper edge and the contacting garment and additionally provide a sealing function around the wearer's legs to maintain the seal around legs or waist and minimize snagging. However, leakage around the perimeter of the diaper may still occur.

When the diaper is worn for a long time, the forces acting on the diaper tend to weaken the initial wear on the wearer. Large gaps and sagging of the diaper in the legs and waist are formed by degradation of this fit. Thus, when liquids are deposited on the topsheet, the portion is not immediately absorbed by the topsheet and moves toward the edges of the diaper where it can escape through or adjacent the diaper gaps and come into contact with clothing or

underwear, where it can be absorbed and soaked by these components.

Disposable diapers may be provided with barrier cuffs to prevent flowing faecal material or urine or liquid effluents from contaminating the wearer's clothing. The barrier cuffs restrict the free flow of the material and provide a structure to hold the material within the diaper, so that when such material floats on the diaper topsheet, it is retained within the diaper. Despite the effectiveness of these structures in retaining this material, it has been found that fluids can leak through the barrier cuffs and contaminate the wearer's clothing. In addition, the leg barrier cuffs may cause pressure sores on the skin at the site where they contact the skin.

It has now been found that applying a skin care coating to a leg cuff surface that is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and movement and / or body heat of the wearer can improve retention characteristics, reduce diaper skin irritation as well as improve cleansing from faecal materials. As used herein, the term "leg cuff" includes barrier leg cuffs, sealing cuffs and combinations and variations thereof. Coating the cuffs with the compositions described herein may increase the hydrophobicity of the cuffs, thereby increasing leakage impermeability. The coating with the hydrophobic skin care composition allows flexibility in designing cuffs using nonwoven materials, providing an alternative method to achieve the desired hydrophobicity. This can lead to reduced material costs.

Importantly, the skin care compositions described herein act to minimize abrasion between the cuffs and the skin in the area where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less skin irritation. They also provide a protective coating on the wearer's skin, preventing the faecal materials from adhering to the skin, thereby facilitating cleansing.

One substance that has so far been used on diaper products to provide a soothing and protective coating is mineral oil. Mineral oil (also known as liquid petrolatum) is a mixture of various liquid hydrocarbons obtained by distillation of high boiling point petroleum fractions (i.e., 300-39 ° C). Mineral oil is liquid at ambient temperatures, for example, 20-25 ° C. As a result, the mineral oil is relatively fluid and movable when applied to diapers. Since mineral oil is fluid and movable at ambient temperatures, my tendency is not to remain localized to the body contacting the surface of the barrier cuff of the foot, but instead moves into the interior of the diaper. Therefore, relatively high levels of mineral oil should be applied to the leg barrier cuffs to provide the desired therapeutic or protective effects of their coating. This leads not only to the increased cost of these treated diaper products, but also to other negative effects, including reduced absorbency of the underlying absorbent core.

Even without increasing its level, the tendency of mineral oil to move once it has been applied has other negative effects. For example, the deposited mineral oil may be transferred to, into and through the packaging or wrapping material of a particular diaper product with a skin care composition. This may create a need for packaging barrier type and / or wrapping foil to prevent smearing or other leakage of mineral oil from a particular diaper product.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide diaper products having leg cuffs with a skin care composition thereon which: (1) have the desired therapeutic (therapeutic) and protective effects of the coating; (2) do not require a relatively high level of skin care. Levels of coatings which are liquid at room temperature (eg mineral oil), (3) do not adversely affect the absorbency of the diaper product, and (4) do not require special packaging or barrier materials for packaging.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a diaper having a skin care composition treated with leg cuffs in which the composition is transferable to the wearer's skin and provides desirable therapeutic effects resulting in less skin irritation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a diaper having a skin care composition treated with leg cuffs wherein the composition is transferable to the skin of the wearer and effective in reducing the adhesion of the faecal materials to the skin, thereby improving cleansing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper having leg cuffs with improved fluid retention properties.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide diapers having a skin care composition treated with leg cuffs that do not require high levels of mineral oil and special packaging or barrier materials for packaging.

These and other objects are achieved using the present invention as will become readily apparent from a reading of the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, having a skin care coating on the surface of the leg cuffs that is semi-solid or solid at ambient temperatures (i.e., at 20 ° C) and adapted to be transferred to the wearer's skin. After transfer to the skin this

the composition provides the desired therapeutic and / or protective effects of the coating, resulting in less skin irritation, and also reduces the adherence of fecal materials to the wearer's skin, thereby facilitating cleansing thereof. Covering the cuffs with the skin care compositions described herein can increase the hydrophobicity of the cuffs, thereby increasing their impermeability to leakage. The coating with the hydrophobic skin care composition allows flexibility in the design of cuffs using nonwoven materials, providing an alternative method to achieve the desired hydrophobicity. This can lead to reduced material costs.

The absorbent articles of the present invention briefly include:

A) a backsheet;

B) a liquid pervious topsheet attached to the backsheet;

C) an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and

D) leg barrier cuffs disposed adjacent each of the two longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article, wherein each leg barrier cuff has a proximal edge attached to the longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and a distal (distal) edge not attached to at least a portion of the absorbent article of the leg cuffs, when the absorbent article is worn, has an inner surface facing inwardly of the absorbent article and an outer surface facing the skin of the wearer, wherein at least a portion of the outer or inner surface of the barrier leg cuff has an effective amount of skin care coating thereon; which is semi-rigid or solid at 20 ° C and which is at least partially transferable to the wearer's skin, the skin care coating comprises:

(i) from about 10 to about 95% of a polysiloxane plasticizer having a plastic or liquid consistency at 20 ° C; and (ii) from about 5 to about 90% of a composition capable of immobilizing the polysiloxane plasticizer on the outer surface or inner surface of the barrier cuff This immobilizer has a melting point of at least about 35 ° C.

In addition, or instead of barrier leg cuffs, the absorbent article may have two elastically contractible sealing cuffs. Each elastically contractible sealing cuff is disposed adjacent each of the two longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article, the sealing cuffs extending laterally outward from the longitudinal side edges, wherein each of the sealing cuffs has a wear facing front surface and a back surface an opposing front surface in which at least a portion of the front or rear surface of the gasket has an effective amount of a skin care composition coating that is semi-solid or stiff at 20 ° C and that is at least partially transferable to the wearer's skin; skin care includes:

(i) from about 5 to about 95% of a polysiloxane emollient having a plastic or liquid consistency at 20 ° C; and (ii) from about 5 to about 95% of a composition capable of immobilizing said polysiloxane emollient on the front or rear surface of a leg cuff, the immobilizing agent has a melting point of at least about 35 ° C.

The amount of coating of the skin care composition on at least a portion of the surface contacting the leg cuff body of the present invention (barrier and / or sealing cuffs) is preferably in the range of about 0.1 mg / square inch (0.0154 mg / cm ² ) to about 50 mg / square inch (7.748 mg / cm ² ), more preferably from about 1 mg / square inch (0.1549 mg / cm ² ) to about 25 mg / square inch (3.874 mg / cm ² ). The leg cuffs treated with it according to the invention provide the therapeutic and / or protective benefits of the coating of the composition as well as the benefit of desirable cleansing of faecal materials. In addition, hydrophobic skin care compositions may increase the hydrophobicity of the cuffs and / or provide alternative means to achieve the desired hydrophobicity. Since the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the leg cuffs, less skin care composition is required to achieve the desired skin care. In addition, special barrier or packaging materials are not required when packaging diaper products coated with the composition of the present invention.

As will be discussed below, the lotion compositions of the present invention preferably have a melting profile such that they are relatively stationary and located on the diaper leg cuffs at room temperature, are transferable to the wearer at body temperature, and are still not completely fluid at the body temperature. extreme storage conditions.

Importantly, the compositions of the compositions of the present invention are readily transferable to the skin by normal contact, wearer movement, and / or body heat. Without being bound by theory, the composition of the composition is believed to alter the surface energy of the skin and / or form a barrier that reduces the affinity of the skin for faecal material or urine. Feces or urine therefore have a reduced tendency to adhere to the skin and are easier to remove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Giant. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a disposable diaper of the present invention having cut away portions to illustrate the backing structure.

Giant. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

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Giant. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

Giant. 4 is a perspective view of an absorbent article in the form of a disposable diaper according to the present invention.

Giant. 5 is a schematic diagram of a preferred process for applying the lotion composition of the present invention to diaper foot cuffs.

Giant. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternative process for applying the composition of the present invention to diaper foot cuffs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, it is meant that a variety of components, ingredients, or steps may be used together in practicing the present invention. Accordingly, the term encompassing it comprises more narrower terms consisting essentially of and consisting of.

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

A) Absorbent article

As used herein, the term absorbent article refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates, and more specifically, it relates to devices that are placed against the wearer's skin to absorb and retain the various exudates excreted by the body. The term disposable is used herein to describe absorbent articles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article after their sole use. Examples of disposable absorbent articles include feminine hygiene components such as

4 • 4 · sanitary napkins and panty liners, diapers, incontinence briefs, training briefs and the like.

Disposable absorbent articles typically include a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet attached to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet. Disposable absorbent articles and components thereof comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, and any discrete layers of these components have a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. As used herein, the term body surface means that surface of the article or component intended to be worn toward or adjacent to the wearer's body while the garment surface is on the opposite side facing away from the wearer and oriented toward the undergarment components when the disposable absorbent article is worn.

The following description generally discusses the absorbent core, topsheet and backsheet materials useful in disposable absorbent articles. It is to be understood that this overall description applies to those components of the particular absorbent articles shown in FIG. 1-4 and hereinafter described, in addition to the other disposable absorbent articles generally described herein.

Generally, the absorbent core is capable of absorbing or retaining fluids (e.g., menses, urine and / or other body exudates). The absorbent core is preferably compressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The absorbent core can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, oval, hourglass, T-shaped, dog bone, symmetrical, asymmetric, etc.). In addition to the absorbent composites of the present invention, the absorbent core may comprise any of a wide variety of liquid-absorbing materials commonly used in absorbent articles such as pulverized wood pulp, generally referred to as airborne. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials for use in the absorbent core include crepe cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, treated or crosslinked cellulose fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue comprising tissue paper strips and laminates thereof; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combination of such materials, or mixtures thereof.

The arrangement and assembly of the absorbent core may also be varied (for example, the absorbent core may have different palpability zones and / or a profile that is thicker in the center; hydrophilic gradients; gradients of the absorbent member (composite) of the invention; superabsorbent gradients; lower average density and lower average basis weight, e.g. receiving zones (or may include one or more layers or structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should be compatible with the intended loading and intended use of the absorbent article. Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to accommodate the different uses of diapers, incontinence pads, panty liners, normal sanitary napkins and night sanitary napkins, and to accommodate wearers ranging from infants to adults persons.

The absorbent core may comprise other absorbent components that are often used in absorbent articles, for example, a dust layer, a wicking or acquisition layer, or a secondary topsheet to enhance the wearer's comfort.

The topsheet is preferably conformable, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet is liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g., menses and / or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials (for example, a nonwoven fiber structure), polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films and hydroformed thermoplastic films, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and man-made fibers. When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven web, the web may be manufactured by a wide variety of known techniques. For example, the structure may be nonwoven, carded, wet applied, meltblown, hydro-knitted, a combination of the above, or the like.

The backsheet is preferably liquid impervious (e.g., menses and / or urine), at least in the crotch region of the absorbent article, and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used in this material, the term flexible refers to materials that are compliant and easily conform to the overall shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet prevents relevant exudates absorbed and retained in the absorbent core from wetting things in contact with the absorbent article, such as sheets, pants, pajamas, and undergarments. The backsheet may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. A suitable backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation P18-14O1, and Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and / or matte finished to provide a more fabric appearance. Furthermore, the backsheet may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., the backsheet is breathable) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet. The size of the backsheet is dictated by the size of the absorbent core and the exact pattern of the chosen embodiment of the absorbent article.

The backsheet and the topsheet are positioned adjacent the garment surface and the body surface, respectively, of the absorbent core. The absorbent core is preferably bonded to the topsheet, the backsheet, or both, by any means known in the art, by means of attachment means (not shown in Figure 3) such as those well known in the art. However, embodiments of the invention are contemplated in which portions of the entire absorbent core are not attached to either the topsheet, the backsheet, or both.

For example, the backsheet and / or the topsheet may be attached to the absorbent core or to each other by a uniform, continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or by grouping the adhesive into separate lines, spirals or dots. Adhesives manufactured by Η have been found to be satisfactory. B. Fuller Company Paul, Minnesota, under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an open pattern adhesive web of fibers as described in U.S. Patent 4,573,986, issued to Minetol et al. on March 4, 1986, which is incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary open pattern fiber mesh fastener comprises a plurality of adhesive fiber lines twisted in a spiral pattern as indicated by the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on

October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,785,996 issued to Zwieker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the attachment means may include thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means, or combinations thereof, as are known in the art.

Diapers are a preferred disposable absorbent article in which the leg cuffs treated with the skin care composition may be used. As used herein, the term diaper refers to an absorbent article generally worn by infants and / or incontinent persons and worn around the lower torso of the wearer's body. In other words, the term diaper includes infant diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices and the like. The present invention is also applicable to other types of disposable articles such as sanitary napkins and panty liners that include leg cuffs.

Giant. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 of the present invention in its balanced, uncontracted state (i.e., with all contraction-inducing elastic material pulled out), with portions of the structure being cut to show more clearly the respective assembly of diaper 20 and 20, which contacts the wearer facing the viewer. The diaper 20 is shown in FIG.

Giant. 1 having a front waist region 22, a back waist region region 24, a crotch region 26, and a circumference 28 that is defined by the outer edges of the diaper, wherein the longitudinal edges are designated 30 and the end edges are designated 32. The diaper 20 additionally has a transverse the axis designated 34 and the longitudinal axis designated 36. The diaper 20 comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 38, the top surface of the topsheet 38 being designated 40; a liquid impervious backsheet 42; an absorbent core 44 having side edges 46 and comprising an absorbent layer 48 and first and second tissue layers 50 and 52; a pair of tape / tab fasteners 54; sealing collars 56, each comprising a side flap 58 and flap elastic portions 60; barrier cuffs 62 each having a proximal edge 64, a distal edge 66, an inner surface 68, an outer surface 70, a first end 72, and a second end 74; ^and spacing means 76 such as a spacing elastic portion 77 for positioning the distal edge 66 from the top surface 40 of the topsheet. In addition, the diaper 20 includes adhesive means 78 as an adhesive trim 79 for fastening the closed first and second ends 72 and 74 of each barrier cuff 62. The surfaces in which the adhesive means 78 are arranged are referred to as the front sealing zone 80 and the rear sealing zone 82. the topsheet 38, the absorbent core 44, the backsheet 42, and the elastically contractible sealing collars 56 may be assembled in a variety of well known assemblies, a preferred diaper assembly generally described in U.S. Patent 3,860,003 entitled "Retractable Side Parts for Disposable Diapers, issued to KB Buell on January 14, 1975, incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface 85 has an inner surface 84 opposite the outer surface 86. The inner surface 84 of the diaper 20 includes that portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned when worn adjacent the wearer's body (ie, the inner surface 84 is generally formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 38 and others). Components, they can be attached to the topsheet 38). The outer surface 86 comprises that portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned when worn from the wearer's body (i.e., the outer surface 86 is generally formed by at least a portion of the backsheet 42 and other components that may be attached to the backsheet 42). As used herein, the portion of the diaper 20 or component thereof that faces the wearer is also referred to as the body facing surface. Likewise, the part which is turned away from the wearer is also called the garment-facing surface.

Giant. 1 depicts a preferred diaper 20 in which the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 are coextensive and have length and width dimensions generally greater than the absorbent core 44. The topsheet 38 is joined to and overlapped on the backsheet 42 to form the diaper circumference 28 20 May

The diaper 20 has front and rear waist regions 22 and 24 extending from the end edges 32 of the diaper circumference 28 toward the transverse axis 34 of the diaper 20 at a distance of about 1/4 to about 1/3 of the length of the diaper 20. The waist regions include those portions of the diaper 20, which when worn surround the waist of the wearer. The crotch region 26 is that portion of the diaper 20 between the waist regions 22 and 24, and includes that portion of the diaper 20 that, when the diaper 20 is worn, is positioned between the wearer's legs and covers its lower torso.

Giant. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 22 in FIG. 1 and illustrates the diaper assembly in the rear waist region 24 of the diaper 20 (it should be understood that the diaper assembly in the front waist region 22 is substantially identical to the assembly in the rear waist region 24.) The absorbent core comprises an absorbent layer 48, which is shown as completely wrapped with first and second tissue layers 50 and 52.

The absorbent core 44 is disposed between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42; both the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 extend beyond the side edges 46 of the absorbent core 44 and define the side flap 58. The side-facing surfaces of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 are adhesively bonded together by adhesive 88. In a preferred embodiment, the flaps elastic portions 60 do not extend into the front waist region 22, so that a sealing collar 56 is not formed therein. The barrier collar 62 is shown as a separate member secured to the topsheet 38; the proximal (proximal) edge 64 is formed by attaching this portion to the topsheet 38 by means of adhesive 92. The inner surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62 (also referred to as the center or inner surface of the leg barrier cuff) is secured to the top surface 40 of the topsheet by adhesive means 78 . Thus, the distal edge 66 is closed (i.e., not spaced out from the top surface 40 of the topsheet). It should be noted that the spacer elastic portion 77 is not disposed in this region because the distal edge 66 is not designed to be spaced out from the surface to the topsheet body 40 in the waist regions. Thus, the barrier cuff 62 is neither open nor ready to limit the flow of body exudates in this region.

Giant. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 33 in FIG. 1 and illustrates the assembly of the diaper in the crotch region 26 as shaped prior to attachment to the wearer (i.e., the diaper 20 is subjected to elastic contraction). The absorbent core 44 includes an absorbent layer 48, which is shown completely encapsulated by the first and second tissue layers 50 and 52. The absorbent core 44 is disposed between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42; both the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 extend beyond the side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44 and define a side flap 58. Side-by-side surfaces of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 are bonded together by adhesive 88. Topsheet 38 and backsheet 42 they also close the flap elastic portions 60 adjacent the longitudinal edge 30 in the circumference 28. These flap elastic portions 60 are fastened in the upper and lower layer-formed side flap 58, preferably by elastic fastening means 90. The elastically contractible sealing collar 56 is thereby formed by the side flap 58 and the flaps elastic portions 60. The sealing cuff has a front surface 57 oriented towards the skin of the wearer when the diaper is worn, and a back surface 59 opposite the front surface 57. The barrier cuff 62 is shown formed by attaching some portion to the topsheet 38 between flap elastic portions 60 and lateral an edge 46 of the absorbent core 44. The proximal (proximal) edge 64 of the barrier cuff 62 is formed by attaching a portion of the barrier cuff to the topsheet 38 with adhesive 92. The spacing elastic portions 77 are encapsulated in a particular tunnel that is formed when the end of the portion of the barrier cuff is folded back on itself; the spacer elastic portions 77 are fastened in the barrier cuff 62 by the elastic attachment means 94. The distal edge 66 of the barrier cuff is spaced from the top surface to the topsheet body 40 by the elastic gathering action of the spacer elastic portions 77; thereby forming the channel 96 with at least the proximal edge 64, the distal edge 66, and the inward surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62. The channel 96 is shown ready to limit, contain and retain body exudates until the diaper 20 is removed from the wearer.

The diapers of the present invention may have a number of well known arrangements, with their absorbent cores adapted to the present invention. Exemplary arrangements are generally described in U.S. Patent 3,860,003 issued to Buell on January 14, 1975; U.S. Patent 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. September 29, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274, issued to Buell et al. on June 22, 1993. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

The topsheet 38, which is particularly suitable for use in the diaper 20, is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the art of fabric technology. A satisfactory topsheet for the present invention comprises staple length polypropylene fibers having a yarn weight unit of about 2.2. As used herein, the term staple-length fibers refers to those fibers having a length of at least 15.9 mm (0.625 inches). Preferably, the topsheet has a basis weight of from about 14 to about 25 grams per square meter. A suitable topsheet is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., Division of the International Paper Company of Walpole, Massachusetts, under the designation P-8.

The topsheet 38 of the diaper 20 is preferably made of a hydrophilic material to promote rapid transfer of fluids (e.g., urine) through the topsheet. If the topsheet is made of a hydrophobic material, preferably at least the top surface of the topsheet is treated to be hydrophilic so that fluids pass through the topsheet more quickly. This reduces the likelihood that body exudates will flow from the topsheet rather than being drawn through the topsheet and absorbed by the absorbent core. The topsheet can be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with an active surfactant. Suitable methods of treating the topsheet with the agent include spraying and dipping the topsheet material with the agent. For more details on this treatment and hydrophilicity, U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,344, entitled Absorbent Articles with Multiple Absorbent Layers, issued to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,834,5, entitled Absorbent Articles With Quick-Accepted Absorbent Cores, granted to Reising on January 29, 1991, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the diaper as described herein, the backsheet 42 has a modified hourglass shape that extends beyond the absorbent core around the entire circumference of the diaper with a minimum distance of from about 1.3 cm to about 6.4 cm (about 0.5 to 0.5 inches). 2.5 inches).

any size diaper 20. One

The absorbent core 44 may take or shape to be compatible with the preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 having an asymmetrical, T-shaped, absorbent core 44 having tabs in the first waist region, but a generally rectangular shape in the second waist region. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core of the present invention that have achieved widespread acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Patent 6,610,678 entitled High Density Absorbent Structures, issued to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402 entitled Absorbent Articles with Double Layered Cores, issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent 4,888,231 entitled Absorbent Core with a Dust Layer, issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735 entitled " High Density Absorbent Parts having Lower Density and Lower Area Weight Receiving Zones, granted to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989. The absorbent core may further comprise a dual (dual) core system comprising a chemically stiffened fiber acquisition / distribution core positioned over the absorbent storage core, as described in detail in U.S. Patent 5,234,423 entitled Absorbent Article With Elastic waistband and increased absorbency, granted to Alemany et al. on August 10, 1993, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,147,345 entitled High Efficiency Incontinence Absorbent Articles issued to Young, LaVon and Taylor on September 15, 1992. All of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the diaper 20 comprises elasticized leg barrier cuffs 62 and elasticized seal collars 56, to provide improved containment of fluids and other body exudates; and a side closure fastening system 54 that maintains the front waist region 22 and the rear waist region 24 in an overlapping configuration such that around the periphery of the diaper.

they are maintained lateral (sideways) to maintain the diaper on the wearer. The diaper 20 may also include an elastic waist feature (not shown) and / or elasticized side panels (not shown) in waist responses 22 and 24 to provide a more comfortable fit and fit the diaper 20 more efficiently.

The elasticized leg cuffs provide improved retention of fluids and other body exudates and can be assembled in a variety of configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003 and 4,909,803 issued to Aziz et al. on March 20, 1990; U.S. Patent 4,695,278, issued to Lawson on Sep. 22, 1987; and U.S. Patent No. 4,795,454, issued to Dragoo on Jan. 3, 1989; which are each incorporated herein by reference. Each elasticized leg cuff may include several different forms to reduce leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. (These leg cuffs may and sometimes are also referred to as leg zones, side flaps, barrier cuffs or elastic cuffs). U.S. Patent 3,860,003, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a disposable diaper 20 providing a leg opening flap with a side flap and one or more elastic portions for securing the elasticized leg cuff (sealing cuff). U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Product with Elasticized Flaps", granted to Aziz et al on March 20, 1990 and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a disposable diaper 20 having erect elasticized flaps (barrier cuffs) to Improvement of leg restraint. U.S. Patent No. 4,695,278 entitled Absorbent Article With Double Cuffs, issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987 and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a disposable diaper having a double cuff comprising a sealing cuff and a barrier cuff. Although each elasticized leg cuff may be similarly configured to be similar to any of said leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs or the like.

Preferably, the elasticized leg cuff includes barrier leg cuffs 62 and sealing cuffs 56, as described in detail below.

Each barrier cuff 62 is an adaptive portion having a proximal edge 64, a distal edge 66, an inner surface 68 (also referred to herein as an inward, inner surface), and an outer surface 70 (also referred to herein as an outward, outer surface) ). When the diaper is worn, the inner surface is oriented towards the interior of the diaper and the outer surface is oriented towards the wearer's skin. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are adaptable and easily conform to the overall shape and contours of the body. The barrier cuff 62 can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plastic films, formed films, and elastic foams. A variety of manufacturing methods can be used to produce the barrier cuff. For example, the barrier cuff 62 may be woven, nonwoven, multi-woven nonwoven, meltblown, carded, coated, laminated, combinations thereof or the like. A particularly preferred barrier cuff 62 comprises a polypropylene material containing no coating or active surfactant to render it impermeable to liquids. A particularly preferred polypropylene material is manufactured by Crown Zellerbach Company under the name Celestra. In addition, due to the hydrophobic coating of lotion compositions used in the present invention, the barrier cuff can be made of a hydrophilic material.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 3, the barrier cuff 62, and more particularly, the proximal edge 64 is disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge 30 of the diaper inwardly and preferably adjacent the sealing collar 56. The term "inwardly" is defined as the direction toward the central axis (34 and 36) of the diaper. is parallel to the respective edge of the diaper 20, along which a particular sealing sleeve 56 is arranged. The barrier sleeve 62 is arranged inwardly of the sealing sleeve 56, so that the exudates, and in particular loose fecal material that is not readily absorbed and tends to float along the surface to the topsheet body 30 will contact the barrier cuff 62 before it can contact the sealing cuff 56. The barrier cuff 62 is disposed adjacent the sealing cuff 56 to provide a more effective double containment Barrier cuff 62 Preferably, the barrier cuff 62 is disposed between the flap elastic portion 60 and the side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20.

The proximal edge 64 and distal edge 66 are spaced from each other and define the width of the barrier cuff 62. The proximal edge 64 and distal edge 66 may be in a parallel, non-parallel, rectilinear or curvilinear relationship. In addition, the barrier cuff 62 may have a variety of different cross-sectional areas including circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as shown in FIG. The proximal edge 64 is preferably spaced from the distal edge 66 in parallel and rectilinear relationship to each other and provides a barrier cuff 62 having uniform widths. Each barrier collar 62 preferably has a width of at least about 5 mm, and preferably from about 10 mm to about 25 mm.

A preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 shown in FIG. 2 and 3, there is a barrier cuff 62 attached to the topsheet 38. The term "attached" includes any means for attaching the barrier cuff 62 to the diaper 20, and includes embodiments in which the barrier cuff 62 is a separate member having a proximal edge 64 directly or indirectly attached to the topsheet 38 (i.e., Integral) or embodiments in which the barrier cuff 62 is made of the same element or material as the topsheet 38, such that the proximal edge 64 is a continuous and undivided element of the topsheet (i.e. unitary). The barrier cuff 62 may alternatively be attached to the side flap 58, the backsheet 42, the absorbent core 44, the topsheet 38, or any combination of these or other diaper elements 20. In the preferred diaper 20, the barrier cuffs 62 are integral with the topsheet 38. Integral barrier the collar 62 is preferably formed by a single strip of material that is secured to the topsheet by adhesive 92, the distal edge 66 is formed by folding the end of the material back on itself.

Preferably, the distal edge 66 is arranged inwardly of the proximal edge 64 to provide a more effective obstacle to the flow of exudates. The distal edges 66 are held inwardly by the proximal edges 64 by the adhesive means 78 to prevent their reversal. Although the distal edges 66 may alternatively be arranged at other positions relative to the proximal edges 64, these positions are not preferred.

The distal rim 66 is preferably not attached to any other element in at least the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 so that it may be spaced away from the top surface 40 of the topsheet 38. The distal rim 66 is preferably spaced from the surface to the body 40 of the topsheet 38 to the barrier cuff 62 could form channel 96 to increase retention of the product. As used herein, the term " spaced " includes embodiments in which the distal edges 66 may occupy one or more positions relative to the top surface 40 of the topsheet 38, including sometimes occupying a position adjacent the body-facing surface 40 of the topsheet 38. Distance edge 66 and surface 40 of the topsheet 38 is measured along a line drawn from the distal edge 66 to the nearest portion of the topsheet 38 when the distal edge 66 is positioned spaced from the topsheet as far as possible (i.e., in its elastically contracted position). The distal edge 66 is preferably spaced from the topsheet 38 by a height of at least about 2 mm, more preferably from about 5 mm (about 1/4) to about 10 mm (3/8).

The channel 96 is formed at least along the proximal and distal edges 64 and 66 and the inner surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62. The channel 96 forms a barrier to the flow of exudates when they tend to move or float across the topsheet 38. Thus, the channel 96 holds and retains exudates until the diaper 20 is removed.

In addition to the leg cuffs, the absorbent articles of the present invention preferably comprise sealing collars 56. The elastically contractible sealing collars 56 are disposed adjacent the periphery 28 of the diaper 20, preferably along each longitudinal edge 30 such that the sealing collars 56 tend to pull and hold the diaper 20 against the legs. the wearer. Although the sealing collars 56 may include any of several means well known in the diaper manufacturing technique, a particularly preferred assembly of the sealing collar comprises a flexible side flap 58 and a flap elastic portion 60, as described in detail in U.S. Patent 3,860,003, granted to Buell on January 14, 1975 and incorporated herein by reference. In addition, a method and apparatus suitable for producing a disposable diaper having elastically retractable seal collars 56 are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,081,301 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Continuously Attaching Fine (Separate) Spreaded Elastic Slivers to Predetermined, Compressed Sealing Diapers 56". isolated parts of disposable absorbent articles granted by KB Buell on March 28, 1987 and incorporated herein by reference.

• · • ···

• · «···

Λ * <

The side flap 58 should be highly flexible and hence retractable such that the flap elastic portions 60 can take up the side flap 58 and provide a sealing flap 56 around the wearer's legs or waist. The side flaps 58 are preferably that portion of the diaper 20 that is between the periphery 28 and the edges of the absorbent core 44. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the side flaps 58 are formed by extending the backsheet 42 and the topsheet 38 from and along the side edges 46 of the absorbent core 44 of the diaper 20, at least in the crotch region 26.

The flap elastic portions 60 are attached to the side flaps 58 in an elastically retractable state such that, in a normally unrestricted configuration, the flap elastic portions 60 effectively contract or retract the side flaps 58. The flap elastic portions 60 may be affixed to the side flaps 58 in the elastically retractable Two ways. For example, the flaps elastic portions 60 may be stretched and secured to the side flaps 58 while the side flaps 58 are in an unsatisfied condition. Alternatively, the side flaps 58 may be retracted, for example, by plucking, and the flaps elastic portions 60 may be attached to the retracted side flaps 58, while the flaps elastic portions 60 are in their undeveloped or unstretched condition.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the flaps elastic portions 60 extend substantially the entire length of the side flaps 58 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the flaps elastic portions 60 may extend the entire length of the diaper 20 or any other length suitable to provide an elastically contractible seal. The length of the flaps elastic portions 60 is dictated by the design of the diaper.

In the diaper 20 of FIG. 3, the flaps elastic portions 60 are associated with the side flaps 58 by attaching them to the side flaps 58 with the elastic attachment means 90. The elastic attachment means 90 should be flexible and

with sufficient grip to hold the flaps elastic portion in its extended state. The elastic attachment means 90 herein are preferably adhesive flanges formed from hot melt adhesives, such as those sold by Findley Adhesives Incorporated, Elm Grove, Wis., Under the trademark Findley Adhesives 581. A more detailed description of how the flaps elastic portions 60 can be positioned and secured to the diaper 20 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,253,461, issued to Strickland and Visscher on March 3, 1981, and U.S. Patent No. 4,081,301, issued to Buell on March 28, 1987, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. incorporated by reference.

One flap elastic portion 60 found to be suitable is an elastic strand having a cross-section of 0.18 mm by 1.5 mm and made of natural rubber, as available from the Easthampton Rubber Thread Company of Stewart, Va, under the trademark L1900 Rubber Compound Other suitable flap elastic portions 60 may be made of natural rubber, such as an elastic strip sold under the trademark Fulflex 9211 by Fulflex Company of Scotland, N.C. The flap elastic portion 60 may also include any heat-shrink elastic material well known in the art. Other suitable flap elastic portions 60 may include a wide variety of materials well known in the art, including elastomeric films, polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, and molded elastic scrims.

In addition, the flaps elastic portions 60 can take on a number of arrangements. For example, the width of the flaps elastic portions 60 may vary from about 0.25 mm (0.01 inches) to about 25 mm (1.0 inches) or more; the flap elastic portions 60 may comprise a single strand of elastic material, or may include several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material; or the flaps elastic portions 60 may be rectilinear or curved. Still further, the flaps elastic portions 60 may be of a &quot;

be attached to the diaper 20 by any of several methods well known in the art. For example, the flaps elastic portions 60 may be joined by ultrasound, heat / pressure sealed into the diaper 20 using a variety of bonding patterns, or the flaps elastic portions 60 may simply be glued to the diaper 20.

Preferably, the elasticized waist feature comprises an elasticized waistband (not shown) that may be assembled in a number of different configurations, including those described in U.S. Patent 4,515,595, to Kievit et al. on May 7, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 5,026,364, issued to Robertson on June 25, 1991; and U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

The elasticized side panels may be assembled in a variety of configurations. Examples of diapers with elasticized side panels disposed in the ears (ear flaps) of the diaper are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,857,067 issued to Wood et al. on Aug. 15, 1989; in U.S. Patent 4,381,781 issued to Sciaraffa et al. on May 3, 1983; U.S. Patent No. 4,938,753, issued to Van Gompel et al. on July 3, 1990; in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary fastening systems 54 are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,846,815 issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,894,060 issued to Nestegard on Jan. 16, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527, issued to Battrell on Aug. 7, 1990; U.S. Patent 3,848,594, issued to Buell on Nov. 19, 1974; in U.S. Patent No. B1 4,662,875, to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; and U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Giant. 4 is a perspective view of the diaper 20 in its elastically contracted position prior to placement on the wearer.

• ·

The topsheet 38 is shown as the body contacting the surface of the diaper 20, the backsheet 42 being disposed away from the wearer's body. The sealing collars 56 are shown as being scooped or contracted by the flaps elastic portions (not shown in Fig. 4). The diaper 20 is shown as having two barrier cuffs 62 extending adjacent to and inwardly of the sealing cuffs 56. The distal (distal) edges 66 are shown as scooped and contracted by spacer elastic portions (not shown) in the crotch region 26 to provide a longitudinally extending channel 96 along the diaper 20. Additionally, the ends 72 and 74 of the barrier cuff 62 are fastened in the front and rear closure zones 80 and 82 to provide wearer comfort, prevent rotation of the barrier cuffs, and for ease of insertion of the diaper.

The diaper 20 is mounted on its wearer by placing the back waist region 24 below the wearer's back and extending the remainder of the diaper 20 between the wearer's legs so that the front waist region 22 is positioned over the front of the person. The ends of the tape tab fasteners 54 are then preferably attached to the outwardly facing surfaces of the diaper 20. In this way, the barrier cuffs 62 should be arranged in the crotch region of the wearer and should provide the appropriate arrangement and functions described herein. Once deployed, the distal edges 66 of the barrier cuff 62 extend through the groin areas and diverge upward along both wearer's buttocks. Neither of the barrier cuffs 62 surrounds the thighs of the wearer. However, the sealing collars 56 will surround the thighs and create a sealing action against the thighs. The ends of the barrier cuff 62 are secured to the topsheet 38 to prevent rotation of the barrier cuffs, for wearer comfort during deployment and use, and for ease of use.

The lotion-treated cuffs of the present invention are also useful in training garments used in panties. The term training pant as used herein refers to disposable components having fixed sides and leg openings. The training pant is placed in the wearer position by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the training pant to a location around the lower torso of the wearer. Suitable training pants are described in US Patent No. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse et al. on September 21, 1993. The lotion-treated cuffs of the present invention are also applicable to absorbent articles that are a combination or hybrid of training pants and diapers.

Another disposable absorbent article for which the skin care articles of the present invention are useful for skin care is incontinence articles. The term incontinence article refers to liners, underwear components (liners held in place by a suspension system of the same type as a belt or the like), absorbent pads, additional absorbent articles, short bottoms, bed liners and the like. , whether worn by adults or other incontinent persons. Suitable incontinence products are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,253,461 issued to Strickland et al. on March 3, 1981; U.S. Patent Nos. 4,597,760 and 4,597,761 issued to Buell; the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115; U.S. Patent No. 4,909,802 to Ahr et al .; U.S. Patent No. 4,964,860 to Gipson et al. on Oct. 23, 1990; and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 07/637 090, filed by Noel et al. on January 3, 1991 (PCT Publication No. WO 92/11830, published July 23, 1992).

B. Composition (mixture) of a skin care composition

The lotion compositions of the present invention are solid or more often semi-solid at

• · ·

20 ° C, i.e. at ambient temperature. By semi-rigidity is meant that the composition of the composition has a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or plastic fluids. When no shear force is applied, the compositions of these compositions may have the appearance of a semi-solid, but as the shear size increases, they may flow. This is due to the fact that although their composition contains primarily solid components, it also contains some minor liquid components.

The skin care compositions of the present invention are at least semi-solid at room temperature to minimize movement. In addition, these lotion compositions preferably have a final melting point (100% liquid) above potential load conditions of their storage that may be greater than 45 ° C (for example, a Arizona warehouse, a car trunk in Florida, etc.).

In particular, preferred compositions of the invention should have the following melting profile:

Characteristics: preferred range: most preferred:

% liquid at room temperature (20 °)% liquid at body temperature (37 ° C)

2-50

- 95

3-25

- 90 final melting point (0 ° C)> 38> 45

By being solid or semi-solid at normal ambient temperatures, these skin care compositions do not tend to

Flow and move inside the diaper to which they are applied. That is, less of this skin care composition is needed to provide the desired therapeutic (therapeutic) or protective benefit.

As used herein, the term "leg cuff" includes both barrier cuffs 62, sealing cuffs 56, and combinations and variations thereof.

In the manufacture of diaper products with the skin care composition of the present invention, the composition is preferably applied to the body contacting surface (i.e., the body facing surface) of the diaper leg cuff. As defined herein, the body contacting the surface of the foot barrier cuff is normally the outer surface, and the body contacting the surface of the foot sealing cuff is normally the front or inner surface. However, the lotion may penetrate some of the cuff materials so that applying this composition to the liner contacting the foot cuff surface (i.e., the inner surface of the barrier leg cuff and / or the back surface of the leg cuff) is also expressly within the scope of the present invention.

When applied to the leg cuff surfaces described above, the skin surface treatment compositions of the present invention are transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact, movement and / or body heat. Importantly, the compositions described herein minimize abrasion between the cuffs and the skin in the area where the cuffs contact the skin of the wearer, resulting in less skin irritation.

The leg barrier cuffs of the diaper of the present invention and / or the leg sealing cuffs comprise an effective amount of a lotion composition. As used herein, the term effective amount of coating refers to the amount of a particular skin care composition that, when applied to a diaper foot cuff, will be effective in reducing abrasion between the cuffs and the skin in the area where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, leads to less skin irritation. These skin care compositions are also effective in reducing the adherence of fecal material to the wearer's skin. Of course, this effective amount of lotion coating will depend, to a large extent, on the particular composition of the composition used.

Compositions of the skin care composition of the present invention include: (1) an emollient (a); (2) immobilizer (s) for the emollient; (3) optionally a hydrophilic active surfactant (a); and (4) other optional components.

The viscosity of formulated skin care compositions containing an emollient, an immobilizing agent and optional components should be as high as possible to keep the compositions from flowing into the diaper. Unfortunately, high viscosities can also lead to lotion compositions that are difficult to apply without processing problems. Thus, equilibrium must be achieved so that the viscosities are high enough to maintain lotion compositions located on the body contacting the surface of the diaper leg cuff, but not so high as to cause processing problems. Suitable viscosities for lotion compositions typically range from about 1 to about 5000 centipoise units, preferably from about 5 to about 200 centipoise units, more preferably from about 10 to about 100 centipoise units, measured at 60 ° C.

1. Plasticizer

The key active ingredient in these skin care compositions is one or more emollients. As used herein, an emollient is a material that softens, soothes, softens, covers, lubricates, moisturizes, or cleanses the skin. The emollient typically accomplishes several of these goals, such as soothing, moisturizing and lubricating the skin. For the purposes of this invention, these plasticizers have either a plastic or a fluid consistency at 20 ° C, i.e., at ambient temperatures. This particular consistency of the emollient allows the composition of the composition to provide a soft and slippery feel like a lotion.

Plasticizers useful in the present invention are also substantially anhydrous. Substantially anhydrous means that water is not intentionally added to the plasticizer. The addition of water to the emollient is not necessary to prepare or use the compositions of the compositions of the present invention and may require an additional drying step. However, minor or trace amounts of water in the emollient that are collected as a result of, for example, ambient humidity can be tolerated without adverse effect. The plasticizers used in the present invention comprise about 5% or less water, preferably about 1% or less water, most preferably about 0.5% or less water.

Preferred emollients for use in the compositions of the skin care compositions of the present invention are the polysiloxane compounds. In general, suitable polysiloxane materials for use in the present invention include those having monomeric siloxane units of the following structures:

wherein, R ¹ and R ² , for each independent siloxane monomer unit may independently be hydrogen or any alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aracyl, cycloalkyl, halogenated hydrocarbon or other radical. Any of such radicals may be substituted or unsubstituted. The radicals R ¹ and R ^{2 of} any particular monomer unit may vary according to the corresponding functionality of the next adjacent (attached) monomer unit. In addition, the polysiloxane may be either a straight chain, branched chain or cyclic structure. The radicals R ¹ and R ² can additionally independently be other silaceous functionalities such as, but not limited to siloxanes, polysiloxanes, silanes, and polysilanes. The radicals R ¹ and R ² may contain any of a variety of organic functionalities including, for example, alcohol, carboxylic acid, phenyl, and amine functionalities.

Exemplary alkyl radicals are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, octadecyl and the like. Exemplary alkenyl radicals are vinyl, allyl and the like. Exemplary aryl radicals are phenyl, diphenyl, naphthyl and the like. Exemplary alkaryl radicals are toyl, xylyl, ethylphenyl and the like. Exemplary aralkyl radicals are benzyl, alpha-phenylethyl, betafenylethyl, alpha-phenylbutyl and the like. Exemplary cycloalkyl radicals are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like. Exemplary halogenated hydrocarbon radicals are chloromethyl, bromoethyl, tetrafluoroethyl, fluoroethyl, trifluoroethyl, trifluorotloyl, hexafluoroxylyl, and the like.

The viscosity of the useful polysiloxanes can vary as broadly as the viscosity of the polysiloxanes generally vary as long as the polysiloxane has the ability to flow, or can be rendered flowable for use on diaper foot cuffs. This includes, but is not limited to, a viscosity of up to 5 centistokes (0.05 cm ² / sec ^-1 ), at 37 ° C as measured by a glass viscometer, up to about 20,000,000 centistokes (200,000 cm ² / sec -1). ¹ ). Preferably the polysiloxanes have a 37 ° C viscosity in the range from about 5 (0.05 cm ² / sec ^_1) to about 5000

·

·· · 4 4 4 centistokes (50 cm ² / sec ^_1), preferably from about 5 (0.05 cm³ / sec ^-1) to about 2000 centistokes (20 cm ² / sec ^-1), most preferably from about 100 ( 1 ^cm2 / sec ^_1) to about 1000 centistokes (10 cm ² / sec-l). High viscosity polysiloxanes that are themselves creep resistant can be effectively placed on diaper foot cuffs such as, for example, emulsifying the polysiloxane in a surfactant, or providing the polysiloxane in solution with a solvent such as hexane, for example only. Specific methods of applying polysiloxane plasticizers to diaper foot cuffs are discussed in more detail below.

Preferred polysiloxane compounds for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent 5,059,282 (Ampulski et al.), Issued October 22, 1991, which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred polysiloxane compounds for use as emollients in the skin care compositions of the present invention include phenyl functional polymethylsiloxane compounds (e.g., Dow Corning 556 cosmetic grade fluid: polyphenylmethylsiloxane), dimethicone compounds, and cetyl or stearyl functionalized dimetics Dow 2502 and Dow 2503 polysiloxane fluids (fluids) In addition to this substitution with phenyl or alkyl functional groups, effective substitution can be accomplished with amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester, and thiol groups . Of these effective substituent groups, a group of phenyl, amino, alkyl, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups is more preferred than others; and functional phenyl groups are most preferred.

Other types of suitable polysiloxane materials for use herein include quaternary aminopolysiloxanes, carboxylated polysiloxanes, ethoxylated polysiloxanes and the like. Examples of such materials are those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,558,873, issued March 8, 1995 to Funk et al .; and U.S. Patent No. 5,552,020, issued July 21, 1995 to Smith et al .; whose content is incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood that the polysiloxane materials described above are often generically referred to in the art as "silicone compounds." It is to be understood that silicone compounds having desirable plasticizer properties are expressly within the scope of the present invention.

Other types of plasticizers useful in the present invention include those based on petroleum, fatty acid ester type, alkyl ethoxylate type, fatty acid ester ethoxylate type, fatty alcohol type, or mixtures of these plasticizers. Suitable oil-based emollients include those hydrocarbons or mixtures of hydrocarbons having a chain length of from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Oil-based hydrocarbons having these chain lengths contain mineral oil (also known as liquid petrolatum) and petrolatum (also known as mineral wax, yellow petrolatum and petrolatum). Mineral oil usually refers to less viscous mixtures of hydrocarbons having 16 to 20 carbon atoms. Petrolatum generally refers to more viscous hydrocarbon mixtures having from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Mineral oil and petrolatum are particularly preferred emollients for the skin care compositions of the present invention.

Suitable fatty acid ester type emollients include those derived from C ₁₂ -C ₂₈ fatty acids, preferably C ₁₆ -C ₂₂ saturated fatty acids, and short chain monohydric alcohols (C 1 -C 8, preferably C 1 -C 3).

Exemplary examples of such esters include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid ester plasticizers may also be derived from longer chain fatty alcohol esters (C ₁₂ -C ₂₈ , preferably C 12 -C 16), and shorter chain fatty acids, for example, lactic acid such as lauryl lactate and cetyl lactate.

Suitable alkyl ethoxylate plasticizers include C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 30. Preferably, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of lauryl, cetyl and stearyl ethoxylates, and mixtures thereof having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 2 to about 23. Exemplary patterns of such alkyl ethoxylates include laureth-3 (lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3), laureth-23 (lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 23), ceteth-10 (cetyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10) and steareth-10 (stearyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10). These alkyl ethoxylate plasticizers are typically used in combination with petroleum based plasticizers such as petrolatum, in a weight ratio of the alkyl ethoxylate plasticizer to the petroleum based plasticizer from about 1: 1 to about 1: 5, preferably from about 1: 2 to about 1: 4.

Suitable saturated alcohol type emollients include C ₁₂ -C ₂₂ fatty alcohols, preferably C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols. Representative examples include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. These fatty alcohol plasticizers are typically used in combination with an oil based plasticizer such as petrolatum, in a weight ratio of fatty alcohol plasticizer to oil based plasticizer of from about 1: 1 to about 1: 5, preferably from about 1: 1 to about 1: 2.

··

0

0 000

0 ·

In addition to the polysiloxane based plasticizers, fatty acid ester plasticizers, fatty acid ester ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylate plasticizers, fatty alcohol plasticizers and polysiloxane, plasticizers useful in the present amount (for example, up to traditional plasticizers).

The other conventional plasticizers include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, glycerin, triethylene glycol, spermaceti or other waxes, fatty acids and fatty alcohol ethers having from 12 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty acids. chains such as stearic acid, propoxylate fatty alcohols, glycerides, acetoglycerides and ethoxylated glycerides of C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty acids, other fatty acid esters of polyhydroxy alcohols, lanolin and its derivatives, and cod liver oil. These other emollients should be included in such a way as to maintain the rigid or semi-solid characteristics of the skin care composition.

The amount of emollient that may be included in a particular composition of the skin care composition depends on a variety of factors, including the particular emollient contained, the desired skin effects of the composition, other ingredients in the composition, and similar factors. The composition of the composition may contain from about 50 to about 95% plasticizer. Preferably, the composition will contain from about 20 to about 80%, most preferably from about 40 to about 75% by weight of the emollient.

2. Immobilizing agent

In particular, a key component of the lotion compositions of the present invention is a composition capable of immobilizing the polysiloxane emollient on the cuff of the diaper to which the composition is applied. Because the plasticizer in the mixture has a plastic or a liquid (fluid) ·· · FF · * ··· φ · · ·

FFF »·· ·· consistency at 20 ^c C, tends to flow or move even when subjected to moderate shear force. When applied to a diaper foot cuff, particularly in a molten or molten state, the emollient will not remain primarily on the surface of the diaper foot cuff. Instead, the emollient will tend to "wander" and flow into the interior of the diaper.

This movement of the emollient into the interior of the diaper may cause undesirable effects on the absorbency of the absorbent diaper core due to the hydrophobic characteristics of many of the emollients used in the skin care compositions of the present invention. Also, passing through the device through the cuff can have an adverse effect on the sustained elasticity of the elastic acquisition means. This also means that in order to achieve the desired therapeutic or protective effects of the skin care composition, much more emollient must be applied to the diaper leg cuff. Increasing the level of the plasticizer not only increases the cost, but also activates an undesirable effect on the absorbency of the diaper core as well as on contraction or elastic scooping.

The immobilizing agent faces this tendency of the emollient to migrate or flow by maintaining the emollient primarily located on the surface of the leg cuff on which the composition is applied. This is believed to be due, in part, to the fact that the immobilizer increases the melting point of the skin care composition above that of the emollient. Since the immobilizer is also miscible with the plasticizer (or dissolved therein by a suitable emulsifier), it also retains the plasticizer on the surface of the diaper foot cuff.

It is also advantageous to lock the immobilizer on the surface of the diaper leg cuff. This can be achieved by using immobilizing agents which rapidly crystallize and (i.e., settle). solidify) on the cuff surface. In addition, external cooling of the treated diaper foot cuff by blowers, fans, etc., may accelerate the crystallization (solidification) of the immobilizing agent.

In addition to being miscible with (or dissolved in) the plasticizer, the immobilizing agent needs to have a melting point of at least about 35 ° C. This is to ensure that the immobilizing agent itself does not tend to move or flow. Preferred immobilizing agents have melting points of at least about 40 ° C. The immobilizing agent will typically have a melting point in the range of about 50 ° to about 150 ° C.

Suitable immobilizing agents for the present invention can comprise a member selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, C14-C22, fatty acids C ₁₂ -C ₂ 2z fatty alcohol ethoxylates and C12-C22 having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from 2 to about 30, and mixtures thereof. Preferred immobilizing agents comprise C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, most preferably selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are particularly preferred. Other preferred immobilizing agents include fatty acids CI6 ^- Cis, most preferably selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of palmitic acid and stearic acid are particularly preferred. Still other preferred immobilizing agents comprise C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 5 to about 20. The fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty alcohols are preferably linear.

Importantly, these preferred immobilizing agents such as fatty alcohols _CI6-Ci8 increase the rate of crystallization of the mixture of skin care composition, causing that the surface of the substrate to crystallize rapidly. Therefore, lower levels of lotion may be used or a better feel of their use may be added. In order to create softness, it has traditionally been necessary to use more of these compositions because of the flow of these liquids into the diaper core.

Other types of immobilizing agents may be used either alone or in combination with the fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty alcohol ethoxylates described above. Examples of these other types of immobilizing agents include polyhydroxy fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, and mixtures thereof. Preferred esters and amides will have three or more free hydroxy groups on the polyhydroxy moiety and are typically nonionic in nature. Because of the potential skin sensitivity of diaper wearers to which the composition is applied, these esters and amides should also be relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin.

Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention will have the following formula:

íí

R - C - 0 wherein R is a hydrocarbyl group of C5-C31 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C7-C19 straight chain, alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably C9-C3-7 straight chain, alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably C _n straight chain -Ci7 or mixtures thereof; Y is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 free hydroxyls directly attached to the chain; and n is at least 1. Suitable Y groups may be derived from sorbitan behenates, di- and tri-esters, for example, sorbitan polyols such as glycerol and pentaerythritol; sugars such as raffinose, maltodextrose, galactose, sucrose, glucose, xylose, fructose, maltose, lactose, mannose and erythrose; sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, malite, mannitol and sorbitol; and sugar alcohol anhydrides such as sorbitan.

One class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes certain sorbitan esters, preferably C16-C22 saturated fatty acid esters. Because of the way in which they are typically produced, these sorbitan esters usually include mixtures of mono-, di-, tri-, etc. , esters. Illustrative examples of suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitan palmitates (eg, SPAN 40), sorbitan stearates (eg, SPAN 60), which include one or more mono-, versions of these sorbitan esters, mono-, di- and tri-palmitate, sorbitan mono-, di and tri-stearate, sorbitan mono-, di- and tri-behenate, as well as mixed sorbitan mono-, di- and tri-esters of tallow fatty acid. Mixtures of various sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan palmitates with sorbitan stearates, may also be used. Particularly preferred sorbitan esters are sorbitan stearates, typically as mixtures of mono-, di- and tri-esters (plus some tetraester) such as SPAN 60, and sorbitan stearates sold under the tradename GLYCOMUL-S by Lonza, Inc. Although these sorbitan esters typically contain mixtures of mono-, di- and tri-esters, plus some tetraester, mono- and di-esters are usually the predominant species in these mixtures.

Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention includes certain glyceryl monoesters, preferably glyceryl monoesters of C16-C22 fatty acids such as glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monopalmitate and glyceryl monobehenate. Again, such as sorbitan esters, glyceryl monoester mixtures will typically contain some di- and tri-ester. However, to be useful in the present invention, these compositions should predominantly contain glyceryl monoester species.

Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention comprise certain sucrose fatty acid esters, preferably esters of saturated fatty acids C ₁₂ -C ₂ 2 sucrose. Sucrose monoesters and diesters are particularly preferred and comprise sucrose mono- and distearate and sucrose mono- and di-laurate.

Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amides for use in the present invention will have the following formula:

R ¹ i I

R ² - C - N - Z in which:

R ¹ is H, hydrocarbyl C 1 -C ₄ , 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl or mixtures thereof, preferably alkyl C 1 -C ₄ , methoxyethyl or methoxypropyl, more preferably alkyl C 1 or C ₂ or methoxypropyl, most preferably alkyl C 1 (ie, methyl) or methoxypropyl; and

R ² is a C 5 -C 31 hydrocarbyl group, preferably a C 7 -C 19 straight chain alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably a C 9 -C 3- straight chain alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably a C 11 -C 17 straight chain alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof; and

Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly attached thereto. See. U.S. Patent No. 5,174,927 (Honsa), issued December 29, 1992 (incorporated herein by reference), discloses these polyhydroxy fatty acid amides as well as their preparation.

The moiety Z is preferably derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; most preferably glycityl. Appropriate ·

Reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. High dextrose corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and high maltose corn syrup, as well as the individual sugars listed above, may be used. These corn syrups can deliver mixtures of sugar components for a Z fraction.

The moiety Z will preferably be selected from the group consisting of -CH ₂ - (CHOH) _n -CH ₂ OH, -CH- (CH ₂ OH) - [(CHOH) _{n - x} ] -CH ₂ OH, -CH ₂ OHCH ₂ - ( CHOH) ₂ (CHOR ³ ) (CHOH) -CH ₂ OH, wherein n is an integer from 3 to 5, and R is H or a cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most preferred are glycityls wherein n is 4, especially -CH ₂ - (CHOH) ₄ -CH ₂ OH.

In the above formula, R ¹ may be, for example, N-methyl, N-ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl, N-methoxypropyl or N-2-hydroxypropyl. R ² may be selected to provide, for example, cocamide, stearamide, oleamide, lauramide, palmitamide, tallowamide, etc .. The Z moiety can be 1-deoxyglucityl, 2-deoxyfructityl, 1-deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1-deoxygalactityl, 1-deoxymannityl, 1-deoxymaltotriotityl, etc.

The most preferred polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have the general formula:

R ¹ . OH.

U í · í ·

^R2 - C - N - CH ₂ - CH ₂ --CH - OH wherein R ¹ is methyl or methoxypropyl; R ² is alkyl or alkenyl, a straight chain Ci-Cu _7th These include N-lauryl-N-methylglucamide, N-lauryl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropylglucamide,

N-palmityl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N-tallowyl-N-methylglucamide or N-tallowyl-N-methoxypropylglucamide.

As previously noted, some of the immobilizing agents require an emulsifier to solubilize the plasticizer. This is particularly the case with certain glucamides such as N-alkyl N-methoxypropylglucamides having HLB values of at least 7. Suitable emulsifiers are typically those having HLB values below about 7. In this regard, sorbitan esters previously described as sorbitan stearates having HLB values about 4.9 or less found to be useful in dissolving these glucamide immobilizing agents in petrolatum. Other suitable emulsifiers include steareth-2 (polyethylene glycol ethers of stearyl alcohol, conforming to the formula CH ₃ (CH ₂ ) ₁₇ (OCH ₂ CH ₂ ) _n OH, where n has an average value of 2), sorbitan tristearate, isosorbide urate, and glyceryl monostearate. The emulsifier may be included in an amount sufficient to dissolve said immobilizing agent in the plasticizer such that a substantially uniform mixture is obtained. For example, a mixture of about 1: 1 Ncocoyl-N-methylglucamide and petrolatum that does not normally melt into a single phase mixture will melt into a single phase mixture after adding 20% of a 1: 1 mixture of Stereath-2 and sorbitan tristearate as an emulsifier.

Other types of additives useful as immobilizing agents, either alone or in combination with the aforementioned immobilizing agents, include waxes such as carnauba, bee, candelilla, paraffin, ceresin, esparto, ouricuri, resovax, and other known waxes. The high melting point of these materials can help immobilize the composition on the desired surface or placement on the cuff. A preferred wax is paraffin wax. An example of a particularly preferred paraffin wax is Parafin S.P. 434 from Strahl and Pitsch Inc., P.O. Box 1098 West Babylon, NY 11704.

«·

The amount of immobilizing agent that should be included in a particular skin care composition depends on a number of factors, including the particular polysiloxane emollient, the particular immobilizing agent contained, whether there is a need for an emulsifier to dissolve the immobilizing agent in the emollient, other ingredients in the emollient. mixtures of lotion and similar factors. The skin care composition may contain from about 5 to about 90% of the immobilizing agent. Preferably, the composition comprises from about 5 to about 50%, most preferably from about 10 to about 40% of the immobilizing agent.

3. Optional hydrophilic surfactant

Depending on the particular immobilizing agent used in the lotion composition, an additional hydrophilic, active surfactant may optionally be used to increase the processability and / or stability of the compositions.

Suitable hydrophilic surfactants are miscible with the emollient and immobilizing agent to form homogeneous (mixed) compositions. Because of the possible skin sensitivity of those using disposable absorbent products to which a particular skin care composition is applied, these surfactants should also be relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin. Typically, these hydrophilic agents are nonionic, not only to be non-irritating to the skin, but also to avoid other adverse effects on any underlying tissue laminate structures, for example, by reducing the tensile strength.

Suitable nonionic surfactants may be substantially immobile after the composition of the skin care composition is applied to the diaper foot cuffs, and will typically have HLB values in the range of about 4 to about 20, preferably about 7 to about 20. To be immovable, these nonionic agents will typically have melting points greater than those commonly encountered during storage, transport, sale and use of disposable absorbent articles, for example at least 30 ° C. In this regard, these nonionic surfactants will preferably have a melting point similar to that of the immobilizing agents described above.

Suitable nonionic surfactants for use in the skin care compositions of the present invention include alkyl glycosides: alkyl glycoside ethers as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,011,389 to 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 ₁₂ -C ₁₈ fatty acids having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 20, preferably from about 2 to about 10, such as TWEEN 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 condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with about 1 to about 54 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol is typically straight chain (linear) and contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are alcohol condensation products 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 myristilal 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 of various lengths of 10 to 14 carbon atoms) with about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. Quantity "" ·· suitable ethoxylated alcohols are commercially available, including TERGITOL 15-S-9 (the condensation product of linear alcohols Cu _C-5 with 9 moles ethylene oxide), marketed by Union Carbide Corporation; KYRO EOB (the condensation product of C13-C15 linear alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide) sold by The Procter & Gamble Co .; the brand of NEODOL surfactants sold by Shell Chemical Co., in particular NEODOL 25-12; (the condensation product of C12-C15 linear alcohols with 12 moles of ethylene oxide) and NEODOL 23-6.5T (the condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohols, with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide distilled (atmospheric) to remove certain impurities), and in particular surface PLURAFAC trademark agents marketed by BASF Corp., in particular PLURAFAC A-38 (Cis straight chain alcohol condensation product with 27 moles of ethylene oxide). (Certain hydrophilic surfactants, especially ethoxylated alcohols such as NEODOL 25-12, may also function as alkyl ethoxylate plasticizers). Other examples of preferred ethoxylated alcoholic surfactants include the ICI class of Brij reagents and mixtures thereof, with Brij 72 (ie Steareth-2) and Brij 76 (ie, Steareth-10), which are particularly preferred. 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 hydrophilic surfactants.

Another type of suitable surfactant for use in the present invention includes Aerosol OT, sodium sulfosuccinic acid dioctyl ester, sold by the American Cynamid Company.

Yet another type of suitable active surfactant for use in the present invention comprises silicone copolymers such as General Electric SF 1188 (a copolymer of polydimethylsiloxane and a polyoxyalkylene ether) and General Electric SF 1228 (a silicone polyether copolymer). This silicone

the surfactants may be used in combination with the other types of hydrophilic surfactants discussed above, such as ethoxylated alcohols. These silicone agents have been found to be effective at concentrations as low as 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.25 to about 1.0%, by weight of the particular skin care composition.

The amount of hydrophilic surfactant required to increase the processability and / or stability of a particular skin care composition will depend upon the type of emollient and immobilizer used, the HLB value of the surfactant used, and similar factors. The skin care composition of the present invention may optionally comprise from about 1 to about 50% of the hydrophilic surfactant, more preferably from about 1 to about 25%, by weight of the hydrophilic agent.

4. Other optional components

Compositions of the skin care compositions may include other optional ingredients, typically present in emulsions, creams, ointments and lotions of this type. These optional components include water, viscosity modifiers, perfumes, disinfectant antibacterial active ingredients, vitamins (eg, vitamin E), pharmaceutical active ingredients, foil surfactants, deodorants, opacifiers, astringents, solvents and the like. Materials such as zinc oxide, kalamine and allantoin may also be used to help protect the skin from irritation and diaper rash. In addition, stabilizers such as cellulose derivatives, proteins and lecithin may be added to extend the shelf life of the skin care composition. All of these materials are well known in the art as additives to these substances and can be used in appropriate amounts in the formulations of care products.

skin of the invention. In addition, a preferred optional ingredient for the components of the compositions described herein is an aloe extract of from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight.

C. Application of the skin care composition to the leg cuffs

In the manufacture of the lotion-treated diaper products of the present invention, the composition of the present invention is preferably applied to the body contacting surface (i.e., the body facing surface) of the diaper leg cuff. As defined herein, the body contacting surface of the leg barrier cuff is normally the outer surface and the body contacting surface of the leg sealing cuff is normally the front surface. However, the composition may penetrate through some cuff materials, such that the use of the composition on the surface contacting the leg cuff garments (i.e., the inner surface of the barrier leg cuff and / or the back surface of the sealing leg cuff) is also expressly within the scope of the present invention.

Any variety of deposition methods that evenly distribute slippery (lubricant) materials having a molten or liquid consistency can be used. Suitable deposition methods include spraying, printing (e.g., flexographic printing), coating (e.g., gravure or groove finish), extrusion (extrusion), or a combination of these or other application techniques, such as spraying a composition mixture onto a rotating surface such as a calender roller then it transfers a certain mixture to the body contacting the surface of the leg cuffs of the diaper. If desired, the composition may also be applied on both sides of the cuffs to increase their hydrophobicity.

The method of applying the skin care composition to the diaper leg cuffs should be such that the leg cuff is applied thereto.

the cuffs did not become (over) saturated. If the cuffs become a saturated composition of the composition, there is a greater possibility that the skin care composition will move inside the diaper, where this may have a detrimental effect on the absorbency of the underlying absorbent core. The saturation of the leg cuffs is also not required to achieve the appropriate therapeutic and / or protective benefits of the skin care composition. Particularly suitable methods of application will be to apply the composition of the composition primarily to the body contacting the surface of the diaper foot cuff. However, the composition may penetrate certain cuff materials so that its application to the garment facing surface of the diaper foot cuff is also within the scope of the invention.

The minimum level of lotion to be applied to the diaper foot cuff is the smallest amount effective to reduce abrasion between the cuffs and the skin in the area where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less irritation of the skin of the diaper. . These compositions are also effective in reducing the adherence of fecal materials to the wearer's skin. However, the effective amount of the coating of the skin care composition will largely depend on the particular composition used. The composition of the composition is preferably applied to the leg cuffs of the diaper of the present invention in an amount ranging from about 0.1 mg / square inch (0.0154 mg / cm ² ) to about 50 mg / square inch (7.748 mg / cm ² ), more preferably from about 1 mg / square inch (0.1549 mg / cm ² ) to about 25 mg / square inch (3.874 mg / cm ² ). Since the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the leg cuff, less skin care composition is required to provide the desirable skin care benefits. These relatively low levels of the composition of the composition are adequate to confer desirable therapeutic and / or protective benefits to leg cuffs from its use.

♦ ·

The skin care composition may be applied flatly and evenly to one or both surfaces of the leg cuff or parts thereof. The coating of the composition may also be used in a pattern (i.e., strips, blocks, dots, spirals, etc.). Preferably, the skin care composition will be aligned with the region of the cuff that will most in contact with the wearer and be applied in a strip aligned with and centered on the longitudinal centerline of each cuff. Most preferably, as described in the Examples hereinbelow, the composition is applied in a strip to a discrete (discrete) portion of a barrier leg cuff, for example, 1.4 inches wide (about 3.55 cm, in the lateral direction of the diaper) and 11.75. inches long (about 29.8 cm, in the longitudinal direction of the diaper), by a portion (patch) generally arranged in the crotch portion of the inner surface of the barrier leg cuff.

The skin care composition may also be applied non-uniformly to one or both of the diaper foot cuff surfaces. Unevenly meant that a given amount, pattern of distribution, etc., of the composition of a composition may vary over the surface of the leg cuff. For example, certain portions of the treated surface of the leg cuff may have a greater or lesser amount of the composition of the composition, including portions that have no composition thereon.

The skin care composition can be applied to the leg cuff during assembly at any point. For example, the composition may be applied to the leg cuff of the finished disposable absorbent article before being packaged. The composition may also be applied to the leg cuff before it is bonded to the other raw material materials to form a finished disposable absorbent article.

The skin care composition is typically applied to the diaper leg cuff from its melt. Because this mixture

FF · · F F melts at much higher ambient temperatures, usually applied to the leg cuff as a heated coating. This composition is typically heated to a temperature in the range of about 35 ° to about 100 ° C, preferably from about 40 ° to about 90 ° C, before being applied to the diaper foot cuff. Once the molten mixture is applied to the diaper leg cuff, it is allowed to cool and solidify to form the solidified coating or foil on the surface of the leg cuff. The application process is designed to assist in cooling / solidifying the composition.

In the use of the skin care compositions of the present invention on diaper foot cuffs, preferred methods are slot coating, extrusion coating, gravure coating and spraying. Giant. 5 illustrates a preferred method comprising continuous or intermittent contact slotted coating of the diaper foot cuff during the finishing operation. Referring to FIG. 5, the conveyor belt 11 advances in the direction indicated by the arrows on the rotating rollers 3 and 4 and becomes the returning conveyor belt 2. The conveyor belt 1 carries the skin care composition uncovered to the diaper 5 in contact with the slot coating deposition station 6 where the barrier the leg cuff portion 7 covered with a hot, molten (e.g. 65 ° C) skin care composition. Upon exiting the slot coating deposition station 6, the untreated diaper 5 becomes a diaper 8 having treated barrier leg cuffs. The amount of composition composition transferred to the barrier leg cuff portion is controlled by: (1) the amount by which the molten composition is deposited in the contact slotted coating by the deposition station 6; and / or (2) the speed at which the conveyor belt 11 moves below the slot coating deposition station 6;

Giant. 6 depicts an alternative preferred method comprising contact slotted coating the skin care composition onto the diaper leg cuffs prior to the diaper leg cuff.

• · 55 • · · · 999 ·· »9 · · by these cuffs assembled with materials to finished product. Refers to Giant. 6, nonwoven structure

the barrier leg cuffs 1 are unwound from a storage cylinder of the barrier leg cuff 2 (by rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 2a) and brought into contact with a slot coating deposition station 6 where one side of this structure is covered with a hot, molten (e.g. 65 ° C) skin care. Upon exiting the slot coating deposition station 6, the nonwoven barrier leg cuff structure 7 becomes the treated leg barrier cuff structure designated 3. The composition-treated barrier leg cuff structure 3 is then guided around the rotating roller 8 and the rotating roller 8 and then wound onto a storage cylinder 10 of the mixture-treated barrier leg cuff (rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow 10a).

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF MANUFACTURE BY LOTION CARE OF TREATED, BARRIER FOOTWEAR

THIS INVENTION

The following are specific examples of treatment of diaper barrier cuffs with lotion compositions in accordance with the present invention:

Example 1

A. Preparing the composition of the skin care composition

An anhydrous lotion A composition is made by mixing the following molten (ie, liquid) ingredients together: White Protopet ^R 1S (white petrolatum manufactured by Witco Corp.); Dow Corning 556 cosmetic fluid (polyphenylmethylsiloxane manufactured by Dow Corning Corporation); SP 434 paraffin (paraffin wax manufactured by Strahl and Pitsch Inc); cetearyl alcohol (mixed C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ linear primary alcohol, manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company under the trademark TA-1618); PEG 2000 (polyethylene glycol with MW 2000 manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich Corp.). The percentages by weight of these components are given in Table I below:

Table I

Ingredient: Weight in%:

WhiteProtopet ^<R) IS 52 Polyphenylmethylsiloxane 20 Paraffin wax 15 Cetearyl alcohol 10 PEG 2000 3

B. Performing treatment of the diaper leg cuffs with a hot melt coating

The Lotion A mixture is placed in a heated tank operating at 170 ° F (76.6 ° C). This mixture is then applied with a contact applicator (i.e., a Meltex EP45 hot melt adhesive applicator operating at 170 ° F (76.6 ° C)) to the outer surface of the diaper barrier cuffs in an area of 1.4 inches wide (3.55 cm, facing the diaper side) and 11.75 inches long (29.8 cm, longitudinal direction of the diaper), this portion is centered in the contracted area of the leg cuff. Addition level = 0.0116 g / inch (18.0 g / m ² ).

• · · ··· ···

Example 2

The Lotion A composition (prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 1) is then applied to the outer surface of the diaper barrier cuffs in a 1.4 inch (3.55 cm, side facing diaper) strip centered on the longitudinal centerline of each leg cuff, and extending the full length of the leg cuff. Addition level = 0.0116 g / inch (18.0 g / m ² ).

Example 3

The Lotion A composition (prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 1) is then applied to the outer surface of the diaper barrier cuffs in a 1.4 inch (3.55 cm side-to-side diaper) strip centered on the longitudinal centerline of each leg cuff and 11.75 inches long (29.8 cm, longitudinal direction of the diaper), this portion is centered in the contracted area of the leg cuff. Addition level = 0.0077 g / inch (12.0

Claims (10)

PATENT CLAIMS An absorbent article comprising: - an outer packaging layer containing: a lower layer; and a liquid pervious topsheet attached to the backsheet; and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a cuff attached to the outer wrapper, the cuff having an inner surface facing the absorbent article and an outer surface facing the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn; characterized in that an effective amount of a lotion coating that is semi-solid or solid at 20 ° C and at least partially transferable to the skin of the wearer is provided on the cuff, the coating of the skin care composition skin contains: (i) from 5 to 95% of a polysiloxane plasticizer having a plastic or liquid consistency at 20 ° C, and (ii) from 5 to 95% of a composition capable of immobilizing the polysiloxane plasticizer on said cuff, said immobilizing agent having a melting point of at least about 35 ° C. 2. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein the polysiloxane softener comprises 5% or less water and comprises a polysiloxane compound having a viscosity of from about 5 to about 2000 centistokes (0.05 cm @ ² / sec ' at 37 ° C). ¹ to 20 cm ² / sec ¹ ). • 9 9 98 9 · The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polysiloxane compound is a polymethylsiloxane compound; or a polymethylsiloxane compound substituted with a functional group selected from the group consisting of phenyl, amine, alkyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester and thiol groups, and mixtures thereof; or polyphenylmethylsiloxane; or polyaminomethylsiloxane. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the restraining means comprises: polyhydroxy fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, fatty alcohols, C ₄ -C 22 <fatty acids a2-C 2 R ₂ fatty alcohol ethoxylates, C ₂ -C ₂ 2z and mixtures thereof; or C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof; or polyhydroxy fatty acid esters selected from the group consisting of sorbitan palmitates, sorbitan stearates, sorbitan behenates, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monobehenate, sucrose mono- and di-stearate, and sucrose mono- and di-laurate; or sorbitan stearates; or a polyhydroxy fatty acid amide selected from the group consisting of N-lauryl-N-methylglucamide, N-lauryl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N-palmityl-N-methoxypropylglucamide, N- tallowyl-N-methylglucamide and N-tallowyl-N-methoxypropylglucamide; or paraffin wax. tt The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the skin care composition further comprises from 1 to 50% of a hydrophilic surfactant. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skin care composition further comprises from 0.1% to 20% aloe extract. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of coating of the skin care composition on the cuff ranges from 1 mg / square inch (0.1549 mg / cm ² ) to 50 mg / square inch (0.1549 mg / cm ² ). 7.748 mg / cm ² ). The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cuff is an elastically contractible, sealing cuff. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cuff comprises a barrier cuff having a proximal edge attached to the outer cover layer and a distal edge unattached to at least a portion of the outer cover layer. 10. An absorbent article according to any preceding claim wherein the skin care coating is disposed on an outer surface of said cuff.