KR100469184B1 - Absorbent Article with Body Contacting Liquid Control Member - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent articles, such as diapers, include a liquid conditioning member formed of a liquid permeable material suitable to remain in contact with the wearer's urethral region regardless of the wearer's position or movement.

Description

Absorbent Article with Body Contacting Liquid Control Member

The present invention relates to a product for absorbing body fluids. More particularly, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a liquid control member that is present on the wearer's body when the product is worn. The invention also relates to a method of making such an absorbent article.

Conventional disposable absorbent articles typically included a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the bodyside liner and the back sheet. It also includes an attachment system to secure the product around the wearer's body.

In order to improve the suitability of the absorbent article for the wearer, elastic materials have also been included in conventional absorbent articles. Most commonly, such elastic materials included yarns, strands or ribbons of elastomer bonded to the backsheet along the longitudinal side or longitudinal end of the article.

In disposable absorbent articles of this type, even when an elastic material is included, the product is not held against the wearer's urethral plane. Thus, the discharged liquid may be uncontrolled and may flow along the wearer's legs or bleed out from the surface of the product. Therefore, product performance may depend on elastic closures formed on the body.

Therefore, there is a need for an absorbent article that adjusts the liquid space from the point at which the liquid is discharged so that the liquid does not flow unregulated on the surface of the product.

Summary of the Invention

For the deficiencies discussed in the prior art, new absorbent articles have been developed. This absorbent article provides liquid control from the urination point, whether the wearer is standing, sitting or lying down.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an absorbent article having a longitudinal axis, an elongation length, a first waistband region, a second waistband region, and an intermediate region interconnecting the first and second waistband regions. The absorbent article includes a garment shell consisting of a backsheet layer, an absorbent assembly disposed on the backsheet layer, and a bodyside layer bonded to the backsheet layer and sandwiching the absorbent assembly therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a first fixed zone coupled to the bodyside layer in the first waistband region, an opposing second fixed zone coupled to the bodyside layer in the second waistband region, and between the first and second fixed zones. And a liquid control member having an elasticization zone. The elasticization zone of the liquid control member is adapted to shrink about 10% or more of the stretch length. The liquid control member includes a liquid permeable liquid treatment layer in direct liquid contact with the absorbent assembly. The liquid control member is suitable for draining the liquid through the liquid treatment layer to the absorbent assembly. One or more elastic members are disposed between the liquid treatment layer and the bodyside layer.

The liquid control member is adapted to remain in contact with the wearer's urethral region regardless of the wearer's position or movement. The discharged liquid immediately contacts the liquid control member so that the entire diaper cannot flow freely. Liquid flows or is directed to the absorbent assembly of the garment shell. The present absorbent article has the advantage that it does not necessarily require elastic legs and waistband or containment flaps for urine containment.

In another aspect, the present invention includes a liquid control assembly superimposed on a backsheet layer with a backsheet layer, an absorbent assembly disposed on the backsheet layer, and an absorbent assembly disposed between the backsheet layer and the liquid control assembly. Relates to an absorbent article. The liquid control assembly includes a liner assembly having a pair of side panels and a liquid permeable central panel disposed between the side panels. The side panel is coupled to the backsheet layer and the center panel is movable relative to the absorbent assembly. A liquid treatment layer suitable for rapidly absorbing liquid and more slowly releasing liquid into the underlying absorbent assembly is bonded to the central panel. The pair of liner elastic members are operably connected to the central panel with a liquid treatment layer disposed between the liner elastic members. The liner elastic member is adapted to retract the center panel and to space the center panel away from the absorbent assembly when in a relaxed state.

Numerous features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description. In the detailed description, preferred embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Such embodiments do not represent the complete scope of the invention. To understand the full scope of the invention, reference should be made to the claims herein.

1 shows a perspective view of a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view cut away from the plane of line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating the relationship between the liquid conditioning member and the garment shell of the absorbent article.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1, but partially cut away the liquid control member in a stretched flat state for illustrative purposes. FIG.

4 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the plane of line 4-4 of FIG.

5 shows a partially cut away plan view of the garment shell of the absorbent article shown in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the components of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 at the middle end of the assembly, taken from the plane of lines 6-6 of FIG. 3.

7 shows a perspective view of another disposable absorbent article according to the present invention.

8 shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 7.

9 shows another disposable absorbent article according to the present invention.

10 shows a plan view of another absorbent article according to the present invention, partially cut away in a stretched flat state for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 11 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of the absorbent article of FIG. 10.

12 shows a cross-sectional view taken from the plane of lines 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 12 except for illustrating the location of the constituent portions of the absorbent article when in the relaxed, unstretched state.

14 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view cut away from the plane of lines 14-14 of FIG. 10, illustrating the location of the constituent portions of the absorbent article when in the relaxed, unstretched state.

15 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view cut away from the plane of lines 15-15 of FIG. 10 illustrating the location of the constituent portions of the absorbent article when in the relaxed, unstretched state.

Justice

In the context of this specification, each of the following terms or phrases will include the following meaning (s).

(a) "Coupled" means the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, etc. of two elements. Two elements will be considered to be joined together when directly or indirectly joined to one another, for example when each is directly joined to an intermediate element.

(b) “placed”, “placed on”, “placed with”, “placed in”, “placed near” and variations thereof may be that one element is integrated with another element, or It is meant that an element can be a separate structure that is coupled to another element, placed together with another element, or placed near another element.

(c) "Elastic", "elasticized" and "elastic" refer to the properties of a material that tends to restore its original size and shape after removal of the forces causing deformation.

(d) "Elastomer" means a substance or complex that can be stretched by at least 25% of its relaxed length and will recover at least 10% of its elongation upon release of the applied force. In general, the elastomeric material or composite can be stretched by at least 100%, more preferably at least 300% of its relaxed length and preferably recovers at least 50% of its elongation upon release of the applied force.

(e) "Extending", "extending" and "extended" means the change in length of a material due to stretching, expressed in length units.

(f) "Elongation" means the ratio of the extension of a substance to the length of the substance before stretching, expressed as a percentage.

(g) "Woven" means both woven, knitted and nonwoven fibrous webs.

(h) "Flexible" means a material that is flexible and will readily conform to the general shape and contour of the wearer's body.

(i) "Power" includes the physical effects exerted on one part of the body by another, causing acceleration of the body that is free to move and deformation of the body that is not free to move. Force is expressed in gram force (1 gram force equals 0.000102 Newton).

(j) "Hydrophilic" refers to a fiber or fiber surface that is wetted by an aqueous liquid in contact with the fiber. The degree of wetting of the materials can be described in terms of the contact angle and the surface tension of the liquids and materials involved. Apparatus and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fibrous materials or blends of fibrous materials may be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System or a substantially equivalent system. . When measured with this system, fibers having a contact angle of less than 90 mm 3 are called “wettable” or hydrophilic, and fibers having a contact angle greater than 90 mm 3 are called “not wettable” or hydrophobic.

(k) "inner" and "outer" means the position relative to the center of the absorbent garment, and in particular is closer to the transverse and / or longitudinal direction from the longitudinal and transverse centers of the absorbent garment; Or distant.

(l) “Layer” when used alone may have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.

(m) "Liquid alternating current" means that a liquid, such as urine, may migrate from one layer to another.

(n) "Liquid impermeable" when used to describe a layer or laminate does not allow a liquid such as urine to pass through the layer or laminate in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact under normal use conditions. Means not to.

(o) “Member” when used alone may have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.

(p) "Nonwoven web" means a web of material formed without a woven fabric or knitting process.

(q) "Operably coupled" and "operably linked" refer to attaching or connecting an elastic member to another element, wherein the elastic member is attached or connected to the element by stretching or the like, or is a thermal or chemical substance. Means to provide element elastic properties when treated with, and as regards attaching an inelastic member to another element, any or which enables or permits the member and element to perform the intended or described function of the connection. It means that it can be attached by any suitable means. Joining, attachment, connection, etc. may be a direct method such as directly joining the member to one element or an indirect method such as disposing another member between the first member and the first element.

(r) "Breakdown" means the breaking or breaking of a material in a tensile test, the term either totally separating the material into two parts, all at the same time or step by step, or the generation of holes in some material.

(s) "stretched" means that the elastic member is coupled to another member while the elastic member extends at least about 25% of its relaxed length. Preferably, the term "stretch bonded" refers to a situation in which an elastic member extends at least about 100%, more preferably at least about 300% of its relaxed length when joined to another member.

(t) "stretch bonded laminate" means a composite material having two or more layers in which one layer is corrugated and the other layer is an elastic layer. The layers are joined together when the elastic layer is in an extended state so that the crimped layer is crimped upon relaxation of the layer.

(u) "Non-bonded" means that there is no bond of sufficient strength to withstand the forces typically applied during normal wearing of the diaper.

These terms may be defined as additional terms in the remainder of the specification.

1 to 3, an absorbent article formed in accordance with the present invention is represented as a disposable diaper 20 for illustrative purposes. The invention may also be realized in other types of absorbent articles, such as adult incontinence garments, feminine napkins, infant training panties and the like.

The illustrated diaper 20 defines the longitudinal axis indicated by arrow 22 in FIG. 3 and the abscissa axis indicated by arrow 24 in FIG. 3. The diaper 20 has opposing longitudinal side edges 26, a first or front end edge 28 and a second or back end edge 29. Front and rear terminal edges 28 and 29 extend between opposite side edges 26. The diaper 20 is located between the first or front waistband region 30, the second or rear waistband region 32 and the middle crotch region 34 located between and interconnecting the front waistband region and the rear waistband region. It includes. The outer edge of the diaper 20 defines a perimeter 36, with a longitudinally extending side edge denoted by 38 and a transversely extending distal edge denoted by 39. Lateral edges 26 define leg openings for the diaper 20, which are optionally curved and body shaped. Terminal edges 28 and 29 are generally represented by straight lines, but may be arbitrarily curved.

The diaper 20 has a length measured along the longitudinal axis 22 between the front and rear end edges 28 and 29. The length dimension of the diaper 20 is measured while any elastic component of the diaper is stretched, and thus is referred to hereinafter as the stretch length of the diaper. The stretch length is typically illustrated by arrow 40 in FIG. 3.

One suitable method for measuring the elongation length 40 is to suspend the diaper 20 vertically adjacent to a flat vertical surface. The diaper 20 suspends the front waistband region 30 below the rear waistband region 32 and faces the surface facing the wearer during use toward a flat vertical surface. The upper distal edge 39 of the diaper 20 is held horizontally with two or more clamps. The clamp is positioned so as to avoid any absorbent cotton of the diaper if possible so that any leg elastics of the diaper are centered between the outermost clamps. Any waist elastics present in the diaper are fully stretched before securing the clamp. The diaper is slowly pulled straight and extended under the side edges 38, in particular along any leg elastics, with the fingers of the tester. The weight is attached to the lower distal edge 39 and lowered slowly to hang freely. The weight should be sufficient to completely stretch the longitudinally oriented elastic portion of the garment shell of the diaper, provided that no component of the diaper is destroyed. For medium diapers, an evenly distributed 1000 g load is appropriate. Make sure the diaper extends by slowly pulling back with the finger of the tester under the side edge 38. Elongation length 40 is determined by measuring the distance between front and rear distal edges 28 and 29 along longitudinal axis 22.

The front waistband region 30 is longitudinally inward from the front end edge 28 toward the transverse centerline of the diaper 20 by a length of about 2 to about 20% of the elongated length and continuous with the front end edge 28. Is extended. The back waistband region 32 is continuous with the back end edge 29 and extends inwardly from the back end edge 29 toward the transverse centerline by a length of about 2 to about 35% of the stretch length. The waistband regions 30 and 32 form the top of the diaper 20 which, when worn, entirely or partially covers or surrounds the waist or middle torso of the wearer. The middle crotch region 34, when worn, is located between the legs of the wearer and forms part of the diaper 20 that covers the wearer's lower torso. Thus, the crotch region 34 is the side where liquid leakage typically occurs in diapers or other disposable absorbent articles.

In one aspect of the invention, the diaper 20 includes a garment shell 42 and a liquid adjustment member 44. The liquid adjusting member 44 is suitable to remain in contact with the urethral region of the infant when the diaper 20 is worn. The garment shell 42 has an inner surface 46 and an opposing outer surface 48 to which the liquid control member 44 is operably connected.

In the illustrated embodiment, the garment shell 42 is coupled to and interposed between the substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer 50, the absorbent assembly 52 disposed on the backsheet layer, and the backsheet layer. A substantially liquid permeable bodyside layer 54 sandwiching the absorbent assembly. As illustrated, the bodyside layer 54 includes a surge adjustment portion 56 and a full-width liner 58. The backsheet layer 50 and the bodyside layer 54 are preferably longer and wider than the absorbent assembly 52 so that the periphery of the backsheet layer and the bodyside layer is capable of ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesives, or other suitable means. Can be joined together to form the lateral and distal edges 38 and 39. The absorbent assembly 52 may be directly bonded to the backsheet layer 50 and / or bodyside layer 54 using ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesives or other suitable means.

The garment shell 42 of the diaper 20 is illustrated in FIG. 5 in its stretched state without the liquid adjusting member 44. As illustrated, the garment shell 42 has an hourglass or I shape. Of course, the garment shell 42 may optionally be T-shaped, rectangular or irregular. The general form of the absorbent assembly 52 may correspond to or be in the form of the garment shell 42. Preferably, the garment shell 42 also includes elastic members in several locations to maintain the perimeter 36 of the diaper 20 relative to the wearer and to minimize the possibility of leakage. The elongated leg elastic member 60 is longitudinally oriented at each lateral edge 38, which extends toward the front and rear terminal edges 28 and 29. The leg elastic member 60 is positioned between the backsheet layer 50 and the liner 58. Using ultrasonic bonding, adhesives, thermal bonding, or other suitable means, leg elastic member 60 is attached to the backsheet layer 50, liner 58, or both in a straight or curved stretch. The leg elastic member 60 may be arranged to stretch and hold the side edge 38 of the diaper 20 relative to the wearer's leg and to form a seal therewith.

The garment shell 42 may also include a waist elastic member 62 (FIG. 5) at the distal edge 39. The waist elastic member 62 is oriented longitudinally parallel to the transverse axis 24 of the diaper 20 to provide an elasticized waistband. Preferably, waist elastic member 62 is positioned between backsheet layer 50 and liner 58 and extends to both backsheet layer and liner using ultrasonic bonding, adhesives, thermal bonding, or other suitable means. It is fixed in a state.

The refastenable tape member 64 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 5) is operatively connected to the side edge 38 in the back waistband region 32 of the diaper 20. Each tape member 64 includes a fastening strip that can be releasably attached to any tape landing pad 66 (FIGS. 2 and 5) located in the front waistband region 30. Landing pad 66 is secured to the surface of backsheet layer 50 away from absorbent assembly 52 by adhesive or other suitable means. The tape member 64 and the landing pad 66 are positioned so that the fastening strips can be attached to the landing pad when the diaper 20 is secured to the infant.

Tape member 64 and landing pad 66 may be formed of a polypropylene film, and to the extent consistent with this specification, US Pat. No. 4,753,649 (Pazdernik, 1988) The date of June 28, 2008). Other suitable fastening devices such as hooks, snaps, tacky strips, and the like may be used in place of the tape member 64 and the landing pad 66.

In general, the backsheet layer 50, absorbent assembly 52, bodyside layer 54, elastic members 60 and 62, and fastening system portions 64 and 66 of the garment shell 42 are known. It can be assembled in various diaper forms. In addition, the garment shell 42 may include other components in addition to those specifically illustrated in the diaper 20. In particular, other diaper types comprising additional features are filed in US Patent Application No. 08 / 168,615 to T. Roessler et al., Filed Dec. 16, 1993, entitled "Dynamic Fitting Diaper" (Attorney Docket). No. 10,961) and US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 168,615, filed on August 12, 1994, entitled "Diaper With Improved Lateral Elongation Characteristics" (Attorney Docket No. 11,629). ).

The liquid control member 44 is designed to remain in contact with the wearer's urethral region regardless of the wearer's position or movement. In current products that are not held against the wearer's urethral face, liquid may flow toward the end or side of the product before contacting the product. For example, the liquid may flow along the skin of the wearer. In such a situation, the performance of the product depends largely on the closure formed on the body by peripheral components such as waist and leg elastics. If the waist or leg closure fails, leakage may occur even though the absorbent structure of the product has not reached its potential capacity. In the present invention, the liquid adjustment member 44 is suitable for maintaining contact with the urethral region of the wearer and for controlling the inflow of liquid into the absorbent assembly 52. This aspect of the invention will be explained in more detail next.

The liquid regulating member 44 includes a first fixed zone 70, an opposing second fixed zone 71, and an elasticization zone 72 positioned between and interconnecting the first and second fixed zones. . Referring to FIG. 2, the first fixed zone 70 is coupled to the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42 in the front waistband region 30. The second fixed zone 71 is coupled to the inner surface 46 in the rear waistband region 32. However, the elasticization zone 72 is not attached to the inner surface 46. The liquid conditioning member 44 may be coupled to the garment shell 42 using ultrasonic bonding, adhesives, thermal bonding, or other suitable means.

In the intermediate stage of assembly, a diaper 20 is illustrated in FIG. 6, in particular where the garment shell 42 and the liquid control member 44 are assembled separately but not yet connected. The liquid control member 44 appears to be arranged in a stretched state for attachment. As illustrated, the pattern of adhesive 74 is used to couple the first fixation zone 70 to the front waistband region 30. Adhesive 74 defines a first joining region, typically represented by arrow 75, with first fixing zone 70 coupled to inner surface 46. Likewise, the pattern of adhesive 76 is used to couple the second fixation zone 71 to the back waistband region 32. The position of the adhesive 76 defines a second bonding region, typically represented by arrow 77.

The boundary between the various zones 70, 71, and 72 of the liquid regulating member 44 is determined by the position at which the liquid regulating member is coupled to the inner surface 46. With continued reference to FIG. 6, the first fixed zone 70 is generally that portion of the liquid control member 44 coupled to the inner surface 46 within the front waistband region 30. In particular, the portion of the first engagement region 75 closest in the longitudinal direction to the transverse axis 24 of the garment 20 is referred to as the inner engagement point 78. The first fixed zone 70 includes all portions of the liquid control member 44 that correspond to and are longitudinally outward from the inner engagement point 78.

Likewise, the portion of the second engagement region 77 closest in the longitudinal direction to the transverse axis 24 is called the inner engagement point 79. The second fixed zone 71 corresponds to that portion of the liquid control member 44, in particular the inner joining point 79, which is coupled to the inner surface 46 in the rear waistband region 32, which is longitudinally outward therefrom. Corresponds to all parts of the liquid control member. In FIG. 6, inner engagement points 78 and 79 are illustrated on the surface of the liquid control member 44. However, when the liquid regulating member 44 comes into contact with the inner surface 46, the inner joining points 78 ′ and 79 ′ on the inner surface 46 are respectively the inner joining points 78 on the liquid regulating member 44. And 79).

The elasticization zone 72 corresponds to the portion of the liquid control member 44 between the inner engagement points 78 and 79. The elasticization zone 72 of the liquid control member 44 is not directly coupled to the garment shell 42 and may therefore move relative to the inner surface 46. In fact, preferably the liquid adjustment member 44 is stretch-coupled to the garment shell 42 so that the elasticization zone 72 remains in contact with the wearer's urethral region when the diaper 20 is worn. Freely contract and expand as needed. The elasticization zone 72 preferably has the diaper 20 at least about 10% of the stretch length 40, more preferably at least about 25% of the stretch length 40, particularly preferably stretches for improved performance. It is suitable for shrinking at least about 40% of the length.

The elasticization zone 72 is suitable for inflation and deflation as needed to remain in contact with the wearer's urethral region. The diaper 20 is typically worn on an infant so that the front distal edge 28 is adjacent to the navel and the rear distal edge 29 is adjacent to the constricted portion of the infant's dorsal waist. Thus, the diaper 20 covers the body part of the infant having a measured distance along the infant's skin, which will be referred to as the distance from the navel to the back. For sufficient urine and stool capacity, for example about 400 mm 3, the diaper is not snug to the skin and the diaper length 40 of the diaper is typically longer than the distance from the navel to the back. In addition, the distance from the navel to the back varies with the wearer's position. The measurements for four infants are reported in Table 1 below.

Infant measurements object location From navel to tip of genitals From navel to back Waist circumference South 1 Standing 3.5 in (9 cm) 14 in (35.9 cm) 18 in (46.2 cm) Sitting 1.5 in (3.8 cm) 11.75 in (30.1 cm) 21 in (53.8 cm) Lying down 3.5 in (9 cm) 14 in (35.9 cm) 18.5 in (47.4 cm) Boy 2 Standing 3.5 in (9 cm) 12 in (30.8 cm) 17 in (43.6 cm) Sitting 2.5 in (6.4 cm) 10.5 in (26.9 cm) 18.25 in (46.8 cm) Lying down 3.5 in (9 cm) 12 in (30.8 cm) 17.5 in (44.9 cm) object location From navel to vaginal opening From navel to back Waist circumference Girl 1 Standing 4.5 in (11.5 cm) 11.25 in (28.8 cm) 15.5 in (39.7 cm) Sitting 2.25 in (5.8 cm) 9.0 in (23.1 cm) 16.5 in (42.3 cm) Lying down 5.0 in (12.8 cm) 11.25 in (28.8 cm) 16 in (41.0 cm) Girls 2 Standing 4.5 in (11.5 cm) 13.0 in (33.3 cm) 18.0 in (42.2 cm) Sitting 2.5 in (6.4 cm) 11.0 in (28.2 cm) 20.0 in (51.3 cm) Lying down 5.0 in (12.8 cm) 12.25 in (31.4 cm) 17.875 in (45.8 cm)

Thus, when the diaper typically covers the infant's navel to the back, it can be seen that the distance from the navel to the back is considerably shorter than the elongation length of the diaper. In one exemplary embodiment, the medium size diaper is suitable for infants indicated in Table 1 as 2 left. Medium-sized diapers, such as the Huggies® Ultratrim Step 3 diapers sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, have an elongation length of about 17.2 inches (44.1 cm). The distance from the navel of Boy 2 to the back is between 10.5 inches (26.9 cm) and 12.0 inches (30.8 cm), depending on the position of the infant. In order for the liquid control member 44 of the diaper 20 of the present invention having the same elongation length to remain in contact with the urethral region of the infant throughout this range of movement, the liquid control member is provided with It is desirable to reduce by 6.7 inch (17.2 cm) difference. This amount represents the difference between the height of the diaper 17.2 inches (44.1 cm) and the minimum distance of 10.5 inches (26.9 cm) measured from the navel of the son 2 to the back.

The required modulus of elasticity of the elastic band 72 may be indicated by the contracted length of the diaper 20. The contracted length is the unstretched length of the diaper 20 formed due to the contraction of the elasticized zone 72. One suitable method of measuring the shrinked length of a diaper is to suspend the new diaper 20 vertically adjacent to a flat vertical surface, so as not to stretch the longitudinally oriented elastic component of the diaper. The diaper is suspended with the front waistband area 30 down the rear waistband area 32 and with the surface facing the wearer in use facing a flat vertical surface. The upper distal edge 39 of the diaper 20 is held horizontally with two or more clamps, which clamps are positioned to avoid any absorbent cotton of the diaper as much as possible. Any waist elastics present in the diaper are fully stretched before securing the clamp. After 30 minutes of clamping the diaper, the garment shell 42 is cut transversely across the entire width in the crotch region 34 as close as possible to the first fixed zone 70. Care should be taken not to cut the liquid control member 44. The retracted length is confirmed by measuring the distance between the front and rear distal edges 28 and 29 along the longitudinal axis 22. The weight is not attached to the diaper 20 when measuring the contracted length.

The shrinkage rate of the diaper 20, expressed as a percentage of the diaper's stretch length, is determined by subtracting the contracted length from the stretch length 40 and dividing the value by the stretch length. As an example based on the above, a diaper 20 having a stretch length of 17.2 inches (44.1 cm) and a shrunk length of 10.5 inches (26.9 cm) is suitable for shrinking about 39% of the stretch length.

In certain embodiments, the elastic modulus of the elasticization zone 72 is between the inner bond points 78 and 79, measured along the liquid control member 44 and along the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42. It may be understood by referring to distance. The liquid control member 44 is preferably coupled to the garment shell 42 in the stretched and stretched state. Of course, the liquid control member 44 may be coupled to the garment shell 42 with the garment shell partially or fully folded and crimped. In other cases, the distance between the inner engagement points 78 and 79 measured along the surface of the liquid control member 44 in the unstretched state is also the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42 in the unstretched state. It can be compared with the distance between the inner joining points 78 and 79 measured along. The distance measured along the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42 is preferably a distance measured along the liquid control member 44, preferably at least about 10% of the stretch length 40, more preferably of the stretch length. At least about 25%, particularly preferably at least about 40% of the length of the kidney.

In other embodiments, the liquid conditioning member 44 is stretch coupled to the garment shell 42 such that the first and second fixed zones 70 and 71 contribute to the longitudinal shrinkage of the diaper 20. However, it is more preferable that the first and second engagement regions 75 and 77 extend only by a relatively short distance in the longitudinal direction. For example, the first and second bonding regions 75 and 77 may be made up to less than about 5%, more preferably less than about 2% of the length of the liquid control member 44. In this way, the liquid regulating member 44 is less likely to crimp the garment shell 42, more precisely the absorbent assembly 52.

The liquid control member 44 may extend over the entire length of the diaper 20 and is attached to the garment shell 42 starting near the front and rear end edges 28 and 29. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the liquid control member 44 extends only a portion of the stretch length 40 of the diaper 20. The liquid control member 44 extends by less than about 90% of the stretch length 40, particularly preferably by about 70 to about 80% of the stretch length for improved performance. In this situation, the liquid control member 44 is preferably bent toward the front end edge 28 of the diaper 20, in particular having a front edge that coincides with the front edge of the absorbent assembly 52. For example, the liquid control member 44 has a length of about 13 inches (33.3 cm) measured in the stretched state, and the front edge of the liquid control member is about 1 from the front end edge 30 of the diaper 20. It may be spaced at least an inch (2.6 cm) apart.

The illustrated liquid control member 44 includes a liquid treatment layer 80, a pair of side barriers 82, and a pair of elastic members 84. 3 and 4, the liquid treatment layer 80 is directly bonded to the side barrier 82. The side barriers 82 are spaced apart from one another and are generally oriented along the side edges of the liquid treatment layer 80. The elastic member 84 is operatively connected by a method such as direct stretching engagement to the side barrier 82. The first and second engagement regions 75 and 77 directly couple the elastic member 84 to the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42.

The liquid treatment layer 80 is formed of a liquid permeable material to quickly receive liquid discharge, slow the liquid flow, provide temporary capacity and release the liquid more slowly to the underlying absorber. The liquid treatment layer 80 and the liquid adjustment member 44 are in liquid communication with the absorbent assembly 52 of the garment shell 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid treatment layer 80 is in substantially direct liquid contact with the absorbent assembly 52 such that the liquid can be discharged to the absorbent assembly at a controlled rate through the liquid treatment layer. As used herein, the term substantially direct liquid contact refers to a liquid from a defined portion of liquid treatment layer 80 without encountering a substantially liquid impermeable material such as a portion of backsheet layer 50. This means that the absorbent assembly can move along the most straight course. Since a relatively small portion of the liquid impermeable material, such as a tape, elastomer or other material, located between the liquid treatment layer 80 and the absorbent assembly 52 will not substantially impede liquid movement from the liquid treatment layer to the absorbent assembly. No direct direct liquid contact between them is necessary.

The liquid treatment layer 80 may extend over the entire length of the liquid control member 44 and may include a central blocking portion 86 along each side edge. For a comfortable fit, the liquid treatment layer 80 is at least about 4 inches (10.3 cm), preferably about 3 inches (7.7 cm) in the region of the elasticization zone 72 including the central blocking portion 86. Less than, more preferably about 1 to about 2 inches (2.6-5.1 cm) in width between the wearer's legs. Such narrow width causes the liquid treatment layer 80 to slide upward between the wearer's legs and to make good contact with the body. The width of the liquid treatment layer 80 is, for example, at least about 3 inches (7.7 cm) at the longitudinal ends in the first and second fixed zones 70 and 71 for improved performance, more preferably about 4 inches. (10.3 cm) or larger.

In one aspect of the invention, the liquid treatment layer 80 is suitable for rapid spreading of liquid through the liquid treatment layer. As the liquid continues to be absorbed by the garment shell 42, it is allowed to disperse the liquid in the treatment layer 80 to improve the usefulness of the absorbent assembly 52. Dispersing the liquid in this manner compensates for the slower rate of absorption of the absorbent assembly 52.

For example, materials suitable for use in the liquid treatment layer 80 include through air bonded carded webs. For example, the liquid treatment layer 80 comprises a through air bonded carded web having a basis weight of about 80 to about 360 gsm (g per m 2) and 60% 6 denier polyester fibers and 3 denier polyethylene / poly It consists of a blend of 40% propylene bicomponent fibers. The liquid treatment layer 80 may consist of a layer of 400 gsm of crosslinked cellulose fibers such as sulfonated fibers or natural crosslinked fibers such as bleached chemical-thermo-mechanical pulp. This layer may be wrapped with tissue and covered with a polypropylene spunbond layer having a basis weight of about 20 gsm (0.6 osy). The liquid treatment layer 80 may also be formed of the materials described in connection with the surge adjustment portion 56.

The liquid treatment layer 80 serves to treat liquid in several ways. First, the fibers slow down the liquid and diffuse the flow direction, effectively dispersing the liquid. Secondly, the liquid treatment layer 80 draws liquid until the wet side is saturated. If the liquid treatment layer 80 is at an angle to the horizontal plane, the liquid will move through the liquid treatment layer 80 while increasing the wetted area by gravity. When the wet side is saturated, any additional liquid delivered to the wet side will flow rapidly through the liquid treatment layer 80 into the absorbent assembly 52 of the garment shell 42.

In one aspect of the invention, the liquid treatment layer 80 has a saturation capacity of about 10 g per g, in particular about 30 g per g. The saturation retention capacity of the liquid treatment layer 80 is measured by obtaining and measuring a piece of material. A piece of material is placed on a wire mesh screen and 0.9% saline is poured over the material until the material is saturated. Allow the material to drain for 30 seconds and measure. Saturated capacity is the difference between the wet and dry weights divided by the dry weight. In one particular embodiment, the liquid treatment layer 80 has a dry weight of about 2.8 g, and a saturation capacity of about 30 g / g, so in theory it has a saturation capacity of about 85 g.

The properties of the liquid treatment layer 80 allow the liquid to absorb the liquid when the layer rapidly sucks up the liquid, reduces the velocity of the liquid, keeps the amount of liquid loose and contacts the absorbent assembly 52 having a higher capillary pore structure. Try to drain relatively quickly. However, with this saturation capacity, the liquid treatment layer 80 regulates the liquid until the absorbent assembly 52 draws the liquid from the liquid treatment layer. In addition, the ability to quickly flow liquid in the x-y plane of the liquid treatment layer 80 by gravity allows the larger area of the absorbent assembly 52 to be used, rather than relying on a rather slow wicking mechanism.

 The side barrier 82 is used to prevent leakage beyond the side edges of the liquid control member 44. Side barrier 82 may be formed as a strip of material that impedes lateral movement of the liquid. Side barrier 82 may be made of an absorbent material such as, for example, a coform material consisting of cellulose fluff and thermoplastic filaments. The side barrier 82 preferably has a width dimension measured parallel to the transverse axis 24 of less than about 2 inches (5.1 cm), in particular about 1 inch (2.6 cm), for improved performance. In the illustrated embodiment, the side barrier 82 has a blocking outer edge to fit snugly to the blocking portion 86 of the liquid treatment layer 80. The side barrier 82 may extend over the entire length of the liquid control member 44.

The elastic member 84 of the liquid control member 44 provides the retraction necessary to keep the liquid control member in contact with the wearer's urethral region, whether the wearer is standing, sitting or lying down. The elasticized zone 72 of the liquid control member 44 is in particular a garment shell 42 such as a backsheet layer 50, an absorbent assembly 52, a bodyside layer 54, and a leg elastic member 60. Can be stretched and shrunk without being disturbed by the components. The elastic member 84 also functions to form a seal against the wearer's leg to prevent liquid from flowing down the infant's leg.

The elastic member 84 should have sufficient stretchability so that the diaper 20 can be stretched to its stretch length 40. In addition, the elastic member 84 should have a sufficient elastic modulus to shrink the diaper 20 to the above-mentioned retracted length. Materials suitable for use as the elastic member 84 should be able to stretch about 30 to about 500% and be able to recover at least 80% of their stretch length upon release of tension. More preferred are materials that can stretch from about 100 to about 300%, in particular at least 200% and are able to recover at least 90% of their stretch length upon release of tension.

Examples of materials useful for forming the elastic member 84 include Shell Chemical Company of Houston, sandwiched between spunbond polypropylene webs having a basis weight of 13 gsm (0.4 osy) each; Stretch bonded laminates made of pre-stretched elastic meltblown material such as Kraton G-2755 provided by Texas.

In the illustrated embodiment, only the side edges of the liquid control member 44 are elasticized by the elastic member 84. In addition, a single elastic member (not shown) can be used. If the width of such a single elastic member matches the width of the liquid treatment layer 80, the elastic member may be formed of a liquid permeable material so that the liquid is easily transferred to the garment shell 42. The elastic member 84 of the illustrated diaper 20 includes straight side edges. At the position of the central blocking portion 86, these straight side edges are arranged at regular intervals laterally outward from the side edges 82 of the side barrier 82 and the liquid treatment layer 80. Optionally, the side edges of the elastic member 84 may have a contour that matches the side edges of the side barrier 82 and the liquid treatment layer 80, or the latter component portion may be formed to have a straight side edge. .

The liquid regulating member 44 preferably has a liquid volume large enough to accommodate at least about 40% of the maximum single excretion capacity planned for the product. Typical urination doses for infants are shown in Table 2.

Single excretion capacity Infant age Average excretion Excretion 0-4 months 10-36 ml 80 ml 3-12 months 20-50 ml 150 ml 20-36 months 40-80 ml 220 ml

The liquid regulating member 44 preferably has a total capacity (described below) of about 15% of the total capacity of the garment shell 42. Suitably, the liquid adjusting member 44 has a total capacity of about 20 g or more and 200 g or less. More particularly, the total volume of the liquid control member 44 should be about 60 g to about 200 g.

The total capacity of the liquid adjusting member 44 and the garment shell 42 is determined as follows. The total capacity of the garment shell 42 is determined using the liquid adjusting member 44 minus the entire diaper, which can be cut using a razor blade or scissors. The total capacity of the liquid adjusting member 44 is determined using the liquid adjusting member after cutting from the garment shell 42. The specimen is weighed at 0.1 g and left for 2 hours at standard relative humidity and temperature. All elastic components of the specimens are cut so that the specimens lie flat and generally not shrink. The specimen is then immersed in a container of synthetic urine at room temperature (about 23 ° C.) to a minimum depth of 5.1 cm. When testing the garment shell 42, the surface to be faced to the wearer during use is positioned down. The specimen is immersed for at least 20 minutes but not longer than 20 minutes and 15 seconds. The specimen is then removed from the synthetic urine and placed on a Teflon coated glass fiber screen and allowed to drip for 1 minute. The surface of the specimen, which will be facing the wearer during use, is positioned towards the screen. A screen commercially available from Taconic Plastics Inc., Petersburg, New York, having a 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) opening, is mounted on a vacuum box. Test specimens are to be covered with a rubber dam soluble material is formed to a degree of vacuum of 5 min 3.5 kilopascals (0.5 lb per inch ²⁾ for the vacuum box. The specimen is then removed from the screen and weighed at 0.1 g. The capacity of the test piece is determined by subtracting the dry weight of the test piece from the wet weight of the test piece (after vacuum formation) and reported in grams of retained liquid.

The synthetic urine composition referred to herein comprises 0.31 g of monobasic calcium phosphate monohydrate (CaH ₄ (PO ₄ ) ₂ H ₂ O), 0.68 g of monobasic potassium phosphate (KH ₂ PO ₄ ) using distilled water as the solvent. , 0.48 g of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO ₄ 7H ₂ O), 1.33 g of potassium sulfate (K ₂ SO ₄ ), 1.24 g of sodium tribasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (Na ₃ PO ₄ 12H ₂ O), sodium chloride (NaCl) 4.4 g, potassium chloride (KCl) 3.16 g, urea (CO (NH ₂ ) ₂ ) 8.56 g, Pluronic 10R8 surfactant (nonionic interface commercially available from BASF-Wyandotte Corporation) Activator) 0.1 g and 1 g methyl paraben and Germall 115 preservative (commercially available from Santel Chemical Company; Chicago, Ill). The ingredients are added to 900 ml of distilled water in the prescribed order and each is dissolved before the next ingredient is added. At the end, the solution is diluted to 1 liter.

If a material such as superabsorbent material or fibers is drawn through the glass fiber screen on the vacuum box, a screen with smaller openings should be used. In addition, a tea bag material piece can be placed between the material and the screen and the final value is adjusted for the liquid held by the tea bag material. Suitable tea bag materials are heat sealable tea bag material grade 542 commercially available from Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. The amount of liquid absorbed by the tea bag material is determined by performing a saturation retention capacity test on the empty tea bag. Testing of superabsorbent materials or fibers can be made using a sealed pouch of tea bag material.

The diaper 20 may be formed in a continuous process by separately forming the garment shell 42 and the liquid adjusting member 44 and then uniting them. The garment shell 42 can be constructed by providing a continuous backsheet and bodyside material and sandwiching the individual absorbent assemblies 52 between the backsheet and bodyside layer. The periphery of the backsheet layer 50 and bodyside layer 54 outside the absorbent assembly 52 may be sealed with the leg and waist elastic members 60 and 62 operatively connected thereto.

At the same time, the components of the liquid adjusting member 44 can be assembled. For example, the liquid treatment layer 80 and the side barrier 82 may be bonded together using adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, mechanical bonds, and the like. Thereafter, the elastic member 84 may be stretched and bonded in a stretched state to the liquid treatment layer and the side barrier using adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and the like.

 If the elasticization zone 72 of the individual liquid control member 44 remains at least in a stretched state, the first and second fixed zones may be coupled to the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42. Individual diapers 20 may then be isolated from a continuous supply of backsheet and bodyside material.

In use, the diaper 20 is worn by the wearer and secured in place with the tape member 64. The liquid adjustment member 44 remains in contact with the wearer's urethral region regardless of the wearer's position. As a result, the discharged liquid does not flow freely through the diaper but immediately contacts the liquid adjusting member 44. The liquid control member 44 is suitable for slowing down the liquid and directing or directing the liquid toward the absorbent assembly of the garment shell 42. Thus, the diaper 20 does not necessarily have to rely on elastic legs and waistband or containment flaps for urine containment.

Another diaper 90 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Similar components as already described have been given the same reference numerals. The liquid control member 44 of the diaper 90 is loosely coupled to the garment shell 42 by the side liner panel 92. The inner edge of the side liner panel 92 is coupled to the liquid control member 44, and the outer edge of the side liner panel is coupled to the garment shell 42. The side liner panel 92 is attached to the garment shell 42 in a folded, crimped, or gathered state so that the panel remains in contact with the body of the infant's body with the elasticization zone 72 of the liquid control member 44. It will contain any residual material that is present.

Side liner panel 92 may be formed from any suitable bodyside liner material, such as 25 gsm (0.75 osy) spunbond polypropylene. Additional bodyside liner material or surge material may not be needed on the bodyside surface of the absorbent assembly 52. Optionally, opening 93 may be provided in liquid control member 44 to correspond to the rectal area of the wearer. In this way, some or all of the feces may be retained away from the skin through the liquid control member 44. The side liner panel 92 is preferably hydrophobic in nature in order to act as a partial barrier to the emergence of liquid from the absorbent assembly 52.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by the diaper 94 of FIG. The diaper 94 includes a thermoformed nonwoven dam 96 coupled to the liquid control member 44. The dam 96 prevents liquid from flowing out to the front end of the diaper. Dam 96 may be made of a thermoformable foam, such as polyethylene foam, and may be coupled to liquid control member 44 using thermal bonding, adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, or other suitable means. In one particular embodiment, the dam 96 is curved and has a height dimension of at least about 1 cm measured perpendicular to the plane of the liquid control member 44.

Another diaper 100 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15. The diaper 100 preferably includes a liquid conditioning assembly 102 having a central panel 104 suitable for remaining in intimate contact with the wearer's urethral region. The central panel 104 is also suitable for defining a hammock-like portion 106 that fits the shape of the penis of the wearer therein (FIGS. 13 and 15).

More specifically, the diaper 100 consists of a backsheet layer 50, an absorbent assembly 52 disposed on the backsheet layer, and a liquid control assembly 102 superimposed on the backsheet layer. As a result, the absorbent assembly 52 is disposed between the backsheet layer 50 and the liquid control assembly 102. The diaper 100 is also disposed in the crotch region 34 and the waist elastic member disposed in each of the leg elastic member 60 and waistband regions 30 and 32 extending toward the opposing distal edges 28 and 29. 62). The diaper 100 is also illustrated with a refastenable tape member 64 and may include a tape landing pad 66 (not shown), but mechanical fastening means as known in the art may be used.

The liquid control assembly 102 consists of a liner assembly 110, a pair of liner elastic members 84, and a liquid treatment layer 80. The liner assembly 110 best seen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 11 is divided into a central panel 104 and a pair of side panels 120. The central panel 104 is located between and laterally spaced apart side panels 120.

The liner assembly 110 preferably consists of a bodyside layer 54 and an optional barrier layer 122 coupled to the bodyside layer 54. The barrier layer 122 (FIGS. 11-13) is preferably formed of a liquid impermeable material such as polyethylene film or the like. The barrier layer 122 is suitably primarily disposed in the side panel 120 and does not extend completely across the center panel 104. Therefore, the central panel 104 is liquid permeable and allows liquid to enter the diaper 100 for absorption by the absorbent assembly 52 and the side panel 120 is liquid only and prevents rewetting of the body side layer 54. It can be seen that to prevent. In addition, barrier layer 122 may be made of a material that is liquid permeable but substantially hydrophobic and thus acts as a partial barrier to the appearance of liquid from absorbent assembly 52.

The liquid control assembly 102 is coupled to the backsheet layer 50 and optionally a portion of the absorbent assembly 52 such that at least a portion of the central panel 104 can move away from the absorbent assembly 52. In particular, the longitudinal ends of the side panel 120 and the center panel 104 are coupled to the backsheet layer 50 and / or absorbent assembly 52. However, the central panel 104 is free to move away from the absorbent assembly since its longitudinal ends are not coupled to the absorbent assembly 52. The range of movement may allow limited movement in the longitudinal and transverse directions relative to the absorbent assembly 52.

To facilitate movement of the central panel 104 relative to the absorbent assembly 52, the central panel includes corrugated portions 126 or other suitable means for providing space between the central panel and the absorbent assembly. With particular reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the illustrated corrugated portion 126 consists of a Z-folded portion of the liner assembly 110 that is not coupled to the absorbent assembly 52. The corrugated portion 126 allows the central panel 104 and a portion of the attached liquid treatment layer 80 to move away from the absorbent assembly 52 in response to the contraction of the liner elastic member 84. Pleats, pleats, folds, residual material, elastic materials, or other suitable means may be used to space the central panel 104 and the absorbent assembly 52.

The illustrated liner elastic member 84 is operably connected to the liner assembly 110 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the diaper 100. The liner elastic member 84 is adapted to shrink the liner assembly 110 to about 40 to about 80%, more preferably about 50% of its extended length, taking into account only the functionally elastic portion of the elastic material when relaxed. It is feasible. The liner elastic member 84 is spaced apart by about 2.5 to about 10.2 cm, more preferably about 3.3 to about 9.1 cm, particularly preferably about 4.1 to about 8.0 cm for improved performance. The spacing of the liner elastic member 84 preferably allows the unbonded center panel 104 to be present relative to the wearer's body. The liner elastic member 84 is b.m. It may be positioned to lie in a non-parallel orientation, for example a morning glory, toward the rear waistband region 32 to enhance containment.

In the longitudinal direction 22, the liner elastic member 84 is preferably located in the target zone of liquid contact. For the purposes of the present invention, the "target zone" has a radius of about 6 cm centered at a point on the diaper liner assembly 110 where urine is expected to hit the diaper 100 when the diaper is worn on the infant. It is considered to consist of a plane bounded by a circle. In a particular embodiment, the liner elastic member 84 is sized and positioned extending from the front waist region 30 to the face of the diaper 100 corresponding to the wearer's navel.

The liquid treatment layer 80 is preferably bonded to the bodyside layer 54 using, for example, adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or the like, on its lower surface as illustrated. In addition, the bodyside layer 54 may define a large opening as illustrated with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8 or may be divided into side panels 92 so that the liquid treatment layer 80 is defined by the bodyside layer 54. Not covered. Liquid treatment layer 80 may also be coupled to the top surface of bodyside layer 54. In another embodiment, the liquid treatment layer 80 may be integrated into the bodyside layer 54, including an area of the bodyside layer 54 with increased basis weight and thickness, rather than as a separate layer.

The liquid treatment layer 80 is preferably parallel to the transverse axis 24 of about 2.1 to about 9.8 cm, more preferably about 2.9 to about 8.7 cm, particularly preferably about 3.7 to about 7.6 cm for improved performance. It has a width dimension measured by. The liquid treatment layer 80 is disposed between the liner elastic member 84, but the side of the liquid treatment layer may extend laterally outside of the liner elastic member (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal side of the liquid treatment layer 80 is disposed transversely into the liner elastic member 84 to improve the formation of the hammock portion 106.

The length of the liquid treatment layer 80 is preferably selected so that the liquid treatment layer does not extend to the full length of the central panel 104. For example, the liquid treatment layer 80 preferably has a length of about 10 to about 30 cm, more preferably about 13 to about 25 cm, particularly preferably about 15 to about 20 cm for improved performance. . The liquid treatment layer 80 is preferably at least about 3 cm from the terminal edges 28 and 29, more preferably at least about 5 cm from the front terminal edges 28 and at least about 10 cm from the rear terminal edges 29. It is preferably located in a target zone having a longitudinal end of the spaced liquid treatment layer 80. The length of the liner elastic member 84 is preferably greater than the length of the liquid treatment layer 80.

The liquid treatment layer 80 is formed of a liquid permeable material and is in liquid communication with the absorbent assembly 52, in particular substantially in direct liquid contact. The liquid treatment layer 80 is made of a material having an opening structure to rapidly absorb urine and then quickly release urine through its thickness into the underlying absorbent assembly 52. The pore size distribution and material composition of the liquid treatment layer 80 are chosen to be responsible for this function. For purposes of illustration, suitable materials may consist of synthetic fiber wool having a density of less than about 0.03 g / cc (g per cm 3) and a basis weight of at least about 80 gsm (g per m 2). More particularly, the liquid treatment layer 80 may consist of synthetic fiber cotton having a density of about 0.015 to about 0.025 g / cc and a basis weight of about 100 to about 300 gsm.

In one aspect of the invention, the diaper 100 allows for the efficient use of the function specific material used to form the liquid treatment layer 80. In a particular embodiment, for example, the liquid treatment layer 80 preferably has a surface area of about 40 to about 200 cm 2, more preferably about 50 to about 150 cm 2, particularly preferably about 62 to about 100 cm 2. . In related terms, the liquid treatment layer 80 preferably constitutes less than about 25%, more preferably less than about 15% of the surface area of the elongated diaper 100.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the void volume of the liquid treatment layer 80 is preferably about 30 to about 200 cm 3, more preferably about 40 to about 175 cm 3, particularly preferably about 50 to about 150 cm 3. .

The liquid treatment layer 80 is bonded to the bodyside layer 54 with the bodyside layer generally flat and unwrinkled. As a result, the liner elastic member 84 is initially coupled to the liner assembly 110, and the liner elastic member may be stretched before bonding the bodyside layer 54 in place. When the liner elastic member 84 is relaxed, the liquid treatment layer 80 deforms from the flat state illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12 to the form illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15. Relaxation of the liner elastic member 84 corrugates the liquid treatment layer 80 to form the hammock portion 106.

13-15 show several cross-sectional views of the diaper 100 in a relaxed or non-stretched state. The liner elastic member 84 causes longitudinal pleating of the central panel 104, in particular the bodyside layer 54. The liquid treatment layer 80 tends to lie in the void plane between the body side layer 54 and the absorbent assembly 52. Therefore, in the relationship of the body side of the diaper 100, it is concave in both the lateral direction and the longitudinal cross section of FIGS. The illustrated hammock portion 106 has a central region 130 and sidewalls 132 that project upwardly around the central region.

The center panel 104 of the liner assembly 110 is suitable to remain in contact with the wearer's urethral region regardless of the wearer's position. The discharged liquid is absorbed by the liquid treatment layer 80 suitable for slowing the liquid and flowing or directing the liquid to the absorbent assembly 52. The concave surface of the hammock portion 106 functions to accept the wearer's penis to provide intimate contact between the liquid treatment layer 80 and the urination point. The intimate contact helps to flow quickly into the liquid treatment layer 80 rather than flowing on the surface of the diaper 100.

The linear velocity (cm / sec) of urine is maximum when urine is released from the body. By having a liquid treatment layer 80 adjacent to the urination point, this relatively high speed flow easily penetrates the surface of the bodyside liner. In a typical absorbent article design where the surface of the absorbent article may be at least about 1 to 2 cm away from the urination point, the urine flow spreads and the linear velocity is reduced when urine hits the inner lining of the absorbent article. In such conventional absorbent article designs, the ability to penetrate the surface of the bodyside liner due to the low linear velocity flow of urine is less in embodiments of the present invention.

If part of the urine does not enter the liquid treatment layer 80 immediately, the concave shape ensures that urine is captured adjacent to the body for continuous penetration into the liquid treatment layer. The liner elastic member 84 adjacent the side of the liquid treatment layer 80 may act as a gasket to limit the flow of urine to the central panel 104 of the absorbent article 100.

The void volume of the liquid treatment layer 80 is generally sufficient to accommodate individual urination. The importance of this pore volume is that if the absorptivity of the underlying absorbent assembly 52 is insufficient, for example, even if the absorbent assembly is already wet with liquid, the liquid treatment layer 80 has a total capacity of urine from single urination. Can be temporarily accepted. That is, it acts as a buffer that sucks urine as quickly as it is delivered from the wearer and delivers it more slowly to the absorbent assembly 52.

Various materials may be used to construct the portion of the diaper 20. Many examples of materials used to construct absorbent articles are described in the above-mentioned US patents incorporated herein by reference. Some portions of the disposable absorbent article 20 will now be described in greater detail.

Liner 58 generally provides a soft, soft feel and non-irritating body facing surface to infant skin. In addition, the liner 58 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent assembly 52 and is sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable that may permeate liquid through its thickness. Liner 58 has an edge side region and an edge end region.

Suitable liners 58 may be made of porous foams, reticulated foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (eg wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg polyester or polypropylene fibers), or natural and synthetic mixed fibers. Such as various web materials. The liner 58 is generally used to help separate the wearer's skin from the liquid held in the absorbent assembly 52. Various fabrics and nonwovens may be used in the liner 58. For example, the liner may consist of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The liner may also be a bonded carded web composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers.

The liner fabric may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic and substantially non-wetting material, and the hydrophobic material may be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart the required degree of wetting and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the liner 58 may be a nonwoven, spunbond polypropylene fabric composed of about 2.8-3.2 denier fibers molded into a web having a basis weight of about 22 gsm and a density of about 0.06 gm / cc. have. This fabric may be surface treated with an optional amount of surfactant, such as about 0.28% Triton X-102 surfactant. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like.

Surfactant materials, such as conventional wetting agents, are applied to the middle portion of the liner 58 to provide greater wettability in the middle portion relative to the rest of the liner. In a particular form, the transverse width of the intermediate portion may be equal to or less than the transverse width of the surge adjustment portion 56. The surfactant treated middle portion may be nearly centered relative to the longitudinal centerline of the diaper and may extend along substantially the entire length of the topsheet layer. In addition, the surfactant treated intermediate portion may be configured to extend along only a predetermined portion of the topsheet length.

The backsheet layer 50 may be made of a liquid permeable material, but is preferably made of a material shaped to be substantially impermeable to the liquid. For example, conventional backsheets can be made from thin film plastic films, or other flexible liquid impermeable materials. The backsheet 50 prevents products, such as the overgarment, in contact with the bedsheets and diaper 20 from being wetted with feces contained in the absorbent assembly 52.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the backsheet layer 50 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). In the embodiment shown, the backsheet is a film having a thickness of about 0.032 mm (about 1.25 mil). Other constructions of the backsheet may consist of a woven or nonwoven fibrous web layer constructed or treated wholly or partially to impart the required degree of liquid impermeability to selected areas adjacent or adjacent to the absorbent body. The backsheet layer 50 generally provides an outer cover of the product. However, the article may optionally include a separate outer cover member in addition to the backsheet layer.

The backsheet layer 50 may optionally be comprised of a microporous, “breathable” material that allows vapor to escape from the absorbent assembly 52 while preventing liquid waste from passing through the backsheet. For example, the breathable backsheet may be composed of a microporous polymer film or nonwoven coated or treated to impart the required degree of liquid impermeability. For example, suitable microporous films include PMP-1 materials sold by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc .; Tokyo, Japan, or 3M Company (3M Company; Minneapolis, Minnesota). XKO-8044 polyolefin film sold from The backsheet layer 50 may also be embossed or chlorine finished to provide an aesthetically better appearance.

The size of the backsheet 50 is typically determined by the size of the absorbent assembly 52 and the exact diaper design chosen. For example, the backsheet 50 may generally have a T shape, an I shape, or a modified hourglass shape, and by a selected distance, such as a distance in the range of about 1.3 cm to 2.5 cm (about 0.5 to 1.0 inch). It may extend beyond the distal edge of the absorbent assembly 52 to provide a side edge.

Liner 58 and backsheet layer 50 may be connected or combined in an operable manner. The term "combined" as used herein refers to a form in which the liner 58 is directly connected to the backsheet layer 50 by attaching the liner 58 directly to the backsheet, and attaching the liner to the intermediate member and again It involves attaching the liner to the backsheet by attaching it to the backsheet. The liner 58 and backsheet layer 50 are directly connected to one another at the diaper periphery 36 by attachment means (not shown), such as adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or any other attachment means known in the art. Can be attached. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive, or an array of individual lines, swirls, or dots of the constituent adhesive may adhere to the liner 58 and backsheet 50. Can be used.

It is to be understood that the attachment means may be used to interconnect and assemble various other parts of the products described herein.

An absorbent body, such as the absorbent assembly 52, is positioned between the liner 58 and the backsheet layer 50 to form the diaper 20. The absorbent assembly 52 is generally comfortable to the wearer's skin, suitable and nonirritating, and has a structure capable of absorbing and retaining body exudates. It is to be understood that for the purposes of the present invention the absorbent assembly 52 may consist of a single integral piece of material or may consist of a plurality of separate pieces of material operably assembled together.

Various types of wettable, hydrophilic fibrous materials can be used to form components of the absorbent structure 52. Examples of suitable fibers include natural organic fibers composed of intrinsically wettable materials, such as cellulose fibers; Synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayon fibers; Inorganic fibers composed of intrinsically wettable materials such as glass fibers; Synthetic fibers made from intrinsically wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as certain polyester or polyamide fibers; And synthetic fibers composed of non-wetting thermoplastic polymers, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized by appropriate means. The fibers can be hydrophilized by treatment with silica, by treatment with a material having a suitable hydrophilic moiety and not easily removed from the fibers, or by coating the non-wetting hydrophobic fibers with a hydrophilic polymer during or after fiber formation. . For the purposes of the present invention, selected blends of the various types of fibers may be used.

Absorbent assembly 52 may be comprised of a hydrophilic fiber matrix, such as a web of cellulose fluff, mixed with superabsorbent material particles. In a special case, the absorbent assembly 52 may be a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and synthetic polymer meltblown fibers, or a mixture of fibrous coform material and superabsorbent particles consisting of a blend of natural and / or synthetic polymer fibers. Can be done. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed substantially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or can be mixed non-uniformly. For example, the concentration of superabsorbent particles may be in a stepwise gradient through a substantial portion of the thickness (z-direction) of the absorbent structure, having a low concentration towards the body side of the absorbent structure and a relatively high concentration toward the outside of the absorbent structure. Can be arranged. Suitable z-gradient forms are described in US Pat. No. 4,699,823, issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al. The superabsorbent particles may be arranged in a generally discontinuous layer in the hydrophilic fiber matrix or may be configured as discrete discrete pocket regions of the superabsorbent material. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbents may optionally be located at other locations within or along the fiber matrix.

The superabsorbent material may consist of an absorbent gelling material such as a superabsorbent. Absorbent gelling materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. The absorbent gelling material may also be an inorganic material, such as silica gel, or an organic compound, such as a crosslinked polymer. The term "crosslinking" means any means for effectively making a normally water-soluble material to be substantially water-insoluble but swellable. Such means include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic associations or van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic absorbent gelling material polymers include maleic anhydride copolymers with alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ether), vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins. , Poly (vinylpyrrolidone), poly (vinylmorpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Other polymers suitable for use in absorbent assemblies include natural and modified natural polymers such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, And natural gums such as alginate, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and total or partial synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Other suitable absorbent gelling materials are described in US Pat. No. 3,902,236, issued to Asarson et al. On August 26, 1975. Methods for preparing synthetic absorbent gelling polymers are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,076,663 to Masuda et al. On February 28, 1978 and U.S. Patent No. to Tsubakimoto on August 25, 1981. 4,286,082.

Synthetic absorbent gelling materials are typically xerogels that, when wet, form hydrogels. However, the term "hydrogel" has typically been used with reference to both wet and non-wet forms of the material.

As noted above, the superabsorbent material used in the absorbent assembly 52 is generally in the form of discrete particles. The particles may be in the desired form, for example vortices or half-vortices, cubes, rods, polyhedrons and the like. Forms with the largest ratio of the largest dimension / smallest dimension, such as needles, flakes, and fibers, may be used in the present invention. Aggregation of absorbent gelling material particles may be used in the absorbent assembly 52.

Preferred for use are particles having an average size of about 20 μm to about 1 mm. As used herein, "particle size" means that of the weight average of the individual particles of the smallest dimension.

Suitable superabsorbent materials and absorbent structures comprising such materials are described in US Patent Application No. 757,787, filed Sep. 11, 1991, by S. Byerly et al., Entitled: ABSORBENT COMPOSITES AND ABSORBENT ARTICLES CONTAINING SAME; Agent number: 10,174); U. S. Patent No. 5,147, 343, issued September 15, 1992 to Kelenberger; And European Patent Application No. 0 339 461 A1, published November 2, 1989, which is hereby incorporated by reference in accordance with the present specification.

An example of a superabsorbent polymer suitable for use in the present invention is the SANWET IM 3900 polymer available from Hoechst Celanese, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA. Another suitable superabsorbent is W45926 polymer obtained from Stockhausen, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the absorbent assembly 52 has a laterally extending crossbar of "T" for improved performance, in particular the front waistband region 30 of the absorbent article generally for boys. It may be in T-form. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the assembly 52 across the ear of the front waistband region 30 of the product has a transverse width of about 23 cm (9 inch) and the narrowest portion of the crotch is about 9 The back waistband area 32 is about 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) wide and 3.5 inches wide.

The entire absorbent assembly 52, or individual portions thereof, can be overlaid with a hydrophilic high wet strength envelope web, such as a high wet strength tissue or a synthetic fibrous web (not shown). Such overpack webs may increase binding in use of the absorbent assembly 52. This web can be suitably bonded to other parts of the assembly and other product components, for example, with an adhesive. The overpack web may consist of a multi-element wrap sheet that includes a separate bodyside wrap layer and a separate outer wrap layer, each extending beyond all or a portion of the peripheral edge of the absorbent portion. Such a configuration of the wrap sheet can facilitate the formation of substantially complete closures and closures, for example around the perimeter edges of the absorbent portion. The bodyside and outer layers of the wrap sheet may consist of substantially the same ash, or may consist of other materials. Suitable materials for constructing such overpack webs are described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 168,615, filed Dec. 16, 1993, issued by T. Roessler et al. Dynamic Fitting Diaper "; Agent No. 10,961).

Optionally, the garment shell 42 may include a porous, liquid permeable layer of surge control material 56 to advantageously improve the total absorption of the composite absorbent assembly 52. The surge adjustment portion 56 is less hydrophilic than the absorbent assembly 52 and quickly collects and temporarily retains the liquid surge, transports the liquid from its initial inlet point, and discharges the liquid to the other portion of the absorbent assembly 52. It has an operable degree of density and a basis weight to make it work.

Various fabrics and nonwovens can be used to construct the surge adjustment portion 56. For example, the surge adjustment portion may be a layer composed of meltblown or spunbonded webs of polyolefin fibers. The surge adjustment layer may be a bonded carded web or an airlaid web composed of natural and synthetic fibers. The bonded carded web may be, for example, a powder bonded carded web, an infrared bonded carded web or a through air bonded carded web. Infrared and through air bonded carded webs can optionally include other fiber mixtures, and the fiber length in the selected fabric web can be about 2.5-7.6 cm (about 1.0-3.0 inch). The surge adjustment portion 56 may be comprised substantially of a hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may be optionally treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart the desired degree of wettability and hydrophilicity. Suitable materials for use as the surge adjustment portion 56 are US Pat. Appl. 08 / 168,615, filed December 16, 1993, by T. Roessler et al., Entitled "Dynamic Fitting Diaper "; Agent No. 10,961).

As representatively shown, the surge adjustment portion 56 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the outwardly facing outer surface of the liner 58. Optionally, the surge adjustment portion 56 may be located adjacent to the inwardly facing bodyside surface of the liner 58. The absorbent assembly 52 is positioned to receive the liquid discharged from the surge adjustment portion 56 and to interchange the liquid with the surge adjustment portion 56 to hold and store the liquid. An optional surge adjustment portion 56 quickly collects and temporarily retains the discharged liquid, transports such liquid from the initial point of contact and spreads the liquid to other portions of the surge adjustment portion, and then transfers the liquid to the absorbent assembly 52. To release substantially completely into the layer (s) consisting of

The capillary force difference formed at the interface between the absorbent assembly 52 and the material immediately adjacent the body side of the absorbent assembly can improve the containment properties of the garment shell 42. For example, where the surge adjustment portion 56 consists of a layer located immediately adjacent to the absorbent assembly 52, the surge layer is also suitably formed so that the capillary force is relatively low compared to the capillary attraction exerted by the absorbent assembly 52. If provided and maintained, the liquid surge tends to be more easily detached from the surge adjustment portion into the absorbent assembly. Thereby, since the absorbent assembly 52 has a relatively higher capillary phenomenon than the surge adjustment portion 56, the liquid surge is sucked into the absorbent assembly 52 and further absorbed by suction according to the plane generally defined by the absorbent assembly. It is easy to distribute to distant areas.

Further details regarding surge materials can be found in US Pat. No. 5,486,166, issued January 23, 1996 to C. Ellis and D. Bishop; And US Pat. No. 5,490,846, issued February 13, 1996 to C. Ellis and R. Everett, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In a particular form of the invention, the surge material may comprise bicomponent fibers. For example, polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fibers can be used to form the bicomponent fiber portion of any of the above fabrics. In addition, the bicomponent fibers can be crimped flat or spirally crimped.

The leg and waist elastic members 60 and 62 are secured to the diaper 20 in an elastically retractable condition so that in a deformed form the normal elastic member effectively contracts with respect to the diaper. These elastic members 60 and 62 may be fixed in elastically shrinkable conditions in at least two ways. For example, the elastic member may be stretched and fixed while the diaper 20 is in a non-constricted condition. In addition, the diaper 20 can be retracted, for example, by pulsing the pleats, and the elastic member is secured and connected to the diaper while being in a relaxed or unstretched state. Other means, such as heat-shrinkable elastic materials, can be used to corrugate the garment.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the leg elastic member 60 jointly extends along the complete length of the crotch region 34 of the diaper 20 predominantly. In addition, the elastic member 60 may extend to the full length of the diaper 20, or other length suitable to provide an arrangement of elastically shrinkable lines required for a particular diaper design.

The elastic members 60 and 62 can have any of several forms. For example, the width of each elastic member can vary from 0.25 mm (0.01 inch) to 25 mm (1.0 inch) or more. The elastic member may be made of a single strand of elastic material, or may be made of several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material, and the elastic member may be used in a straight or curved arrangement. If the strands are non-parallel, the two or more strands may be crossed or interconnected in the elastic member. The elastic member may be attached to the diaper in any of several ways known in the art. For example, the elastic member may be ultrasonically bonded, heat and pressure sealed using various bonding patterns, or adhered to the garment shell 42 in a hot melt or spray or swirl pattern of another type of adhesive.

In a particular embodiment, for example, the leg elastic member 60 may consist of a carrier sheet to which one sorted set of elastic bodies is attached, composed of a plurality of individual elastic strands (not shown). Elastomeric strands may be crossed or interconnected or may be entirely separated from one another. The carrier sheet may consist of a film of unembossed polypropylene material, for example 0.002 cm thick. The elastomeric strand can be composed of, for example, LYCRA® elastomers available from DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Each elastomer strand is typically in the range of about 420 to 1050 decitex (dtx), preferably about 940 dtx, in embodiments of the invention where three strands are used in each elasticized leg band. In addition, the leg elastics 34 may generally be straight or optionally curved.

Various aspects of the present invention may optionally include an elasticized containment flap (not shown). For example, the garment shell 42 includes two containment flaps connected to the bodyside layer 54. Structures and arrangements suitable for containment flaps are described in US Pat. No. 4,704,116, issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another form of containment flap is U.S. Patent Application No. 208,816 filed March 4, 1994 by R. Everett et al. (Name: ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING AN IMPROVED SURGE MANAGEMENT; Agent No. 11,375) Which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The following examples are provided to further understand the present invention. Specific amounts, ratios, compositions, and parameters are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention particularly.

Example 1

The diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1 was made to illustrate the particular features and benefits of the present invention. The diaper 20 included a garment shell 42 that includes a backsheet layer 50, a bodyside layer 54, and an absorbent assembly 52 disposed between the backsheet and the bodyside layer. Backsheet layer 50 and bodyside layers 50 and 54 covered the major surface of absorbent assembly 52 and were sealed together along their lateral and terminal edges. Bodyside layer 54 included a narrower surge adjustment portion 56 coupled to the full width liner 58 and the liner on the absorbent assembly 52 opposing surface. The garment shell 42 also included leg elastic members 60, waist elastic members 62, and tape fastening systems 64 and 66.

The diaper 20 also included a liquid control member 44 coupled to the inner surface 46 of the garment shell 42. The liquid regulating member 44 included a liquid treatment layer 80, a pair of side barriers 82, and a pair of elastic members 84. The liquid treatment layer 80 is comprised of a 3- ㅌ inch (8.3 cm) x 12 inch (30.5 cm) one layer of 120 gsm through air bonded carded web composite fabric and an 8 inch (20.3 cm) x 2 inch (5.1 cm) two layer. Made of matte. The web consisted of a blend containing 40% 6 denier polyester fibers and 60% 3 denier polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fibers. Side barrier 82 is in the form of a 1 inch (2.5 cm) x 12 inch (30.5 cm) strip of 126 gsm spunbond coform material consisting of cellulose and meltblown fibers. Elastomeric member 84 is a 1 inch (2.5 cm) x 6 inch (15.2 cm) strip of stretch bonded laminate material stretched to 12 inches (30.5 cm), which is attached to other components of liquid control member 44 . Stretch bonded laminates consist of a layer of elastic material sandwiched between spunbond webs.

The backsheet layer 50 consisted of a 0.03 mm (1.25 mil) thick polyethylene film containing TiO ₂ for increased opacity. Liner 58 was a nonwoven spunbond polypropylene fabric composed of about 2.8-3.2 denier fibers molded into a web having a basis weight of about 20 g / m 2. This fabric was surface treated with about 0.27% Triton X-102 surfactant. The absorbent assembly 52 had a matrix of cellulose fibers mixed with superabsorbent particles. The absorbent matrix was covered with a bodyside and outer wrap layer formed of a cellulose tissue web. The leg elastic member 60 consisted of a carrier sheet with 740 decitex LYCRA elastomer 4 strands attached. The leg elastic members 60 were curved such that the elastic members were bent inward at the crotch portion of the diaper 20. Surge adjustment portion 56 was a through air bonded carded web composite fabric. The web consisted of a blend containing 40% 6 denier polyester fibers and 60% 3 denier polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fibers and had a total basis weight of about 51 gsm. The waist elastic member 62 had a longitudinal dimension of about 25 mm and a lateral dimension of about 102 mm, measured with a flat diaper. The waist elastic member 62 is located at each longitudinal end of the diaper and consists of an elastomeric stretch bonded laminate fabric of about 72 gsm total basis weight. The fabric contained a meltblown fiber core of about 45 gsm basis weight sandwiched between two polypropylene spunbond counter layers each base layer having a basis weight of about 13 gsm.

Example 2

Diapers designated as control diapers were tested. The control diaper has no liquid control member 44, the control diaper includes an elastic containment flap, the surge material of the control diaper is 4 inches (10.2 cm) wide and 9 inches (22.9 cm) long, and is absorbent. Same as the diaper 20 of Example 1, except that it was placed 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the liner from the front end of the assembly. The control diaper corresponds to the HUGGIES® Ultratrim Step 3 diaper manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation around August 1, 1994.

In order to analyze the performance of the diaper 20, a forced failure test was conducted. Twenty infants were tested with a fabric belt containing a flexible latex tube extending from the dorsal waist of the belt to the infant's urethral region. The infant wore a diaper and cover panties. Cover panties are Jay. Seed. It was a dark cotton washable panty with leg cuffs and waist elastics, available from J. C. Penney Company. Subsequently, each diaper was loaded with an initial load of 60 kPa of brine with a temperature of 92-96 ° F. (33-36 ° C.) through the tube. After 10 minutes, 60 kPa of brine was loaded through the tube. After 10 minutes, the load addition of 60 kPa of brine was repeated until leakage occurred. Leakage was identified by the wet side on the cover panties. Other Examples This procedure was repeated the next day using a diaper.

The results of the forced failure test are shown in Table 3. The dashed line indicates that no data was available, including the inability to use infants on designated test days because the diaper contained feces.

Liquid content at failure Control Diaper 20 stay child Standing Sitting Prone Lie back Standing Sitting Prone Lie back B1 332.8 171.9 336.1 221.6 371.5 381.8 - - B2 231.9 235.7 171.3 89.8 364.1 369.7 262.6 303.3 B3 239.3 234.3 216.8 174.6 362.7 358.3 278.7 263.6 B4 336.8 345.2 181.5 343.7 366.3 266.2 430.8 376.9 B5 119.7 199.0 178.0 114.7 308.4 305.4 181.7 309.1 B6 307.2 - 119.3 119.9 425.7 362.7 369.8 - B7 278.8 180.1 302.5 226.8 359.7 432.0 304.5 340.2 B8 59.9 231.1 362.4 303 313.0 304.9 364.9 234.0 B9 286.4 148.4 148.7 271.9 369.2 229.1 326.4 204.3 B10 179.8 182 137.4 317.1 365.2 371.1 420.7 290.4 Average 237.3 214.2 215.4 218.3 360.6 338.1 326.7 290.3 Girls child Standing Sitting Prone Lie back Standing Sitting Prone Lie back F1 180.1 185.5 279.9 186.6 - 218.5 184.9 348.6 F2 181.5 149.2 239.8 173.8 304.3 222 344.0 266.8 F3 117.4 115.2 182 177.0 246 243.4 303.7 299.4 F4 195.8 141.7 205.8 123.1 306.1 296.8 347.3 245.4 F5 292.3 119.3 233.1 236 423.9 - 182.1 258.6 F6 163.0 323.2 239.2 322 368 420.9 360.5 364.2 F7 295.6 115.9 191.1 183.7 436.4 319 415 304.4 F8 - 180.9 234.0 268.8 404.5 405.3 368.5 301.7 F9 276.0 268.4 264.1 182.4 292.9 313.9 334.9 274.0 F10 265.1 189.2 257.1 212.7 315.7 161.3 440.1 382.5 Average 218.5 178.9 232.4 206.6 344.2 289 328.1 304.6

The above detailed description is for purposes of illustration. Accordingly, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, other or optional features described as part of one embodiment can be used to form another embodiment. Also, parts of two names may represent parts of the same structure. Therefore, the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described, but only by the claims.

Claims (13)

Backsheet layer 50, An absorbent assembly 52 disposed on the backsheet layer 50 and An absorbent article comprising a liquid control assembly 102 overlying an absorbent assembly 52 disposed between the backsheet layer 50 and the liquid control assembly 102 on the backsheet layer 50. Here, the liquid control assembly 102 Liner assembly 110 comprising a pair of side panels 120 and a liquid permeable central panel 104 disposed between the side panels 120, wherein the side panels 120 are attached to the backsheet layer 50. The central panel 104 is not coupled to the absorbent assembly 52 between the longitudinal distal ends), A pair of liner elastic members 84 operatively connected to a central panel 104 having a liquid treatment layer 80 disposed between the liner elastic members 84, wherein the liner elastic members 84 are the central panel 104. ) Is adapted to space the center panel 104 away from the absorbent assembly 52 when it is in a relaxed state by shrinking)); The liquid control assembly 102 further includes a liquid treatment layer 80 coupled to the central panel 104, wherein the liquid treatment layer 80 quickly absorbs the liquid and absorbs the liquid thereunder. An absorbent article suitable for release at (52), characterized in that the basis weight is at least about 80 g / cm ² and the density is less than about 0.03 g / cm ³ . The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the density of the liquid treatment layer (80) is from about 0.015 to 0.025 g / cm 3. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid treatment layer (80) is about 13 to 25 cm in length. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the liquid treatment layer (80) is about 2.1 to 9.8 cm. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the liquid treatment layer (80) is about 3.7 to 7.6 cm. The absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid treatment layer (80) has side edges located transversely inside the liner elastic member (84). The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article has an extended surface area and the liquid treatment layer (80) comprises less than about 25% of the extended surface area. The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liner elastic member (84) has an elastic length longer than the length of the liquid treatment layer (80). The absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liner elastic member (84) is suitably spaced apart by a distance of about 2.5 to 10.2 cm. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central panel (104) forms a concave hammock shaped portion. 3. An absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the central panel (104) comprises means for providing a space between the central panel (104) and the absorbent assembly (52). The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side panel is liquid impermeable. 13. The absorbent article as in claim 12, wherein the liner assembly (110) comprises a liquid impermeable barrier layer (122) disposed in the liquid permeable body side layer (54) and the side panel (120).