WO1996010973A2 - Enveloppe jetable pour materiau absorbant - Google Patents

Enveloppe jetable pour materiau absorbant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996010973A2
WO1996010973A2 PCT/US1995/012482 US9512482W WO9610973A2 WO 1996010973 A2 WO1996010973 A2 WO 1996010973A2 US 9512482 W US9512482 W US 9512482W WO 9610973 A2 WO9610973 A2 WO 9610973A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
barrier
disposable cover
rewet
stain
oriented surface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1995/012482
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1996010973A3 (fr
WO1996010973A9 (fr
Inventor
Digvijay Rawat
Carlos Jose Barroso
Letha Margie Hines
Peter Morris
Robb Eric Olsen
J. Alvaro Restrepo
Nona Jane Redwine
Mark Donovan Seymour
Hiroaki Shikata
Original Assignee
The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPM8679A external-priority patent/AUPM867994A0/en
Priority claimed from US08/504,870 external-priority patent/US5688258A/en
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to AU37313/95A priority Critical patent/AU3731395A/en
Priority to BR9509296A priority patent/BR9509296A/pt
Priority to MX9702641A priority patent/MX9702641A/es
Publication of WO1996010973A2 publication Critical patent/WO1996010973A2/fr
Publication of WO1996010973A3 publication Critical patent/WO1996010973A3/fr
Publication of WO1996010973A9 publication Critical patent/WO1996010973A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/505—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with separable parts, e.g. combination of disposable and reusable parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a disposable cover for an absorbent material, the combined structure serving as an absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinent pad, a sanitary napkin, or the like.
  • Absorbent articles are designed to receive and retain fluid discharges from the body within an absorbent element of the absorbent article.
  • single use disposable abso ⁇ tive devices have been improved to provide enhanced performance for the user and have replaced durable absorbent articles which are designed to be laundered and reused.
  • launderable absorbent articles such as woven cloth, are still preferred among certain users because of perceived cost effectiveness to the consumer or other reasons, despite the fact that such articles may be less comfortable to wear. Such discomfort is due to the fact that there is incomplete transfer of bodily fluids from a wearer's body into the absorbent article leaving the wearer wet and soiled.
  • Another principle disadvantage of a launderable, woven cloth absorbent article is the fact that the user's clothing, for example an undergarment, can become stained if a woven cloth article becomes saturated with absorbed fluids.
  • disposable absorbent articles In order to rnirurnize the effect of prolonged liquid contact with the skin, disposable absorbent articles have been produced with a body-contacting topsheet designed to exhibit a greater degree of surface dryness. Commercially available disposable absorbent articles have also been provided with a fluid impermeable backsheet for minimizing staining of a user's clothing by providing a barrier between the absorbent portions of the disposable absorbent article and the user's clothing. While such improved body-contacting topsheets and fluid impermeable backsheets of disposable absorbent articles provide commercially available disposable absorbent articles with improved functionality, those users who may choose to use a woven cloth absorbent article do not receive the benefit of this improved functionality.
  • the disposable cover may easily applied to a lauderable absorbent material such as a woven cloth pad or other kinds of rudimentary absorbent articles. It is a further object of this invention that the disposable cover provide improved functionality to a user by reducing liquid contact with the skin, minimizing the risk of stains to a user's clothing, and by helping maintain the absorbent material in a configuration suitable for absorbing bodily liquids. It is also an object of this invention to provide a disposable cover having such improved functionality for users of launderable absorbent materials at a cost that is low enough to be attractive to users of such launderable absorbent materials.
  • the disposable cover of this invention comprises a liquid pervious rewet barrier joined to a liquid impervious anti-stain barrier.
  • the liquid pervious rewet barrier comprises a nonwoven or a film material provided with capillaries penetrating through the thickness thereof to permit flow of fluid from the portion of the outwardly oriented surface of the rewet barrier which contacts a user's body, through the rewet barrier, to the inwardly oriented surface thereof for absorption by an absorbent material.
  • the anti-stain barrier preferably comprises a thin, liquid impervious plastic film.
  • the rewet barrier and the anti-stain barrier are joined along at least one of their longitudinal edges.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises absorbent securement means disposed on the inwardly facing surface of the anti-stain barrier and garment securement means disposed on the outwardly facing surface of the anti-stain barrier.
  • the rewet barrier and the anti-stain barrier are joined on three sides to form a covering pouch that is suitable for containing an absorbent material comprising a fibrous assembly, such as a tow of fibers.
  • a covering pouch that is suitable for containing an absorbent material comprising a fibrous assembly, such as a tow of fibers.
  • such alternative embodiments further comprise an acquisition layer joined to the rewet barrier.
  • the acquisition layer is positioned between the rewet barrier and the absorbent material.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the disposable cover embodiment of the present invention in a typical in-use configuration as it would be applied by a user, the surface facing the viewer being the surface that is positioned adjacent the user's body.
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the disposable cover embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded condition, the outwardly facing surface of the rewet barrier facing the viewer.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged cross section of the disposable cover of the present invention taken along line 3-3.
  • Figure 4 is a plan view of a first alternative embodiment of the disposable cover of the present invention, a covering pouch, having portions cut away to show underlying structure.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged cross section of the covering pouch of the present invention taken along line 5-5.
  • Figure 6 is a plan view of a second alternative embodiment of the disposable cover of the present invention, an alternative covering pouch having portions cut away to show underlying structure the surface facing the viewer being the surface facing a user's garments.
  • Figure 7 is an enlarged cross section of the alternative covering pouch of the present invention taken along line 7-7.
  • the term "absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placed in proximity to the body of the user to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the disposable cover 20 for an absorbent material 10, the combined system having use as an absorbent article such as a catamenial pad, as is shown in Figure 1.
  • the term “catamenial pad” refers to an absorbent article which is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region, generally external to the urogenital region, and which is intended to absorb and contain menstrual fluids and other vaginal discharges from the user's body (e.g., blood, menses, and urine).
  • the term “pudendal” refers to the externally visible female genitalia. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence pads, diapers, and the like.
  • the disposable cover 20 of the present invention wraps around the absorbent material 10 and covers it.
  • the disposable cover 20 of the present invention is preferably joined to the absorbent material 10 by the absorbent securement means 41 (shown in Figure 2), although such joinder is not necessary.
  • the disposable cover 20 is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the users' skin.
  • the disposable cover comprises a liquid pervious rewet prevention component or rewet barrier 22 that permits bodily liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness and reduces the tendency of such liquids to flow back through the rewet barrier 22 toward a user's skin.
  • a preferred embodiment of the liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 can be formed from a liquid impermeable material by providing the impervious material with capillaries penetrating through the thickness thereof.
  • the capillaries permit transportation of bodily exudates through the thickness of the rewet barrier 22 for transfer of bodily discharges into the absorbent material 10.
  • the absorbent cover 20 further comprises a liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 32 that is preferably joined to the liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 along at least one longitudinal edge thereof.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 comprises two portions 32 A and 32B, a longitudinal edge of each portion being joined to each of the longitudinal edges of the rewet barrier 22.
  • the disposable cover 20 also has absorbent securement means 41 disposed on the inwardly oriented surface of each portion of the anti-stain barrier 32 and garment securement means 43 disposed on the outwardly oriented surface 34 of the anti-stain barrier 32.
  • the securement means 41, 43 hold the absorbent material 10 and the disposable cover 20 in place.
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the disposable cover 20 of the present invention in its flat-out state with the portion of the disposable cover 20 which faces or contacts the user, the outwardly oriented surface 24 of the rewet barrier 22, oriented towards the viewer.
  • the disposable cover 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100 and a transverse centerline 102.
  • the term "longitudinal”, as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the disposable cover 20 that is generally aligned with (e. g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing user into left and right body halves when the disposable 20 is worn.
  • the terms “transverse” or “lateral” as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction which lies within the plane of the disposable cover 20 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the disposable cover 20 comprises two components, a liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 for reducing liquid contact with the skin and a liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 32 for reducing the risk of soiling a user's garments.
  • the rewet barrier 22 has two surfaces, an outwardly oriented surface 24, at least a portion of which surface contacts the user's body, and an inwardly oriented surface 26, a portion of which surface faces, and preferably contacts, contacts the absorbent material 10. That portion of the rewet barrier 22 which can contact a user's body for transport of liquids, such as the portion between the stiffening members 42, is referred to herein as the transport region 25.
  • the disposable cover 20 is shown in Figure 1 and 2 as viewed from the outwardly oriented surface 24 of the rewet barrier 22.
  • the outwardly oriented surface 24 is intended to be worn adjacent to the body of the user while the inwardly oriented surface 26 is on the opposite side of the rewet barrier 22.
  • a portion of the inwardly oriented surface 26 is intended to be placed adjacent the absorbent material 10.
  • the remainder of the inwardly oriented surface of the rewet barrier 22 contacts the anti-stain barrier 32 to form the stiffening member 42.
  • the rewet barrier 22 has a pair of longitudinally oriented side edges 28 and 29.
  • the disposable cover 20 can comprise only a rewet barrier 22.
  • Such a simple embodiment can be wrapped around an absorbent material 10.
  • the surface area of such a disposable cover 20 should be comparable to surface area of the preferred embodiment of the disposable cover 20 discussed herein. That is, the length dimension of such a simple disposable cover 20 should be comparable to the length dimension 1 discussed hereinbelow and the width dimension of such a simple disposable cover 20 should be comparable to the sum of the width dimensions w,, w 2 , and w 3 discussed hereinbelow.
  • Such a simple disposable cover can also be provided with attachment means as discussed hereinbelow.
  • Such a simple embodiment of the present invention provides many of the desirable benefits of the preferred embodiment of the disposable cover 20. Specifically, when such an embodiment is used with a folded cloth absorbent material, the combination provides improved skin dryness. This embodiment also reduces the tendency for folding configuration changes and undesirable shape changes (e. g. when the absorbent material 10 comprises a tow of fibers or wadding). This latter benefit is believed to result in improved absorbency and reduced leakage.
  • An alternative simple embodiment of the disposable cover 20 comprises an anti- stain barrier 32 disposed between the absorbent material 10 and the wearer's garments. Such an embodiment would reduce staining of a wearer's garments by reducing transfer of bodily fluids from the absorbent material 10 to the garments.
  • This embodiment of the present invention should be sized such that a portion of the absorbent material 10 is not covered by the anti-stain barrier 32 to allow transport of bodily fluids into the absorbent material 10. This uncovered portion of the absorbent material serves the same pu ⁇ ose as the transport region 25 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that is shown in Figure 2.
  • the length dimension of this simple embodiment of the disposable cover 20 should be comparable to the length dimension 1 discussed below and the width dimension of such a simple disposable cover 20 should provide for the uncovered portion of the absorbent material 10. Since such an embodiment cannot be wrapped entirely around the absorbent material 10, if a portion of the absorbent material is to remain uncovered, means to secure the anti-stain barrier 32 to the absorbent material 10 are required. Such absorbent securement means are disposed on that surface of the anti- stain barrier 32 which contacts the absorbent material 10, preferably such means are centered between the longitudinal edges of the disposable wrapper 20.
  • This simple embodiment of the disposable cover 20 may also comprise means for attaching the assembly of the disposable wrapper 20 and the absorbent material 10 to a wearer's undergarments. Suitable materials for this simple embodiment are essentially the same as those suitable for the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2. Such materials are discussed in greater detail below.
  • the disposable cover 20 of the present invention comprises both a rewet barrier 22 and an anti-stain barrier 32.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 may be joined to the rewet barrier 22 along one of the longitudinally oriented side edges 28, 29 thereof.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 comprises two portions, a first portion 32 A joined to longitudinal edge 29 of the rewet barrier 22 and a second portion 32B joined to longitudinal edge 28 of the rewet barrier 22. Because of the symmetry of the portions, like elements of each portion are described with the same reference number with a reference letter A or B to indicate the respective portions.
  • each portion of the anti-stain barrier 32 has two surfaces, an outwardly oriented surface 34A, 34B, respectively, a portion of which outwardly oriented surface contacts the user's undergarment, and an inwardly oriented surface 36A, 36B, respectively, a portion of which inwardly oriented surface contacts the absorbent material 10 when the disposable cover 20 is used.
  • Each portion of the anti-stain barrier 32 also has a pair of longitudinally oriented side edges 38 A, 38B and 39 A, 39B, respectively.
  • Figure 3 shows a cross section of the disposable cover 20 taken along line 3- 3.
  • the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain barrier 32 are preferably joined in regions along at least one of their longitudinal edges.
  • the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain barrier 32 are joined to each other by attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art.
  • attachment means such as those well known in the art.
  • the term "joined” encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to the other element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.
  • the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain bamer 32 are joined directly to each other.
  • the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain barrier 32 may be secured to each other by an adhesive.
  • the adhesive can be in the form of a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Exemplary adhesive attachment are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 issued to Minetola, et al. on March 4, 1986; U.S. Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S.
  • the attachment means joining the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain bamer 32 comprises at least one seam formed by the application of pressure, with or without added heat, commonly referred to as a crimp seam.
  • the attachment means may comprise heat bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations of these attachment means as are known in the art.
  • the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain bamer 32 that are joined to form the disposable cover 20 of the present invention can comprise a single material (for example, a single sheet of material).
  • a first portion of the material is liquid pervious and the remaining portions of the material are liquid impervious.
  • capillaries could be provided to a central portion of an, otherwise, liquid impervious material.
  • the length dimension of such a simple disposable cover 20 should be comparable to the length dimension 1 discussed hereinbelow and the width dimension of such a simple disposable cover 20 should be comparable to the sum of the width dimensions wl, w2, and w3 discussed hereinbelow.
  • the surface area of the individual liquid pervious and liquid impervious portions of the single material embodiment should be comparable to the surface area of the corresponding separate materials. That is, the surface area of the liquid pervious portion should be comparable to the surface area of the rewet barrier 22 and the surface area of the liquid impervious portion should be comparable to the anti-stain barrier 32.
  • This embodiment of the disposable cover 20 can also be provided with attachment means as discussed hereinbelow.
  • the disposable cover 20 of the present invention preferably also comprises a stiffening member 42 located adjacent each longitudinal edge 28, 29 of the liquid pervious rewet barrier 22.
  • the stiffening member 42 provides a preferential fold line defining the transport region 25 of the rewet barrier 22.
  • the stiffening member 42 also provides additional structure adjacent the edges of the transport region 25 that can resist bunching of the absorbent material and, thus, reduce lateral leakage of bodily fluids.
  • the disposable cover 20 can also comprise absorbent securement means 1 which holds the absorbent material 10 in place with respect to the disposable cover 20 and garment securement means 43 which serves to hold the assembly comprising the disposable cover 20 of the present invention and an absorbent material 10 in a desired location in a user's garments.
  • the absorbent securement means 41 is disposed adjacent both longitudinal edges 39 A and 39B on the inwardly oriented surface 36 A, 36B of the anti-stain barrier 32.
  • the garment securement means 43 is disposed adjacent one of the longitudinal edges 39 A or 39B on the outwardly oriented surface 34 A or 34 B of the anti-stain barrier 32, for example, in the strip configuration shown in Figure 2. While the securement means 41, 43 are not critical to the functionality of the disposable cover 20, providing such means increases the reliability of the performance of the disposable cover 20 because it is more likely to remain in a proper orientation with respect to the absorbent material 10 and a user's body.
  • the absorbent material 10 can comprise any absorbent means which is capable of absorbing or retaining bodily liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine). As shown in Figure 1, the absorbent material 10 has a body surface 11 and a garment surface 13.
  • the absorbent material 10 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles such as nonwoven fabrics, tissue, and comminuted wood pulp (which is generally referred to as airfelt).
  • the absorbent material 10 can also comprise other materials that are capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as woven cloth, tows of fibers (natural, synthetic or combinations thereof), other similar materials that may be generally used to absorb and retain bodily liquids in developing countries, and the like.
  • the liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, asymmetric, etc.).
  • the rewet barrier 22 has a thin rectangular sheet-like configuration.
  • the length 1 of the liquid pervious sheet is between about 150 mm and about 310 mm, more preferably the length 1 is about 280 mm.
  • the width w 2 of the rewet barrier is preferably between about 60 mm and about 120 mm, more preferably the width w 2 is about 90 mm.
  • a suitable liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; and thermoplastic scrims.
  • Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
  • a preferred liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 comprises an apertured formed film.
  • Apertured formed films are preferred for the liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 because they are pervious to body exudates yet non-absorbent and, if properly apertured, have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass back through and rewet a user's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the user.
  • a preferred liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 comprises an apertured formed film having tapered apertures each having a base in the outwardly oriented surface 24 and an apex in the inwardly oriented surface 26.
  • Another preferred liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 for the present invention is the formed film marketed on sanitary napkins by the Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE". Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135 which issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent 4,324,246 which issued to Mullane, et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,342,314 which issued to Radel, et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent 4,463,045 entitled which issued to Ahr, et al. on July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent 5,006,394 issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • the outwardly oriented surface 24 of the liquid pervious rewet barrier 22 is hydrophilic so as to help liquid to transfer through the rewet barrier 22 faster than if the outwardly oriented surface 24 was not hydrophilic so as to diminish the likelihood that bodily liquids will flow off the disposable cover 20 rather than being transported through the cover and being absorbed by the absorbent material 10.
  • surfactant is inco ⁇ orated into the polymeric materials of the formed film such as is described in U.S. Patent 4,950,264, which issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990, which is inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • the outwardly oriented surface 24 of the disposable cover 20 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as is also described in the above referenced U.S. Patent 4,950,264.
  • the rewet barrier 22, or portions thereof, can also be provided with laterally oriented stretch as described hereinbelow with respect to the anti-stain barrier 32.
  • laterally oriented stretch would be useful for providing the simple disposable cover comprising only a rewet barrier 22 discussed above with the added benefits of fitting a wider range of folded configurations for the absorbent material 10 and of applying, if the rewet barrier 22 comprises an elasticized material, a confining pressure to the absorbent material 10.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 is at least liquid resistant, and is preferably impervious to bodily liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine), the anti-stain barrier 32 is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used.
  • the term "flexible” refers to materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent material 10 from wetting articles which contact the sanitary napkin 20 such as pants, pajamas and undergarments.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils).
  • Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation PI 8-0401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP- 39385.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 is preferably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent material 10 (i.e., breathable) while still preventing exudates from passing through the anti-stain barrier 32.
  • the liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 32 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, oval, asymmetric, etc.).
  • the liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 32 comprises two portions 32 A and 32B each having a rectangular, thin, sheet-like configuration.
  • the length 1 of each portion 32 A and 32B is at preferably least about 200 mm, more preferably the length ranges from about 250 mm to 310 mm, and most preferably the length 1 is about 280mm.
  • the width w,, w 3 of each portion is at preferably least about 50 mm, more preferably the width of each portion ranges from about 50 mm to 70 mm, and most preferably the width w,, w 3 of each portion is about 60 mm.
  • the liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 32 can also be provided with laterally oriented stretch.
  • Such laterally oriented stretch allows the disposable cover 20 of the present invention to wrap around a wider range of folded configurations for the absorbent material 10 than would be possible if such stretch were not provided.
  • Laterally oriented stretch also can apply a confining pressure to the absorbent material 10 if the anti-stain barrier 32 comprises an elasticized material.
  • Non-elastic laterally oriented stretch can be provided to the anti-stain barrier 32 by using materials having a low Young's modulus (i.e. materials that can be stretched past their yield value by the application of a low applied force) therefor.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 can comprise an elasticized material.
  • the anti-stain barrier 32 may comprise a structural elastic-like film (SELF) web.
  • a structural elastic-like film web is an extensible material that exhibits an elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation without the use of added elastic materials.
  • the SELF web includes a strainable network having at least two contiguous, distinct, and dissimilar regions.
  • One of the regions is configured so that it will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied axial elongation in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis before a substantial portion of the other region develops significant resistive forces to the applied elongation.
  • At least one of the regions has a surface-pathlength which is greater than that of the other region as measured substantially parallel to the predetermined axis while the material is in an untensioned condition.
  • the region exhibiting the longer surface-pathlength includes one or more deformations which extend beyond the plane of the other region.
  • the SELF web exhibits at least two significantly different stages of controlled resistive force to elongation along at least one predetermined axis when subjected to an applied elongation in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis.
  • the SELF web exhibits first resistive forces to the applied elongation until the elongation of the web is sufficient to cause a substantial portion of the region having the longer surface- pathlength to enter the plane of applied elongation, whereupon the SELF web exhibits second resistive forces to further elongation.
  • the total resistive forces to elongation are higher than the first resistive forces to elongation provided by the first region.
  • a stretchable anti- stain barrier 32 can comprise an elastomeric film such as that described in US Patent 4,476,180, issued to Wnuk on October 9, 1984. Such a film is manufactured by Exxon Chemical Company, Lake Zurich, H, under the designation EXX 500.
  • the stiffening member 42 provides a region that is at least slightly stiffer than the other regions of the disposable cover 20. As can be seen in Figure 1, this additional stiffness tends to cause the rewet barrier 22 and the anti-stain bamer 32 to preferentially fold about the stiffening member 42 defining the longitudinal edges of transport region 25.
  • the stiffness also provides additional structure adjacent the longitudinal edges of the transport region 25 that is believed to provide some resistance to the undesirable compression of the absorbent material 10 due to the lateral forces exerted by the inside of a user's legs known as "bunching".
  • the stiffening member 42 can also act as a barrier to the lateral flow of liquids past the longitudinal edges of the transport region 25.
  • the stiffening member 42 can comprise one or more of the components of the disposable cover 20. Alternatively, it can comprise a separate component such as a foam that is joined to one or both of the components of the disposable cover 20.
  • the radiation crosslinked polyethylene foams sold by Voltek, Inc. of Lawrence, MA under the trade name Volara is an example of a foam material that would be suitable as a stiffening member 42.
  • the stiffening member 42 comprises solely elements of the disposable cover 20 that are folded, secured, or otherwise configured to provide the disposable cover 20 with a stiffened region.
  • a portion of the film that forms the anti-stain barrier 32A is folded about itself in a c-fold to form a longitudinal edge 38A of the anti-stain barrier 32 A.
  • the folded portion of the film forming the anti-stain barrier 32 can be joined (means not shown) to the underlying portion of the film (i.e. to itself). This can be done using means essentially the same as those used to join the rewet barrier 22 to the anti-stain barrier 32.
  • the longitudinal edge 29 of the rewet barrier 22 extends laterally past longitudinal edges 38 A of the anti-stain barrier 32 A to provide additional stiffness to the stiffening member 42.
  • the rewet barrier 22 is preferably joined to the anti-stain barrier 32 A as described above. Similar folding and joinder can be used to provide a second stiffening member 42 using portions of anti-stain barrier 32B and rewet barrier 22 on the other side of the disposable cover 20.
  • the disposable cover 20 can also comprise absorbent securement means 41 which holds the absorbent material 10 in place with respect to the disposable cover 20 and garment securement means 43 which serves to hold the assembly comprising the disposable cover 20 of the present invention and an absorbent material 10 in a desired location in a user's garments.
  • Absorbent securement means 41 is used to attach the disposable cover 20 to the absorbent material 10. As can be seen from Figure 2, the absorbent securement means 41 is disposed on the inwardly facing surface 36A, 36B of both portions of the anti-stain barrier 32 adjacent the longitudinal edges 39A and 39B thereof.
  • the absorbent securement means 41 may also be disposed at other locations on the inwardly facing surface 36 depending on the specific design of the disposable cover 20 as long as such means is capable of attaching the disposable cover 20 to an absorbent material 10.
  • Garment securement means 43 is used to attach the assembly comprising an absorbent material 10 and the disposable cover 20 to a user's undergarment. Garment securement means 43 can be disposed on one or both of the outwardly facing surfaces 34 A or 34B of the portions of the anti-stain barrier 32 adjacent to the longitudinal edge 39A or 39B thereof (shown in Figure 2 disposed on outwardly facing surface 34A).
  • garment securement means 43 may also be disposed on the outwardly facing surface 24 of the rewet barrier 22 along a longitudinally oriented side edge 28, 29 thereof.
  • the securement means 41, 43 comprise a fastener such as an adhesive.
  • the liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 32 is coated with adhesive to form the securement means 41, 43.
  • Exemplary adhesives are Century A-305-IV manufactured by the Century Adhesives Co ⁇ oration of Columbus, Ohio; and Instant Lock 34-2823 manufactured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, NJ.
  • the adhesive is typically covered with a removable release liner in order to keep the adhesive from drying out or adhering to a surface other than the surface for which it is intended.
  • suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox El/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/O both of which are manufactured by the Akrosil Co ⁇ oration of Menasha, WI.
  • the securement means 41, 43 can comprise a mechanical fastening means such as a hook and loop fastening means or other means known to those skilled in the art.
  • the securement means 41, 43 may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, asymmetric, continuous, intermittent, etc.).
  • the securement means 41, 43 comprise a narrow strip configuration.
  • the area of this strip can vary as desired for controlling the degree of attachment.
  • the strips have a width of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm and a length of about 150 mm to about 250 mm.
  • the strips have a width of about 20 mm and a length of about 180 mm.
  • the above described disposable cover 20 is easily applied to an absorbent material 10 to provide a catamenial system.
  • the absorbent material 10 comprises a portion of folded, woven cloth
  • the user centers the absorbent material 10 on the inwardly oriented surface 26 of the rewet barrier 22.
  • the release liner is removed from the adhesive comprising the absorbent attachment means 41 and each portion 32A and 32B is folded about the absorbent material 10 and removably attached thereto.
  • the user can overlap the longitudinal edges 39 A, 39B and use a portion of the absorbent attachment means 41 to join the two portions of the anti-stain barrier 32 to provide an improved barrier against leakage of adsorbed bodily fluids.
  • the user can then remove the release liner from the adhesive comprising the garment attachment means, locate the assembly in her undergarment, insuring that the disposable cover is removably attached thereto, and pull the undergarment on in the normal manner.
  • the absorbent material has reached its capacity for absorbing bodily liquids
  • the catamenial system can be readily removed from the undergarment
  • the disposable cover 20 can be easily separated from the absorbent material 10 and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, and the absorbent material can be laundered according to the user's normal practices.
  • the Disposable Cover Figure 4 shows a first alternative embodiment of the disposable cover of the present invention, a covering bag or pouch 120 that would be suitable for use with absorbent materials 10, such as a tow of fibers, that have less structural integrity than a woven cloth.
  • the covering pouch 120 also comprises a liquid pervious rewet barrier 122 and a liquid impervious anti-stain barrier 132 as described hereinabove.
  • the rewet barrier 122 has two surfaces, an outwardly oriented surface 124, a portion of which surface contacts the user's body, and an inwardly oriented surface 126, a portion of which surface faces the absorbent material, two end edges 125, 127 and two longitudinal edges 128, 129.
  • the anti-stain barrier 132 has two surfaces, an outwardly oriented surface 134, a portion of which surface contacts the user's undergarments, and an inwardly oriented surface 136, a portion of which surface contacts the absorbent material, two end edges 135, 137 and two longitudinal edges 138, 139.
  • the length and width dimensions of the covering pouch 120 can vary to meet the specific needs of groups of users. However, preferred embodiments of the covering pouch 120 will have essentially the same length and width dimensions as the rewet barrier 22 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention described hereinabove, the disposable cover 20.
  • a portion of the rewet barrier 122 extends beyond longitudinal edge 138 of the anti-stain barrier 132. That is, the lateral width of the material forming the rewet barrier 122 is greater than the lateral width of the material forming the anti-stain barrier 132.
  • This extended material is folded about longitudinal edge 138 in a c-fold and joined only along end seams 142 to form closure flap 150.
  • the extended portion of the rewet barrier 122 can be folded toward the outwardly facing surface 124 of the rewet barrier 122 in a c-fold and joined thereto only along end seams 142 to form closure flap 150.
  • the rewet barrier 122 and the anti-stain barrier 132 are joined using means commonly known in the art, such as those discussed hereinabove. They are joined along both pairs of end edges 125, 135 and 127, 137 to form laterally oriented end seams 142 along each end of covering pouch 120 and along the longitudinal edge 129, 139 that lies opposite closure flap 150 to form longitudinal seam 144.
  • the means joining the rewet barrier 122 and the anti-stain barrier 132 comprises a seam formed by the application of pressure, with or without heat, commonly referred to as a crimp seam. 17
  • the covering pouch embodiments of the present invention preferably further comprise an acquisition layer 127 positioned between the rewet barrier 122 and the absorbent material 10.
  • acquisition layer 127 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. As can be seen therein, the acquisition layer extends the full longitudinal length of the covering pouch 120 and extends laterally between the side edges 128 and 129 of the rewet barrier 122.
  • the acquisition layer 127 may serve several functions including improving wicking of exudates over and into the absorbent material 10.
  • the acquisition layer 127 may also resist projection of individual fibers of the absorbent material 10 through the rewet barrier 122 to the outwardly oriented surface 124 thereof, thereby reducing rewet potential (such projecting fibers can provide a reverse flow path through the rewet barrier 122 for absorbed bodily fluids).
  • the acquisition layer 127 is disposed on the inwardly oriented surface 126 of the rewet barrier 122 and extends longitudinally for the full length of the covering pouch 120 and laterally between the edges 128 and 129 of the rewet barrier 122.
  • the acquisition layer 127 can be disposed on both the inwardly oriented surface 126 of the rewet barrier 122 and on the inwardly oriented surface 136 of the anti-stain barrier 132.
  • the acquisition layer 127 and the rewet barrier 122 are preferably secured in at least partial contact with each other.
  • the acquisition layer 127 and the rewet barrier 122 can be maintained in contact with each other by fusion bonding (including thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, crimping, and the like), adhesive attachment, or by any other securement means which does not interfere with wicking of exudates over and into the absorbent material 10.
  • fusion bonding including thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, crimping, and the like
  • adhesive attachment or by any other securement means which does not interfere with wicking of exudates over and into the absorbent material 10.
  • the acquisition layer 127 and the rewet barrier 122 are spot bonded at a plurality of spaced apart locations 145 by thermal bonds.
  • acquisition layers similar to the one described herein would also be suitable for use in the disposable cover embodiments of the present invention that is discussed above.
  • the acquisition layer 127 may be comprised of different materials including, but not limited to, nonwoven or woven webs of synthetic fibers including polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene; natural fibers including cotton or cellulose; blends of such fibers; or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials.
  • the acquisition layer 127 comprises a nonwoven material having a basis weight between about 8 pounds per 3000 square feet (10 grams per square yard-gsy) and about 30 pounds per 3000 square feet (45 gsy). More preferably, the basis weight of the nonwoven material is between about 10 pounds per 3000 square feet (12.5gsy) and about 20 pounds per 3000 square feet (25 gsy).
  • nonwoven material is the spunbonded, hydrophobic nonwoven material having a basis weight of about 11 pounds per 3000 square feet (14gsy) which is known as Celestra, and is produced by Fiberweb, North America, Inc. of Simpsonville, NC.
  • acquisition layer 127 can comprise a web of the relatively low density paper known as tissue having similar basis weights.
  • Catamenial devices having an acquisition layer 127 and a rewet barrier 122 are more fully described in U.S. Patent 4,950,264 issued to Osborn HI on August 21, 1990 and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/810,774 filed December 17, 1991 in the names of Cree, et al. Each of these references is inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • the covering pouch 120 can also comprise garment securement means 143 similar to those described hereinabove.
  • the design of covering pouch 120 makes securement means similar to absorbent securement means 41 unnecessary.
  • the covering pouch 120 To use the covering pouch 120, a user would take an absorbent material 10, such as a portion of a tow of fibers and insert it into the pouch between the rewet barrier 122 and the anti-stain barrier 132. The user then smoothes closure flap 150 to insure that the absorbent material 10 is securely contained in the covering pouch 120. If the covering pouch 120 also comprises securement means 143, any release liner covering the same is removed and the covering pouch 120 is secured to the user's undergarment as described hereinabove. The user can then pull on her undergarment in the normal manner.
  • an absorbent material 10 such as a portion of a tow of fibers
  • Covering pouch 220 shown in Figures 6 and 7, is similar to covering pouch 120 except that the closure flap 250 thereof is located in approximately the center of the anti-stain barrier 232.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that less of the relatively more expensive rewet barrier material is used than in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5.
  • the elements of covering pouch 220 that are equivalent to elements of covering pouch 120 have similar reference numbers. That is, rewet barrier 222 corresponds to rewet barrier 122; anti-stain barrier 232 corresponds to anti-stain barrier 132; and so forth.
  • anti stain barrier 232 is provided in two portions 232A and 232B.
  • Each edge of the rewet barrier 222 is joined to the corresponding edge of the anti-stain barrier 232. That is end edge 225A is joined to end edge 235A to form one of the end seams 242 A; end edge 225B is joined to end edge 235B to form one of the end seams 242B; end edge 227A is joined to end edge 237A to form the other of the end seams 242 A; end edge 227B is joined to end edge 237B to form the other of the end seams 242B; longitudinal edge 228 is joined to longitudinal edge 238B to form longitudinal seam 244B; and longitudinal edge 229 is joined to longitudinal edge 239 A to form longitudinal seam 244 A. As is most clearly shown in Figure 7, longitudinal edge 238 A overlaps longitudinal edge 239B forming closure flap 250.
  • Covering pouch 220 can have the same dimensions and is used in essentially the same manner as covering pouch 120.
  • Covering pouch 220 may also comprise an acquisition layer 227 and garment securement means 243 as described hereinabove.

Abstract

L'invention concerne une enveloppe jetable qui, lorsqu'elle est utilisée avec un matériau absorbant, tel qu'un coussinet de tissu, constitue un article absorbant, telle qu'une serviette hygiénique. Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, l'enveloppe jetable comprend une barrière perméable aux liquides, pouvant être mouillée plusieurs fois, à laquelle est reliée une barrière anti-taches. De préférence, la barrière pouvant être mouillée plusieurs fois comprend un matériau pourvu de capillaires qui permettent au liquide organique de la traverser rapidement, et la barrière anti-taches se compose de deux parties, dont l'une est reliée à chaque bord longitudinal de la barrière pouvant être mouillée plusieurs fois. L'enveloppe jetable peut également être pourvu d'éléments servant à la fixer au matériau absorbant et d'éléments servant à fixer l'ensemble constitué de l'enveloppe jetable et du matériau absorbant au sous-vêtement de l'utilisateur. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, l'enveloppe susmentionnée peut se présenter sous la forme d'un sachet. Cette forme de sachet se révèle particulièrement utile lorsque le matériau absorbant se présente sous une forme manquant de cohésion, par exemple sous la forme d'un paquet de fibres.
PCT/US1995/012482 1994-10-10 1995-09-29 Enveloppe jetable pour materiau absorbant WO1996010973A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU37313/95A AU3731395A (en) 1994-10-10 1995-09-29 Disposable cover for an absorbent material
BR9509296A BR9509296A (pt) 1994-10-10 1995-09-29 Cobertura descartável para usar em combinação com um material absorvente
MX9702641A MX9702641A (es) 1994-10-10 1995-09-29 Cubierta desechable para un material absorbente.

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPM8679A AUPM867994A0 (en) 1994-10-10 1994-10-10 Disposable skin contacting cover for an absorbent article
AUPM8679 1994-10-10
US43265995A 1995-05-02 1995-05-02
US08/432,659 1995-05-02
US08/504,870 1995-07-20
US08/504,870 US5688258A (en) 1995-05-02 1995-07-20 Disposable cover for an absorbent materials

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996010973A2 true WO1996010973A2 (fr) 1996-04-18
WO1996010973A3 WO1996010973A3 (fr) 1996-05-30
WO1996010973A9 WO1996010973A9 (fr) 1996-07-11

Family

ID=27157818

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1995/012482 WO1996010973A2 (fr) 1994-10-10 1995-09-29 Enveloppe jetable pour materiau absorbant

Country Status (7)

Country Link
CN (2) CN1148156C (fr)
BR (1) BR9509296A (fr)
MX (1) MX9702641A (fr)
PE (1) PE3297A1 (fr)
TR (1) TR960297A2 (fr)
TW (1) TW347324B (fr)
WO (1) WO1996010973A2 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3013913A1 (de) * 1980-04-11 1981-10-15 Ernst 8104 Grainau Lichtmannegger Mehrschicht-windel fuer den einmaligen gebrauch
WO1986006623A1 (fr) * 1985-05-03 1986-11-20 Tranquility Products International, Inc. Serviette hygienique
GB2189993A (en) * 1986-04-18 1987-11-11 Arthur Alfred Dilloway Absorbent sheet
EP0319314A2 (fr) * 1987-12-03 1989-06-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Culotte jetable à double fonction ayant une feuille arrière détachable
WO1991016871A1 (fr) * 1990-04-30 1991-11-14 Lopez Joseph A Couche reutilisable
US5219342A (en) * 1990-06-14 1993-06-15 Hatch Janell M Disposable diapers

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3013913A1 (de) * 1980-04-11 1981-10-15 Ernst 8104 Grainau Lichtmannegger Mehrschicht-windel fuer den einmaligen gebrauch
WO1986006623A1 (fr) * 1985-05-03 1986-11-20 Tranquility Products International, Inc. Serviette hygienique
GB2189993A (en) * 1986-04-18 1987-11-11 Arthur Alfred Dilloway Absorbent sheet
EP0319314A2 (fr) * 1987-12-03 1989-06-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Culotte jetable à double fonction ayant une feuille arrière détachable
WO1991016871A1 (fr) * 1990-04-30 1991-11-14 Lopez Joseph A Couche reutilisable
US5219342A (en) * 1990-06-14 1993-06-15 Hatch Janell M Disposable diapers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PE3297A1 (es) 1997-01-31
TR960297A2 (tr) 1996-06-21
CN1496727A (zh) 2004-05-19
BR9509296A (pt) 1998-07-07
CN1165475A (zh) 1997-11-19
MX9702641A (es) 1998-04-30
CN1229090C (zh) 2005-11-30
CN1148156C (zh) 2004-05-05
WO1996010973A3 (fr) 1996-05-30
TW347324B (en) 1998-12-11

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