U.S. patent application number 10/746188 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for personal wear article having containment flaps.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kuen, David A., Van Dyke, Sherry A..
Application Number | 20040153044 10/746188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21708461 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040153044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuen, David A. ; et
al. |
August 5, 2004 |
Personal wear article having containment flaps
Abstract
An absorbent article has an inner layer, an outer layer and an
absorbent body therebetween. A pair of containment flaps is secured
to the inner layer in spaced relation with each other, with each
flap having a first layer extending from a base to a distal end of
the flap whereby the flap first layer has a lateral surface and a
medial surface. A liquid permeable second layer is disposed in
generally opposed relationship with the medial surface of the flap
first layer and is free from fixed engagement with at least a
portion of the medial surface of the flap first layer to define a
surge chamber therebetween for receiving liquid body waste. A surge
member is disposed within the surge chamber for taking in liquid
waste received in the surge chamber and releasing the liquid waste
to the absorbent body.
Inventors: |
Kuen, David A.; (Neenah,
WI) ; Van Dyke, Sherry A.; (Neenah, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SENNIGER POWERS LEAVITT AND ROEDEL
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE
16TH FLOOR
ST LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
21708461 |
Appl. No.: |
10/746188 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10746188 |
Dec 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
10003970 |
Oct 31, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/4753 20130101;
A61F 13/4942 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.28 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/15; A61F
013/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An absorbent article for personal wear, said absorbent article
comprising: an inner layer adapted for contiguous relationship with
the wearer, at least a portion of said inner layer being liquid
permeable; an outer layer in opposed relationship with the inner
layer; an absorbent body disposed between the inner layer and the
outer layer of said article for absorbing liquid body waste; a pair
of containment flaps secured to the inner layer of said article in
spaced relation with each other, each flap having a base secured to
the inner layer of said article and a distal end, at least a
portion of the distal end being movable relative to said base to a
position in which said distal end is spaced from the inner layer of
said article, said containment flaps each comprising: a first layer
extending from the base of the flap to the distal end of said flap,
said flap first layer having a lateral surface and a medial
surface; a liquid permeable second layer disposed in generally
opposed relationship with the medial surface of the flap first
layer and being free from fixed engagement with at least a portion
of the medial surface of said flap first layer to define a surge
chamber therebetween for receiving liquid body waste; and a surge
member disposed within the surge chamber for taking in liquid waste
received in the surge chamber and releasing said liquid waste to
the absorbent body.
2. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the liquid
permeable portion of the inner layer is interposed between the
surge member and the absorbent body.
3. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the flap
second layer has a width greater than a width of said portion of
the medial surface of the flap first layer.
4. The absorbent article set forth in claim 3 wherein said portion
of the medial surface of the flap first layer extends substantially
from the base of the flap to the distal end of the flap.
5. The absorbent article set forth in claim 3 wherein the flap
second layer is secured to the medial surface of the flap first
layer at a first seam therebetween generally at the distal end of
the flap.
6. The absorbent article set forth in claim 5 wherein the flap
second layer is further secured to the medial surface of the flap
first layer at a second seam spaced from said first seam, said
portion of the medial surface of the flap first layer extending
between the first seam and the second seam.
7. The absorbent article set forth in claim 6 wherein said second
seam is located generally at the base of the flap.
8. The absorbent article set forth in claim 7 wherein the flap
second layer is tucked between the medial surface of the flap first
layer and the inner layer of said article generally at said second
seam, said flap second layer being secured to the inner layer of
said article thereby securing the base of the flap to the inner
layer of said article.
9. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the surge
chamber has a volume, the surge member occupying a space within the
surge chamber, said space having a volume in the range of about 2
to about 100 percent of the volume of the surge chamber.
10. The absorbent article set forth in claim 9 wherein the space
occupied by the surge member has a volume in the range of about 5
percent to about 50 percent of the volume of the surge chamber.
11. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the surge
member has a basis weight in the range of about 20 gsm to about 120
gsm.
12. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the surge
member has a density in the range of about 0.008 to about 0.025
grams per cubic centimeter.
13. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the surge
member is generally rectangular in cross-section.
14. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the surge
member is generally triagular in cross-section.
15. The absorbent article set forth in claim 1 wherein the surge
member is generally ovate in cross-section.
16. An absorbent article for personal wear, said absorbent article
comprising: an inner layer adapted for contiguous relationship with
the wearer, at least a portion of said inner layer being liquid
permeable; an outer layer in opposed relationship with the inner
layer of said article; an absorbent body disposed between the inner
layer and the outer layer of said article for absorbing liquid body
waste; and a pair of containment flaps secured to the inner layer
of said article in spaced relation with each other, each flap
having a base secured to the inner layer of said article and a
distal end, at least a portion of the distal end being movable
relative to said base to a position in which the flap is spaced
from the inner layer of said article, said containment flaps each
comprising: a first layer extending from the base of the flap to
the distal end of said flap, said flap first layer having a lateral
surface and a medial surface; a liquid permeable second layer at
least partially surrounding the lateral and medial surfaces of the
flap first layer, said flap second layer being free from fixed
engagement with at least a portion of the medial surface of said
flap first layer to define a surge chamber therebetween for
receiving liquid body waste; and a flow control member disposed in
the surge chamber for controlling the flow of liquid body waste
received in the surge chamber.
17. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member comprises a surge member adapted to take in liquid
body waste received in the surge chamber and release the liquid
body waste to the absorbent body.
18. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member is adapted for absorbing liquid body waste received
in the surge chamber.
19. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the surge
chamber has a volume, the flow control member occupying a space
within the surge chamber, said space having a volume in the range
of about 2 percent to about 100 percent of the volume of the surge
chamber.
20. The absorbent article set forth in claim 19 wherein the space
occupied by the flow control member has a volume in the range of
about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the volume of the surge
chamber.
21. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member has a basis weight in the range of about 20 gsm to
about 120 gsm.
22. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member has a density in the range of about 0.008 to about
0.025 grams per cubic centimeter.
23. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member is generally rectangular in cross-section.
24. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member is generally triagular in cross-section.
25. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flow
control member is generally ovate in cross-section.
26. The absorbent article set forth in claim 16 wherein the flap
first layer is formed separate from the inner layer of said
article.
27. The absorbent article set forth in claim 26 wherein the flap
second layer is formed separate from the inner layer of said
article.
28. The absorbent article set forth in claim 26 wherein the flap
second layer inhibits contact of the flap first layer with the
wearer's skin.
29. The absorbent article set forth in claim 28 wherein the flap
second layer overlays substantially the entire lateral surface of
the flap first layer.
30. The absorbent article set forth in claim 26 wherein the flap
first layer is substantially liquid impermeable.
31. An absorbent article for personal wear, said absorbent article
comprising: an inner layer adapted for contiguous relationship with
the wearer, at least a portion of said inner layer being liquid
permeable; an outer layer in opposed relationship with the inner
layer; an absorbent body disposed between the inner layer and the
outer layer of said article for absorbing liquid body waste; and a
pair of containment flaps secured to the inner layer of said
article in spaced relation with each other, each flap having a base
secured to the inner layer of said article and a distal end, at
least a portion of the distal end being movable relative to said
base to a position in which said distal end is spaced from the
inner layer of said article, said containment flaps each
comprising: a first layer extending from the base of the flap to
the distal end of said flap, said flap first layer having a lateral
surface and a medial surface; a liquid permeable second layer in
opposed relation with the medial surface of the flap first layer,
said flap second layer being free from fixed engagement with at
least a portion of the medial surface of said flap first layer to
define a surge chamber therebetween for receiving liquid body
waste, said liquid permeable portion of the inner layer of said
article being interposed between the surge chamber and the
absorbent body of said article; and a flow control member disposed
within the surge chamber for controlling the flow of liquid body
waste received in the surge chamber.
32. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member comprises a surge member adapted to take in liquid
body waste received in the surge chamber and release the liquid
body waste to the absorbent body.
33. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member is adapted for absorbing liquid body waste received
in the surge chamber.
34. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the surge
chamber has a volume, the flow control member occupying a space
within the surge chamber, said space having a volume in the range
of about 2 percent to about 100 percent of the volume of the surge
chamber.
35. The absorbent article set forth in claim 34 wherein the space
occupied by the flow control member has a volume in the range of
about 5 percent to about 50 percent of the volume of the surge
chamber.
36. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member has a basis weight in the range of about 20 gsm to
about 120 gsm.
37. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member has a density in the range of about 0.008 to about
0.025 grams per cubic centimeter.
38. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member is generally rectangular in cross-section.
39. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member is generally triagular in cross-section.
40. The absorbent article set forth in claim 31 wherein the flow
control member is generally ovate in cross-section.
41. An article for personal wear, said article comprising: a
substrate adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer of
said article, and a pair of containment flaps secured to the
substrate for contiguous relationship with the wearer of said
article, the containment flaps being in spaced relation with each
other, each flap having a base secured to the substrate and a
distal end, at least a portion of the distal end being movable
relative to said base to a position in which said distal end is
spaced from the substrate of said article, said containment flaps
each comprising: a first layer extending from the base of the flap
to the distal end of said flap, said flap first layer having a
lateral surface and a medial surface; a liquid permeable second
layer disposed in generally opposed relationship with the medial
surface of the flap first layer and being free from fixed
engagement with at least a portion of the medial surface of said
flap first layer to define a surge chamber therebetween for
receiving liquid body waste; and a surge member disposed within the
surge chamber for taking in liquid waste received in the surge
chamber and subsequently releasing said liquid waste for transfer
out of said surge chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/003,970, filed Oct. 31, 2001, the entire
text of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as
those used as personal care products, and more particularly to such
an absorbent article having containment flaps for improved
containment of liquid body waste.
[0003] Absorbent articles find widespread use as personal care
products such as diapers, children's toilet training pants, adult
incontinence garments, sanitary napkins and the like, as well as
surgical bandages and sponges. These articles absorb and contain
body waste and are often intended to be discarded after a limited
period of use; i.e., the articles are not intended to be laundered
or otherwise restored for reuse. Conventional absorbent articles
comprise an absorbent body disposed between a liner adapted for
contacting the wearer's skin and an outer cover for inhibiting
liquid body waste absorbed by the absorbent body from leaking out
of the article. The liner of the absorbent article is typically
liquid permeable to permit liquid body waste to pass therethrough
for absorption by the absorbent body.
[0004] Desired performance objectives of these absorbent articles
include little or no leakage from the article and a dry feel to the
wearer. However, some available absorbent articles may fail to
inhibit leakage, even where the total absorbent capacity of the
absorbent body is unrealized. Leakage can result from an
insufficient rate of liquid body waste passing through the liner of
the article or from an insufficient rate of absorption by the
absorbent body, especially upon the occurrence of a second or even
third surge of liquid body waste. For example, in diapers and
children's training pants, a surge of urine flowing laterally
outward toward opposite edges of the article may not penetrate
through the liner of the article or be absorbed by the absorbent
body at a rate sufficient to prevent some of the urine from leaking
out between the wearer's skin and the opposite edges of the
article.
[0005] One attempt to eliminate such leakage is the provision of a
pair of longitudinally extending (e.g., front-to-back) containment
flaps on the liner of the article. The containment flaps are
typically spaced laterally from each other and positioned inward
from the opposite edges of the article, particularly in the crotch
area of diapers and training pants. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,895,382 discloses containment flaps for training pants in which
the flaps each include a liquid permeable outer layer and a liquid
impermeable inner layer. Elastic members are held between the outer
and inner layers at the distal end of each flap to bias the flaps
toward a generally upright position away from the liner of the
article. The outer layer of the flap is folded over a small portion
of the inner layer at the distal end of the flap to enclose the
elastic members within the flap.
[0006] These containment flaps are intended to provide a barrier
against the laterally outward flow of liquid body waste toward the
edges of the article. In practice, however, leakage may still occur
if a surge of liquid waste is released by the wearer because the
absorbent article may not absorb the liquid at a rate sufficient to
avoid substantial outward flow against the flaps, which may result
in flow over the containment flaps and subsequent leakage from the
edges of the article.
[0007] Therefore, despite the improved body waste containment
obtained by providing conventional containment flaps, there
continues to be a need for further improvements to inhibit leakage
from absorbent articles resulting from surges of liquid body waste
rushing laterally outward over the containment flaps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment, an absorbent article of the present
invention generally comprises an inner layer adapted for contiguous
relationship with the wearer wherein at least a portion of the
inner layer is liquid permeable. An outer layer is in opposed
relationship with the inner layer and an absorbent body is disposed
between the inner layer and the outer layer of the article for
absorbing liquid body waste. A pair of containment flaps is secured
to the inner layer of the article in spaced relation with each
other. Each flap has a base secured to the inner layer of the
article and a distal end. At least a portion of the distal end is
movable relative to the base to a position in which the distal end
is spaced from the inner layer of the article. Each containment
flap generally comprises a first layer extending from the base of
the flap to the distal end of the flap wherein the flap first layer
has a lateral surface and a medial surface. A liquid permeable
second layer is disposed in generally opposed relationship with the
medial surface of the flap first layer and is free from fixed
engagement with at least a portion of the medial surface of the
flap first layer to define a surge chamber therebetween for
receiving liquid body waste. A surge member is disposed within the
surge chamber for taking in liquid waste received in the surge
chamber and releasing the liquid waste to the absorbent body.
[0009] In another embodiment, an absorbent article of the present
invention generally comprises an inner layer adapted for contiguous
relationship with the wearer wherein at least a portion of the
inner layer is liquid permeable. An outer layer is in opposed
relationship with the inner layer of the article and an absorbent
body is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the
article for absorbing liquid body waste. A pair of containment
flaps is secured to the inner layer of the article in spaced
relation with each other, with each flap having a base secured to
the inner layer of the article and a distal end. At least a portion
of the distal end is movable relative to the base to a position in
which the flap is spaced from the inner layer of the article. The
containment flaps each comprise a first layer extending from the
base of the flap to the distal end of the flap wherein the flap
first layer has a lateral surface and a medial surface. A liquid
permeable second layer at least partially surrounds the lateral and
medial surfaces of the flap first layer. The flap second layer is
free from fixed engagement with at least a portion of the medial
surface of the flap first layer to define a surge chamber
therebetween for receiving liquid body waste. A flow control member
is disposed in the surge chamber for controlling the flow of liquid
body waste received in the surge chamber.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, an absorbent article of the
present invention generally comprises an inner layer adapted for
contiguous relationship with the wearer wherein at least a portion
of the inner layer is liquid permeable. An outer layer is in
opposed relationship with the inner layer of the article and an
absorbent body is disposed between the inner layer and the outer
layer of the article for absorbing liquid body waste. A pair of
containment flaps is secured to the inner layer of the article in
spaced relation with each other, with each flap having a base
secured to the inner layer of the article and a distal end. At
least a portion of the distal end is movable relative to the base
to a position in which the flap is spaced from the inner layer of
the article. The containment flaps each comprise a first layer
extending from the base of the flap to the distal end of the flap,
wherein the flap first layer has a lateral surface and a medial
surface. A liquid permeable second layer is in opposed relation
with the medial surface of the flap first layer. The flap second
layer is free from fixed engagement with at least a portion of the
medial surface of the flap first layer to define a surge chamber
therebetween for receiving liquid body waste. The liquid permeable
portion of the inner layer of the article is interposed between the
surge chamber and the absorbent body of the article. A flow control
member is disposed within the surge chamber for controlling the
flow of liquid body waste received in the surge chamber.
[0011] In general an personal wear article according to one
embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate adapted
for contiguous relationship with the wearer of the article, and a
pair of containment flaps secured to the substrate for contiguous
relationship with the wearer of the article. The containment flaps
are in spaced relation with each other, with each flap having a
base secured to the substrate and a distal end, at least a portion
of which is movable relative to the base to a position in which the
distal end is spaced from the substrate of the article. The
containment flaps each comprise a first layer extending from the
base of the flap to the distal end of the flap, wherein the flap
first layer has a lateral surface and a medial surface. A liquid
permeable second layer is disposed in generally opposed
relationship with the medial surface of the flap first layer and is
free from fixed engagement with at least a portion of the medial
surface of the flap first layer to define a surge chamber
therebetween for receiving liquid body waste. A surge member is
disposed within the surge chamber for taking in liquid waste
received in the surge chamber and subsequently releasing the liquid
waste for transfer out of the surge chamber.
[0012] Other aspects and features of this invention will be in part
apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a children's toilet training
pants incorporating containment flaps;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the training pants of FIG. 1
with the pants shown unfastened and unfolded;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevation of training pants
partially fitted on a child;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a separated cross-section of the training pants of
FIG. 1 taken laterally through an anterior region of the pants;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a separated cross-section similar to that of FIG.
4 showing a second embodiment of the containment flaps;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a separated cross-section similar to that of FIG.
4 showing a third embodiment of the containment flaps;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a separated cross-section similar to that of FIG.
6 with an alternative flow control member disposed within each
containment flap;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a separated cross-section similar to that of FIG.
5 showing a fourth embodiment of the containment flaps; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a separated cross-section similar to that of FIG.
8 with an alternative flow control member disposed within each
containment flap.
[0022] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
[0023] Definitions
[0024] Within the context of this specification, each term or
phrase below will include the following meaning or meanings:
[0025] (a) "Bonded" refers to the joining, adhering, connecting,
attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be
considered to be bonded together when they are bonded directly to
one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is
directly bonded to intermediate elements.
[0026] (b) "Film" refers to a thermoplastic film made using a film
extrusion and/or foaming process, such as a cast film or blown film
extrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films,
and other porous films which constitute liquid transfer films, as
well as films which do not transfer liquid.
[0027] (c) "Hydrophilic" describes fibers or the surfaces of fibers
which are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers.
The degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described
in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the
liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable
for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or
blends of fiber materials can be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 Surface
Force Analyzer System, or a substantially equivalent system. When
measured with this system, fibers having contact angles less than
90 are designated "wettable" or hydrophilic, while fibers having
contact angles greater than 90 are designated "nonwettable" or
hydrophobic.
[0028] (d) "Layer" when used in the singular can have the dual
meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.
[0029] (e) "Liquid impermeable," when used in describing a layer or
multi-layer laminate means that liquid body waste, such as urine,
will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use
conditions, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of
the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact. Liquid body
waste may spread or be transported parallel to the plane of the
liquid impermeable layer or laminate, but this is not considered to
be within the meaning of "liquid impermeable" when used herein.
[0030] (f) "Liquid permeable" refers to any material present in one
or more layers which is not liquid impermeable.
[0031] (g) "Meltblown" refers to fibers formed by extruding a
molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually
circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into
converging high velocity heated gas (e.g., air) streams which
attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce
their diameter, which may be to microfiber diameter. Thereafter,
the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream
and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly
dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed for
example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al. Meltblown
fibers are microfibers which may be continuous or discontinuous,
are generally smaller than about 0.6 denier, and are generally self
bonding when deposited onto a collecting surface. Meltblown fibers
used in the present invention are preferably substantially
continuous in length.
[0032] (h) Non-woven" and "non-woven web" refer to materials and
webs of material which are formed without the aid of a textile
weaving or knitting process.
[0033] (i) "Pliable" refers to materials which are compliant and
which will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the
wearer's body.
[0034] (j) "Spunbond" refers to small diameter fibers which are
formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from
a plurality of fine capillaries of a spinnerette having a circular
or other configuration, with the diameter of the extruded filaments
then being rapidly reduced as by, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
4,340,563 to Appel et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschner
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,338,992 and 3,341,394 to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to
Hartmann, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,538 to Peterson, and U.S. Pat. No.
3,542,615 to Dobo et al., each of which is incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous
and often have average deniers larger than about 0.3, more
particularly, between about 0.6 and about 10.
[0035] (k) "Superabsorbent" refers to a water-swellable,
water-insoluble organic or inorganic material capable, under the
most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 15 times its
weight and, more desirably, at least about 30 times its weight in
an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride.
The superabsorbent materials can be natural, synthetic and modified
natural polymers and materials. In addition, the superabsorbent
materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or
organic compounds such as cross-linked polymers.
[0036] (l) "Surface" includes any layer, film, woven, nonwoven,
laminate, composite, or the like, whether pervious or impervious to
air, gas, and/or liquids.
[0037] (m) "Surge Layer" or "surge member" refers to a layer or
member typically comprised of nonwoven materials that can absorb a
large stream or gush of liquid and release it slowly into another
layer or layers.
[0038] (n) "Thermoplastic" describes a material that softens when
exposed to heat and which substantially returns to a non-softened
condition when cooled to room temperature.
[0039] (o) "Three dimensional" refers to a garment similar to
underwear, shorts or pants in that it has continuous leg and waist
openings that are bounded by material of which the garment is made.
The garment may or may not have manually tearable or refastenable
seams.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1,
an absorbent article in the form of children's toilet training
pants is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 21 and
incorporates containment flaps, generally indicated at 23, of the
present invention for inhibiting leakage of liquid body waste, such
as urine, from the training pants. The absorbent article is
suitable for placement against or in proximity to the body of the
wearer to absorb and/or retain various liquid waste discharged from
the body. The absorbent article may or may not be disposable, which
refers to articles that are intended to be discarded after a
limited period of use instead of being laundered or otherwise
restored for reuse. While the containment flaps 23 of the present
invention are shown and described herein in connection with
children's toilet training pants, it is understood that the
containment flaps may be incorporated into various other absorbent
articles, such as diapers, adult incontinence garments, sanitary
napkins and the like, surgical bandages and sponges, and in other
articles in which the contaiment flaps are secured to a substrate
for contiguous relationship with a wearer of the article, without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0041] By way of illustration only, various materials and methods
for constructing the training pants 21 are disclosed in PCT Patent
Application WO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et
al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et
al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Brandon et
al., which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0042] The training pants 21 of the illustrated embodiment
generally comprise a central absorbent assembly 25 extending
longitudinally from an anterior side 27 of the training pants
through a crotch region 29 to a posterior side 30 of the training
pants. As seen best in FIG. 2, the central absorbent assembly 25 is
generally rectangular, and more particularly it is slightly
hourglass-shaped, and has laterally, or transversely opposite side
edges 32 and longitudinally opposite front and rear waist edges
respectively designated 34 and 36. Front and rear side panels 31,
38 are secured to the central absorbent assembly 25 as will be
described later herein and extend laterally outward therefrom
respectively at the anterior and posterior sides 27, 30 of the
training pants 21. To form the three-dimensional training pants 21,
adjacent front and rear side panels 31, 38 (e.g., one extending
from the anterior side 27 and one extending from the posterior side
30 on the same right or left side of the pants) are refastenably
secured together, using fastening assemblies 40, along generally
vertical seams 33 (FIG. 3). It is understood that the front and
rear side panels 31, 38 may instead be permanently secured
together, such as by ultrasonic bonding. Securing the side panels
31, 38 together defines a central waist opening 35 and a pair of
leg openings 37 of the training pants 21.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 3, the training pants 21 are worn by
inserting the wearer's feet through the waist opening 35 and the
respective leg openings 37; grasping the training pants near the
waist opening; and then pulling the pants up along the wearer's
legs until the crotch region 29 of the training pants fits snugly
against the crotch of the wearer. The training pants 21 are
illustrated in FIG. 3 as being only partially fitted on the child
(i.e., the training pants are pulled less than fully up to the
crotch) to better illustrate the containment flaps 23 of the
present invention, it being understood that the flaps will actually
bend or fold along their length when the pants are pulled fully up
to the crotch of the wearer. An inner layer, generally indicated at
39, of the training pant 21 faces the skin of the wearer and is
adapted for contiguity (e.g., contact or closely spaced relation)
with the wearer's skin upon fitting of the training pants on the
wearer. The training pants 21 also have an outer layer, generally
indicated at 41, facing away from the wearer's skin.
[0044] Now referring to FIG. 4, the central absorbent assembly 25
of the training pants 21 comprises an outer cover, generally
indicated at 43, a bodyside liner 45 and an absorbent body 47
disposed between the outer cover and the liner. The outer cover 43
can be elastic, stretchable or non-stretchable and is desirably a
multi-layered laminate structure of which at least one of the
layers is liquid impermeable. For example, the outer cover 43 of
the illustrated embodiment is of two-layer construction, including
an outer layer 49 constructed of a liquid permeable material and an
inner layer 51 constructed of a liquid impermeable material joined
together by a laminate adhesive 53. Suitable laminate adhesives,
which can be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a
spray, parallel swirls, or the like, can be obtained from Findley
Adhesives, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wis., U.S.A., or from National
Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, N.J., U.S.A. It is
understood that the outer cover 43 may alternatively be constructed
of a single layer of liquid impermeable material without departing
from the scope of this invention.
[0045] The liquid permeable outer layer 49 of the outer cover 43
can be any suitable material and is desirably one that provides a
generally cloth-like texture. One example of such a material is a
20 gsm (grams per square meter) spunbond polypropylene nonwoven
web. The outer layer 49 may also be made of those materials from
which the bodyside liner 45 is constructed as discussed later
herein. Also, while it is not a necessity for the outer layer 49 to
be liquid permeable, it is desired that it provide a relatively
cloth-like texture to the wearer.
[0046] The inner layer 51 of the outer cover 43 can be both liquid
and vapor impermeable, or it can be liquid impermeable and vapor
permeable. The inner layer 51 is desirably manufactured from a thin
plastic film, although other flexible liquid impermeable materials
may also be used. The liquid impermeable inner layer 51 (or the
liquid impermeable outer cover 43 when the outer cover is
constructed of a single layer) inhibits waste material against
wetting articles, such as bed sheets and clothing, as well as the
wearer and care giver. A suitable liquid impermeable film for such
use is a 0.02 millimeter thick polyethylene film commercially
available from Huntsman Packaging of Newport News, Va., U.S.A.
[0047] Where the outer cover 43 is constructed of a single layer of
material, it can be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a
more cloth-like appearance. As earlier mentioned, the liquid
impermeable material can permit vapors to escape from the interior
of the disposable absorbent article, while still preventing liquids
from passing through the outer cover 43. A suitable "breathable"
material is composed of a microporous polymer film or a nonwoven
fabric that has been coated or otherwise treated to impart a
desired level of liquid impermeability. A suitable microporous film
is a PMP-1 film material commercially available from Mitsui Toatsu
Chemicals, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, or an XKO-8044 polyolefin film
commercially available from 3M Company, Minneapolis, Minn.
[0048] Leg elastic members 55 are secured between the outer and
inner layers 49, 51 of the outer cover 43, such as by being bonded
therebetween by the laminate adhesive 53, generally adjacent
laterally outer edges 56 of the inner layer of the outer cover.
However, the leg elastic members 55 may instead be disposed between
the outer cover 43 and the bodyside liner 45 and remain within the
scope of this invention. In such a design, the leg elastic members
can be bonded to the outer cover 43 and/or the bodyside liner
45.
[0049] A wide variety of elastic materials may be used for the leg
elastic members 55. As is well known to those skilled in the art,
suitable elastic materials include sheets, strands or ribbons of
natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric
polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a
substrate, adhered to a gathered substrate, or adhered to a
substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example with the
application of heat, such that elastic retractive forces are
imparted to the substrate. For example, one suitable elastic
material is a dry-spun coalesced multifilament spandex elastomeric
thread sold under the trade name LYCRA.RTM. and available from E.I.
DuPont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del., U.S.A.
[0050] The absorbent body 47 of the illustrated embodiment is
somewhat rectangular and is desirably constructed to be generally
compressible, pliable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and
capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body waste, such as
urine. The absorbent body 47 can be manufactured in a wide variety
of sizes and shapes, and from a variety of liquid absorbent
materials commonly used in the art. For example, the absorbent body
47 can suitably include a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a
web of cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency
material commonly known as superabsorbent material. More
particularly, the absorbent body 47 of the illustrated embodiment
includes a matrix of cellulosic fluff, such as wood pulp fluff, and
superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. One suitable type of
wood pulp fluff is identified with the trade designation CR1654,
available from U.S. Alliance, Childersburg, Ala., U.S.A., and is a
bleached, highly absorbent sulfate wood pulp containing primarily
soft wood fibers. However, the wood pulp fluff can be exchanged
with synthetic, polymeric, meltblown fibers or with a combination
of meltblown fibers and natural fibers.
[0051] The superabsorbent particles can be substantially
homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or can be
non-uniformly mixed. The fluff and superabsorbent particles can
also be selectively placed into desired zones of the absorbent body
47 to better contain and absorb liquid body waste. The
concentration of the superabsorbent particles can also vary through
the thickness of the absorbent body 47. Alternatively, the
absorbent body 47 can include a laminate of fibrous webs and
superabsorbent material or other suitable means of maintaining a
superabsorbent material in a localized area. Suitable
superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural, synthetic,
and modified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent
materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or
organic compounds, such as cross-linked polymers. Suitable
superabsorbent materials are available from various commercial
vendors, such as Dow Chemical Company located in Midland, Mich.,
U.S.A., and Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG, D-47805 Krefeld, Federal
Republic of Germany.
[0052] As a general rule, the superabsorbent material is present in
the absorbent body 47 in an amount of from about 0 to about 90
weight percent based on total weight of the absorbent body. The
absorbent body 47 suitably has a density within the range of about
0.10 to about 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter. The absorbent body
47 may or may not be wrapped or encompassed by a suitable wrapping
(not shown) that maintains the integrity and/or shape of the
absorbent assembly. As shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent body 47
overlays the inner layer 51 of the outer cover 43, extending
laterally between the leg elastic members 55, and is secured to the
inner layer 51 of the outer cover 43, such as by being bonded
thereto with adhesive 57.
[0053] Still referring to FIG. 4, the bodyside liner 45 overlays
the absorbent body 47 to isolate the wearer's skin from liquid body
waste retained by the absorbent body and is secured to at least a
portion of the absorbent body, such as by being bonded thereto
using a suitable adhesive 59. The liner 45 further extends beyond
the absorbent body 47 to overlay a portion of the inner layer 51 of
the outer cover 43, particularly in the crotch region 29 of the
pants 21, and is secured thereto, such as by being bonded thereto
by the adhesive 57, to substantially enclose the absorbent body
between the outer cover and the liner about the periphery of the
absorbent body. While the bodyside liner 45 shown in FIG. 4 is
dimensioned slightly smaller than the outer cover 43, it is
understood that the liner and outer cover may be of the same
dimensions, or the liner may be sized larger than the outer cover,
without departing from the scope of this invention. The bodyside
liner 45 is desirably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating
to the wearer's skin and can be less hydrophilic than the absorbent
body 47 to present a relatively dry surface to the wearer and
permit liquid body waste to readily penetrate through its
thickness.
[0054] The bodyside liner 45 can be manufactured from a wide
selection of web materials, such as synthetic fibers (for example,
polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example,
wood or cotton fibers), a combination of natural and synthetic
fibers, porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films,
or the like. Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the
bodyside liner 45. For example, the bodyside liner 45 can be
composed of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The
bodyside liner 45 can also be a bonded-carded web composed of
natural and/or synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner 45 can be
composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the
hydrophobic material can, optionally, be treated with a surfactant
or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and
hydrophilicity. For example, the material can be surface treated
with about 0.28 weight percent of a surfactant commercially
available from the Rohm and Haas Co. under the trade designation
Triton X-102. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional
means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The
surfactant can be applied to the entire bodyside liner 45 or can be
selectively applied to particular sections of the liner.
[0055] A suitable liquid permeable bodyside liner 45 is a nonwoven
bicomponent web having a basis weight of about 27 gsm. The nonwoven
bicomponent can be a spunbond bicomponent web, or a bonded carded
bicomponent web. Suitable bicomponent staple fibers include a
polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber available from CHISSO
Corporation, Osaka, Japan. In this particular bicomponent fiber,
the polypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms the
sheath of the fiber. Other fiber orientations are possible, such as
multi-lobe, side-by-side, end-to-end, or the like. While the outer
cover 43 and bodyside liner 45 of the central absorbent assembly 25
can include elastomeric materials, it is contemplated that the
central absorbent assembly may instead be generally inelastic,
wherein the outer cover, the bodyside liner and the absorbent body
47 include materials that are generally non-elastomeric.
[0056] A surge layer 61, similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,562,650, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference, lies between the bodyside liner 45 and the absorbent
body 47 for quickly absorbing surges of liquid body waste that
penetrate the liner, and then slowly releasing the liquid body
waste to the absorbent body. One suitable material from which the
surge layer 61 can be constructed has a basis weight of about 50
gsm, and includes a through-air-bonded-carded web of a homogenous
blend of 60 percent 3 denier bicomponent fiber including a
polyester core/polyethylene sheath, commercially available from
BASF Corporation, and 40 percent 6 denier polyester fiber,
commercially available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation of
Portsmouth, Va., U.S.A. The surge layer 61 of the illustrated
embodiment is secured to the absorbent body 47, such as by being
bonded thereto using the adhesive 59 that secures the liner 45 to
the absorbent body. The liner 45 is further secured to the surge
layer 61, such as by being bonded thereto using a suitable adhesive
63. It is understood, however, that the surge layer 61 may be
omitted altogether, so that the liner 45 lies directly on the
absorbent body 47 along the full lateral extent thereof, without
departing from the scope of this invention.
[0057] The front and rear side panels 31, 38 of the absorbent
article 21 can be permanently bonded to the central absorbent
assembly 25 of the training pants 21 at the respective anterior and
posterior sides 27, 30 thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 4,
the front side panels 31 of the illustrated embodiment are secured
to the inner layer 51 of the outer cover 43, such as by being
bonded thereto by adhesive 65, or by thermal, ultrasonic or
pressure bonding, and are also secured to the outer layer 49 of the
outer cover, such as by being bonded thereto by additional adhesive
66, or by thermal, ultrasonic or pressure bonding, to extend
transversely beyond the transverse edges 32 of the central
absorbent assembly 25 at the anterior side 27 of the training pants
21 as shown in FIG. 2. The rear side panels 38 are secured to the
inner layer 51 and outer cover 43 at the posterior side 30 of the
training pants 21 in a similar manner. Alternatively, the side
panels 31, 38 can be formed integrally with the central absorbent
assembly 25, such as by being formed integrally with the outer
cover 43 or the bodyside liner 45.
[0058] For improved fit and appearance, the side panels 31, 38
desirably have an average length dimension measured parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the training pants 21 that is about 20 percent
or greater, and particularly about 25 percent or greater, of the
overall length dimension of the training pants, also measured
parallel to the longitudinal axis. For example, for training pants
21 having an overall length dimension of about 54 centimeters, the
side panels 31, 38 desirably have an average length dimension of
about 10 centimeters or greater, such as about 15 centimeters.
[0059] Each of the side panels 31, 38 can be constructed of one or
more individual, distinct pieces of material. For example, each
side panel 31, 38 can include first and second side panel portions
(not shown) joined at a seam (not shown), with at least one of the
portions including an elastomeric material. Alternatively, each
individual side panel 31, 38 can be constructed of a single piece
of material folded over upon itself along an intermediate fold line
(not shown).
[0060] The side panels 31, 38 desirably include an elastic material
capable of stretching transversely (e.g., laterally outward) of the
training pants 21. Suitable elastic materials, as well as one
described process of incorporating elastic side panels into
training pants, are described in the following U.S. Pat. No.
4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,224,405 issued Jul. 6, 1993 to Pohjola; U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,116
issued Apr. 14, 1992 to Pohjola; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,272 issued
Sep. 10, 1991 to Vogt et al.; all of which are incorporated herein
by reference. As an example, suitable elastic materials include a
stretch-thermal laminate (STL), a neck-bonded laminated (NBL), a
reversibly necked laminate, or a stretch-bonded laminate (SBL)
material. Methods of making such materials are well known to those
skilled in the art and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,220 issued
May 5, 1987 to Wisneski et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,992 issued Jul.
13, 1993 to Morman; and European Patent Application No. EP 0 217
032 published on Apr. 8, 1987 in the names of Taylor et al.; all of
which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the side
panels 31, 38 may include other woven or nonwoven materials, such
as those described above as being suitable for the outer cover 43
or bodyside liner 45, or stretchable but inelastic materials.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner layer 39 of the
training pants 21 is primarily defined by the liner 45,
particularly in the crotch region 29 of the pants. As used herein,
the inner layer 39 of the training pants 21 generally refers to
that layer of the pants facing the wearer's skin and adapted for
contiguity therewith when the training pants are fitted on the
wearer's body. It is contemplated that the inner layer 39 of the
training pants 21 may be further defined by elements in addition to
the liner 45. For example, at the anterior and posterior sides 27,
30 of the training pants 21, the side panels 31, 38 extend
laterally outward beyond the liner 45 and contact the wearer's
skin, thereby together with the liner 45 defining the inner layer
39 of the training pants. Through the crotch region 29 of the
training pants 21, the outer cover 43 extends laterally outward
beyond the liner 45, and the side panels 31 do not extend
longitudinally through the crotch region, so that the outer cover
contacts the wearer's skin, thereby together with the liner
defining the inner layer 39. It is also understood that elements
other than the side panels 31, 38 or outer cover 43 may overlay,
underlie or otherwise extend laterally beyond the liner 45 to face
the wearer's skin in contiguity therewith at least partially to
define the inner layer 39 of the training pants 21 without
departing from the scope of this invention.
[0062] The outer layer 41 of the training pants 21 of the
illustrated embodiment, facing away from the wearer's skin, is
broadly defined by the outer layer 49 of the outer cover 43. It is
contemplated, however, that the training pants outer layer 41 may
be defined by elements (not shown) other than or in addition to the
outer layer 49 of the outer cover 43 without departing from the
scope of this invention.
[0063] The containment flaps 23 of the present invention are
secured to the inner layer 39 (in the illustrated embodiment, the
bodyside liner 45) in generally parallel, spaced relation with each
other laterally inward of the leg openings 37 and extend
longitudinally from the anterior side 27 of the training pants,
through the crotch region 29 to the posterior side 30 of the
training pants 21. Each containment flap 23 comprises a first,
inner layer 67 having medial (e.g., generally inward facing) and
lateral (e.g., generally outward facing) surfaces, respectively
designated 69 and 71. The flap inner layer 67 is desirably
constructed of a liquid impermeable material, but may instead be
constructed of a liquid permeable material. A portion of the medial
surface 69 of the flap inner layer 67 extends in opposed relation
with the bodyside liner 45 and is secured thereto, such as by being
bonded thereto by suitable adhesive 73, to broadly define a base,
generally indicated at 74, of the flap 23. The base 74 of the flap
23 shown in FIG. 4 extends laterally beyond the liner 45 and is
further secured to the side panels 31, 38 at the anterior and
posterior sides 27, 30 of the training pants 21, such as by bonding
the medial surface 69 of the flap inner layer 67 to the side panels
by suitable adhesive 75. While not shown in the drawings, the flap
inner layer 67 may be further secured to the inner layer 51 of the
outer cover 43 through the crotch region 29 of the training pants
21 to inhibit liquid body waste against flowing out of the training
pants between the flap 23 and the outer cover 43. However, it is
understood that the flap 23 may be secured only to the bodyside
liner 45, or only to the outer cover 43, and remain within the
scope of this invention.
[0064] The lateral spacing between the respective bases 74 of the
containment flaps 23 defines a medial region 77 of the liner 45
extending laterally therebetween, and more particularly between the
innermost locations at which the bases are secured to the liner,
such as along adhesives 73 securing the inner layers 67 of the
flaps to the liner. In the illustrated embodiment the bases 74 of
the flaps 23 are secured to the liner 45 generally adjacent the
periphery of the absorbent body 47. However, it is understood that
the bases 74 of the flaps 23 may be secured to the liner 45 in more
closely or more distally spaced relation with each other without
departing from the scope of this invention, as long as the bases of
the flaps are secured to the liner generally laterally inward of
the securement of the liner to the outer cover 43. The flap inner
layer 67 further extends from the base 74 to a distal end,
generally indicated at 79, of the flap 23. The distal end 79 or
other surfaces of the flap 23 can be secured to the liner 45 or to
another component of the pants 21 at longitudinal ends 80 (FIG. 2)
of the flaps 23. Intermediate the longitudinal ends 80 of each
flaps 23, the distal end 79 of the flap 23 is free of fixed
engagement with the base 74 of the flap and the liner 45 so that
the distal end of the flap is movable relative to the base 74 of
the flap and the liner 45 along at least a portion of the flap
between the longitudinal ends of the flap.
[0065] Each flap 23 further comprises a second, outer layer 81
constructed of a generally liquid permeable material. The flap
outer layer 81 overlays substantially the entire lateral surface 71
of the flap inner layer 67 in closely spaced relation therewith and
is secured thereto, such as by being bonded thereto by suitable
adhesive 83. An elastic member, generally indicated at 85, is
secured between the flap outer layer 81 and the lateral surface 71
of the flap inner layer 67 adjacent the distal end 79 of the flap
23. The elastic member 85 of the illustrated embodiment comprises
three individual strands 87 of elastomeric material extending
longitudinally along the distal end 79 of the flap 23 in generally
parallel, spaced relation with each other. One suitable elastic
strand 87 is constructed of a LYCRA.RTM. T151 940 decitex elastic
which can be obtained from E. I. du Pont de Nemours Co. of
Wilmington, Del., U.S.A.
[0066] The elastic strands 87 are secured between the flap outer
layer 81 and the lateral surface 71 of the flap inner layer 67,
such as by being bonded therebetween by suitable adhesive 89, in an
elastically contractible condition such that contraction of the
strands gathers and shortens the distal end 79 of the containment
flap 23. As a result, upon folding of the pants 21 to form the
three dimensional article, the elastic strands 87 bias the distal
end 79 of each flap 23 toward a position spaced from the base 74 of
the flap so that in the crotch region 29 of the training pants 21,
the flap extends inward from the liner 45 in a generally upright
orientation as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is understood that the
elastic member 85 may be disposed between the flap outer layer 81
and the flap inner layer 67 other than at the distal end 79 of the
flap 23 without departing from the scope of this invention, as long
as the elastic member is spaced from the base 74 of the flap. It is
also understood that the elastic member 85 may be omitted and the
flap may instead be biased toward an upright orientation by elastic
materials present in the flap inner and/or outer layers 67, 81. The
elastic strands 87 may extend the full length of the flap 23 or
they may extend only through a portion of the flap where the flap
is desired to be spaced from the liner 45.
[0067] Still referring to FIG. 4, the outer layer 81 of each
containment flap 23 folds over the flap inner layer 69 at the
distal end 79 of the flap and extends in opposed relation with the
medial surface 69 of the flap inner layer from the distal end 79 of
the flap to the medial region 77 of the liner 45. The flap outer
layer 81 of the illustrated embodiment is secured to the medial
surface 69 of the flap inner layer 67, such as by being bonded
thereto by suitable adhesive 91, generally at the distal end 79 of
the flap 23 to broadly define a seam 92 of the flap outer layer to
the medial surface of the flap inner layer. However, it is
understood that the flap outer layer 81 need not be secured to the
medial surface 69 of the flap inner layer 67, so that the adhesive
91 and seam 92 are omitted, and remain within the scope of this
invention.
[0068] The flap outer layer 81 is further secured to the medial
region 77 of the liner 45, such as by being bonded thereto using a
suitable adhesive 93, in laterally spaced relation with the base 74
of the flap 23. In the upright orientation of the flap 23, the flap
outer layer 81 is generally taut as it extends between the liner 45
and the seam 92 such that the flap outer layer, the portion of the
liner between adhesive 73 and the adhesive 93, and the medial
surface 69 of the flap inner layer 67 together define a generally
triangular, fully enclosed surge chamber 95 for receiving liquid
body waste.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the width of the
flap outer layer 81 extending between the liner 45 and the seam 92
(or the distal end 79 of the flap 23 if adhesive 91 is omitted) is
less than the width of the flap inner layer 67 extending outward
from the base 74 of the flap 23 to the seam 92 (or distal end 79)
so the flap inner layer is angled transversely and laterally inward
relative to the base and the liner 45. It is contemplated that the
width of the flap outer layer 81 extending between the liner 45 and
the seam 92 may instead be greater than the width of the flap inner
layer 67 extending outward from the base 74 to the seam 92 so the
flap inner layer extends generally perpendicular to the base, as
long as the flap outer layer is spaced from the flap inner layer to
form the surge chamber 95. It is also understood that the flap
outer layer 81 may be secured to the medial surface 69 of the flap
inner layer 67 other than at the distal end 79 of the flap 23, such
as anywhere spaced from the base 74 of the flap, or the flap outer
layer may not be secured at all to the flap inner layer, without
departing from the scope of this invention. As described
previously, the surge chamber 95 is partially defined by the
portion of the medial region 77 of the liner 45 extending laterally
between the adhesive 73 securing the base 74 of the flap 23 to the
liner and the adhesive 93 securing the flap outer layer 81 to the
liner so that the liner is interposed between the surge chamber and
the absorbent body 47 of the training pants 21.
[0070] The surge chamber 95 extends longitudinally substantially
the length of the flap 23 from the anterior side 27 through the
crotch region 29 to the posterior side 30 to permit liquid body
waste received in the surge chamber to flow longitudinally therein.
To secure the longitudinal ends of the flap 23 to the liner 45, the
flap outer layer 81 between the adhesive 93 and the distal end 79
of the flap 23 can be secured to the liner 45, such as with
adhesive (not shown) or other suitable fastening, generally at the
longitudinal ends 80 of the flap to thereby close off the surge
chamber 95 against flow longitudinally outward therethrough.
[0071] The flap outer layer 81 can be constructed of a spunbond
polypropylene non-woven web and the flap inner layer 67 can be
constructed of a polyethylene film to severely retard the flow of
liquid body waste outward of the flap 23. However, it is
contemplated that the flap inner layer 67 may be constructed other
than of a film or other liquid impermeable material. For example,
the flap inner layer 67 may instead be constructed of one or more
layers of a liquid permeable material, and the liquid permeable
material may be treated to decrease the permeability thereof. It is
also contemplated that the flap outer layer 81 can be constructed
of other liquid permeable materials, such as a polyethylene or
polypropylene film having apertures formed therein to permit liquid
body waste to flow therethrough to the surge chamber 95. Since the
bodyside liner 45 is liquid permeable, the surge chamber 95 is
generally in fluid communication with the absorbent body 47 to
permit liquid body waste received in the surge chamber to pass
through the liner for absorption by the absorbent body. When a
surge of liquid body waste flows laterally outward along the medial
region 77 of the liner 45, it flows outward against the portion of
the flap outer layer 81 defining the surge chamber 95 and passes
through the flap outer layer into the surge chamber 95. The flap
inner layer 67 inhibits liquid body waste received in the surge
chamber 95 against flowing laterally outward beyond the containment
flap 23. As a result, liquid body waste accumulates within the
surge chamber 95 during the liquid surge, and is temporarily
retained therein until the liquid body waist can pass through the
medial region 77 of the liner 45 interposed between the surge
chamber and the absorbent body for absorption by the absorbent body
47.
[0072] While the flap outer layer 81 is shown and described herein
as being constructed separate from the liner 45, it is contemplated
that the flap outer layer may be secured to liner by being formed
integrally therewith, as long as the liner is interposed between
the absorbent body 47 and the surge chamber 95 formed by the flap
outer layer and the medial surface 69 of the flap inner layer 67.
For example, the liner 45 may comprise at least two sheets (not
shown) of material, with the liquid impermeable flap inner layer 67
being disposed between the two sheets and secured to a bottom sheet
to form the base of the flap 23 and to the top sheet to form the
distal end of the flap. While not shown in the drawings, the flap
inner layer 67 and/or the flap outer layer 81 may also extend
transversely outward over the side panels 31, 38 of the training
pants 21, and to the respective side edges 32 of the central
absorbent assembly 25 of the pants, without departing from the
scope of this invention.
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates training pants 121 incorporating a second
embodiment of containment flaps 123. The containment flaps 123 are
substantially similar to those shown in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-4, including a flap inner layer 167 having medial and lateral
surfaces 169, 171, and an outer layer 181. The flap outer layer 181
extends in opposed relation with the medial surface 169 of the flap
inner layer 167 and is secured thereto, such as by a suitable
adhesive 191, to define a seam 192 between the flap outer layer and
the medial surface of the flap inner layer generally at the distal
end 179 of the flap 123. However, as with the first embodiment, the
flap outer layer 181 need not be secured to the medial surface 169
of the flap inner layer 167 at the distal end 179 of the flap 123,
so that the adhesive 191 and seam 192 may be omitted.
[0074] Instead of the flap outer layer 81 being secured to the
liner 45 in laterally spaced relation with the base 74 of the flap
23 as in the first embodiment, the flap outer layer 181 of this
second embodiment is secured to the liner 145 generally at the base
174 of the flap 123. More particularly, the flap outer layer 181 is
tucked between the liner 145 and the medial surface 169 of the flap
inner layer 167 at the base 174 of the flap 123 and is secured to
the liner and the flap inner layer, such as by being bonded thereto
by respective suitable adhesives 193, 197 to broadly define a
second seam 199 of the flap outer layer and the medial surface of
the flap inner layer. Alternatively, adhesive 197 securing the flap
outer layer 181 to the medial surface of the flap inner layer 167
may be omitted without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0075] The flap outer layer 181 is otherwise free from fixed
engagement with the medial surface 169 of the flap inner layer 167,
and in particular between the seam 192 and the seam 199. The width
of the portion of the flap outer layer 181 extending between the
seams 192, 199 is substantially greater than the width of the flap
inner layer, as shown in FIG. 5, or at least about equal thereto,
so that this portion of the flap outer layer hangs generally
loosely down along the medial surface 169 of the flap inner layer
167 between the seams 192, 199 to define a surge chamber 195
between this portion of the flap outer layer and the medial surface
of the flap inner layer for receiving liquid body waste.
[0076] As in the first embodiment, the medial region 177 of the
liner 145 is interposed between the surge chamber 195 and the
absorbent body 47 of the training pants 121 of this second
embodiment. As a result, when a surge of liquid body waste is
received in the surge chamber 195, the liquid waste is temporarily
retained therein until the liquid can flow back through the flap
outer layer and through the medial region 177 of the liner 145
interposed between the surge chamber and the absorbent body 47 for
absorption by the absorbent body.
[0077] It is contemplated that the flap outer layer 181 may be
secured to the medial surface 169 of the flap inner layer 167 other
than at the distal end 179 of the flap 123 so that the seam 192 is
spaced from the distal end of the flap, and/or the flap outer layer
may be further secured to the medial surface of the flap inner
layer other than at the base 174 of the flap so that the seam 199
is spaced from the base, as long as the portions of the flap outer
layer and flap inner layer extending between the seams 192, 199 are
sized relative to each other so that the flap outer layer and flap
inner layer define the surge chamber 195 therebetween.
[0078] FIG. 6 illustrates a pair of training pants 221
incorporating containment flaps 223 of a third embodiment of the
present invention. The containment flaps 223 of this embodiment are
substantially similar to those shown in the embodiment of FIGS.
1-4, including a flap inner layer 267 having medial and lateral
surfaces 269, 271, and an outer layer 281. The flap outer layer 281
extends in opposed relation with the medial surface 269 of the flap
inner layer 267 and is secured thereto, such as by a suitable
adhesive 291, to define a seam 292 between the flap outer layer and
the medial surface of the flap inner layer generally at the distal
end 279 of the flap 223. The flap outer layer 281 is secured to the
medial region 277 of the liner 245, such as by being bonded thereto
by suitable adhesive 293, in laterally spaced relation with the
base 274 of the flap 223 to form the surge chamber 295
therebetween. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a flow control member,
generally indicated at 301, is disposed within the surge chamber
295 to control the flow of liquid from the surge chamber through
the liner 245 into the absorbent body 47. In a particularly
suitable embodiment, the flow control member 301 is a surge member
adapted to quickly take in a stream or gush of liquid (e.g., upon
urination) and releasing the liquid slowly out of the surge chamber
295 through the liner 245 to the absorbent body 47.
[0079] The surge material has suitable characteristics, such as a
suitable basis weight, permeability, porosity, surface area per
void volume (SA/VV), compression resiliency and saturation
capacity. Further characteristics can include a bonding matrix
which will help stabilize the pore size structure, and
hydrophilicity. The bond-matrix and the blend of fiber deniers can
advantageously provide for and substantially maintain a desired
pore size structure.
[0080] For example, the surge member suitably has a basis weight in
the range of about 20 gsm to about 120 gsm and a density in the
range of about 0.008-0.025 grams per cubic centimeter.
[0081] The void volume of the fibrous nonwoven web is a measure of
how much air space is present in the structure. The void volume is
measured at 689 dynes per square centimeter (0.01 pounds per square
inch), and will range from about 80 to about 117 cubic centimeters
per gram of surge member with the target range being from about 80
to about 100 cubic centimeters per gram of surge member. Void
volume is the surge members's specific volume minus the fiber's
(from which the surge member is constructed) specific volume. For
the purposes of the present invention, the specific volume is
measured by a compression test at 0.01 psi (with an INSTRON or
SINTECH testing apparatus). For the surge members described herein,
the void volume may approximately equal the specific volume since
the fiber specific volume is much less than the surge member
specific volume.
[0082] The permeability of the surge member indicates the ability
of the surge member to conduct a liquid therethrough. When a liquid
initially enters a surge member, liquid movement is dominated by
forced flow from the momentum of the fluid. Capillarity may not be
significant in this flow regime as it may not have enough time to
control the liquid path, thus, liquid flow through the surge member
will be controlled by the permeability of the structure on the
initial insult. A high permeability value indicates that it is
relatively easy for a liquid to flow through the structure.
Permeability for the surge member according to the present
invention will range between about 7.8.times.10.sup.-5 to about
1.5.times.10.sup.-4 square centimeters (8,000 to 15,000 darcy).
Outside this range other materials have been found not to work as
well. Permeability for surge members has been found to be related
to the web's void volume, porosity and fiber surface area per void
volume (SA/VV).
[0083] The porosity of the surge member is the ratio of the amount
of void space to the total volume of the surge member. The porosity
of the surge member, as measured at a pressure of 689 dynes per
square centimeter (0.01 pounds per square inch), suitably ranges
from about 98.6% to about 99.4%. Porosity is one minus the ratio of
the surge member density. The density is measured by a compression
test at 689 dynes per square centimeter (0.01 psi) load.
[0084] The surface area per void volume, with the void volume being
measured at 689 dynes per square meter (0.01 pounds per square
inch) pressure, suitably ranges from about 10 to about 25 square
centimeters per cubic centimeter. Permeability is the result of
fluid having to travel over and around fiber surfaces when under
forced flow in order to occupy the void spaces within the surge
member. Surface area per void volume (SA/VV) indicates how closely
together those fiber surfaces are located to each other. A high
SA/VV value indicates that there is a large amount of surface area
which is placed closely together. Increases in SA/VV can be
achieved by using smaller fibers which increase the surface area
per unit weight of surge member, or by making the surge member more
dense which decreases the void volume per unit weight. When SA/VV
is increased, permeability decreases since fluid is forced to
travel over and around more surfaces to get through the structure.
If the SA/VV becomes too high, then the permeability will be too
low to allow easy fluid entry into and flow through the surge
member. Thus, the SA/VV of the surge member is suitably below 25
square centimeters per cubic centimeter in order for the
permeability to be above about 8,000 darcy.
[0085] To ensure rapid intake of liquid, the surge member should
have hydrophilic tendencies. At least a portion of the fibers
should have a contact angle less than 90 degrees. As a result, the
fibrous surge member will have sufficient hydrophilic tendencies
when the surge member has a saturation capacity greater than 55
grams of 0.9% saline solution per gram of surge member. The surge
member may also have a suitable resiliency in both the wet and dry
states. For example, the surge member may suitably have compression
resilience values in both the wet and dry states of at least about
60%.
[0086] In one particular embodiment, the surge member may suitably
comprise a bonded, uniformly mixed, single layer structure having a
basis weight of at least about 20 grams per square meter, a void
volume between about 40 and 60 cubic centimeters per gram of
material at a pressure of 689 dynes per square meter (0.01 psi), a
permeability of about 5,000 to about 8,000 darcy, a porosity of
about 97.2% to about 98.8% and a surface area per void volume of
about 24 to about 49 square centimeters per cubic centimeter.
Fibers from which the surge member may be thermoplastic, and may be
heat bonded to one another. In addition, the surge member of this
embodiment can have a density within a range of about 0.017-0.025
grams per cubic centimeter, as determined at a pressure of 689
dynes per square meter (0.01 psi).
[0087] For example, one suitable surge member includes a
substantially homogeneous single-layer fibrous nonwoven web having
a basis weight of about 48.8 gsm created by using about 40 percent
by weight Hoechst Celanese type 295 6.0-denier polyester fibers and
60 percent by weight BASF 3.0-denier polyethylene sheath/polyester
core bicomponent fibers. The homogeneous blend of fibers is bonded
together using hot air passed through the surge member at a
temperature of 135 degrees Celcius for approximately 4 seconds. The
resultant surge member has a void volume of about 52 cubic
centimeters per gram of surge member, a SA/VV value of about 29.9
square centimeters per cubic centimeter, a porosity of about 98.5%,
a permeability of about 6,925 darcy, a saturation capacity of about
44 gm/gm, a wet compression resilience of about 81%, and a dry
compression resilience of about 86%.
[0088] In other embodiments, the surge member can be made from or
include a plurality of fibers bonded to one another to form a lofty
nonwoven web having a basis weight of at least 20 grams per square
meter (gsm). In more refined embodiments the basis weight can range
from about 40 to about 68 grams per square meter. The surge member
can be made entirely from bicomponent fibers which are typically
crimped and which will generally have a fiber denier equal to or
greater than 2 denier. Alternatively, the surge member can be made
from a combination of fibers such as bicomponent fibers and
polyester fibers. In such embodiments, the surge member will
usually include at least 50 percent by weight of bicomponent
fibers. The resultant surge member will have a void volume of
between about 80 and about 117 cubic centimeters per gram of surge
member at 689 dynes per square centimeter pressure, a permeability
of about 8,000 to about 15,000 darcy, a porosity of about 98.6 to
about 99.4 percent, a surface area per void volume of about 10 to
about 25 square centimeters per cubic centimeter, a saturation
capacity between about 55 and about 80 grams of 0.9 percent saline
solution per gram of surge member and a compression resilience in
both the wet and dry state of at least 60 percent. In addition, the
surge member of these embodiments can have a density within a range
of about 0.008-0.013 grams per cubic centimeter, as determined at a
pressure of 689 dynes per square meter (0.01 psi).
[0089] For example, in one such embodiment the surge member can
include a single layer fibrous nonwoven web having a basis weight
of about 49.8 gsm created by using a uniform mixture of 40 percent
by weight Hoechst Celanese type 224, 6.0-denier polyester staple
fibers and 60 percent by weight Chisso-type ES P, 3.0-denier by 38
millimeter polypropylene sheath/ polypropylene core bicomponent
fiber. The surge member was bonded using hot air at a temperature
of 135 degrees Celcius for approximately 4 seconds. The resultant
surge member has a void volume of about 84 cubic centimeters per
gram of surge member, a SA/VV value of about 20 square centimeters
per cubic centimeter, a porosity of about 98.9%, a permeability of
about 9,256 darcy, a saturation capacity of about 59 gm/gm, a wet
compression resilience of about 76%, and a dry compression
resilience of about 76%.
[0090] As another example, the surge member can comprise a
substantially homogeneous single-layer fibrous nonwoven web having
a basis weight of 51.9 gsm and created by using 20 percent by
weight Hoechst Celanese type 295, 6.0-denier polyester fibers; 20
percent by weight Hoechst Celanese type 183, 1.5 denier polyester
fibers and 60 percent by weight BASF 3.0-denier polyethylene
sheath/polyester core bicomponent fibers. The homogeneous blend of
fibers is bonded together using hot air at a temperature of 135
degrees Celcius for approximately 4 seconds. The resultant surge
member has a void volume of about 110 cubic centimeters per gram of
surge member, a SA/VV value of about 16.2 square centimers per
cubic centimeter, a porosity of about 99.3%, a permeability of
about 13,189 darcy, a saturation capacity of about 79 gm/gm, a wet
compression resilience of about 73%, and a dry compression
resilience of about 70%.
[0091] In another embodiment, the surge member may be suitably
constructed of a through-air-bonded-carded web of a homogeneous
blend of 60 percent 3 denier bicomponent fiber including a
polyester core/polyethylene sheath (commercially available from
Kosa Corporation of Houston, Tex., U.S.A. under the designation
T-256), and 40 percent 6 denier type polyester fiber (commercially
available from Kosa Corporation under the designation T-295).
[0092] Additional details regarding suitable surge member
constructions and techniques for determining the above-described
parameters are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
206,986 of C. Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled, FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB
SURGE LAYER FOR PERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND THE LIKE, and
filed Mar. 4, 1994 (Attorney docket No. 11, 256); and in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 206,069 of C. Ellis and R. Everett,
entitled, IMPROVED SURGE MANAGEMENT FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB FOR
PERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND THE LIKE, and filed Mar. 4,
1994 (Attorney docket No. 11,387). The disclosures of these
documents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that
they are consistent herewith.
[0093] In other embodiments, the flow control member 301 may be
other than a surge member and may contain absorbent material, such
as the superabsorbent material described previously herein in
connection with the absorbent body 47 construction, whereby the
flow control member is capable of absorbing and retaining at least
a portion of the liquid received in the surge chamber 295 during a
surge or gush of liqud. The flow control member 301 may also
contain absorbent fibers, such as wood pulp fibers.
[0094] The flow control member 301 is suitably sized such that it
occupies a space within the surge chamber 295 (when the flow
control member is dry) having a volume in the range of about 2
percent to about 100 percent of the total volume of the surge
chamber, and more suitably in the range of about 5 percent to about
50 percent. It is contemplated that providing a relatively larger
flow control member 301 within the surge chamber 295 imparts
increased shape resilience to the containment flap 223. That is,
the flow control member 301 facilitates the containment flap
regaining its functional shape following compression (e.g., caused
by normal usage such as sitting, walking, etc.) of the containment
flap. Moreover, the flow control member 301 is shown in FIG. 6 as
being generally rectangular in cross-section and laying flat at the
base 274 of the flap 223 (e.g., the bottom of the surge chamber
295) in superposed relationship with the liner 245. However, it is
contemplated that the flow control member 301 may be other than
rectangular in cross-section, such as triangular in general
correspondence with the shape of the surge chamber 295 as shown in
the embodiment of FIG. 7, L-shaped, inverted V-shaped, square,
ovate, circular, semi-circular, trapezoidal, or other suitable
shape without departing from the scope of this invention. The flow
control member 301 may also be tubular, e.g., having a
longitudinally extending channel (not shown) therein to facilitate
longitudinal transport of liquid within the flow control member
(and hence the surge chamber 295).
[0095] It is also contemplated that the flow control member 301 may
be oriented other than to lay flat at the base of the surge chamber
295, such as being oriented in generally superposed relationship
with a portion or all of the flap outer layer 281, in generally
superposed relationship with a portion or all of the medial surface
269 of the flap inner layer 267, a combination thereof or a
combination of one or both of the above along with laying flat at
the base of the surge chamber, such as is the case with the
triangular shaped flow control member illustrated in FIG. 7. For
example, an L-shaped flow control member (not shown) may have a
generally horizontal portion overlaying the liner 245 within the
surge chamber 295 at the base of the flap 223 and a vertical
portion extending up along the flap outer layer 281 within the
surge chamber.
[0096] The flow control member 301 is illustrated in FIG. 6 as
being secured to the portion of the flap outer layer 281 that is
secured to the medial region 277 of the liner 245, such as by being
bonded to the flap outer layer by suitable adhesive 305. It is
contemplated that the flow control member 301 may also, or may
instead, be secured directly to the medial region 277 of the liner
245. Alternatively, or additionally, the flow control member 301
may be secured to the flap outer layer 281 and/or to the medial
surface 269 of the flap inner layer 267, or the flow control member
may be otherwise unsecured within the surge chamber 295. It is also
contemplated that the flow control member 301 may extend only
partially along the height of the surge chamber 295, and/or the
flow control member may comprise two or more discrete structures
arranged intermittently along the height of the surge chamber
(e.g., secured to the flap outer layer or the flap inner
layer).
[0097] It is further understood that the liner 245 need not be
disposed between the surge chamber 295 and the absorbent body 47,
whereby the flow control member 301 within the surge chamber
direcly overlays the portion of the absorbent body lying beneath
the containment flap 223, and remain within the scope of this
invention.
[0098] FIG. 8 illustrates training pants 321 incorporating
containment flaps 323 of a fourth embodiment of the present
invention. The containment flaps 323 are substantially similar to
those shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, in that they include a
flap inner layer 367 having medial and lateral surfaces 369, 371,
and an outer layer 381. The flap outer layer 381 extends in opposed
relation with the medial surface 369 of the flap inner layer 367
and is secured thereto, such as by a suitable adhesive 391, to
define a seam 392 between the flap outer layer and the medial
surface of the flap inner layer generally at the distal end 379 of
the flap 323. The flap outer layer 381 of the containment flap 323
of the embodiment of FIG. 8 is secured to the liner 345 generally
at the base 374 of the flap 323. More particularly, the flap outer
layer 381 is tucked between the liner 345 and the medial surface
369 of the flap inner layer 367 at the base 374 of the flap 323 and
is secured to the liner and the flap inner layer, such as by being
bonded thereto by respective suitable adhesives 393, 397 to broadly
define a second seam 399 of the flap outer layer and the medial
surface of the flap inner layer.
[0099] As in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the width of the portion of
the flap outer layer 381 extending between the seams 392, 399 is
substantially greater than the width of the flap inner layer 367,
or at least about equal thereto, so that this portion of the flap
outer layer hangs generally loosely down along the medial surface
369 of the flap inner layer between the seams 392, 399 to define a
surge chamber 395 between this portion of the flap outer layer and
the medial surface of the flap inner layer for receiving liquid
body waste.
[0100] In this embodiment, a flow control member, generally
indicated at 401, is disposed within the surge chamber 395 to
control the flow of liquid from the surge chamber through the liner
345 into the absorbent body 47. The flow control member 401 may be
constructed substantially the same as the flow control member 301
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and/or described previously herein. For
example, the flow control member 401 in the illustrated embodiment
is generally rectangular in cross-section and lies generally flat
at the base 374 of the flap 323 (e.g., at the bottom of the surge
chamber 395). However, it is understood that the flow control
member 401 may be oriented to extend generally vertically within
the surge chamber 395 and be generally ovate, or elliptical in
cross-section as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 to generally
correspond to the shape of the surge chamber. It is also understood
that the flow control member 401 may be generally other suitable
shapes as described previously that may or may not correspond
generally to the shape of the surge chamber 395.
[0101] The flow control member 401 of the illustrated embodiments
of FIGS. 8 and 9 is secured to the portion of the flap outer layer
381 that is secured to the liner 345, such as by being bonded to
the flap outer layer by suitable adhesive 405. However, it is
understood that the flow control member 401 may instead, or may
additionally, be secured directly to the liner 345. Alternatively,
or additionally, the flow control member may be secured to the flap
inner layer 367, or it may be free from securement within the surge
chamber 395, without departing from the scope of this
invention.
[0102] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained. When introducing elements of the present
invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a",
"an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or
more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and
"having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be
additional elements other than the listed elements.
[0103] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
* * * * *