A disposable absorbent article for absorbing liquids, particularly body fluids such as urine. An absorbent core is encased in an outer covering layer to which flaps are connected long the longitudinal sides at a proximal edge. The flaps also have a distal edge which is displaced from the absorbent core means. The flaps are elasticized to render the distal edge elastically contractible so that the flap is gathered.
|
14. A An integral disposable diaper absorbent article comprising:
an outer covering layer comprising a backsheet portion and a topsheet portion; an absorbent core means for absorbing liquid, said absorbent core means being encased in said outer covering layer; a multiplicity of flaps, each of said flaps having a fixed edge, a distal edge in spaced relation to said fixed edge, and a liquid contacting surface bounded by said fixed and said distal edges, each of said flaps having said fixed edge connected to said outer covering layer, said distal edge being displaced from said absorbent core means, each of said flaps having a leakage resistant portion interposed on said liquid contacting surface between said fixed edge and said distal edge, said leakage resistant portion being liquid impermeable, and said flaps being manufactured from an elastic material to render such flaps elastically contractible so that the flap material is contracted or gathered causing said distal edge of said flap to be spaced upwardly about said fixed edge and upwardly away from said absorbent core.
19. A An integral disposable diaper absorbent article having a front waist portion, a back waist portion, and a crotch portion positioned between said front waist portion and said back waist portion, the disposable diaper comprising:
an outer covering layer; an absorbent core means for absorbing liquid, said absorbent core means being encased in said outer covering layer; a multiplicity of flaps, each of said flaps having a fixed edge, a distal edge in spaced relation to said fixed edge, and a liquid contacting surface, the sides of which are bounded by said fixed and said distal edges, each of said flaps having said fixed edge connected to said outer covering layer, said distal edge being displaced from said absorbent core means; and an elastic element, said elastic element being operatively associated with said distal edge of said flaps and secured in an elastically contractible condition to said flap adjacent at least two ends to render said distal edge of said flaps elastically contractible so that said elastic element effectively contracts or gathers the flap material causing said distal edge of said flap to be spaced upwardly about said fixed edge and upwardly away from said absorbent core.
1. A An integral disposable diaper absorbent article having a front waist portion, a back waist portion, and a crotch portion positioned between said front waist portion and said back waist portion, the integral disposable diaper absorbent article comprising:
an outer covering layer; an absorbent core means for absorbing liquid, said absorbent core means being encased in said outer covering layer; a multiplicity of flaps, each of said flaps having a fixed edge, a distal edge in spaced relation to said fixed edge, and a liquid contacting surface, the sides of which are bounded by said fixed and said distal edges, each of said flaps having said fixed edge connected to said outer covering layer, said flaps being a separate element affixed to said outer covering layer, said distal edge being displaced from said absorbent core means, each of said flaps having a leakage resistant portion interposed on said liquid contacting surface between said fixed edge and said distal edge, said leakage resistant portion being liquid impermeable; and an elastic element, said elastic element being operatively associated with said distal edge of said flaps and secured in an elastically contractible condition to said flap adjacent at least two ends to render said distal edge of said flaps elastically contractible so that said elastic element effectively contracts or gathers the flap material causing said distal edge of said flap to be spaced upwardly about said fixed edge and upwardly away from said absorbent core.
2. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
3. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
4. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
5. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
6. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
7. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
8. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
9. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
10. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
11. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
12. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
13. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
15. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
16. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
17. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
18. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
20. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
21. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
22. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
23. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
24. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
25. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
26. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
27. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
28. The integral disposable diaper absorbent article of
|
|||||||||||||||||
The elastic element 44 is operatively associated with the distal edge 42 of the flaps 37 and secured in an elastically contractible condition to the flap 37 adjacent at least two ends to render the flaps 37 elastically contractible so that the elastic element 44 contracts or gathers the flap material causing the distal edge of flap 37 to be spaced upwardly about the fixed edge and upwardly away from the absorbent core 14.
One elastic member 44 which has been found to work well is an elastic tape having a cross-section of 0.007 inches by 0.06 inches and made from natural rubber which is available from East Hampton Rubber Company and identified by them as L-1900 Rubber Compound. The elastic tape produces a contractual force of about 50 grams when stretched 150 percent from its relaxed condition. The rubber tape was used as the elastic element 44 in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 and was stretched 150 percent from its relaxed condition to place it in its stretched condition, i.e., its maximum stretched length as allowed by the materials used for the flaps 37 when attached to the flaps 37, and has a tension therewithin of about 50 grams.
The elastic element 44, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is operatively associated with the flaps 37 by securing it to the flaps 37 with an elastic attachment means (not shown). The elastic attachment means should be flexible and of sufficient adhesiveness to hold the elastic element 44 in its stretched condition substantially indefinitely. One material which has worked as a flexible elastic attachment means is hot melt adhesives such as marketed by Findley Adhesives, Inc., Elm Grove, Wis., under the tradename Findley Adhesives 691-336. A more detailed description of how the elastic element 44 may be positioned and secured to the diaper 10 is given in the hereinbefore referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled "Contractible Side Portions For Disposable Diaper" which issued to K. B. Buell on Jan. 14, 1975.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 the flaps 37 are unitary with the outer covering layer 11. More specifically, the backsheet portion 16 is sufficiently wide so that the material used for the backsheet portion 16 extends beyond the longitudinal seams 32. In this embodiment, the material used for the backsheet portion 16 flaps 37 with the edge of the backsheet portion material adjacent the longitudinal seams 32 forming the fixed edge 40 of the flaps 37.
The liquid contacting surface 43 of each flap 37 is provided with leakage resistant portion 48 (FIG. 3). The leakage resistant portion 48 is a portion of the flaps 37 positioned between the distal edge 42 and the fixed edge 40 of the flaps 37. The leakage resistant portion 48 retards the movement of liquid from the fixed edge 40 of the flaps 37 to the distal edge 42 of the flaps 37. The leakage resistant portion 48 thereby provides an obstacle in the path followed by liquid as it tends to move across the liquid contacting surface 43 from the point of discharge toward the distal edge 42 from which liquid leakage can occur. Accordingly, the leakage resistant portion 48 in non-wicking (i.e., liquid contacting the leakage resistant portion 48 will not cross the leakage resistant portion 48 due to capillary liquid transport), non-absorbent (i.e., liquid is not retained by the leakage resistant portion 48 and is therefore free to flow back toward the absorbent core 14), and liquid impermeable. Further, the leakage resistant portion 48 is positioned and dimensioned such that liquid will not pass the leakage resistant portion 48 in normal use of the diaper 10.
In the perferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 the leakage resistant portion 48 is a strip of polyethylene film of the same type as used for the backsheet portion 16. Thus, the leakage resistant portion 48 will neither absorb, nor wick liquid. In addition, the leakage resistant portion 48 is impermeable to liquid; thus, liquid will not pass through the thickness of the leakage resistant portion 48 under normal usage and pressures.
Preferably, the leakage resistant portion 48 has a length which extends the entire length of the flaps 37 and a width of at least about 0.125 inches (3 mm). Other dimensions may, however, also be used. For example, the leakage resistant portion 48 may have a length different from the length of the flaps 37. In addition, a variety of widths may be used for the leakage resistant portion 48. While the width of the leakage resistant portion 48 is preferably at least about 0.125 inches (3 mm), it is more preferably at least about 0.25 inches (6 mm) and still more preferably at least about 0.50 inches (12 mm). The larger the width of the leakage resistant portion 48 the less likely liquid is to bridge the leakage resistant portion 48 and thus leak out of the diaper 10.
In use, the diaper 10 is placed between the legs of the diaper wearer and fastened about the weaver's waist using any suitable means such as adhesive tapes 56 as is well known. When the diaper 10 of the present invention is applied to a wearer, it exhibits improved liquid containment characteristics. While not wishing to be bound by any one theory it is believed that the improved liquid containment characteristics are achieved in the following manner.
As urine is discharged onto the topsheet portion 12 some of the urine penetrates the topsheet portion 12 and is absorbed by the absorbent core 14 (hereinafter referred to as absorbed urine), some of the urine flows on the surface of the topsheet portion 12 (hereinafter referred to as surface urine), some of the urine is absorbed by and wicks laterally through the topsheet portion 12 and some of urine flows into the capillary channel formed at the interface between the topsheet portion 12 and the skin of the diaper wearer.
The absorbed urine migrates throughout the absorbent core 14 moving from the point of discharge (i.e., the crotch area 13) toward the peripheral edge 50 of the absorbent core 14. Eventually, the urine will reach the first and second longitudinal side edges 52 and 54 respectively. Since the absorbed urine which encounters the leakage resistant portion 48 is not absorbed by and cannot wick into the flaps 37 the absorbed urine is effectively prevented from leaking out of the diaper 10 at the longitudinal side edges 52 and 54 respectively.
The surface urine, likewise, moves from the point of discharge toward the first and second longitudinal side edges 52 and 54 respectively. Surface urine which contacts the leakage resistant portions 48 is not absorbed. In normal use the gravitational forces will tend to cause the surface urine to drain back toward the absorbent core 14. The surface urine which does cross the leakage resistant portion is retarded from leaking out of the diaper by the sealing affect achieved by the elastic member 44 as it draws the flaps 37 about the legs of the diaper wearer.
The distal edge 42 of the flaps 37 is elastically contractible so that when the diaper 10 is worn the distal edge 42 is drawn about the wearer's legs. The fixed edge 40 normally sags away from the wearer's legs thereby forming a gap between the leakage resistant portion 48 and the skin of the wearer. Liquid flowing along the capillary channel formed between the topsheet portion 12 and the skin of the diaper wearer is prevented from bridging the leakage resistant portion 48 by the discontinuity in the capillary channel at the leakage resistant portion 48. In this manner, liquid is prevented from leaking from the diaper 10.
Finally, urine which is absorbed interstitially by the topsheet portion 12 wicks laterally through the topsheet portion 12 toward first and second longitudinal side edges 52 and 54. As in the instance of the surface urine, the urine absorbed by the topsheet portion 12 encounters the leakage resistant portion 48 which is non-wicking. The urine absorbed by the topsheet portion is thereby prevented from reaching the distal edge 42 from which leakage can occur.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and that variations or modifications can be effected in the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
As seen in FIG. 4 for example, the flaps 37 may each be utilized as intermediate members 62, as hereinbefore described, to indirectly join the topsheet portion 12 and the backsheet portion 16. FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are crossectional views of alternatively preferred embodiments of the present invention taken along lines corresponding to line 33 of FIG. 2. While only one edge of the diaper is shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 it should be understood that the edges of the diaper 10 are essentially mirror images of each other.
With reference to FIG. 4 it can be seen that the flaps 37 are formed by extending the material used for the backsheet portion 16 beyond the first longitudinal side edge 52 of the absorbent core 14 and affixing the edge 64 of the material used for the backsheet portion 16 to the topsheet portion 12. The edge 64 thus coincides with the fixed edge 40. The elastic element 44 is secured to the distal edge 42 and the liquid contacting surface 43 is positioned between the fixed and distal edges 40 and 42.
The leakage resistant portion 48 of the liquid contacting surface 43 is positioned between the distal edge 42 and the fixed edge 40. Since the entire flap 37 of the alternatively preferred embodiment of FIG. 4 is manufactured from the same material used for the backsheet portion 16, the leakage resistant member 48 extends from the fixed edge 40 to the distal edge 42.
FIG. 5 shows an alternatively preferred embodiment in which the flaps 37 are utilized as an intermediate member 62 to indirectly join the topsheet portion 12 and the backsheet portion 16. The flaps 37 are formed by extending the material used for the topsheet portion 12 beyond the first longitudinal side edge 52 of the absorbent core 14 and affixing the edge 66 of the material used for the topsheet portion 12 to the backsheet portion 16.
The marginal portion 68 of the material used for the topsheet portion 12 is treated so as to be liquid impermeable, non-absorbent, and non-wicking. While such treatments are well known in the art a suitable treatment is obtained by applying a food grade paraffin wax such as is marketed by Boron Oil Co., Cleveland, Ohio, under the tradename Boron Wax.
The treated marginal portion 68 forms the leakage resistant portion 48 of the liquid contacting surface 43. As can be seen in FIG. 5 the fixed edge 40 coincides with the inward edge of the marginal portion 68 while the distal edge 42 is spaced therefrom. The elastic element 44 is affixed to the flaps 37 at the distal edge 42.
FIG. 6 shows an alternatively preferred embodiment in which the flaps 37 are provided with a facing sheet 70. In this embodiment, the material used for this backsheet portion 16 extends beyond the first longitudinal side edge 52 of the absorbent core 14 to form flaps 37 which are unitary with the backsheet portion 16. The topsheet portion 12 is directly joined to the backsheet portion.
The fixed edge 40 of the flaps 37 is connected to the outer covering layer 11 and the elastic element 44 is affixed at the distal edge 42. The prevent direct contact between the elastic element 44 and the skin on the wearer a facing sheet 70 is affixed to the distal edge 42. The facing sheet 70 may be of any flexible material which is non irritating to the skin. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the facing sheet 70 was manufactured from the same material as was used for the topsheet portion 12.
The leakage resistant portion 48 of the liquid contacting surface 43 is positioned between the fixed edge 40 and the distal edge 42.
Aziz, Mohammed I., Blaney, Ted L.
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 10195089, | Jul 30 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Plaza | Absorbent article with color matched surfaces |
| 10487199, | Jun 26 2014 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Activated films having low sound pressure levels |
| 10596043, | Sep 19 2001 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Color printed laminated structure, absorbent article comprising the same and process for manufacturing the same |
| 11291590, | Jul 30 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article with color matched surfaces |
| 11912848, | Jun 26 2014 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Activated films having low sound pressure levels |
| 5649917, | Mar 31 1992 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Sanitary napkin having barrier means |
| 5730738, | Dec 04 1995 | Procter & Gamble Company, The | Absorbent article with angled band structural elastic-like film cuffs |
| 5810800, | Jun 27 1996 | The Procter & Gamble Company; Procter & Gamble Company, The | Absorbent article having flexure resistant elasticized cuffs |
| 6248098, | Oct 08 1997 | Uni-Charm Corporation | Disposable diaper |
| 6328722, | Oct 01 1991 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article having pleated flaps |
| 6648870, | Feb 01 2000 | Kao Corporation | Disposable diaper having upstanding walls for improving leakage prevention |
| 6733484, | May 14 2001 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc | Expandable absorbent garment |
| 7198689, | May 14 2001 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc | Method of assembling an expandable absorbent garment |
| 7435244, | Jul 01 2003 | Associated Hygienic Products LLC | Diaper design having zones of reduced stiffness and continuous breathability |
| 7491062, | Aug 13 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company; Procter & Gamble Company, The | Method for educating a caregiver about baby care and development |
| 7736350, | Dec 30 2002 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc | Absorbent article with improved containment flaps |
| 8016805, | Jul 30 2004 | Kao Corporation | Pull-on disposable diaper |
| 8097767, | Feb 11 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Hydrophobic surface coated absorbent articles and associated methods |
| 8273939, | Jul 21 2006 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable absorbent articles having a windowed removable sensor |
| 8278497, | Jul 21 2006 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable absorbent articles having a pocketed temperature sensor |
| 8293967, | Jul 21 2006 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable absorbent articles having a windowed sensor |
| 8395012, | Mar 10 2006 | Procter & Gamble Company, The | Disposable absorbent articles containing odor controlling films |
| 8558051, | Jul 18 2007 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable absorbent article having odor control system |
| 9050220, | Sep 19 2001 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Color printed laminated structure, absorbent article comprising the same and process for manufacturing the same |
| 9226857, | Jul 30 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article with color matched surfaces |
| 9408753, | Jul 30 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article with color matched surfaces |
| 9707133, | Sep 19 2001 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Color printed laminated structure, absorbent article comprising the same and process for manufacturing the same |
| 9724244, | Jul 30 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article with color matched surfaces |
| 9737441, | Jul 30 2004 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent article with color matched surfaces |
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 2545674, | |||
| 3452753, | |||
| 3572342, | |||
| 3658064, | |||
| 3779167, | |||
| 3807402, | |||
| 3860003, | |||
| 3952745, | Nov 19 1974 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable diaper having readily flushable absorbent media and improved pad intergrity in use |
| 3967623, | Jun 30 1975 | Johnson & Johnson | Disposable absorbent pad |
| 3999548, | Dec 29 1975 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Disposable diaper having fluid trap |
| 4050462, | Mar 29 1976 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Disposable diaper with elastically constricted crotch section |
| 4210143, | May 08 1978 | P E A U D O U C E, A FRENCH SOCIETE ANONYME | Disposable nappy for a baby |
| 4246900, | Mar 11 1978 | Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft | Diaper including moisture-responsive seal means |
| 4282874, | May 11 1979 | JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC , A NJ CORP | Disposable absorbent article of manufacture |
| 4300562, | Feb 11 1980 | JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC , A NJ CORP | Laminated structures having gathered marginal portions |
| 4337771, | Jan 27 1978 | PARAGON TRADE BRANDS, INC | Conformable disposable diaper having reinforced portions |
| 4352355, | Apr 03 1978 | JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC , A NJ CORP | Diaper with contoured panel and contoured elastic means |
| 4397645, | Feb 24 1981 | Procter & Gamble Company, The | Disposable absorbent article having an improved liquid containment construction |
| 4427408, | Dec 08 1981 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Disposable panty and method |
| 4490148, | Jul 01 1982 | Procter & Gamble Hygien Aktiebolag | Protector against incontinence or diaper |
| 4695278, | Oct 11 1985 | The Procter & Gamble Company; PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY THE, A CORP OF OHIO | Absorbent article having dual cuffs |
| BE866527, | |||
| EP91412, | |||
| GB2016262, | |||
| GB2023431, | |||
| JP4118031, | |||
| 26151, |
| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Oct 23 1991 | The Procter & Gamble Company | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / |
| Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
| Sep 08 1997 | M184: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
| Aug 29 2001 | M185: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Year, Large Entity. |
| Date | Maintenance Schedule |
| Apr 25 1998 | 4 years fee payment window open |
| Oct 25 1998 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Apr 25 1999 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
| Apr 25 2001 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
| Apr 25 2002 | 8 years fee payment window open |
| Oct 25 2002 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Apr 25 2003 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
| Apr 25 2005 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
| Apr 25 2006 | 12 years fee payment window open |
| Oct 25 2006 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Apr 25 2007 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
| Apr 25 2009 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |