GB2525594A

GB2525594A - An absorbent undergarment with a leak barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2525594A
Application number: GB1407379.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jessica Grace Peterson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-28
Filing date: 2014-04-28
Publication date: 2015-11-04
Also published as: GB201407379D0

Abstract

An absorbent undergarment comprises an inner leak barrier 38 formed from a compliant material which surrounds the entire perimeter of an absorbent inner section 20 and which has a proximal portion 40 attached to a waterproof flexible outer section 10 and a distal edge 42 projecting a distance above the inner section. A pair of side elasticated outer leak barriers 44,46 are attached to the outer section 10 laterally outboard of the inner barrier 38 at each side of a crotch region 24. The absorbent inner section 20 has first 26 and second 28 end regions contiguous with the crotch region 24, with the first end region having laterally extending left 30 and right 32 side regions. Double leak barriers guard against sideways leakage of liquid from a wearer, particularly when lying down.

Description

An absorbent undergarment with a leak barrier

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to absorbent garments, such as absorbent undergarments and nappies.

Background

Absorbent undergarments need to provide good absorbency, freedom from leakage and comfort for the wearer. There is a tradeoff between absorbency and leakproofing and flexibility.

A leak barrier is provided at least in the crotch region of undergarments intended for leakage control, for example comprising an elasticated region of material extending upwards from the level of the absorbent surface such that the elasticated upper edge of the leakage barrier remains in contact with the wearer's skin. However, in particular while lying down, for example while sleeping, the elasticated single barrier, that is optimised to seal while in tension around the crotch may be compressed and be insufficient to prevent leakage.

In addition or the alternative, in particular for male babies, known nappies or diapers tend to leak around the front of the waist, and it is advantageous to provide additional absorbent material and a leakage barrier in that region.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: W02008127152 discloses an absorbent article that includes a front region, a back region and a crotch region there between. The article further includes substantially longitudinally extending inner and outer leak barriers alongside each side of the absorbent core. The inner and outer leak barriers are spaced from each other in the transverse direction (x) of the article. The inner leak barriers extend at least along the part of the crotch region having the narrowest width (wi) in the transverse direction (x), and along a length (b) of at least 5 cm, and the outer leak barriers extend along at least a part of the front region and/or back region of the article, while at least a part of the crotch region along which said inner leak barriers extend is free from raised outer leak barriers.

W0200460251 discloses: A pant-like absorbent article includes laterally extending front and back ear portions defined at opposed lateral sides of the front and back waist regions. A laterally inwardly directed leg contour is defined in each of the lateral sides between the respective front and back ear portions. An absorbent body structure extends between the front and back waist regions and includes laterally extending wing portions along the front and back ear portions. Leak guards are provided having a free laterally inward side and a laterally outward side with a contour corresponding generally to that of the article lateral sides and leg contours.

The laterally outward sides of the guards are attached to the lateral sides of the front and back ear portions and along the leg contours laterally outward of the absorbent body structure so as to define a containment pocket along the leg contours and front and back ear portions.

W0200460232 discloses: A pant-like absorbent article, such as a child's training pant, includes laterally extending front and back ear portions defined at opposed lateral sides of front and back waist regions. An absorbent body structure extends longitudinally along the crotch region between at least a partially stretchable outer cover and at least a partially stretchable liner, from the front waist region to the back waist region, the absorbent body structure including laterally extending wing portions that extend laterally along the front and back ear portions. The laterally extending wing portions are stretchable and absorbent, to allow for the transfer of liquid from the front to the back of the article while a user is in a reclining or sleeping position.

In contrast the present invention provides a means of providing more extensive leakage control, utilising plural leak barriers to prevent leakages across a wide variety of different areas and situations; leading to a better sleep situation for an unattended infant.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an absorbent undergarment comprising: a waterproof flexible outer section arranged with end regions extending from an intermediate crotch region, an absorbent inner section, and a perimeter surrounding the absorbent inner section; wherein said inner section has left-side and right-side regions extending from an intermediate crotch region; and wherein said perimeter comprises a compliant inner leak barrier projecting from said outer section.

Typically the outer section may comprise at least one bonding tab, arranged to bond to another part of the outer section, and consequently attach the inner section over a crotch in use.

Typically the outer section includes an outer leak barrier beyond at least part of the perimeter and inner leak barrier.

In preferred embodiments thereby the absorbent undergarment comprises a waterproof flexible outer section with a crotch region and first and a second end regions each extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region, an absorbent inner section mounted on the outer section and having a perimeter within the area of the outer section, the absorbent inner section having a crotch region, a first and a second end region contiguous with the crotch region, the first end region having left and right side regions extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region, a bonding tab provided extending from each of the left and right sides of the second end region of the outer section and configured to bond to a region of the first end of the outer section, an inner leak barrier formed from a compliant material provided around the entire perimeter of the inner section, having a proximal portion attached to the outersection and a distal edge projecting to a distance above the level of the surface of the inner section, and a left and a right side elasticated outer leak barrier provided attached to the outer sectin laterally outboard of the inner barrier at each side of the crotch region of the inner section.

Left and right are defined looking from the first end region towards the second end region. Referring to the outer section, the outer side of the outer section is the side opposite to the side bearing the inner section.

In some embodiments the outer leak barrier extends to a height above the surface of the inner greater than that of the distal edge of the inner leak barrier.

In some embodiments the inner leak barrier has a surface that slopes at an angle upwards from the outer section.

In some embodiments the inner leak barrier has a surface that slopes inwards towards the inner section such that its distal edge overhangs the inner section.

In some embodiments the inner leak barrier comprises an elastomeric material.

In some embodiments the distal edge of the inner leak barrier is adapted to fold downwards when pressed into contact with a user's skin.

In some embodiments the first end region is configured to be the front region when worn by a user and the second end region is configured to be the rear region.

In some embodiments the second end region is configured to be the front region when worn by a user and the first end region is configured to be the rear legion.

In this way the garment comprises an absorbent undergarment such as a baby's nappy or an incontinence undergarment having improved leakproofing as compared with a standard design in which only a single leak barrier is provided. In use the distal edge of the inner leak barrier is pressed against the skin of the wearer, bending the compliant material of leak barrier downwards towards the inner section and forming a seal to the skin. In embodiments in which the inner leak barrier slopes to overhang the inner section, the join between the inner leak barrier and the outer section on which the inner is mounted serves to contain liquid within the garment.

The inner leak barrier thereby guards against leakage sideways from the surface of the inner section, for example when the inner section is compressed by a wearer while lying down, or when a sudden release of liquid leads to free liquid on the surface of the inner section before it is absorbed by the layer that would otherwise escape. The outer leak barrier provides an elasticated seal to the wearer's skin that gives a second protective seal against a sudden release of liquid.

According to the embodiment, the inner may be in the form of a T, having a wider region at the first end, configured to provide additional absorption at the wearer's waist level, thereby making the garment suitable for extended wear for example by a baby while sleeping, such that liquid does not escape past the waist region. In some embodiments the first end is configured to be worn at the front, so protecting for example against escape of urine when worn by a male baby.

In some embodiments the crotch region of the inner section has a substantially constant width. In other embodiments the crotch region has a width that varies along its length, for example being narrower at the midpoint and widening towards one or both end regions.

In some embodiments both the first and the second end regions of the inner section each have left and right side regions extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region.

In this way the garment protects against leakage around the waist region at both the front and the rear.

In some embodiments the inner comprises an absorbent material as known in the prior art for use in nappies or other absorbent undergarments.

In some embodiments the inner comprises an absorbent polymeric material, for example sodium polyacrylate.

In some embodiments the inner comprises a liquid-permeable retaining layer bonded to the outer section to retain the absorbent material.

In some embodiments the inner section comprises a mesh spacer layer to separate the absorbent material from the skin in use.

In this way in some embodiments the invention provides a nappy adapted for babies and children to wear while they sleep to stop urine from leaking through, soiling bedding and clothes, that comes up to just above the child's belly button, approximately one inch longer than normal nappies at the front and back. As the nappy is adapted in particular for use during sleep, there is not as much need for freedom of movement as in a standard nappy. The provision of both inner and outer leak barriers provides extra protection, and while the additional stiffness that the inner leak barrier presents in some embodiments is not disadvantageous in this manner of use.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an absorbent garment of the invention opened out flat with the inner facing upwards.

Figure 2 shows the embodiment shown in figure 1 in a folded configuration ready for use.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of an absorbent undergarment according to the invention comprises: A waterproof flexible outer section 10 having a crotch region 12 and a first 14 and a second 16 end regions each extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region, An absorbent inner section 20 mounted on the outer section and having a perimeter 22 within the area of the outer section, the absorbent inner section having a crotch region 24, a first 26 and a second 28 end region contiguous with the crotch region, the first end region having left 30 and right 32 side regions extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region, A bonding tab provided 34 extending from each of the left and right sides of the second end region of the outer section and configured to bond to the outer surface 36 of the first end region of the outer section, An inner leak barrier 38 formed from a compliant material provided around the entire perimeter of the inner section, having a proximal portion 40 attached to the outer section and a distal edge 42 projecting to a distance above the level of the surface of the inner section, A left 44 and a right 46 side elasticated outer leak barrier provided attached to the outer section laterally outboard of the inner barrier at each side of the crotch region of the inner section.

In this embodiment the outer leak barriers 44, 46 extend to a height above the surface of the inner section greater than that of the distal edge 42 of the inner leak barrier.

In this embodiment the inner leak barrier has a surface 48 that slopes at an angle upwards from the outer section and inwards towards the inner section such that its distal edge 42 overhangs the inner section. In this embodiment the inner leak barrier comprises an elastomeric material and is adapted to fold downwards when pressed into contact with a user's skin.

In this embodiment the first end region 26 is configured to be the front region when worn by a user and the second end region 28 is configured to be the rear region.

Referring to figure 2, when the garment is in a partially folded configuration ready to be worn the outer leak barriers 44, 46 are raised by the elasticated upper edge portion 50 so as to grip the wearer's skin, as known in the design of prior art nappies.

The bonding tabs 34 may be adhesive tabs or Velcro (RTM) tabs, in which case the outer surface bonding area 36 of the outer comprises a Velcro (RIM) bonding region complementary to that on the tabs.

In this embodiment the outer section comprises an outer panel 52 at the front. The outer panel may comprise a logo or decorative image.

In this embodiment the second end region 16 is configured to extend laterally beyond the width of the crotch region substantially the same distance as do the left and right side regions of the first end of the outer so as to provide a symmetrical appearance.

According to the embodiment the garment may be sized to suit a wearer, for example to suit a young baby, a child, or an adult. The embodiment may have a range of sizes to suit for example a small, medium or large sized child. Such sizes are known in the art for nappies and incontinence garments. In this embodiment the garmet is sized to be longer than is standard in the art, for example up to four inches longer, or up to two inches longer than a prior art nappy. The embodiment may be sized such that in use the front and rear ends of the nappy extend to around two inches, or around to one inch, above the waistline or above the navel of the wearer.

The embodiment may be made using materials and techniques as known in the art of absorbent undergarments. In this embodiment the inner comprises granulated sodium polyacrylate, retained by liquid permeable flexible layer forming part of the inner.

In this way the embodiment provides a baby's nappy having improved leakproofing as compared with a standard design in which only a single leak barrier is provided, and is particularly adapted to prevent leakage of urine past the front of the nappy when worn by a male baby, a known drawback of prior art designs.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An absorbent undergarment comprising: a waterproof flexible outer section arranged with end regions extending from an intermediate crotch region; an absorbent inner section; and a perimeter surrounding the absorbent inner section; wherein said inner sedon has left-side and right-side regions extending from an intermediate crotch region; and wherein said perimeter comprises a compliant inner leak barrier projecting from said outel section.
2. An absorbent undergarment according to claim 1 comprising: a waterproof flexible outer section having a crotch region and a first and a second end regions each extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region; an absorbent inner section mounted on the outer section and having a perimeter within the area of the outer section, the absorbent inner section having a crotch region, a first and a second end region contiguous with the crotch region, the first end region having left and right side regions extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region; a bonding tab provided extending from each of the left and right sides of the second end region of the outer section and configured to bond to a region of the first end of the outer section; an inner leak barrier formed from a compliant material provided around the entire perimeter of the inner section, having a proximal portion attached to the outer section and a distal edge projecting to a distance above the level of the surface of the inner section, and a left and a right side elasticated outer leak barrier provided attached to the outer section laterally outboard of the inner barrier at each side of the crotch region of the inner section.
3. A garment according to claim 2 wherein the outer leak barrier extends to a height above the surface of the inner section greater than that of the distal edge of the inner leak barrier.
4. A garment according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inner leak barrier has a surface that slopes at an angle upwards from the outer section.
5. A garment according to claim 3 wherein the inner leak barrier has a surface that slopes inwards towards the inner section such that its distal edge overhangs the inner.
6. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the inner leak barrier comprises an elastomeric material.
7. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the distal edge of the inner leak barrier is adapted to fold downwards when pressed into contact with a user's skin.
8. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the first end region is configured to be the front region when worn by a user and the second end region is configured to be the rear region.
9. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the second end region is configured to be the front region when worn by a user and the first end region is configured to be the rear region.
10. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the inner section is in the form of aT, being wider at the first end region than the maximum width of the crotch region.
11. A garment according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein both the first and the second end regions of the inner region each have left and right side regions extending laterally beyond the width of the crotch region.
12. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the inner comprises an absorbent polymeric material,
13. A garment according to claim 11 wherein the absorbent material comprises sodium polyacrylate.
14. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the inner comprises a liquid-permeable retaining layer bonded to the outer section to retain an absorbent material.
15. A garment according to any preceding claim sized such that in use the front and rear ends of the nappy extend to between around one and two inches above the navel of the wearer.