MXPA00004499A

MXPA00004499A - Absorbent article having a multilayered containment barriers

Info

Publication number: MXPA00004499A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/004499A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Christine Putzer Melissa
Original assignee: KimberlyClark Worldwide Incorporated
Priority date: 1997-11-19
Filing date: 2000-05-09
Publication date: 2001-05-07

Abstract

An absorbent article includes at least one multilayered containment barrier which is configured to inhibit the flow of body exudates along the surface of the absorbent article. The containment barrier includes multiple layers of material. Each of the layers defines an inner edge which remains at least partially unattached to the other layers to allow the body exudates to flow into an area between the layers in use for improved containment and absorption of exudates. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent article may include a pair of such containment barriers which are laterally spaced apart to provide a void space between the wearer's buttocks and the surface of the absorbent article for containing body exudates. In such a configuration, the absorbent article may further include a pair of longitudinally extending containment flaps located on the side edges of the article laterally outwards from the containment barriers for improved containment. Alternatively, the containment barriers may be located between the topsheet layer and absorbent body of the absorbent article.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE THAT HAS MULTI-LAYER CONTAINMENT BARRIERS Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an absorbent article for absorbing fluids and exudates from the body, such as urine and fecal matter. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent garments, such as disposable diapers and adult incontinence garments, which are configured to collect and contain fecal material and prevent runoff.

Description of Related Art Conventional absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, employ absorbent materials located between a liquid-permeable sheet and a liquid-impermeable lower sheet to absorb exudates from the body. Such conventional absorbent articles also typically have included elasticated waistbands and elasticated leg cuffs to help reduce drainage of body exudates.

However, many of the conventional absorbent articles have not been completely satisfactory. For example, many conventional absorbent articles have not completely contained the exudates of the body within the article during use, resulting in undesirable drainage which has fouled the clothes of the wearer. This runoff problem has been particularly evident in the leg and waist regions of such absorbent articles when the water or runoff fecal matter has been segregated by the carrier during use. Typically, the runny or runny fecal matter has been forced laterally longitudinally towards the crotch of the article towards the leg and waist openings in the article due to the forces exerted by the user. Such problems are amplified when the user is particularly active, continuing to exert pressure on the article crotch area. The problem of runoff has also occurred because such fecal material, which has an affinity with the skin, has moved along the user's skin and has not been sufficiently contained and controlled within the absorbent article.

Some conventional absorbent articles have included the elasticized components and the barrier or containment fins in the leg and waist regions of the article to reduce such runoff. However, such elasticized components and containment fins have not always completely eliminated the runoff of the leg regions of such articles. For example, exudates such as running fecal matter have remained and have been transferred along the skin of the wearer until they escape through the small openings between the containment fins and the body of the wearer. Such openings between the body of the wearer and the containment flaps have caused inadequate notch of the article around the wearer and movements of the wearer during use. In addition, such containment fins have typically been not very resistant to compressive forces and have easily folded under weight or under the forces exerted by the user. Such folding has undesirably allowed the body of the wearer to contact the lining on the side of the body of the article during use which has forced any fecal exudates out of the crotch part.

As a result of this, even when such elastics of the leg and containment fins have improved and functioning of such articles, there is still a need to further reduce the number of runoffs of the fecal matter in the leg and waist regions of such absorbent article.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new disposable article has been discovered which includes at least a three-dimensional multilayer containment barrier to contain and stop the flow of side-to-body exudates and, in particular, The watery stool.

As used herein, the term "compressive strength" refers to the compressive strength value determined according to the compressive strength test as set forth below.

As used herein, the term "multiple layers" refers to at least three different layers of material desirably at least about 5 layers of material, more desirably, at least about 8 layers of material.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which at least includes a multi-layer containment barrier. The containment barrier is located on one side of an absorbent article edge to inhibit the flow of exudates from the body. The containment barrier includes multiple layers of material e where each of the layers defines an inner edge which at least partially remains or is attached to the other layers to allow the exudates of the body to flow in from an area between the layers in which the body is exposed. the use. In a particular embodiment each of the layers defines an unattached width which is at least about 10 percent of a width of the containment barrier.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having a front waist section, a back waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects the front and back waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges. , and a pair of laterally opposite side edges. The article includes a lower sheet layer, a liquid-permeable upper leaf layer which is connected in a superposed relation to the lower sheet layer, an absorbent body which is located between the upper sheet layer and the sheet layer. lower, and a pair of longitudinally extending multiple layers of containment barriers. The containment barriers are located in a spaced apart relationship laterally on the top sheet layer of the absorbent article and are configured to provide a hollow space between the wearer's buttocks and the top sheet layer for containment of body exudates. Each of the containment barriers includes at least three layers of material. In a particular embodiment, each of the layers of the containment barriers defines an inner edge which remains at least partially not attached to the other layers to allow exudates from the body to flow into an area between said layers in the body. use. The containment barrier can further define a compressive strength of at least about 50 percent.

In yet another aspect, the absorbent article may further comprise a pair of longitudinally extending containment flaps which are located along the lateral edges of the absorbent article laterally out of the containment barriers. The containment fins define a clamped edge which is at least partially attached to the side edges of the absorbent article a free edge which remains not attached to the side edges in at least the intermediate section of absorbent article, and at least an elastic member which is configured to maintain the free edge in a spaced relation and generally perpendicular from the lateral edge of the absorbent article in the intermediate section.

In still another embodiment of the present invention this relates to a disposable absorbent article having a front waist section, a rear waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects the front and back belt sections, a pair of end edges longitudinally opposite, and a pair of laterally opposite banks. The article includes a lower leaf layer, an upper sheet layer which is connected to a superimposed relation to the lower leaf layer and which defines an opening there to receive the fecal exudates., an absorbent body which is located between the top sheet layer and the bottom sheet layer, and a pair of multiple layer longitudinally extending containment barriers. The containment barriers are located in a spaced apart relationship laterally between the absorbent body and the top sheet layer of the absorbent article and are configured to provide a hollow space between the buttocks of a wearer and the absorbent body of the absorbent article for containment of the absorbent article. exudates from the body. Each of the containment barriers includes multiple layers of material, each of which defines an inner edge which remains at least partially not attached to the other layers to allow exudates from the body to flow into an area between the layers. layer in use. In a particular embodiment, the topsheet includes an elastic member adjacent to at least a portion of each lateral edge of the opening to maintain the opening in contact with the user's buttocks in use.

The various aspects of the present invention can advantageously provide an absorbent article which effectively absorbs and contains body exudates. In particular, the present invention includes at least one multi-layer containment barrier which reduces the flow of exudates from the body. For example, the absorbent article may include a pair of such containment barriers along their longitudinal side margins. The layers of the containment barrier remain at least partially attached to one another so that the exudates can flow between the layers for improved operation. The containment barriers may also be resistant to compression to space the wearer's body from the absorbent article body to provide a hollow space to contain body exudates. As a result of this, absorbent articles of various aspects of the present invention have reduced runoff when compared to conventional absorbent articles which results in improved consumer preference.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more fully understood, the additional advantages will be apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a top plane view partly in section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 representatively shows a section view of the absorbent article of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2; Figure 3 representatively shows a top plane view partially cut away from an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 representatively shows a section view of the absorbent article of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4; Y Figure 5 representatively shows a section view of the containment barriers of the absorbent article of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4 where the separated layers of the barrier are shown in an extended condition simulating the configuration during the use.

Detailed description of the invention The following detailed description will be made in the context of a disposable diaper article which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. It will be readily apparent, however, that the absorbent article of the present invention will also be suitable for use with other types of absorbent articles, such as a woman's care pad, incontinence garments, training underpants and the like. In addition, the invention will be described in the context of its various configurations. S will appreciate that the alternate arrangements of the invention may comprise any combination of such configurations.

With reference to Figures 1-4, an integral absorbent garment article, such as disposable diaper 20, generally defines a front waist section 22, a rear waist section, an intermediate section 26 which interconnects the front waist sections and posterior, a pair of laterally opposite side edges 28, and a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges 30. The front and rear waist sections include the general parts of the article which are constructed to extend essentially over the front and back abdominal regions. after the user, respectively during use. The middle section of the article includes the general part of the article which is constructed to extend through the user's crotch region between the legs. The opposite side edges 28 define the leg openings for the diaper and are generally curvilinear or contoured to fit more closely in the wearer's legs. The opposite end edges 30 define a waist opening for the cloth 20 and are typically straight but can also be curvilinear.

FIGS. 1 and 3 are representative views of pla of two variations of the diapers 20 according to the present invention in a non-contracted and planar state. L Figures 2 and 4 show sectional views of the diapers of Figures 1 and 3, respectively. In figures 1 and 3, the parts of the structure are partially cut to clearly show the inner construction of the diaper 20, and the diaper surface which makes contact with the user who is holding the watch. The diaper 20 includes a bottom sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 32, a liquid and porous top sheet permeable 34 positioned in a facing relationship with the bottom sheet 32, and an absorbent body 3 such as the absorbent pad, which is located at the bottom of the sheet. lower sheet and upper sheet. The diaper 20 also defi a longitudinal center line 38 and a lateral center line 4.0 The marginal portions of the diaper 20, such as the marginal sections of the lower sheet 32 can extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent body 36. In the illustrated embodiment , for example, the lower sheet 32 s extends outwardly beyond the terminal marginal edges of the absorbent body 36 to form the lateral margins 42 and the end margins 44 of the diaper 20. The upper sheet 34 is generally coextensive with the lower sheet 3 but can optionally cover an area which is larger or smaller than the area of the lower sheet 32 as desired.

In order to provide the improved notch and help reduce runoff of diaper body exudates 20, lateral margins 42 and end margins 44 of the cloth may be elastified with suitable elastic members, such as elastic leg members 46 and limbs. waist elastic 48. For example, the elastic leg members 4 may include the single or multiple elastic or elastomeric composite yarns which are constructed to operably fold and shrink the side margins 42 of the diaper 2 to provide the elasticized leg bands of the legs. which can closely fit around the carrier legs to reduce runoff to provide improved comfort and appearance. Similarly, the waist elastic members 48 may be employed to elasticize the margins of the end 44 of the diaper 20 to provide elasticated waistbands. The waist elastics are configured to operably collect and purse the waistband sections to provide a comfortably tight and elastic notch around the wearer's waist.

The elastic members 46 and 48 are secured to diaper 20 in an elastically contractible condition so that in normal use under tension, the elastic members effectively contract against the diaper 20. For example, the elastic members 46 and 48 may be elongated and it can be secured to the diaper 20 while the diaper is in an uncontracted condition. In Figures 1 and 3, the elastic members 46 and 48 are illustrated in their stretched condition n contracted for the purposes of clarity. Alternatively, the diaper 20 may include a pair of separate elasticized and gathered leg scutes (not shown), which are attached to diaper along the side margins 42 in at least the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 to provide the elasticated leg cuffs. Such leg gussets may be configured to extend further and bridge through the respective concave portion of the lateral margins 42.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, may further include a pair of fasteners 50 which are employed to secure the diaper 20 around the waist of a wearer. Suitable fasteners 5 include hook-and-loop type fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners, buttons, pins, automatic fasteners, mushroom and curl fasteners and the like. A cooperating side panel member 52 may be associated with each and can be constructed so as not to be elasticized or can be elastically stretchable at least along the lateral direction of the diaper 20.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, diaper 20 may also include a pair of elastically stretched longitudinally extending restraining fins 80 which are configured to maintain a perpendicular and vertical arrangement in at least the intermediate section 26 of the diaper. 2 to serve as an additional barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The containment flaps include a free edge 82 which remains unattached to the upper blade 34 of the diaper 20 in at least the middle diaper section 2 and a clamped edge 84 which remains attached to the topsh34 over essentially the full length of the containment flap 80. The containment flaps 80 also include elastic means 86 which are configured to keep the free edge 82 spaced outwardly of the top sh34 in at least the middle diaper section 26 to maintain the vertical arrangement to provide a barrier against the lateral flow of exudates. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the topsh34 can be configured to closely notch in the wearer's body so that a hollow space is created between the topsh34 and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 In such a configuration, the top sh34 includes an opening there for receiving the user's fecal exudate.

The diaper 20 can further include an emergence management layer (not shown) positioned between the upper blade 34 and the absorbent body 36 which is configured to efficiently retain and distribute the liquid exudates to the absorbent body 36. The emergence management layer can be to prevent the liquid exudates from stagnating and collecting on the part of the diaper placed against the wearer's skin thus reducing the level of hydration of the skin. The proper constructions and arrangements of the containment fins and emergence management layers are well known to those of skill in the art. Other suitable diaper components may also be incorporated into the absorbent articles of the present invention.

The diaper 20 as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, further includes at least one multilayer containment barrier 60 located along one edge of the diaper 20 to contain or absorb at least a portion of the exudates of the diaper 20. body and to reduce the flow of such diaper exudates 20. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-5, diaper 20 may include a pair of such multi-layer containment barriers 6 located along the edges side 28 of the diaper 20 in a manner extending longitudinally at least in medial section 26 of the diaper 20 to reduce the later flow of the exudates outwardly of the diaper 20. In such a configuration the containment barriers 60 are further configured to provide a hollow space between the user's buttocks and absorbent part of the diaper 20 during use. The hue space is configured to contain the exudates of the body and particular fecal exudates until they can be absorbed and desorbed by the absorbent body 36 of the cloth 20.

The diaper 20 may also include at least one multilayer containment barrier 60 located along one of the end edges 30 of the diaper 20 in a laterally extending manner to reduce the flow length of the exudates outwardly. diaper 20 in a similar manner Such a laterally extending barrier 60 may otherwise be located on one side of the end edges of the opening 54 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

The diaper 20 may be of various suitable shapes for example, the diaper may have a global rectangular shape a T-shape, or an hourglass shape approximately In the embodiment shown, the diaper 20 has a generally for I. The examples of suitable diaper configurations for use in connection with the present application other diaper components suitable for use on diapers are described in United States Patents Nos. 4,798,603 issued January 17, 1989 to Meyer others.; 5,176,668 granted on January 5, 1993 to Bernardin 5,176,672 granted on January 5, 1993 to Bruemmer and other 5,192,606 granted on March 9, 1993 to Proxmire and 5,509,915 granted on April 23, 1986 to Hanson and others, whose descriptions they are incorporated herein by reference in the extent to which they are consistent with it. The various aspects and configurations of the invention may provide distinct combinations of softness, body shaping marked in reduced red of the user's skin, reduced skin hydration and improved containment of body exudates.

The various components of the diaper 20 are integrally assembled together using various types of suitable fastening means, such as adhesives, sonic joints, thermal joints or combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown, for example, the topsheet 34 and the bottom sheet 32 are assembled together and to the absorbent body 36 with adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive and hot melt adhesive. The adhesive can be applied as a continuous and uniform adhesive layer, a standard adhesive layer, an adhesive spray pattern, or an array of separate lines, swirls, or spots of adhesive. Similarly, the other components of the diaper, such as Elastic members 46 and 48 and fasteners 50 can be assembled in the diaper article 20 by employing the above identified fastening mechanisms.

The lower sheet 32 of the diaper 20, as shown representatively in Figure 1 can suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the lower blade 32 is formed of a material which is essentially impervious to liquids. For example, a typical lower sheet may be made of a thin plastic film other material impermeable to flexible liquid. For example, the bottom sheet 32 may be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness from about 0.01 millimeter (0.5 mils per linear inch) to about 0.051 millimeters (2.0 mils per linear inch). If it is desired to present the lower sheet with a more cloth-like feel, the lower sheet 32 may comprise a polyolefin film having a non-woven fabric laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a fabric bonded to the fabric. yarn ^ d polyolefin fibers. For example, a thinned and stretched polypropylene film having a thickness d about 0.015 millimeters (0.6 mils per linear inch) may have thermally laminated thereto a woven fabric bonded with polypropylene fiber yarn, the fibers of which have a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 denier per filament, whose non-woven fabric has a basis weight of about 17 grams per square meter (0.5 ounces per square yard) Methods for forming such lower sheets of cloth type are known by that with an ordinary skill in art.

In addition, the lower sheet 32 can be formed into a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer which has been treated or constructed in whole or in part to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are on one side or near the absorbent body 36. Still further the lower sheet 32 can optionally be composed of microporous "breathable" material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent body 3 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the body. bottom sheet 32. Lower sheet 32 typically provides outer cover 20. Lower sheet 32 may also be engraved or otherwise be provided with a matte finish to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The upper sheet 34 as shown representatively in Figure 1, suitably presents a face surface to the body which is docile, of soft feel and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the topsheet 34 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 36 to present a relatively dry surface to the user, and may be sufficiently porous to be permeable to the liquid allowing the liquid to easily penetrate through the thickness. A suitable top sheet 34 can be manufactured from a wide selection of woven materials, such as porous foam, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films natural fibers (e.g., cotton or wood fibers) synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester fibers) od polypropylene) or a combination of synthetic natural fibers. The top sheet 34 is suitably used to help isolate the user's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent body 36.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics may be used for the topsheet 34. For example, the topsheet may be composed of a melt blown web or bonded with polyolefin fiber spinning. The top sheet may also be a bonded and carded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The topsheet may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a. desired level of wetting and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 34 comprises a polypropylene yarn, bonded with spinning and non-woven composite fibers of about 2.8-3.2 denier formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 20 grams per square meter and a density of about 0.13 grams per cubic centimeter the fabric can be treated on the surface with about 0.2 percent by weight of a commercially available surfactant from Rohm and Haas Co. , under the trade designation Triton 102. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, co-brush coating or the like. The surfactant may be applied to the entire upper blade 34 or particular sections of the upper blade 34 may be selectively applied, such as the middle section along the longitudinal center line of the diaper, to provide greater wetting of such sections.

The absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in Figure 1 may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as cellulose fluff, mixed with particles of high absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent body 36 comprises a cellulosic fluff matrix, such as wood pulp fluff, and the superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. The wood pulp fluff can be interchanged with meltblown, polymeric, synthetic fibers or with a combination of blown fibers with natural fibers melting. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed in an essentially homogeneous way with the hydrophilic fibers or they can not be mixed uniformly. The lint and superabsorbent particles may also be selectively placed in desired areas of the absorbent body 36 to better contain and absorb exudates from the body. The concentration of the superabsorbent particles may also vary through the thickness of the absorbent body 36. Alternatively, the absorbent body 36 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and superabsorbent material or other suitable means for maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area. .

The absorbent body 36 can have any of a number of shapes. For example, the absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped. It is generally preferred that the absorbent body 36 be narrower in the crotch area than in the front or back portions of the diaper 20. The size and the absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 36 must be compatible with the size of the intended user and the liquid load imparted by the intended use of the absorbent article.

The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural materials and polymers. The high-absorbency materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers. The term "cross-linked" refers to any means for effectively making the materials normally soluble in water essentially insoluble or water-swellable. Such media may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations, such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic associations or Van der aals forces.

Examples of high absorbency polymeric synthetic materials include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid), and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ethers) copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethers of vinyl and alf olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone) poly (vinyl alcohol) and mixtures and copolymers thereof Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such as grafted starch of acrylic acid, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and natural gums, such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and fully or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Such high absorbency materials are well known to those skilled in the art and are widely available commercially. Examples of the superabsorbent polymers suitable for use in the present invention are the SANWET IM 390 polymer available from Hoechst Celanese located in Portsmouth, Virgini and the DOW DRYTECH 2035LD polymer available from the Dow Chemical Company, located in Midland, Michigan.

The high-absorbency material can be in any of a wide variety of geometric shapes. With a general rule, it is preferred that the alt absorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However, the high-absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, rods, flakes, spheres, similar needles. As a general rule, the alt absorbency material is present in the absorbent body in a quantity of from about 5 to about 90 percent per pes based on the total weight of the absorbent body 36.

Optionally, a substantially hydrophobic tis envelope sheet (not shown) can be employed to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous structure placed by air of the absorbent body 36. The tis envelope sheet is typically placed around the absorbent body on the po at least two of the main front surfaces of the same and be composed of an absorbent cellulosic material, such as the creped wadding or a wet resistance tissue. In one aspect of the invention, the tissue wrapping sheet can be configured to provide a transmission layer which helps to rapidly distribute the liquid over the mass of absorbent fibers comprising the absorbent body. In another aspect of the invention, the wrapping sheet material on one side of the absorbent fibrous mass may be attached to the wrapping sheet located on the opposite side of the fibrous mass.

The diaper 20 of the present invention may further include at least one multi-layer containment barrier 60. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-5, the diaper 20 may include a pair of multi-layer containment barriers. 60 which are arranged in a spaced apart relationship laterally along the side edges 28 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the containment barriers 60 are configured to provide a seal with the user's buttocks to help reduce run-off. along the lateral edges 28 of the diaper 20 by preventing lateral flow of fecal exudates. "The diaper 20 of the present invention can otherwise or additionally include at least one such multi-layer containment barrier 60 along at least one of the end edges 30 of the diaper 20. In a particular embodiment , the diaper 20 may further include multi-layer containment barriers 60 along both lateral edges 28 and the end edges 30 of the diaper 20.

The individual layers 68 of the containment barriers 60 are configured to contain or absorb at least a portion of the body exudates within or between the layers. In the illustrated additions, the layers 68 of the containment barrier 60 are configured in a parallel relationship with the surface facing the body of the diaper 20. However, it is also contemplated that such layers 68 may be oriented in a perpendicular relationship with the surface facing the diaper body 20. The layered configuration of retainer barriers 60 also improves the transfer of exudates from the body by allowing the movement of such exudates between the layers in a longitudinal direction. As a result of this, the use of such multiple layer containment barriers in the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention may result in improved absorption and containment of body exudates when compared to the barriers or dams of the body. single layer.

In addition, the containment barriers 60 may be at least partially compressive resistant to provide a hollow space between the containment barriers 60, the user's buttocks and the topsheet 34 of the diaper 20 e use. The hollow space is configured to receive containing fecal exudates. At least a portion of the fecal exudates may then be absorbed or desorbed by the absorbent body 36 and / or the individual layers of the containment barriers 60. Desirably, the containment barriers 60 are configured to contain essentially all of the solid fecal exudates. in the target area of the diaper 20. As used herein, the term "target zone" refers to that portion of the diaper 20 which is configured to directly receive the discharge of the faecal exudates from the wearer and is generally located at the crotch region of the diaper 20. In particular, the target area can range from about 5 to about 10 centimeters in length with about one third of its length extending longitudinally from the lateral center line 40 of the diaper towards the front waist section 22 of diaper 20 and the rest extending longitudinally towards the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, two containment barriers 60 are placed on the face facing surface of the upper sheet 34 of the diaper 20 in a laterally spaced relationship. The containment barriers 60 may remain essentially unattached to the topsheet 34 or may be attached to the topsheet 34 using conventional means described above such as the adhesive. Desirably, the containment barriers 60 are secured to the topsheet 34 in a manner which stabilizes the barriers 60 and keeps the barriers 60 in a vertical position during use. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the containment barriers 60 may be located between the topsheet 3 and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20. In such an arrangement, the wipe 20 may include a layer or sheet of material. additional (n illustrated) between the containment barriers 60 and the absorbent body 36. Such a layer may be provided by material known to those skilled in the art such as that described above as being suitable for use as the upper sheet 34 of the diaper 20.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, the multi-layer containment barriers 60 are located along the lateral edges 28 of the diaper 20 in the intermediate section 26 of the diaper 20 and generally extend in the longitudinal direction. Desirably, the containment barriers 60 are located on the lateral edges 2 of the diaper in at least the target area of the diaper. In particular, the containment barriers 60 may be located on the diaper 20 so that about one third of its length 62 extends longitudinally from the lateral center line 40 of the diaper 20 to the front belt section 22 of the diaper 20 and the the rest extends longitudinally to the posterior waist section 24 of the diaper 20.

Desirably the multiple layer containment barriers 60 are configured to maintain contact with the user during use to provide improved resistance to exclusive flow of faecal exudates which may have occurred due to the compressive forces exerted by the user when he sits down. To reduce the effect of the compressive forces exerted by the wearer, the containment barriers 60 in the illustrated embodiments are laterally spaced so that when, the diaper is worn by a wearer, a hollow space is created between the wearer's buttocks and the wearer. retaining barriers 60 and the absorbent body 36 of diaper. The size of the hollow space will depend on the height and length of the containment barriers 60, of the lateral distance between the inner edges 70 of the containment barriers 60, and of the compression resistance of the containment barriers 60 e the use. Therefore, the design and configuration of the containment barriers 60 is important to ensure that the hollow space between the containment barriers 6 is sufficient to contain the fecal exudates while n is too large for the user's buttocks to push through the barriers of containment 60 exerting therefore compressive force on fecal exudates.

For example, in the illustrated embodiments the inner edges 70 of the containment barriers 60 can be laterally spaced from about 2 to about 10 centimeters, desirably by no more than about 8 centimeters, and more desirably by no more d about 6 centimeters for improved performance. If the containment barriers 60 are placed in a non-linear or divergent configuration as illustrated in Fig. 3, it is particularly important to maintain such a distance between the containment barriers 60 in at least the part of the cloth 20 intended to make contact with. the user's buttocks in e use. This general part may extend from about 5 to about 15 centimeters longitudinally from the lateral center line 40 of the diaper to the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the multi-layer containment barriers 60 are typically located at least partially on the upper part of the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 near the longitudinal side of the absorbent body 36. Alternatively, if the width of the absorbent body 36 is quite narrow in the middle section 26 of the diaper 20, the containment barriers 60 may extend laterally beyond the longitudinal sides of absorbent body 36. Generally, it is desired that at least the inner edges 70 of containment barriers 60 are located on absorbent body 36 so that any fecal exudates. contained in the hollow space between the user's body and the containment barriers 60 and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 can be absorbed or desorbed by the absorbent body 36 of the individual layers 68 of the containment barriers 60.

The multi-layer containment barriers 6 can have any shape which provides the desired hollow space between the wearer's buttocks and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20; the inhibition of the flow of fecal exudates and the containment and absorption of faecal exudates. Suitable cross sections for multi-layer containment barriers 60 include circular, semicircular, oval elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square, pyramidal similar. Desirably, the body facing edges of the containment barriers 60 are arched to reduce irritation and provide improved comfort to the user. The surfaces of the containment barriers 60 may also have any desired configuration or contour such as the angled, sinusoidal, or egg box shape.

In the illustrated embodiments, each containment barrier 60 generally defines a length 62, a width 64, a height 66, and an inner edge 70 and an outer edge 72. As used herein, the term "length" for each barrier d containment 60 refers to the overall length of the barrier in the longitudinal direction. As discussed above, the length 6 and height 66 of the containment barriers 60 together with the lateral spacing between the barriers are important because they define the hollow space created to contain the fecal exudates. Desirably, the new space area maximizes while the height 66 of the containment barriers 60 is minimized to provide a sufficient void volume while not causing undue discomfort for the user.

In the illustrated embodiments, the length 6 of the multilayer containment barriers 60 should be sufficient to block at least most of the conduits out of the side edges 28 of the diaper through which fecal exudates can flow. Desirably, the length 62 of the containment barriers is at least sufficient to block the lateral flow of fecal exudates from the target area of the diaper 20. For example, on a diaper article intended to be worn on an infant's size medium, the multi-layer containment barriers 6 can define a length 62 of at least about centimeters and desirably at least about centimeters. Desirably, the containment barriers 6 define a length 62 which is at least about 15 percent of the length of the diaper 20 as measured along the longitudinal centerline 38 of the diaper 20. In a particular embodiment, the containment barriers 60 define a length which is equal to about 25 percent of the length of the diaper 20 as measured along the longitudinal central line 38 of the diaper 20 for improved operation.

The length in the longitudinal direction of each layer 68 in the containment barrier 60 may also vary. For example, the length of the layer 68 which is intended to contact the wearer may be shorter or longer than the length of the layer intended to be facing the other portions of the diaper 20 or any intervening layer. In the particular embodiments, the length of the layers 68 of the containment barrier 60 is configured in a downward step ladder manner so that the length of the layer 68 intended to contact the carrier is smaller and smaller. the length of the layer facing the rest of the cloth is the largest for improved stability and performance.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the containment barriers 60 may be located along the lateral edges 28 of the diaper so that about one third of its extension extends longitudinally from the lateral centerline 40 of diaper 20. towards the front waist section 22 of the diaper 20 and the remainder extends longitudinally towards the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. Desirably, at least about 50 percent and more desirably from about 60 to about 80 percent of the length 62 of the containment barriers 60 is located rearwardly of the lateral center line 40 of diaper 20 for improved operation. As used herein, the term "backward" refers to the direction extending from the lateral center line 40 to the rear belt section 24 of the diaper 20. For example, the containment barriers 60 may extend longitudinally from the line. lateral central 40 of diaper 20 towards front belt section 22 of diaper 20 by an extension of from about d 1 to about 5 centimeters and from the lateral center line 40 of diaper 20 to rear waist section 24 of diaper 20 with a length of from about 5 to about 14 centimeters.

The height 66 of the multi-layer containment barriers 60 should be sufficient to provide the desired hollow space between the wearer's buttocks and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 and the desired seal against the wearer's body to withstand the flow of water. fecal exudates even when the diaper has been subjected to compressive forces by the user. However, the excessive height 66 of the containment sweeper 66 may undesirably result in an irritation and red marking of the wearer's skin. Desirably, the containment barriers 60 define an uncompressed height 66 of from about 0.3 to about 2.5 centimeters, more desirably of at least about 0.5 centimeters and even more desirably of at least about 0.7 centimeters for a improved performance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the containment barriers 60 can be constructed so that the inner edge height 70 of the barrier 60 is smaller than the outer edge height 72 of the containment barrier 60. In the illustrated embodiments, as used Here, the reference to "interior mode" of the containment barriers 60 refers to the lateral edge extending longitudinally of the containment barriers closest to the longitudinal centerline 38 of diaper 20 while the reference to the outer edge of the barriers containment 60 refers to the lateral edge extending longitudinally of the containment barriers located laterally outwardly of the inner edge 70 and more distant from the longitudinal centerline 38 of the diaper 20 qu of the inner edge 70. Inclining the face surface ct The body of the containment barriers 60 in such a way provides an improved comfort for the wearer through the best conformation. to the user's buttocks. In the configuration, it is still desirable that the height of the inner edge 70 of the containment barriers 60 be at least about 0.5 centimeter to effectively provide the desired hollow space between the wearer's buttocks and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 The width 64 of the containment barriers 6 provides stability to the barriers 60 so that they do not bend during use. For example, the multi-layer containment barriers 60 define a global width 64 d from about 0.5 to about 2.5 centimeters, desirably from at least about 0.6 centimeters more desirably than at least about 1.1 centimeters for a improved performance. Desirably the containment barriers 60 define a width 64 which is at least about 7 percent of the width of the diaper 20 as measured along the lateral centerline 40 of the diaper 2JQ. In a particular embodiment, the containment barriers 60 define a width 64 which is equal to about 16 percent of the width of the diaper 20 as measured along the lateral center line 40 of the diaper 20 for improved performance. Smaller widths than those set forth above may undesirably result in barrier instability and skin irritation of the wearer during use while widths greater than those set forth above may undesirably result in a diaper having a wide crotch portion which can adversely affect the notch and the operation.

The width in the lateral direction of each layer 68 in the containment barrier 60 may also vary. For example, the width of the layer 68 which is intended to make contact with the user may be less than or greater than the width of the layer intended to be facing other parts of the cloth 20 or any intermediate layer. In a particular embodiment, the width of the layers 68 of the containment barrier 60 is configured in a descendant step ladder manner so that the width of the layer 68 intended to make contact with the carrier is the smallest and widest The layer facing the rest of the diaper is the largest for improved stability and performance. In the alternate configuration, the width of the layers 68 of the containment barrier 6 can be configured in a ladder-type manner so that the width of the layer 68 attempted to make contact with the user is the largest and widest of the layer facing the rest of the diaper is the smallest. In such a configuration, the distance between the inner edges 70 of the face-to-body layer d the containment barriers 60 is less than the distance between the inner edges 70 of the face facing diaper of the containment barriers 60 in a manner of shelf type for improved exudate containment.

To maintain the stability of the containment barriers 60 during use, the containment barriers 60 define a ratio of height to width of at least 0.5, desirably of at least about 0.75, and more desirably of at least of about 1.0. The width-to-height ratios smaller than those set forth above may undesirably result in the containment barriers 60 being bent which reduces the hollow space between the wearer's body and the absorbent body 36 and results in an increased flow of fecal exudates over the body. the barriers 60.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the containment barriers 60 can be maintained or anchored in place to improve the stability of the containment barriers by one or more sheets of material such as the non-woven material the foam material which is extends at least partially on the face facing surface of the containment barriers 60 and which can be attached to the top sheet 34.o to the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20. The use of such material to anchor the barriers in place It can help to minimize the ratio of width to height required to maintain the stability of the barriers. Desirably, the sheet material conforms to the shape and contours of the containment barriers 60 to avoid any gaps that form within the material sheet and containment barriers 60. For example, the sheet of material can be adhesively bonded to the outer surface of the containment barriers 60 to prevent such separations. It is further desirable that the sheet of material surround and secure * at least three of the sides of the containment barriers 60 for improved stability. The sheets of material can be provided by any material which is relatively soft and strong to anchor the barriers 60 in place and provide a cushion between the barriers 60 and the body of the wearer. Desirably, the sheet material is a hydrophobic material so that the sheet is not configured to assist in pulling the fecal exudates over the top of the barriers 60.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the containment barriers 60 of the different aspects of the present invention may also include an inner edge 70 which is not linear in shape for improved operation. Such a curvilinear shape for the inner edge 70 of the containment barriers 60 is described in the commonly-assigned United States patent application No. 08 / 763,960 filed December 5, 1996, name of Barbara O. Sauer and entitled " ABSORBENT ARTICLE WHICH HAS THREE-DIMENSIONAL LONGITUDINAL CONTAINMENT BARRIERS ", the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the inner edge 70 of the containment barriers 60 may have a sinusoidal, stair step, stairway or V-shaped shape as is well known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the containment barriers 60 can define the inner edges 70 which are linear and which may or may not diverge from each other.

It is also desirable that the containment barriers 60 be flexible so that they readily conform to the shape and contours of the wearer's buttocks. If the flexibility of the containment barriers 60 is very low, the containment barriers may not conform effectively to the carrier's body and may cause undesirable drip and redness in the user's skin irritation.

The containment barriers 60 of the different aspects of the present invention include multiple layers 68 for improved absorption and containment of body exudates. For example, to provide such improved containment absorption, each containment barrier 60 includes at least 3, desirably at least about 5 and more desirably at least about 8 individual layers 68 of the material. The layers 68 are arranged and suitably connected together so that the inner edges 70 of the layers are free to move in relation to each other to be easily spaced to accept exudates from the body. Such spacing creates an additional surface area on the containment barrier 60 to absorb the exudates thereby providing improved absorption and containment. As discussed above, the layers 68 may be of the same or different size, shape or material, and may be oriented in parallel or in a perpendicular reaction with the face facing surface of the diaper 20. For example, the layers 68 which attempts to make contact with the user may be of a height, length, width or of a different material than that of the layers attempted to secure the barrier to the diaper 20.

As it was representatively illustrated in the figur , each layer 68 can define an inner edge 70 which remains at least partially not attached to the other layers and to an outer edge 72 which is at least partially joined to the other layers 68. Since the inner edge 70 d each layer is not attached to the other layers 68, the inner edge 70 is allowed to extend upward in use to create a separation between the layers 68 as illustrated in Figure 5. Such separation allows the exudates of the body the to flow and to be transmitted between the layers and to be contained or absorbed by the layers. To facilitate this spacing, the layers 68 can include a fold or fold extending longitudinally there which allows them to bend or flex more easily upwards. Furthermore, it has been found that the inner edge of the layers 68 made of relatively stiff material can be flexed or bent upward more easily when the containment barrier 60 is subjected to compression forces by the user to a laterally upward position from the inner shore.

The numerous layers 68 of each containment barrier 60 may be held together using the methods described above as being suitable for securing other components of the diaper 20 together such as the adhesive bond or the ultrasonic joint. The layers 68 may be held together along any portion thereof that provides the desired spacing or separation between the inner edges 70 of the layers 68 for improved absorption of the exudates., as representatively illustrated in FIG. 5, the layers 68 are at least partially joined together along the outer edges 72 but remain unattached on their inner edges 7 so that they define an unstained width 74 and a secured width 76 For an improved operation, the layers 8 desirably define an unbonded width 7 extending from the inner edge 70 which is at least about 10 percent, and more desirably from about 30 to about 80 percent. 100 of the width 64 of the containment barrier 60. In such a configuration, the body exudates flow easily between the layers 68 along the inner edges 70 thereof for improved distribution and absorption containment.

The multi-layer containment barriers 6 are configured to maintain their shape during use to effectively provide the hollow space between the user's buttocks 7 the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 and to inhibit lateral flow of the fecal exudates. For example, it is desirable that the containment barriers 60 be able to withstand any compressive forces in the direction which can be exerted by the user during use. In a further embodiment, the containment barriers 60 define a resistance to compression in the z direction of at least 50 percent, desirably at least about 70 percent, and more desirably at least around 85 percent. For example, containment barriers 6 can define a compressive strength of from about 50 to about 95 percent. When the containment barriers have a compressive strength lower than the values stated above, the containment barriers may be folded during use which adversely affects the ability of the barriers to improve the desired void space and resist the flow of fecal exudates. . While if the compression resistance of the containment barriers is very high, the containment barriers can cause a marked red unwanted irritation of the user's skin.

Desirably, the containment barriers 6 may have a sufficient compression elasticity so that the height 66 of the barriers 60 remains at least about 0.3 centimeter and desirably at least about 0.5 centimeter when the containment barriers 6 are under a compressive load of about 350 grams per square centimeter.

The layers 68 of the containment barriers 60 d of the different aspects of the present invention, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, can be made of any material which provides the desired containment and level of compressive strength. Suitable materials include foam layers, natural or synthetic fiber fibrous fabrics or combinations thereof, and multi-layer fibrous fabrics. For example, the individual layers 68 of the containment barriers 60 may be of a cross-linked polyethylene foam material which is commercially available from Sentinel Foams, a business having offices located in Hyannis, Massachusetts, under the designation of trade EMR NAT. Layer 68 may alternatively include an open celled polyester based foam material commercially available from Woodbridge Foam Fabricating Incorporated, a business having offices located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, under the trade designation SM-2 BIOFREE ELASTICIZED FOAM. Such foam materials may be particularly desirable since they act as a sponge under the compression and release of the wearer to improve the absorption of the exudates.

Alternatively, the layers 68 of the containment barriers 60 may be provided by non-woven materials such as the hydroentangled nonwoven material commercially available from EI Dupont de Nemours under the trade designation SONTARA 8423. Other suitable woven and non-woven fabrics may be provided. For example, the containment barriers 60 may include the layers 68 composed of a blown or bonded blown fabric with polyolefin fiber spinning, or a woven and carded fabric or a fabric placed thereon. air composed of natural and synthetic fibers. The carded and bonded fabric may, for example, have a basis weight of about 84 grams per square meter and include bicomponent fibers such as bicomponent fibers having a polyethylene sheath and a polyester core. Such non-woven materials can be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. Similar to foam materials, the non-woven materials can also function as a sponge with the user's release compression for improve the absorption of the exudates Desirably, at least one and most desirably most of the layers 68 of each containment barrier 60 are able to absorb the exudates from the body for an improved absorption reduction of runoff.

The different layers 68 of the containment barriers 60 may also be provided by different materials which provide different physical properties. For example, in a particular embodiment, the containment barriers 60 may include an upper layer 1 which is configured to provide gentle gentle contact with the user's buttocks. In such a configuration, the other layers can be configured to provide the desired absorption and containment of the exudates and the compression resistance to effectively provide the void space between the wearer's buttocks and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20 and inhibit the flow of such exudates. The top layer in such a configuration can be constructed of a nonwoven or foam material as described above as being suitable for the topsheet or similar materials known to those skilled in the art while the other layers can be constructed of any suitable material which has the desired compression and / or absorption resistance. The upper layer of the barrier to containment 60 can be hydrophobic. to repel exudates and maintain a cleaner appearance on the upper surface in contact with the user's skin.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention may also include a pair of elastically extending longitudinally-containing containment fins 80. The containment fins 80 are configured to maintain a perpendicular arrangement. and vertical in at least the middle section 16 of the diaper 20 to serve as an additional barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of containment fins 80 are attached to the topsheet 84 of the diaper 20 along the side edges 28 of the diaper 20. Arrangements and constructions suitable for the containment fins 80 are described, for example , in the patent of the United States of America No. 4,704,116 granted on November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe, whose description is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that it is consistent therewith.

The containment flaps 80 are attached to the upper flap 34 along the joined edges 94. The containment flaps 80 also include the free edges 92 which are configured to remain unattached to the other components of the diaper 20 at minus the intermediate section 2 of the diaper 20. The free edges 92 of the fins 80 include a flat elastic member 86 which comprises one or more individual elastic material threads. For example, a suitable elastic yarn may be composed of a LYCRA elastomer of 47 decitex which is available from E. I. Dupont de Nemours. The elastic member 86 is connected to the free edge 82 in an elastically contractible condition so that the contraction of the elastic member 86 contracts and collects the free edge 82. As a result of this, the free edge 82 of the containment fins tends to positioning itself in a spaced relation outwardly from the upper sheet 34. of the diaper 20 to a generally perpendicular and vertical configuration upwards, especially in the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 As representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the containment flaps 80 are desirably located along the lateral edges 28 of the diaper 2 laterally outwardly from the containment barriers 6 for improved containment of body exudates and, particularly, fecal exudates. In such a configuration, it is desirable that in an unrestricted configuration, the containment flaps 80 extend in a generally perpendicular manner above the containment barriers 60 by a distance of at least about 0.2 centimeters and more desirably of at least about 1.0 centimeter for improved containment of body exudates. The existence of the containment barriers 60 in the diaper of the present invention, allows the containment fins 80 to extend a greater distance than conventional containment fins because the containment barriers prevent at least one part of the containment fins 80 from bending inwardly and overlapping each other. The containment fins 80 may also be located laterally out of the barriers 60 to provide additional void space between the fins 90 and the outer edges of the barriers 60.

In the various aspects of the invention, the containment fins may be constructed of a fibrous material which is similar to those materials described as being suitable for the topsheet 34. Other conventional films such as polymer films may also be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, the containment fins 80 are constructed of a laminated material bonded with spunbond-melt-spinning yarn composed of polypropylene fibers and having a basis weight of about 25 grams per square meter.

In another embodiment of the invention, as representatively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the containment barriers 60 may be located between the topsheet 3 and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20. In such a configuration, the topsheet 34 may extend at least partially on the containment barriers 60 and include an opening 110 therein which is configured to receive the fecal exudates. The opening 54 is located so that the fecal exudates pass through the opening 54 and into the hollow space created by the containment barriers 60.

The opening 54 in the upper sheet 34 generally defines an extension in the longitudinal direction and a width in the lateral direction. The length and width of the opening 5 should be sufficient to allow the fecal exudates to pass through and into the hollow space created between the containment barriers 60. Desirably, the size of the opening 54 is not very large so that the area of the upper sheet 34 that surrounds the opening 54 prevents excessive contact of the body exudates contained within the diaper 20 with the wearer's skin. Therefore, the dimensions of the openings 54 can be controlled to provide skin comfort improve the carrier.

Desirably, the opening 54 in the topsheet 34 is similar in size to the target area of the diaper 20. For example, the aperture 54 can define an open area of at least about 5 square centimeters and desirably d from about 20 to about 50 square centimeters On a diaper article intended for use by a medium sized infant, the opening may define a length along the longitudinal centerline 38 of the diaper 20 d of at least about 4 centimeters and desirably of at least about 7 centimeters and a width as measured along the lateral center line 40 of the diaper 20 from about 1.0 to about 10 centimeters and desirably from about 2.5 to about 7.5 Desirably, the opening 54 defines a length along the longitudinal center line 38 which is at least about 20 percent of the length of the diaper 20 as s measured along the longitudinal center line 38 of the diaper 2 and a width which is at least about 20 percent of the width of the diaper 20 as measured along the lateral center line 40 of the diaper 20 an improved operation.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the opening 54 in the upper sheet 34 is desirably located such that about a third of its length extends longitudinally from the lateral centerline 4 of the diaper 20 toward the front waist section 22 of the diaper 2 and the remainder extends longitudinally towards the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. Desirably, at least about 50 percent and more desirably from about 60 to about 70 percent of the length of the diaper. opening 54 is located rearwardly of lateral centerline 40 of diaper 20 for improved operation.

The opening 54 may have any shape which is capable of receiving the fecal exudates. Suitable shapes include circular, oval, elliptical, square, rectangular and the like. In a particular embodiment as representatively illustrated in FIG. 3, the laterally opposite side edges of the opening 11 diverge from one another laterally outwardly in the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. Such a configuration has been found to better entangle The user's buttocks can provide improved reception and containment of fecal exudates.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the topsheet 34 in such a configuration may include at least one elastic member 56 which may comprise one more individual elastic material yarns. For example, a suitable elastic thread may be composed of an LYCRA 47 decitex elastomer, which is available from E. I. DuPont d Nemours. The elastic member 56 can be connected to the edge of the opening 54 in the upper sheet 34 in an elastically contractible condition so that the contraction of the elastic member 56 contracts and collects the upper sheet 34. Desirably as illustrated in FIGS. 4, the top sheet 34 includes an elastic member 56 at least along both laterally opposite side edges of the opening 54 in the upper blade 34. In such a configuration, the elastic member 56 can help provide a forming notch. narrower between the upper leaf 34 and the user's buttocks which results in an improved location of the opening over the anus of the port to better receive the fecal exudates.

Therefore, different aspects of the present invention advantageously provide an absorbent article having improved containment and control of body exudates and, in particular, fecal matter. The multi-layer containment barriers of the present invention are configured to absorb and contain at least a portion of the body exudates. In addition, the containment barriers are resilient to compression and are flexible to effectively provide a hollow space between the user's buttocks and the absorbent body of the article and inhibit the lateral flow of fecal exudates. As a result of this, the absorbent articles made according to the present invention may have a reduced incidence of runoff in the leg and waist regions of the article.

Different aspects of the present invention may also include a pair of containment fins that extend longitudinally in combination with the multi-layer containment barriers to further reduce the incidence of run-off. In addition, the upper sheet or the lining of the body of the article of the present invention can be configured to conform to the wearer's buttocks to better isolate the exudates from the wearer's body. In this configuration, the upper sheet of the article includes an aperture which is configured to allow fecal exudates to pass through the upper sheet and into the hollow space between the user's buttocks and the containment barriers and the absorbent body of the patient. Article. • Compression Resistance Test This test is configured to measure the compressive strength of the materials intended to be used as the containment dam according to the present invention. The compressive strength of the material indicates the ability of the material to maintain its shape during use.

A sample of a containment barrier according to the present invention is obtained. The compressive strength of the sample is tested on a standard compressometer such as that commercially available from the Frazier Precisió Instrument Company, a business that has offices located in Gaithersburgh, Maryland. Initially, the calibrated compressometer. The sample is then placed in the compressometer which includes a foot which defines a diameter of 3. inches. The foot is placed in contact with the sample and the original height of the sample is measured and recorded. The foot e then lowered until the pressure on the sample is 1. pounds per square inch. The compressed height of the sample is measured immediately and recorded. The value of compression resistance of the sample is then obtained by dividing the compressed height by the original height by multiplying the result by 100 percent.

The following examples are presented to provide a more detailed understanding of the invention. The examples are intended to be representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Examples The diapers which included two restraint barriers extending longitudinally along the lateral edges of the diaper were placed over 15 infants. The diapers were essentially identical to the diapers depicted representatively in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each diaper included a barrier containment of multiple layers along a lateral bank and a single-cap containment barrier along the lateral bank.

Both of the barriers were manufactured from open cell polyester based foam material commercially available from Woodbridge Foam Fabricating, Incorporated under the trade designation SM-25 BIOFRE ELASTICIZED FOAM. Each containment barrier defined a width of 3 centimeters, a length of 12.7 centimeters, and a height of about 0.5 inches under a pressure of 78.5 grams per square inch. The barrier layer included 7 layers which were joined to each other using a commercially available 0.25-inch wide two-sided adhesive tape from 3M Compan under the trade designation Y948 placed on the side of the outer edge of the barrier. Therefore, the barrier defined an unclamped width of 60 percent of the total width of the barrier. The containment barriers were fastened to the diaper using a unique adhesive account commercially available from Ato-Findley, Incorporated, under the trade designation H2096 for easy removal. The barriers were weighed with the adhesive on them before being inserted into the diaper.

The diapers were placed on the infant and the infants used the diapers until they had a bowel movement. If after 4 hours, the infant did not have a bowel movement, 60 cubic centimeters of corn in cream was injected into the diaper. After use, the diapers were removed from the infants and the containment barriers were removed from the product and reweighed. One of the diapers was not considered because the bowel movement was very hard. The difference in weight of the barriers of containment in the remaining 14 diapers defined the. amount of exudate or cream of corn contained within the barrier. The multi-layer containment barriers contained an average of 2.32 grams of exudates or corn cream. The solid single layer containment barriers contained an average of 1.9 grams of corn cream exudate. Therefore, on average, the multi-layer containment barrier contained 20 percent more than the single layer containment barrier.

Having thus described the invention in quite complete detail, it will be easy for a person of ordinary skill to make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A disposable absorbent article which includes at least one multilayer containment barrier which is located on one side of a border of said absorbent article to inhibit the flow of exudates from the body and which comprises multiple layers of material wherein each of the layers defines a free edge which remains at least partially unattached to said other layers to allow the body exudates to flow into the area between said layers in use.

2. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said containment barrier includes at least 3 of said layers of material.

3. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said containment barrier includes at least about 5 of said layers of material.

4. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each of said layers defines an unbonded width which is at least about 10 percent of a width of said containment barrier.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each said layer defines an unclamped width which is from about 30 to about 80 percent of a width of said containment barrier.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said layers of material are hydrophilic.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said layers of material comprise a woven and bonded material.

8. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said containment barrier defines a width to height ratio of at least about 0.5.

9. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said containment barrier defines a compressive strength of at least about 50 percent.

10. A disposable absorbent article having a front waist section, a back waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects said front and back waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges, and a pair of laterally opposite sides of the waist , said article includes: a) a top sheet layer, b) a top sheet layer permeable to the liquid which is connected in a superimposed relation to said top sheet cap; c) an absorbent body which is located between said upper sheet layer and said lower sheet layer; Y d) a pair of longitudinally extending multilayer retaining barriers which are located in a spaced apart relationship laterally on said top sheet layer of said absorbent article and which are configured to provide a hollow space between the buttocks of the absorbent article. a carrier and said top sheet layer of said absorbent article for the containment of body exudates wherein each of said containment barriers includes at least 3 layers of material.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said layers of said containment barriers defines an inner edge which remains at least partially not joined said other layers to allow said exudates of the body to flow inside an area between said layers in use.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said containment barriers includes at least about d 5 of said layers of material.

13. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said layers defines an unbonded width wherein said layer is not attached to any of said other layers which is at least about 10 times one hundred of a width of said containment barrier.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said layers defines an unattached width wherein said layer is not attached to any of the other layers which is from about 30 to about 80. percent of a width of said containment barrier.

15. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that at least one of said layers of material in each of said containment barriers is hydrophilic.

16. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said layers of material comprise a carded and bonded woven material.

17. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said containment barriers defines a width to height ratio of at least about 0.5.

18. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said containment barriers defines a length of at least about 15 percent of a length of said article wherein at least about 50 percent one hundred of said length of each of the containment barriers is located rearwardly of a lateral center line of said absorbent article.

19. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of the containment barriers defines a resistance to compression of at least about 50 percent.

20. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, further characterized by comprising a pair of longitudinally extending containment fins which are located along the lateral edges of said absorbent article laterally out of the containment barriers and which defines an unclamped edge which is at least partially attached to said lateral edges of said absorbent article, a free edge which remains not attached to said lateral edges and • at least said intermediate section of said absorbent article, and at least one elastic member which is configured to maintain said free edge in a generally perpendicular and spaced relation from said lateral edge of said absorbent article in said intermediate section.

21. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said free edge of each of said containment fins is configured to extend in a generally perpendicular manner up said containment barriers by a distance of at least about of 0.2 centimeters.

22. A disposable absorbent article having a front waist section, a back waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects said front and back waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges, and a pair of laterally opposite side edges. , said article includes: a) a lower sheet layer; b) a top sheet layer which is connected in a superimposed relation with said bottom sheet and which defines an opening therein for receiving the fecal exudates; c) an absorbent body which is located between said upper sheet layer and said lower sheet layer; Y d) a multi-layer containment barrier which is located on one side of said opening in said top sheet layer between said absorbent body and said top sheet layer of said absorbent article and which is configured to provide a hollow space between the buttocks of the user and said absorbent body of said absorbent article for the containment of body exudates wherein said containment barrier includes multiple layers of material each of which defines an inner edge which remains at least partially not attached to the body. said other layers to allow said body exudates to flow to an area between said layers in use.

23. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said containment sweep includes at least about 5 of said layer of material.

24. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said inner edge of each of said layers remains without holding said other layers along an unclamped width which is at least about 10 times one hundred of a width of said containment barrier.

25. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said inner edge of each of the layers remains unattached to said other layers along an unattached width which is from about 30 to about 80 percent of a width of said containment barrier.

26. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that at least one of said layers of material in each of said containment barriers is hydrophilic.

27. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said layer of material comprises a woven and bonded material.

28. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said containment sweep defines a width to height ratio of at least about 0.5.

29. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said absorbent article includes a pair of multiple layer containment barriers which extend longitudinally to one side d of said opening in a laterally spaced apart relationship

30. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that each of said containment barriers defines a length of at least about 15 percent of a length of said article and wherein at least about 50 percent of said length of each of said containment barriers is located rearwardly of a lateral centerline of said absorbent article.

31. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said containment sweep defines a compressive strength of at least about 50 percent.

32. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said aperture in said top sheet layer defines a length of at least about 20 percent of a length of absorbent article and wherein at least about 50 percent of said length of said opening is located behind a lateral centerline of said absorbent article.

33. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said layer d - upper sheet includes an elastic member adjacent to at least a portion of each lateral edge of said opening which is configured to maintain said opening in contact with the buttocks of the wearer in use.

34. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said aperture in said upper sheet layer defines a pair of laterally opposed edges which diverge laterally out of said rear waist section of said absorbent article.

35. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said aperture defines an area of at least about 5 square centimeter.

36. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said aperture includes a pair of longitudinally opposed edges and a multi-layer containment barrier is located on one side of at least one of said longitudinally opposite edges.

37. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that said multi-layer containment sweep extends completely around said opening in said upper sheet layer. SUMMARY An absorbent article includes at least one multilayer containment barrier which is configured to inhibit the flow of body exudates along the surface of the absorbent article. The containment barrier includes multiple layers of material. Each of the layers defines an inner edge which remains at least partially unattached to the other layers to allow exudates from the body to flow into an area between the layers in use for improved containment and absorption of exudates. . In a particular embodiment, the absorbent article may include a pair of such containment barriers which are laterally spaced to provide a hollow space between the buttocks of the wearer and the surface of the absorbent article to contain body exudates. In such a configuration, the absorbent article may further include a pair of longitudinally extending containment fins located on the lateral edges of the article laterally outward of the containment barriers for improved containment. Alternatively, the containment barriers may be located between the upper sheet layer and the absorbent body of the absorbent article.