MXPA02001869A

MXPA02001869A - Absorbent article.

Info

Publication number: MXPA02001869A
Application number: MXPA02001869A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Edris Bordain Nefetri
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Co
Priority date: 1999-08-23
Filing date: 2000-08-23
Publication date: 2002-08-12
Also published as: CA2376240A1; KR20020020822A; BR0013510A; NO20020869L; IL147820A0; JP2003529400A; AU6927500A; NO20020869D0; PE20010457A1; PA8500501A1; WO2001013852A1; EP1225859A1

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed exhibiting improved body fit. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The back portion has a first end and a second end. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is located adjacent to the first end and the second section located adjacent to the second end. The first and second sections are extendable in at least one direction. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge and first and second leg elastics each positioned adjacent to one of the first and second side edges. A crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The crotch portion has a first side edge, a second side edge and first and second crotch elastics each positioned adjacent to one of the first and second side edges. The first and second crotch elastics cooperate with the first and second leg elastics to provide a close fit against a wearer s body. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions. The absorbent article further includes a fastening mechanism for releasably attaching the back portion to the front portion whereby a pant like article is formed having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Description

í ABSORBENT ARTICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an absorbent article that exhibits an improved body notch. More specifically, this invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having a resuable mechanism and exhibits an improved body notch that reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, there are several absorbent articles 15 disposable which are designed to absorb and retain body fluid and / or excrement. Examples of such items include incontinence products such as underpants, trusses and undergarments, baby garments, menstrual pants for women's care, underpants 20 learning, etc. Even though most of these items work satisfactorily for their intended purpose, some are difficult to remove from the user's body. Many do not have a resutable mechanism that allows the item to be easily adjusted during use or be easily 25 removed from the user's body before the product is permanently discarded while maintaining a notch as a type of underwear. Some of the products ÍA? *. ???? ÍHi * Í, H «A. -. faith,. ^, a ^ ^ .. ^. TO ,". , * *. ^ ~. ^, ~? *? * ~ »». "* .. **, **. * J I. currently available commercially they do not conform well to the human body and this poor notch increases the possibility of fluid runoff while the product is being used. Therefore, there is still a need for a disposable absorbent article having a restrainable mechanism that provides an improved notch to the human body and reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

Now, a disposable absorbent article has been invented which exhibits an improved body notch that reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention relates to an absorbent article that exhibits an improved body notch. The absorbent article has a front part, a back part and a crotch part. The back has a first end and a second end. The back part is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is located on one side of the first end and the second section is located on one side of the second end. The first and second sections are extendable in at least one address. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second leg elastics each placed on one side of one of the first and second side edges. A part of - »*? , -'.- -. . ***** .THE. * Crotch connects the front to the back. The crotch part has a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second crotch elastics each placed on one side of one of the first and second side edges. The first and second crotch elastics cooperate with the first and second leg elastics to provide a closed notch against a wearer's body. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions. The absorbent article further includes a fastening mechanism for releasably attaching the back to the front portion so that a brief type article is formed having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

The general object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article exhibiting an improved body notch. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a disposable absorbent article having a resuable mechanism and exhibiting an improved body notch that reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

Another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article that exhibits an improved body notch that is easy to manufacture, that is relatively inexpensive and that is easy to use. Still another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article that It exhibits a notch to the improved body which has a resuscitation mechanism that can be easily adjusted to conform to the user's body.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an absorbent article exhibiting a notch to the molded body and shown in a previously assembled planar configuration.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the absorbent article showing an alternate incorporation of the clamping mechanism on the front part.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along line 5-5. * '- "* -' - fcjfcílrlflr t aaitttMftaiiUMMMttM.Maifci • i ^ -a * tíJhL. ^ - Figure 6 is a top view of a part of the back showing an alternate incorporation for the leg elastics.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along lines 7-7.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along lines 8-8.

Figure 9 is a top view of a part of the back showing a third embodiment for the leg elastics.

Figure 10 is a top view of an alternate absorbent assembly.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 taken along line 11-11.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the configuration "in use" of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1 once the back part is releasably attached to the front part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INCORPORATIONS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a disposable absorbent article 10 having a resuable mechanism. The absorbent article 10 has a longitudinal central axis X-X, a transverse central axis Y-Y and a vertical central axis Z-Z. The absorbent article 10 includes a front part 12, a back part 14 and a crotch part 16. The crotch portion 16 connects the front part 12 to the back part 14. The front, back and crotch portions 12, 14 and 16 can to be formed is a joined piece of material or two or more pieces of material. Each of the front, back and crotch portions 12, 14 and 16 can be a single layer of material or each can be formed as a laminate having two or more layers. In figure 2, the front part 12 is shown as a laminate having an upper layer 18 and a lower layer 20. Preferably, the front, back and crotch portions 12, 14 and 16 respectively, are formed as a laminate having two layers.

When a laminate is used, the top layer 18 is facing the body of the user in use and can be either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. A thermoplastic film can be used to be the upper layer 18 impervious to the liquid. The lower layer 20 is facing away from the wearer's body in use and this may also be either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. Preferably, the lower layer 20 is permeable to liquid and is formed of a soft material such as a nonwoven material. The yarn-bound material is a non-woven material manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation that is soft and compliant and functions well as the bottom layer 20. It is beneficial to make one of the layers 18 or 20 impermeable to liquid at the crotch portion 16. as to prevent the body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 10 from coming out.

The front part 12, which will be aligned around a part of the front torso of a user's body in use, includes a first end 22, a second end 24, a first side edge 26 and a second side edge 28. The front part 12 can be constructed so that its bottom layer 20 is formed of a material having fastening qualities. For example, the lower layer 20 can be formed of either a hook material or a terry material. The entire front part 12 can then act as a fastening element and can be releasably attached to another member or have another member releasably attached to it. The front part 12 can also be formed of other materials that have the ability to releasably attach to each other. The lower layer 20 may be an adhesive layer, a co-adhesive layer or may have some other properties that allow it to be releasably attached to another member.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a bottom view of the absorbent article 10 showing an alternate embodiment for the fastening mechanism on the front 12. For ease of understanding, the same numbers will be used in Figures 3 and 4 as they are. used in Figures 1 and 2 except for the use of the prime numbers for the front 12 '. The front part 12 'of the absorbent article 10' is formed of a single layer 30 having a surface 32. The surface 33 is facing away from a user's body during use. Securing to the surface 32 is a fastener 34. The fastener 34 may be a separate piece or patch of material or this may include two or more different pieces. The fastener 34 is a "releasable fastener" that has the ability to hold one member to another or have another member attached thereto. A "releasable fastener" is one that will allow two limbs to be fastened and then released multiple times. A "releasable fastener" differs from a permanent fastener which does not require that the joint be permanently destroyed once the connection is broken. The fastener 34 can be formed of a hook material or a curl material. The fastener 34 can also be formed of an adhesive, a co-adhesive or some other kind of material that will allow a releasable fastening or connection to occur with another member. The purpose of the fastener 34 will be explained below.

Returning again to figure 1, the front part 12 has a length Li. The length Li is measured - -'- '-fr * ft «t. * Parallel to the longitudinal central axis X-X. The length Li should be equal to or greater than about 2.5 centimeters.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 5, the absorbent article 10 also includes the back part 14 which will make contact with the back and sides of the wearer's torso in use. The rear part 14 has a first end 36, a second end 38 and the first and second side edges 40 and 42, respectively. The back part 14 is shown as a laminate. The laminate includes the upper layer 18 which faces the user's body during use and the lower outer layer 20 which faces away from the user's body during use. The upper layer 18 can be either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. Preferably, the upper layer 18 is permeable to liquid.

The back part 14 is divided into a first section 44 and a second section 46. The first section 44 has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end 36 to a line 48 drawn in parallel thereto. The length L2 should be equal to or greater than about 5.04 centimeters. Preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L2 should be almost between about 7.6 centimeters to about 18 centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L2 should vary from between about 15 centimeters to about 18 centimeters.

The first section 44 of the back 14 must be extendable in the transverse direction so that it can be easily stretched to accommodate the anatomy of the wearer's torso. The transverse direction is a direction parallel to the transverse center axis Y-Y of the absorbent article 10. The first section 44 may also be extendable in the X-X and / or Z-Z directions if desired. The first section 44 can be made to be extendable in a number of ways. One way is to construct the first section 44 in pleats, gathers or crimps so that when pulling one on the first and second side edges 40 and 42, respectively, the first section 44 extends in the transverse direction. Another way to make the first section 44 extendible is to form an elastic material, an elastic composite material or this can contain the elastic 50. The first section 44 can also be formed of a material having elastic properties and characteristics. Preferably, the first section 44 is elastic and will be able to stretch and retract like a rubber band. The first section 44 must be capable of extending and retracting multiple times. This ability to extend and retract will allow the resuscitation mechanism of the absorbent article 10 to be adjusted when this is necessary by the user. t # tf "Htti? -" «* - * i? fn. * ... ......" -. . , ...,. . ..., __ < . ^ ____ 1MABt_ia __.____ U? T The first section 44 will exhibit elastic properties and this is formed of a material such as a "bonded and stretched laminate". A "stretched and bonded laminate" is a material that can be used to form the first section 44. The bonded and stretched laminate is a material. Manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation which has an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah Wisconsin 54956. Other elastic materials or materials that exhibit elastic characteristics or properties may also be used. Such materials are known to those skilled in the art.

Another way of making the first elastic section 44 is to place and join one or more elongate elastic strands 50 between the upper and lower layers 18 and 20, respectively. By sandwiching multiple elastic yarns 50 between the upper and lower layers 18 and 20, one can adjust the amount of stretching in the first section 44. In Figure 1, the multiple elastic yarns 50 are shown. there are from about 2 to about 100 elastic yarns 50 present in the first section 44. Preferably there are more than about 10 to about 50 elastic yarns 50 present in the first section 50. More preferably, there are from about 15 to about 25 elastic yarns present in the first section 44. The elastic yarns 50 may be in the form of yarns, ribbons, bands, elongated strips, etc. The cross-sectional configuration of the iAAa .t i.1 ^ ^ 1, iTÉtiiif i Jjj * J ^^^ £ elastic yarns 50 may vary. The cross section of the elastic threads 50 can be circular, square, rectangular, oval, etc. The elastic threads 50 will preferably extend transversely through the first section 44 from the first side edge 40 to the second side edge 42. The elastic threads 50 function to cause the first section 44 to make secure and comfortable contact with the back and shoulders. sides of a torso of the wearer and prevent the filtering of fluid from occurring at or above the waist opening.

As shown in Figure 1, the elastic threads 50 can be present throughout the full length L2 of the first section 44. Similarly, if the first section 44 is made of an elastic material, the elastic material can be extended to the full length L2.

The amount by which the first section 44 can be stretched or extended may vary depending on the type of disposable absorbent article produced and the size of the person using that article. However, for an incontinence garment designed to be worn by an adult, the first section 44 must be able to extend in a transverse direction, at least about 25%. Preferably, the first section 44 must be capable of extending in the transverse direction by at least about 50%. More preferably, the first section 44 must be capable of extending in the transverse direction so less for around 75%. More preferably, the first section 44 should be capable of extending in the transverse direction by from between about 75% to about 400%. The first section 44 should also be designed to fit about from about 25% to about 80% of a person's torso when in a non-extended condition. Preferably, the first section 44 should be designed to fit about between about 30% to about 70% of a person's torso when in a non-extended condition. More preferably, the first section 44 should be dimensioned so as to fit about from about 40% to about 60% of the person's torso when in a non-extended condition. This size dimension for the first section 44 will deduce the need for the material that forms it to be stretched to an extreme amount when it is being carved around a person's torso.

Referring again to Figures 1-3, the back part 14 includes a clamping mechanism to releasably fasten it to the front part 12 so that a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of openings is formed. of leg. The fastening mechanism can include a first fastener 52 and a second fastener 54, each secured to the back 14. Each of the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 can be placed on one side of one of the first side edges and J * ?? A .. second 40 and 42, respectively. Each of the first and second fasteners 52 and 64 can be secured by means of rubber, adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, heat, pressure or by any combination of heat and pressure, by wire, by mechanical means or by other means known by those experts in the art. Figures 1-3, first and second fasteners 52 and 54 are shown as distinctive and discrete members having a rectangular profile. The first and second fasteners 52 and 54 are shown being located slightly inward of the respective first and second lateral edges 40 and 42. The size and shape of the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 may vary. Each of the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 is preferably formed of a similar material even though each may be made of a different material if so desired. The first and second fasteners 52 and 54 can be formed of many different types of materials. For example, the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 can be an adhesive, a co-adhesive, a hook material, a curl material, etc. Preferably, the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 are formed of either a hook material or a curl material since these materials are readily available and inexpensive.

It should also be recognized that other types of fastening mechanism can be used to releasably fasten the front and back parts 12 and 14 together. Such other Clamping mechanisms can include adhesives, co-adhesives, as well as mechanical fasteners such as buttons and leaflets etc. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the various fastening mechanisms that can be used.

The first and second fasteners 52 and 54 are constructed so that they are releasably fastened to the front 12 or 12 prime. For example, at least one of the fasteners 52 and 54 can be made of a hook material so that it can be releasably attached to the front part 12 or 12 'which can be formed of a loop material. It is also possible to form at least one of the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 of a loop material so that it can be releasably fastened to the front part 12 or 12 'which would be formed of a hook material. The resurfacing aspect of this invention allows the user to easily remove the absorbent article 10 from his torso, for example, to go to the bathroom. The resealable aspect also allows the user to release and adjust the notch of the absorbent article 10 against his body as required. For example, if the absorbent article 10 appears to be too loose or too tight, the fasteners 52 and 54 can be released and readjusted.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown an alternate incorporation by a fastener 56 which is secured to the first side edge 40 of the first section 44. The fastener 56 is shown as a separate piece of material securely attached to the first side edge 40 so as to extend outwardly therefrom. A similar fastener 56 will be present on the second lateral edge 42 of the first section 44. As explained above for the first and second fasteners 52 and 54, the fastener 56 can be formed of a material of hooks, a material of curls or of some other kind of material. The fastener 56 can be elastic or non-elastic. The fastener 56 may vary in size and shape and as it is permanently secured on the back 14. Preferably, the fastener 56 is either a hook or loop material that can be releasably fastened to the front 12 or 12 '. It should be noted that the entire surface of each of the fasteners 56 does not have to be formed of a fastening material. Instead of this, only a part of the surface can be the element of the fastener and the remaining part of the surface can be formed of a material without fastening.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 7, the second section 46 of the back part 14 has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end 38 to the line 48 drawn parallel to the first end 36. The length L3 must be equal to or greater than about of 2.5 centimeters. Preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L3 should vary from between about 8 centimeters to about 25 centimeters. More preferably, lUJ.? - X?. * aiM ..:; For an adult-sized garment, the length L3 should vary from about 10 centimeters to about 20 centimeters.

By designing and manufacturing the absorbent article 10 to have a L2 / L3 ratio which varies from about between about ol to about 2, one can improve the notch to the body of the disposable absorbent article 10. Preferably, the L2 / L3 ratio varies from between about 0.2 to about 1.6, and more preferably, the L2 / L3 ratio ranges from between about 0.3 to about 1.5. By manufacturing the back 14 to this desired ratio, one can minimize the fluid filtration.

The amount by which the second section 46 can be extended or stretched may vary depending on the type of disposable absorbent article produced and the size of the person using that article. However, for an incontinence garment designed to be worn by an adult, the second section 46 must be capable of extending in the transverse direction by at least about 25%. Preferably, the second section 46 must be capable of extending in the transverse direction by at least about 40%. More preferably, the second section 46 must be capable of extending in the transverse direction by at least about 50%. Plus . yzá Ía¿ ^ j_l_jij = _jfaji ^ _; a > ___; _ ¡________ ^. _. "" __ ..,,. The second section 46 should preferably be capable of extending in the transverse direction by from between about 25% to about 150%.

The second section 46 may or may not contain the elastic 50 that extends transversely. The second section 46 will contain the roughness 47, preferably a multitude of roughness. The rugosities 47 are wrinkles or creases that give the second section 46 a wavy or wrinkled appearance. The folds, folds, gathers or other means of overlapping the material forming the second section 46 can also be used if desired. The roughness 47 allows the material to form the second section 46 to be stretched or extended in at least the transverse direction. Preferably, the material forming the second section 46 will be stretchable in more than one direction, for example, in the longitudinal and transverse directions as well as in the z-direction. As the material forming the second section 46 extends, the roughness 47 will extend to a planar orientation.

The ridges 47 can be aligned parallel to or at an angle to the longitudinal central axis X-X of the absorbent article 10. If they are aligned at an angle, the angle can vary from 0 to 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal central axis X-X. ______ __ __ __ __ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ __ __. The second section 46 has the first and second leg elastics 56 and 58 that are aligned adjacent to the first and second edges 62 and 64. Preferably, line 48 will intersect at a point in where the first and second edges 62 and 64 meet the first and second edges 40 and 42 respectively. The first and second leg elastics 56 and 60 may include one or more elastic threads, tapes, bands or strips that are arranged approximately parallel to the first and second edges 62 and 64, respectively. Preferably, there are from about one to about 6 elongated elastic yarns that each constitute leg elastic 58 and 60. More preferably, each of the leg elastics 58 and 60 contains three elastic threads. The elastic threads can be aligned parallel to each other. For good results, the elastic threads 58 and 60 should be placed inwardly by about 2.5 centimeters from the first and second edges 62 and 64, respectively. More preferably, leg elastics 58 and 60 should be placed inwardly by about 2 centimeters from the first and second edges 62 and 64, respectively. More preferably, the leg elastics 58 and 60 should be placed inwardly for about 1.3 centimeters from the first and second edges 62 and 64.

First and second leg elastics 58 and 60 are shown extending from line 48 to second end 38 of back 14. One should note that the exact location of line 48 dictates whether leg elastics 58 and 60 are completely contained within the second section 46 in case these extend into the first section 44. In one embodiment, see Figure 1, the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 are located on one side of at least one of the multiple elastic yarns 50 present in the first section 44. In a second embodiment, see Figure 6, each of the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 extend to one of the first and second side edges 40 and 42, respectively, of the first section 44. The first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 do not actually contact or intersect one of the multiple elastic threads 50 but are aligned in a proxim ad close to the elastic threads 50. This will allow the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 to extend in at least the transverse direction as the elastic threads 50 are stretched in the transverse direction. Preferably, the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 will extend in the x direction and in the direction and when the elastic threads 50 are stretched in the transverse direction.

Referring again to Figure 6, the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 may extend outwardly from the first and second side edges 40 and 42 of the first section 44, if desired. Leg elastics 58 and 60 work to fold the material from which the The second section 46 is formed in an adjacent place by the leg openings. The leg openings are formed by releasably fastening the first and second fasteners 52 and 64 to the front part 12 to form a brief type article. Various types of elastics can be used to form the leg elastics 58 and 60. The leg elastics 58 and 60 should have a tension of between about 10 grams to about 400 grams. Preferably, the leg elastics 58 and 60 should have a tension of between about 50 grams to about 220 grams. More preferably, the leg elastics 58 and 60 should have a tension of between about 80 grams to about 200 grams.

Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the absorbent article 10 also includes the crotch portion 16. The crotch portion 16 connects the front panel 12 to the back 14. As noted above, the front 12, the back 14 and the crotch part 16 can all be part of a single material sheet. The crotch portion 16 has a first side edge 66 and a second side edge 68 and may have a hourglass, rectangular, square, oval configuration or some other configuration. Each of the lateral edges 66 and 68 can be straight and aligned parallel or not parallel to one another. The side edges 66 and 68 can also be arched, curved, irregular, convex or concave in shape. Preferably, Í. ¿U .¡ Í. .ili *!,: the lateral edges 66 and 68 are arched with the narrowest distance between the lateral edges 66 and 68 occurring along the transverse center line Y-Y.

The crotch portion 16 can be a laminate or single layer as shown. Since the crotch part 16 acts as a separator for the body fluid that is absorbed by the absorbent article 10, it must be impermeable. If the crotch portion 16 is a laminate, at least one of the layers forming the laminate should be impermeable to the liquid. Polypropylene, polyethylene, or any other thermoplastic material works well as a liquid impermeable layer. Preferably, the crotch portion 16 is a laminate formed of a layer of a thermoplastic film and a layer of a nonwoven material. The non-woven material can be joined with yarn. Said spunbonded material is a nonwoven material manufactured and marketed by Kimberly-Clark Corporation having an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah Wisconsin 54956.

The crotch portion 16 also includes the first and second crotch elastics 70 and 72, respectively. The crotch elastics 70 and 72 are located on one side of the first and second side edges 66 and 68, respectively. The crotch elastics 70 and 72 are preferably contoured to match the profile of the side edges 66 and 68. The crotch elastics J ha ?? iie? L ^ t? 70 and 72 are located inwardly by about 2.5 centimeters from the first and second lateral edges 66 and 68, respectively. Preferably, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 are located inwardly by about 2 centimeters from the first and second side edges 66 and 68, respectively. More preferably, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 are located inwardly for about 1.3 centimeters from the first and second side edges 66 and 68, respectively.

The crotch elastics 70 and 72 should have a tension of between about 10 grams to about 400 grams. Preferably, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 should have a tension of between about 50 grams to about 220 grams. More preferably, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 should have a tension of between about 80 grams to about 200 grams.

The crotch elastics 70 and 72 may include one or more elongated elastic threads, ribbons or strips. Preferably, each of said first and second crotch elastics 70 and 72 includes at least two elastic strands, and more preferably, at least 3 strands of elastics. The threads of each of the crotch elastics 70 and 72 can be aligned parallel to one another or they can be aligned in a non-parallel relationship if desired. A parallel alignment is preferred. The threads of each of the crotch elastics 70 and 62 can be spaced fairly closely together, for example, within 1 millimeter attached to each other. The exact spacing can be adjusted depending on the size of the article, the width of the crotch part 16, the resistance of the crotch elastics 70 and 72, the material of which the absorbent article 10 is constructed etc.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 can be placed and secured between the layers 18 and 20 forming the laminate similar to that shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 can be adhered to an upper surface 74 of the upper layer 18 of the laminate, see Figure 8. Preferably, the first and second crotch elastics 70 and 72 are attached to the upper surface 74 of the top layer 18 by an adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 9, three different embodiments are shown for the elastic threads 50, the leg elastics 58 and 60 and the crotch elastics 70 and 72. In FIG. 1, one end of the leg elastics 58 and FIG. 60 is abutting the elastic threads 50 near the line 48. An opposite end of each of the leg elastics 58 and 60 terminates at the second end 38 of the rear part 14, and abutting one end of each of the crotch elastics 70 and 72. The important aspect is that the leg elastics 58 and 60 cooperate with the elastic threads 50 crotch elastic strands 70 and 72 to provide a narrow notch against the wearer's body. This notch will occur around the crotch area and around both leg openings.

In Figure 6, an alternate configuration is shown in which the leg elastic 58 continues to the first side edge 40 of the first section 44. The leg elastic 60 on the opposite side of the absorbent article 10, not shown, will continue to second side edge 42. In figure 9, a third embodiment is shown in which one end of the leg elastic 58 is spaced apart from the elastic threads 50 by a separation, indicated with the letter Gl. The opposite end of the leg elastic 58 is spaced apart from one end of the crotch elastic 70 by a gap, indicated as G2. The separations Gl and G2 should be less than about 2.5 centimeters apart. Preferably, the separations Gl and G2 should be less than about 1.3 centimeters apart, and more preferably, the separations Gl and G2 should be about 1 centimeter apart. The separations Gl and G2 are measured when the absorbent article 10 is placed flat and in an extended condition.

It is to be noted that the ends of the leg elastics 58 and 60 may be spaced apart, abutting or overlapping the threads. elastics 50 and one end of the crotch elastics 70 and 72. It is also possible to run or extend the crotch elastics 58 and 60 outside the first and second side edges 40 and 42 of the first section 44. In this case, the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 may be aligned parallel to the elastic threads 50. In addition, it is possible to construct the leg elastics 58 and 60 and the crotch elastics 70 and 72 so that one is an extension of the other . In other words, the leg elastic 58 and the crotch elastic 70 will be the same piece of elastic. Similarly, the elastic 60 and the crotch elastic 72 will be the same piece of elastic.

The tension in the leg elastics 58 and 60 can be made to be less, equal to or greater than the tension in the crotch elastics 70 and 72 or the tension in the elastic yarns 50. Preferably, the tension in the elastic yarns 58 and 60 will be greater than the tension in the crotch elastics 70 and 72. In addition, the tension in the elastic threads 50 can be equal to or greater than the tension in any of the leg elastics 58 and 60 or in the crotch elastics 70 and 72. Preferably, the tension in the elastic threads 58 will be greater than the tension in any of the leg elastics 58 and 60 or the crotch elastics 790 and 72.

Returning back to the back 14, it should be noted that the interaction of the elastic yarns 50 of the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 and of the first and second crotch elastics 70 and 72 will allow the absorbent article 10 to properly notch in the body of the user. When the lateral edges 40 and 42 are pulled and separated, the elastic threads 50 will be stretched in the horizontal direction or by an x. When this occurs, the second section 44 will expand in the x and y directions and the roughness 47 will flatten out. This action will cause the leg elastics 58 and 60 to extend outward in the x and y directions. By extending the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60, these will create tension on the crotch elastics 70 and 72 and cause them to stretch as well. It should be noted that the crotch elastics 70 and 72 will not extend to the same extent as the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60. The extension of the elastic threads 50, the first and second leg elastics 58 and 60 and the first and second crotch elastics 70 and 72 will create what is called "notch lines". The "notch lines" ensure that adequate pressure is applied against the waist, legs and crotch regions of the wearer's body to prevent body fluid from leaking from the absorbent article 10.

Referring again to Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8, the absorbent article 10 may include a liner permeable to the liquid 76. The liquid permeable liner 76 is also referred to as a body-side cover. The liner 76 is not required but the absorbent article 10 will be described as, including the liner 76. The liquid permeable liner 76, when present can be formed of any natural or synthetic material that is permeable to liquid. The liquid permeable liner 76 can also be formed from a nonwoven material. The yarn-bonded material is a good material from which to build the liquid-permeable liner 76.

The body side liner 76 can be secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions 12, 14 or 16. The body side liner 76 is shown as being directly attached to the crotch portion 16 of the body. Figure 8. Alternatively, the side-to-body liner 76 can be indirectly attached to the crotch portion through one or more layers. In this case, the intermediate layer will be secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions 12, 14 or 16. For example, the side-to-body liner 76 can be secured to a liquid-impermeable separator, which it is then adhesively secured to the crotch part 16.

In Figure 1, the periphery of the liner side to body 76 and the periphery of the crotch portion 16 are shown as being cotermines. When the crotch elastics 70 and 72 are placed on the upper surface 74 of the laminate, see FIG. 8, these can be adhesively secured to the side-to-body liner 76 so that these are arranged on one side of the side edges 66 and 68 of the crotch part 16.

The absorbent article 10 further includes an absorbent 78 positioned under the liquid permeable liner 76. The absorbent 78 may be in direct contact with the upper layer 18 of the crotch portion 16. The absorbent 18 is designed to absorb body fluid, especially urine and may include one or more layers of absorbent material. The layers can be constructed of similar or different materials. Suitable materials for the absorbent 78 include cellulose, wood pulp flux, rayon, cotton and meltblown polymers such as polyester, polypropylene or coform. The coform is a combination formed by blown air with fusion of meltblown polymers such as polypropylene, and absorbent basic fibers such as cellulose. A preferred material is wood pulp fluff, because of its low cost, its relative ease in forming and because it has a high absorbency. It should be noted that if two or more layers are used, it is not necessary that all the layers are formed of the same material or have the same density.

The absorbent 78 may also be formed of a composite comprised of a hydrophilic material which may be formed of various natural or synthetic fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton or regenerated cellulose fibers, or a mixture of pulp and other fibers. N preferred material is a tissue placed by air.

It is also possible and sometimes advantageous to insert a superabsorbent material into the absorbent 78 to increase its ability to absorb a large amount of fluid relative to its own weight. Typical superabsorbents used in absorbent articles such as diaper incontinence garments can absorb more than ten times their body fluid weight. The superabsorbent material can be inserted as particles, fibers or as a sheet. Hydrofunctional polymers have been found to be good superabsorbents for disposing of absorbent articles. Such superabsorbents are commercially available from Dow Chemical Company, Stockhaussen Inc., as well as from other companies. Two such superabsorbents are DCH® 2035 M and FAVOR SXM 880. DCH® is a brand of Dow Chemical Company that has an office at 2030 Dow Center, Midland Michigan 48642. FAVOR® is a registered trademark of Stockhaussen Inc, having an office at 2401 Doyle Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406. The superabsorbent may be a partially neutralized salt of crosslinked copolymers of polyacrylic acid. Other types of superabsorbent materials known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

I ******? * »*, I. > jh- ^ > . i .....?: --- .; ...? lAtt llhL.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown an absorbent assembly 80 which includes, from the upper to the lower part, a liquid-permeable body side liner 76, one or more layers of an absorbent 78, a layer being shown , and a liquid impermeable separator 82. The liquid impermeable separator 82 can be formed of a thin layer of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The separator 82 can be formed from other kinds of material impervious to liquid. Preferably, the separator 82 is formed of a liquid impervious film. It should be noted that the separator 82 can be formed of a laminate wherein at least one of the layers is impermeable to the liquid.

In the absorbent assembly 80, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 are placed in the form of a sandwich between the liner 76 and the separator 82. The crotch elastics 70 and 72 can be held in place by an adhesive, an adhesive, by ultrasonic , by heat, by pressure, by a combination of heat and pressure, or by some other bonding mechanism known to those skilled in the art. It is also possible to secure the crotch elastics 70 and 72 to the lower or outer surface of the separator 82 if desired. For good results, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 should be placed within about 2.5 centimeters from the respective side edge 66 and 68. More preferably, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 should be positioned with about 2 centimeters of the respective side edge 66 and 68. More preferably, the crotch elastics 70 and 72 should be positioned within about 1.3 centimeters of the respective side edge 66 and 68.

The absorbent assembly 80 can be placed or placed in or on the penalty 16 of the absorbent article 10 and can be obtained in place by an adhesive or some other type of fastener. Since the separator 82 is impervious to liquid, the crotch portion 16 will not have to be constructed of a material impervious to liquid. The absorbent assembly 80 may be either permanently or releasably secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions 12, 14 or 16 of the absorbent article 10. Preferably, the absorbent assembly 80 is secured to the crotch portion 16. by an adhesive. Alternatively, the absorbent assembly 80 can serve as the front and crotch portions 12 and 16 respectively of the absorbent article 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 12, the first and second fasteners 52 and 54 are releasably fastened to the front part 12 to form a brief-type article 84. The pant-type article 84 has a waist opening 86 and pair of first and second leg openings 88 and 90. The leg elastic 58, the elastic of crotch 70, and possibly the first elastic section 44 may cooperate to form the folds 92 about the first leg opening 88. Similarly, the leg elastic 60, the crotch elastic 72 and possibly the first elastic section cooperate to form the legs. folds 94 around the second leg opening 90. It should be noted that the absorbent article 10 can be sold in either the flat condition, and not assembled, as shown in Figure 1 or in the assembled condition, as shown in FIG. figure 12 Referring again to Figure 1, the back 14 of the absorbent article 10 has been described with reference to a first section 44 and a second section 46. The first section 44 has a length L2 and the second section 46 has a length L3, both measured parallel to the longitudinal central axis XX. The combination of length L2 and length L3 is equal to a new length L4. The length L4 should vary from between about 7.5 centimeters to about 64 centimeters. Preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L4 should vary from between about 18 centimeters to about 43 centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L should vary from between about 25 centimeters to about 38 centimeters.

In addition, the absorbent article 10 has a - .. * .M. ¿?? Ié? -t ~ - overall length L5 measured perpendicularly from the first end 22 of the front part 12 to the first end 36 of the rear part 14. The length L5 must vary from between about 25 centimeters to about 114 centimeters. Preferably, for an adult size garment the length L5 should vary from between about 51 centimeters to about 102 centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment the length L5 should vary from between about 76 centimeters to about 89 centimeters.

An L / L5 ratio can be established which varies from between about 0.1 to about 0.5. Preferably, the L / L5 ratio varies from between about 0.2 to about 0.5 and more preferably, the L4 / L5 ratio ranges from about 0.3 to about 0.4. By designing and manufacturing the absorbent article 10 to fit within the values set for the L4 / L5 ratio, one can be confident that the absorbent article 10 will exhibit an improved body notch and it will be less feasible to drain body fluid.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it will be understood that many alternatives, variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Therefore, this invention is intended to Í x * a. ^ ___, AAaa ^ n. . . • -, flf fliftffl ** - j lt-ih t. ». -- TO. encompass such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: 5 a) a front part; b) a rear part having a first end and a second end, said rear part being divided into a first 10 section and in a second section, said first section is located on one side of the first end and said second section is located on one side of the second end, said first and second sections are 15 extendable in at least one direction, and said second section has a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second leg elastics each placed one next to the edges 20 first and second side; c) a crotch part connecting said front part to said back part, said crotch part having a first edge 25 side, a second lateral edge and the first and second crotch elastics each placed on one side of one of the The first and second side edges, said first and second crotch elastics cooperate with said first and second crotch elastics to provide a closed notch against the wearer's body; d) an absorbent secured to at least one of said front, back or crotch portions; Y means for releasably attaching said back part to said front part whereby a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings is formed.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first section is elastic.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first section has a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and said first section includes multiple elastic threads extending from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge. ÍÚÁÁÁ,

4. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 3 characterized in that said first and second leg elastics are located on one side of at least one of the multiple elastic threads.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent article has a longitudinal central axis and a transverse central axis and said first and second sections are extendable in a transverse direction.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 5 characterized in that said first section is capable of extending in the transverse direction by at least about 25%.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 5 characterized in that said second section is capable of extending in the transverse direction by at least about 25%.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 5 characterized in that said second section contains roughnesses aligned at an angle to said longitudinal central axis. l A? Jt? J Jub ± ^ aa.a > *.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that each of said first and second crotch elastics is abutted with one of the first and second leg elastics.

10. An absorbent article comprising: a) a front part; a rear part having a first end and a second end, said rear part is divided into a first section and a second section, said first section is located on one side of the first end and said second section is located on one side of the second end, said first section is elastic and said second section contains roughness, said first and second sections are extendable in at least one direction, and said second section has a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and the first and second leg elastics each placed one adjacent to the ortho of said first and second lateral edges; c) a crotch part connecting said front part to said back part, said crotch part having a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second crotch elastics each placed on one side of one of the lateral edges first and second, said first and second crotch elastics cooperate with said first and second leg elastics to provide a closed notch against a wearer's body; d) a liquid-permeable liner secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions; e) an absorbent placed under said liner; Y f) means for releasably attaching said rear part to said front part, so that a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings is formed. i¿kA.¿, ... ».-.» .. jfcsfe jfea .a aA.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that each of said first and second leg elastics are spaced apart from one of the first and second crotch elastics.

12. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that one end each of the first and second crotch elastics are located on one side of one of said first and second leg elastics and an opposite end of each of said legs. First and second leg elastics are located on one side of at least one of said multiple elastic yarns included in said first section.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said absorbent article has a longitudinal central axis and a transverse central axis and said first section is extendable in a transverse direction by at least 50% and said second section is extendable in a cross direction at least 25%.

14. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 13 characterized in that said roughnesses are aligned at an angle to said central axis 5, * "* > , *. | »M ^ ^ * jj¡ ^^^^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^^ longitudinal and said rugosities are extendable to a planar orientation to be extended to said first section.

15. An absorbent article comprising: a) a front part; b) a rear part having a first end and a second end, said rear part is divided into a first section and a second section, said first section is located on one side of said first end and said second section is located at a side of the second end, said first section has a first side edge and a second side edge and includes multiple elastic threads extending between said first and second side edges, said second section having a first side edge, a second side edge and elastic sides of first and second leg each placed on one side of one of said first and second lateral edges; said second section contains rugosities and said first and second sections are extendable in at least one direction; c) a crotch part connecting said front part to said back part, said crotch part having a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second crotch elastics each placed on one side of one of minus one of said first and second side edges, said first and second crotch elastics cooperate with said first and second leg elastics to provide a closed notch against a wearer's body; d) a liquid-permeable liner secured to at least one of said front, back or crotch portions; an absorbent placed below said liner; Y f) means for releasably attaching said rear part to said front part so that a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings is formed. ; ..i. ^ ¿. " n ^ ».

16. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that each of said first and second leg elastics are butted at one end of one of said first and second crotch elastics.

17. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that said absorbent article has a longitudinal central axis and a transverse central axis and said first and second sections are extendable in a transverse direction by at least 25%.

18. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said first section is extendable in a transverse direction by at least 50%.

19. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said first section is extendable in a transverse direction by at least 40%.

20. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that said roughnesses are aligned at an angle to said longitudinal central axis and said rugosities extend to a flat orientation when said first section is extended. t¡-¿it-ákAJItáíi a? «Ai áXi. SUMMARY An absorbent article that exhibits an improved body notch is described. The absorbent article has a front part, a back part and a crotch part. The back has a first end and a second end. The back part is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is located on one side of the first end and the second section is located on one side of the second end. The first and second sections are extendable in at least one direction. The second section has a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second leg elastics each placed on one side of one of the first and second side edges. A crotch part connects the front to the back. The crotch part has a first side edge, a second side edge and the first and second crotch elastics each placed on one side of one of the first and second side edges. The first and second crotch elastics cooperate with the first and second leg elastics to provide a closed notch against the wearer's body. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions. The absorbent article further includes a clamping mechanism for releasably attaching the back to the front part so that an article is formed l \ X ?, < \ 2 & * fejy ká ^^^^^^ g ^ type of shorts that has a waist opening and a pair? ß leg opening. 01 /. ?or%