U.S. patent application number 10/815918 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for disposable absorbent article having refastenable side seams and a wetness sensation member.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Patel, Ken K., Vargo, Deborah A..
Application Number | 20050222546 10/815918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34964968 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050222546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vargo, Deborah A. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2005 |
Disposable absorbent article having refastenable side seams and a
wetness sensation member
Abstract
A disposable absorbent article including features facilitating
toilet training of a wearer. A wetness sensation member provides a
wetness sensation on the wearer's skin upon urination. Highlighting
that is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article
may be associatively correlated with the concept of toilet training
and indicates the presence of the wetness sensation member in the
article while providing a visual reference and topic for
conversation relevant to toilet training. Refastenable side seams
enable the configuration, application, and removal of the article
as a pair of training pants or as a diaper, while providing an
appearance like training pants when the article is worn and
allowing easy inspection of the interior of the article without the
necessity of pulling the article downward. The synergistic effect
of each feature in combination with one or more of the other
features enhances the usefulness of the article in toilet
training.
Inventors: |
Vargo, Deborah A.; (Wyoming,
OH) ; Patel, Ken K.; (Mason, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
34964968 |
Appl. No.: |
10/815918 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/361 ;
604/391 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/53717 20130101;
A61F 13/42 20130101; A61F 13/565 20130101; A61F 13/15 20130101;
A61F 13/53704 20130101; A61F 2013/8497 20130101; A61F 13/551
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/361 ;
604/391 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/15 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso
of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed
article side edges extending between a laterally extending first
waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second
waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a
crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent
article comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet attached to the
backsheet and haying a body-facing surface; an absorbent core
disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet; at least one
wetness sensation member including a water-permeable body-facing
layer covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow control
layer disposed between the water-permeable body-facing layer and
the absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the
water-permeable body-facing layer and having two laterally opposed
flow control layer side edges, at least a portion of each of the
two flow control layer side edges being disposed laterally inwardly
of the article side edges; and at least one refastenable side seam
at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or
adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening,
the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening
component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of
fastening to the opposing waist region, wherein urine deposited by
the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through
the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from
the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer
retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation
member in the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in
an x-y plane such that the wearers awareness of urination is
enhanced.
2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the primary
fastening component is a mechanical fastener.
3. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the
refastenable side seam comprises at least one discrete mating
fastening component with which the primary fastening component is
adapted to engage.
4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the
refastenable side seam is adapted to fasten the opposing waist
regions together in an overlapped configuration and comprises at
least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten
respective overlapped portions of the opposing waist regions
together adjacent to the primary fastening component.
5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 4 wherein the primary
fastening component is a mechanical fastener and the secondary
fastening component is an adhesive.
6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 further comprising a
visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness sensation
member in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at
least when viewing the body-facing surface Of the topsheet to
facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training of the
wearer.
7. The disposable absorbent article of claim 6 wherein the visible
highlighting comprises at least one area of the flow control layer
of the wetness sensation member including a graphic visibly
differing in coloration from the topsheet.
8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 6 wherein the visible
highlighting is associatively correlated with the concept of
urinary toilet training.
9. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso
of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed
article side edges extending between a laterally extending first
waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second
waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a
crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent
article comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet attached to the
backsheet and having a body-facing surface; an absorbent core
disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet; at least one
wetness sensation member comprising a water-permeable portion of
the topsheet covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow
control layer disposed between the water-permeable portion of the
topsheet and the absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with
the water-permeable portion of the topsheet and having two
laterally opposed flow control layer side edges, at least a portion
of each of the two flow control layer side edges being disposed
laterally inwardly of the article side edges; and at least one
refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are
fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges
to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at
least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist
regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist
region, wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the wetness
sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable portion
of the topsheet in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow
control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the
urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction and
supports the movement of the urine in an x-y plane such that the
wearer's awareness of urination is enhanced.
10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9 further comprising
a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness
sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being
visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the
topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training
of the wearer.
11. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9 comprising a
plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and
spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one
another.
12. The disposable absorbent article of claim 11 wherein the
topsheet comprises two longitudinally extending oppositely facing
Z-folds parallel to the longitudinal axis and the flow control
layer of each of the respective wetness sensation members is
disposed within a respective one of the two Z-folds.
13. The disposable absorbent article of claim 12 wherein the two
Z-folds further comprise two longitudinally extending elastic
members disposed along the two flow control layers.
14. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso
of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed
article side edges extending between a laterally extending first
waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second
waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a
crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent
article comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet attached to the
backsheet; an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet
and the topsheet; at least one wetness sensation member including a
water-permeable body-facing layer covering a portion of the
absorbent core and a flow control layer disposed between the
water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core in a
face-to-face arrangement with the water-permeable body-facing
layer, no portion of the water-permeable body-facing layer
extending longitudinally or transversely beyond the flow control
layer; and at least one refastenable side seam at which the
opposing waist regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one
of the article side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable
side seam comprising at least a primary fastening component
disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of fastening
to the opposing waist region, wherein urine deposited by the wearer
onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the
water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the
wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer retards
the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in
the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in an x-y
plane such that the wearer's awareness of urination is
enhanced.
15. The disposable absorbent article of claim 14 comprising a
plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and
spaced apart from the longitudinal axis, no portion of the
water-permeable body-facing layer of each of the respective wetness
sensation members extending longitudinally or transversely beyond
the respective flow control layer.
16. The disposable absorbent article of claim 14 further comprising
a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness
sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being
visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the
topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training
of the wearer.
17. A package comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent
articles for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer, each of the
disposable absorbent articles having a longitudinal axis, two
laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally
extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally
extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second
waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, and
comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet attached to the backsheet and
having a body-facing surface; an absorbent core disposed
intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet; at least one wetness
sensation member including a water-permeable body-facing layer
covering a portion of the absorbent core and a flow control layer
disposed between the water-permeable body-facing layer and the
absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the
water-permeable body-facing layer and having two laterally opposed
flow control layer side edges, at least a portion of each of the
two flow control layer side edges being disposed laterally inwardly
of the article side edges; and at least one refastenable side seam
at which the opposing waist regions are fastened together at or
adjacent to one of the article side edges to form a leg opening,
the refastenable side seam comprising at least a primary fastening
component disposed in one of the waist regions and being capable of
fastening to the opposing waist region, wherein urine deposited by
the wearer onto the wetness sensation member can penetrate through
the water-permeable body-facing layer in a z-direction away from
the wearer to the flow control layer and the flow control layer
retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation
member in the z-direction and supports the movement of the urine in
an x-y plane such that the wearer's awareness of urination is
enhanced.
18. The package of claim 17 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles is configured such that the refastenable side
scam is fastened.
19. The package of claim 17 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles further comprises a visible highlighting
indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the
disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when
viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an
opportunity for urinary toilet timing of the wearer.
20. The package of claim 17 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles further comprises at least one secondary
fastening component adapted to fasten respective portions of the
opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening
component, the secondary fastening component being fastened and the
primary fastening component being open.
21. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso
of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, two laterally opposed
article side edges extending between a laterally extending first
waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally extending second
waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a
crotch region between the waist regions, the disposable absorbent
article comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet attached to the
backsheet and having a body-facing surface; an absorbent core
disposed intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet; at least one
wetness sensation member including a flow control layer disposed
between a water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core;
and at least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist
regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article
side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam
comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one
of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing
waist region, wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the
wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable
body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow
control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the
urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction.
22. The disposable absorbent article of claim 21 wherein the
primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener.
23. The disposable absorbent article of claim 21 wherein the
refastenable side seam comprises at least one discrete mating
fastening component with which the primary fastening component is
adapted to engage.
24. The disposable absorbent article of claim 21 wherein the
refastenable side seam is adapted to fasten the opposing waist
regions together in an overlapped configuration and comprises at
least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten
respective overlapped portions of the opposing waist regions
together adjacent to the primary fastening component.
25. The disposable absorbent article of claim 24 wherein the
primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener and the
secondary fastening component is an adhesive.
26. The disposable absorbent article of claim 21 further comprising
a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the wetness
sensation member in the disposable absorbent article and being
visible at least when viewing the body-facing surface of the
topsheet to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training
of the wearer.
27. The disposable absorbent article of claim 21 comprising a
plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and
spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one
another.
28. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about a lower torso
of a wearer and having a longitudinal axis, a body-facing surface,
two laterally opposed article side edges extending between a
laterally extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a
laterally extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing
second waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions,
the disposable absorbent article comprising: a backsheet; a
topsheet attached to the backsheet; at least one flow control
layer; an absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and
the topsheet, at least a portion of the absorbent core being
disposed between the flow control layer and the backsheet; and at
least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist
regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article
side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam
comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one
of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing
waist region, wherein the flow control layer retards flow in a z
direction of urine deposited by the wearer into the disposable
absorbent article.
29. The disposable absorbent article of claim 28 wherein the
primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener.
30. The disposable absorbent article of claim 28 wherein the
refastenable side seam comprises at least one discrete mating
fastening component with which the primary fastening component is
adapted to engage.
31. The disposable absorbent article of claim 28 wherein the
refastenable side seam is adapted to fasten the opposing waist
regions together in an overlapped configuration and comprises at
least one secondary fastening component adapted to fasten
respective overlapped portions of the opposing waist regions
together adjacent to the primary fastening component.
32. The disposable absorbent article of claim 31 wherein the
primary fastening component is a mechanical fastener and the
secondary fastening component is an adhesive.
33. The disposable absorbent article of claim 28 further comprising
a visible highlighting indicating a presence of the flow control
layer in the disposable absorbent article and being visible at
least when viewing the body-facing surface.
34. The disposable absorbent article of claim 28 comprising a
plurality of the wetness sensation members disposed parallel to and
spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from one
another.
35. A package comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent
articles for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer, each of the
disposable absorbent articles having a longitudinal axis, two
laterally opposed article side edges extending between a laterally
extending first waist edge in a first waist region and a laterally
extending second waist edge in a longitudinally opposing second
waist region, and a crotch region between the waist regions, and
comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet attached to the backsheet and
having a body-facing surface; an absorbent core disposed
intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet; at least one wetness
sensation member including a flow control layer disposed between a
water-permeable body-facing layer and the absorbent core; and at
least one refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist
regions are fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article
side edges to form a leg opening, the refastenable side scam
comprising at least a primary fastening component disposed in one
of the waist regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing
waist region, wherein urine deposited by the wearer onto the
wetness sensation member can penetrate through the water-permeable
body-facing layer in a z-direction away from the wearer to the flow
control layer and the flow control layer retards the passage of the
urine through the wetness sensation member in the z-direction.
36. The package of claim 35 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles is configured such that the refastenable side
seam is fastened.
37. The package of claim 35 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles further comprises a visible highlighting
indicating a presence of the wetness sensation member in the
disposable absorbent article and being visible at least when
viewing the body-facing surface of the topsheet to facilitate an
opportunity for urinary toilet training of the wearer.
38. The package of claim 35 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles further comprises at least one secondary
fastening component adapted to fasten respective portions of the
opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening
component, the secondary fastening component being fastened and the
primary fastening component being open.
39. A package comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent
articles for wearing about a lower torso of a wearer, each of the
disposable absorbent articles having a longitudinal axis, a
body-facing surface, two laterally opposed article side edges
extending between a laterally extending first waist edge in a first
waist region and a laterally extending second waist edge in a
longitudinally opposing second waist region, and a crotch region
between the waist regions, and comprising: a backsheet; a topsheet
attached to the backsheet; at least one flow control layer; an
absorbent core disposed intermediate the backsheet and the
topsheet, at least a portion of the absorbent core being disposed
between the flow control layer and the backsheet; and at least one
refastenable side seam at which the opposing waist regions are
fastened together at or adjacent to one of the article side edges
to form a leg opening, the refastenable side seam comprising at
least a primary fastening component disposed in one of the waist
regions and being capable of fastening to the opposing waist
region, wherein the flow control layer retards flow in a z
direction of urine deposited by the wearer into the disposable
absorbent article.
40. The package of claim 39 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles is configured such that the refastenable side
seam is fastened.
41. The package of claim 39 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles further comprises a visible highlighting
indicating a presence of the flow control layer in the disposable
absorbent article and being visible at least when viewing the
body-facing surface.
42. The package of claim 39 wherein each of the disposable
absorbent articles further comprises at least one secondary
fastening component adapted to fasten respective portions of the
opposing waist regions together adjacent to the primary fastening
component, the secondary fastening component being fastened and the
primary fastening component being open.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is applicable to disposable absorbent
articles including diapers, training pants, pull-on diapers,
incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments, absorbent inserts,
diaper holders and liners, and the like. This invention is
particularly related to disposable absorbent articles that are
specially adapted for use in urinary toilet training.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When wearing a typical modern disposable absorbent article,
a child may have dry skin even after one or more occurrences of
urination. As a result, the child may feel little or no discomfort
and often may not even be aware that he or she has urinated.
However, having the child feel discomfort following urination in
his or her "pants" may assist with learning and/or provide
motivation to learn to voluntarily retain urine. It is possible to
use cloth training pants that leave the skin wet and, due to their
high breathability, promote evaporative cooling of the skin,
further enhancing discomfort. However, cloth training pants have
poor urine containment, often leading to wet clothing and wet
surroundings, e.g., carpeting, furniture, etc.
[0003] Disposable absorbent training pants successfully address the
need to prevent soiling of the wearer's clothing and surroundings.
These products are particularly appealing to caregivers and are
useful in the toilet training process because the pants have a very
garment-like look. Children identify disposable absorbent article
products with babies and often do not like being identified with or
as babies. Consequently, children of toilet training age often do
not want to wear baby disposable absorbent articles, and instead
prefer to wear training pants that look like adult underwear. Thus,
the switch from a traditional disposable absorbent article to more
garment-like or underwear-like training pants can be an important
step in the toilet training process.
[0004] Current training pants are typically limited to being pulled
on like a pair of pants because the side seams are permanently
bonded. However, in the context of toilet training, a product that
can be opened and refastened at the side seams may be particularly
useful because this capability permits the interior of the product
to be easily inspected without having to pull the product downward.
Thus, a caregiver can easily and quickly check for wetting while
choosing either to describe to the child what he or she is doing in
order to remind the child of the intention of toilet training or to
check without interrupting the child's current activity. When
choosing to involve the child and finding that the interior of the
article is still dry, the caregiver can praise the child for not
wetting the disposable absorbent article "like a baby" and instead
behaving "like a big kid". The caregiver can also invite the child
to observe and/or to feel the interior of the article as a way of
reinforcing the notion that a dry interior is desirable. In
addition, if the article includes a feature that provides a wetness
sensation upon urination and that is visibly highlighted in the
interior of the article, the caregiver can point out the visible
highlighting to the child when inspecting the interior in order to
further reinforce the concept of toilet training. Thus,
refastenable side seams may provide significant synergistic
benefits in combination with other features related to the
article's use in toilet training, particularly a wetness sensation
feature and especially one that is visibly highlighted.
[0005] Thus, it would be desirable to provide an article that can
facilitate urinary toilet training by enhancing a wearer's
awareness that urination has occurred by ensuring that the wearer
feels an uncomfortable wetness sensation resulting from urination.
It would also be desirable to visibly highlight the presence in the
article of the feature that provides this wetness sensation to
facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training. In addition,
it would be desirable to provide a disposable absorbent article
that provides the garment-like look of training pants and includes
refastenable side seams to allow for easy inspection of the
interior of the article without the necessity of pulling the
article downward to gain access.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A disposable absorbent article including features
facilitating toilet training of a wearer is provided. A wetness
sensation member provides a wetness sensation on the wearer's skin
upon urination. Highlighting that is visible when viewing a
body-facing surface of the article may be associatively correlated
with the concept of toilet training and indicates the presence of
the wetness sensation member in the article while providing a
visual reference and topic for conversation relevant to toilet
training. Refastenable side seams enable the configuration,
application, and removal of the article as a pair of training pants
or as a diaper, while providing an appearance like training pants
when the article is worn and allowing easy inspection of the
interior of the article without the necessity of pulling the
article downward. The synergistic effect of each feature in
combination with one or more of the other features enhances the
usefulness of the article in toilet training.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the accompanying drawing figures, like reference numerals
identify like elements, which may or may not be identical in the
several exemplary embodiments that are depicted. Some of the
figures may have been simplified by the omission of selected
elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements.
Such omissions of elements in some figures are not necessarily
indicative of the presence or absence of particular elements in any
of the exemplary embodiments, except as may be explicitly
delineated in the corresponding written description.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable disposable absorbent
article.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a wetness sensation
member according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article
having a wetness sensation member disposed on a body-facing
surface.
[0011] FIG. 3b is a cross sectional view of the disposable
absorbent article shown in FIG. 3a illustrating the layers of the
wetness sensation member.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a pull-on disposable
absorbent article illustrating the attachment of the wetness
sensation member.
[0013] FIG. 5a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article
having a wetness sensation member integrated with the topsheet.
[0014] FIG. 5b is a cross sectional view of the disposable
absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 5a.
[0015] FIG. 6a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article
having two wetness sensation members integrated with the topsheet
and disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the longitudinal
axis with an elongated slit opening interposed therebetween.
[0016] FIG. 6b is a cross sectional view of the disposable
absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 6a.
[0017] FIG. 7a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article
having a Z-folded topsheet with two wetness sensation members
integrated with the topsheet and disposed in the Z-folds in the
topsheet.
[0018] FIG. 7b is a cross sectional view of the disposable
absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 7a.
[0019] FIG. 8a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article
with barrier leg cuffs including wetness sensation members
integrated with the barrier leg cuffs.
[0020] FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view of the disposable
absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 8a.
[0021] FIG. 9a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article
with an alternative form of barrier leg cuffs including wetness
sensation members integrated with the barrier leg cuffs.
[0022] FIG. 9b is a cross sectional view of the disposable
absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 9a.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable
absorbent article 20, which is shown in its relaxed, contracted
state, i.e., with the contraction induced by elastic members. In
FIG. 10, the interior portion of the article 20 that faces inwardly
toward the wearer and contacts the wearer is shown facing
upward.
[0024] FIG. 11 is another perspective view similarly oriented.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the refastenable side
seam 40 shown in an open condition in FIG. 11, showing the side
seam in a fastened condition.
[0026] FIG. 13 is another perspective view oriented similarly to
the views of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, showing an alternative form of
secondary fastening component.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
refastenable side seam 40 shown in an open condition.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the refastenable side
seam 40 of FIG. 14 shown in a fastened condition.
[0029] FIG. 16 is perspective view of an exemplary disposable
absorbent article 20, which is shown in its relaxed, contracted
state, i.e., with the contraction induced by elastic members. In
FIG. 16, the interior portion of the article 20 that faces inwardly
toward the wearer and contacts the wearer is shown facing
upward.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Definitions
[0031] As used herein, the following terms have the following
meanings:
[0032] The term "absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs
and contains liquid, and more specifically, refers to a device that
is placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to
absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the
body.
[0033] The term "disposable" refers to absorbent articles that
generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or
reused as absorbent articles, i.e., they are intended to be
discarded after a single use and, preferably, to be recycled,
composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible
manner.
[0034] The term "unitary" refers to an absorbent article that is
formed of separate parts united together to form a coordinated
entity so as to not require separate manipulative parts like a
separate holder and liner.
[0035] The term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally
worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso and
having the general form of a sheet, different portions of which are
fastened together to encircle the waist and the legs of the
wearer.
[0036] The term "training pants" refers to an absorbent article
generally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower
torso and having the general form of a pair of short pants that can
be applied or removed from the wearer without unfastening.
[0037] The term "refastenable" refers to the property of two
elements being capable of releasable attachment, separation, and
subsequent releasable reattachment without substantial permanent
deformation or rupture.
[0038] The terms "releasably attached," "releasably engaged", and
variations thereof refer to two elements being connected or
connectable such that the elements tend to remain connected absent
a separation force applied to one or both of the elements, and the
elements being capable of separation without substantial permanent
deformation or rupture. The required separation force is typically
beyond that encountered while wearing the absorbent garment.
[0039] The term "toilet training" refers to the development of
continence, which is the ability to voluntarily retain one's urine
and feces. Individuals who are incontinent are unable to
voluntarily retain their bodily discharges and, instead, urinate
and defecate reflexively. For example, newborn babies are
incontinent. Coincident with the development of continence,
children typically develop the ability to voluntarily urinate and
defecate, and cease reflexive elimination. This development of
continence and of voluntary elimination, in place of reflexive
elimination, may be accelerated and/or guided by caregivers through
associative and conditioning techniques of training the child. For
the purpose of the present invention, the term "toilet training" is
used to denote training both for continence, itself, and for the
voluntary elimination that is associated with continence. It is
also noted that the term "toilet training" is synonymous with the
term "potty training".
[0040] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction running
parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article and
includes directions within .+-.45.degree. of the longitudinal
direction.
[0041] The term "lateral" or "transverse" refers to a direction
running at a 90 degree angle to the longitudinal direction and
includes directions within .+-.45.degree. of the lateral
direction.
[0042] The term "x-y plane" refers to the generally planar
structure of a sheet material defined by its length and width and
lies between the sheet material's two major surfaces regardless of
whether or not the sheet material is flat or curved.
[0043] The term "z-direction" refers to the direction through the
thickness of a sheet material and generally orthogonal to the x-y
plane.
[0044] The term "disposed" refers to an element being attached and
positioned in a particular place or position in a unitary structure
with other elements.
[0045] The term "attached" refers to elements being connected or
united by fastening, adhering, bonding, etc. by any method suitable
for the elements being attached together and their constituent
materials. Many suitable methods for attaching elements together
are well-known, including adhesive bonding, pressure bonding,
thermal bonding, mechanical fastening, etc. Such attachment methods
may be used to attach elements together over a particular area
either continuously or intermittently.
[0046] The term "cohesive" refers to the property of a material
that sticks to itself but does not to any significant degree stick
to other materials.
[0047] The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer respectively to the
location of an element relatively near to or far from the center of
a structure, e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extending
element is located nearer to the longitudinal axis than the distal
edge of the same element is located relative to the same
longitudinal axis.
[0048] The terms "interior" and "exterior" refer respectively to
the location of an element that is intended to be placed against or
toward the body of a wearer when an absorbent article is worn and
the location of an element that is intended to be placed against or
toward any clothing that is worn over the absorbent article.
Synonyms for "interior" and "exterior" include, respectively,
"inner" and "outer", as well as "inside" and "outside". Also, when
the absorbent article is oriented such that its interior faces
upward, e.g., when it is laid out in preparation for setting the
wearer on top of it, synonyms include "upper" and "lower" and "top"
and "bottom", respectively.
[0049] The terms "water-permeable" and "water-impermeable" refer to
the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage
of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term
"water-permeable" refers to a layer or a layered structure having
pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that permit
liquid water to pass through its thickness in the absence of a
forcing pressure. Conversely, the term "water-impermeable" refers
to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which
liquid water cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure. A
layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to
this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be
"water vapor-permeable". Such a water vapor-permeable layer or
layered structure is commonly known in the art as "breathable". As
is well known in the art, a common method for measuring the
permeability to water of the materials typically used in absorbent
articles is a hydrostatic pressure test, also called a hydrostatic
head test or simply a "hydrohead" test. Suitable well known
compendial methods for hydrohead testing are approved by INDA
(formerly the International Nonwovens and Disposables Association,
now The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) and EDANA
(European Disposables And Nonwovens Association).
[0050] The term "retard" refers to the hindrance or the prevention
of the flow of liquid water. In the context of the term "flow
control layer", both terms together refer to the fact that
different layers in a layered structure may be water-permeable, yet
differ in the respective flow rates at which they permit liquid
water, and likewise bodily wastes that are aqueous in nature, to
pass through their respective thicknesses. For example, a layer
containing capillary channels and through whose thickness liquid
water wicks in the absence of any forcing pressure is considered to
be water-permeable. However, the flow rate at which liquid water
can pass through the thickness of such a layer may be lower than
the flow rate at which liquid water can pass through the thickness
of a layer containing holes that are too large to act as capillary
channels. Similarly, two layers both containing capillary channels
and through whose thicknesses liquid water wicks in the absence of
any forcing pressure are both considered to be water-permeable.
However, the capillary channels in one of the layers may differ in
size from those in the other layer or may be more numerous than
those in the other layer, such that the wicking flow rate of liquid
water through the one layer may be greater than that through the
other layer. Thus, in a layered structure, one layer serving as a
flow control layer may retard the passage of liquid water through
the thickness of the layered structure, relative to the greater
flow rate at which another of the layers would permit the passage
of the liquid water through its thickness in the absence of the
flow control layer. It is noted that when the flow control layer is
water-impermeable, it effectively prevents the passage of liquid
water through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure,
i.e., the prevention of the passage of liquid water is included
within the meaning of the term "retard".
[0051] The term "visible" refers to the quality of being capable of
being seen by the naked eye under conditions of normal room
lighting or in natural light during the daytime. Becoming "more
visible" or "less visible" means changing in visibility to a
noticeable extent when viewed under a generally constant or equal
lighting condition.
[0052] The term "visible highlighting" refers to the visible
differentiation of an object such that it noticeably stands out
from its surroundings, e.g., by differing in coloration, hue, or
tint, by differing in lightness, darkness, or contrast, by
differing due to the presence or absence of graphical or solid
color forms, or by any other variation serving to create noticeable
visible differentiation.
[0053] The term "coloring" refers to the effect produced by
applying or combining colors in and/or on an object or a portion of
an object.
[0054] The term "coloration" refers to the arrangement or degree of
coloring especially when used to visibly differentiate an object or
a portion of an object in order to visibly highlight it.
[0055] The term "solid coloring" refers to the unbroken, i.e.,
uninterrupted, coloring of an area as contrasted with the discrete
line-like form of some graphics.
[0056] The term "graphic" refers to a product of graphic art or a
graphic representation in a pictorial form.
[0057] The term "associative correlation" refers to establishing a
mutual or reciprocal relation between the visible highlighting and
that with which it is being associatively correlated so that an
association, i.e. a mental connection or bond, is formed between
the two. This term is used in the context of associatively
correlating the respective visible forms of the visible
highlighting and an externally visible marking in or on the
absorbent article as well as in the context of associatively
correlating the visible highlighting with the concept of urinary
toilet training, For example, associatively correlated graphics may
serve in concert to draw attention to an opportunity for urinary
toilet training when an absorbent article is viewed prior to its
being worn, to provide an externally visible reminder of the
presence of the wetness sensation member in the interior of the
absorbent article while it is being worn, etc. Similarly, visible
highlighting that provides a visual reference to a topic related to
urinary toilet training, such as dryness, wetness, or protection
from wetness, may serve to associatively correlate the visible
highlighting to the concept of urinary toilet training and thereby
facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training.
[0058] The terms "interactively interrelated", "interactively
unrelated", "related in subject matter", "unrelated in subject
matter", and "related by a common story line" are intended to have
the same meanings as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,424 issued to Olson et
al. on 2 Oct. 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,797 issued to Olson, et al.
on 21 Oct. 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,307,119 issued to Cammarota et
al. on 23 Oct. 2001.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary disposable absorbent
article 20 in its flat out, uncontracted state, i.e., without
elastic-induced contraction, with portions of the structure being
cut away to more clearly show the underlying structure of the
disposable absorbent article 20 and with the portion of the
disposable absorbent article 20 which contacts the wearer facing
the viewer. The disposable absorbent article 20 has a longitudinal
axis 42 and a transverse axis 44. One end portion of the disposable
absorbent article 20 is configured as a first waist region 36 of
the disposable absorbent article 20. The opposite end portion is
configured as a second waist region 38 of the disposable absorbent
article 20. The waist regions 36 and 38 generally comprise those
portions of the disposable absorbent article 20 which, when worn,
encircle the waist of the wearer. The waist regions 36 and 38 may
include elastic elements such that they gather about the waist of
the wearer to provide improved fit and containment. An intermediate
portion of the disposable absorbent article 20 is configured as a
crotch region 37, which extends longitudinally between the first
and second waist regions 36 and 38. The crotch region 37 is that
portion of the disposable absorbent article 20 which, when the
disposable absorbent article 20 is worn, is generally positioned
between the legs of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article 20
has a laterally extending first waist edge 136 in the first waist
region 36 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending
second waist edge 138 in the second waist region 38. The disposable
absorbent article 20 has a first side edge 137 and a laterally
opposing second side edge 139, both side edges extending
longitudinally between the first waist edge 136 and the second
waist edge 138. The portion of the first side edge 137 in the first
waist region 36 is designated 137a, the portion in the crotch
region 37 is designated 137b, and the portion in the second waist
region 38 is designated 137c. The corresponding portions of the
second side edge 139 are designated 139a, 139b, and 139b,
respectively.
[0060] The disposable absorbent article 20 preferably comprises a
water-permeable topsheet 24, a water-impermeable backsheet 26, and
an absorbent core 28 encased between the topsheet 24 and the
backsheet 26. The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticated
or may be foreshortened so as to provide a void space between the
topsheet 24 and the core 28 and/or to tend to draw the wetness
sensation member 50 against the skin of the wearer. Exemplary
structures including elasticized or foreshortened topsheets are
described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issued to
DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to
Freeland on Feb. 5, 1991, U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen
et al. on Aug. 6, 1991, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775 issued to
Freeland et al. on Dec. 14, 1993.
[0061] The disposable absorbent article 20 may include a variety of
features known in the art, such as outer leg cuffs, barrier leg
cuffs, front and rear ear panels, waist cap features, elastics, and
the like to provide desired fit, containment, and aesthetic
characteristics. Such additional features are well known in the art
and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,151,092, among others.
[0062] The disposable absorbent article 20 includes refastenable
side seams 40 that can be used to fasten the waist regions together
at the sides to apply the article like a diaper and that can also
be used to configure the article like a pair of pull-on training
pants, as described in more detail below.
[0063] The disposable absorbent article 20 includes a wetness
sensation member. Several suitable structures for a wetness
sensation member are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,786 issued on
30 Sep. 2003 in the name of Roe et al. An exemplary wetness
sensation member is shown in FIG. 2. The wetness sensation member
50 comprises a water-permeable body-facing layer (upper layer) 52
and a flow control layer 54 disposed in a face-to-face arrangement
with the water-permeable layer 52. The flow control layer is
preferably impermeable to liquid water but permeable to vapor so
that it is breathable. Preferably, but not necessarily, some
portion of the wetness sensation member and/or a layer to which the
wetness sensation member is attached is configured to draw the
wetness sensation member toward the skin of the wearer, such as by
being elastically foreshortened, formed to have a lesser length
than another layer disposed relatively exteriorly, etc.
[0064] During insults of urine, the water-permeable layer allows
urine to penetrate in the z-direction and also provides a medium
for the flow of urine in the x-y plane via wicking. The flow
control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness
sensation member in the z-direction, thereby expanding the wetted
area of the wetness sensation member, which preferably is held in
contact with the wearer's skin. The combination of limited
penetration in the z-direction and wicking in the x-y plane causes
the urine to spread out and effectively wet a large area before
being absorbed into the absorbent core, thereby maximizing the
wetness signal experienced by the wearer.
[0065] Exemplary water-permeable layers suitable for use in the
wetness sensation members of the present invention include
nonwovens, foams, woven materials, etc. The water-permeable layer
is preferably hydrophilic. Exemplary flow control layers suitable
for use in the wetness sensation members of the present invention
include polyolefinic films, microporous or breathable films, other
films, and hydrophobic nonwovens. Suitable hydrophobic nonwovens
include SM (spunbond meltblown), SMS (spunbond meltblown spunbond),
and SMMS (spunbond meltblown meltblown spunbond) composites.
[0066] In the absorbent articles of the present invention, visible
highlighting may be provided in the interior of the article to
indicate the presence of the wetness sensation member or members
and thereby facilitate an opportunity for the urinary toilet
training of the wearer of the article. Such visible highlighting is
described in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/697,225 filed on 30 Oct. 2003 in the name
of Davis et al. Although a wetness sensation member lacking this
visible highlighting is fully functional in terms of providing a
noticeable wetness signal to the wearer, the caregiver might
overlook or forget the possibility of capitalizing on each
opportunity for urinary toilet training if the body-facing portion
of the absorbent article presents a generally uniform appearance,
such as in absorbent articles that present a generally uniform
white appearance on their body-facing surfaces.
[0067] Furthermore, once the caregiver decides to mention urinary
toilet training to the wearer, the visible highlighting can serve
to draw the wearer's interest or can be pointed out by the
caregiver and incorporated into an explanation of the upcoming
opportunity. Thus, the visible highlighting can provide a topic for
conversation between the caregiver and the wearer on the subject of
urinary toilet training and can likewise provide a nameable object
for reference by the wearer, greatly simplifying the mental task
required of the wearer who desires to communicate his or her need
to go to the toilet or to communicate his or her improving
recognition of the wetness signal provided by the wetness sensation
member.
[0068] Even a simple solid coloring form of visible highlighting
can serve to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training,
especially when used with wearers possessing some recognition of
colors or colored forms. In addition, visible highlighting in the
form of a color or colors may facilitate the teaching of
recognition of colors and differences between colors, and the
associated learning may enhance the urinary toilet training process
in turn.
[0069] Because it is located in what may be generally termed the
laterally central region of the absorbent article, visibly
highlighting the wetness sensation member may provide additional
benefits related to the learning achieved by the wearer. For
example, a visibly highlighted wetness sensation member may provide
a line of reference for the visual separation of the two leg
openings, including their differentiation into right and left leg
openings for the respective feet to be inserted into the
corresponding leg openings. Similarly, a longitudinally oriented
visible highlighting may serve as a visual reference for the front
to back direction, both for orienting the article prior to applying
it, if done by the caregiver, or prior to donning it, if done by
the wearer. This longitudinally oriented visual reference may also
aid in the teaching of such skills as wiping one's self clean after
using the toilet by using a longitudinal motion. The concept of
something being central or "in the middle" may be taught and
learned by visual reference to the visible highlighting and this
concept may then be applied to related subjects, such as the
anatomical location of the source of urine and the corresponding
proper position in which to sit on the toilet. Thus, in the above
and similar ways, the wearer can be made more aware of his or her
own body, which may tend to enhance and facilitate the urinary
toilet training experience.
[0070] In addition, the visible highlighting can serve to enhance
the self-esteem of the wearer through a reminder that he or she is
mature enough to be engaged in urinary toilet training. This effect
can be compounded when the wearer succeeds in recognizing the need
to go to the toilet and then sees the dry condition of the visibly
highlighted wetness sensation member inside the article after
pulling it down.
[0071] The visible highlighting may be provided by means of
printing onto a surface of the wetness sensation member or one of
its layers. For example, solid coloring or a graphic may be printed
onto a surface of the flow control layer underlying the
water-permeable layer. As another example, an adhesive or a gel may
be printed onto a surface of either of the two layers. Such an
adhesive or gel may be colored differently from the surrounding
area. Alternatively, the adhesive or gel may be uncolored or may
have the same color as the surrounding area, but may still provide
visible highlighting by forming a distinctive raised area or
pattern and/or by surrounding a distinctive recessed area or
pattern.
[0072] The visible highlighting may also be provided by forming one
or more layers of the wetness sensation member of a colored
material, for example, a fibrous layer containing colored fibers, a
monolithic layer containing a dispersed or imbedded colorant, a
layer of an unbleached material that is colored in its virgin
state, and so on.
[0073] In some embodiments, the visible highlighting may be
provided by impressing or embossing the wetness sensation member or
one of it layers. The impressed, embossed, or bonded portions of
the wetness sensation member may provide a tactile sensation in
addition to visibly highlighting the presence and location of the
wetness sensation member. For instance, a raised area or a recessed
area or the combination of raised and recessed areas adjacent to
each other may be felt by the hand and, in some embodiments, may be
felt by the wearer while wearing the article. Similarly, the raised
area or pattern formed by a printed adhesive or gel, as mentioned
above, may provide such a tactile sensation. Just as with the
visible highlighting alone, the combination of visible highlighting
and this tactile sensation can serve to draw the wearer's interest
or can be pointed out by the caregiver and incorporated into an
explanation of the upcoming opportunity for urinary toilet
training.
[0074] In addition, the visible highlighting may be provided by
incorporating distinctive fibers or filaments in one or both layers
of the wetness sensation member or by distinctively orienting
fibers or filaments in one of these layers. For example, a fiber or
a filament of a distinctive color may be incorporated into the flow
control material to visibly highlight its presence and its location
in the article. Similarly, a distinctively thicker fiber or
filament may be embedded in one of the two layers and thereby form
a distinctive raised area or pattern.
[0075] If the portions of the structure of the absorbent article
surrounding the wetness sensation member are of one color, the
visible highlighting can be provided by the use of another color,
by the use of contrast, by the use of a different pattern in the
same or a similar color, or by any other method that visibly
differentiates the wetness sensation member from the surrounding
structural elements.
[0076] In some embodiments, the visible highlighting may include
more than one color, more than one difference in contrast, more
than one pattern, more than one graphic; more than one area of
solid coloring, and so on, such that all portions of this
description referring to the singular of a form of visible
highlighting are meant to include the plural, and vice versa.
[0077] The visible highlighting may include open or closed
geometric figures, a two dimensional representation of a three
dimensional object, a representation of a commonly named or
nameable shape or object, a representation of a recognizable object
used in play, and/or a representation of a character that may be
known to the wearer, such as a teddy bear, a character appearing on
a television show for children, a character appearing in a game or
a storybook for children, etc. In embodiments in which the visible
highlighting includes a variety of figures, objects, and/or
characters, the various elements of the visible highlighting may be
interactively interrelated, related by subject matter, and/or
related by a common story line. Conversely, the various elements
may be interactively unrelated, unrelated by subject matter, and/or
not related by a common story line.
[0078] When solid coloring is used, it may partially or completely
fill the area bounded by a graphic outline, appear as shading
inside or outside such a graphic outline, itself form a "filled-in"
graphic, or simply uninterruptedly occupy an area, e.g., occupy the
entire width of a layer of the wetness sensation member over all or
a portion of the corresponding length.
[0079] In some embodiments, the visible highlighting may become
more or less visible when the wetness sensation member is wetted.
In addition, the visible highlighting may change color when the
wetness sensation member is wetted. Any of these effects may be
created by the use of inks or dyes or other agents that undergo
chemical reactions or are dispersed or concentrated when wetted by
urine. In general, any of the wetness indicating compositions
commonly used in externally visible wetness indicators, such as
so-called "appearing" or "disappearing" wetness indicators that may
become more or less visible when wetted and in wetness indicators
that may change color when wetted, may be used for these versions
of visible highlighting.
[0080] It is important to note that rather than being structurally
disposed in such a way as to provide a wetness indication that is
visible from the outside of the absorbent article, any wetness
indicating compositions used for the visible highlighting of the
wetness sensation member must be visible from the body-facing
surface of the absorbent article. This different disposition
enables the caregiver to apply different techniques to the task of
urinary toilet training when using an absorbent article of the
present invention, as compared to using an absorbent article having
only a wetness indicator visible from the outside of the article.
For example, while the change in an exterior wetness indicator is
visible for all to see, any change in the visible highlighting of
an interior wetness sensation member remains "private" until either
the caregiver or the wearer peers into the absorbent article or it
is removed. Therefore, whether or not any wetting of the absorbent
article has occurred can, itself, become the focus of a playful
activity resembling a game, with the "secret" being revealed only
when the caregiver and the wearer agree to conclude the game. If
the wearer notices a sensation of wetness or merely desires to
check the condition of the "private" indication, he or she can
simply look inside the absorbent article. If the appearance of the
visible highlighting has changed, the wearer can then choose to
bring this to the attention of the caregiver in the context of
asking to go to the bathroom. In addition, because the visible
highlighting serves as a "private" indication, the wearer might be
able to detect a change in its appearance before the appearance of
any externally visible wetness indicator changes and thereby be the
first person to mention the subject of going to the toilet.
Furthermore, the provision of both visual and tactile sensations to
the wearer may serve to reinforce the tactile sensation of wetness
and thereby enhance the training effect of the wetness sensation
member. An absorbent article in which the wetting is indicated by
both a wetness sensation and a visible change in the appearance of
the visible highlighting may thus facilitate faster learning on the
part of the wearer.
[0081] Although the appearance of the visible highlighting remains
"private" until either the caregiver or the wearer peers into the
absorbent article or it is removed, the visible highlighting may be
associatively correlated in visible form with marking that is
located elsewhere in or on the absorbent article and is visible
from the outside of the absorbent article. This externally visible
marking may be permanent or may change in appearance while the
absorbent article is being worn. For example, the externally
visible marking may be an externally visible wetness indicator. By
giving the visible highlighting of the wetness sensation member a
visible form that is similar to the visible form of an externally
visible marking, an opportunity for urinary toilet training may be
enhanced. For instance, the caregiver can point out the similarity
between the externally visible marking and the "private" visible
highlighting of the wetness sensation member and ask the wearer to
remember the hidden visible highlighting every time he or she
notices the externally visible marking.
[0082] Even in embodiments in which the appearance of the visible
highlighting is not affected by its being wetted, the associative
correlation of the respective visible forms of an externally
visible marking and the visible highlighting may serve to
facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training. For example,
if both the externally visible marking and the visible highlighting
have the visible form of similar graphics, the externally visible
marking can serve to draw the wearer's interest or can be pointed
out by the caregiver and incorporated into an explanation of the
ongoing opportunity for urinary toilet training.
[0083] Such associative correlation of the respective visible forms
of an externally visible marking and the visible highlighting can
be achieved without the respective visible forms being similar, so
long as the respective visible forms are mutually related in a
recognizable way. For example, the visible forms may be related in
subject matter and/or may be related by a common story line and/or
be interactively interrelated. Even an associative correlation of a
simple solid coloring form of an externally visible marking with a
similar solid coloring form of visible highlighting can serve to
facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training, especially
when used with wearers possessing some recognition of colors or
colored forms.
[0084] Alternatively, the visible highlighting may be associatively
uncorrelated with any externally visible marking. The lack of
associative correlation may be complete or may be specific, e.g.,
the respective visible forms of the visible highlighting and the
externally visible marking may be unrelated in subject matter, not
related by a common story line, and/or interactively unrelated,
while still being associatively correlated in another way.
[0085] The visible form of the visible highlighting of the wetness
sensation member need not be associatively correlated with the
concept of urinary toilet training. However, in some embodiments,
the visible form of the visible highlighting may be associatively
correlated with the concept of urinary toilet training by, for
example, providing a visual reference to the liquid-related nature
of urinary toilet training, such as wetness, dryness, protection
from wetness, the flow of a liquid, water, et cetera, and thus may
serve to facilitate an opportunity for urinary toilet training.
[0086] The visible highlighting may emphasize dryness by depicting
the sun, fair weather clouds, a sunny day, etc., while wetness may
be referenced by a depiction of a water puddle, a cloud with
falling rain, etc. A visual reference to protection from wetness
may be provided by a depiction of an umbrella, a raincoat, a rain
hat, galoshes, a submarine, or some other object that may be
associated by the wearer with the concept of staying dry in a wet
environment.
[0087] In any of these visible forms of visible highlighting that
are associatively correlated with the concept of urinary toilet
training, a human form and/or a recognizable character may be
depicted in the visible highlighting. For example, a child may be
shown in conjunction with inanimate objects, a child may be shown
sitting on a potty chair, and/or a character from a children's
storybook or a children's television program may be shown in
similar poses, etc.
[0088] The wetness sensation member according to the present
invention may be arranged in an absorbent article in a variety of
configurations. In addition, absorbent articles may include a
single wetness sensation member or a plurality of wetness sensation
members. In any event, the wetness sensation member(s) are
preferably a part of, or attached to, an element or web, such as a
topsheet, which is reliably held against the skin of the wearer.
The wetness sensation member may extend over a portion of the
disposable absorbent article spanning less than one half of the
length of the article or else extend over a substantial part of the
article spanning more than one half the length of the article. In
addition, the wetness sensation member(s) are preferably positioned
within the absorbent article to enhance the likelihood of being
wetted with urine.
[0089] An exemplary embodiment of a disposable absorbent article 20
including a wetness sensation member 50 disposed with the topsheet
24 is illustrated in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. The wetness sensation
member in this embodiment is a separate composite member attached
to the topsheet. The wetness sensation member comprises a
water-permeable body-facing layer 52 and a flow control layer 54
disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with the body-facing layer.
The visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 3a as an exemplary
pattern of wavy lines and circles.
[0090] In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the wetness
sensation member 50 has elastic properties and includes a first
longitudinal end 70 attached to the first waist region 36 and a
second longitudinal end 72 attached to the second waist region 38.
In addition, a center portion 74 of the member 50 is preferably
attached to the crotch region 37 in order to stabilize the member
and facilitate fitting the article to the wearer, prevent
interference with bowel movements and ensure good contact with the
wearer's skin.
[0091] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, the
flow control layer 54 of the wetness sensation member 50 is
attached to the inner surface of the topsheet 24 such that a
portion of the topsheet 24 serves as the water-permeable layer 52
of the wetness sensation member 50. For this embodiment, the
topsheet 24 is preferably elastically foreshortened to deflect the
wetness sensation member 50 into contact with the wearer's skin.
Alternatively, this embodiment may include a topsheet that is
shorter in length than the backsheet, having the longitudinal ends
of the topsheet contiguous with the longitudinal ends of the
backsheet so that as the disposable absorbent article is fitted
around the wearer, the topsheet is forced into contact with the
wearer's skin. The visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 5a as
an exemplary pattern of heart shapes.
[0092] Absorbent articles according to the present invention may
include a plurality of wetness sensation members disposed on the
body-facing surface of the article. An example of an embodiment
providing a plurality of wetness sensation members is shown in FIG.
6a and FIG. 6b. Two flow control layers 54a and 54b are attached to
the bottom surface of the topsheet 24 forming two wetness sensation
members 50a and 50b. For this embodiment, the flow control layers
54a and 54b are disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent
core 28 so that the topsheet serves as the water-permeable layers
52 of the wetness sensation members. The two flow control layers
54a and 54b are disposed parallel to and spaced apart from the
longitudinal centerline 42 of the disposable absorbent article 20.
The spacing is determined to allow enough liquid to pass through to
the core so as to prevent flooding that can result in leakage of
the absorbent article during urination, while at the same time
allowing enough liquid to flow and wick toward the flow control
layers forming the wetness sensation members. The spacing between
the flow control layers can be about 10 mm but can range from about
5 mm to about 15 mm and from about 8 mm and to about 12 mm.
Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b has only two
wetness sensation members, other absorbent article embodiments
having three or more wetness sensation members are contemplated.
The visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 6a as an exemplary
pattern of oblong ovaloid shapes.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the spacing of the flow
control layers provides room for an elongated slit opening 80 in
the topsheet 24. The elongated slit opening 80 is adapted to
receive feces from the wearer and isolate the same from the
wearer's skin. The elasticized regions 82a and 82b located adjacent
to the slit opening 80 maintain alignment of the slit opening with
the wearer's anus during use. The elasticized regions may also
deflect the wetness sensation members toward the wearer's skin to
maintain contact therewith during use. Exemplary elasticized
topsheets including elongated slit openings are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,482,191 issued 19 Nov. 2002 in the name of Roe et al.
Alternatively, the flow control layers 54a and 54b of the wetness
sensation members may be elastically foreshortened to provide
benefits similar to those provided by the elasticized regions
disposed in the topsheet.
[0094] In another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7a and FIG.
7b, the topsheet 24 serves as the water-permeable layer 52 similar
to the previous embodiment. However, the flow control layers 54a
and 54b are disposed in two parallel oppositely facing Z-folds 90a
and 90b formed in the topsheet 24 along the longitudinal length of
the disposable absorbent article 20, thus forming two wetness
sensation members 50a and 50b. The Z-folded topsheet may be
attached to the underlying layers along the longitudinal edges of
the topsheet 24, thus allowing the portion of the topsheet between
the Z-folds to float freely. Longitudinally extending elastic
elements 92a and 92b are disposed along the flow control layers 54a
and 54b in order to deflect the center portion of the Z-folded
topsheet away from the absorbent core 28. The elastic elements may
be disposed along the outer edges of the flow control layers 54a
and 54b as shown in FIG. 7b, or alternatively, may be disposed in a
face-to-face arrangement with the flow control layers. The
combination of the Z-folded topsheet and the elastic elements
maintains the wetness sensation members in contact with the
wearer's skin in the event that the disposable absorbent article
sags or fits loosely around the wearer. The visible highlighting
200 is shown in FIG. 7a as an exemplary pattern of star shapes.
[0095] In order to prevent the portion of the topsheet between the
Z-folds from being forced into the gluteal groove and from
interfering with the barrier leg cuffs, which are not shown in FIG.
7a or FIG. 7b, the spacing between the Z-folds can be about 65 mm
and can range from about 50 mm to about 90 mm. Further, in order to
control the deflection of the portion of the topsheet between the
Z-folds, transverse bonds may be formed between the Z-folds in the
first waist region, the second waist region and the crotch region
using adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, radio frequency bonds, or other
suitable means in order to control deflection. These transverse
bonds may attach the Z-folded section to the body-facing surface of
the topsheet and the section between the Z-folds to the underlying
core.
[0096] As an alternative to a portion of the topsheet serving as a
layer of a wetness sensation member, other components of the
disposable absorbent article such as the barrier leg cuffs may
serve as such a layer. The barrier leg cuffs may be made from
either water-permeable or water-impermeable material. In either
case, the barrier leg cuff material may serve as one of the layers
of the wetness sensation member. In such exemplary embodiments, the
structure of the barrier leg cuffs preferably holds the wetness
sensation members in contact with the skin of the wearer to provide
the sensation of wetness against the wearer's legs and/or crotch
crease.
[0097] An exemplary embodiment in which barrier leg cuffs serve as
layers of the wetness sensation members is shown in FIG. 8a and
FIG. 8b. The disposable absorbent article 20 for this embodiment
includes barrier leg cuffs 100a and 100b made from
water-impermeable material and a portion of each barrier leg cuff
serves as the flow control layer of the respective wetness
sensation member. The water-permeable layer 110 can extend the
length of each of the barrier leg cuffs and preferably extends at
least the length of the crotch region 37 and the front waist region
36. The water-permeable layer 110 is preferably disposed on
portions of the cuff closest to the longitudinal axis 42 of the
disposable absorbent article 20 to increase the likelihood of
becoming wetted during urination. As shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b,
the barrier leg cuffs 100a and 100b include elastic elements 108a
and 108b, which serve to deflect the leg cuffs away from the
topsheet 24 toward the skin of the wearer. The visible highlighting
200 is shown in FIG. 8a as an exemplary pattern of angled
lines.
[0098] Another exemplary embodiment in which barrier leg cuffs
serve as layers of the wetness sensation members is shown in FIG.
9a and FIG. 9b. In this embodiment, the barrier leg cuffs 100a and
100b are made of a water-permeable material and are otherwise
arranged similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b.
However, because the barrier leg cuff material serves as the
water-permeable body-facing layer of each of the wetness sensations
members 150a and 150b in this embodiment, flow control layers 54a
and 54b are located between the absorbent core and each respective
water-permeable layer formed by the barrier leg cuff material. The
visible highlighting 200 is shown in FIG. 9a as an exemplary
pattern of oval shapes.
[0099] The embodiments of wetness sensation members disclosed
hereunder perform most effectively when held in contact with the
skin of the wearer. In order to ensure that contact is made with
the wearer's skin during use, the body-facing portion of the
wetness sensation members may include a body-adhering composition,
such as a topical adhesive, which acts to hold the wetness
sensation member in place during use. The body-adhering composition
may be applied to at least a portion of the body-facing surface of
the wetness sensation member. However, the body-adhering
composition may also be integral with the material making up the
body-facing layer of the wetness sensation member. Further, the
body-adhering composition may be disposed on any portion of the
wetness sensation member contacting the skin of the wearer in any
pattern or configuration including, but not limited to lines,
stripes, dots, and the like. Such a body-adhering composition may
include any of one or more substances capable of releasably
adhering to the skin of the wearer, such as those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,231,369, 4,593,053, 4,699,146, 4,738,257, 5,726,250,
4,078,568, 4,140,115, 4,192,785, 4,393,080, 4,505,976, 4,551,490,
4,768,503, 5,614,586, and 5,674,275, and in the PCT Application
published as WO 94/13235A1.
[0100] As previously mentioned, the disposable absorbent article 20
includes refastenable side seams that can be used to fasten the
waist regions together at the sides to apply the article like a
diaper onto the body of the wearer and that can also be used to
configure the article like a pair of pull-on training pants. These
refastenable side seams provide several benefits including the
significant synergistic benefits related to the article's use in
toilet training that are described above. The refastenable side
seams can be fastened by the user before the article is applied
onto the body of the wearer and the article can then be applied
like a pair of pull-on training pants. The refastenable side seams
can be opened and refastened after the article is applied onto the
body of the wearer in order to gain access for the inspection of
the interior of the article and/or to adjust its configuration
while being worn. Of course, the side seams can also be opened for
the ultimate removal of the article for disposal, as an alternative
to leaving the article in the form of a pair of training pants and
pulling it downward over the legs and feet for removal.
[0101] The refastenable side seams also facilitate the
pre-configuration of the article in the form of a pair of training
pants prior to the point of sale to the consumer, if such a
pre-fastened presentation is desired by the manufacturer,
distributor, and/or retailer, while still providing the user with
the alternative of opening the side seams in preparation for
applying the article like a diaper. For example, several like
disposable absorbent articles of the present invention may be
pre-configured by fastening their side seams and then packaged
together for shipment and subsequent sale. The packaging may take
any desired form, e.g., a stack of folded articles contained inside
a sealed film bag, a stack of folded articles inside a closed
carton, or any other form of a number of articles contained inside
a closed container. When the user removes each pre-fastened article
from the package and prepares to use it, he or she can decide
whether to apply it while the side seam is still fastened, i.e.,
while remaining configured as a pair of training pants, or to open
the side seams and apply the article as a diaper by refastening the
side seams after properly positioning the article relative to the
wearer's body. Thus, regardless of whether or not the articles
inside the package are pre-fastened, the user is provided with the
option of applying each article having refastenable side seams as a
pair of training pants or as an open diaper that must then be
fastened at the side seams.
[0102] Some existing disposable absorbent articles have
refastenable side seams. However, some older children, such as
those of toilet training age, may be able to open conventional
refastenable side seams and thereby remove a disposable absorbent
article. A child may intentionally attempt to remove the article or
may simply manipulate the refastenable side seams and inadvertently
remove the article. Therefore, it may be desirable to include
elements that restrict access to the refastenable side seams and/or
that make the opening of the side seams relatively more difficult
than the opening of conventional refastenable side seams in order
to help protect against the opening of the side seams by the child
while allowing an adult caregiver to open and refasten the side
seams at will.
[0103] An example of refastenable side seams 40 is shown in FIG.
10. In this embodiment, a primary fastening component 43 is
disposed on the interior of the disposable absorbent article 20 in
the second waist region 38 adjacent to the portion 137c of the
first side edge and another primary fastening component 43 is
disposed on the interior of the disposable absorbent article 20 in
the second waist region adjacent to the portion 139c of the second
side edge. The portion 137c of the side edge is shown in an open
condition, such as prior to closing and fastening or after being
reopened. The portion 139c of the opposing side edge is shown
fastened, i.e., forming a pants configuration. In FIG. 10, the
second waist region 38 overlaps the first waist region 36 when they
are fastened together. Alternatively, the primary fastening
components 43 may be disposed on the interior of the article 20 in
the first waist region 36 such that the first waist region 36
overlaps the second waist region 38 when they are fastened
together. In addition, the primary fastening components 43 may be
disposed on the exterior of the article 20 rather than on the
interior.
[0104] The primary fastening component may be formed of any
material and in any form that will releasably attach to the mating
surface of the opposing waist region when pressed against it. For
example, the primary fastening component may be a mechanical
fastener that releasably engages with the mating surface, such as
by means of a plurality of hooks engaging with loops formed by
fibers in a nonwoven sheet. Alternatively, the primary fastening
component may be an adhesive that releasably adheres to the mating
surface.
[0105] As described in more detail below, the primary fastening
component may also interact with a discrete mating fastening
component. For example, a mechanical primary fastening component
containing hooks may engage with a discrete mating fastening
component containing loops. Similarly, an adhesive primary
fastening component may adhere to a discrete mating fastening sheet
that is specifically selected for good adhesion. Also similarly, a
cohesive primary fastening component may cohere to a mating
cohesive fastening component. Each of the fastening components may
have any suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, ovaloid,
undulating, etc. The shape may be chosen according to various
criteria, such as to maximize or minimize the area of the fastening
component, to impart a particular appearance to the fastening
component, to distribute the stresses and forces to which the
fastening component is subjected when the article is worn in a
particular way, etc.
[0106] Another example of refastenable side seams is shown in FIG.
11. In this embodiment, the primary fastening components 43 are
disposed on the exterior of the disposable absorbent article 20 in
the first waist region adjacent to the portions 137a and 139a of
the respective side edges. Discrete mating fastening components 45
are correspondingly disposed on the interior of the article 20 in
the second waist region 38 adjacent to the portions 137c and 139c
of the respective side edges. In addition, secondary fastening
components 46 are disposed laterally adjacent to the primary
fastening components 43.
[0107] When both primary fastening components and discrete mating
fastening components are present, their disposition relative to the
interior and exterior of the disposable absorbent article is
generally interchangeable, i.e., they may be disposed as shown in
FIG. 11 or the primary fastening component may be disposed
interiorly and the mating fastening component may be disposed
interiorly. Similarly, their disposition relative to the first
waist region and the second waist region is generally
interchangeable, i.e., they may be disposed such that the second
waist region 38 overlaps the first waist region 36 when they are
fastened together as shown in FIG. 11 or they may be disposed such
that the first waist region 36 overlaps the second waist region 38
when they are fastened together. In addition, the secondary
fastening components may be disposed adjacent to the primary
fastening components and on the same surface as the primary
fastening components, as shown in FIG. 11, or may be disposed on a
mating surface and/or adjacent to a discrete mating fastening
component. In general, as is apparent from the above description,
the initial disposition(s) of the primary fastening component(s) is
(are) not critical, so long as the opposing waist regions can be
fastened together in an overlapped configuration to sandwich the
fastening component(s) between them.
[0108] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, each of the
secondary fastening components serves to fasten the overlapping
portions of the waist regions together adjacent to the releasable
attachment formed by the adjacent primary and the mating fastening
components. When disposed between the primary fastening component
43 and the portion 137c of the side edge that exteriorly overlaps
in the fastened side seam 40, as shown in FIG. 12, the secondary
fastening component may restrict and/or prevent direct lateral
access to the primary fastening component and thereby help protect
against the opening of the side seams by a child who is wearing the
disposable absorbent article. In order to enhance this protection,
the secondary fastening component may overlap the primary fastening
component in addition to being disposed between it and the
exteriorly overlapped side edge, thereby eliminating any laterally
extending gap between the two, into which a finger could be
inserted to pry the overlapping waist region loose from the
overlapped waist region. Alternatively or in addition, a secondary
fastening component may be disposed between the side edge that is
interiorly overlapped and the primary fastening component, i.e.,
laterally symmetrically opposite the secondary fastening component
shown in FIG. 12.
[0109] Alternatively or in addition, a secondary fastening
component may be disposed between the primary fastening component
and the adjacent waist edge and/or between the primary fastening
component and the crotch region. Such a longitudinally adjacent
disposition of the secondary fastening component relative to the
primary fastener in the fastened side seam may more effectively
restrict the access to the primary fastener than only a laterally
adjacent disposition. Also, the secondary fastening component may
be disposed both laterally adjacent and longitudinally adjacent to
the primary fastener. For example, the secondary fastening
component 46 shown in FIG. 13 extends around three sides of the
primary fastening component 43 so as to be disposed between the
primary fastening component and each of the exteriorly overlapping
side edge portion 137c, the adjacent waist edge 136, and the crotch
region 37, when the side seam is fastened. As an alternative to a
continuously extending secondary fastening component like that
shown in FIG. 13, more than one discrete secondary fastening
component and/or a segmented secondary fastening component may be
provided. For example, a discrete laterally adjacent longitudinally
extending secondary fastener like that in FIG. 11 may be provided
in combination with one or more discrete longitudinally adjacent
laterally extending secondary fastener(s) to form an overall
secondary fastening component pattern similar to that formed by the
continuous secondary fastening component of FIG. 13.
[0110] The secondary fastening component may be formed of any
material that is suitable for the primary fastening component. In
some embodiments, the secondary fastening components may be formed
of a different material from the primary fastening component in
order to take advantage of the unique properties of different
materials. For example, a mechanical fastener may be used for the
primary fastening component in order to provide sufficient shear
strength when fastened to resist the hoop forces to which the waist
regions are subjected when the disposable absorbent article is
worn. An adhesive may be used for the corresponding secondary
fastening component because the mechanical fastener resists
substantially all of the shear forces and the only force exerted on
the secondary fastening component is a peel force that is applied
when the caregiver desires to gain access to the primary fastening
component. The secondary fastening component is preferably
refastenable after being opened, so that it can continue to be used
to restrict access to the primary fastening component after the
latter has been opened and refastened.
[0111] Another example of refastenable side seams is shown in FIG.
14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16. In this embodiment, a primary fastening
component 43 is disposed on the interior of the disposable
absorbent article 20 in the second waist region 38 adjacent to the
portion 137c of the first side edge and another primary fastening
component 43 is disposed on the interior of the disposable
absorbent article 20 in the second waist region adjacent to the
portion 139c of the second side edge. In addition, a secondary
fastening component 46 is disposed laterally adjacent to each of
the primary fastening components. These secondary fastening
components 46 serve to fasten the waist regions together in a
flanged arrangement adjacent to the portion 137a of the first side
edge in the first waist region 36 and adjacent to the portion 139a
of the second side edge in the first waist region.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 14, the secondary fastening component 46
can be used to fasten the waist regions together in the flanged
arrangement without fastening the primary fastening component 43.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the primary fastening component may also
be fastened to form a refastenable side seam 40 in which the waist
regions are overlapped where they are fastened together by the
primary fastening component 43 and are arranged in a flanged
configuration where they are fastened together by the secondary
fastening component 46. The waist regions may first be fastened
together by only the secondary fastening components 46 and the
disposable absorbent article thus configured as a pair of training
pants. Then, after the article is applied onto the body of the
wearer by being pulled up over the legs, the primary fastening
components 43 may be used to firmly secure the article in
place.
[0113] As can be understood by reference to FIG. 15, the primary
fastening component 43 may be placed at any selected position on
the overlapped waist region, such that the overlapping waist region
may be overlapped by any selected distance onto the opposing waist
region. The distance of overlap may be selected to fit the
disposable absorbent article onto the wearer as desired, e.g.,
loosely, tightly, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the second
waist region 38 may be overlapped onto the first waist region 36 a
distance that creates a desired tightness of fit around the waist
of the wearer by creating a fold 48 in the first waist region of
the necessary width. In other words, the overlapping waist region
may be cinched as tightly as desired and then fastened to the
overlapped waist region by the primary fastening component 43 to
retain the tightness thus achieved. In particular, the disposable
absorbent article may be packaged with the secondary fastening
component fastened and the primary fastening component open, with
the secondary fastening component located such that the fit around
the waist of a wearer of the intended size is relatively loose.
Such a configuration presents the article to the user as a pair of
training pants that can be easily applied onto the body of a
wearer. After application, the primary fastening component can be
used to achieve the desired fit for wear over a period of time.
[0114] In FIG. 16, the portion 137c of the side edge in the second
waist region 38 is shown in an open condition, such as prior to
cinching the waist and fastening the primary fastening component 43
to the first waist region 36 or after being reopened, while the
adjacent secondary fastening component 46 is shown already
fastened. The portion 139c of the opposing side edge is shown in a
fastened condition, i.e., forming a pants configuration, with both
the primary fastening component 43 and the secondary fastening
component 46 fastening the first waist region 36 and the second
waist region 38 together.
[0115] As noted above, the secondary fastening components may be
formed of any material that is suitable for the primary fastening
components and/or may be formed of a different material from the
primary fastening components in order to take advantage of the
unique properties of different materials. In addition, in at least
the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, the
secondary fastening components may be formed by bonding, sealing,
or otherwise attaching the opposing waist regions together adjacent
to their common side edges, e.g., if it is desired to configure the
disposable absorbent article as a pair of training pants and to
provide the refastenable side seam in the form of a cinching
feature. For example, the secondary fastening components may be
located such that the fit around the waist of the intended size of
wearer is relatively loose to provide a desired degree of access
for the inspection of the interior of the article. The refastenable
primary fastening components may then be used to cinch the
overlapping waist region to achieve the desired fit on the wearer.
Whenever it is desired to inspect the interior of the article, the
primary fastening component may be unfastened and subsequently
refastened after the inspection is completed. Additionally, the
secondary fastening component that is formed by bonding, sealing,
or otherwise attaching the waist regions together may be frangible,
such that it can be unfastened to detach the waist regions from
each other, e.g., to enlarge the size of the waist opening and/or
for the removal of the article after use. In such an embodiment,
the refastenable primary fastening component may still be used to
fasten the waist regions together and may still be opened for the
inspection of the interior of the article and/or for the removal of
the article after use.
[0116] Several forms of refastenable side seams, the fastening
components forming them, and the materials that are suitable for
forming them are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication
U.S. 2003/0060794 published on 27 Mar. 2003 in the name of Olson.
Processes for forming refastenable side fasteners and for
protecting them during manufacturing and packaging are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,526 issued on 6 Aug. 2002 in the name of
Heindel et al. Among several alternatives, such side seams,
fastening components, materials, and processes may be used to
produce the disposable absorbent articles of the present
invention.
[0117] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and any
patents which issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published
foreign patent applications, and all publications listed and/or
referenced in this application, are hereby incorporated herein by
reference. It is expressly not admitted, however, that any of the
documents or any combination of the documents incorporated herein
by reference teaches or discloses the present invention.
[0118] While particular embodiments and/or individual features of
the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would
be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Further, it should be apparent that all
combinations of such embodiments and features are possible and can
result in preferred executions of the invention. Therefore, the
appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and
modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
* * * * *