MXPA99001393A - Absorbent article having a containment dam - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article (20) includes a compression resistant containment dam (60) which is configured to inhibit the longitudinal flow of fecal material along the bodyfacing surface of the absorbent article. The containment dam is positioned in a laterally extending direction (38) and is located on the bodyfacing surface of the absorbent article such that, when the absorbent article is being worn by a wearer sitting on a flat surface, the containment dam is positioned along a line where the wearer's buttocks depart from the flat surface. The containment dam defines a relatively high resistance to compression for improved performance.

Description

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

Description of Related Art Conventional absorbent articles such as disposable diapers employ absorbent materials located between a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-impermeable backsheet to absorb body exudates. Such conventional absorbent articles have typically included elasticized waistbands and leg cuffs to help reduce the runoff of body exudates.

However, many such conventional absorbent articles have not been completely satisfactory. For example, many conventional absorbent articles have not completely contained the body exudates within the article during use thereby undesirably resulting in runoff which has fouled the wearer's clothes. This problem of runoff has been particularly evident in the waist margins of such absorbent articles when a fecal matter has been secreted by the user during use. Typically, water or fecal fecal matter has been forced outward longitudinally from the crotch of the article due to the forces exerted by the user. Such problems are increased when the user is particularly active and continually exerts pressure on the crotch area of the article. The problem of runoff has also occurred because the secreted fecal matter has an affinity with the skin. As a result of this, such fecal matter can travel along the user's skin and not be sufficiently contained or controlled within the absorbent articles.

Such conventional absorbent articles have included elasticized components and barrier or containment flaps in the waist sections of the article to reduce such drains. However, such elasticized components and containment fins have not completely eliminated the runoff of the waist sections of such articles. For example, exudates such as ordinary fecal material have remained on the wearer's skin and have been transferred along this until they escape through the small openings between the containment fins and the user's body. Such openings between the user's body and the containment fins have been caused by improper fitting of article around the user and due to user movements during use.

As a result of this, or when the waist elastics and the containment fins have improved and functioning of such articles, there is still a need to reduce the number of drains and, in particular, the number of fecal run-off from the sections. belt of such absorbent articles.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new absorbent, disposable article has been discovered which has a containment dam to contain stopping the longitudinal flow of fecal matter.

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

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article which includes a compression resistant, laterally extending retaining dam. The containment dam is configured to inhibit the longitudinal flow of fecal material along the surface facing the body of the absorbent article. The containment press is located on the body surface of the absorbent article so thatWhen the absorbent article is being used by a user who sits on a flat surface, the retaining dam that extends laterally is placed along a line between the gluteus of the user and said flat surface. In a particular aspect, the containment dam is located inward of an end edge of the absorbent article by a distance which is at least about 10 percent of the length of the absorbent article. Desirably, the containment diqu defines a compressive strength of at least about 50 percent and a width-height ratio of at least about 0.5.

The absorbent article may also include fastening means such as a sheet of material to ensure stabilization of the containment dam. The fastening means are configured to maintain the containment dam in an upright position during use.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a front belt section, a rear waist section, an intermediate section which interconnects the rear front waist sections, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges, and a pair of laterally opposite side edges. The article includes a layer of backing sheet; a top sheet layer permeable to the liquid which is connected in a superimposed relationship to the backing sheet layer; and an absorbent body which is located between the top sheet layer and the backing sheet layer. The article also includes a compression-resistant containment dam which is located on the top sheet layer longitudinally inwardly from the end edge in the back belt section of the absorbent article at a distance of at least about 10 percent of a length of absorbent article. The containment dam defines a compression resistance of at least about 50 percent and is configured to inhibit a longitudinal flow of fecal matter along the top sheet layer of the absorbent article. In a particular aspect, the distance at which the retaining dam is located from the end edge of the absorbent article is at least about 5.0 centimeters.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent article which includes a backing sheet layer, a liquid-permeable top sheet layer which is connected in superposed relation to the backing sheet layer; and an absorbent body which is located between the upper sheet layer and the backing sheet layer; a dike containment resistant to compression; and a first absorbent sheet located on the top sheet adjacent to the containment dike. The compression-resistant containment dam is located on the top sheet longitudinally in from the end edge in the back belt section of the absorbent article. The containment dam is configured to inhibit the longitudinal flow of the fecal material along the top sheet layer of the absorbent article. The first absorbent sheet may be located on the upper sheet layer between the containment dam and the lateral centerline of the absorbent article. The absorbent sheet layer is configured to dewater the fecal matter to further inhibit the flow of fecal matter along the top sheet layer. In a particular aspect, the absorbent article also includes a second absorbent sheet which is located on the upper sheet layer between the containment dam and the end edge in the back belt section of the absorbent article.

The various aspects of the present invention can advantageously provide an absorbent article which effectively absorbs and contains body exudates. In particular, the present invention removes exudates such as current fecal matter from the user's skin and avoids or at least slows down the longitudinal flow of the fecal exudates so that the fecal matter can effectively be contained in portions of the article configured to provide ta containment. As a result of this, the absorbent articles of the various aspects of the present invention have reduced drainage when compared to conventional absorbent articles which results in an improved consumer preference.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better and more fully understood and the additional advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and of the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a top plan view partly in section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 representatively shows a top plan view of the absorbent article retaining dam of Figure 1.

Figure 3A representatively shows a section view of the absorbent article of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3; Figure 3B representatively shows a section view of a containment dam according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 representatively shows a top plan view partly in section of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 representatively shows a section view of the absorbent article of Figure 4 taken along line 5-5; Figure 6 representatively shows a top plan view partly in section of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 representatively shows a sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 6 taken along line 7-7; Detailed description of the invention The following detailed description will be made in the context of a disposable diaper article which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. It is readily apparent, however, that the absorbent article of the present invention will also be suitable for use as other types of absorbent articles such as pads for women's care, incontinence garments, training pants, and the like. In addition, the invention will be described in the context of its various configurations. It should be appreciated that the alternate arrangements of the invention may comprise any combination of such configurations.

With reference to figures 1-3, an integral absorbent garment article, such as disposable diaper 20, generally defines a front waist section 22, a rear waist section 24, an intermediate section 26 which interconnects waist sections front and rear, a pair of laterally opposite side edges 28, and a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges 30. The front and rear waist sections include the general parts of the article which are constructed to extend essentially over the abdominal regions, front and back of the user, respectively, during use. The middle section of the article includes the general part of article 1 which is constructed to extend through the user's crotch region between the legs. The opposite side edges 28 define the leg openings for the diaper are generally curvilinear or contoured to better fit the user's legs. The opposite end edges 3 define a waist opening for the diaper 20 and are typically straight but may also be curvilinear.

'Figure 1 is a representative plan view S of the diaper 20 of the present invention in a non contracted and flat state. The parts of the structure are partially cut to show more clearly the interior construction of the cloth 20, and the surface of the diaper that contacts the wearer is facing the observer. The diaper 20 includes a back sheet essentially impermeable to liquid 32, a liquid-permeable and porous upper sheet 34 placed in a front relationship with the back sheet 32, and an absorbent body 36, such as an absorbent pad, which it is located between the back sheet and the top sheet. The cloth 20 also defines a lateral direction 38 and a longitudinal direction 40 and a longitudinal centerline 56 and a lateral centerline 58. The marginal portions of the diaper 20, such as the marginal sections of the backsheet 32 may extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent body 36. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the backing sheet 32 extends outwardly beyond the terminal marginal edges of the absorbent body 36 to form the side margins 42 and the end margins 44 of the diaper. The upper sheet 34 is generally coextensive with the backing sheet 32 but may optionally cover an area which is much larger or smaller than the area of the backing sheet 32 as desired.

To provide an improved notch and help reduce runoff from the diaper body exudates 20 the side margins 42 and the end margins 44 of the pad can be elastified with suitable elastic members, such as elastic leg members 46 and elastic members. of waist 48. For example, elastic leg members 4 may include single or multiple elastomeric elastic or composite yarns which are constructed to operably fold and shrink side margins 42 of diaper 2 to provide elasticized leg bands which can adjust tightly around the user's legs to reduce runoff and provide improved comfort and appearance. Similarly, the waist elastic members 48 can be used to elasticize the end margins 44 of the diaper 20 to provide elasticized waistbands. The waistbands are configured to operably fold and shrink the waist band sections to provide a comfortably snug elastic fit around the wearer's waist.

The elastic members 46 and 48 are secured to diaper 20 in an elastically contractible condition so that in a configuration under normal tension, the elastic members contract effectively against the diaper 20. For example, the elastic members 46 and 48 can be elongated and secure the diaper 20 while the diaper is in a contracted condition. In Figure 1, the elastic members 46 and 48 are illustrated in their stretched and non-contracted condition for the purpose of clarity. Alternatively, the diaper 20 may include a pair of separate, folded elasticated leg gussets (not shown) which are fastened to the diaper along the lateral margins 42 in at least the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 to provide the cuffs of the diaper 20. lose elastificates. Such leg gussets can be configured to extend further and bridge through the respective concave portion of the lateral margins 42.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in Figure 1, may further include a pair of fasteners 50 which are employed to secure the diaper 20 around the waist of a wearer. Such fasteners 50 include hook-and-loop type fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners, buttons, pins, boteroles, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. A cooperating side panel member 52 may be associated with each fastener and may be constructed so as not to be elasticized, or may be elastically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 38 of diaper 20.

The diaper 20 may also include a pair of longitudinally extending and elasticized containment fin (not shown) which are configured to maintain the perpendicular and straight arrangement in at least the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 to serve as an additional barrier. to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The diaper 20 may further include an emergence management layer 54 positioned between the top sheet 34 and the absorbent body 36 which is configured to efficiently contain and distribute the liquid exudates to the absorbent body 36. The emergence management layer 54 may prevent liquid exudates from stagnating and collecting on the part of the cloth placed against the skin of the user, reducing by the level of hydration of the skin. Such constructions suitable arrangements of the containment fins and emergence management layers are known to those skilled in the art. Other suitable diaper components may also be incorporated on the absorbent articles of the present invention.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3, further includes at least one fin 60 of containment 60 which is desirably located on the surface facing the body of the top sheet 34. For example, the diaper 20 can include from about 1 to about 3 dams which are laterally aligned in the diaper 20. The retaining dam 60 is configured to remove exudates such as the current fecal matter from the user's skin and inhibit the longitudinal flow of the Fecal exudates up to the diaper regions 20 such as the posterior belt section 24 to more effectively contain such material within the diaper 20.

The diaper 20 can be of various suitable shapes. For example, the diaper may have a generally rectangular, T-shaped or approximately an hourglass shape. In the embodiment shown, the diaper 20 has a form of I generally. Examples of suitable cloth configurations for use in connection with the present invention and other diaper components suitable for use on diapers are described in United States Patent No. 4,798,603 issued January 17, 1989 to Meyer and others; patent of the United States of America No. ,176,668 issued on January 5, 1993 to Bernardin; United States Patent No. 5,176,672 issued January 5, 1993 to Bruemmer et al .; U.S. Patent No. 5,192,606 issued March 9, 1993 to Proxmire et al .; U.S. Patent No. 5,509,915 issued April 23, 1996 Hanson et al., the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in the extent to which they are consistent therewith. The various aspects and configurations of the invention can provide distinctive combinations of soft body compliance, reduced red skin marking of the wearer, reduced skin hydration and improved containment of body exudates.

The various components of the diaper 20 s integrally assembled together using various types of suitable fastening means, such as adhesive, sonic joins, thermal joins, or combinations thereof. In the shown modalid, for example, the topsheet 34 and the backsheet 32 are assembled to each other and to the absorbent body 36 c adhesive, such as a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. The adhesive can be applied as a continous and uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned adhesive layer, a pattern of sprayed adhesive or an array of separate lines, swirls or spots of adhesive. Similarly, the other diaper components such as the elastic members 46 and 48 and the fasteners 50 can be assembled in the diaper article 20 by employing the above-identified fastening mechanisms.

The backsheet 32 of the diaper 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the backing sheet 32 be formed of a material which is essentially impermeable to liquids. For example, a typical backing sheet can be made of a thin plastic film or other liquid impervious and flexible material. For example, the backing sheet 32 can be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.01 millimeter (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeter (2.0 mils) If it is desired to present the backing sheet with a -sensation more than a cloth type, the backing sheet 32 may comprise a polyolefin film having a nonwoven fabric laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a fabric bonded by spinning polyolefin fibers. For example, a stretched-thinned polypropylene film having a thickness d of about 0.015 millimeters may have thermally laminated to a woven fabric by spinning polypropylene fibers whose fibers have a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 denier per filament, Non-woven fabric has a basis weight d around 17 grams per square meter (0.5 ounces per square yard). The methods for forming such cloth type backing sheets are better known to those skilled in the art.

In addition, the backsheet 32 can be formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer which has been constructed in whole or in part or has been treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent to or close to the absorbent body 36. Still additionally, the backing sheet 32 can optionally be composed of a "breathable microporous material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent body 36 while still preventing the liquid exudate from passing through the backing sheet 32. The sheet 3t backing typically provides the outer cover of the diaper 20. The backing sheet 32 may also be etched or otherwise provided with a matte finish to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

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

The woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the upper sheet 34. For example, the upper sheet can be composed of a fabric formed by meltblown or by poiylation of polyolefin fibers. The top sheet can also be a carded-bonded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The topsheet may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of hydrophilicity wettability. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 34 comprises a non-woven woven polypropylene fabric composed of denier fibers of about 2.8-3.2 formed in a fabric having a basis weight of about 20 grams per meter square and a density of about 0.13 grams per cubic centimeter. The fabric can be treated on the surface with about 0.28 percent by weight of a surfactant, commercially available from Rohm and Haas Co. under the trade designation Triton X 102. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, co-brush coating or similar. The surfactant may be applied to the entire upper blade 34 or may be selectively applied to particular sections of the topsheet 34, such as the mid-section along the longitudinal centerline of the diaper, to provide greater wettability of such sections.

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

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

The high-absorbency material can be selected from modified polymers and natural, synthetic 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 essentially water-soluble essentially insoluble but swellable in water. Such means may include, for example, physical enredad, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der aals forces.

Examples of the high-absorbency, polymeric, synthetic materials include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ethers) copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl ethers and alpha olefins poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol) and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and natural gums , such as alginates, xanthu gum, locust bean gum, similar. Mixtures of the total or partially synthetic natural absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Such high-absorbency materials are known to those skilled in the art and are widely available commercially. Examples of the superabsorbent polymer suitable for use in the present invention are SAN ET IM 3900, polymer available from Hoechst Celanes located in Portsmouth, Virginia and DOW DRYTECH 2035L polymer available from Dow Chemical Co., located in Midland, Michigan.

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

Optionally, a substantially hydrophobic tissue wrapping sheet (not shown) can be employed to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous structure placed by air of the absorbent body 36. The tissue wrapping sheet is typically positioned around the absorbent body over the body. at least two major face surfaces thereof composed of an absorbent cellulosic material such as guatacrepada or a tissue resistant to high humidity. In an aspect of the invention, the tissue wrapping sheet can be configured to provide a transmission layer which helps to rapidly distribute the liquid over the mass of absorbent fibers comprising the absorbent body. In another aspect of the invention, the wrapping sheet material on one side of the absorbent fibrous mass can be attached to the wrapping sheet located on the opposite side of the fibrous mass.

The retaining dam 60, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, is configured to assist in reducing run-off along the edges 30 of the diaper 20 by preventing or at least decelerating the longitudinal flow of the exudates. fecal to the diaper regions 20 such as the posterior belt section 24 to more effectively contain such material within the diaper 20. The retaining dam 60 generally defines width 62, a length 64, a height 66, a resilient edge 68, and a front edge 70. Desirably, the containment dam 60 of the various aspects of the present invention is configured to contain etially all of the solid fecal exudate in the area of diaper objective 20. As used herein, the term "target zone" refers to that diaper portion 20 which is configured to directly receive and insult fecal exudates from the wearer and is generally located in the crotch portion of the diaper. 20. In particular, the target area may extend from about 5 to about 10 centimeters in length and about one third of its length extending longitudinally from the lateral center line 58 of the cloth to the front waist section 22 of the diaper 20 and the rest extending longitudinally towards the posterior belt section 24 of the diaper 20.

In the illustrated embodiments, a single restraint dam 60 is placed on the upper sheet 34 of diaper 20 between the lateral centerline 58 and the end edge 30 in the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. In the configuration, the dam of containment 60 is configured to at least reduce but eliminate the longitudinal flow of the fecal exudates to reduce runoff of faecal exudates from the posterior waist section 24 of diaper 20. E draining of fecal exudates from the posterior belt section 24 of conventional diapers has been a difficult problem to overcome and has been particularly undesirable to the consumer.

The diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention may further include at least one additional containment ditches to further reduce the longitudinal flow of faecal exudates. For example, the diaper 2 may include a second containment dam located between the illustrated containment dam 60 and the end edge 30 of the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20. In a particular modality, the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention can include from about 2 to about 4 retaining dams 60 arranged in a ladder type configuration between the lateral centerline 58 and the end edge 30 in the rear waist section 24 of the diaper for improved performance .

In most embodiments, the containment dam 60 is placed on the surface facing the body of the upper sheet 34 of the diaper 20. The retaining dam 6 can remain essentially detached from the upper sheet 3 or can be attached to the upper sheet 34 using conventional media described above such as adhesive. Desirably the containment dam 60 is secured to the top sheet 34 in a manner which stabilizes the dam 60 and keeps the dam 6 in an upright position during use. Alternatively, the containment flap 60 can be located between the upper flap 34 and the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20. In this arrangement, the embankment 60 can be provided directly by the absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20. For example, the body absorbent 36 may include at least a laterally extending portion which defines a thickness or height to provide the containment dam 60 d of the different aspects of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, representatively illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sizing dam 60 can be held or held in place by a further sheet of material 74 such as a non-woven material or foam material which is it extends at least partially on the surface facing the body of the containment dam 6 and the sual can be attached to the top sheet 34 of the diaper 20. Desirably, the sheet of material 74 conforms to the contour shape of the containment dam 60. to prevent any cracks from forming between the material sheet 74 and the containment dam 60. For example, the material sheet 74 may be adhesively bonded to the exterior surface of the containment dam 60 to prevent such separations. Any separation between the blade 74 and the dam 60 may undesirably provide a ramp for the faecal exudates for movers on the top of the containment dam 60 resulting in an incriminated runoff. The sheet of material 74 can be provided by any material which is relatively soft and strong to hang the dam 60 in place to provide a sojín between the dam 60 and the user's body. Desirably, the sheet of material 74 is a hydrophobic material so that the sheet 74 is not configured to assist in pulling the fleece exudates over the top of the dike 60 and to the posterior sinter session 24 of the diaper 20.

Typically, the nursing dam 60 is located in the posterior sinus session 24 or in the middle sessio 26 of the diaper 20 and extends in the lateral direction 38. Desirably, the tension dam 60 is latched so that, when the diaper is being worn by a user sitting on the flat surface, the embankment dam 60 is collimated in a sersana proximity to the starting line between the rear part of the gluteus of the user and the flat surface In such a position, the sling dam 60 provides improved resistances to the explosive longitudinal flow of the exudates of the body which may waft along the user's glute fold due to the forces of pressure exerted by the user. user during the sitting. For example, as shown representatively in FIG. 1, the front edge 70 of the sling dam 60 can be located at a distance 72 d from at least about 5.0 sentimeters, desirably at least about 7.5 centimeters and more desirably from po at least about 10 centimeters from the end edge 3 in the rear waist section 24 of the diaper 20 towards the front waist section 22 of the diaper 20. Typically, the distance 72 to which the retaining dam 60 is located towards in from the end edge 30 is from about 5.0 centimeters to about 15.0 centimeters. Such distances generally correspond to a distance of at least about 10 percent and desirably at least about 15 percent of the total article length. For example, the distance 72 to which the containment dam 60 is located inward of the extremity edge 30 may be from about 10 percent to about 4 percent of the total length of the article.

Such a configuration is desirable to allow the embankment dam 60 to inhibit the longitudinal flow of the material until the later sizing session 24 of the diaper 2 while allowing sufficient spacing in the posterior sizing section 24 to hold any of the fesal material therein. pass over dike 60 and between dike 60 and the user's body. If the distance 72 to which the dam d is tensioned 60 from the end edge 30 is very small, the exudates fesales can be sapases to gain a sufficient moment suando pressure is exerted to take it on the upper part of the dam 60. In addition If such a distance 72 is too small, the dam 60 may not remain in Searsan Sontasto or the user's buttocks when the user is seated which may result in less than an optimum seal with the user body. Desirably, the dam 3e containment 60 is located in such a way that this maintains a pressure contaste is the user suerp suando the user sits to srear a good sell against the longitudinal flow of fecal exudates.

The containment dam 60 may have its shape in the sual proportion with the desired inhibition of the longitudinal flow of the fesal material. The cross-sectional sessions for the stretching dam that extend laterally 60 include the sirsular, semisircular, oval, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, square and the like. For example, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1-3A, the sling dam 60 can define a tubular shape having a circular cross-section. Alternatively, as shown representatively in FIG. 3B, the dam 16 may have a tear cross-section some other cross-section where the width of the dam is sufficient to help maintain the dam 60 in an upright position.

As representatively illustrated in Figure 2-3B, the sling dam 60 defines an ansho 62, a length 64 and a height 66. The ansho 62 of the sling dam 6 provides stability to the dam 60 so that it does not bend or It folds during use. Desirably, the sizing dam defines a width 62 of at least about 0. centimeter and more desirably of at least about 1.0 centimeter for improved performance.

The length 64 of the containment dam 60 should be sufficient to block at least most of the condustos through the suals the fesal exudates can flow. Desirably, the length 64 of the sling dam is at least suf fi cient to block the gluteal fold between the gluteus of the user. For example, on a diaper article intended for use by a medium-sized infant, the embossment dam 60 may define a length 64 of at least about 2.0 centimeters and desirably of at least about 7.5 sentimeters. Desirably, the dam 60 is defined as a length the sual is at least about 10 percent of the diaper ansho 20 as measured along the lateral center line 58 of the diaper 20. In a particulate embodiment, the sling dam 60 defines a sual length is essentially equal to the diaper ansho 2 as measured along the lateral sentral line 58 of the diaper 20 for improved performance. In another partisula embodiment wherein the diaper 20 comprises a pair of straining tabs extending longitudinally, the straining dam 60 defines a length the sual is essentially equal to or less than the diaphragm 20 between such tapering flaps for functioning. improved.

The height 66 of the retaining dam 60 should be sufficient to provide the desired resistance to the longitudinal flow of the fecal exudates even if the diaper is subjected to the user's sompressive forces. For example, the tension die 60 may define a height 66 of at least d about 0.5 centimeters and desirably at least about 0.75 centimeters.

In order to maintain the stability of the embankment dam during use, the embankment dam 6 desirably defines an anvil propulsion at a height of at least about 0.5, desirably at least about 0.75, and more desirably at least about 0.75. the least d around 1.0. The width-to-height ratios smaller than those set forth above may undesirably result in the bending dam 60 bending or bending as it may result in an increased longitudinal flow of the fesal exudate on the dam 60. The sizing dam 60 also it can define an area at average transverse ses- sion of at least about 0.7 centimeters sumariously and desirably of at least about 1.0 square sentimeters to provide the desired resistance to the flow of fesal exudate.

The containment dam 60 is configured to maintain its shape during use to effectively inhibit the flow of faecal exudates. For example, it is desired that the containment dam 60 be able to withstand the compressive forces and any z-directions that could be extruded by the user during use. In a particular embodiment, the sizing dam 60 defines a resistances to the pressure in the z-direction of at least about 50 percent desirably of at least about 70 percent, and more desirably of at least about of 85 percent. For example, the containment dam 60 can define a resistances to the pressure of from about 50 to about 9 percent. When the containment dam has a compressive strength less than the values stated above, the containment dike will fold during use which adversely affects the ability of the dam to resist the longitudinal flow of fecal exudates. Meanwhile, if the compressive strength of the embankment dam is very high, the embankment dam can prevent unwanted reddishness and irritation of the user's skin. Due to the location of the sounding dam behind the gluteal region which is under maximum pressure when they sit, such a reddish brown can help a minimum even with a highly compressible material.

Desirably, the containment dam 60 has a suffi cient resiliency elastisity so that the height 66 of the dam 60 remains at least about 0.3 s and at least at least. around 0..5 sense meters sucking the tension dam 60 is under a sompressive serge of about 350 grams per centimeter suadrado.

It is also desired that the tension dam 60 be flexible so that it easily conforms to the shape and contours of the user's gluteus. If the flexibility of the containment dam 60 is too low, the containment dam may not conform effec- tively to the user's body and may prevent undesirable dripping and red-marking and irritation of the wearer's skin. In a particular embodiment, the retaining dam 60 may be formed to be formed to the gluteus of the wearer to provide improved resistance to the longitudinal flow of the exudates. For example, the embankment dam 60 may include a portion highlighted therein which is configured to lie in the region of the gluteal fold between the gluteus of the wearer for an exas position of the dam 60 and inhibit the flow of exudates in the crease region of the buttocks. .

The extension dam 60 of the different features of the present invention, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, may be made of any material which provides the desired shape and resistances to the desired relief. The adesuad materials include foams, fibrous fabrics of synthetic natural fibers or combinations thereof, and multi-layer fibrous fabrics.For example, the containment dam may be cross-linked polyethylene foam material which is somersially available from Sentinel Foams. , a negos having ofisinas Hyannis, Massashusettes, under designation of arsa EMR NAT.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the diaper 20 of the different aspects of the present invention can also include at least one absorbent sheet 76 located on one side of the containment dam 60. The absorbent sheet is designed to dewater the fesal exudates to further inhibit the longitudinal flow of such exudates to, above, and beyond the dam 60. For example, the pad 20 may include a first absorbent sheet 76 fastened to the topsheet 34 adjacent the front edge 70 of the containment dam. 60. In such a configuration, the absorbent sheet 76 can be located on the upper sheet 34 between the lateral center line 58 and the retaining dam 60 of the diaper 20. The absorbent sheet 76 can be located on the surface facing the body of the sheet upper 34, or, alternatively, below the upper sheet 34 provided that the absorbent sheet 76 is capable of at least partially draining the material fesal to reduce its h ability to flow on the sonic dam 60.

The diaper 20 may further include a second absorbent sheet 78 located on the topsheet 34 adjacent the back edge 68 of the containment dam 60 to dewater any fesal exudates the suals may pass over the sill dam 60 during use to inhibit the longitudinal flow of such exudates beyond the prey 60 to the end edge 30 of the diaper 20.

Absorbent sheets 76 and 78 can have any desired shape and sizes that can effusively drain at least a portion of the festous exudates on one side of the sizing dam 60. For example, absorbent sheets 76 and 78 can define an anchoring in the lateral direction of the sual is essentially equal to the length of the handle dike 60. Alternatively, the absorbent sheets 76 and 7 may be larger or smaller than the containment dam 60. The absorbent sheets 76 and 78 may also define a extension in the longitudinal direction which provides the desired drainage of fesal exudates. For example, the first absorbent sheet 76 can define an extension in the longitudinal direction 40 the surface is at least about 30 percent and desirably from about 3 to about 5 percent of a length of absorbent absorbent material for improved performance . The second absorbent sheet 78 can extend completely from the trailing edge 68 of the stretch die 60 to the end edge 30 of the diaper 20 in the rear waist section 24"or can be configured to subtract any part of the diaper between the edge of the diaper. back 30 and dike 60. Desirably, the absorbent sheets 76 and 78 do not extend into the front of the intermediate section 26 or the front seam session 22 of the diaper 20 would otherwise adversely affect the ability of the diaper 20 to absorb. easily any urine secreted by the user Absorbent sheets 74 and 76 can be made from many materials that are highly appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, absorbent sheets 74 and 76 can have materials of high wet strength which include synthetic fibers, polymer fibers, natural fibers such comulose fibers and similar or symbiones of the same. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent sheets 74 and 7 comprise a non-squeezed air-sourced material as disclosed in the solitary patent application of the United States of North America Series No. 08 / 614.42 filed on March 8. 1996, in the name of Chen et al., Is a continuation of the patent application of the United States of America Series No. 08 / 310,18 filed on September 21, 1994, in the name of Chen and others whose Descriptions are incorporated herein by reference to the extent to which they are consistent therewith Desirably, absorbent sheets 74 and 76 include hydrophilic fibers such as selulosa or rayon fibers for better absorbency and performance. Absorbent sheets 74 and 7 define a basis weight of from about 10 to about 15 and desirably from about 20 to about 80 gram per meter added to provide the desired absorbency to efesively drain the fesal exudates for improved sontensity while that good salt is maintained, softness integrity. In a particular embodiment wherein the absorbent sheets 74 and 76 are hydrophilic in nature, the absorbent sheet 76 desirably does not extend into the front session of the diaper 20 so that the sheet 76 is less prone to be wetted by the urine during the use. Therefore, the sheet 76 is capable of draining the fecal exudates even if the user has previously urinated on the diaper 20. In addition, since the diaper 20 is not always sambed immediately, the urination is in opposition to the suture of a bowel movement, it is desirable that the sheet 76 is not moisturized during urination to avoid an exessive sontastation of a moisturized surface, the skin of the wearer in continuous use.

Therefore, the different aspects of the present invention advantageously provide an absorbent article having an improved sonification and sonrography of the exudates of the body and, in part, of the fesal matter. The embankment of the present invention is resistant to compression and is flexible to effetively maintain its shape and inhibit the longitudinal flow of fecal exudates. As a result of this, such a dam may reduce the sanctity of the absorbent artifacts. The suals are sausated by the fesal material that slides longitudinally along the diaper or skin of the wearer and, in part, as length of the user in the region of the gluteal fold between the gluteus of the user. As a result, the heshos absorbent articles of the present invention may have a reductive insidensia of essays in the sessiones de sintur and, in partiscular, in the session of later seura of the article.

Test of Resistance to Compression This test is designed to measure the resistances to the pressure of the materials attempted to be used as the tension dam according to the present invention. The resistances to material pressure indicate the ability of the material to maintain its shape during use.

A sample of the material intended to be used is obtained as the embankment dam. Resistance to the compression of the material is tested in a standardized co-monitor such as that somersially available from the Frazier Presisio Instrument Company, a negosium having standardized offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Initially, the sompresmeter is salibrated. The sample of the material is solos in the sompresmeter, the sual includes a foot which defines a diameter of 3.0 inches. The foot is colosed in sontasto are the sample of material and the original height of the material is measured and recorded. The foot is then lowered until the pressure on the material is 1.0 pounds per square inch. The squeezed height of the material is measured immediately and recorded. The resistances value to the sompression of the sample of material is obtained by dividing the height squeezed by the original height and multiplying the result by 100 percent.

Having thus dessrito the invention and enough detail, it will be easily evident to a person of ordinary skill that can be several sambios modifisasiones without departir of the spirit of the invention. All these changes and modifiations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the attached clauses.

Claims (38)

1. A disposable absorbent article comprising a laterally extending compression-resistant containment dam which is configured to inhibit a longitudinal flux of fesal matter along a surface facing the body of said absorbent article wherein said container is located. on disha superfisie of sara to body of disho absorbent article so that, suando absorbent article is being used by a user sitting on a flat surface, disho di sontención that spreads laterally this colosado along a line d game between the buttocks of the user and disha superfisie flat.

2. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in the sarasterized clause 1 because the distension dam is located within an absorbent edge of the absorbent article by a distance of at least about 10 percent of a distal length. absorbing artisul.

3. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in the sarasterized clause 1 because the stretch dam is located between an end edge of a back waist section of said absorbent article and a lateral center line of said absorbent article.

4. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 sarasterized in addition to the fact that a second stretch dam extending laterally of the sual is located on said surface facing the body longitudinally outwardly from said first containment dam to further inhibit the flow longitudinal of the fecal material along the surface facing the body of said absorbent article.

5. An absorbent article such and such is claimed in clause 1, sarasterized because a stretch dam defines an ansho of at least about 0.5 sentimeters and a length of at least about 2.0 sentimeters.

6. An absorbent article of this kind is claimed in clause 1, which is sarasterized because the containment dam defines a height of at least about 0.5 centimeters.

7. Such an absorbent article is claimed in the clause 1 sarasterized because the stretch dam defines a ratio of width to height of at least about 0.5.

8. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said containment dam defines a length the sual is at least about 10 percent of an absorbent layer of absorbent article along a lateral sentral line of disho absorbent article.

9. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 1 sarasterized because a stretch distent defines a length which is essentially equal to a width of said absorbent article along a lateral centerline of said absorbent article.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said containment dam defines a resistances to the compression of at least about 50 percent. * -

11. An absorbent article as claimed in Clause 1, sarasterized because the distention damper comprises a foam material.

12. An absorbent article of this kind is claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said containment dam defines a tubular shape having a transverse sesssion.

13. An absorbent article of this kind is claimed in clause 1, which is sarasterized because the distension dam defines a tubular shape having a transverse tear drop.

14. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 1 sarasterized also because it comprises fastening means for securing and stabilizing said d stension and maintaining said embankment in a vertical position during use.

15. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 14, which is sarasterized because the means of restraint form a sheet of material the sual is attached to a disproportionate surface of the absorptive body of the absorbent article and the material extends at least partially over said surface. of contention. ".. - ._ ....,

16. An absorbent article as claimed in the clause 15 sarasterized because disha sheet d material is a hydrophobic material.

17. An absorbent article such as this claims the sarasterized clause 15 because the material sheet is formed at a distal dam to prevent any separation between the sheet of material and the distention dam being formed.

18. An absorbent article that has a front waist section, a posterior waist section, an intermediate section, and the intersontal section of the frontal and posterior syntrum, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges, and a pair of laterally opposite side edges, disho artísulo somprende: a) a sheet of backing sheet; .. b) a sapa of superior sheet permeable to the liquid the sual this estestate in a relasión superimposed to disha sapa of backing sheet; s) an absorbent body the sual is located between the upper sheet sap and said backing sheet layer, and d) a resilient-resistant containment dam the sual subtraction remains on disha sapa of upper sheet longitudinally hasia-in from disho end edge of disha sessión of posterior sintura of disho absorbent artisulo by a distance of at least of about 10 porsiento of a length of disho absorbent article where disho di stenosión defines a resistensia to the sompression of at least of around of 50 percent and is designed to inhibit a longitudinal flow of fecal material along the upper leaf blade of the absorbing absorbent article.

19. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 18, which is sarasterized because the distal distance to which it is delimited, the distention dazzle of the end edge of the absorbent article is at least about 5.0 sentimeters.

20. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 18, because the distal distance to which the extension dam of the end edge of the absorbent article is from about 5.0 to about 15.0 sentimeters.

21. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in section 18, which is sarasterized because, in addition, a second extension dam extending laterally of the sual is located on a disproportionate surface facing the body between said first containment and disho edge. posterior occlusion session to inhibit adisionally the longitudinal flow of fesal matter along disha sapa superior leaf disho absorbent article.

22. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 18, which is sarasterized because the distension dam defines an ansho of at least about 0.5 sensimeters and a length of at least about 2.0 centimeters.

23. An absorbent article such and as claimed in clause 18 is sarasterized because the dislodging dam d defines a height of at least about 0. sentimeters.

24. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 18, which is sarasterized, because a dislodging dam defines an annulus propulsion at a height of at least about 0.5.

25. An absorbent article such and as claimed in clause 18 characterized in that said containment dam defines a resistances to the pressure of at least about 70 porsiento.

26. An absorbent article as such is claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said containment dam defines a resistances to the pressure of at least about 85 porsiento.

27. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 18, which is sarasterized, because a dislodging duct consists of a foam material.

28. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in the clause 18 further characterized by the fact that a sheet of material is formed which is formed at the distal length of the tension and extends at least partially over the distal stenosis dam to secure and maintain the distention dam in a vertical position during use.

29. An absorbent article as such is claimed in the clause 18 characterized in that said containment dam includes a hydrophobic nonwoven material by subducting at least a part of an exterior surface of said containment dam, which is configured to be in contact with a user's skin in use.

30. An absorbent article that has a frontal sinus section, a posterior sinus session, an intermediate session, the intersontal dishas sessions of frontal and posterior sintura, a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges, a longitudinal sentral line, a lateral sentral line, disho artísulo somprende: a) a sheet of backing sheet; b) a liquid-permeable upper sheet sheet which is connected in a relation superimposed on said layer of backing sheet; c) an absorbent body the sual is located between the upper sheet layer and said backing sheet layer; d) a stress-resistant sill dam is sutured on top of the upper leaf longitudinally from the end of the distal end of the posterior absorbent article and is configured to inhibit a longitudinal flux of fecal material along disha sapa of upper blade of disho absorbent article, and e) a first absorbent sheet is sualalized on disha sheet of upper sheet between disho d containment and said lateral center line of said absorbent article and which is configured to drain said fecal material to inhibit adisionally disho fesal matter flow along disha sapa superior leaf.

31. An article, absorbent as such, is claimed in clause 30, sarasterized because a second absorbent sheet is also sutured, the sual is placed on the upper leaf disha between the distension dam and the end edge of the posterior distal session absorbent.

32. An absorbent article such and as claimed in Clause 30 is sarasterized because said distension dam is longitudinally longitudinally extended within an end edge by a distance of at least about 10 percent of a length of said absorbent article.

33. An absorbent article such as this is claimed in clause 30, because the distention dam defines a resistances to the pressure of at least about 50 percent.

34. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that said containment dam defines an ansho propulsion at a height of at least about 0.5.

35. An absorbent article of this kind is claimed in the clause 30, which is sarasterized because the distension dam consists of a foam material.

36. An absorbent article of this kind is claimed in clause 30, because the first absorbent sheet comprises a sheet of hydrophobic material.

37. Such an absorbent article is claimed in the sarasterized clause 30 because the first absorbent sheet contains hydrophilic fibers and defines a basis weight of from about 10 to about 150 grams per square meter.

38. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 30 characterized in that said first absorbent sheet defines a length along said longitudinal central line of at least about 1 porcient of a length of said absorbent article. SUMMARY An absorbent article includes a resilient-resistant embossment dam, the latter being designed to inhibit the longitudinal flow of feces material along the surface of the absorptive article body. The containment dike is positioned in a laterally extending direction and is located on the face-to-face surface of the absorbent article so that, when the absorbent article is being used by a user sitting on a flat surface, the embankment dam It is set along a line where the user's buttocks depart from the flat surface. The sling dam defines a relatively high compression resistance for improved operation.