MXPA98007749A - Disposable absorbent article that has a support system absorb - Google Patents

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article defines an outer cover, an absorbent frame and an absorbent support member which is configured to hold the absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use. The absorbent frame includes a lower sheet, a side-to-body liner which is connected to the lower sheet in an overlying relationship and an absorbent core placed between the lower sheet and the side-to-body liner. The absorbent frame is attached to the outer cover at the waist edges and remains at least partially unclamped from the outer cover between the waist edges. The absorbent support member is attached to the absorbent frame and extends between and connects the absorbent frame to the side edges of the outer cover. The absorbent support member holds the absorbent frame in a conformal notch close to the user's body even after the frame is saturated with body exudates while the outer cover is free to move independently of the absorbent frame. Thus, the disposable absorbent article has an aesthetically pleasing garment-like appearance and has improved fit and containment during use

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE DISPOSABLE OUE HAS A ABSORBENT SUPPORT SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which are adapted to contain body exudates. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which have a loose-fitting outer covering that provides a more garment-like appearance.

Background of the Invention Conventional disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, have typically included a side-to-body liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent core or matrix positioned between the outer cover and the side-to-body liner. The outer covers of such absorbent articles have been constructed with various types of elasticized parts in the leg and waist opening regions. Such elasticized parts have been used to reduce the runoff of body exudates from the absorbent article and improve the appearance and notch of the absorbent article around the wearer. For example, conventional disposable absorbent articles have generally used the outer covers which have elastic threads positioned in the leg and waist opening regions to fold the outer cover to retain the absorbent core or matrix of the article against the wearer's body. . Typically, the absorbent core of such conventional absorbent articles has been secured to the outer cover and / or to the side-to-body lining at multiple locations along its length.

However, conventional disposable absorbent articles which have been configured as described above have exhibited several disadvantages. For example, it has been difficult to shape the conventional absorbent articles and, in particular, the absorbent cores of such articles to the user's body. Typically the absorbent core on such conventional absorbent articles has been attached to or mobilized between the outer cover and the side-to-body liner and the outer cover has been used to keep the absorbent core in close proximity to the wearer's body in use. . Consequently, it has been difficult to control the shape of the absorbent article to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance during use. In an attempt to improve the folding of the absorbent core and the absorbent article, the leg and waist opening regions of conventional absorbent articles have included elastics which apply high shrinkage and folding forces on the absorbent article. However, such high forces have undesirably resulted in irritation and red marking of the wearer's skin. The high forces have also resulted in an undesirable level of swelling of the absorbent article especially in the crotch region.

Various attempts have been made to improve the conformation of such articles to the user. For example, some conventional absorbent articles have included absorbent matrices which are only attached to the outer cover at their end regions so that the outer cover has a "blouse" appearance and the absorbent core can move and conform to the wearer without being restricted by the outer cover. However, the absorbent articles which have included the absorbent cores attached to the outer cover at their end margins have not been completely satisfactory. For example, absorbent matrices in such articles have been dropped and bagged during use especially after they have been saturated with body exudates. Such bagging and dropping has an undesired result in an improper fit and appearance which leads to increased runoff.

Despite attempts to develop improved and aesthetically pleasing disposable absorbent articles, there is still a need for disposable absorbent articles which contain body exudates while providing an optimal fit around the wearer and keeping the appearance pleasant even after being saturated. In addition, there is a need for a disposable absorbent article which has a garment-like appearance and which is easily secured around a user's waist and easily removed from it.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new disposable absorbent article has been discovered which has an exterior loose-fitting notch to provide a more garment-like appearance. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which includes an outer cover, an absorbent frame and an absorbent support member which is attached to the absorbent frame and which extends between and connects the absorbent frame to the absorbent frame. external cover. The absorbent support member is configured to hold the absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent support member includes a strip of material which is attached to and extends between a pair of laterally opposite side edges of the outer cover and remains substantially disengaged from the outer cover between the side edges.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which comprises an outer cover, an absorbent frame and an absorbent support member. The outer cover defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges, a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region which extends between and connects the waist regions. The absorbent frame defines a front bonded part and a rear bonded part which are attached to the outer cover and an unbonded part which extends between the joined parts and which remain essentially unbonded to the outer cover. The absorbent support member is clamped and extends between the laterally opposite side edges of the outer cover in the front waist region of the outer cover and is attached to the absorbent frame. The absorbent support member is configured to hold the unattached part of the absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which comprises an outer cover, an absorbent frame, and a fastening system and an absorbent support member. The outer cover defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges, a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region which extends between and connects the waist regions. The absorbent frame includes a lower sheet, a side-to-body liner which is connected to the lower sheet in a superimposed relationship and an absorbent core positioned between the lower sheet and the side-to-body liner. At least about 90 percent of a length of the absorbent shell remains essentially unattached to the outer shell. The fastening system includes a pair of primary fasteners located on the laterally opposite side edges of the outer cover in the rear waist region of the outer cover and a pair of secondary fasteners on the laterally opposite side edges of the outer cover in the front waist region of the outer cover. The absorbent support member is attached to the absorbent frame and extends between and connects the absorbent frame to the laterally opposite side edges of the outer cover on one side of the secondary fasteners. The absorbent support member is configured to hold the absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use. The primary fasteners are configured to surround the wearer's hips and engage an exterior surface of the front waist region of the outer cover to hold the absorbent article around the user in use. Secondary fasteners are configured to engage a surface facing the body of the absorbent frame in use.

The present invention advantageously provides a disposable absorbent article which has a garment type appearance and resonable side seams which allow the article to be easily secured around and removed from the wearer's waist. The disposable absorbent article of the various aspects of the present invention also achieves a good notch while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance when compared to conventional absorbent articles which fold and bulge in the crotch region. further, the disposable absorbent article of the present invention provides improved containment of body exudates within the absorbent core of the article by allowing the absorbent core to remain unclamped from the outer cover in at least the crotch region of the article and maintain to the absorbent core near the user's body.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like elements. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Figure 1 representatively shows a partially sectioned perspective view of an example of a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention wherein the elastic members have contracted and folded the edges of the disposable absorbent article.

Figure 2 representatively shows a plan view of the disposable absorbent article of Figure 1 in a stretched and laid flat condition with the surface of the article making contact with the wearer facing.

Figure 3 representatively shows a partially sectioned plan view of the disposable absorbent article of Figure 1 in a condition placed flat and stretched with the surface of the article that makes contact with the wearer's clothing facing the one being observed.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which have a garment-type appearance. Disposable absorbent articles are adapted to be worn on one side of the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. As used herein, the term "disposable" refers to articles which are intended to be discarded after limited use and which are not intended to be rewashed or otherwise restored to reuse. The disposable absorbent articles of the present invention will be described in terms of a disposable diaper article which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. It is understood that the disposable absorbent articles of the present invention are equally adapted for use as other types of absorbent articles such as incontinent products for adults, training underpants, feminine hygiene products, garments for the care of women. health or personal care and the like.

Figures 1-3 representatively illustrate an example of a disposable diaper, as generally indicated with the number 20, according to the present invention. As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the diaper 20 includes an outer cover 22, an absorbent frame 24 and an absorbent frame support member 26 which is connected to and extends between the outer cover 22 and the absorbent frame 24 The absorbent frame 24 is configured to contain and / or absorb any exudates from the body discharged from the user. While the outer cover 22 is configured to maintain the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist, it hides the absorbent frame 24 from the view and provides a garment-type appearance. The absorbent frame support member 26 is configured to maintain and support the absorbent frame 24 in a conformal notch and close to the user during use. The illustrated diaper 20 further includes a fastening system 90 which is intended to hold the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist when in use. It should be recognized that the individual components of the diaper 20 may optionally depend on the intended use of the diaper 20.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the outer cover 22 of the diaper 20 defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges 28 and 30, a pair of longitudinally opposite waist regions 32 and 34, and a crotch region 36 the which extends between and connects the waist regions. The opposite side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22 define the leg openings for the outer cover 22 and which may be curvilinear. The waist regions 32 and 34 of the outer cover 22 define a waist opening and are configured to surround the wearer's waist when worn. The waist regions 32 and 34 may also be referred to as the front waist region 32 and the rear waist region 34. The front waist region 32 comprises the part of the outer cover 22 which, when used, it is placed on the front of the user while the rear waist region 34 comprises the part of the outer cover 22 which, when worn, is placed on the back of the user and covers the user's buttocks. The crotch region 36 of the outer cover 22 comprises the part of the outer cover 22 which, when worn, is placed on the back of the user and covers the user's buttocks. The crotch region 36 of the outer cover 2 comprises the part of the outer cover 22 which, when used, is placed between the user's legs and covers the lower torso of the user.

The outer cover 22 of the diaper 20 can suitably be composed of a material which is already permeable to liquid or impervious to liquid. Since the absorbent frame 24 of the different aspects of the present invention is designed to contain the exudates of the body discharged from the user, it is not generally necessary that the outer cover 22 be impermeable to liquid. For example, outer cover 22 may include various woven or non-woven materials such as spunbonded material, meltblown material, cotton material, rayon material or combinations thereof such as a laminate bonded by spinning-blown with melting joined with spinning (SMS).

The outer cover 22 may otherwise be at least partially impervious to the liquid to further prevent any runoff of body exudates. For example, a typical outer cover 22 can be made of a thin plastic film or other material impermeable to the flexible liquid. In a particular aspect, the outer cover 22 can be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters to about 0.051 millimeters. The outer cover 22 may also be formed of a woven or nonwoven fibrous fabric layer which has been wholly or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions. In addition, the outer cover 22 can optionally be comprised of a microporous breathable material which allows the vapors to escape from the diaper 20 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover 22. Further, the outer cover 22 can also be an elasticized material such as a stretch-heat laminate (STL), a narrow-bonded laminate (NBL) or a stretched-attached laminate (SBL). Methods for making such materials are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,633,220 issued May 5, 1987 to Wisnes i et al., The United States patent of North America No. 5,226,992 issued July 13, 1993 to Moron and European Patent Application No. EP 0 217 032 published April 8, 1987 to the names of Tylor and others, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

If it is desired to present the outer cover 22 with a more cloth-like feel, the outer cover 22 may comprise a polyethylene film having a non-woven fabric laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a spunbonded fabric. of polyolefin fibers. For example, a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters (0.6 mils) may have thermally laminated thereto a fabric bonded by spinning polyolefin fibers, whose fibers have a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 denier. per filament, whose non-woven fabric has a basis weight of about 24 grams per square meter. The outer cover 22 may otherwise be a stretch-thermal laminate (STL) which includes a layer of film placed between two spun-bonded layers and which has a basis weight of about 73 grams per square meter. The film layer may be composed of meltblown polypropylene fibers and the spin-bonded layers may be composed of polypropylene fibers. Outer cover 22 may also include bicomponent fibers such as polypropylene / polyethylene bicomponent fibers. Methods for forming such fabric type outer covers are known to those skilled in the art.

The outer cover 22 of the diaper 20 may also include a pair of concealment cuffs (not shown) which are configured to hide the absorbent frame 24 and provide an additional barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The concealing cuffs may be located along the laterally opposite side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22. The construction of such concealment cuffs is generally known to those skilled in the art. For example, the concealing cuffs may be constructed of a material which is similar to the material comprising the outer cover 22 and may be attached to the side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22 to effectively hide or hide the absorbent frame 24 of the view. Generally, such concealment fist includes a fixed edge which is attached to the side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22 and a free edge which tends to be placed in an outwardly spaced relation of the outer cover 22 to a generally vertical and perpendicular configuration, especially in the crotch region 36 when in use. Desirably, the free edge of each concealing fist maintains a contacting relationship with the user's body while the outer covering 22 may be spaced out from the user's body when in use. Typically, an elastic member is attached to the free edge of each concealment fist to maintain the relationship spaced outwardly between the free edge and the outer cover 22.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent frame 24 of the diaper 20 of the present invention defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges 40 and 42 and a pair of longitudinally positioned waist edges 46 and 48. The absorbent frame 24 according to the present invention may also include a lower sheet 50, a side-facing liner 52 which is in contact with the lower sheet 50 in an overlying relationship, and an absorbent core 54 which is located between the liner side to body 52 and lower sheet 50. Lower sheet 50 is typically configured to hold absorbent frame 24 of diaper 20 close to the wearer's body. In alternative configurations wherein the outer cover 22 of the diaper 20 is at least partially resistant to the flow of liquids therethrough, the lower sheet 50 can optionally be omitted from the absorbent frame 24. The absorbent frame 24 also defines a stretch which extends longitudinally 62.

The absorbent frame 24 is generally conformable and capable of absorbing and retaining exudates from the body. Absorbent frame 24 can have any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent frame 24 may be rectangular, I-shaped, T-shaped. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent frame 24 must be compatible with the size of the user. attempted and of the fluid load imparted by the intended use of the diaper 20. Typically, it is desirable that the absorbent frame 24 have an absorbent capacity of at least about 300 grams of urine.

It is generally preferred that the absorbent frame 24 be narrower in the crotch region 36 than in the waist regions 32 and 34. It has been found that the absorbent frame 24 of the present invention is particularly useful when the wide dimension in the region of Crotch 36 is from about 2.5 to about 10.2 centimeters, desirably no more than about 7.6 centimeters and more desirably no more than about 5.1 centimeters. The narrow crotch width dimension of the absorbent frame 24 allows the absorbent frame 24 to better fit between the user's legs.

The absorbent frame 24 of the present invention is suitably connected to the outer cover 22 to provide the disposable diaper 20. As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent frame 24 is desirably connected to the outer cover 22 only in or to a side of the waist edges 46 and 48 of the absorbent frame 24 thus creating a front attached portion 56, a rear fastened portion 58 and an unattached portion 60 which extends between and connects the joined portions 56 and 58. The part not The fastener 60 of the absorbent frame 24 remains essentially unattached to the outer cover 22 and is generally configured to fit between the user's legs and at least partially cover the lower torso of the user when in use. As a result, the unattached part 60 is generally the part of the absorbent frame 24 which is configured to initially receive the exudates from the user's body when in use.

The absorbent frame 24 is connected to the outer cover 22 in a manner to secure the frame 24 in place while not adversely restricting the movement of the outer cover 22 in use. For example, the absorbent frame 24 can be connected to the outer cover 22 along a longitudinal length of no more than 5.1 centimeters and desirably no more than about 1.3 centimeters at each of the waist edges 46 and 48 of the frame. absorbent 24. In a further aspect, the absorbent frame 24 is connected to the outer cover 22 so that the unbonded portion 60 of the absorbent frame 24 defines a longitudinal stretch of at least about 90 to 100 percent and desirably at least about 95 percent of a length 62 of the absorbent frame 24. In such a configuration, the absorbent frame 24 is more easily shaped to the body and to the user's movements in use without adversely affecting the garment-type appearance of the outer cover 22. In a particular aspect, the longitudinal length of the unattached part 60 of the frame absorbent 24 is less than the longitudinal length of the outer cover 22 between the joined portions 56 and 58. In such a configuration, the absorbent frame 24 maintains a spaced apart relationship of the outer cover 22 in at least the crotch region 36 when It's in use.

The absorbent frame 24 can suitably be connected to the outer cover 22 to form the diaper 20 using any means known to those skilled in the art. For example, the absorbent frame 24 may be attached to the outer cover 22 using adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniques known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the absorbent frame 24 may be connected to the outer cover 22 using conventional fasteners such as buttons, hook-and-loop type fasteners, tape fasteners, and the like. The other components of the diaper 20 can be suitably connected together using similar means.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the disposable absorbent article of the various aspects of the present invention also includes an absorbent frame support means 26 which is connected to and extends between the outer cover 22 and the absorbent frame 24 The absorbent frame support member 26 is configured to support and maintain the absorbent frame 24 and, in particular, the unattached portion 60 of the absorbent frame 24 in a shaping notch close to the user during use. The absorbent frame support member 26 may comprise any member which is capable of supporting and maintaining the notch of the absorbent frame 24 during use and, in particular, after the absorbent core 54 of the frame 24 has become saturated with the exudates. of the body.

For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent frame support member 26 may include a strip of a material 80 which is attached to and extends laterally between the absorbent frame 24 and the outer cover 22 of the diaper. 20. The strip of material 80 can be attached to the absorbent frame 24 and the outer cover 22 in any location that supports the absorbent frame 24. Desirably the strip of material 80 is attached to and extends laterally between the laterally opposite side edges 28 and 30. of the outer cover 22 in one of the waist regions 32 and 34 of the outer cover 22 to better distribute the forces exerted by the absorbent frame 24 on the outer cover 22. • The strip of material 80 can remain essentially unattached to the outer cover 22 between the side edges 28 and 30. Desirably, at least about 85 percent of the length in the transverse direction ersal with the side of the strip of material 80 remains unattached to the outer cover 22 so that the strip of material 80 and the weight of the absorbent frame 24 do not adversely affect the appearance of the outer cover 22. As representatively illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1-3, a part of the material strip 80 which extends between the side edges 28 and 30 and which remains unattached to the outer cover 22 is attached to the lower sheet 50 of the absorbent frame 24. Therefore, the weight of the absorbent frame 24 and, in particular, the weight of the unclamped part 60 of the absorbent frame 24 is supported by the strip of material 80.

The absorbent frame support member 26 may include a single strip of material 80 in one of the waist regions 32 and 34 of the diaper 20 or may include a strip of material 80 in both waist regions 32 and 34 of the diaper to provide the Additional support of the absorbent frame 24. As illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent frame support member 26 desirably includes at least one strip of material 80 in the front waist region 32 of the diaper 20 to hold at least the front part of the absorbent frame 24 which typically receives the majority of exudates from the body. The strip of material 80 can have any desirable shape and size that provides the support of the absorbent frame 24. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the strip of material 80 can define a width 82 from about 2 to about 5 centimeters and a length of 84 from about 15 to about 30 centimeters.

The absorbent support member 26, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, may suitably be composed of any material which is capable of providing the desired support of the absorbent frame 24. It is generally preferred that the absorbent support member be formed of a material which is cheap, strong and flexible. For example, a typical support member 26 can be made of a thin plastic film or other flexible nonwoven material. For example, the support member 26 can be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters to about 0.051 millimeters. The support member 26 may otherwise comprise a non-woven fabric material, such as a melt blown or spin-bonded fabric of polyolefin fibers. In addition, the support member 26 can optionally be composed of an elastic or stretchable material which allows the support member 26 to stretch as forces are exerted on it due to the weight of the absorbent frame 24.

The side lining to the body 52 of the absorbent frame 24, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, suitably presents a face surface to the body which is intended to be worn on one side of the wearer's body and is docile, In addition, the body side liner 52 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core 54 to present a relatively dry surface to the user and may be sufficiently porous to be permeable to liquid, allowing The liquid can easily penetrate through its thickness A suitable side-to-body liner 52 can be manufactured from a wide selection of fabric materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g. wood and cotton), synthetic fibers (for example polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. RPO 52 is suitably employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from fluids maintained in the absorbent core 54 of the absorbent shell 24.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the side-to-body lining 52. For example, the side-to-body liner can be composed of a meltblown or bonded fabric of polyolefin fibers. The body side liner may also be a bonded-carded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body side liner may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the body side liner 52 comprises a polypropylene fabric bonded by non-woven yarn composed of fibers of about 2.8-3.2 deniers 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 on the surface with about 0.28 percent by weight of a surfactant commercially available from Rohm and Haas Company under trade designation Triton X-102.

The lower sheet 50 of the absorbent frame 24 as illustrated representatively in Figures 1-3, may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the bottom sheet 50 be formed of a material which is essentially fluid impervious. For example, a typical bottom sheet can be made of a thin plastic film or other material impervious to flexible liquid. For example, the bottom sheet 50 may be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters about 0.051 millimeters. The lower sheet 50 may also comprise a film layer having a nonwoven fabric laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a cloth bonded by spinning polyolefin fibers. The lower sheet 50 can also be constructed of a material which is similar to the material comprising the outer cover 22, such as an STL material. In addition, the lower sheet 50 may be formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer which has been fully or partially treated or constructed to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to the selected regions that are adjacent to or close to the absorbent core. 54. Still further, the bottom sheet 50 may optionally be comprised of a microporous "breathable" material which allows vapors to escape from the absorbent core 54 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the sheet lower 50 Lining side to body 52 and lower leaf 50 are generally adhered to each other as to form a bag in which the absorbent core or matrix 54 is located to provide the absorbent frame 24. The body side liner 52 and the lower sheet 50 can adhere directly to each other around the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 24 by any means known to those skilled in the art such as adhesive joints, sonic joints or thermal joints. For example, a continuous and uniform adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, a meltblown or meltblown adhesive pattern or an array of lines, swirls or spots of adhesive can be used to fix the liner from side to body 52 to the bottom sheet 50. It should be noted that both the body side liner 52 and the bottom sheet 50 do not require to be fully extended to the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 24. For example, the bottom sheet 50 may extend to the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 24 while the body side liner 52 can be attached to the lower sheet 50 inside the outer periphery of the absorbent frame 24, or more towards the longitudinal center line of the diaper 20. In alternative configurations, especially where the lower sheet 50 omitted, the side-to-body liner 52 may suitably adhere directly to the absorbent core 54.

The absorbent core 54, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, is positioned between the body side liner 52 and the bottom sheet 50 to form the absorbent frame 24. The absorbent core 54 is desirably conformable and capable of absorbing and absorbing. to retain exudates from the body. The absorbent core 54 may have any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, the composite absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. It is generally preferred that the absorbent core 54 be narrower in the crotch region 36. The size of the absorbent core 54 must be compatible with the absorbent core 54. the size of the intended user and the desired absorbent capacity of the absorbent frame 24.

In a particular embodiment, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent core 54 of the absorbent frame 24 desirably is a plurality of absorbent strips which extend along the longitudinal extent 62 of the absorbent frame 24. The strips Absorbents are generally rectangular in shape and define a length, a width and a thickness and a pair of opposite longitudinal side edges. The absorbent strips are configured to pivot about one of the longitudinal side edges while the opposite longitudinal side edge of the absorbent strips remains free to move. The absorbent core 54 may include any number of absorbent strips which provide the desired containment of body exudates. For example, the absorbent core 54 may include four longitudinally extending absorbent strips. In the alternative configurations, the absorbent core 54 may include from one to about 10 absorbent strips. The arrangement of the absorbent strips provides channels between each strip to distribute and better contain fluid exudates. In addition, the arrangement of the strips provides a larger surface area in contact with body exudates than conventional planar absorbent cores to more effectively absorb and contain the exudates. The absorbent strips are also very comfortable in the crotch section of the absorbent frame 24. For example, the absorbent strips are arranged so that they can overlap one another in a roof arrangement when subjected to a lateral force such as that is exerted by the legs of a user in use. Various configurations for the absorbent strips are described in the patent application of the United States of America number 08 / 476,742 of S. Gryskiewicz et al., Entitled "ABSORBENT ARTICLE THAT INCLUDES BEAMS OF CONTAINMENT TO THE LIQUID AND BARRIERS TO THE SCRUTINY" and presented the June 7, 1995 (lawyer case number 12,187); the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent therewith.

The absorbent core or matrix 54 of the absorbent shell 24 may suitably comprise various types of hydrophilic and wettable fibrous materials. Examples of suitable materials include naturally occurring organic fibers composed of an intrinsically wettable material, such as cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivative, such as rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material, such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic polymers, such as the particular polyamide and polyester fibers; and synthetic fibers composed of a non-wettable thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized through appropriate means known to those skilled in the art. The absorbent core 54 may comprise selected blends of the various types of fibers mentioned above.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent core 54 may include a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a fabric of cellulosic fibers, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material such as that commonly known as superabsorbent material. As used herein, the term "high absorbency material" refers to materials that are capable of absorbing at least 10 times their own weight in liquid. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent core 54 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel forming particles and wood pulp fluffs. The wood pulp fluff can be interchanged with melt blown fibers, synthetic polymer or with a combination of meltblown fibers and natural fibers. The high-absorbency material can be mixed essentially homogeneously with the hydrophilic fibers or can be mixed non-uniformly. The high-absorbency material can also be arranged in a discrete layer generally within the matrix of the hydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core 54 may comprise a fibrous web laminate and a high absorbency material or other suitable means for keeping the high absorbency material in a localized area.

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

Examples of synthetic, polymeric, high-absorbency materials include the ammonium and alkali metal salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamide), poly (vinyl ethers), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha olefins, poly (vinyl pylorridone), poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol) and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and gums natural, such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum and the like. Blends of natural and fully or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention.

The ultra-absorbent material can be in any area of a wide variety of geometric shapes.

As a general rule, it is preferred that the high-absorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However, the high absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, flakes, rods, spheres, needles and the like. Conglomerates of high-absorbency matrix particles can also be used. An example of a superabsorbent polymer suitable for use in the present invention is a superabsorbent polymer designated IM5000 which is commercially available from Hoechst-Celanese, a business having offices in Portsmouth, Virginia. Other high-absorbency materials may include superabsorbent polymers which are commercially available from Dow Chemical Corporation, a business having offices in Midland, Michigan.

As a general rule, high-absorbency materials are present in the absorbent core 54 of the present invention in an amount of from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight and desirably from about 10 to about 60 percent. by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent core 54. The distribution of the high-absorbency material within the different parts of the absorbent core 54 may vary depending on the intended end use of the absorbent core 54.

As it was representatively illustrated in the Figures 1-3, the absorbent frame 24 of the disposable diaper 20 may include a pair of containment flaps 66 and 68 which are configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The containment fins 66 and 68 can be located along the laterally opposite side edges 40 and 42 of the absorbent frame 24. Each containment fin defines a joined edge 60 and an unbonded edge 72. Each of the fins of containment 66 and 68 may include at least one elongate elastic member 74 which is adhered to the unattached edge 72 of the containment flap 66 and 68 and is configured to fold the unattached edge 72 and form a seal against the body of the retainer. user when it is in use. The containment fins 66 and 68 may extend longitudinally along the entire length 62 of the absorbent frame 24 or may only extend partially along the length of the absorbent frame 24. When the containment fins 66 and 68 are shorter in length than the absorbent frame 24, the containment flaps 66 and 68 can be selectively placed on either side along the side edges 40 and 42 of the absorbent frame 24. In particular aspects of the invention, the containment flaps 66 and 68 they extend along the entire length 62 of the absorbent frame 24 to better contain the body exudates.

The containment fins 66 and 68 can be made of any material which provides the desired barrier against the flow of exudates from the body. For example, the containment fins 66 and 68 may be constructed of material which is similar to the material comprising the outer cover 22. Other conventional materials, such as polymer films may also be employed. The material for the containment fins 66 and 68 can also be liquid resistant and / or gas permeable for improved operation. In a particular aspect, the containment fins 66 and 68 may be constructed of an STL material having a basis weight of about 73 grams per square meter and comprising a meltblown layer or blown polypropylene fibers with melting between two layers bonded by spinning polypropylene fibers.

Each containment flap 66 and 68 is attached to the side edges 40 and 42 of the absorbent frame 24 so that the containment flaps 66 and 68 provide a barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The joined edge 70 of each of the containment fins 66 and 68 is attached to the side edges 40 and 42 of the absorbent frame 24 while the unattached edge 72 remains unattached from the absorbent frame 24 in at least the crotch region. 36 of the absorbent frame 24. The attached edge 70 of the containment flaps 66 and 68 can be attached to the absorbent frame 24 in any of several ways which are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the joined edge 70 of the fins 66 and 68 can be ultrasonically bonded, thermally bonded or adhesively bonded to the outer cover 22. In a particular aspect, the unbonded edge 72 of each of the containment fins 66 and 68 remains unattached from the side edges 40 and 42 of the absorbent frame 24 along essentially the entire length of the unbonded edge 72 to provide improved operation.

Alternatively as shown illustratively in Figures 1-3, the containment fins 66 and 68 may be integral with the lower sheet 50 of the absorbent frame 24. For example, the containment flaps 66 and 68 may be composed of portions of the bottom sheet 50 in which they extend laterally beyond the side edges of absorbent core 54 of absorbent frame 24.

Each containment flap 66 and 68 is also configured so that the unattached edge 72 of the containment flap 66 and 68 tends to be placed in a separate outward relationship from the absorbent frame 24 to a generally straight and perpendicular configuration, especially in the crotch region 36 when in use. As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the unbonded edge 72 of each containment flap 66 and 68 is desirably spaced outward from the absorbent shell 24 when in use thereby providing a barrier to the natural flow of body exudates. . Desirably, the unbonded edge 72 of each containment flap 66 and 68 maintains a contacting relationship with the user's body while the absorbent frame 24 can be spaced apart from the user's body when in use. Typically, an elastic member 6 is attached to the unbonded edge 72 of each containment fin 6 and 68 to maintain the spaced apart relationship between the unbonded edge 72 and the absorbent frame 24. For example, the elastic member 74 may be attached to the unbonded edge 72 in an elastically contractible condition so that the contraction of the elastic member 74 folds or contracts and shortens the joined edge 72 of the containment flap 66 and 68.

Materials suitable for use as the elastic member 74 of the containment fins 66 and 68 are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of such materials are sheets, threads or tapes of a polymeric elastomeric material which are adhered to the fins 66 and 68 in a stretched condition, or which are attached to the fins 66 and 68 while the fins are folded, of way that the elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the fins. Elastic member 74 may also include such materials as polyurethane, synthetic and natural rubber. In a particular aspect of the invention, the elastic members 74 may be composed of a plurality of individual strands of a 620 decitex Lycra elastomer which are commercially available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company. The containment fins 66 and 68 can include from about 1 to about 10 elastic yarns along the unbonded edge 72. The elastic members 74 can be elongated before being attached to the unbonded edge 72 of the containment fins 66 and 68. For example, the elastic members 74 may be elongated by at least about 75 percent and desirably by from about 100 to about 150 percent before fastened so that the elastic members 74 fold the edge not 72 of the containment fins 66 and 68. Desirably the elastic members 74 are configured to fold and hold the unbonded edge 72 in a contact relationship with the wearer's body when in use to effectively provide a seal against the flow lateral of body exudates.

Alternate constructions and arrangements for containment fins 66 and 68 are described in U.S. Patent No. 704,116 issued November 3, 1987 to K. Enloe, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent with it. The absorbent article of the various aspects of the present invention further includes a fastening system 90 for securing the absorbent article around the wearer's waist. Typically, the fastening system 90 includes the fasteners which are located on the outer cover 22 of the diaper 20 and which are configured to be resilient. The use of the fasteners which are releasably releasable or engageable allows an ease of securing and removing the diaper 20 from the wearer's waist.

For example, the fastening system 90 in the present invention, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, includes a pair of primary fasteners 92 and 94 which are located on the outermost corners of the rear waist region 34 of the outer cover 22. The primary fasteners 92 and 94 are configured to surround the wearer's hips and engage an exterior surface of the front waist region 32 of the outer cover 22 to hold the diaper 20 on the wearer. Desirably, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the primary fasteners 92 and 94 are releasably engageable directly with the exterior surface of the outer cover 22 to provide improved fastening ease. Alternatively, the disposable diaper 20 of the present invention may include a fastening panel 102 on the outer surface of the front waist region 32 of the outer cover 22. In such a configuration, the primary fasteners 92 and 94 are releasably engageable with the panel. of securing 102 to maintain the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist. When the primary fasteners 92 and 94 are releasably engaged, the side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22 surround the user's legs thereby defining the leg openings.

Suitable fasteners are well known to those skilled in the art and may include tape appendage fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, mushroom fasteners, boteroles, pins, belts and the like and combinations thereof. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the primary fasteners 92 and 94 may be the hook type fasteners and the outer cover 22 or the fastening panel may be configured to function as a curl type fastener. complementary.

Desirably the fasteners 92 and 94 are hook-type fasteners which engage releasably with the outer cover 22. Such an arrangement provides the ability to vary the size of the waist opening in very small increments over a wide range to adjust the user's waist. . The primary fasteners 92 and 94 may have any shape and size that provides the desired fastening of the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist.

The fastening system 90 on the disposable diaper 20 of the present invention may further include a pair of secondary fasteners 96 and 98 to provide improved securing of the diaper 20 around the wearer's waist and to provide additional support to maintain the absorbent frame. 24 in contact with the user. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the diaper 20 may include a pair of secondary fasteners 96 and 98 which are located on the side edges 28 and 30 of the front waist region 32 of the outer cover 22 Secondary fasteners 96 and 98 are configured to surround the user's hips and engage a side surface to the body 100 of the rear waist edge 48 of the absorbent frame 24 to maintain the absorbent frame 24 of the diaper 20 in a narrow conformal notch at buttocks of the user. Desirably, as representatively illustrated, in Figures 1-3, the secondary fasteners 96 and 98 are hook type fasteners which are releasably engage directly with the body facing surface 100 of the absorbent frame 24 to provide ease of improved grip. Alternatively, the disposable diaper 20 of the present invention may include one or more fastening panels (not shown) on the body facing surface of the rear waist edge 48 of the absorbent frame 24 to which the secondary fasteners 96 and 98 are releasably engaged. . When the secondary fasteners 96 and 98 are releasably engaged, the absorbent frame 24 is supported by both the absorbent support member 26 and the secondary fasteners 96 and 98 to ensure that the absorbent frame 24 remains in close contact with the wearer's buttocks in the use.

Desirably, the absorbent support member 26, as discussed above and representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, is attached to the side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22 on or to one side of the location of the fasteners 92 and 94 or 96 and 98. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1-3, the absorbent support member 26 may include a strip of material 80 whose ends have been attached to the side edges 28 and 30 of the outer cover 22 to one side of the location of the secondary fasteners 96 and 98. In such a configuration, the forces exerted on the support member 26 are transferred to the fasteners 96 and 98 which more evenly distribute the forces to the rest of the diaper 20. In particular the forces are distributed through the fasteners to the waist regions and to the leg regions of the outer shell 22.

The disposable diaper 20 of the various aspects of the present invention can further include the elastics at the waist edges and at the side edges 30 and 32 of the outer cover 22 to further prevent runoff of body exudates and hold the absorbent frame. 2 .

For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, the diaper 20 of the present invention may include a pair of leg elastic members 76 and 78 which are connected to the laterally opposite side edges 28 and 30 in the region. crotch 36 of the outer cover 22. The leg elastics 76 and 78 are generally adapted to fit around the legs of a user in use to maintain a positive contact relationship with the user to effectively reduce or eliminate the runoff of the legs. exudates from the body of the diaper 20.

Suitable materials for use as the leg elastics 76 and 78 are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other examples of such materials are the sheets or threads or tapes of an elastomeric, polymeric material which are adhered to the outer cover 22 in a stretched position, or which are attached to the outer cover 22 while the outer cover is folded, so that the elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the outer cover 22. The leg elastics can also include such materials as polyurethane, synthetic and natural rubber. In a particular aspect of the invention, the elastics can be composed of individual strands of 620 decitex Lycra elastomer which are commercially available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company. When the individual threads of elastics are worn, the leg and waist elastics can include any suitable number of elastic threads to provide containment of body exudates. For example, the leg elastics 76 and 78 may include from about 1 to about 10 elastic yarns. The leg elastics can be elongated before being attached to the outer cover 22. For example, the leg elastics can be elongated by at least about 150 percent and desirably by from about 200 to about 500 percent. before being joined so that the elastics fold the outer cover 22 when they relax. The leg elastics 76 and 78 can be attached to the outer cover 22 by any means known to those skilled in the art. For example, bonding techniques with adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic can be used to bond the elastics to the outer cover. Suitable adhesives include the Findley H-2096 or H-2525A hot melt adhesives which are commercially available from Findley Adhesives, Inc.

The different aspects of the present invention can advantageously provide a disposable absorbent article which has an absorbent frame which maintains a close conformal notch with the user. The absorbent article also has a garment-type appearance. As a result, the disposable absorbent article of the present invention effectively contains the exudates of the body while maintaining an optimal notch and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, the crotch region of the disposable absorbent article of the present invention is not collapsed or dropped like conventional absorbent articles after being saturated with body exudates. As a result of this, the absorbent article may have a reduced level of runoff. While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, having gained an understanding of the foregoing, can readily conceive alterations, variations and equivalents of these aspects. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be established as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims (39)

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

1. A disposable absorbent article which comprises an outer cover, an absorbent frame and an absorbent support member which is attached to the absorbent frame and which extends between and connects the absorbent frame to said outer cover wherein the absorbent support member is configured to hold said absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said outer cover is a nonwoven material.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said outer cover defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges, a waist front region, a rear waist region and a crotch region which extends between and connects said waist regions and wherein said absorbent article further comprises a pair of leg elastics which are located on said opposite side edges of said outer cover in at least said crotch region of said outer cover.

The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent frame defines a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges which are attached to said outer cover along a longitudinal extension of no more than about 5.1 centimeters.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent frame defines a longitudinally extending length and said absorbent frame remains unclamped from the outer cover by at least about 90 percent of said length.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the absorbent frame includes at least two strips of absorbent material that extend longitudinally and independently.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent article further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending containment flaps which are located on a pair of laterally opposite side edges of said absorbent frame.

The absorbent article as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that each of the containment fins defines a fastened edge and an unattached edge which remains unattached to said absorbent frame in at least one crotch region of said article absorbent.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that said unbonded edge of each of the containment fins includes at least one elastic member which is configured to maintain said unbonded edge in a spaced apart relationship of said absorbent frame in at least said crotch region.

10. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that each of the containment fins extends along essentially one full length of said absorbent frame.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that said absorbent frame defines a lower sheet and an absorbent core and wherein each of the containment flaps is provided by a part of the lower sheet which extends laterally further beyond the absorbent core.

12. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent support member includes a strip of material which is clamped and extends between a pair of laterally opposite side edges of said outer cover and remains essentially not clamped to said outer cover between said lateral edges.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that said strip of material defines a width of from about 2 to about 5 centimeters.

14. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that at least about 85 percent of a section in the lateral transverse direction of said strip of material remains unattached to said outer cover.

15. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that a portion of said strip of material remaining unattached to said outer cover is attached to said absorbent frame to maintain said absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use.

16. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent support member is connected to a front waist region of said outer cover.

17. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 16 and further characterized in that it comprises a second absorbent support member which is attached to said absorbent frame and which extends between and connects said absorbent frame to a rear waist region of said absorbent frame. external cover.

18. A disposable absorbent article comprising: a) an outer cover which defines a pair of laterally opposite edges, a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region which extends between and connects said waist regions; b) an absorbent frame which defines a front fastened part and a rear fastened part which are attached to said outer cover and a non-attached part which extends and connects said joined parts and which remains essentially not fastened to said outer cover; And c) an absorbent support member which is fastened to and extends between said laterally opposite side edges of said outer cover in said front waist region of said outer cover and which are fastened to said absorbent frame wherein said member Absorbent holder is configured to maintain said unattached part of said absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use.

19. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said outer cover is a nonwoven material.

20. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said absorbent article further comprises a pair of leg elastics which are located on the laterally opposite side edges of said outer cover in at least said crotch region of said external cover.

21. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that each of the joined parts of said absorbent frame defines a longitudinal section of no more than about 5.1 centimeters.

22. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said non-bonded portion of said absorbent frame defines a longitudinal section of at least about 90 percent of the total length of said absorbent frame.

23. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said absorbent article further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending containment flaps which are located on a pair of laterally opposite side edges of said absorbent frame.

24. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 23 characterized in that each of said containment fins is provided by a portion of a lower sheet of said absorbent framework extending laterally beyond an absorbent core of said absorbent framework.

25. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said absorbent support member remains essentially not attached to said outer cover between said lateral edges and said outer cover.

26. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 25 characterized in that a part of V 50 said absorbent support member remaining unattached to said outer cover is attached to said absorbent frame to maintain said absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use.

27. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said absorbent support member is a strip of nonwoven material which defines a width of from about 2 to about 5. 10 centimeters

28. A disposable absorbent article which comprises: 15 a) an outer cover which defines a pair of laterally opposite side edges, a front waist region, a rear waist region and a region of ^ crotch which extends between and connects said waist regions; 20 b) an absorbent frame which includes a bottom sheet, a side-to-body liner which is connected to said bottom sheet in an overlying relationship and an absorbent core placed between said bottom sheet and said cover liner. 25 side to body where at least about 90 percent of a longitudinal extension of said absorbent frame remains essentially unattached to said outer cover; c) a fastening system which includes a pair of primary fasteners located on said laterally opposite side edges of said outer cover in one of the waist regions of said outer cover and a pair of secondary fasteners located on said side edges laterally opposite in said region of opposite waist of said outer cover; Y d) an absorbent support member which is attached to said absorbent frame and which extends between and connects said absorbent frame to said laterally opposite side edges of said outer cover adjacent to at least one of said fasteners wherein said member of absorbent support is configured to maintain said absorbent frame close to the user's body in use.

29. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said outer cover is a non-woven material.

30. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said absorbent article further comprises a pair of leg elastics which are located on said laterally opposite side edges of said outer cover in at least said crotch region of said leg. external cover.

31. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that at least about 95 percent of. said longitudinal extension of said absorbent frame remains essentially unattached to said outer cover. each of the joined parts of said absorbent frame defines a longitudinal section of no more than about 5.1 centimeters.

32. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said absorbent article further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending containment flaps which are located on a pair of laterally opposite side edges of said absorbent frame.

33. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said absorbent support member remains essentially unattached to said outer cover between said lateral edges of said outer cover.

34. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 33 characterized in that a part of the -

The absorbent support member which remains unattached to said outer cover is attached to said lower sheet of the absorbent frame to maintain said absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use. 35. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said absorbent support member is a strip of nonwoven material which defines a width of from about 2 to about 5. 10 centimeters

36. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said primary fasteners are configured to surround the hips 15 of the user and engaging an outer surface of said outer cover in said opposite waist region of said outer cover to hold said absorbent article around said user in use.

37. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 36 characterized in that said primary fasteners are located in said rear waist region of said outer cover and are configured to releasably engage said outer surface of said 25 outer cover in said front waist region of said outer cover.

38. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said secondary fasteners are configured to engage a body facing surface of said absorbent frame in use.

39. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 38 characterized in that said secondary fasteners are located in said front waist region of said outer cover and are configured to releasably engage said surface facing the body of said absorbent frame in said waist region rear of said outer cover. SUMMARY A disposable absorbent article defines an outer cover, an absorbent frame and an absorbent support member which is configured to hold the absorbent frame close to the wearer's body in use. The absorbent frame includes a bottom sheet, a side-to-body liner which is connected to the bottom sheet in an overlap relationship and an absorbent core positioned between the bottom sheet and the side-to-body liner. The absorbent frame is attached to the outer cover at the waist edges and remains at least partially unclamped from the outer cover between the waist edges. The absorbent support member is attached to the absorbent frame and extends between and connects the absorbent frame to the side edges of the outer cover. The absorbent support member holds the absorbent frame in a conformal notch close to the wearer's body even after the frame is saturated with body exudates while the outer cover is free to move independently of the absorbent frame. Thus, the disposable absorbent article has an aesthetically pleasing garment-like appearance and has improved notch and containment during use.