MXPA02010139A

MXPA02010139A - Disposable absorbent underpants.

Info

Publication number: MXPA02010139A
Application number: MXPA02010139A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Michael Scott Brunner
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Co
Priority date: 2000-05-08
Filing date: 2001-04-26
Publication date: 2003-03-10
Also published as: ZA200207917B; BR0110230A; AR028391A1; KR20020091281A; WO2001085080A1; JP2003532495A; EP1280492A1; AU5730301A

Abstract

The disposable underpants include an outer cover and an inner liner attached to the outer cover. An absorbent pad secured to the crotch portion, includes a liquid permeable cover, a liquid impermeable baffle and an absorbent layer positioned therebetween. A first pair of leg elastics is secured between the outer cover and the inner liner at the front portion such that each of the first pair of leg elastics is positioned adjacent to one of the pair of leg openings. A second pair of leg elastics is secured between the outer cover and the inner liner at the back portion such that each of the second pair of leg elastics is positioned adjacent to one of the pair of leg openings. A third pair of leg elastics is secured between the liquid permeable cover and the liquid impermeable baffle such that each of the third pair of leg elastics is positioned adjacent to one of the pair of leg openings intermediate one of the first and second pairs of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is separated from at least one of the first and second leg elastics by a gap. The first, second and third pairs of leg elastics allow gathers to form about each of the leg openings to prevent leakage of body fluid from the underpants.

Description

DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT WRISTBANDS Field of the invention This inventrelates to disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid. More specifically, this inventrelates to disposable absorbent underpants that retain at least 100 grams of urine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For a long time, disposable underpants have been commercially available for infants and young children as diapers and underpants. They have also been available for adults who suffer from incontinence. Many of these underpants have used elastics around the leg openings to form pleats in a manner that prevents fluid filtratfrom the body of the underpants. It has been found that when the elastic completely surrounds each of the leg openings, pressure marks may remain on the thighs of the wearer if the elastic is very tight. It has also been found that when three or more discrete elastic sect are secured around each leg opening, filtering may occur at points where the elastics overlap each other. The overlap of two sect of elastics can also originating a stop or a protrusthat can cause irritatdiscomfort to the user of the underpants.

At present, disposable underpants have been developed that use two or more discrete elastic sect separated from each other and placed around each leg opening. Each discrete elastic sectis separated from an adjacent sectby an intermediate opening. The openings formed between the adjacent sect ensure that the elastics do not overlap each other even when the elastic contracts and collapses the material to which they are secured. By eliminating the overlaps of the elastics around each leg opening, filtering of the body fluid from the underpants can be avoided.

Synthesis of the invention Briefly, this inventrelates to disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid. The disposable underpants include an outer cover having a front part and a back part joined together by a crotch part. An inner lining is attached to the outer cover. The inner lining has at least one front part and one back part and the front back port of the outer cover and the inner lining are joined together to form the waist and leg openings An absorbent pad is secured to the crotch part. The absorbent pad includes a liquid permeable cover, a liquid impervious separator and an absorbent layer placed therebetween. A first leg elastic pair is secured between the outer cover and the inner lining at the front so that each of the elastics of the first leg pair is positd adjacent to one of the openings of the first leg pair. A second pair of leg elastics are secured between the outer cover and the inner lining at the rear so that each of the elastics of the second leg pair is positd adjacent to one of the pairs of leg openings. A third pair of leg elastics are secured between the liquid-permeable cover and the liquid-impervious separator so that each third pair of leg elastics are positd adjacent to one of the intermediate leg openings of the first and second pairs of elastics of the leg. leg. Each elastic of the third leg pair is separated from at least one of the elastics d the first and second pairs of leg opening. The first second and third pairs of leg elastics allow for the formatof folds around each of the openings in the leg to prevent filtratof body fluids from underpants. The underpants also contain elastic waistband attached between the outer shell and the inner lining in the front and back. The waist elastics allows the formation of folds around the waist opening to prevent the fluid from leaking from the body of the underpants.

A general object of this invention is to provide disposable absorbent pants for containing body fluid. A more specific object of this invention is to provide disposable absorbent underpants for containing at least 100 grams of urine.

Another object of this invention is to provide disposable absorbent underpants for adults suffering from incontinence.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide disposable absorbent underpants at a reasonable cost that can prevent filtration of body fluids.

Still another object of this invention is to provide disposable absorbent underpants that are easy to manufacture.

Further still, a further object of this invention is to provide disposable absorbent underpants that are more comfortable to use.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top view of the disposable absorbent briefs having two cut sections showing an outer cover and an inner lining two pieces and having three discrete pairs of leg elastics surrounding each leg opening that are separated from each other through an opening.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the disposable absorbent underpants when the rear front portions are joined together.

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1 showing the absorbent pad secured to the crotch portion of the outer cover.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1 showing a first pair of leg elastics sandwiched between the outer shell and the inner liner.

Figure 5 is a top view of the disposable absorbent briefs having three cut sections showing an outer cover and an inner liner c coterminal ends and having three discrete pairs of elastics surrounding each leg opening that are separated from each other by an opening .

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5 showing the absorbent pad secured to the inner liner crotch portion.

Detailed Description of Preferred Additions With reference to Figure 1, the disposable absorbent briefs 10 are shown in a pla configuration before they are formed into a tubular product. The tubular product is described in Figure 2. The underpants 10 have the capacity to absorb and contain body fluids, especially urine. The underpants 10 have a centerline X-X length. The underpants 10 are manufactured and sold as a complete brief and are designed to be worn around the torso of an adult suffering from incontinence. However, underpants 10 can have the dimensions of a diaper designed for use by a baby or for use by a small child as a trainer pant. Preferably, the underpants 10 is a Adult incontinence item that can be used during the day or night to absorb and contain urine.

The disposable underpants 10 are made of an outer cover 12 having a front part 14 and a back part 16 joined together by a crotch portion 18 The outer cover 12 is located away from the wearer's body in use. The outer cover 12 may be a single piece of material as shown or may be made of two or more separate pieces of material joined together. The outer cover 12 must be formed of a soft and flexible material and may already be permeable or impervious to liquids. Preferably, the outer cover 12 is impermeable to liquids. A suitable material for the outer cover 12 can be made of fiber and / or natural or synthetic films. Examples of natural fibers include wood cellulose fibers or cotton fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers include rayon fibers, polyester fibers and polypropylene fibers. When a film is used, a thermoplastic film formed of a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, works well. A combination of natural synthetic materials can also be used to make the outer cover ^ 12. It can also be formed of a woven fabric or sheet. non-woven such as spunbonded fabric, blown by fusion or bonded carded.

The disposable underpants 10 also contain an inner liner 20. The inner liner 20 is placed towards the wearer's body. The inner liner 20 has a front part 22 and a rear part 24. The inner lining 20 can be attached or attached to the outer cover 12 by means of an adhesive, sewing, by means of a pressure joint, a thermal bond, means of a pressure and thermal bonding or by means of another element known to those skilled in the art. The front part 22 of the inner liner 20 are placed above or above the front part 14 of the outer cover 12 while the rear part 24 of the inner liner 20 is placed above on the rear part 16 of the outer cover 12. combination of the two front parts 14 and 22 form a front waist part 26 having the edges distally separated 28 and 30. The combination of the back parts 16 and 24 forms the rear waist part 32 having distally spaced apart edges 34 and 36. The edges 28 and 30 of the front waist portion 26 are attached or sealed to the edges, 34 and 3 respectively, of the rear waist portion 32 to form a tubular configuration 38 adaptable to fit around the torso of a person, see Figure 2 .

The front and rear waist portions 26 and 32 respectively, are joined together to form a pair of side seams or seals 35 and 37. The side seams 35 37 can be formed using an ultrasonic joint, using a adhesive, using a pressure bond, a thermal bond, use a combination of heat and pressure or using other elements known to those skilled in the art. The tubular configuration 38 has a waist opening 40 and a pair of leg openings 42 and 44. The underpants 10 are designed to fit tightly around the torso of an adult suffering from incontinence and are designed to contain the body flux, especially urine, discharged by the user.

With reference to Figures 1-3, there is shown an absorbent pad 46 which is secured to the crotch portion 18 by means of an adhesive 48, see Figure 3. Absorbent pad 46 includes a liquid permeable cover 50, a separator impermeable to liquid 52 and an absorbent ca 54 disposed therebetween. The liquid permeable cover 50 and the liquid impervious separator 52 are bonded or secured together around their peripheries by construction adhesive 56. The absorbent layer 54 has a length lt see figure 1 and a width ¥l1, see figure 3, which are less than the length L2 and the width W2 of the absorbent pad 46. This means that the liquid permeable cover 50 and the liquid impervious separator 52 are larger in size than the absorbent layer 54 and both extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbent layer 54. This is important because the absorbent layer 54 is formed so that it has a smaller overall size, any fluid of The body that reaches the absorbent layer 54 will not be able to flow outwardly to the outer edges of the absorbent pad 46. This feature will decrease and will prevent the possibility of liquid filtration from occurring. Absorbent layer 54 must have a width VI? which is at least about 0.125 inches (about .32 mm) less than width W2 of the absorbent pad 46. Preferably, the absorbent ca 54 will have a width ¥1 which is from between about 0.25 inches (about 0.64). mm) to about 1 inch (about 2.54 mm) less than the width W2 of the absorbent pad 46. More preferably, the absorbent layer 54 has a width V i? of is from between about 0.375 in. (around .95 mm) to about 0.75 inches (around 1. 9 mm) less than the width 2 of the absorbent pad 46.

With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12 has a width 3 and the width W2 of the absorbent pad 46 e is smaller than the width W3 of the crotch portion 18. absorbent pad 46 it must have a width 2 that is at least about 0.125 inches (about .32 mm) less than the width W3 of the crotch part 18. PreferablyThe width W2 of the absorbent pad 46 is from about 0.25 inch (about .32 mm) to about 1 inch (about 2.54 mm) less than the width 3 of the crotch part 18. More preferably, the pad absorbent 4 will have a width W2 that is from between about 0.375 in. (about .95 mm) to about 0.75 in. (about 1.9 mm) less than the width W3 in the crotch part 18. The reason for this difference in size is that the underpants 1 are mainly designed to absorb urine and conveniently confine urine in absorbent layer 54. Absorbent ca 54 has a width x that is less than width W2 absorbent pad 46 and in turn, absorbent pad 46 has a width W2 which is less than the width W3 the crotch portion 18. The difference in size ensures that if some urine is transmitted towards the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent layer 54 there will still be separation of the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent pad 46. In turn, the urine will be far away from the longitudinal side edges of the crotch portion 18 and therefore will not leak into the wearer's clothing or skin.

The liquid permeable cover 50 can be formed of a liquid permeable material to allow fluid from the body reaching the absorbent pad 46 to pass down to the absorbent layer 54. The liquid permeable cover 50 can be formed from a fabric non-woven, a spunbond fabric, a meltblown web or a bonded carded fabric composed of synthetic polymer filaments or fibers Examples of the synthetic materials include polypropylene polyethylene, polyesters and the like. The permeable cover Liquid 50 can also be formed from a perforated thermoplastic film. Other materials that may also be used to form the cover 50, include rayon and cotton. Liquid-permeable cover 50 can be treated with surfactant to help transfer body fluid to the absorbent layer 54, if desired.

The liquid-impermeable separator 52 can be formed of a material impermeable to liquid to prevent fluid from the body coming in contact from passing through it. The liquid-impermeable separator 52 can be formed of a thin sheet of thermoplastic material such as polypropylene polypropylene , polyvinyl chloride and the like Alternatively, the liquid impervious separator 52 can be a fibrous, non-woven fabric made to have low liquid permeability. The liquid impermeable separator 52 can also be made of a foam material. In some cases, it may be useful to form the liquid impervious separator 52 of a material that will allow the passage of vapor through it so as to prevent it from passing through the body fluid.

The absorbent layer 54 that is retained between the liquid permeable cover 50 and the liquid impervious separator 52 should be designed primarily to absorb urine. However, it could be manufactured to absorb other body fluids, such as menstruation, blood, sweat, as well as other body excrement The absorbent layer 54 can be formed into various synthetic and / or natural materials, such as cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers, regenerated or cotton cell fibers, meltblown fibers, a mixture of pulp and other fibers, or a combination of several fibers. Suitable material is "coform" which is a mixture of cellulose fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. The Coform is manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation with offices at 401 North La Street? Eenah, Wisconsin 54956.

The absorbent layer 54 may also include superabsorbent materials, generally referred to as "superabsorbents," to increase their absorbency and ability to retain body fluids under pressure loads. The superabsorbents may be present in the form of particles as flakes or have some other structural form. The superabsorbents can be secured to the absorbent fibers by an adhesive or they can be loose placed between the absorbent fibers. Suitable superabsorbents are commercially available from Dow Chemical Company, Hoechs Celanese Corporation and Allied Colloids, Inc.

The absorbent layer 54 may be wrapped in tissue with some similar kind of acquisition and / or distribution layer which helps maintain the integrity of the absorbent and superabsorbent fibers.

It should be noted that the absorbent pad 4 should be designed to absorb at least about 10 grams of body fluid, such as urine. Preferably, the absorbent pad 46 should be designed to absorb between about 100 grams to about 1500 grams of body fluid. More preferably, the absorbent pad 46 should be designed to absorb about 500 grams of body fluid. Even more preferably, the absorbent pad 4 should be designed to absorb about 1,000 grams of body fluid, more preferably, the absorbent pad 4 should be designed to absorb about 1,500 grams of body fluid.

An emergence layer 58 can optionally be placed above the absorbent layer 54 so as to be in direct contact with the liquid-permeable cover 50. The purpose of the emergence layer 58 is to rapidly take the fluid from the body which comes into contact with it. with the cover 50 and directing this body fluid down to the absorbent layer 54. Furthermore, the emergence layer 58 can direct the body fluid outward in the transverse and longitudinal directions so that it is able to come in contact with an area of greater surface of the absorbent layer 54. This ability to rapidly move the body fluid in the directions x, y and z diffuses the body fluid surges that are discharged into the absorbent pad 46. L emergence layer 58 is usually also referred to acquisition / distribution layer. The emergence layer 58 can be formed from a carded fabric bonded through air composed of a blend of 40 percent 6-denier polyester fibers commercially available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation, and 6 percent polypropylene core sheath bicomponent fibers. / 3 denier polyethylene, commercially available from Chisso Corporation. The emergence layer 58 can have overall basis weight ranging from about 50 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 120 grams per square meter gs. In Figure 1, the emergence layer 58 is described with a rectangular configuration but could have other shapes including an hourglass shape, an oval shape, etc.

With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the underpants 10 include a first pair of leg elastics 6 secured between the outer cover 12 and the inner liner 20 The first pair of leg elastics 60 are on the right and left sides of the front of the waist 26 Each of the elastics of the first leg pair 60 is placed adjacent to one of the pair of leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. The first pair of leg elastics 60 s describes as three threads of an elastic material although, if convenient, a number of threads of more less can be used. It has been found that three threads provide adequate elastic force to form folds around each the leg openings 42 and 44. The first pair of leg elastics 60 can be secured at intermittent sites to the outer cover 12 and the inner liner 20 by an adhesive by means of ultrasonic bonding, by heat and / or pressure bonding by some other means known to those skilled in the art Suitable materials for forming the first pair of leg elastics 60 include polyurethane, rubber and other elastomeric materials. The first pair of leg elastics 60 can be in the form of short or long elastic threads, elastic bands, ribbons, threads, etc. The first pair of leg elastics 60 may have a transverse configuration that is flat square, rectangular, circular, oval or some other shape. Good material for manufacturing the first pair of leg elastics 60 is LYCRA®. LYCRA® is a registered trademark of E.l DuPont de Nemours & Company that has an office at 1002 Marke Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

Each of the elastics of the first pair of legs 60 is placed adjacent to a first pair of edges 62. Each of the edges of the first pair 62 is substantially linear in configuration and extends inward toward the crotch portion 18 from one of the two distally spaced edges 28 and 30. Preferably, at least about 70% of the length of each of the edges of the first pair 62 are line in configuration. Each of the edges of the first pair 62 is aligned at an angle alpha (o) to the centerline length XX of the underpants 10. The angle alpha (o) may vary from about 62 degrees to about 99 degrees Preferably, the angle alpha (oi) may vary from ent around 74 degrees to about 91 degrees, and more. preferably the alpha angle is at least about 8 degrees. The angle of the first pair of edges 62 relative to the longitudinal centerline X-X ensures a better contour of the underpants 10 to the body and provides a comfortable fit with reduced bulge.

The first pair of leg elastics 60 s locates along and preferably aligned parallel with the first pair of edges 62. Each of the elastics of the first leg 60 has a first end 64 located adjacent to one of the legs. distal edges 28 and 30 respectively Preferably, each of the first ends 64 is spaced slightly inward from one of the two distal edges 2 and 30. The first pair of leg elastics 60 should extend toward the absorbent pad 46 but must stop at a distance from it. Each of the elastics of the first leg 60 terminates at a second end 66. Each end secund 66 is located adjacent to the outer periphery of the absorbent pad 46. The exact distance may vary from about 1 millimeter to about 50 millimeters, and preferably, the distance is less than about 25 millimeters The underpants 10 also include a second pair of leg elastics 68 secured between the outer cover 12 and the inner liner 20. The second pair of leg elastics 68 is on the right and left sides of the backs of the waist 32. Each of the elastics of the second leg pair 68 is positioned adjacent to one of the openings of the first leg pair, 42 and 44 respectively. second pair of leg elastics 68 is described as three hil of an elastic material although it is convenient, a number of major or minor threads can be used. It has been found that the threads provide adequate elastic force to form a crease around each of the leg openings 42 and 44. The second pair of leg elastics 68 can be secured in place intermittently to the outer cover 12 and the inner liner 2. by means of an adhesive, by means of ultrasonic bonding, by heating and / or joining under pressure or by some other means known to those skilled in the art. Suitable materials for forming the second pair of leg elastics 68 include those described above with reference to the first pair of leg elastics 60. As the first pair of elastics 60, the second pair of leg elastics 68 may have the shape of yarns Elastic short or long, elastic ribbons, ribbons, threads, etc. The second pair of leg elastics 68 can have a transverse configuration that is flat, square, rectangular, circular, oval or some other shape.

Each of the elastics of the second leg pair 68 is placed adjacent to a second pair of edges 70. One of the edges of the second pair 70 is substantially in a linear configuration and extends inward towards the crotch portion 18 from both edges spaced apart distally 34 and 36. Preferably, at least about 70% of the length of each of the edges of the second pair 7 are in a linear configuration. Each of the edges of the second segund pair 70 are aligned at a beta (ß) angle to the longitudinal centerline X-X of the underpants 10. The angle beta (_?) Can vary from about 45 degrees to about 8 degrees. Preferably, the angle beta (jS) can vary from about 55 degrees to about 87 degrees and more preferably, the angle beta (ß) is from about d 61 degrees to about 76 degrees. The angle of the second pair of edges 70 in relation to the longitudinal centerline X-ensures a better molding of the underpants 10 to the body provides a comfortable fit with reduced bulging.

The second pair of leg elastics 68 s locates along and preferably aligned parallel to the second pair of edges 70. Each of the elastics of the second leg pair 68 has a first end 72 located adjacent to or coterminous at one of the edges distal 34 and 3 respectively. Preferably, each of the first ends 72 is spaced slightly inward from one of the d the two edges 34 and 36. The second pair of leg elastics 6 should extend towards the absorbent pad 46 but should stop short of it. Each of the leg elastics of the second pair 68 terminates at a second end 74. Each second end 74 is located adjacent the outer periphery of the absorbent pad 46. The exact distance may vary from about 1 millimeter to about 50 d. millimeters, and preferably, the distance is less about 25 millimeters.

The disposable absorbent briefs 1 further include a third pair of leg elastics 7 secured between the liquid permeable cover 50 and the liquid impermeable separator 52 forming the absorbent pad 46. The third pair of leg elastics 76 s located on the right sides and left of the crotch portion 18. Each of the elastics of the third leg pair 76 is positioned adjacent to one of the openings of the leg pa 42 and 44 respectively. The third pair of leg elastics 76 is described as three threads of an elastic material although it is convenient, a larger or smaller number of threads can be used. It has been found that three strands provide adequate elastic force to form folds around each of the leg openings 42 and 44. The third pair of leg elastics 76 can be secured at intermittent sites to the liquid-permeable cover 50 and the waterproof separator. to the liquid 5 by means of an adhesive, by means of ultrasonic bonding, by heating and / or joining under pressure or by some other means known to those skilled in the art. The materials suitable for forming the third pair of elastics 76 include those described above with reference to the first and second pair of leg elastics 60 and 68 respectively. As the first and second pairs of leg elastics 60 and 68 respectively, the third pair of leg elastics 76 may be in the form of short or long elastic threads, elastic bands, laths, threads, etc. The third pair of leg elastics 76 may have a transverse configuration that is flat, square, rectangular, circular, oval or some other shape.

Each of the elastics of the third pair of legs 76 is placed adjacent to a third pair of edges 78. Each of the edges of the third pair 78 has a curved arch configuration and extends adjacent to the outer periphery of the part in the crotch. 18. Preferably, each of the elastics of third leg pair 76 is aligned parallel to one of the edges of the third pair 78. Each of the elastics of the third leg pair 76 is placed in the middle of one of the spring elastics. first and second leg pairs 60 and 68 respectively. One of the elastics of the third leg pair 76 has a first end 80 and a second end 82. The first end 80 of each of one of the elastics of the third leg pair 76 is spaced from the second end 66 of the first pair of spring elastics. leg 6 by a first pair of openings 84. The dimension of each openings of the first pair 84 is indicated as "D" and Dx may be at least about 0.125 inches (about 0.3 mm) in length. Dx dimension of each u of the openings of the first pair 84 is from about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 mm) to about 9 inches (about 22.9 mm). More preferably, the dimension of each of the openings of the first pair 84 is from ent about 0.375 inches (about 0.95 mm) to about 5 inches (about 12.7 mm). More preferably, the Dx dimension of each of the openings of the first pair 84 e from between about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 mm) about 2 inches (about 5 mm) D dimension measures when the underpants 10 are in an extended pla orientation similar to that described in Figures 1 and 5.

Similarly, the second end 82 of each of the elastics of the third leg pair 76 is separated from the second end 74 of the second pair of leg elastics 68 by a distance "D2" by means of a second pair of openings 86 dimension of each of the openings of the second pair 86 s indicates as "D2" and D2 may be at least about 0.12 inches (about 0.32 mm) in length. Preferably, the D2 dimension of each of the openings of the second pair 8 is from about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 mm to about 9 inches (about 22.9 mm)). preferably, the dimension D2 of each of the openings d second pair 86 is from between about 0.375 inch (around 0.95 mm) to about 5 inches (around 12.7 mm). More preferably, the dimension D2 of each of the openings of the second pair 86 is from between about 0. inch (about 1.3 mm) to about 2 inch (around 5 mm). The dimension D2 is measured when the underpants 10 are in an extended flat orientation similar to that described in figures 1 and 5.

It should be noted that the two openings 84 and 86 have been described. However, it is possible, if desired, to use only one of the two pairs of openings, 84 and 86. It is also desired, additional openings can be used, without departing from the scope of this invention. Preferably, the pairs of openings 84 and 86 will be used.

The first and second pairs of openings 84 and 8 respectively, ensure that the first, second third pairs of leg elastics 60,68 and 76, respectively cooperate together to form the pleats 88 and 90 around the first and second leg openings 42. and 44 respectively. Folds 88 and 90, better described in Figure 2, form a perfect fit around the entire circumference of each leg opening 42 and 44. -The two pairs of openings 84 and 8 will prevent adjacent leg elastics. 60.68 and 76 s they overlap one another and form stops and / or projections around the leg openings 42 and 44. By eliminating said projecting stops, the filtration of body fluid through the leg openings 42 and 44 can be prevented. Fluid filtrate around the openings of the pier is eliminated 42 and 44 because if such filtering occurs, the utility of the underpants 10 is compromised.

Even though the two pairs of openings 84 and 8 are present in the flat, stretched orientation shown in Figures 1 and 5, the contraction force of the first, second and third stop leg elastics 60, 68 and 7 will cause that the folds 88 and 90 are formed. The force of the elastics 60,68 and 76 adjacent the openings 84 and 86 cause the material forming the outer cover 12 and the inner form 20 to fit snugly against the user's thighs during the use. No fluid channels will be found in the locations of the first and second pairs of openings 84 and 86 This will ensure that no body fluid can seep through these places (O1 and D2) during normal use.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable absorbent briefs 10 also have elastic waistband 92 attached to the front waist portion 26 and elastic waistband 94 attached to the back waist portion 32. The waist elastics 92 and 94 can include threads, threads ribbons, bands, film, composite non-woven elastic fabrics. Threads, threads, ribbons, etc. they can be a multitude of singular elements or they can be applied as a compound. The number of elastic elements may vary from to more than 100. Preferably, the number of elastic elements will vary from about 10 to about 40, and more preferably, from about 15 to about 35. There may be an equivalent number or a different number of waist elastics 92 on the waist front 26 against the number of waist elastics 94 on the back waist 32. The waist elastics 92 and 94 can be individual threads which are spaced apart from each other from about 0.06 inches (about 1.6 mm) to about 2.0 inches (about 51 mm). Preferably, the waist elastics 9 and 94 can be individual threads that are spaced from each other around 0.25 inches (about 6 mm). Although the appearance of the underpants 10 can be improved by the uniform spacing of the waist elastics 92 and 94, the exact distance between the adjacent waist elastics 92 94 can vary.

The waist elastics 92 and 94 can be manufactured from any suitable elastomeric material. A suitable material is LYCRA®. LYCRA® is a registered trademark of E.l. DuPont d Nemours & Company that has an office at 1002 Market Street Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The right waist elastics 9 and 94 include yarns that have a decitex (grams / 10, 000 meters from from about 100 to about 1,200, preferably, from between about 470 to about 940, more preferably, from between about 620 to about 740. The waist elastics 92 and 94 can be secured to the outer cover 12 and the inner liner 20 by means of hot melt adhesive or cold applied in a variety of spray patterns.A spray pattern that has been used c success is a pattern A favorite adhesive is hot melt adhesive sold as Findley H2096 by A Findley Adhesives which has an office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment for the disposable absorbent briefs 10 'is described. The numbers in the figure will again be used to connote the identical structure in Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, underpants 10 'include an inner for 20' having a front part 22 'and a back part 24' joined together on the one crotch part 25. E the underpants 10 ', the inner lining 20' can be a piece of material or can be assembled from two or more pieces material. Preferably, the inner liner 20 'will be a piece of material. The crotch portion 25 can overlap the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12. The crotch part 25 can be attached to the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12 or just be in contact with the crotch portion 18. same Alternatively, the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12 can be removed when the crotch portion 25 of the inner liner 20 'is present. When the inner liner 20 'includes a crotch portion 25, the absorbent pad 46 can be secured thereto. S will note that in Figure 1, the inner liner 20 did not include a crotch portion and therefore, the absorbent pad 4 was secured directly to the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12. When the inner liner 20 'does not include a crotch portion 25, it is useful to secure the absorbent pad 46 directly thereto.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, as in FIG. 1, the front and rear portions 22 'and 24' respectively, of the inner liner 20 'are joined to the front and rear portions 14 and 1 respectively, of the outer cover 12. The front and rear waist portions 26 and 32 respectively are in turn sewn or sealed together to form a tubular configuration 38 which is described in Figure 2.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with two specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternative modifications and variations exist in the light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention seeks to encompass such claims. alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

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

1. Disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid comprising: a) an outer cover having a front part and a back part joined together by a crotch part; b) an inner liner attached to said outer cover, said inner liner has at least a front part and a rear part, said rear end portions of said outer cover and said inner liner are connected together to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; c) an absorbent pad secured to a crotch portion, said absorbent pad includes a fluid permeable cover, a fluid impermeable separator and an absorbent layer placed therebetween; d) a first pair of leg elastics secured between said outer cover and said inner liner in front of said leg, each said elastic of the first leg pair is placed adjacent one of said openings of the leg pa; e) a second pair of leg elastics secured between said outer cover and said inner lining and said rear part, each said elastic of the second leg pair is placed adjacent to one of said leg pair opening; f) a third pair of leg elastics secured between said fluid-permeable cover and said fluid-impermeable separate, each of said third leg pair elastics is positioned adjacent one of said leg opening in the middle of one of said pairs first and second leg elastics, each of said elastics of the third leg of leg is separated from at least one of said elastic of the first and second leg pair by an opening dich first, second and third pairs of leg elastics permitting forming folds around said leg openings to prevent leakage of body fluid from said underpants; g) waist elastic secured between the outer cover and said inner lining in said front and back portions, said waist elastics allow the formation of folds around said waist opening to avoid filtering the fluid from the body of said underpants.

2. Disposable absorbent briefs ta and as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that a of said elastics of the third leg pair is separated from one of said elastics of the first leg pair by an opening which has a dimension of at least about 0.125 inches

3. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that one of said elastics of the third leg pair is separated from one of said elastics of the second leg pair by an aperture having a dimension of at least about 0.12 inches.

4. The disposable absorbent briefs ta and as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each of said elastics of the third leg pair is separated from one of said elastics of the first leg pair and d one of said elastics of the second leg pair by a opening that has a dimension of at least about 0.125 inches.

5. The disposable absorbent briefs are as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said opening has a dimension of from between about 0.25 inches to about 9 inches.

6. Disposable absorbent briefs ta and as claimed in clause 5, characterized by said opening has a dimension of from between about 0.375 inches to about 5 inches.

7. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said opening has a dimension of from between about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches.

8. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said absorbent pad has an absorption capacity of about 500 grams of body fluid.

9. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that said absorbent pad has an absorption capacity of about 1,000 grams of body fluid.

10. Disposable absorbent briefs for containing body fluid comprising: a) an outer cover having a front part and a back part joined together by a crotch part; b) an inner liner having a front part and a back part joined together by a crotch part said front and back parts of said inner lining is attached to said front and back portions of said outer cover to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; c) an absorbent pad secured to said crotch portion of said inner liner and having an absorption capacity of at least about 100 grams of body fluid, said absorbent pad includes a fluid-permeable cover, a fluid-impermeable separator and an absorbent layer placed therebetween; d) a first pair of leg elastics secured between said outer cover and said inner liner in front of said leg, each said elastic of the first leg pair is placed adjacent one of said openings of the leg pa; e) a second pair of leg elastics secured between said outer cover and said inner lining and said back part, each said elastic of the second leg pair is placed adjacent to one of said leg pair opening; f) a third pair of leg elastics secured between said fluid-permeable cover and said fluid-impermeable separate, each of said third leg pair elastics is positioned adjacent one of said leg opening in the middle of said first and second pairs; second of leg elastic, each of said elastics of the third pair of legs is separated from at least one of said first and second leg elastics by an opening, said first, second third pair of leg elastics allow the formation of folds around each of said leg openings to prevent leakage of body fluid from said underpants and g) waist elastic secured between the outer cover and said inner lining in said front and back portions, said waist elastics allow the formation of folds around said waist opening to avoid filtering the fluid from the body of said underpants.

11. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said elastics of the third leg pair is separated from each of said elastics of the first leg pair by an opening having a dimension of at least about 1 0.125 inches

12. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said elastics of the third leg pair is separated from each of said elastics of the second leg pair by an opening having a dimension of at least about 1 0.125 inches

13. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that each of said elastics of the third leg pair is separated from each of said elastics of the first leg pair and one of said elastics of the second pair of leg by a opening that has a dimension of at least about 0.125 inches

14. The disposable absorbent briefs ta and as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said absorbent pad has an absorption capacity of about 500 grams of body fluid.

15. Disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid comprising: a) an outer cover having a front part and a back part joined together by a crotch part; b) an inner liner attached to said outer cover, said inner liner has at least a front part and a rear part, said front and back parts of said outer cover and said inner lining are joined together to form a waist opening and a pair of leg opening; c) an absorbent pad placed on said crotch portion having an absorptive capacity of at least about 100 grams of body fluid said absorbent pad includes a fluid permeable cover, a fluid impervious separator and an emergence layer and an absorbent layer placed between said fluid-permeable cover and said fluid-impermeable separator said fluid-impermeable separator secured to said crotch portion by an adhesive; d) a first pair of leg elastics secure between said front part of said outer cover and inner liner, each of said first pair of leg elastics placed adjacent to one of said openings of the leg pair e) a second pair of leg elastics secured between said back part of said outer cover and said inner lining, each of said second pair of elastics leg positioned adjacent one of said openings of the leg pair; f) a third pair of leg elastics secure between said fluid-permeable cover and said fluid-impervious cover, each of said third pair of leg elastics placed adjacent to one of said half-leg openings of said first and second pairs of legs; elastics of each leg of said third pair of leg elastics being spaced apart from at least one of said first and second pairs of leg elastics by an opening having a dimension d of at least about 0.125 inches, said first second pairs and third of leg elastics allow the formation of folds around each said leg openings to avoid filtering fluid from the body of said underpants; Y g) waist elastic secured to said front and back part between said outer cover and said inner forr, said waist elastics allow the formation of folds around said waist opening to avoid filtering the fluid from the body of said underpants.

16. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said absorbent pad has an absorption capacity of about 500 grams of body fluid. • i »38

17. Disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that said absorbent pad has an absorptive capacity of about 1,000 grams of body fluid.

18. The disposable absorbent briefs ta and as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that said absorbent pad has an absorption capacity of about 1,500 grams of body fluid.

19. The disposable absorbent underpants ta and as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said crotch part has a width and said absorbent pad has a width which is at least about 10 inches wide. 15 0.125 inches less than the width of said crotch part

20. The disposable absorbent briefs ta and as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said absorbent pad has a width and said cap. The absorbent has a width that is at least about 0.12 inches smaller than the width of said absorbent pad. R E S U E N The disposable underpants include an outer cover and an inner liner attached to the outer cover. An absorbent pad secured to the crotch portion includes a fluid permeable cover, a fluid impervious cover and an absorbent layer placed therebetween. A first pair of leg elastics is secured between the outer cover and the inner lining on the front d so that each the first pair of leg elastics is placed adjacent to one of the openings of the leg pair. A second pair of leg elastics is secured between the outer cover and the inner lining at the rear so that each of the elastics of the second leg pair is positioned adjacent to one of the openings of the leg pair. A third leg elastic leg is secured between the fluid permeable cover and the fluid impermeable separator so that the elastics of the third leg pair are positioned adjacent to one of the pairs of leg openings in the middle of the first even seconds. leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics separates from at least one of the first and second leg elastics by an opening. E first, second and third pairs of leg elastics allow the formation of folds around each of the leg openings to avoid filtering the fluid from the body of the underpants. PA / a / 20 02 \ f or f 31