MXPA98004923A - Absorbent article having a posterior deposit with a capacity of volume hu - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article including a posterior reservoir for receiving and retaining excrement and other exudates from the body. The rear reservoir preferably includes a spacer located on the back preferably between a body-facing liner layer and an outer cover layer, aiding in the formation of the reservoir of the posterior reservoir. A back waist flap, preferably composed of the base structure of the absorbent article, can be folded inwardly from the trailing edge to form, in combination with the spacer and optionally other elements of the absorbent article, the rear reservoir. The rear waist flap can alternatively be formed by a separate element attached to the back of the absorbent article. The separate element may comprise an elastic member, or a non-elastic member with the posterior waist elastics. The rear waist flap is preferably essentially stretched with respect to the back to help form the posterior reservoir. The spacer preferably comprises an internal filler and has a rod-like shape.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A POSTERIOR DEPOSIT WITH A CAPACITY OF HOLLOW VOLUME Field of the Invention Absorbent articles such as infant diapers, training underpants, adult incontinence products, and the like are well known.

Such articles have gained widespread acceptance due to their ability to receive and absorb exudates from the body.

This invention relates to an absorbent article for containing body exudates. Such an absorbent article generally uses leg cuffs to help prevent the runoff of exudates from the body. This invention uses a posterior reservoir to prevent runoff of exudates, and especially fecal matter.

Background of the Invention In general, exudates from the body of urine and fecal matter should be received and contained by the absorbent article. However, runoff problems are common, especially the runoff of the exudate material which has not been absorbed by the absorbent material in the absorbent article. In general, the urine will be substantially all absorbed. Fecal matter, by contrast, is absorbed only in part, and even partial absorption tends to occur more slowly. This invention is generally directed towards the exudate material which has not been absorbed, as opposed to the exudate material which has been absorbed into the absorbent core or other absorbent element.

Runoff usually occurs for one of two reasons. First, the exudate can be released from the user's body so quickly that the absorption rate of the absorbent article is temporarily overwhelmed. In such a case, the excess exudates need only be maintained and contained on the surface of the absorbent article for a short period of for example a few seconds until the absorption into the absorbent article is brought to the same level as the release of the body, and All absorbable exudate material is easily absorbed.

Secondly, the exudate material, especially the fecal material, which is absorbed by the absorbent core more slowly than the urine, can move laterally along the body side surface of the absorbent article, to an edge of the interfacial area defined between the absorbent article and the user's body. To the extent that there is an effective seal between the absorbent article and the user's body on the respective edge portion, the exudate material is retained and maintained between the absorbent article and the body of the user pending the absorption of the easily absorbable parts of the exudate material. However, in case there is no seal, or if the seal is not effective or is otherwise insufficient, the exudate material can move beyond the edge and outwardly between the absorbent article and the user's body. Such movement beyond the edge constitutes a failure of the absorbent article to carry out its primary function, such as containing the exudates.

Seal requirements for absorbent articles generally fall within three classes, such as the side seals around the user's legs, the front seals on the front of the user's trunk, and the back seals on the back of the user's trunk. . Leg cuffs and leg flaps have been designed and implemented to prevent runoff on the sides, or leg regions, diapers and the like. The need for front seals is somewhat limited in the sense that the primary direction of the exudate flow from the user's body is downward and to the rear.

The need for subsequent stamps is significant. The problem of subsequent runoff is well known, especially in association with movements intestinal bowel movements and / or explosives, which are common in young children.

It is known to fold a flap in the back of the absorbent article to prevent transport of the absorbed liquids to the trailing edge of the absorbent article. With the rear flap bent inwardly, the outer cover layer generally provides a barrier to the liquid between the absorbent core or absorbent material, and the rear outer edge of the absorbent article. The flap bent inward prevents runoff of the absorbent material (in the absorbent article) to the outer edge of the absorbent article. However, it does not prevent runoff through the upper surface of the fin bent inwardly between the upper surface of the fin folded inwardly and the wearer's body.

It is also known to provide elastic properties, such as an elastic waistband, through the absorbent article at or adjacent the rear outer edge of the absorbent article. However, the elastic band and similar elastics are not completely effective to prevent movement of the exudate material outwardly between the absorbent article and the wearer's body. In truth no structure has been designed in the art known effective for prevent runoff of fecal matter beyond the trailing edge of diapers and similar absorbent articles.

It is an object of this invention to provide an absorbent article which is effective to prevent runoff of fecal material beyond the trailing edge of the absorbent article.

It is another object to provide an absorbent article having a subsequent containment tank to receive and contain an exudate material which has not been absorbed by the absorbent article.

It is yet another object to provide a rear waist flap to be placed against the wearer's body which provides an effective barrier to the runoff of faecal liquids and other material.

It is still another object to provide elastic implementations which push the distal edge of the rear waist flap outwardly from the liner layer side to the body of the absorbent article and thereby create an opening through which the exudate material enters. in the subsequent containment tank.

It is yet another additional object to provide a spacer in the rear containment tank, which holds open, to receive exudates, a minimum volume of space in the rear containment tank.

Synthesis of the Invention This invention relates to an absorbent article designed to absorb and contain exudates from the body. This invention comprises an absorbent article having a posterior reservoir which includes a posterior waist flap for containing exudates from the body such as fecal material. A spacer is mounted on the back of the article. The rear waist flap in combination with at least one of the spacer, leg elastics, and rear waist elastics form the rear tank.

In one aspect, the present invention resides in an absorbent article having a rear portion with a trailing edge, a front edge, and a crotch portion connecting the back and the front. The absorbent article comprises an outer cover layer; a body side facing layer mounted on the outer shell layer; a spacer mounted on the back of the absorbent article and extending through the absorbent article; and a subsequent deposit defined in part by the spacer, on one side of the trailing edge, because the back tank provides a hollow volume capacity for a user of the absorbent article, the hollow volume capacity prevents runoff of the exudates. A rear waist flap preferably extends from the trailing edge outwardly around the spacer and towards the crotch portion of the absorbent article.

In some embodiments, the spacer may be located between the outer cover layer and the side-to-body liner layer. The spacer may comprise a regenerated cellulose fluff mixed with polyester. The spacer may also comprise a rod-like shape structure, which in combination with the rear waist flap, forms the rear reservoir.

The spacer preferably has the first and second ends, and a mid-point, the spacer being arcuate so that the midpoint of the spacer is displaced rearwardly of the absorbent article with respect to the first and second edges.

In some embodiments, the rear waist flap comprises portions of both the outer cover layer and the side-to-body lining layer folded inward toward the side-to-back liner layer, with the rear waist flap attached at the opposite side edges thereof to the rear part to thereby form the rear tank between the rear waist flap and the rear part.

In another embodiment, the rear waist flap comprises an elastic member attached to the rear part at the trailing edge and opposing said side edges. The elastic member can be essentially stretched when it is fastened to the back, the elastic member, when it is released from the stretched condition by retracting the back part to partly form the rear reservoir.

In yet another embodiment, the rear waist flap comprises a non-elastic material extending from the rear at the trailing edge and opposing the lateral edges, the non-elastic material has the waist elastics attached thereto. The rear waist elastics are joined through the rear waist flap, the rear waist elastics, in combination with the spacer, the back and the rear waist flap, form the rear tank by exerting a force forming the tank later. The rear reservoir has an opening to receive the exudates into the posterior reservoir, the opening has a length extending across a width of the absorbent article corresponding laterally to a respective width of the subsequent deposit.

The rear waist flap in combination with the at least part of the back of the absorbent article extends in the "C" configuration.

In another aspect of the invention, the first and second leg elastics are at the respective opposite first and second side edges of the absorbent article in the crotch portion. The first and second leg elastics extend into the back and help form an inward opening pocket in the back, in front of the trailing edge. The bag that opens inwards is included in the posterior tank.

The invention further comprises an absorbent article having a rear part with a trailing edge, a front part, a crotch part connecting the back part and the front part, the absorbent article comprises an outer cover layer; a body side facing layer mounted on the outer cover layer, and extending over the front, back and crotch portion; a rear waist flap mounted on one side of the trailing edge of the back and extending towards the crotch part, the rear waist flap being spaced from the rear and forming a rear reservoir between the rear waist flap and the liner layer side to rear body; and, an opening between the rear waist flap and the lining layer side to back body to receive the exudates in the back tank, the opening having a length extending across a width of the corresponding absorbent article. to a respective width of the subsequent deposit. The spacer generally extends through the absorbent article to space the rear waist flap from the back.

The invention further comprises an absorbent article having a front edge, a trailing edge, and the opposite first and second side edges, and includes a back portion having a distal edge thereof, a front part and a crotch portion connecting the back and the front part, the absorbent article comprises an outer cover layer; a body side facing layer mounted on the outer shell layer, the body side facing layer and the outer shell layer, in combination, comprising a base structure of the absorbent article, and a rear shell formed by a rear waist flap extending between the distal edge of the back and the trailing edge of the absorbent article, the rear waist flap is spaced from the back, and facing the liner layer from side to body in the part later.

In another aspect, the invention includes a spacer mounted on at least one of the rear part and the rear waist flap, the spacer and the trailing edge extend through the absorbent article, the spacer and combination with the back and the Rear belt flap forming the rear tank. The rear deposit also includes an opening for receiving the exudates, the opening having a length extending through a width of the absorbent article generally corresponding to a respective width of the rear reservoir.

The rear waist flap may comprise part of both the outer cover layer and the body side lining layer bent inward toward the lining layer d side to back body, with the rear belt flap attached to the backs. opposite lateral edges thereof to the rear part to thereby form the rear reservoir between the rear waist flap and the rear part.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of an absorbent article of the invention fully extended.

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

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of a fully extended absorbent article of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken at point 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a spacer used in the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view as in Figure 4, showing an alternate placement of the spacer.

Figure 7 illustrates a pictorial view of an absorbent article of the invention, generally showing its shape in use.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken at point 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the back of the absorbent article of the invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates a top partial cross-sectional view taken at point 10-10 of Fig. 7 showing the absorbent article applied to the user.

The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities or of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should also be understood here that the terminology and phraseology used herein are for the purpose of description and illustration and should not be viewed as limiting. The reference numbers are used to indicate the same components.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities The present invention relates to absorbent articles designed to absorb exudates from the body. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein in terms of an absorbent article such as a diaper for an infant, the invention includes, and is equally applicable to adult incontinence briefs, training underpants, and the like.

The present invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings in which like numbers refer to like elements. Figure 1 illustrates an absorbent article 8 with a front part 10, a back part 12 and the crotch part 14 connecting the front part 10 and the back part 12. The absorbent article 8 has a front edge 16 and a trailing edge 18. The absorbent article 8 includes a rear waist flap 20 having the side edges 22A, 22B and a distant edge 24. The rear waist flap 20 comprises a fold over the length of the back 12 of Figure 1. Said edges 22A, 22B of the rear waist flap 20 are bent over and bonded by adhesive 26 or other similar attachment techniques to the back 12. A spacer 28 is mounted on the back 12 on one side of the trailing edge 18. The spacer 28, in combination with the rear waist flap 20, it forms a rear reservoir 30. This rear reservoir 30 provides an improved protection against runoff of exudates, and particularly the material. fecal due to its structure, and is located at the rear or rear 12. The absorbent article 8 may also comprise a pair of fasteners 32 at the rear 12 and a connecting surface 33 at the front 10 of the article absorbent 8 which in combination, will join the absorbent article 8 on the wearer's body. An absorbent core 34 is mounted in the center of the absorbent article 8. The absorbent core 34 extends from the front , through the crotch portion 14 and inside the back 12. Figure 1 also shows the leg elastics 36 in the crotch portion 14 that folds to the absorbent article 8 to provide an adjustable fit or fit to a wearer . The leg elastics 36 extend through the back 12 generally to the distant edge 24.

Figure 2 comprises a cross-sectional view of the back part 12 taken at point 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a base structure 38 formed by an outer cover layer 40 and a side lining layer. to the body 42. The spacer 28, attached to a base structure 38, helps form the reservoir 30. The rear waist flap 20 comprises a bent length of the back 12. The waist elastics 44 shown in FIGS. 2 also help form the rear reservoir 30 by tensioning the rear waist flap 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the ends of the rear waist elastics 44 meet or overlap the respective ends of the leg elastics 36 so that the tension on the leg elastics 36 tending to form the relaxed absorbent article 8 in a form of cup as shown in figure 7, also tends to lift the distant edge 24 of the rear waist flap 20 outwardly from the side facing layer to the body 42 on the back 12, thereby creating an opening 43 in the rear reservoir 30. In the illustrated embodiments, the length of the opening 43 extends through a width of the absorbent article 8 generally corresponding to a respective width of the rear reservoir 30 between the side edges. 22A and 22B.

The absorbent core 34 suitably comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulosic fluff, preferably in combination with a high-absorbency material commonly known as a superabsorbent material. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core 34 comprises a mixture of a superabsorbent hydrogel-forming material and a wood pulp fluff. Instead of the wood pulp fluff one can use synthetic, polymeric, meltblown fibers or a combination of meltblown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent material may be mixed essentially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or may be combined in another manner in the absorbent core.

Alternatively, the absorbent core 34 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and superabsorbent material or other suitable means for maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area.

The high-absorbency material in the absorbent core 34 can be selected from polymers and natural, synthetic and modified natural materials. The high-absorbency materials may be inorganic materials, such as silica gels or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term "cross-linked" refers to any means for effectively making the materials normally water-soluble substantially insoluble but swellable in water, whereby the absorbing properties are available but the swollen material is essentially immobile after absorbing the liquid based of water. Such means may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces.

A suitable side-to-body lining layer 42 can be made from a wide selection of woven materials such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films or natural or synthetic fibers. For example, the body lining layer 42 may comprise wood or cotton fibers. Other possible materials are synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The lining layer from side to body is suitably used to help isolate liquids maintained in the absorbent core 34 of the user's skin.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for a side-to-body lining layer 42. For example, the side-to-body lining layer 42 can be composed of a fabric bonded with spinning or blown with polyolefin fiber melt. The body side facing layer 42 may also comprise a carded and / or bonded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body side facing layer 42 can also be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material wherein the hydrophobic material is treated with a surfactant or has been processed in another manner to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the side-to-body lining layer 42 may comprise a yarn-bound polypropylene fabric composed of fibers of about 2.8-3.2 denier formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 22 grams. per square meter and a density of about 0.06 grams per cubic centimeter. The fabric is treated with about 0.3 percent by weight of a surfactant. The body side facing layer 42 may comprise a multiplicity of components, layers or partial layers, which correspond to any of the materials described therein, as well as others known in the art.

It is generally preferred that the outer cover layer 40 of the absorbent article 8 is formed of a material which is essentially impermeable to liquids. A typical outer cover box 40 can be made of a thin plastic film or other material impermeable to the flexible liquid. For example, the outer cover layer 40 can be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 to about 0.051 millimeters. When it is desired that the outer cover layer 40 have a more fabric-like feel, it may comprise a polypropylene film laminated on a surface to a non-woven fabric, such as a fabric bonded with spinning polyolefin fibers. For example, a polypropylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters may have thermally laminated thereto or otherwise a fabric bonded with polyolefin fiber yarn having a thickness of from 1.5 to 2.5 denier per filament., whose non-woven fabric has a basis weight of about 24 grams per square meter. In addition, the outer cover layer 40 can be formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous web which has been fully or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to the selected regions that are on one side near the Furthermore, the outer cover layer 40 can optionally be composed of a microporous material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent core 34 and through the outer cover layer 40 while prevents liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover layer 40.

The fastening elements 32 may comprise a mechanical fastener such as the hooks of a hook and loop fastening system preferably mounted on the outer cover layer 40 of the base structure 38. The bonding surface 33 then comprises a curl material corresponding to the outer cover layer 40 on the front part 10 and adapted to engage releasably with the hook material. Other well-known fastening means can also be used to hold the absorbent article 8 on a person. For example, a cohesive system, an adhesive fastener system or the like can be used to hold the absorbent article 8.

Suitable materials for forming the leg elastics 36 include yarns, tapes or one or more layers of polymeric and / or elastomeric material which may adhere to the absorbent article 8 while the elastic is in a stretched condition. Alternatively, the elastic material can be attached, in a relaxed condition, to the absorbent article 8 while the absorbent article 8 is folded. The leg elastics 36 can suitably comprise one or more individual threads of elastomeric material. For example, a plurality of elastic threads may be configured in a arrangement generally parallel and spatially separated as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The elastic threads may be distributed over the entire length of at least the crotch portion 14 of the absorbent article 8 and be formed of a rubber material. A suitable elastic yarn can, for example, be composed of a LYCRA® elastomer of 470 decitex, a LICRA® elastomer of 620 decitex or other elastomers with suitable characteristics. The leg elastics 36 are preferably integrated into the base structure 38 between the outer cover layer 40 and the side-to-body liner layer 42.

The rear waist elastics 44 may comprise threads, tapes or one or more layers of a polymeric and / or elastomeric material which may adhere to the absorbent article while the elastics 44 are in a stretched condition. The rear waist elastics 44 can comprise one or more individual threads of elastomeric material, preferably in a generally parallel and spatially spaced arrangement as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. While the rear waist elastics 44 can be made of materials similar to the leg elastics 36, the amount of retroactive force and generally the thickness of the respective elastic yarns or similar material is generally less.

The base structure 38 is preferably formed with adhesive or other fastening of the outer cover layer 40 and of the lining layer from side to body 42 to each other. The absorbent core 34, the waist elastics 44, the leg elastics 36 and the spacer 28 are all preferably located within the base structure 38 between the outer cover layer 40 and the side-to-body liner layer 42. outer cover layer 40 and the side-to-body lining layer 42 form the base structure 38 by securing one to the other such as by stitching, heat sealing, sonic bonding, adhesive bonding or the like. Similarly, the absorbent core, the waist elastics, the leg elastics, and the spacer can be incorporated into the base structure using the same technology or similar technology.

Although Figures 1 and 3 show the rear waist flap 20 attached to the back 12 at the side edges 22A, 22B with adhesive, the use of the adhesive 26 is not critical. Sewing, heat sealing, sonic bonding, bonding with adhesive or the like can also be used to carry out this fastening.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a rear reservoir 30 is formed on the back part 12 of the absorbent article 8. The posterior reservoir 30 is formed by the combination of a rear waist flap 20, a spacer 28 and the rear part 12. The rear waist flap 20 which is an integral part of the base structure 38 as an extension of the base structure 38 from the back 12, it is fastened on the side edges 22A and 22B to the rear part 12 and is bent inward towards the lining layer side to body 42 on the rear part 12. the rear or rear waist tab 20 can also be described as being formed by parts of both the outer cover layer 40 and the side-to-body liner layer 42 folded inward or to the side edge layer to the body 42 of the back 12, with the rear waist flap 20 fastened at the edges opposite sides thereof to the rear part 12 to thereby form the rear tank 30 between the rear waist flap 20 and the rear part 12. The rear waist flap 20 and the rear 12 of the absorbent article 8 seals have a "C" configuration as shown in Figure 2. This "C" configuration defines the general shape of the back 12 as shown in Figure 2. The rear waist elastics 44 are preferably stretched when fastened through the rear waist flap 20. The rear waist elastics 44 also assist in the formation of the rear tank 30. The spacer 28 comprising an elastic material, is generally mounted on the back 12 generally parallel to the back edge 18. The posterior reservoir 30 may comprise exudates such as fecal material.

In an embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the rear waist flap 20 comprises a separate element, generally extending across the width "W" of the absorbent article 8 and thus the back 12. The detached element preferably has retractive elastic properties. . The rear waist flap of Figure 3 is attached to the back 12 of the absorbent article 8 on the side edges 22A and 22B and the trailing edge 18 of the back part to form the rear reservoir 30 sealed against drainage of exudate in the trailing edge 18 as well as on the side edges 22A and 22B. Although Figure 3 shows the fastening with adhesive 26, the use of adhesive 26 is not critical. Sewing, heat sealing, adhesive bonding or the like can be used to join the rear waist flap 30, provided that secure attachment is achieved, along with an adequate seal against runoff.

The rear waist flap 20 may comprise an elastic member formed by a layer of elastic material 20 as shown in Figure 4 or multiple layers of elastic material. A preferred exemplary material for the rear waist flap 20 is a laminate of an elastomeric core layer with front layers joined with non-spun yarn. bicomponent elastics on opposite sides of the elastomeric core layer. The elastomeric core layer preferably comprises a styrene ethylene butylene styrene terpolymer, such as the KRATON® G polymer from Shell Chemical Company. The elastomeric core layer generally provides a barrier to the fluid. When placed between the spunbonded front layers, the back layer can form a three-tiered stretch-bonded laminate. Although a terpolymer is preferred, other known polymers such as elastomeric copolymers can also provide an elastomeric core layer with similar properties.

As used herein, a "stretched-attached laminate" is a multilayer structure comprising at least two layers in which one layer is a foldable layer and the other is a stretchable layer wherein the stretch creates retractable forces in the cap. The layers are joined together when the stretchable layer is in the stretched condition so thatAs the layers relax, the foldable layer is folded by the retractable forces exerted by the stretchable / stretchable layer. The stretchable layer may have a film of stretchable material or a plurality of threads of a stretchable material. The rear waist flap 20 is preferably stretchable only in a direction that is across the width of the absorbent article 8. Other materials which can form the middle or elastomeric core layer of the waist flap 20, include a material elastomeric or a blown material with a stretchable melt, such as a meltblown layer, which is a barrier to the fluid. A carded fabric may also comprise an elastomeric core layer. Other materials which may comprise the rear waist flap 20 of Figure 3 include the tapered-bonded laminates or the like. Other conventional materials also include multi-layer structures, which can be selected for the rear waist flap 20 within the requirements of stretch properties and sealants.

The rear waist flap 20 of Figures 3 and 4 is preferably essentially stretched when attached to the back 12 of the absorbent article 8. The back waist flap 20 can then be retracted to form the rear tank 30.

The rear waist flap 20 of Figures 3 and 4 may also comprise a non-elastic material. The non-elastic material preferably has the rear waist elastics 44 attached thereto of the type described with respect to Figure 1. The rear waist flap 20 may comprise materials similar to those described for the side-to-body lining layer 42 and the outer cover layer 40. In addition, the rear waist flap 20 may comprise a combination of multilayers of material.

The spacer 28 is preferably glued or otherwise bonded to the base structure 38 between the outer cover layer 40 and the aligning liner layer to the body 42 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Alternatively, the spacing 28 may to be fastened in another way such as half glue 47, shown in figure 6, the base structure 38 such as the side facing liner 42 or the cover layer 40.

Regardless of the layer or layers to which the spacer 28 is mounted, the mounting location on the cap can be selected with some discretion. For example, the spacer 28 may be mounted on the rear belt tab 20 on one side of the trailing edge 18 of the absorbent article 8, on the back 12 or where the rear part 12 and the rear waist tab 20 meet such as in the trailing edge 18. The spacer 28 must be mounted between the trailing edge 18 and the distal edge 24 in order to properly form the rear reservoir 30.

The spacer 28 preferably has a rod-like shape. In the embodiments of Figures 1-4, the spacer 28 comprises an internal filler. The filler is elastic to allow some compression, arched and bent if sufficient deformation is allowed so that the rear tank 30 becomes too small or collapses. L The elasticity of the spacer 28 ensures that the absorbent article 8 is comfortable for a user while maintaining the hollow volume of the posterior reservoir 30 and therefore the availability to contain exudates and fecal matter.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of a mode of the spacer 28. In this embodiment the spacer includes an internal filler 46 formed in a rod-like shape. A first containment layer 48 of fabric, film or other containment material contains the internal filler 46 of the lint compressed there. A second layer is the cylindrical layer of the fluff formed around the first containment layer 48. The second layer 50 of the fluff is then encased within a second containment layer 52 of cloth, film or other containment material which forms the exterior of the spacer 28. The spacer 28 of Figure 5 is, in general, a flexible, soft, elastic, compressible rod component which is mounted through the back 12, preferably and essentially parallel to the trailing edge 18 of the absorbent article 8. With respect to the spacer 28, the "eraser" may comprise a regenerated cellulose fluff such as rayon. The spacer may also comprise a regenerated cellulose fluff and polyester which have been blended, or any material which is deformable, but elastic enough to function as a spacer. For example, the pieces of material of the machines Cutting in an absorbent article assembly process can be used as an eraser.

The first and second layers 48 and 52 of fabric, film or other containment materials may comprise materials similar to those taught to be used as the side-to-body liner layer 42 or the outer cover layer 40.

Figure 7 shows a pictorial view of the absorbent article 8. In this view, the location of the rear waist flap 20 is more clearly illustrated. The rear waist flap 20, the spacer 28, the rear waist elastics 44 and the leg elastics 36 all help to form a rear tank 30 and the corresponding opening 43. While the tank opening 43 can temporarily be closed by the forces exerted in combination with the user's position, the combination of the spacer 28, the fin 20 and the elastics 44 and 36 automatically reopen the flap when the user changes position, removing the closing force.

Figure 8 taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 8. Figure 8 illustrates the shape of the absorbent article 8 when placed on the body of a user "B". In use, the leg elastics 36 pull on the rear waist flap in the direction of the arrow "A" which pushes the far edge 24 outwardly from the lining layer sideways to the body 42 and against the wearer's buttocks. Thus, the waist elastics 36 provide a continuous dynamic force that tends to create and maintain the opening 43 through the full width "W" of the rear waist flap 20, so that body exudates freely enter the tank rear 30 through the opening 43. In this manner, the exudates will not run off or pass beyond the trailing edge 18 of the absorbent article 8 as can be done with conventional diapers. The leg elastics 36 extend into the back 12 and provide the dynamic force which also helps to form a bag that opens inward at the back 12 forward of the trailing edge 18. The bag that opens forward it is composed in the rear tank 30, typically on one side of the distant edge 24.

The rear waist elastics 44 of the absorbent article provide a force tending to fold the rear waist flap 28. The folding of the rear waist flap 28 also tends to form a bag, on the back 12, which comprises a part of the subsequent deposit 30.

The spacer 28 helps create the rear reservoir 30 by moving the back 12 of the rear waist flap 20. This displacement increases the size of the rear tank 30 which is then maintained in the open position and further expanded and sized by the rear waist elastics 44, the leg elastics 36, the rear waist flap 20.

Figure 9 shows a partial top view of the back 12 of the absorbent article 8. As shown in Figure 9, when the posterior reservoir 30 is formed, spacer 28 tends to arch so that a midpoint of the spacer 28 is shifted towards behind the absorbent article 8 with respect to the first and second ends 56A 56B of the spacer 28. In this manner, the spacer 28 tends to conform to the general shape of the diaper when a user's body "B" is applied. In addition, the arching of the spacer increases the depth of the rear reservoir 30. The absorbent article 8 is preferably formed so that spacer 28 is arched with the construction of the absorbent article 8. The absorbent article 8 can also be formed so that the spacer 28 is arcuate when the absorbent article 8 is applied to the body of the user.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken at point 10-10 of figure 7. This view shows a top view of the rear waist flap 20 against the body of a user "B" and a part of the cover outer 40 extending outward from the body of user "B". The rear waist elastics 44 push the rear waist flap 20 against the body of the user "B". The leg elastics 36 shown in Figure 8 also extend to the rear waist flap 20 towards the body of the user "B". This arrangement forms a tight seal between the user's waist and the rear waist flap 20.

Those of skill in the art will now see that certain modifications can be made to the invention described herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. And even though the invention has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications and alterations, and that all such arrangements, modifications and alterations are intended to be within the scope of the claims. annexes.

Claims (47)

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

1. An absorbent article having a back part with a trailing edge, a front part and a crotch part connecting said back part and said front part, said absorbent article comprises: (a) an outer cover layer; (b) a body liner layer mounted on said outer cover layer; (c) a spacer mounted on said back part of said absorbent article, and extending through said absorbent article; Y (d) a subsequent deposit defined in part by said spacer, on one side of the trailing edge, whereby the subsequent deposit provides a hollow volume capacity for a user of the absorbent article, said hollow volume capacity preventing the drainage of the exudates.

2. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said spacer is located between said outer cover layer and said side-to-body liner layer.

3. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said spacer comprises regenerated cellulose fluff.

4. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said spacer comprises eraser contained within a rod type shape structure, said eraser and said rod type shape structure, in combination, being sufficiently elastic for maintain a significant volume in said subsequent deposit during normal conditions of use.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said back tank is formed by said spacer and a rear waist flap.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said posterior waist flap extends from said trailing edge outwardly around the spacer and towards the crotch portion.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that said rear waist flap comprises portions of both said outer cover layer and said side-to-body lining layer folded inward toward the side-to-body lining layer. of said rear part, with said rear waist flap joined at the opposite side edges thereof to said back part to thereby form said rear tank between said rear waist flap and said rear part.

8. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that said rear waist flap, in combination with at least part of said back part of said absorbent article, extends in a "C" configuration.

9. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that said rear waist elastics are joined through said rear waist flap, said rear waist elastics, in combination with said spacer, said rear part and said rear flap. posterior waist, form said posterior deposit.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that said fin of The rear waist comprises an elastic member attached to said rear reservoir at said trailing edge and at the opposite lateral edges.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said elastic member is essentially stretched when it is fastened to said back part, said elastic member, when released from a stretched condition, retracts said back part to partially form said part. later deposit.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said rear waist flap comprises a non-elastic material extending from said back part at said trailing edge and at the opposite lateral edges, said non-elastic material having the elastics of waist attached to it.

13. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said absorbent article comprises an absorbent core located between said outer cover layer and said side-to-body lining layer.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it includes a opening for receiving the exudates inside said posterior reservoir, said opening having a length extending through a width of said absorbent article generally corresponding to a respective width of said posterior reservoir.

15. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that it includes an opening for receiving the exudates inside said back deposit, said opening having a length extending across a width of said absorbent article generally corresponding to a respective width of said subsequent deposit.

16. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said spacer has the first and second ends, and a mid-point, said spacer being arched so that the midpoint of said spacer is displaced rearwardly of said absorbent article. with respect to the first and second ends.

17. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it includes the first and second leg elastics in the respective first and second lateral edges of said absorbent article in said crotch portion, said elastic parts of said crotch portion. The first and second leg extend in from the back and help form a bag that opens inward in said posterior part, forward of the trailing edge.

18. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that said inwardly opening bag is comprised in said subsequent container.

19. An absorbent article having a back part with a trailing edge, a front part and a crotch part connecting said back part and said front part, said absorbent article comprises: (a) an outer cover layer; (b) a body side liner layer mounted on said outer cover layer and extending over said front part, said back part and said crotch portion; (c) a rear waist flap mounted on one side of the trailing edge of said back part and extending to said crotch portion, said waist flap rear being spaced from said rear part and forming a rear reservoir between said rear waist flap and said liner layer side to body of said rear part; Y (d) an opening between said rear waist flap and said liner layer side to body of said back part, to receive exudates in said back tank, said opening having a length extending through a width of said absorbent article corresponding to a respective width of said subsequent deposit.

20. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that it includes a spacer mounted on at least one of said rear part and said rear waist flap and spacing said rear waist flap from said rear part, said spacer, said back and said rear waist flap, in combination, define said back tank, said spacer being generally transverse to said absorbent article.

21. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said spacer is located between said outer cover layer and said side-to-body liner layer.

22. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said spacer comprises regenerated cellulose fluff.

23. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said spacer comprises eraser contained within a rod type shape structure, said eraser and said rod type form structure in combination, are sufficiently elastic to space said rear waist flap and said rear part one of another.

24. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that said rear waist flap comprises both the outer cover layer and said body facing liner folded inwardly toward the body side liner layer on top of said body. back, with said rear waist flap joined at the opposite lateral edges thereof to said back part to thereby form said back tank between the rear waist flap and said back part.

25. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that it includes a spacer mounted on at least one of said rear part and of said rear waist flap, said rear waist flap extends from the rear edge outwardly around of said spacer and towards said crotch part so that said spacer separates said rear waist flap from the rear part, whereby said tank is defined by said rear waist flap, said spacer and said rear part, in combination.

26. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that said rear waist flap, in combination with the at least part of said back part of said absorbent article, extends in a "C" configuration.

27. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the rear waist elastics are attached through said rear waist flap, said rear waist elastics, in combination with said spacer, said rear part and said rear flap. posterior waist, form said posterior deposit.

28. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that said fin of The rear waist comprises an elastic member attached to said back part at said trailing edge and at the opposite lateral edges.

29. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that said elastic member is essentially stretched when it is fastened to said back part.

30. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that said rear waist flap comprises a non-elastic material extending from said back part at said trailing edge and at the opposite lateral edges, said non-elastic material having the elastics of waist attached to it.

31. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that it includes an opening for receiving exudates inside said posterior reservoir, said opening having a length extending across a width of said absorbent article generally corresponding to a respective width of said subsequent deposit.

32. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said The spacer has the first and second ends, and a mid-point, said spacer being arcuate so that the midpoint of said spacer is positioned rearwardly of said absorbent article with respect to said first and second ends.

33. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that it includes the first and second leg elastics in the respectively opposite first and second side edges of said absorbent article in said crotch portion, said first and second leg elastics. they extend inside said back part and help to form a bag that opens inwards in said posterior part, in front of said posterior edge.

34. An absorbent article having a front edge, a trailing edge, and the opposite first and second side edges, and including a back portion having a distal edge thereof, a front portion and a crotch portion connecting said back portion and said portion crotch, said article includes: (a) an outer cover layer; (b) a side-to-body liner layer mounted on said outer cover layer, said liner layer side to body and said outer cover layer, in combination, comprise a base structure of said absorbent article; Y (c) a posterior reservoir formed by a posterior waist flap extending between said distal edge of said back part and said trailing edge of said absorbent article, said posterior waist flap being spaced from said rear portion and facing the layer of lining from side to body in said back part.

35. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said waist flap is joined at the opposite first and second side edges thereof to said base structure.

36. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that it includes a spacer mounted on at least one of said rear part and said rear waist flap, said spacer and the trailing edge extend through an absorbent article , said spacer, in combination with said back part and said rear waist flap, form said subsequent deposit.

37. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said spacer is located between said outer cover layer and said side-to-body liner layer.

38. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said spacer comprises a regenerated cellulose fluff.

39. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said spacer comprises fluff contained within a rod-like structure, said fluff and said rod-shaped structure, in combination, being sufficiently elastic to space said flute fin. rear waist and said back part of each other.

40. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said rear waist flap comprises both the outer cover layer and said side-to-body lining layer.

41. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 40, characterized in that said rear waist flap, in combination with at least part of said rear part of said absorbent article, extends in a "C" configuration.

42. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that the rear waist elastics are joined through said rear waist flap, said rear waist elastics in combination with said spacer, said rear part, and said rear flap; posterior waist, form said posterior deposit.

43. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said absorbent article includes an absorbent core mounted on said base structure between said outer cover layer and said side-to-body liner layer.

44. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that it includes an opening for receiving exudates within the posterior reservoir, said opening having a length extending across a width of said absorbent article generally corresponding to a respective width of said subsequent deposit.

45. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that it includes an opening for receiving exudates within said posterior reservoir, said opening having a length extending across a width of said absorbent article generally corresponding to a respective width of said back tank, said rear waist flap comprises parts of both the outer cover layer and the side facing liner layer bent inward towards the side facing liner layer of said rear part, with said rear flap rear waist joined at the opposite lateral edges thereof to said rear part to thereby form said rear deposit between said rear waist flap and said rear part.

46. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said spacer has the first and second ends, and a mid-point, said spacer being arched so that the midpoint of said spacer is displaced rearwardly of said absorbent article. with respect to said first and second ends.

47. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that it includes the first and second leg elastics at the side edges first and second respective opposites of said absorbent article in said crotch portion, said first and second leg elastics extend into the back part and help to form a pouch that opens inwardly in said back part forward of the trailing edge. SUMMARY An absorbent article includes a posterior reservoir for receiving and retaining excrement and other exudates from the body. The rear reservoir preferably includes a spacer located on the back preferably between a body-facing liner layer and an outer cover layer, aiding in the formation of the reservoir of the posterior reservoir. A back waist flap, preferably composed of the base structure of the absorbent article, can be folded inwardly from the trailing edge to form, in combination with the spacer and optionally other elements of the absorbent article, the rear reservoir. The rear waist flap can alternatively be formed by a separate element attached to the back of the absorbent article. The separate element may comprise an elastic member, or a non-elastic member with the posterior waist elastics. The rear waist flap is preferably essentially stretched with respect to the back to help form the rear reservoir. The spacer preferably comprises an internal filler and has a rod-like shape.