CZ434799A3 - Absorption article with side parts having zones with different expansibility - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent articles are disposable diapers, panties at incontinence, diaper holders, training pants, clothing feminine hygiene parts and the like, have a unique side part which improves the overall fit of the absorbent on the wearer, as well as reducing the formation of reddening the skin. Such absorbent articles (20) \ t comprise a set of main body (22), preferably having a liquid pervious topsheet (24) fluid an impermeable backsheet (26) connected to the topsheet (24), and an absorbent core (28) disposed between said topsheet a bottom layer; a pair of side panels (36) associated with the assembly a main body (22); and a closure system for maintaining it absorbent article on the wearer. The side panels (36) have a zone legs (100) with low stretching force and waist zone (105) s high force of stretching.

Description

Absorbent article with side panels having zones of different extensibility

Technical field

The invention relates to such absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence briefs, training pants, and the like, and more particularly to absorbent articles having a multi-zone side panel that provides improved fit around the wearer as well as increased comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Young children and other urinary incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles such as diapers to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. The absorbent articles function both to retain the excreted materials and to isolate these materials from the wearer ' s body, its garments and bedding. Many different, basic embodiments of disposable absorbent articles are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 26,152 entitled Disposable Diaper, granted to Duncan and Baker on January 31, 1967, describes a disposable diaper that has achieved widespread acceptance and commercial success. U.S. Patent 3,860,003 entitled Retractable Side Parts for Disposable Diaper, issued to Buell on January 14, 1975, discloses a disposable diaper with a disposable diaper.

Elasticized leg cuff that has been widely accepted and commercially successful.

Disposable diapers with side-stretch characteristics utilize stretch and force profiles, which are compromise solutions for good initial fit, good retention and low degree of redness on the wearer's skin. The need for compromise solutions is the result of a lack of implementation in today's expandable diapers. This drawback of the embodiment is the use of an attachment to extend the diaper that is parallel to the longitudinal edges or longitudinal direction of the diaper. The connection extending parallel to the longitudinal edges of the diaper causes a very similar or equal force along the stretcher when the diaper is applied to the wearer from top to bottom. These same forces lead either to the formation of reddish skin areas in the upper leg, poorly maintained seating around the waist, or both.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, having improved fit, improved sustained fit, and reduced formation of redness on the wearer's skin.

Another object of the invention is to provide an absorbent article having a unique side panel treatment.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent when considered in reference to the following description and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders, training briefs, feminine hygiene garments and

likewise, having a side panel that improves the initial fit and further maintain the fit of the absorbent article on the wearer and diminished formation of redness on its skin. Such absorbent articles comprise a plurality of main body (chassis) having end edges and longitudinal edges. Preferably, the assembly comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet associated with the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; a pair of side panels associated with the main body assembly, the side panels extending laterally beyond the longitudinal edges of the assembly; and a closure system for maintaining said absorbent article on the wearer.

The side panels include a leg zone and a waist zone. The leg zone has a stretching force that is less than the stretching zone of the waist zone. The lower stretch zone of the legs allows the side panels to easily expand with the movement of the wearer's legs, thereby reducing any formation of reddish skin areas around the foot region. The waist zone with greater stretching force forms a continuous ring of tension around the waist of the wearer, providing improved initial and sustained fit of the absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although this description is terminated by the claims that specifically define and clearly claim the subject matter forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which the same identical parts are used for substantially identical parts. (a) the markings and bearing:

Giant. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a disposable diaper of the invention having cut away portions to illustrate the underlying structure, with the diaper outer surface facing the viewer.

Giant. 2 is a fragmentary, plan view of an alternative embodiment of a side panel of the invention.

Giant. 3 is a fragmentary, plan view of an alternative embodiment of a side panel of the invention.

Giant. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of an alternative embodiment of a side panel of the invention.

Giant. 5 is a fragmentary, plan view of an alternative embodiment of a side panel of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term absorbent article refers to devices that absorb and retain body exudates (hereinafter exudates), and more specifically it relates to devices that are placed on or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates exuded by the body. . The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles which are not intended to be further laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (ie, intended to be discarded after their single use and preferably recycled, used in compost or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). A unitary absorbent article refers to absorbent articles that are formed from separate parts joined together to form a coordinated unit so that they do not require separate manipulative parts such as a separate holder and package. A preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention is the unitary disposable absorbent article, diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1. As used herein, the term

The diaper refers to an absorbent article generally worn by young children and incontinent (urine-free) persons that is worn around the lower torso of the wearer's body. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as, for example, incontinence briefs, training briefs, feminine underwear components and the like.

Giant. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in its flat, uncontracted state (i.e., with the elastic material causing the contraction) to be pulled out, with portions of its structure cut away to more clearly illustrate the diaper assembly 20, and the surface facing the viewer. As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 20 is generally T-shaped and includes a body member 22 preferably comprising a liquid pervious topsheet 24, a liquid impermeable backsheet 26 associated with the topsheet 24, an absorbent core 28 disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet. 26; extensible leg cuffs 30; an extensible back waist feature 32; a pair of side panels 36; a closure system for fastening the diaper to the wearer preferably comprising at least a pair of fastening portions 40 and a stitching portion 41; and an extensible front waist feature 42.

The diaper 20 in FIG. 1 has an inner surface (not shown), an outer surface 44 (facing the viewer in Fig. 1) opposite the inner surface, the front waist region 45, the back waist region 46 opposite the front waist region 45, and the circumference defined by the outer edges of the diaper 20. wherein the longitudinal edges are designated 47 and the end edges are designated 48. (Although the skilled artisan will recognize that some diaper is typically described in terms having a pair of waist regions and a crotch region between these waist regions;

• 0 • 0 0 · 0

9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9 0 • 0 0 0 0

In this application, for the sake of simplicity of terminology, diaper 20 is described as having only waist regions, each waist region comprising a portion of the diaper, which would typically be designated as a portion of the crotch region). The inner surface of the diaper 20 includes that portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned while worn adjacent the wearer's body (i.e., the inner surface is generally formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and other components attached to the topsheet 24). The outer surface 44 includes that portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned outside of the wearer's body (i.e., the outer surface 44 is generally formed by at least a portion of the backsheet 26 and other components attached to the backsheet 26). The front waist region 45 and the rear waist region 46 respectively extend from the peripheral end edges 48 to the lateral centerline 49 of the diaper 20. (Lateral direction or lateral direction, (direction or width x) is defined as a direction parallel to the lateral centerline 49 a longitudinal direction (direction or length y) is defined as a direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline 50, and an axial direction (direction or thickness Z) is defined as a direction extending through the thickness of the diaper 20.)

Giant. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a diaper 20 in which the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 have overall length and width dimensions greater than the absorbent core 28. The topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 28 to form the perimeter of the diaper. diapers. The perimeter includes longitudinal edges 47 and end edges 48.

The assembly of the main body 22 (chassis part) of the diaper 20 is shown in FIG.

shown as comprising the diaper main body (chassis) 20. The main body assembly 22 includes at least an absorbent core 28, preferably an outer wrapper comprising an upper layer 24 and a lower layer 26. Thus, the main body assembly 22 includes a diaper main structure, with other modifications added to the diaper. creating a composite diaper assembly. Exemplary build o

The body assembly of the present invention is generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 issued to Kenneth B. Buell on January 14, 1975, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The absorbent core 28 can be any absorbent means that is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and certain other body exudates. The absorbent core 28 has a garment surface, a body surface, side edges 57, and waist or end edges 56. The absorbent core 28 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetric and the like) and from a wide variety of liquid-absorbing materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as pulverized wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airborne pulp. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including coform, cross-linked cellulose fibers, tissue containing tissue paper webs and laminates thereof, absorbent foams and absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any other equivalent material or combinations thereof materials. Also, the arrangement and assembly of the absorbent core may vary (for example, the absorbent core may have different tactile or thickness zones, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and lower basis weight acquisition zones; or may contain one or more layers or structures) . However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should be compatible with the proposed loading and intended use of the diaper 20. Furthermore, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 may also be varied to accommodate wearer spans ranging from infants to adults. Giant. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a diaper 20 having a rectangular absorbent core.

An absorbent structure useful as the absorbent core 28 of the present invention, which has achieved widespread acceptance and commercial success, is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,610,678 entitled High Density Absorbent Structures, issued to Weisman and Goldman on September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402, entitled Double Layered Core Absorbent Products, issued to Weisman, Houghton and Gellert on June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,888,231 entitled Dust Layer Absorbent Core, issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345 entitled "High Efficiency Incontinence Absorbent Products" issued to Young, LaVon and Taylor on September 15, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,597 entitled Porous, Absorbent, Polymeric Macrostructures and Methods for Their Preparation, granted to Roe, Lahrman, and Berg on April 7, 1992; and U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735, entitled High Density Absorbent Components having Lower Density and Lower Area Weight Acceptance Zones, granted to Alemany and Berg on May 30, 1989; also describe absorbent structures useful in the present invention. The absorbent core 28 is preferably a dual-layer absorbent structure as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,234,423 entitled Absorbent Article with Elastic Waist and Enhanced Absorbency, issued to Alemany and Clear on Aug. 10, 1993. Each of these patents is incorporated here by reference.

The backsheet 26 is positioned adjacent the garment facing side of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably attached thereto by a fastening means (not shown) well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 26 may be affixed to the absorbent core 28 by means of a uniform, continuous layer of the absorbent core 28. * Adhesive, patterned adhesive layers, or any arrangement of separate lines, spirals, or adhesive points. Adhesives found to be satisfactory are manufactured by Η. B. Fuller Company Paul, Minnesota, and sold as HL-1258. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an open pattern of adhesive filaments as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986 entitled Disposable Body Exudate Underwear Disposable, issued to Minetol and Tucker on March 4, 1986, and incorporated herein by reference. by reference. An exemplary open pattern mesh fastener of these fibers comprises a plurality of lines of adhesive fibers twisted into a spiral pattern, as illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 issued to Sprague ml. on 7.

October 1975; in U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise heat, pressure, heat / pressure, ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical connections, or any other suitable fastening means or combinations of such fastening means as known in the art.

The backsheet 26 is liquid impervious (e.g., urine) and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term flexible refers to materials that are compliant and easily conform to the overall shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 26 prevents appropriate exudates absorbed and retained in the absorbent core 28 from wetting articles contacting the diaper 20 such as sheets and sheets; ; ,; ϊ.ϊϊίΐ

999 99 9 «99 *« 99 ·· 99 9 9 9 * · 9 9 underwear components. Thus, the backsheet 26 may 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. Preferably, the backsheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils).

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 topsheet 24 is positioned adjacent the body-facing surface of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably attached thereto and to the backsheet 26 by attachment means (not shown), such as those well known in the art. Suitable fasteners are described with respect to the attachment of the backsheet 26 to the absorbent core 28. As used herein, the term bonded includes arrangements by which an element is directly attached to the other element by its direct attachment to the other element and an arrangement which is an element indirectly connected to the second element by attaching it to an intermediate portion (s) which is / are again connected to said second element. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 are directly joined to each other in the periphery of the diaper and indirectly joined together by their direct connection to the absorbent core 28 by a fastening means (not shown).

The topsheet 24 is conformable, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious (e.g., urine) permeable readily through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 24 may be made of a wide variety of materials such as porous foams, reticulated (network-like) foams, perforated plastic

foils, or woven and nonwoven materials of natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polyester or polypropylene fibers), or combinations of natural and man-made fibers. Preferably, the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic (water repellent) material to isolate the wearer's skin from fluids that have passed through the topsheet and are retained within the absorbent core 28 (i.e., preventing rewetting). If the topsheet is made of a hydrophobic material, at least its topsheet is treated to be hydrophilic so that fluids will pass through the topsheet more quickly. This reduces the likelihood that body exudates will flow from the topsheet, rather than being drawn up by the topsheet and absorbed in the absorbent core. The topsheet can be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with an active surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet with the surfactant include spraying the material with the surfactant and immersing the material therein. More specifically, this treatment and hydrophilicity is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344, entitled

Absorbent articles with multiple absorbent layers, awarded to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991.

There are a number of manufacturing techniques that can be used to produce the topsheet 24. For example, the topsheet 24 may be a nonwoven fiber structure. When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven web, the web may be nonwoven, carded, wet laid, meltblown, hydro-knitted, a combination of the above, or the like. A preferred topsheet is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the fabric technology. A preferred topsheet 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. 99 9 9 9 9 99 9 · · ·

9 9 9 9 9

9 ··· 9 · ·· ·· ·

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ·

9 99 99 999 9 9 9 9 having a length of at least about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches). Preferably, the topsheet has a basis weight of from about 18 to about 25 grams per square meter.

Preferably, the diaper 20 further comprises extensible leg cuffs 30 to provide improved containment of fluids and other body exudates. Each extensible leg cuff 30 may include several different embodiments to limit leakage of body exudates in the leg regions (the leg cuff may be, and is sometimes referred to as, leg band, leg flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs). U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003, entitled Disposable Diaper Side Parts, issued to Buell on January 14, 1975, discloses a disposable diaper that provides a leg opening with a leg flap and one or more elastic portions to secure the elasticized leg cuff. (sealing cuff). U.S. Patent No. 4,909,803, entitled Disposable Absorbent Article Having Elasticized Flaps, granted to Aziz and Blaney on March 20, 1990, discloses a disposable diaper having erect elasticized flaps (barrier cuffs) to improve retention in the leg region . U.S. Patent No. 4,695

278, entitled Double Cuff Absorbent Product, granted to Lawson on September 22, 1987, discloses a disposable diaper having a double cuff comprising a sealing cuff and a barrier cuff. U.S. Patent No. 4,704,115 entitled

A disposable, waist-exudate-retaining garment, granted to Buell on November 3, 1987, discloses a disposable diaper or garment in the case of incontinence having a leak-inhibiting, side edge drainage gutters arranged to retain loose fluids within of this component. US Patent No. 5,032,120, entitled Disposable Absorbent Product with Improved Leg Cuffs, granted to Freeland and Allen on July 16, 1991, discloses who

087 255, a barrier absorbent article with leg cuffs having a relatively low final force of contact at relatively high elongations to be achieved, for example, by a material contact differential. U.S. Patent No. 5 entitled "Flexible Cuff Absorbent Product", granted to Sims on February 11, 1992, discloses an absorbent article having an inflecting (or sloping) barrier cuff, with a distal edge positioned outward from the proximal edge in one waist region and within the other, to ensure a better fit around the hip / buttocks. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

Preferably, the diaper 20 further comprises elasticized waist features that provide improved fit and retention. The extensible waist features at least extend longitudinally outwardly from the main body assembly, preferably the respective waist edges of the absorbent core 28, and generally form at least a portion of the end edge of the diaper 20. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the extensible back waist feature 32 includes that portion of the diaper 20 that extends from the waist edge 56 of the absorbent core 28 in the back waist region 46 to the end edge 48 of the diaper 20. The waist feature may be assembled as a separate portion attached to the main body assembly 22, or as extending other parts of the diaper (i.e., unitary). Preferably, the waist feature is configured to extend other elements of the assembly, such as the backsheet 26, the topsheet 24, or both.

The extensible back waistband 32 provides an extensible portion providing a more comfortable and contoured fit to the wearer by initially adjusting the fit of the diaper to the wearer and retaining the fit during wear time when the diaper is already filled with exudates. and, preferably, download. Furthermore, extensible «· * ·» · ··

9

9 · 9

9 9 9 9 9

9 99 9 9 99 9 ·· The back waistband develops and maintains carrying forces (tensions) that increase the tension exerted and maintained by the closure system to maintain the diaper on the wearer and improve the fit of the diaper around the wearer's waist. The extensible back waist feature further provides more efficient fit of the diaper because when the diaper fitter pulls one side (side panel 36) of the extensible back waist fitting further than the other (asymmetrically) during deployment, the diaper will " self adjust "

The extensible back waist feature 32 may be constructed in a variety of configurations and a variety of different materials. For example, the extensible back waist feature 32 may be elasticized by operatively attaching thereto some elastic portions such as elasticized bands known in the art, and as described in US Patent No. 4,515,595 to Kievit et al. on 7.

May, 1985; and U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the extensible back waist treatment may be an extensible laminate such as a zero tension extensible laminate as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 to Buell et al. The extensible back waist feature comprises, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a structural elastic-like film (SELF) as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,518,810 to Chappell et al. on May 21, 1996, incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, side panels 36 are attached to the main body assembly 22 so as to extend laterally outwardly from the longitudinal edges 47. The side panels 36 may have a number of different sizes and shapes. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the side panels 36 have a rectangular shape. In a typical large diaper (8 kg to 14 kg), the side panels may, for example, be about 63 mm sideways, about 80 mm longitudinally.

»E

The side panels 36 may be assembled in a variety of configurations and a variety of different materials. The side panels may comprise traditional elastic materials or mechanically stretched laminates such as a zero tension stretch laminate.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side panels 36 comprise a SELF web structure as described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,515,801 to Chappell et al.

The side panels 36 may comprise a separate portion attached to the assembly of the main body 22 or may be assembled to extend other portions of the diaper, such as the backsheet 26 or topsheet 24, preferably both the topsheet and the backsheet. In the embodiments of the present invention of FIG. 1, the side panels 36 each comprise a separate structure attached to the main body assembly 22. The side panels 36 are attached to the main body assembly 22 in the rear waist region 46 and extend laterally outward beyond the longitudinal edges 47. an edge 90 disposed adjacent and forming a portion of the end edge 48 of the main body assembly, and a second end edge 92 positioned outward from the first end edge 90 toward the lateral centerline 49, a first longitudinal edge 94, and a second longitudinal edge 96 positioned laterally from the longitudinal edge 47 of the main body assembly 22. The first longitudinal edge 94 may be continuous with the longitudinal edge 47, preferably the first longitudinal edge 94 is positioned laterally inwardly of the longitudinal edge 47.

The side panels 36 have a multi-zone assembly comprising at least a leg zone 100 and a waist zone 105 disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge 47

The foot zone 100 is foot 100.

The waist zone 105 is positioned laterally out of the leg zone. The leg zone 100 is extensible in the direction having the component in the lateral direction, preferably vectorial in the lateral direction (sideways). The waist zone 105 is extensible

a direction having a vector component in a lateral direction, preferably lateral (or lateral) direction. The leg zone 100 is designed to have lower stretching forces than the waist zone 105. The stretching zone of the leg zone 100 should be as low as possible. In a preferred embodiment, when stretched by 50%, the stretch force of the foot zone 100 is less than about 10 g / cm, preferably less than about 5 g / cm. The expansion strength of the waist zone when stretched by 50% is preferably between about 10 g / cm to 30 g / cm, preferably between about 15 g / cm and 20 g / cm.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the leg zone 100 is separated from the waist zone 105 by a partition zone 110. This partition zone may be a boundary line distinguishing the leg zone 100 from the waist zone 105. The zone 110 is preferably a non-extensible zone that physically separates the leg zone 100 from the waist zone 105. the non-extensible partition zone 110 is preferably formed by using heat / pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonding, or mechanical bonding that joins the various layers of the side panels together so as to render them non-extensible. The partition zone 110 may also be formed by attaching additional materials to the side panel to render the part non-extensible.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the leg zone 100, the waist zone 105, the partition zone 110 and the pinch zone 115 each contain the same material. However, each zone has its own unique degree of force / expansion. The use of the SELF web as described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,518,801 to Chappell et al. Allows the force / expansion properties of each zone to be specifically designed.

The leg zone 100 may have a number of different sizes and shapes. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the leg zone 100 has a triangular shape. The side of this triangle forms part of the second end edge 92. The waist zone 105 may

Also have a variety of different sizes and shapes. Preferably, the waist zone 105 is triangular in shape, with the side of the triangle having a portion of the first end edge 90.

A leg zone 100 having a low strength and a unique triangular shape allows the side panel to expand with the movement of the wearer's legs at relatively small forces. This provides the benefit of reduced scaling of the wearer's skin, as less, less force and less tension are applied along the wearer's leg. The waist zone 105 maintains a continuous high-strength ring in the waist region of the diaper to provide improved initial and sustained fit. This high force zone extends over the end edge 48 of the diaper, providing a ring of tension necessary to initially fit and maintain the fit during wear.

As shown in FIG. 1, the leg zone 100 preferably does not form any portion of the first end edge 90 of the side panel 36. The waist zone 105 preferably does not form any portion of the second end edge 92 of the side panel 36. Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the side panel 36 of the present invention is shown. The side panel 436 includes a leg zone 500, a waist zone 505 and a partition zone 510. The leg zone 100 forms part of both the first end edge 490 and the second end edge 492. The waist zone 505 forms part of both the first end edge 490 and the second end edge 492. Alternatively, the side panel 436 may be formed such that the leg zone 500 forms part of both the first end edge 490 and the second end edge 492, while the waist zone 505 forms part of the first end edge 490, but does not form any part of the second end edge 492. the side panel 436 is formed such that the waist zone 505 forms part of both the first end edge 490 and the second end edge 492, while the leg zone 500 forms part of the second end edge

4 «4 ·· 44

4 45 · · ·

492, but does not form part of the first end edge 490.

The side panels 36 may be attached to the main body assembly 22 in a variety of ways as known in the art, including adhesive bonding, heat / pressure bonding, ultrasound bonding, or mechanical bonding. The side members 36 are preferably connected to the main body assembly 22 by a mechanical connection indicated in FIG. 1 as 120.

In FIG. Preferably, the side panels 36 comprise a gripping region 115 disposed laterally outwardly from the waist zone 105. The gripping zone 115 is preferably some rigid material that is non-extensible and operates by allowing the gripper 36 to be appropriately clamped by the user to use parts 40 to the stoking zone 41.

As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 20 may also be provided with an extensible front waist feature 42. This extensible front waist feature 42 is configured to sit around the abdomen at the front of the wearer's waist to improve fit and retention of the diaper in the front waist. The extensible front waist feature 42 extends longitudinally outwardly from the body body 22, preferably the waist edge 56 of the absorbent core 28, and generally forms at least a portion of the end edge 48 of the diaper 20 in the front waist region 45. The extensible waist feature 42 may include any from known arrangements of elastic treatments or any extensible treatments described herein. For example, the extensible front waist feature 42 may comprise any of the elasticized bands known in the art as described in the above-referenced U.S. Patent 4,515,595 (Kievit et al.) And U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 ( Buell et al.). Further, the extensible front waist feature 42 may comprise an extensible (resilient) laminate such as a zero-stress extensible laminate as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 to Buell et al.

• φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ · · · φ φ φ φ φ φ Φ φ φ φ φ φ φ · φ φ φ φ

The diaper 20 is also provided with a closure system to fit the diaper on the wearer. Although the closure system may have a variety of configurations such as adhesive tape tabs, mechanical closure tape tabs, fixed position fasteners, side seams such as training pants, or any other closure means known in the art. As shown in FIG. 1, the closure system preferably comprises a fastening system with an adhesive tape tab comprising a pair of tape tab fastening portions 40 and a stitching portion 40, preferably a reinforcing strip 41 as in FIG. 1, or, alternatively, a portion of the backsheet located in the front waist region 45 of the diaper 20. Examples of suitable adhesive tape fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,848,594 issued to Buell on November 19, 1974; and U.S. Patent No. 4,662,875, granted to Hirots and Robinson on May 5, 1987; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of other closure systems, including mechanical closure systems, useful in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,869,724, granted to Scripps on September 26, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,848,815 issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; and the two-point fastening system described in U.S. Patent No. 5,242,436, granted to Weil, Buell, Clear and Falcone on July 7, 1993; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 is preferably fitted to its wearer by placing the back waist region 46 under the back of the wearer and extending the remainder of the diaper between the legs of the wearer such that the front waist region 45 is positioned over the front of the wearer. The tab portions of the tape tabs 40 are then released from the release member. The diaper inserter then wraps the side panel 36 around the wearer while still gripping a portion of the tab. The side panel will typically be stretched and stretched during this operation to be

fit the size and shape of the wearer. In order to effect side closure, the tape tab 40 is attached to the stiffening strip 41 of the staple portion on the assembly of the main body 22. This procedure is then repeated with the second tape tab. Thus, the diaper is closed to the wearer and the extensible back waist feature and other portions, if provided, provide the benefits of seating and retention as described herein. Alternatively, the diaper may be fastened before being worn on the wearer so that it may be used as some panties. In either embodiment, the panties may be removed by detaching the fasteners or removing them as if they were panties.

Giant. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the side panel 136 of the present invention. The side panel 136 is a separate portion attached to the main body assembly 22. The side panels 136 extend laterally beyond the longitudinal edge 147 of the main body assembly 122. The side panel 136 includes a leg zone 200, a waist zone 205, and a partition zone 210. the waist zone since the side panel 136 does not include a gripping (or hand-gripped) zone. The leg zone 200 has a triangular shape where the side of the triangle forms a substantial portion of the second end edge 192. The waist zone 205 has a triangular shape where the side of this triangle forms a substantial portion of the first waist edge 190. The first end edge 190 is spaced from the rear edge 148 at a distance indicated by 160. The distance 160 is less than about 2 cm, preferably less than about 1 cm. The first end edge 190 of the side panel 136 forms part of the end edge of the main body assembly 122.

Giant. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the side panel 236 of the present invention. The side panel 236 is a separate part

attached to the main body assembly 222. The side panel 236 extends laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal edge 247 of the main body assembly 222. The side panel 236 comprises a leg zone 300, a waist zone 305, a dividing zone 310, and a grip zone 315. the distribution zone 310 is preferably non-extensible zones. The fastening portion 240 preferably includes a mechanical closure portion. The mechanical closure portion may comprise any known means for achieving the closure by mechanical engagement, such as hook and loop fastening materials. When it comprises a mechanical closure fastening portion, the stitching portions (not shown in Fig. 3) comprise a complementary (mechanical) closure portion that is engageable with the fastening portion 240.

Giant. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the side panel 336 of the present invention. The side panel 336 is an extension of the backsheet 326 and the topsheet (not shown) with other elements such as elastic portions attached thereto, preferably between the backsheet and the topsheet. The side panel 336 includes a leg zone 400, a waist zone 405, a partition zone 410, and a grip zone 415. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the leading end edge 390 is continuous with the trailing edge 348 of the main body assembly 322 to form a continuous edge across the rear waist region. The second end edge 392 is non-parallel to the first end edge 390. The first end edge 390 extends parallel to the lateral centerline of the diaper, while the second end edge 392 extends at an angle to this lateral centerline. Line 370 delimits the boundary between the side panel 336 and the main body assembly 322. In this embodiment, line 370 is the extension of the longitudinal edges 347 of the main body assembly 322. but this line can be placed on the side • 00 ·· 0 00 ·· • 0 0 * 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 • 00 00 0 ··· #

0 0 0 0 · · · ·· ·

000 ·· 0 0000

000 ·· 00 000 0 · ·· inwards or outwards from the longitudinal edge 347.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

PATENT CLAIMS A disposable absorbent article (20) having a front waist region (45) and a back waist region (46), the absorbent article comprising a plurality of main body (22) having end edges (48) and longitudinal edges (47) and containing fluid. a permeable topsheet (24), a liquid impermeable backsheet (26) associated with the topsheet, and an absorbent core (28) positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; characterized in that the main body assembly (22) comprises a pair of side members (36) associated with the assembly, the side members (36) extending laterally beyond the longitudinal edges of the assembly (47), each side portion having a leg zone (47) 100) and the waist zone (105), the leg zone has a stretching force less than the waist zone. 2. An absorbent article according to claim 1 wherein each side panel (36) comprises a structural elastic-like film material. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the waist zone (105) is extensible laterally. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the leg zone (100) is extensible laterally. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the leg zone (100) has an elongation force, when stretched by 50%, between about 2 g / cm and about 10 g / cm. • 0 0 »0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 · 0 0 0 00 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 00 • The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the waist zone (105) has an elongation force of about 50% between about 10 g / cm and about 30 g / cm when stretched. An absorbent article according to any preceding claim, further comprising a partition zone (110) separating the leg zone (100) from the waist zone (105). An absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the partition zone (110) is non-extensible. 9. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a substantially non-extensible grip zone (115) arranged laterally outward from the waist zone. 10. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the leg zone (100) and waist zone (105) are each triangular in shape.