MXPA00002651A - Disposable training pant with elasticized side panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article (10) which can be configured as a panty type garment, a disposable diaper, or an adult incontinent product, includes a back sheet (26), an absorbent panel (28) positioned on top of the back sheet (26), and a liquid permeable top sheet (30) positioned on top of the absorbent panel (28). A pair of longitudinally extending, elasticized unitary leg gather assemblies (32) are positioned on respective opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline (CL) of the article. Waist elastic elements (104, 105) extend partly or substantially totally across a waist encircling portion (12, 14) of the garment. Opposing side regions (19a-19d) of the garment each include a plurality of side elastic elements (106) which extend laterally, and are arranged spaced apart longitudinally between leg encircling regions (18), and the waist elastic elements (104). Each leg gather assembly (32) includes an outer sleeve (32') having an upstanding portion (34) within which are positioned elastically contractible elastic elements (38, 38') which effect conformance of the leg gather assemblies (32) with a wearer for desired containment.

Description

DISPOSABLE TRAINER SHEATH WITH ELASTIFIED SIDE PANELS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to a disposable absorbent article which is configured as a trainer brief, and in particular to a disposable absorbent article having elasticized side regions formed with a plurality of elastic elements extending generally in parallel, laterally for a economic manufacturing and an improved fit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers and disposable pants, (sometimes called trainers) have found widespread acceptance. Garments of this nature are typically configured for single use, with an absorbent panel or a center construction that ordinarily has an integrated structure that includes a liquid pervious top layer or a cover layer and a subsequent layer or sheet that It has at least one portion that is impervious to liquid. The brief type garments include side seams that can be easily torn to remove the garment in case it is soiled, while typically disposable diapers are provided with adhesive coated fastening tabs or hook and loop fasteners in the disposable diapers. The absorbent articles of the previous nature are not only suitable for children, they can be configured and have the right size so that incontinent adults can use them. The commonly assigned patent of E.U.A. No. 5,403,301 discloses a disposable absorbent garment of the type suitable for infant care and for the use of incontinent adults. To improve the containment characteristics, the construction includes elasticizing at the opposite lateral margins of the construction, thus forming elastic regions surrounding the legs. This patent is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent article described in the aforementioned patent is configured for an improved fit by providing elastic elements in the anterior and posterior waist regions of the article. Experience has shown that elasticizing acts in a desirable manner so that the article conforms to the user, improving fit, comfort and containment. The present invention is particularly directed to an absorbent article preferably configured as trainer pants, having side panel regions that are elastified in an economical manner providing a plurality of elastic fiber-like elements that extend laterally in parallel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A disposable absorbent article modeling the principles of the present invention can be configured as a brief type garment or disposable diaper for infants or toddlers, or it can be given the appropriate size and configured so that incontinent adults can use it. The article includes an elasticated waistband elasticized side regions and an elasticized pleat in the leg area that extend around the leg openings and extend upward, overlapping the side regions. Therefore, the leg openings are substantially completely surrounded by elastification for an adjustment and retention of improved liquids. The elasticized side regions are economically formed with a plurality of fiber-type elastic elements predominantly located laterally outwardly of the absorbent panel of the article. The construction of the absorbent article includes an absorbent panel and a liquid permeable top layer positioned on the top of the absorbent panel. A back layer located below the absorbent panel and extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the absorbent panel at the longitudinal end portions thereof defines a pair of portions of anterior protrusions., and a couple of later protruding portions. The anterior and posterior protruding portions define openings that surround the leg openings of the garment. A central region extends laterally between the anterior projecting portions and between the posterior projecting portions and longitudinally connects the anterior and posterior projecting portions between the legs of the user. The central region includes a crotch portion extending longitudinally between the anterior and posterior projecting portions of the garment. A pair of side seams respectively join the protruding portions to the rear protruding portions forming opposing side regions to provide a garment-like configuration, and also defining a waist opening. A plurality of elastic elements extending to the sides generally in parallel attached to each of the anterior and posterior protruding portions provides elasticization thereof, with each of the protruding portions being elasticized by the elastic elements substantially through its extension. longitudinal from one of the openings surrounding the respective legs towards the waist opening. Generally, a pair of elasticized pleat elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the garment on the respective opposite sides of the absorbent panel, each of the pleat elements includes an outer sheath having a base edge that is fixed to one of the layers. backs and the top layer, and at least one elastic fold element located within a bent portion of the outer sheath. The elastic fold element of each fold element can be placed in a separate relationship at the base edge of each respective fold element. Each of the elastic fold members extends longitudinally along and through the crotch portion, such that the elastic fold elements and the elastic overhangs provide substantially complete elastification together around each of the openings that they surround the legs of the garment. The outer sheaths of the elasticized pleat elements can be formed separately from the upper layer and joined to the upper layer, or they can be integrated to the upper layer as by the formation of a same piece of material. A pair of elastic waist regions or bands extends respectively, transverse to each of the absorbent panels of the garment. Each of the waist elastic regions extends transversely through the central region and the respective protruding portions towards the side seams. The bands may alternatively be located in a transverse extent, not extending through the projecting portions. Each of the waist elastic regions is preferably formed by a plurality of elastic elements or elastic fibers that extend along a length of the regions. Alternatively, a fiber may be used in each of the anterior and posterior waist regions to elasticize the waist of the article. Preferably, at least one of the elastic elements of each pickup assembly in the leg region is placed in a sufficient closeness relationship to the associated components of the absorbent article to join the absorbent article for an improved fit and an aesthetic appearance. At such an end, a base elastic member may be respectively positioned adjacent each of the base edges of the elasticized pleat elements. Each of the base elastic elements is placed within the respective bent portions of the outer sheaths. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated, the absorbent panel preferably comprises absorbent material such as comminuted wood pulp (wood sawdust) with a superabsorbent polymer distributed therein. The liquid-permeable top layer is placed on top of the absorbent panel, with the upper layer being able to be located generally adjacent to the user during the use of the article. In accordance with the present invention, the pair of harvest assembly assemblies in the longitudinally extending elastified leg region is located on respective opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the article. The outer covers of the pickup assembly in the region of the legs are attached to the top layer of the article, and contain at least two, preferably three or more, elastic elements that can contract elastically. The elastic elements are placed in a separate relationship within a straight portion of the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs, in a manner that desirably acts to distribute the elastic contraction forces generated by the elements throughout. of a substantial portion of the vertical extension of each collection assembly in the region of the legs. At this point, it is preferred that at least one elastic member be located within an upper half of the vertical portion of each outer sheath. While the elasticization of the article is carried out by the provision of elastic elements of the collection assembly in the region of the legs, it is presently preferred that the lateral marginal portions of the article are not elastified in another way. The resulting construction does not only provide the desired adjustment and containment characteristics, with an improved aesthetic appearance, it also facilitates high-speed processing for economic use. In the preferred form, the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs comprises a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, and may be cgured as a composite material including nonwoven fabric and an associated plastic film layer. In the illustrated form, the upper sheath of each pickup assembly in the leg region includes a base portion, which can be attached to a respective side edge of the top layer and which extends laterally outwardly thereof to a respective lateral edge of the article. Alternatively, the top layer can be cgured to extend laterally outwardly below the pickup assembly in the region of the legs toward the side edges of the absorbent article, with each pickup assembly in the region of the legs having a a ribbon-like cguration, respectively placed on top of the top layer of the article. The invention provides elastic sides for an absorbent article similar to a brief without having to separate the elastic elements attached to a central region of the article. This elastic cguration allows a better fit to be achieved without folding or laterally corrugating the central region, particularly the abdomen area and the crotch portion. The cguration also allows full elastic rounding of the leg openings leading to better containment performance. Other features and utilities of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disposable absorbent article, configured as disposable trainer brief, which modalizes the principles of the present invention generally as seen when worn. Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the absorbent article generally present in a shape prior to the final assembly. Figure 3 is a perspective view with the separate parts of the trainers of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the training pants of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a fragmented cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 6-6 of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 7-7 of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a fragmented cross-sectional view similar to Figure 7 showing an alternative construction of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the present invention is susceptible to being modalized in various ways, it is shown in the drawings and modalities that are currently preferred will be described herein, with the understanding that the present description should be considered as an example of the invention, and it has no intention to limit the invention to the specific modality illustrated. With reference to the drawings, there is illustrated a disposable absorbent article 10, which is illustrated as a disposable trainer or diaper, modeling the principles of the present invention. As used in the present description, training pants are intended to refer to an absorbent article or garment that is worn by an individual to absorb urine and / or fecal matter. It is understood that the garments modeling the principles of the present invention are of ordinary size for the use of infants and toddlers, but may also be of suitable size for use by incontinent adults. While the absorbent article 10 has been illustrated as trainer shorts, it will be understood that an article that modalizes the principles of the present invention can be configured as a diaper, including a fastening tab arrangement for fitting the article to a user in such a way as to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. With particular reference to Figure 2, the article is shown before the final assembly in a configuration of Figure 1. The absorbent article 10 includes a narrow rectangular back waist portion 12, a narrow rectangular anterior waist portion 14, and a central region. substantially rectangular 16 extending longitudinally between the anterior and posterior waist portions 12, 14 and includes a crotch portion 17. The crotch portion of the garment generally corresponds to the portion that lies between a user's legs during use , and used therein, comprises approximately 1/3 to 3/4 of the lengthwise extension of the garment. The central region 16 also includes an area of abdomen 17a which is on the crotch portion 17 and below the anterior waist portion 14 and a posterior area 17b which is located on the crotch portion 17 and below the portion of the crotch portion 17a. rear waist 12. The protruding portions 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d extend laterally outward from the central region 16 one in each of the four corners of the central region. The protruding portions 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d each are joined by the central region 16, a respective cut of leg 18 and a respective waist portion 12, 14. The absorbent article 10 is joined by side connections as a pair of lateral seams sonically welded or secured in a manner adhesive 20, 21 (shown in Figure 1) between the edges 20a, 20b and 21a, 21b, respectively, forming a panty-shaped garment when assembled. When the embodiment of the invention is configured as a diaper, the side seams are made by adhesive tapes (not shown) which are placed to secure the outer surface of the anterior waist portion 14, at this point, an area is preferably provided. where the tapes adhere. The zone where the tapes adhere typically comprises a strip of polymeric layer material to which the adhesive tapes can be adhered, even applied releasably, to the area where the tape is adhered desirably acting to reinforce the anterior outer surface of the tape. garment in such a way that the removal and reapplication of the tapes does not damage the article. A suitable fastening configuration can alternatively be provided with the provision of hook and loop fasteners (not shown), with adhesive tapes provided with a suitable hook material, and with the region generally corresponding to the area where the tape provided with the fastener is adhered to. a suitable loop material. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated, the anterior and posterior waist elastic regions 42, 44, such as those comprising elastic elements or fibers, are preferably provided within the anterior and posterior waist portions 14, 12, together with edges that they extend laterally of the back layer 26 for improved fit, containment and comfort. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of elastic elements or fibers 104, 105 (shown in Figure 3 and 4) are completely separated through the anterior and posterior waist portions 14, 12. The projecting portions 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d are elastified by a plurality of longitudinally laterally extending laterally extending elastic fibers 106 (shown in Figures 3 and 4) which each extend between a respective edge 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b of the protruding portions and in the central region 16. When the protruding portions 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d are respectively connected along the edges 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b to form the structure of Figure 1, the protruding portions 19a , 19b, 19c and 19d together form opposite elastified side regions of article 10. It is currently preferred that the pairs of the anterior protruding portions 19a, 19b, as well as the pair of protruding portions 19c, 19d, are elastified by fibers 106.

However, it is within the scope of the present invention that only the pair of anterior protruding portions are elastified in this manner, or only the pair of posterior protruding portions. The additional elastic elements can be provided in the projecting portions, in addition to the elastic elements extending laterally parallel 106, such elastic elements extend perpendicularly or diagonally with respect to the elements 106, or otherwise, including the random placement of elements additional elastics. With reference to Figures 3 to 6, the absorbent article 10 includes a back layer 26 that generally defines the external surface of the garment. The back layer 26 may be configured as a composite material or sheet of an outer nonwoven fabric layer 102 (such as a carded fabric), and an internal nonwoven layer 110 (partially shown in Figure 3). Alternatively, the entire back layer 26 may be formed of a suitable polymeric film material (such as a polyethylene sheet having a thickness in the order of 0.00127 to 0.00254 cm). However, it is currently preferred that the plastic film material is placed only below the absorbent panel of the article. A polyethylene terephthalate sheet material having a thickness of about 0.00127 to 0.00254 cm may be used alternatively. The inner non-woven layer 110 may be substantially coextensive with the inner non-woven fabric layer 102, or it may comprise a pair of non-woven fabric components, which extend laterally respectively through and between the anterior protruding portion and the shoulders. posterior protruding portions. The laterally extending protruding potions 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d may be extended portions of the back layer 26, ie, composed of the non-woven layer 102, 110. The protruding portions (the side regions of the finished article) of this they can exhibit a desired breathing capacity (by virtue of the non-woven fabric material of these areas) for improved comfort for the wearer. When the layer 110 is provided in the form of a pair of non-woven fabric components, as described above, the elastic element 106 can be secured thereto, before being placed on the layer 102. The components of the layer 110 can comprise themselves same two or more layers of nonwoven fabric, with element 106 placed thereon in a sandwich type mode. The absorbent article 10 includes an absorbent panel 28 positioned on top of a liquid-wiped film 112 that is secured to the back layer 26, with the barrier film 112 sized at least as large as the absorbent panel 28. The panel The absorbent preferably comprises an absorbent matrix including comminuted wood pulp, sometimes called sawdust, and a superabsorbent material, which may comprise superabsorbent polymers or the like. Absorbent matrices comprising mixtures and / or layers of absorbent material can also be used. If so desired, the superabsorbent material can be concentrated in regions specifically chosen from the absorbent panel. In the preferred embodiment, a liquid distribution transfer layer 29 is placed on top of the absorbent panel 28. The transfer layer preferably comprises a layer of low weight nonwoven fabric, which in a currently preferred form , comprises bicomponent thermally bonded fibers of polyester and polypropylene, with a basis weight of 40 grams per square meter. Suitable material can be obtained from Fiberweb North America, Inc., under the product designation DFPN156. The absorbent article 10 includes an upper layer 30 placed on top of the absorbent panel 28. The upper layer 30 may be configured in accordance with the embodiment illustrated, to have a longitudinal extension extending substantially to the length of the crotch portion 17 of article 10, and a transverse dimension such that the upper layer 30 has lateral edges spaced inwardly from the respective side edges of article 10. In this construction, each of the lateral edges of the upper layer 30 respectively is attached to a collection assembly in the region of the legs, designated 32, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The outer sheaths of the elasticized fold elements can be formed separately from the upper layer and bonded to the upper layer, or they can be integrated with the upper layer.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an upper layer 30 having a lateral extension substantially inside the central region 16 is used, that is, it does not overlap the projecting portions 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d. However, it is also contemplated in the invention that the projecting portions 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d may also be formed by portions extending from the upper layer 30 instead of the rear layer 26. The projecting portions 19a, 19b, 19c , 19d can also be found by extensions from the back layer 26 and from the top layer 30. Figure 3 shows in detail the assembly of various layers that together form the absorbent article 10. The back layer 26 includes the nonwoven fabric layer 102. to which the elastic fibers of the anterior waist 104, the elastic fibers of the posterior waist 105 and the lateral elastic fibers 106 arrive. The elastic fibers 104, 105 and 106 are secured by means of an adhesive. The elastic fibers 104, 105 are longitudinally spaced at approximately 0.635 cm apart. The side elastic straps 106 are located longitudinally between the leg openings 18 and the waist elastics 104 and 105 within the four areas 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d. The lateral elastic fibers 106 provide an elasticization of the article 10 through the area of the abdomen 17a, the lower back area 17b and around the leg cuts 18. The lateral elastic fibers 106 are installed on the nonwoven fabric layer 102 stretching the fibers twice their length completely through the protruding portions 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d and the respective areas of abdomen and lower back 17a, 19b and intersecting along a longitudinal center line CL. The cutting ends of the fibers are subsequently separated by an elastic force from the central line CL outwards approximately 10 cm, indicated as the dimension F. In this way, the area of the abdomen 17a and the crotch portion 17 are left unstretched. This is an important utility of the embodiment of the present invention which avoids folding or corrugation of the abdomen area 17a in the crotch portion 17, for a more comfortable fit and a more uniform appearance of the article. The lateral elastic fibers 106 can usefully have a longitudinal separation of 0.15875 to 5 cm, and preferably to 0.635 cm. The spacing of the elastic fibers 106 may vary. Utilitatively, between fourteen (14) and twenty (20) elastic fibers may be applied to each protruding portion, although the invention is not limited to this amount. Preferably, seventeen (17) elastic fibers, separated 0.635 cm, are applied to each projecting portion. The protruding portion dimension "G" may also be about 10 cm, for each of the protruding portions 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d extending to a respective edge of the back layer 26. The internal non-woven layer 110 is adhesive securely covering the elastic fibers 104, 105, 106 and the outer nonwoven layer 102.

The elastic fibers 104, 105, 106 in this manner are captured between the outer nonwoven layer 102 and the inner nonwoven layer 110. The barrier film 112 is applied to the inner non-woven layer 110 and adhesively secured thereto. The center layer 28 is applied inside the barrier film 112. The transfer layer 29 is applied over the center 28. The top layer 30 is applied over the center and transfer layer and over the barrier film 112. The opposing leg fold elements 32 are partially applied on the upper layer 30 and also on the barrier film 112. The collection assembly in the leg region is attached along the lines approximately 1.25 cm inwards from the legs. edges of the leg openings 18. The non-woven strips 180, 182 are adhesively secured through the article, securing the longitudinal ends 32a of the collection assembly of the region of the legs 32 to the upper layer 30 and functioning as reinforcement. The strips 180, 182 are also secured along their length to the internal non-woven layer 110 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. All the layers that are stacked to build the article can be secured using intermediate layers or construction coatings adhesive (not shown). Figure 4 demonstrates an important feature of the invention wherein the elastic fibers of the leg folding element 38, 38 'extend longitudinally to overlap the lateral elastic fibers 106 at distances 184, 185. When the article 10 is assembled, the overlap ensures complete elastification around the leg cuts 18, to provide improved containment and fit characteristics. As shown in Figure 7, the top layer is attached to each collection assembly of the leg region 32 by a respective joint 33, which may comprise a sonic joint or a suitable adhesive. Each of the collection assemblies in the longitudinally extending leg region 32 is elastic in a specific configuration arrangement to provide the desired containment and fit characteristics for the disposable absorbent article 10. Specifically, each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 includes an outer sheath 32 'which preferably comprises nonwoven fabric having a straight portion 34 and a laterally extending base portion 36. Within the outer sheath are disposed a plurality of elastic fibers 38 and a fiber elastic lower 38 '. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the base portion 36 of the outer sheath extends laterally outward from the top layer toward the respective side edge of the absorbent article and is joined to the back layer 26, particularly the inner layer. 110, with suitable adhesive or by indicated sonic bonding with 35. However, in a currently preferred embodiment, the outer sleeve may be configured such that a base portion extends laterally inwardly or only outwardly, as in FIG. the shape with an L shape.

As a further alternative design, as illustrated in Figure 8, a wider top layer 30 'may extend below each pickup assembly in the region of the legs 32 laterally outward to the side edges of the article 10, and it can be attached to the back layer 26 with bonding of suitable adhesive or sonic bonding. As shown, the upper layer 30 'is secured by a junction 35' to the inner non-woven layer 110. The extending base portion 36 is secured to the upper layer 30 'by a junction 33' along an edge inwardly of the straight portion 34, and by a junction 36 'along an outward edge of the straight portion 34. The junctions 33' and 36 'may be suitable adhesive bonds or sound joints. As illustrated in the preferred embodiments of Figure 7, each pickup assembly in the region of the legs 32 is arranged to have a generally inverted T-shaped configuration, where the base portion 36 extends below, inwardly. and outward from the associated straight portion 34. Although the free edges or ends of the material forming the outer sheath appear, in the example, in the portion of the base or bottom 36, these free edges may be located in another position, as the predominant or higher position 39 of the outer sheath 32 '. The erect or straight portion 34 of the outer sheath 32 'of each collection assembly in the region of the legs provides the desired configuration similar to a sheath for each collection assembly in the region of the legs, within which the legs are located. various elastic elements that make up each of these assemblies. The outer sheath of each collection assembly in the leg region can be fixed or closed in this narrow sheath-like configuration using some pertinent joining means, for example by means of a spray applied adhesive 37, or by providing a suitable sonic adhesion . In this way, the walls of the outer sheath are compressed or folded next to one another between the elastic elements 38 and 38 'and retain that configuration thanks to an adherent element. The elastic characteristics of the outer sheath 32 'of each collection assembly in the region of the legs causes the upright or straight portion 34 thereof to assume a general vertical orientation straight with respect to the related upper layer 30. By means of this disposition, each collection assembly in the region of the legs tends to extend generally in the direction of the user's perineal region, towards what is commonly known as fold or fold of the thigh. One or more of the elastic elements 38 and 38 'act as elastic elements of the crotch as they extend respectively along each side of the absorbent panel in the crotch portion 17. Each elastic element of the crotch may extend beyond the crotch. crotch portion adjacent to the elastic regions of the portions of the handles or protruding portions 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d. Presently, it is preferred that the elastic element of the base 38 'extends only along the crotch portion of the article. The elastic elements 38, together with the lateral elastic elements 106, can thus fulfill the function of giving flexibility to the region surrounding the leg openings, defined by the cut-outs 18. In accordance with this invention, a better containment and adjustment by at least two, and preferably three or more elastic elements within the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32. In a preferred embodiment, three, and preferably 4, elastic elements 38 and 38 ', spaced at regular intervals, are located within the straight portion 34 of the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32. In a recent embodiment, the elastic elements are spaced apart at regular intervals of 11 mm, with the lowest or smallest elastic 38 'spaced in all its extension from the back layer 26 by about 2 mm. As noted above, the pickup assemblies in the leg region 32 of this disposable absorbent article have been specifically configured to improve containment and fit, thus allowing portions of the lateral margins of the article not to require elastics. . For this purpose, at least two of the elastic elements are provided inside the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs, with at least one elastic element provided in the upper half of each straight portion 34 of the respective outer sheath, and at least one elastic element located inside the lower half of the straight portion of each outer sheath. To create the desired adjustment characteristics, one of the elastic elements located inside the lower half of the straight portion of the outer sheath can exert an elastic force of contraction or gathering on the outer sheath greater than that exerted by one of the Elastic elements in the upper half of the straight portion. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, one of the elastic elements that exerts the greatest gathering force, designated 38 ', is located in the lower half of the straight portion 34 of the outer sheath 32', and can be placed at a certain distance with relationship to the back layer 26 in its entirety. The tiny elastic element 38 'can be located in the outer sheath 32' or at a distance close to or adjacent to the back layer. In this way, the elastic element 38 'in each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 that is located at a greater distance from the predominant position 39 of the outer sheath 32' exerts a greater elastic force of meeting on the respective outer sheath than the other elastic elements. By placing at least three elastic elements 38 and 38 'spaced apart in a regular manner and located within the respective outer sheath 32', the elastic contraction forces generated by the elastic elements are distributed along a good part of the vertical extension of the elastic elements. each collection assembly in the region of the legs. By the preferred placement of a tiny elastic element in a configuration so as to exert a greater elastic gathering force than the rest of the elements, the gathering of the back layer 26 and the related absorbent panel 28 is achieved, "in the openings of the legs, to improve the fit of the article, thus improving its aesthetic characteristics.Also, by this better fit a better containment is achieved, since the straight portion 34 of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 can be adapted the user in the desired form As noted above, the preferred embodiment of this invention is configured so that the portions of the lateral margins of the article, that is, the portions of the structure that are generally located on the outside sides of the holding tabs 33 (or 33 'in Figure 8), are not elastic, except for the flexibility provided by the elements and lastics 38 and 38 'of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32. As such, the portion of the base 36 of the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs is not elastic, except for any flexibility provided by the distanced elastic elements 38 and 38 '. However, it is possible to add elastic elements extending longitudinally underneath or outside each collection assembly 32. It is possible to configure the elastic element 38 'to exert a greater elastic gathering force on the outer sheath of each assembly. collection in the leg region 32, in different ways. If required, the elastic element 38 'can have a tension-free cross-sectional area greater than that of the other elastic elements 38 and, therefore, with a higher modulus of elasticity. The elastic element 38 'can be made of a material different from the rest of the elastic elements 38, and in this way have a greater modulus of elasticity. If desired, the elastic element 38 'can be more elongated than the rest of the elastic elements, and in this way configured to create a greater elastic gathering force than the rest of the elements, even if it has a tension-free cross-sectional area identical to that of the other elements. In this preferred embodiment, the outer sheath of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 preferably includes a non-woven water-repellent fabric, by which the passage of liquids is prevented. A suitable fabric may be a non-woven polypropylene fabric joined by spinning with a basis weight of between 1.01 and 27.1 grams per m2, and a bond area on a scale of 7% to 20%, with a basis weight of about from 16.9 to 20.3 grams per m2, and a bond area of 18% most preferably. When untreated, this material provides the desired degree of water repellency. There is in the market a material of this type distributed by the company Fiberweb of America, of Greenville, South Carolina, under the trade name of Unicorn Celestra. The top layer 30 (or 30 'in Figure 8) may also include a non-woven polypropylene fabric with the basis weight and the bonding areas described above for the outer covers of the collection assemblies in the leg region 32. Although it is possible to select the permeability characteristics of the upper layer 30 (or 30 ') respecting the principles described herein, it is preferable that the upper layer 30 (or 30') be selected so as to have much greater hydrophilic characteristics and, therefore, greater permeability to liquids, than the outer sheaths 32 'of the collection assemblies in the region of the legs 32. For these objects, the non-woven polypropylene material as described above is commonly treated with a surfactant agent to reach the desired level of permeability. Alternatively, a water repellent fabric having openings to allow liquids to pass therethrough may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the straight portion 34 of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 is partially fixed to the upper surface of the related upper layer 30 (or 30 '). In particular, at least one longitudinal end of the straight portion 34 of the outer sheath of each pickup assembly in the region of the legs is attached to the upper layer inward, by sonic adhesion or other relevant adhesion, as indicated in 38a. Most preferably, about 10% of the total length of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 is fixed at each end of each collection assembly in the region of the legs (i.e., 20% of the total length is fixed to the top layer). Additional design features are also preferred for configuring this disposable absorbent article 10, in order to in the desired containment and fit characteristics. It is considered that the elastic contraction force exerted on each collection assembly in the leg region of the related article components, including the back layer 26, when fully extended, should be on a scale of between 20% and fifty%. This is preferably achieved by placing the miniscule elastic element 38 'to no more than 6.3 mm from the back layer 26. The arrangement of each collection assembly in the region of the legs 32 with respect to the related absorbent panel 28 is such that each portion of the base 36 of each pickup assembly in the region of the legs is preferably not more than 25.4 mm from the narrowest part of the absorbent panel, and this portion of the base should preferably be no more than 25.4 mm inward from the respective lateral edge of the article. Although the collection assemblies in the region of the legs 32 with a generally linear shape, parallel to each other and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the disposable article 10, have been illustrated, it is within the scope of the present invention to place the collection assemblies on the region of the legs in a curved or non-parallel configuration. For example, it is possible to form the collection assemblies in the leg region in the form of a strip or strip illustrated in Figure 7 so that each preferably has a length at least 10% longer than that of the absorbent article, and subsequently fixed to the article so that each one defines a curved configuration by virtue of the "extra material" of each collection assembly in the region of the legs. From the foregoing, it can be observed that it is possible to make various modifications and variants without distancing oneself from the true purpose and scope of the novelty of this invention. It should be noted that the specific embodiments illustrated do not in any way limit the present invention and should not be construed as a restriction thereof. The purpose of the description is to cover, by the appended claims hereto, all modifications that are within the scope of these claims.

Claims (24)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A disposable absorbent garment that includes: an absorbent panel; a permeable top layer placed on this absorbent panel; a back layer positioned below the aforementioned absorbent panel and extending laterally and outwardly from the opposite ends of said absorbent panel at the longitudinal edges thereof to define a pair of anterior projecting portions, as well as a pair of portions rear protrusions, and said protruding portions define the leg openings of said garment together with a crotch portion of said garment and extending between the aforementioned anterior and posterior protruding portions of said garment; a pair of side seams that respectively join the above projecting portion and the aforementioned rear projecting portion so that the garment has a configuration in the shape of a brief and defines an opening in the waist; a plurality of laterally extending elastic elements usually parallel in each of the anterior and posterior protruding portions to provide flexibility thereto, and the aforementioned elastic elements provide elasticity to each of the aforementioned elastic portions throughout its length, from its openings that surround the respective legs to the aforementioned waist opening; and a pair of elastic gatherers extending longitudinally with respect to the aforementioned garment at the respective opposite ends of the absorbent panel desed above, and each collector has an outer sheath having a base edge fixed to one of the back layers and above, and at least one elastic pick-up element located inside a fold of the outer sheath at a certain distance from the aforementioned base edge, and each elastic pick-up element extends longitudinally along and over beyond the crotch portion so that the aforementioned elastic gatherers and protruding parts together provide flexibility around each of the openings that surround the legs of the aforementioned garment.

2. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a pair of elastic waist elements that extend respectively transverse to the aforementioned garment beyond each end of the aforementioned absorbent panel.

3. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 2, further characterized in that each elastic element of the waist extends transversely through the respective protruding portions and up to the aforementioned lateral seams.

4. - A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a pair of elastic elements of the base located respectively adjacent to the edges of the base desed above of the aforementioned elastic collectors.

5. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 4, further characterized in that each elastic element of the base is located within the folded portion of the respective outer sheath.

6. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer covers of the elasticized collectors are formed independently of, and attached to, the upper layer.

7. A disposable absorbent garment that includes: a liquid-permeable top layer; a back layer; an absorbent panel located between the aforementioned upper layer and the back layer; at least one of the aforementioned upper and rear layers extend laterally outwardly from opposite ends of the above absorbent panel at the longitudinal ends of that panel to define a pair of anterior projecting portions, as well as a pair of posterior projecting portions of the aforementioned garment, and these protruding portions define the openings that surround the legs of the garment, generally adjacent to a portion of the crotch extending between the aforementioned anterior and posterior protruding portions of the garment; a pair of side seams joining respectively the aforementioned anterior and posterior protruding portions to give the garment a configuration similar to that of a brief, and which define a waist opening; and a plurality of generally parallel elastic elements joined to at least one of those pairs of protruding anterior and posterior portions to join the pair of protruding portions and provide elasticization thereto, and each of these elastic elements extends laterally from one side. of the respective lateral seams mentioned above and generally ends aligned with the respective side of the absorbent panel described above; the aforementioned elastic element provides elasticization to the pair of protruding portions described above along the elastic regions thereof adjacent to the aforementioned absorbent panel from the openings surrounding the respective legs to at least the respective longitudinal end of the absorbent panel.

8. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 7, further characterized in that it includes a pair of elastic waist elements that extend respectively transversely to the garment beyond each end of the absorbent panel through the portions of the garment. respective protrusions, and the elastic regions of the aforementioned protruding portions extend from the openings surrounding the respective legs to the elastic element of the respective waist.

9. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 7, further characterized in that it includes a pair of elastic crotch members extending respectively along each side of the absorbent panel in that portion of the crotch, and each elastic element. of the crotch extends beyond the crotch portion adjacent to the elasticized regions of the respective protruding anterior and posterior portions.

10. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 9, further characterized in that it includes a pair of outer covers that respectively surround the elastic elements of the crotch.

11. A disposable absorbent garment according to claim 7, further characterized in that the plurality of generally parallel elastic elements comprises between 14 and 20 generally parallel elastic elements attached to at least one pair of the above and posterior protruding portions described above.

12. A disposable absorbent article, which includes: a back layer, an absorbent panel located on that back layer; a top layer located on the absorbent panel; and one of the aforementioned upper and lower layers formed so as to conform to the lower part of a user's torso in a configuration similar to a brief, with lateral regions and a central region, and these side regions are connected to each other by the aforementioned central region and each lateral region has a lateral elasticization thereto, including at least one elongated elastic element, and this elasticization ends in the above-mentioned central region; a pair of elastic pick-up assemblies in the region of the legs extending longitudinally, and which are located at respective opposite ends of a longitudinal axis of the aforementioned article, and each pickup assembly in the leg region includes a outer sheath attached to the upper layer described above, and at least one elastic element for distributing the elastic contraction forces generated therefrom along a large part of the vertical extension of each collection assembly in the region of the legs to adjust each pickup assembly to the user's body and thus improve containment, and this resilient member extends to a vertical position that overlaps at least one of the aforementioned elongate elastic elements of one of the adjacent side regions described above.

13. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that the portion of the cover described above of each collection assembly in the region of the legs includes a portion of the base that extends laterally outward, from the upper layer to a respective lateral edge of the aforementioned absorbent article.

14. - A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that the upper layer described above extends laterally outwardly below the collection assemblies in the region of the legs described above to the side edges of the absorbent article before mentioned.

15. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that the outer cover of each collection assembly in the region of the legs is made of a non-woven and hydrophobic fabric.

16. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that it includes an elastic band at least partially along a lateral extension of the above-described back layer, at least partially between the above-mentioned side regions.

17. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 15, further characterized in that the elastic band described above includes a first elongated elastic filament extending along the anterior portion of the posterior layer and a second elongated elastic filament that is extends along the posterior portion of the posterior layer described above.

18. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 17, further characterized in that each of the lateral regions described above includes a plurality of elastic filaments spaced apart from each other and extending in parallel through a lateral space of the respective lateral region described above and ending at opposite ends of the aforementioned central region.

19. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that the outer covers are composed of a hydrophobic material and the upper layer described above is composed of a hydrophilic material.

20. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, including a pair of elastic waist elements that extend respectively transversely to the above-described article beyond each end of the aforementioned absorbent panel.

21. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that the back layer includes a layer of the non-woven carded base, an internal non-woven layer, and a waterproof barrier film, all adhered together to form a sheet, and the side regions described above include a plurality of elastic elements extending in a generally parallel lateral shape, adhered between the above described base layer and the aforementioned nonwoven inner layer.

22. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 12, further characterized in that it includes front and back non-woven strips each adhered along the top layer and on the back layer and along the anterior and posterior longitudinal edges. of the outer covers described above to reinforce the joining of the outer covers with the upper layer.

23. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 11, further characterized in that at least one elongated elastic element described above is one of between 14 and 20 elongated elastic elements longitudinally spaced apart and extending over the lateral regions described above and having free ends spaced laterally from the free ends of the elongate elastic elements of the respective opposite lateral region.

24. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 23, further characterized in that at least one elongated elastic element is one of 17 elongated elastic elements.