MXPA99003651A - Absorbent article with retaining structure for receiving and retaining fecal material - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner and an absorbent core. A fecal retaining structure defines a perimeter having an aperture therein. The fecal retaining structure includes channels extending outwardly from the aperture. The fecal retaining structure preferably includes a cavity about the perimeter thereof and in communication with the channels. The cavity preferably communicates with the channels and provides additional volume for storage of fecal material. Fecal retaining structure preferably is formed by two layers of resiliently compressible material having different rigidity and compression resistance. One of the layers is smaller than the other layer such that space to form the cavity is present inside the fecal retaining structure. In a preferred embodiment the fecal retaining structure has a bicycle-seat shape with the narrow front portion extending into the front portion of the absorbent article.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE COH RETENTION STRUCTURE TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN FECAL MATTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles such as infant diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, and the like are well known. Such articles have achieved wide acceptance due to their ability to receive and absorb exudates from the body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general, exudates from the body of urine, faecal materials and the like must be received and contained by the absorbent article. However, runoff problems are common, especially fecal runoff. Furthermore, even if the exudates do not drain, they can have an adverse impact on the skin of a wearer of an absorbent article due to the contact between the exudates and the buttocks and other areas of the body within the absorbent article.

Currently, absorbent articles find a widespread use in the care of incontinence of adults and infants and have generally replaced the Washable or reusable fabric absorbent articles. A typical absorbent article is a three layer composite structure comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impervious backing sheet, an absorbent assembly between the top sheet and the backing sheet, and a fastener for securing the article to the user.

U.S. Patent No. 5,330,459 to Lavon et al. Describes an absorbent article having an inflatable spacer 210 which is inflated when placed in contact with water to create a hollow space for the exudates.

U.S. Patent No. 5 175,672 issued to Bruemmer et al. Describes an absorbent article having a split block 26 and a plug 20. The super absorbent material may surround the orifice or opening. The super absorbent material can increase the size of the hole when the liquid swells the material- U.S. Patent No. 4,731,065 issued to Yamada discloses a sanitary napkin having a recess in an absorbent element 11. The recess is formed of a water-permeable paper 16 such as a synthetic fiber paper.

SYNTHESIS OF THE DESCRIPTION In the present invention, an absorbent article isolates and minimizes the contact of the exudate material with the skin. The absorbent article has a length and a width, a front part and a back part and a central part perpendicular to the length of the absorbent article and dividing the absorbent article in the front part and the back part. The absorbent article comprises a frame comprising an outer cover and a body-side liner mounted on the outer cover and making contact with the user's body. An absorbent core is located between the body-side liner and the outer shell. A fecal retaining structure is mounted on the frame at least on the back of the absorbent article. The fecal retention structure has at least one layer of an elastically compressible material defining a perimeter of the fecal retention structure, and spanning an opening in the fecal retention structure. The elastically compressible material has sufficient flexibility to compress and seal against a user's body when it is bent during application to the user's body and sufficient compressive strength to maintain space in the opening around a user's anus or user under a normal application of weight and chair of the user.

In most embodiments, the absorbent core is laterally displaced from the fecal retention structure. In most embodiments, a layer of cellulosic material is secured to the frame between the frame and the fecal retaining structure. The cellulosic material layer preferably comprises a layer dried through non-creped air.

In most embodiments, the layer of elastically compressible material is essentially free of superabsorbent material, is not pneumatic, and preferably comprises an elastically compressible foam material. The layer of elastically compressible material preferably extends to almost the entire circumference of the opening. The layer of the elastically compressible material may comprise a polypropylene foam or a closed cell polyethylene foam.

In some embodiments, the compressibility of the elastically compressible material increases with increasing distance of the elastically compressible material outwardly from the surface facing the body of the fecal retaining structure, thereby defining a compressibility gradient.

In some embodiments there are two layers of elastically compressible material. A first layer has a first compressibility and is placed on the side of the user's body. A second layer of elastically compressible material is spaced outwardly from the first layer. The second layer has a second different compressibility, and preferably smaller than that of the first compressibility.

In most modalities, the "channels are formed in the layer and extend radially outward from the opening.In most modalities, the fecal-retaining structure is capable of storing at least 90 cubic centimeters of water. exudates. A front edge of the fecal retaining structure extends from about 1.2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters toward the front ~ of the central axis and to the front.

In some embodiments, the fecal retention structure has an uncompressed thickness of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2.5 centimeters at rest. The fecal retention structure has a length and a width, the length of the fecal retention structure can be from about 45 percent to about 65 percent of the length of the absorbent article at rest.

In some embodiments, the perimeter of the fecal retention structure is covered by a layer of a material impervious to the liquid; waterproof material liquid separates the exudates in cane from the user's skin ^ The fecal retention structure can have a wide variety of shapes, including elliptical shapes or rectangular shapes.

In some embodiments, the side-to-body liner separates the layer of elastically compressible material from the wearer's body. The body-side liner is located around the opening and is impermeable to liquid along the perimeter of the fecal retaining structure.

In another embodiment of the invention, the fecal retention structure has channels communicating with the opening. The channels preferably extend outwardly from the opening of the fecal retaining structure. The channels preferably have a length of from about 1.9 centimeters to about 4.5 centimeters. The channels preferably have a width of from about 0.6 centimeters to about 1.9 centimeters. The channels communicate with each other at the channel ends disposed outwardly around a perimeter of the fecal retaining structure. The channels preferably are in a number of from about 6 to about 22. At least two channels extend into a common cavity receiving and storing the fecal material out of the user's skin.

In some embodiments, the fecal retention structure has a perimeter covered by a layer of material impervious to liquid and fecal matter. The material impervious to liquid separates the exudates in the channels of a user's skin.

In some embodiments, the fecal retention structure has a bicycle seat shape comprising a narrow part and a wide part, at least a portion of the narrow portion being placed on the front of the absorbent article and the wide part being placed on the back of the absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figural shows a top view of the interior or body side of an absorbent article of the invention.

Figure 2 shows an angled view of the absorbent article of the figural Figure 3 shows a top view of a first layer of a compressive material.

Figure 4 shows a top view of a second layer of the compressive material.

The figures shows a cross section of the absorbent article taken at point 5-5 of the figural.

Figure 6 shows a top view of the inner body side of another embodiment of the absorbent article.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the absorbent article taken in section 7-7 of figure 6.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED MODALITIES The absorbent article 8 shown in the figural includes a front part 10 having a front edge 12, a rear part 14 having a trailing edge 16, a sentral axis transverse 20, extends across the width of the absorbent article and between the front part 10 and the back part 14. The front and rear portions 10 and 14 have essentially equal lengths in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 8. The attachment ears 22 they secure the absorbent article 8 to the body of a user. The elastomeric front waist element 24 and the elastomeric waist element 26 provide adequate tension to the absorbent article 8 when it is secured to the wearer's body.

A frame 28 is formed by an outer cover 30, shown in the figures, and a liner from the side to the body 32. The absorbent core 34 shown in the figure receives and retains the liquid exudates. A fecal retention structure 38 having an opening 40 receives and retains fecal matter expelled from the user's body. - The first and second layers of the compressible material 42 and 44, shown in Figures 3-5 and 7 are part of the fecal retention structure 38. The channels 46 in the first layer 42 allow the fecal material to enter the cavity 48 shown in the figure. A layer of the cellulose pulp 50, shown in FIG. 5, absorbs and retains the liquids from the fecal material.

The leg cuffs 58, shown in Figure 2, place tension through the leg cuts 60 of the absorbent article 8. The containment flaps 62 provide a visual assurance to the user that the absorbent article 8 will not drain.

The absorbent article 8 in the figural is applied to the user's body by securing the fastening lugs 22 from the back 14 to a securing surface (not shown) on the outer cover 30 of the front part 10. The fastening ears 22 can comprise the hooks-of a hook and loop fastening system. The securing surface then typically comprises a corresponding curl material attached to the outer cover 30 on the front 10 and adapted to engage releasably and with the hook material. Other well-known fastening means can also be used to hold the absorbent article 8 on the user. For example, a cohesive system, an adhesive fastener system or the like can also be used to secure the absorbent article 8 to the wearer's body.

The front waist elastomeric element 24 and the rear waist elastomeric element 26 provide retraction forces that press the retention of the absorbent article 8 into the wearer's body. The elastomeric elements 24 and 26 can be formed of materials which are attached to the outer cover 30 and / or the side-to-body liner 32 of the frame 28. Suitable materials include yarns or tapes, or one or more layers of a polymeric material I elastomeric which may adhere or otherwise be mounted to the absorbent article 8 while in a stretched position. Alternatively, the elastomeric material can be fastened, in a relaxed condition to the absorbent article 8 while the front part 10 and / or the back 14 of the absorbent article 8 is folded. Other conventional arrangements are also contemplated by the invention providing the retraction force at the waist of the absorbent article 8.

The frame 28 generally comprises the outer cover 30 and the side-to-body liner 32. The frame 28 may also comprise the absorbent core 34, and the layer 50 of the cellulosic pulp.

The outer cover 30 can be formed of a single layer or of components, layers or of multiple partial layers of material, so that the resulting outer covering is essentially impermeable to liquids. A typical outer cover 30 can be made of a thin plastic film or other material impervious to the flexible liquid. For example, the outer cover 30 can be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeters to about 0.051 millimeters. When it is desired that the outer cover have a more cloth-like feel, it may comprise, for example, a polyethylene film laminated to a surface of a non-woven fabric, such as a fabric joined by spinning polyolefin fibers. For example, a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters can thermally or otherwise be laminated thereto to a fabric bonded by spinning polyolefin fibers having a thickness of from 1.5 to 2.5 denier per filament, the fabric of which is not Weaving has a basis weight of around 24 grams per square meter. In addition, the outer cover 30 can be formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric which has been constructed or treated in whole or in part to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent to or close to the absorbent core 34. Still further , the outer cover 30 may optionally be composed of a microporous material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent core 34 and through the outer cover while preventing liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover.

The body side liner 32 covers the absorbent core 34 at the front 10 of the absorbent article 8. The body side liner 32 extends to the back 14 of the absorbent article 8. The body side liner 32 can be secured around the outer perimeter and the side that makes contact with the upper body of the fecal retention structure 38 as shown in figure 5. Body-side lining 32 should be impervious to liquids in locations around and on one side of the fecal retention structure 38 so that the exudate or fecal matter remains within the retention structure 38.

The body-side liner 32 must be cut or otherwise have an opening corresponding to the opening 40 of the fecal retaining structure 38. Thus the body-side liner 32 then covers the entire perimeter of the fecal retaining structure. 38. In this manner, the body side liner 32 functions as both a side-to-body liner and an outer wall / storage compartment 41 for the fecal retention structure 38.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a porous body-side liner 32 is secured below the fecal retention structure 38. A separate layer of material then forms the storage compartment or wall around the fecal retention structure 38.

A suitable body side liner 32 can be manufactured from a wide selection of woven materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films or synthetic or natural fibers. For example, the body side liner 32 may comprise cotton or wood fibers. Other possible materials are synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The lining from the side to the body 32 is suitably used to help isolate liquids maintained in the absorbent core 34 of the wearer's skin.

In addition, various woven and non-woven fabrics can be used for the body-side lining 32. For example, the body side liner 32 can be composed of a meltblown fabric or spunbonded by polyolefin fibers. The body side liner 32 may also comprise a carded and / or bonded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body side liner 32 preferably comprises an essentially hydrophobic material in which the hydrofloudic material is treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity to regions excluding the area around the perimeter of the structure. of fecal retention 38.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the body side liner 32 may comprise a spunbonded polypropylene fabric 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 with about 0.3 percent by weight of a surfactant, except around and around the perimeter of the fecal retaining structure 38. The lining from side to body 32 may comprise a multiplicity of components, layers, or partial layers, which correspond to any of the materials described herein, as well as others known in the art.

As illustrated, the absorbent core 34 is located within the front half of the absorbent article 8 between the central axis 20 and the front edge 12. Preferably the absorbent core 34 is confined within the front portion 10 of the absorbent article 8. In this instead, as shown in the figural, the absorbent core 34 absorbs liquids such as, for example, urine, from the user's body while the fecal retention structure 38 retains the fecal matter.

The absorbent core 34 suitably comprises a relatively thick structure, as compared to the outer cover 30 and the body-side liner 32, and includes a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulosic fluff fabric, preferably in combination with a fiber material. high absorbency commonly known as super absorbent material. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent core 34 comprises a mixture of super absorbent hydrogel forming particles and wood pulp fluff. Instead of the wood pulp fluff, one can use synthetic, polymeric, meltblown fibers or a combination of meltblown fibers and natural fibers. The super material Absorbent can be homogeneously mixed are the hydrophilic fibers or can be combined in another way in an absorbent core 34.

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

--- The absorbent core 34 can have any of a number of shapes. For example, the absorbent core can be rectangular, oval-shaped or it can be a plug having two sections extending backwards and having a separation between them as shown in the figural. The relatively thick structure of the absorbent core 34 generally does not extend over the entire dimensions of the outer cover 30 or the side-to-body liner 32. Typically, the absorbent core 34 is confined to the front portion 10 of the absorbent article 8.

Although the absorbent core 34 may extend under the fecal retention structure 38, typically such an absorbent core has a thicker front, and a thinner back under the fecal retaining structure. The absorbent core 34 can be cut where the fecal retaining structure 38 is mounted. As shown in the figural, the absorbent core 8 can be formed as a plug with two sections extending backwards and therefore some of the fecal retaining structure 38 can be spaced apart.

The superabsorbent material in the absorbent core 34 may be selected from polymers and modified natural and synthetic and 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 water-soluble essentially insoluble in water but swellable, whereby the absorbent properties are available but the swollen material is essentially immobile after absorbing the water-based liquids. Such media may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces.

As shown in the figural, the fecal retention structure -38 defines a perimeter which contains an opening 40. The fecal retention structure 38 is preferably formed by at least one first layer 42 of a compressible material shown in Figure 3 and a second layer 44 of a compressible material shown in Figure 4. The second layer 44 preferably it is secured to the first layer 42 as shown in the figure. The channels 46 formed in the first web 42 allow the fesal material and the liquids to enter the cavity 48.

The fecal retention structure 38 has a length and a width. The length of the fecal retention structure 38 is generally about 45 percent to about 65 percent of the length of the absorbent article 8 in the remainder. The width of the fecal retention structure 38 varies, especially for the bicycle seat-shaped structure shown in the figural. At least one of the first layer 42 and / or of the second layer 44 generally defines a perimeter wall around the entire circumference of the fesal retaining structure 38 thereby defining the opening 40.

The fecal retention structure 38 can retain at least 90 cubic centimeters of exudates. A front edge 39 of the fecal retaining structure 38 typically extends from about 1.2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters forward of the central axis 20 to the front 10.

The first layer 42 of the compressible material and the second layer 44 of the compressible material can comprise elastically compressible foam materials, such as polypropylene or polyethylene having an adequate compressive strength. The first layer 42 is generally more rigid and less compressible than the second layer 44. By having the second layer 44 on one side of the user's body, less rigid than the first layer 42, it provides a better physical sensation to the user who is in contact with the user. the second layer during normal use. Closed-head foam material or any other material having adequate compressibility can also be used to form the fecal retention structure 38.

The first and second layers 42 and 44 are typically substantially free from the superabsorbent material. The elastically compressible material forming the first layer 42 and the second layer 44 is typically non-pneumatic. Although the second layer 44 is preferably less rigid than the first layer 42, the absorbent article 8 can function suitably, the second layer 44 being more rigid or having the same somprestability as the first layer 42.

In another embodiment (not shown), the fecal retention structure 38 comprises a single layer of material. The single cap has a compressibility gradient across its thickness, for example, the part of the single layer furthest from the user's body is stiffer than the part of the layer adjacent to the wearer's body.

Furthermore, even when a modality with two layers 42 and 44 is shown, multiple layers may also function properly. Therefore, the invention is not limited to only the two layers shown, or to one layer, but can comprise any number of layers.

The first and second layers 42 and 44 of an elastically compressible material can be formed from a closed cell foam material. For example, polyethylene or polypropylene can act as the compressible material-Any other material having adequate somibility and rigidity can also be used to form the fecal retention structure 38.

The first layer 42 may have a sawtooth type of the shape as shown in Figure 3. The inner edge of the first layer 42 can also have a smooth shape (not shown). Even when the bicycle seat shape is shown in Figure 3, other shapes may work properly, such as an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape with an elliptical opening 40 as shown in Figure 7.

The first layer 42 may also comprise a plurality of individual elements (not shown) secured to the perimeter of the second layer 44. In such an embodiment, the separations between the individual elements comprises the channels 46. The individual elements generally correspond to the flared portions of the first layer 42 shown in figure 3.

As more clearly shown in Figures 5 and 7, the outer edge 45 of the second layer 44 extends outwardly beyond the first layer 42 and thus forms the cavity 48 down there. The distance by which the outer edge 45 of the second layer 44 extends outwardly beyond the first layer 42 is preferably from about 0.6 centimeters to about 2 centimeters, and more preferably from about 0.6 centimeters to about of 1.2 sentimeters. Having the outer edge 45 of the second web 44 extending outwardly beyond the first layer 42 'causes the fecal retention structure 38 to fold outward if it does so at all to maintain the aperture under pressure. If the fesal retention structure 38 is folded in, the opening 40 will tend to close. The second layer 44 can extend beyond the first layer 42 by distances of less than 0.6 centimeters. However, as the distance is reduced, the ability of the second layer 44 to secure the fold outward rather than inward decreases.

The fecal retention structure 38 including the first layer 42 and the second layer 44 preferably has a uncompressed thickness of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2.5 centimeters at rest in the z direction. The second layer 44 preferably has a minimum width of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2.5 centimeters in the narrowest places around its perimeter. The aforementioned range of thickness, in combination with the width of the first layer 42 especially the second layer 44, maintains the structural integrity of the fecal retention structure 38 in the directions x and y during normal use. The second sap 44 preferably extends around the entire perimeter of the opening 40 to provide sufficient structural integrity. In this way the openness of the opening 40 is ensured.

The directions x, y, and z, as shown in the Figures 3 and 5 are essentially perpendicular to each other. The z-direction shows the depth of the opening 40- The channels 46 are preferably cut or otherwise formed in the first layer 42. As shown in Fig. 5, the channels 46 are preferably formed in portions of the first layer 42 on one side of the frame 28 of the absorbent article 8. In this Instead, the channels 46 are as far as possible from the user's body.

Channels 46 can also be located upstream of the location shown in Figure 5. In this case, the channels 46 can be formed by an edge of the second layer 44.

Channels 46 extend radially outwardly from opening 40. Channels 46 preferably have a length of from about 0.6 centimeters to about 4.5 centimeters. The channels 46 preferably have a width of from about 0.6 centimeters to about 1S "" centimeters.

The channels 46 can have a rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 5, an elliptical shape or other selected shapes. The number of channels for the absorbent article 8 are from about 6 channels to about 22 channels.

The channels 46 are preferably connected to a cavity 48. The cavity 48 is formed by the second layer 44 extending outwards for a greater distance than the first layer 42 as shown in the figure. The body-side liner 32 effectively forms the outer wall 41 of the cavity 8. The example relative sizes of the first layer 42 and the second layer 44 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. This arrangement increases the amount of exudates. which can be stored through the channels 46 by providing the cavity 48.

The channels 46 can communicate with each other around the perimeter via the cavity 48.

In addition, by having the cavity 48 extending around the circumference of the fecal retention structure 38, a larger amount of fecal matter can be stored in the opening 40 than if the cavity 48 were not present. The cavity 48 is connected to all the channels. 46 allows fecal matter to enter a single channel 46 to spread through the cavity and up to the other channels 46 if necessary.

In other embodiments, the cavity 48 does not need to extend around the entire perimeter of the retaining structure 38. The cavity 48 may be divided into a plurality of savors or be designed to provide connections between the selected channels. Changing the number of cavities can be done by changing the shape of the first layer 42 to project outwards at selected locations around the same distance as the second layer 44. A change contemplated in the form is shown by the dotted lines in the figures extending the size of the first layer 42.

The opening 40 in combination with the channels 46 and the cavity 48 can receive and retain at least 90 cubic centimeters of exudates. The capacity of the article absorbent 8 may vary with the overall size of the absorbent article 8 which depends on the size of the wearer.

A layer 50 of a cellulosic pulp preferably provides a mounting surface or base for the fecal retention structure 38 as shown in Figure 5. The layer 50 may be mounted where the absorbent core 34 is cut, mounted on the outer cover 30 as shown in FIGS. 5, or mounted on the liner on the side of the body 32 of the frame 28 as shown in FIG.

The layer 50 preferably comprises thermal bleached chemical thermal dry non-creped (UCTAD) pulp which is formed by combining the wood fibers with a moisture resistant resin by creating a superior resistance fabric, and drying the resulting fabric in the which is commonly referred to as a non-creped continuous drying process. Additional details regarding layer 50 are set forth in US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 226,735 to Wendt et al entitled "Soft Tissue Product Manufacturing Method" filed on April 12, 1994, the description of which is incorporated herein. by reference. The other absorbent materials with suitable or similar characteristics can also be used in place of the cellulosic pulp.

The layer 50 of the cellulosic pulp preferably has a basis weight of between about 90 and about 140 grams per square inch, and more preferably about 105 grams per square inch. The layer 50 preferably has an absorption capacity of between about 6 grams and about 10 grams of normal body fluid exudates per gram of fiber.

A preferred layer 50 has a thickness, when dry, of about 0.6 millimeters. When such preferred layer 50 is saturated with liquid, its thickness increases to 0.7 millimeters. The increase in thickness of the illustrated support layer 40, subara saturates, is less than about 17 percent. Thus, the layer 50 can absorb the liquid exudates at their capacity without a damaging swelling, and the accompanying closure, or the effective closing of the opening 40 by such hmchamiento.

In contrast, a typical super absorbent material, such as those described above are respectable to the absorbent core 34 has a greater swelling when saturated with liquids. An example super absorbent pad having a thickness of 1.7 millimeters when dry is inflated to 5.8 millimeters when saturated with liquid. The super absorbent pad therefore increases in thickness by over 230 percent. Such increase in thickness by layer 50 will make the opening 40 effectively inoperable, or much less efficient for the retention of fecal matter. Therefore the layer 5-0 functions very differently from the superabsorbent material.

In operation, the fastening lugs 22, in combination with the front waist elastomeric element 24 and the elastomeric backing element 26, secure the absorbent article 8 to the body of a wearer. In use, the fesal retention structure 38 is generally seated on the buttocks around the wearer's anus. Since the fecal retention strangle 38 is made of an elastically compressible material, the retention structure can be easily bent and flexed to conform to the contours of the user's body, as well as the movement of the user exerting compression and bending forces. Thus, where the layers 42 and 44 are suitably selected for compressibility, the fecal retention structure 38 easily conforms to and adjusts to changes in the user's body shape, as well as related pressures, while a volumetric containment capacity of at least 90 cubic centimeters is retained, and a comfortable contact with the user's skin is maintained.

The compressibilities of the layers 42 and 44 are selected according to the typical weight of a typical user as well as taking into account the size and shape of the opening 40.

When properly selected, the skin of the buttocks of a typical user will be spaced from the bottom of the opening 40, for example, from layer 50, under all conditions of use. Thus, the opening 40 maintains an opening spacing of the skin of the layer 50 under normal conditions of use.

The absorbent core 34 collects the liquid such as the urine that passes through the liner from the side to the body 32 in the front portion 10 of the absorbent article 8. Meanwhile the fecal retention structure 38 receives and retains the fecal material. The fecal material in the opening 40 can enter the cavity 48 through the channels 46. This arrangement allows the storage of larger amounts of fecal material. The fecal material entering the channels 46 and the cavity 48 is retained within the cavity by the impermeable parts of the liner from the side to the body 32 and does not contact the user's skin, thereby providing safe and effective storage. The layer 50 of cellulose pulp, preferably pulp seized through uncreped air receives and retains the liquids present in the fecal material. The layer 50 of the cellulosic pulp can store a significant amount of liquids without significantly expanding and without reducing the volume of the opening 40.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the absorbent article 8. The absorbent core 34 no longer has the sections extending down. In this embodiment, the fecal retention structure 38 is covered by an impermeable layer 52 covering the first layer 42 and the second layer 44 of the foam material. The waterproof layer 52 preferably comprises a polyethylene film laminated to a surface of a non-woven fabric, such as a cloth bonded by spinning polyolefin fibers. This type of material has a cloth-like feel when placed in contact with the body of a user. Other types of materials formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous web can also be used for the waterproof layer 52. The waterproof layer 52 can comprise a single layer or multiple layers, multiple components or stoppers of material.

Figure 7, taken on line 7-7 of Figure 6, more clearly shows the structure of the second mode. The channels 46 and the cavity 48 receive and retain the fecal material in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The impermeable layer 52 replaces the body-side liner 32 in the fecal retention structure 38 and covers the perimeter of the fecal retention structure 38. The impermeable layer 52 retains the fecal material in the cavity 48. In this embodiment, the cavity 48 is much larger at the corners of the fecal retention structure 38 due to its rectangular shape. Therefore, more fesal matter can be massed in the modality of figure 6 than in the previous modality.

Although the cellulosic pulp layer 50 is shown in Figures 5 and 7, this layer is not required for the invention to function properly. In the embodiment of the figure, the layer 50 can be removed and the outer cover 30 can contain fecal material in the opening 40. In the embodiment of figure 7, the layer 50 can be replaced with a layer of impermeable material, such as described with respect to the outer cover 30 or the waterproof layer 52.

The body side liner 32, the outer cover 30, the absorbent core 34 and other elements described herein are secured to one another by known conventional methods such as adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, sewing or the like.

As the side of the absorbent article 8 increases to fit several users, the width and length of the fesal retaining structure 30 can be increased to provide a larger storage volume for the fecal material.

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

To the extent that the following claims use means plus function language, it is not intended to include therein, or in the present description, anything not structurally equivalent to what is shown in the embodiments described in the description.

Claims (40)

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

1. An absorbent article having a length and a width, a front part and a back part, - a central axis perpendicular to the length of the absorbent article and dividing said absorbent article in said front part and said back part, said absorbent article comprises: (a) a weapon comprising (i) an outer cover, and (li) a body-side liner mounted on said outer cover and adapted to make contact with a user's body; (b) an absorbent core located between the body-side liner and said outer shell; Y (c) a faecal retention structure mounted in the frame at least on the back of said absorbent article, said fecal retention structure having at least one layer of an elastically compressible material, defining a perimeter of said fecal retention structure , and embracing an opening in said fecal retaining structure, said opening having a bottom, said material elastically squeezable having sufficient flexibility to press and seal against the user's body when it is bent during application to the wearer's body, and a sufficient compressive strength to maintain a space in said opening between the user's skin and the bottom of said user's skin. opening or a normal application of weight and pressure as applied by the user.

2. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said absorbent core is positioned laterally with respect to said fecal retaining structure.

3. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 2 characterized in that it includes a layer of cellulosic material secured to said frame between said frame and said fecal retention structure.

4. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 3 characterized in that the layer of cellulosic material comprises a layer dried through non-creped air.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said material elastically compressible is essentially free of the super absorbent material.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said elastically compressible material is not pneumatic.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said elastically compressible material comprises an elastically compressible foam material.

8. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the compressibility of said elastically compressible material increases with the increasing distance of said elastically compressible material outward from the body facing surface of said fecal retaining structure, defining by both a compressibility gradient in said at least one layer of elastically compressible material.

9. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one layer of elastically compressible material has a first compressibility and comprises a first layer for collusion on one side of the wearer's body and a second layer of a elastically compressible material spaced outwardly of said first layer, said second layer has a second compressibility less than said first compressibility.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one layer extends around the entire circumference of said opening.

ll. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that it includes sanalts formed in said at least one layer and extends radially outwardly of said opening.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said fecal retaining structure is capable of storing at least 90 cubic centimeters of exudates.

13- An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said body-side liner separates at least one layer and the body of the user, said lining from side to body is located around the opening and is impermeable to the body. liquid along said perimeter of said fecal retaining structure.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one layer of the elastically compressible material comprises closed cell polyethylene foam.

15. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that at least one layer of the elastically compressible material comprises a polypropylene foam.

16. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that a front edge of said faecal retention structure extends from about 1.2 centimeters to about 5 centimeters forward of the central axis and into said front part .

17. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said perimeter of said faecal retention structure is covered by a layer of a material impervious to liquid, said material impervious to liquid separates the exudates in channels from the skin of the user .

18. An absorbent article having a length and a width, a front part and a back part, a central axis perpendicular to the length of the absorbent article and by dividing said absorbent article in the front part and in the rear part, said absorbent article comprises: a) a weapon comprising (i) an outer cover, and (li) a side-to-body liner mounted to said outer cover and adapted to make contact with a user's body, and b) a faecal retaining structure comprising an opening therethrough, said fecal retaining structure being mounted on the frame at least at the rear of said absorbent article and being adapted to make contaste are the body of the user, said Fecal retention structure has channels that communicate with said opening.

19. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said channels extend outwardly from the opening of said fecal retaining structure.

20. An absorbent article such and as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that said two channels extend into a common cavity, the cavity being adapted to accommodate the faecal matter of respective channel channels and store the fecal material away from the user's skin.

21. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said channels have a length of from about 1-9 centimeters to about 4.5 centimeters.

22. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said channels have a width of from about 0.6 centimeters to about "of 1.9 centimeters.

23. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said channels have ends facing outwards, said channels communicating with each other at said ends placed outwardly around a perimeter of said fecal retention structure.

24. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said fecal retaining structure has a perimeter, said perimeter being covered by a layer of a material impervious to liquid, said liquid impervious material separates the exudates in said channels from the user's skin.

25. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that it includes a layer of a cellulosic material secured to said at least one rear part of said frame between the outer cover and said fecal retaining structure.

26. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that said fecal retaining structure has an uncompressed thickness of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2.5 centimeters at rest.

27. An absorbent article having a length and a width, a front part and a back part, a central axis perpendicular to the length of said absorbent article and dividing said article in said front part and said back part, said absorbent article comprises: (a) a weapon comprising (i) an outer cover, and (ii) a side-to-body liner mounted on said outer cover and adapted to make contact with a user's body; Y (b) a fecal retaining structure comprising an opening therethrough, said fecal retaining structure being mounted on the frame to make contact with the body of the user, said fecal retaining structure having a bicycle seat shape that it comprises a narrow part and a wide part, at least part of said narrow part is placed in the front part of said absorbent article and said wide part is placed in said back part of the absorbent article.

28. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that said fecal retention structure comprises a first layer to be placed towards the user's body and a second layer to be placed outwardly thereof, said first layer having a first layer. compressibility, said second layer has a second compressibility different from that of the first compressibility.

29. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that it includes channels formed in at least one layer and extending radially outwardly of said fecal retaining structure.

30. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that said fecal retaining structure comprises a foam layer, said foam layer and the user's body being separated by said lining from side to body, said lining Side to body is impervious to liquids around the foam layer.

31. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that said fecal retention structure has an uncompressed thickness of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2-5 centimeters at rest.

32. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that said fecal retention structure has a length and a width, the length of said fecal retention structure is about 45 percent to about 65 percent of the length of the fecal retention structure. said absorbent article at rest.

33. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 27, characterized in that at least two channels extend into a common cavity, said cavity receives the fecal material from the respective channels and stores the fecal material away from the user's skin.

34. An absorbent article having a length and a width, a front part and a back part, a central axis perpendicular to the length of said absorbent article and dividing said absorbent article in the front part and said back part, said absorbent article comprises: (a) a framework comprising: (i) an outer cover, and (ii) a side-to-body liner mounted on said outer cover and adapted to make sontaste with a user's body. (b) an absorbent core located between said side-to-body liner and said outer cover, and (s) a faecal retention structure mounted on said frame at least on the back of said absorbent article, said fecal retaining structure having a first layer and a second layer secured to the first layer, an outer edge of said second layer extends outward from the first layer, said first and second layers define a perimeter of said fecal retention structure, and encompassing an opening in said fecal retention structure, said opening has a bottom, said second layer extending outwardly from said first layer so that the fesal retention structure can be folded outward, in instead of inwards, and therefore keeps the openness of the opening under presidn.

35. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said fecal retention structure has an uncompressed thickness of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2.5 centimeters at rest.

36. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, said second layer extends outwardly from said first layer by a distance of between about 0.6 sentimeters and about 2 sentimeters.

37. Such an absorbent article is claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said second layer extends outwardly from the first layer by a distance of between about 0.6 centimeters and about 1.2 sentimeters.

38. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said first layer to collapse on one side of the user's body and said second layer spaced outwardly of said first layer.

39. An absorbent article, as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that it includes channels formed in said first layer and extending radially outwardly of said opening.

40. An absorbent article as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that said second layer has a minimum width of between about 1.2 centimeters and about 2.5 centimeters in the most stressful places of its perimeter, said second layer in combination with the first The layer maintains the structural integrity of the retention structure 38 in the x and y directions during normal use. SUMMARIZES An absorbent article that includes an outer cover, a side-to-body lining and an absorbent core. A fecal retention structure defines a perimeter having an opening there. The fecal retention structure includes channels extending out of the opening. The fecal retention structure preferably includes a cavity of the perimeter thereof and in communication with the channels. The cavity preferably communicates with the channels and provides an additional volume for the storage of the fecal material. The fecal structure is preferably formed by two layers of an elastically compressible material having a different stiffness and compressive strength. One of the layers is smaller than the other layer so that the space to form the cavity is present inside the fecal retaining structure. In a preferred embodiment the faecal retaining structure has a bicycle seat shape with the narrow front portion extending to the front of the absorbent article.