U.S. patent application number 11/821612 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for absorbent articles having cuffs with skin care composition disposed thereon.
Invention is credited to Donald C. Roe, Thomas Edward Schulte, Laura Graves VanRijswijck Kiely, Susan L. Wilking, Terrill A. Young.
Application Number | 20080249491 11/821612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23353799 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080249491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Terrill A. ; et
al. |
October 9, 2008 |
Absorbent articles having cuffs with skin care composition disposed
thereon
Abstract
An absorbent article, such as a diaper, containing cuffs with a
skin care composition disposed thereon. In one embodiment the cuff
is a nonwoven leg cuff comprising spunbonded nonwoven material and
characterized by the lack of a meltblown component, the nonwoven
material having a basis weight of about 17 gsm and a hydrostatic
head of at least about 95 mm. The spunbonded material comprises
metallocene polypropylene fibers having a denier of less than about
1.3. In another embodiment, small amounts of meltblown fibers, for
example, up to about 10% by weight, can be added to the metallocene
polypropylene spunbonded material to increase production rates of
the nonwoven material, without an unacceptable decrease in skin
health benefits. The skin care composition disposed on the cuffs is
transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and/or wearer
motion and/or body heat. The skin care compositions disclosed in
the present invention are selected to maintain and/or improve the
skin health of the wearer upon transfer during use, for example, to
provide a skin protective barrier or a therapeutic benefit; to
minimize the abrasion between the cuffs and skin in the area where
the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less skin
irritation; to improve BM clean up on the skin, or to improve the
barrier properties of the cuffs.
Inventors: |
Young; Terrill A.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Wilking; Susan L.; (Mason,
OH) ; Schulte; Thomas Edward; (Cincinnati, OH)
; VanRijswijck Kiely; Laura Graves; (Hebron, KY) ;
Roe; Donald C.; (West Chester, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
23353799 |
Appl. No.: |
11/821612 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09398842 |
Sep 17, 1999 |
|
|
|
11821612 |
|
|
|
|
08962310 |
Oct 31, 1997 |
6166285 |
|
|
09398842 |
|
|
|
|
08766386 |
Dec 3, 1996 |
6156024 |
|
|
08962310 |
|
|
|
|
08884069 |
Jun 27, 1997 |
6118041 |
|
|
08766386 |
|
|
|
|
08345159 |
Nov 28, 1994 |
5643588 |
|
|
08884069 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/367 ;
604/385.01; 604/385.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21H 17/20 20130101;
A61L 15/48 20130101; A61K 8/0208 20130101; A61K 8/31 20130101; A61K
2800/31 20130101; D21H 17/06 20130101; A61F 13/8405 20130101; A61F
2013/51117 20130101; A61K 8/4993 20130101; D21H 17/07 20130101;
A61K 8/39 20130101; A61F 13/51113 20130101; A61L 15/34 20130101;
A61K 8/4973 20130101; A61Q 19/00 20130101; D21H 21/24 20130101;
D21H 17/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/367 ;
604/385.25; 604/385.01 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/15 20060101
A61F013/15 |
Claims
1. An absorbent article to be worn by a wearer adjacent the skin,
the absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising: an outer
covering layer comprising: a backsheet; and a liquid pervious
topsheet joined to said backsheet; and an absorbent core positioned
between said topsheet and said backsheet; a cuff joined to said
chassis, each said cuff having a first surface and a second surface
disposed opposite said first surface, said cuff comprising a
nonwoven consisting essentially of metallocene propylene spunbond
fibers having a denier less than about 1.3 and wherein said
nonwoven has a hydrostatic head of at least about 85 mm.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said nonwoven consists
of spunbond fibers.
3. The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said nonwoven has a
basis weight of less than about 17 gsm.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said nonwoven comprises
less than about 10% by weight meltblown fibers and said nonwoven
has a hydrohead of at least about 85 mm.
5. The absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said nonwoven comprises
less than about 8% by weight meltblown fibers.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said cuff further
comprises an effective amount of a skin care composition disposed
on said nonwoven said skin care composition being semi-solid or
solid at 20.degree. C. and at least partially transferable to a
wearer's skin.
7. The absorbent article of claim 6 wherein the quantity of said
skin care composition on said nonwoven ranges from about 0.05
mg/in.sup.2 to about 80 mg/in.sup.2.
8. The absorbent article of claim 6 wherein said skin care
composition comprises: (i) from about 10% to about 95% of an
emollient having a plastic or fluid consistency at 20.degree. C.;
and (ii) from about 5% to about 90% of an agent capable of
immobilizing said emollient on said nonwoven.
9. The absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said emollient
comprises a member selected from the group consisting of
petroleum-based emollients, fatty acid ester emollients,
polysiloxane emollients, sucrose ester fatty acids, alkyl
ethoxylates emollients and mixtures thereof.
10. The absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said immobilizing
agent is selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxy fatty
acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, C.sub.14-C.sub.22 fatty
alcohols, C.sub.12-C.sub.22 fatty acids, C.sub.12-C.sub.22 fatty
alcohol ethoxylates, and mixtures thereof.
11. The absorbent article of claim 6 wherein said skin care
composition further comprises aloe extract.
12. The absorbent article of claim 6 wherein said skin care
composition is disposed on said first surface.
13. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said first surface of
said cuff contacts the wearer's skin during use so as to form a
body surface.
14. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said first surface
comprises the surface facing away from the wearer during use so as
to form a garment surface.
15. The absorbent article of claim 12 wherein said skin care
composition is capable of being transferred from said first surface
to said second surface.
16. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said cuff comprises a
gasketting cuff comprising a side flap formed from a portion of
said topsheet and an elastic member operatively joined to said side
flap.
17. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said cuff comprises a
barrier cuff that is formed unitarily with said topsheet.
18. An absorbent article to be worn by a wearer adjacent the skin,
the absorbent article comprising: a chassis having edges, said
chassis comprising: an outer covering layer; and an absorbent core
encased in said outer covering layer; a barrier cuff joined to said
chassis, said barrier cuff comprising a separate barrier cuff
member having a proximal edge and a distal edge in spaced relation
to said proximal edge, said proximal edge being joined to said
outer covering layer, a portion of said distal edge not being
secured to the absorbent article, and a spacing elastic element
operatively associated with said distal edge for allowing said
barrier cuff member to stand upwardly away from said outer covering
layer, said barrier cuff member comprising a nonwoven consisting
essentially of metallocene polypropylene spunbond fibers having a
denier less than about 1.3 and wherein said nonwoven has a
hydrostatic head of at least about 85 mm.
19. An absorbent article to be worn by a wearer adjacent the skin,
the absorbent article comprising: a chassis having edges, said
chassis comprising: an outer covering layer; and an absorbent core
encased in said outer covering layer; a barrier cuff joined to said
chassis, said barrier cuff comprising a separate barrier cuff
member having a proximal edge and a distal edge in spaced relation
to said proximal edge, said proximal edge being joined to said
outer covering layer, a portion of said distal edge not being
secured to the absorbent article, and a spacing elastic element
operatively associated with said distal edge for allowing said
barrier cuff member to stand upwardly away from said outer covering
layer, said barrier cuff comprising a nonwoven consisting
essentially of metallocene polypropylene spunbond fibers having a
denier less than about 1.3 and wherein said nonwoven has a
hydrostatic head of at least about 85 mm; and an effective amount
of a skin care composition disposed on said barrier cuff member,
said skin care composition being semi-solid or solid at 20.degree.
C. and at least partially transferable to a wearer's skin.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 09/398,842
filed on Sep. 17, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of
application Ser. No. 08/962,310 filed Oct. 31, 1997, which is a
continuation in part of application Ser. No. 08/766,386, filed on
Dec. 3, 1996; and is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
08/884,069 filed on Jun. 27, 1997, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/345,159, filed on Nov. 28, 1994, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,463,588; and is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 08/908,852 filed on Aug. 8, 1997.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as
diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices, sanitary
napkins, feminine garments, and the like, having cuffs, including
elastic leg cuffs. More particularly, the present invention relates
to absorbent articles having a skin care composition disposed on
the cuffs or the cuffs and the topsheet that is transferable to the
wearer's skin by normal contact and/or wearer motion and/or body
heat. The skin care compositions disclosed in the present invention
are selected to maintain and/or improve the skin health of the
wearer upon transfer during use, for example, to provide a skin
protective barrier or a therapeutic benefit; to minimize the
abrasion between the cuffs and skin in the area where the cuffs
contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less red marking or skin
irritation; to improve BM clean up on the skin, or to improve the
barrier properties of the cuffs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The major function of absorbent articles such as disposable
diapers and incontinent briefs or undergarments is to absorb and
contain body exudates. Such articles are thus intended to prevent
body exudates from soiling, wetting, or otherwise contaminating
clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come in contact
with the wearer. The most common mode of failure for such products
occurs when body exudates leak out of the gaps between the article
and the wearer's legs or waist to adjacent clothing because they
are not immediately absorbed within the article and the absorbent
article is not able to sustain a good fit on the wearer such that
gaps are created allowing the exudates to leak out of the article.
For example, urine tends to be deposited onto the topsheet in
gushes such that the urine migrates to the gaps between the article
and the wearer where it can come in contact with clothing or other
articles and be absorbed by these articles. Additionally, loose
fecal material that is not easily absorbed by the absorbent article
tends to "float" on the body-contacting surface and work its way
past the gaps between the article and the legs or waist of the
wearer.
[0004] Contemporary disposable diapers have a topsheet, a
backsheet, an absorbent core, and one or more cuffs, typically
elastic cuffs, positioned to contact the legs and/or waist of the
wearer. These elastic cuffs prove effective generally to prevent
wicking and overflow from the fluid laden diaper to clothing
contacting the edges of the diaper in that the elastic cuffs
present a barrier between the edge of the diaper and the contacting
clothing, and generally in addition, provide a gasketing action
about the legs or waist of the wearer to maintain a seal about the
leg or waist and minimize gapping. However, because the forces
generated by the elastic members are concentrated along a narrow
area resulting in high localized pressures, such elastic cuffs have
an increased tendency to indent and mark the skin of the wearer.
These skin effects are particularly acute for products worn by
infants and incontinent elderly adults due to the tenderness of
their skin and its sensitivity to even slight pressures or rubbing
actions. These skin effects are even further acute due to the
occlusion of the skin caused by such products. The occlusion of the
skin by the diaper can potentially lead to skin overhydration. As a
result, overhydrated skin is more susceptible to damage from
abrasion due to rubbing caused by normal wearer movements and
contact with the elastic cuffs. It is also generally known that
overhydrated skin is more susceptible to skin disorders, including
diaper rash, erythema, heat rash, abrasion, pressure marks, and
skin barrier loss. The reduced barrier efficiency of abraded,
overhydrated skin can further cause an increase in diaper rash. (21
C.F.R. 333.503 defines diaper rash as "[a]n inflammatory skin
condition in the diaper area (perineum, buttocks, lower abdomen,
and inner thighs) caused by one or more of the following factors:
moisture, occlusion, chafing, continued contact with urine or feces
or both, or mechanical or chemical irritation.") To address the
concerns of skin disorders associated with wearing diapers and
other absorbent articles, the caregiver or wearer often applies
skin protective and/or therapeutic products to the buttocks,
genitals, anal and/or other regions before placing the absorbent
article on the wearer. This procedure usually involves the
caregiver applying the skin protective product to their hands, and
then wiping the same on the skin of the wearer. To eliminate the
need for this wasteful, messy, time-consuming, and easily forgotten
procedure, there have been attempts to prepare absorbent articles
which contain a skin care substance on the article's topsheet.
[0005] One substance that has been applied to diaper products to
impart a soothing, protective coating is mineral oil. Mineral oil
(also known as liquid petrolatum) is a mixture of various liquid
hydrocarbons obtained by distilling the high-boiling (i.e.,
300.degree.-390.degree. C.) fractions in petroleum. Mineral oil is
liquid at ambient temperatures, e.g. 20.degree.-25.degree. C.: As a
result, mineral oil is relatively fluid and mobile when applied to
diapers. Because mineral oil is fluid and mobile at ambient
temperatures, it tends not to remain localized on the surface of
the diaper, but instead migrates into the interior of the diaper.
Accordingly, relatively high levels of mineral oil need to be
applied to the diaper to provide the desired therapeutic or
protective coating benefits. This leads not only to increased costs
for these treated diaper products, but other detrimental effects as
well, including decreased absorbency of the underlying absorbent
core.
[0006] Even without increasing its level, the tendency of mineral
oil to migrate once applied has other detrimental effects. For
example, the applied mineral oil can transfer to, into and through
the packaging or wrapper material for the treated diaper product.
This can create the need for barrier-type packaging or wrapper
films to avoid smearing or other leakage of mineral oil from the
diaper product.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan, et al. teaches a baby
diaper comprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet wherein a
portion of the topsheet is coated with a discontinuous film of
oleaginous material. A major disadvantage of the diapers disclosed
in the Duncan et al. reference is that the hydrophobic and
oleophobic topsheets are slow in promoting transfer of urine to the
underlying absorbent cores.
[0008] In addition to the migration problems encountered by placing
liquid compositions on the topsheet, the prior art has failed to
recognize the skin care detriments caused by the use of cuffs, nor
of a way to treat the cuffs so that skin care compositions disposed
thereon remain on the cuff and transfer to the wearer's skin in an
effective amount to provide a skin care benefit. The prior art has
also failed to recognize that treatment of an article's topsheet
alone does not necessarily transfer the composition to all critical
regions of the wearer's skin.
[0009] Thus, it would be desirable to provide an absorbent article
having cuffs wherein a skin care composition is disposed on the
cuffs to provide improved skin care benefits, particularly in skin
regions in contact with the wearer during use. The skin care
composition must be transferable to the wearer's skin to provide
these skin benefits, as well as not inhibiting the functionality of
the cuff in the product.
[0010] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide diaper
products or other absorbent articles having one or more cuffs with
a skin care composition disposed thereon that: (1) have desirable
therapeutic or protective coating benefits; and/or (2) do not
require relatively high levels of skin care compositions that are
liquid at room temperature (e.g., mineral oil); and/or (3) do not
adversely affect the absorbency of the diaper product; and/or (4)
do not necessarily require special wrapping or barrier materials
for packaging.
[0011] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a diaper or absorbent article having one or more cuffs with
a skin care composition disposed thereon, wherein at least a
portion of the composition is transferable to the wearer's skin to
provide desirable skin care benefits, including less skin
irritation, less red marking, therapeutic benefits including a
reduction in erythema and/or diaper rash, and/or reducing the
adherence of BM to the skin, thereby improving the ease of BM
cleanup. It is another object of the present invention to improve
the containment/barrier function of cuffs when hydrophobic skin
care compositions are used.
[0012] These and other objects are obtained using the present
invention, as will become readily apparent from a reading of the
following disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such
as a disposable diaper, having one or more cuffs with a skin care
composition disposed on (applied or migratable to) the body surface
of the cuffs. Importantly, the skin care compositions useful herein
are readily transferable to the wearer's skin by way of normal
contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Upon transfer to the
skin, the skin care composition provides desirable therapeutic
and/or protective coating benefits resulting in less red marking,
erythema, diaper rash, skin irritation, and/or reducing the
adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the
ease of BM clean up. Where hydrophobic skin care compositions are
employed, the skin care compositions described herein can also
increase the containment/barrier properties of the cuffs, thereby
improving their leakage protection. Such a hydrophobic skin care
composition particularly allows for flexibility in cuff designs
using nonwoven materials by providing an alternate method to
achieve the desired containment/barrier properties. This can lead
to reduced material costs.
[0014] As used herein, the term "cuff" includes leg cuffs including
barrier cuffs, gasketing cuffs, combinations and variations
thereof; transverse barriers and pockets/spacers; side panels; as
well as waist cuffs including waist flaps, waistbands, waistcaps,
and unitary waistcap/waistbands; and combinations of all or some of
these cuffs. In one embodiment the leg cuff is a spunbonded
nonwoven material characterized by the lack of a meltblown
component, and basis weight of about 17 gsm and a hydrostatic head
of at least about 95 mm. The spunbonded material comprises
metallocene polypropylene fibers having a denier of less than about
1.3. In another embodiment, small amounts of meltblown fibers, for
example, up to about 10% by weight, can be added to the metallocene
polypropylene spunbonded material to increase production rates of
the nonwoven material, without an unacceptable decrease in skin
health benefits.
[0015] Importantly, the skin care compositions described herein
provide a protective and/or a therapeutic benefit upon transfer to
the wearer's skin, including reducing erythema and/or diaper rash.
The skin care composition may also act to minimize the abrasion
between the cuffs and skin in the area where the cuffs contact the
wearer's skin, resulting in less redmarking and/or skin irritation.
Additionally, the protective coating on the wearer's skin may
reduce the adherence of BM to the skin, thereby improving the ease
of BM cleanup.
[0016] As will be discussed hereinafter, skin care compositions
useful in the present invention preferably have a melting profile
such that they are relatively immobile and localized on the cuffs
at room temperature, are transferable to the wearer at body
temperature, and yet are not completely liquid under extreme
storage conditions. In such embodiments, less skin care composition
is needed to impart the desired skin care benefits. In addition,
special barrier or wrapping materials may not be necessary in
packaging the treated products of the present invention.
[0017] In one preferred embodiment, an absorbent article of the
present invention will comprise a skin care composition disposed on
(applied or migratable to) the cuffs and the topsheet. Applicants
have discovered that such preferred articles increase transfer of
the composition to the wearer's skin, resulting in increased
therapeutic and/or protective benefits discussed herein. In this
regard, increased transfer will be realized as increased skin
coverage (i.e., area of skin) and/or the amount of composition
transferred to a given area of skin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable diaper embodiment of
the present invention having portions cut away to reveal underlying
structure.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along section
line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along section
line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an absorbent article in the
form of a disposable diaper according to the present invention
[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation illustrating a
preferred process for applying the composition of the present
invention to diaper barrier cuffs.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation illustrating an
alternative process for applying the composition of the present
invention to diaper barrier cuffs.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a still further alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an even
still further alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary coronal view showing a sanitary
napkin of the present invention and a panty in place on a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that the various
components, ingredients, or steps, can be conjointly employed in
practicing the present invention. Accordingly, the term
"comprising" encompasses the more restrictive terms "consisting
essentially of" and "consisting of."
[0030] As used herein, the term "skin care composition" refers to
any composition which comprises one or more agents which, when
transferred from an article to a wearer's skin, provide a
therapeutic and/or protective skin benefit. Representative
materials are discussed in detail below.
[0031] All percentages, ratios and proportions used herein are by
weight unless otherwise specified.
A. Absorbent Article
[0032] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to
devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and more
specifically, refers to devices which are placed against the skin
of a wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged
from the body. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe
absorbent articles which are not intended to be laundered or
otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article after a single
use. Examples of disposable absorbent articles include feminine
hygiene products such as sanitary panties, sanitary napkins, and
pantiliners; diapers; incontinence products such as briefs or
undergarments; diaper holders; diaper inserts; pull-on diapers and
training pants; and the like.
[0033] Disposable absorbent articles typically comprise a chassis
comprising an outer covering layer comprising a liquid pervious
topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet,
and an absorbent core encased within the outer covering layer,
preferably being positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.
Disposable absorbent articles and components thereof, including the
topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and any individual layers of
these components, have two major surfaces (a first surface and a
second surface) generally designated a body surface and a garment
surface. As used herein, "body surface" (also referred to as the
body-contacting surface or skin-contacting surface) means that
surface of the article or component which is intended to be worn
toward or adjacent to the body of the wearer, while the "garment
surface" is on the opposite side that faces away from the wearer
and is oriented toward the wearer's garments when the disposable
absorbent article is worn.
[0034] The following description generally discusses the absorbent
core, topsheet, and backsheet materials that are useful in
disposable absorbent articles. It is to be understood that this
general description applies to these components of the specific
absorbent articles shown in FIGS. 1-4 and further described below,
in addition to those of other disposable absorbent articles which
are generally described herein.
[0035] In general, the absorbent core is capable of absorbing or
retaining liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or other body
exudates). The absorbent core is preferably compressible,
conformable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The absorbent
core may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes
(e.g., rectangular, oval, hourglass, "T" shaped, dog bone,
symmetric, asymmetric, etc.). In addition to the absorbent
composites of the present invention, the absorbent core may include
any of a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used
in absorbent articles, such as comminuted wood pulp, which is
generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable
absorbent materials for use in the absorbent core include creped
cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform; chemically
stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic
fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat moss; tissue
including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams;
absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling
materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials,
or mixtures of these.
[0036] The configuration and construction of the absorbent core may
also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core may have varying caliper
zones and/or have a profile so as to be thicker in the center;
hydrophilic gradients; gradients of the absorbent composite, e.g.,
superabsorbent gradients; lower average density and lower average
basis weight zones, e.g., acquisition zones; or may comprise one or
more layers or structures). The total absorbent capacity of the
absorbent core should, however, be compatible with the design
loading and the intended use of the absorbent article. Further, the
size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to
accommodate different uses such as diapers, incontinence pads,
training pants, pantiliners, regular sanitary napkins, and
overnight sanitary napkins, and to accommodate wearers ranging from
infants to adults.
[0037] The absorbent core can include other absorbent components
that are often used in absorbent articles, for example, a dusting
layer, a wicking or acquisition layer (surge management layer), or
a secondary topsheet for increasing the wearer's comfort.
[0038] The topsheet is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and
non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet is
liquid pervious, at least in certain regions, and permits liquids
(e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its
thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide
range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials (e.g., a
nonwoven web of fibers), including apertured nonwovens; polymeric
materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured
plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams;
reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; and
thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can be
comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers),
synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester,
polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), bicomponent fibers, or from
a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. When the topsheet
comprises a nonwoven web, the web may be manufactured by a wide
number of known techniques. For example, the web may be spunbonded,
carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled, hydroformed,
hydroapertured, combinations of the above, or the like.
[0039] The backsheet is preferably impervious to liquids (e.g.,
menses and/or urine), at least in the crotch region of the
absorbent article, and is preferably manufactured from a thin
plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials
may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to
materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the
general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet
prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core
from wetting articles which contact the absorbent article such as
bedsheets, pants, pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet may thus
comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as
thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite
materials such as a coated nonwoven or a film-coated nonwoven
material. A suitable backsheet is a polyethylene film having a
thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0
mils). Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay
Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-1401 and
by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under the
designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and/or
matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance. Further, the
backsheet may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core
(i.e., the backsheet is breathable) while still preventing exudates
from passing through the backsheet. (An example of a breathable
backsheet suitable for use herein is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,571,096, "Absorbent Article Having Breathable Side Panels",
issued to Dobrin, Davis and Weirich on Nov. 5, 1996, which patent
is incorporated herein by reference.) The size of the backsheet is
dictated by the size of the absorbent core and the exact absorbent
article design selected.
[0040] The backsheet and the topsheet are positioned adjacent the
garment surface and the body surface, respectively, of the
absorbent core. The absorbent core is preferably joined with the
topsheet, the backsheet, or both in any manner as is known by
attachment members such as those well known in the art. However,
embodiments of the present invention are envisioned wherein
portions of the entire absorbent core are unattached to the
topsheet, the backsheet, or both.
[0041] The backsheet and/or the topsheet may be secured to the
absorbent core or to each other, for example, by a uniform
continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an
array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Adhesives
which have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B.
Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. under the designation HL-1258 or
H-2031. The attachment members will preferably comprise an open
pattern network of filaments of adhesive as is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,573,986, issued to Minetola, et al. on Mar. 4, 1986, and
which is incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary attachment
means of an open pattern network of filaments comprises several
lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern such as
illustrated by the apparatus and method shown in U.S. Pat. No.
3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975; U.S. Pat. No.
4,785,996 issued to Zwieker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on Jun. 27, 1989. Each of these
patents is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the
attachment means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds,
ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable
attachment means or combinations of these attachment means as are
known in the art.
[0042] A preferred disposable absorbent article in which the
"treated cuffs" ("treated cuffs" being used herein to designate
cuffs having one or more skin care compositions disposed thereon)
of the present invention may be used is a diaper. As used herein,
the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by
infants and incontinent persons that is worn about the lower torso
of the wearer. In other words, the term "diaper" includes infant
diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices, and the like.
The present invention is also applicable to other types of
disposable products such as sanitary napkins and pantiliners that
contain cuffs.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a diaper
20 of the present invention in its flat-out, uncontracted state
(i.e., with all elastic induced contraction pulled out) with
portions of the structure being cut away to more clearly show the
construction of the diaper 20 and with the portion of the diaper 20
which contacts the wearer (the body surface) facing the viewer. The
diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 1 to have a front waist region 22, a
back waist region 24, a crotch region 26, and a periphery which is
defined by the outer edges of the diaper in which the longitudinal
edges are designated 30 and the end edges are designated 32. The
diaper 20 additionally has a lateral centerline which is designated
34 and a longitudinal centerline which is designated 36. The diaper
20 comprises a chassis comprising (i) an outer covering layer
comprising a liquid pervious topsheet 38 and a liquid impervious
backsheet 42, and (ii) an absorbent core 44 having side edges 46; a
fastening system preferably comprising a pair of tape-tab fasteners
54 and a landing member 55; gasketing cuffs 56 each comprising a
side flap 58 and flap elastic members 60; barrier cuffs 62
comprising a barrier cuff member 63 having a proximal edge 64, a
distal edge 66, and ends 74; and spacing means such as a spacing
elastic member 76 for spacing the distal edge 66 away from the
topsheet. The diaper 20 additionally comprises closure members 78
for securing closed the ends 74 of each barrier cuff 62. While the
components of the diaper may be assembled in a variety of well
known configurations, a preferred diaper configuration is described
generally in U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278 issued to Lawson on Sep. 22,
1987, and which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 in
which the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 are coextensive and have
length and width dimensions generally larger than those of the
absorbent core 44. The topsheet 38 is joined with and superposed on
the backsheet 42 to thereby form the periphery of the diaper
20.
[0045] The diaper 20 has front and back waist regions 22 and 24
extending, respectively, from the end edges 32 of the periphery
toward the lateral centerline 34 of the diaper 20. The waist
regions comprise those portions of the diaper 20 which, when worn,
encircle the waist of the wearer. The crotch region 26 is that
portion of the diaper 20 between the waist regions and comprises
that portion of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is positioned
between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the
wearer.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, a skin care composition 72 is disposed
on each barrier cuff 62. The skin care composition 72 is preferably
disposed on the body surface of the barrier cuff so that the skin
care composition may readily transfer to the wearer's skin during
use. In the embodiment shown, the skin care composition 72 is
disposed adjacent the distal edge 66, preferably at least in the
crotch region 26. More preferably, the skin care composition 72 is
disposed on the distal edge 66. The barrier cuff 62 most preferably
comprises one or more stripes of skin care composition 72 disposed
thereon. In the embodiment shown, the skin care composition 72 is
disposed on only a segment of the barrier cuff 62. For certain skin
care compositions, it is preferred to avoid application of the skin
care composition to the portions of the barrier cuff adjacent the
ends of the spacing elastic members to insure there is no elastic
creep resulting from the interaction of the skin care composition
and adhesive. As is shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment the
skin care composition 72 is not disposed adjacent the end of the
spacing elastic member 76 in the front waist region (although it
may alternatively also not be disposed adjacent the end in the back
waist region). (Alternatively, an adhesive compatible with the skin
care composition may be utilized such that placement of the skin
care composition on the cuff is not restricted relative to the ends
of the spacing elastic members.) As discussed herein, the skin care
composition may alternatively be applied to the garment surface of
the barrier cuff and allowed to "transfer through" to the body
surface so as to enhance the hydrophobicity of the barrier cuffs as
well as to be disposed on the body surface so as to provide the
skin care benefits. Further, the skin care composition may be
applied to other portions of the barrier cuff, the entire barrier
cuff, the spacing elastic members, or any other component of the
barrier cuff. The skin care composition may also be disposed in any
pattern, including discontinuous or continuous patterns, or in any
amount as discussed hereinafter.
[0047] The diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 2 to have a garment surface
86 and a body surface 84 opposed to the garment surface 86. The
body surface 84 of the diaper 20 comprises that portion of the
diaper 20 which is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during
use (i.e., the body surface 84 generally is formed by at least a
portion of the topsheet 38 and other components including those
that may be joined to the topsheet 38). The garment surface 86
comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which is positioned away
from the wearer's body during use (i.e., the garment surface 86
generally is formed by at least a portion of the backsheet 42 and
other components including those that may be joined to the
backsheet 42).
[0048] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2
of FIG. 1 and depicts the diaper construction in the back waist
region 24 of the diaper 20. (It should be understood that the
diaper construction in the front waist region 22 is substantially
identical to the construction in the back waist region 24.) The
absorbent core comprises an absorbent layer 48 that is shown as
being completely enveloped by tissue layers 50 and 52. The
absorbent core 44 is disposed between the topsheet 38 and the
backsheet 42; both the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 extend
beyond the side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44 to define the side
flap 58. The juxtaposed areas of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet
42 are secured together preferably by a flap attachment member 88
such as an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the flap elastic
members do not extend into the back waist region 24 so that the
gasketing cuff is not formed in this region. The barrier cuff 62 is
shown as comprising a separate element, a barrier cuff member 63,
secured to the topsheet 38; the proximal edge 64 being formed by
securing the barrier cuff member 63 to the topsheet 38 by proximal
securement member 92. The garment surface 68 of the barrier cuff 62
(also referred to as the barrier cuffs inboard surface) is secured
to the body surface 40 by the closure member 78. Therefore, the
distal edge 66 is closed. (i.e., it is not spaced away from the
body surface 40). It should be noted that the spacing elastic
member is not disposed in this region because the distal edge 66 is
not designed to be spaced away from the body surface 40 in the
waist regions. Therefore, the barrier cuff 62 is not open nor ready
to constrain the flow of body exudates in this region. The skin
care composition also is preferably not disposed on the barrier
cuff in the back waist region in this particular embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3
of FIG. 1 and depicts the diaper construction in the crotch region
26 as it is shaped before being applied to the wearer (i.e., the
diaper 20 is subjected to elastic contraction). The absorbent core
44 comprises the absorbent layer 48 that is shown as being
completely enveloped by the tissue layers 50 and 52. The absorbent
core 44 is disposed between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42;
both the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 extend beyond the side
edge 46 of the absorbent core 44 to define the side flap 58. The
juxtaposed areas of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 are
secured together preferably by a flap attachment member 88 such as
an adhesive. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 42 also enclose the
flap elastic members 60 adjacent the longitudinal edge 30. The flap
elastic members 60 are secured in the topsheet-backsheet formed
side flap 58 preferably by elastic attachment members 90. The
elastically contractible gasketing cuff 56 is thereby formed by the
side flap 58 and the flap elastic members 60. The gasketing cuff
has a body surface 57 oriented toward the skin of the wearer when
the diaper is worn, and a garment surface 59 opposed to the body
surface 57. The barrier cuff 62 is shown as being formed by
securing a separate element, barrier cuff member 63, to the
topsheet 38 preferably between the flap elastic members 60 and the
side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44. The proximal edge 64 of the
barrier cuff 62 is formed by securing the barrier cuff member 63 to
the topsheet 38 by the proximal securement member 92. The spacing
elastic member 76 is enclosed in a tunnel that is formed when an
end of the barrier cuff member 63 is folded back upon itself; the
spacing elastic member 76 being secured in the tunnel by elastic
attachment members 94. The distal edge 66 of the barrier cuff is
spaced away from the body surface 40 by the elastic gathering
action of the spacing elastic member 76. The barrier cuff 62 is
shown as being ready to restrain, contain and hold body exudates
until the diaper 20 is removed from the wearer. The skin care
composition 72 is shown in FIG. 3 as being disposed on the body
surface 70 of the barrier cuff 62 (the barrier cuff element 63) so
that the skin care composition 72 may be transferred to the skin of
the wearer during use.
[0050] Diapers of the present invention can have a number of well
known configurations, with the absorbent cores thereof being
adapted to the present invention. Exemplary configurations are
described generally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on
Jan. 14, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. on
Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411 issued to Nease, et al. on
Dec. 3, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,232 issued to Roe, et al. on Oct.
29, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 issued to Buell, et al. on
Oct. 29, 1996. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0051] The chassis of the diaper is shown in the drawings as
comprising the main body portion (containment assembly) of the
diaper. The chassis comprises at least an absorbent core and
preferably an outer covering layer comprising the topsheet and the
backsheet. When the absorbent article comprises a separate holder
and a liner, the chassis generally comprises the holder and the
liner (i.e., the chassis comprises one or more layers of material
to define the holder while the liner comprises an absorbent
composite such as a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core.)
For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis comprises the main
structure of the diaper with other features added to form the
composite diaper structure; thus, the chassis for the diaper
comprises the topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core.
[0052] A topsheet 38 which is particularly suitable for use in the
diaper 20, is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to
those skilled in the fabrics art. A satisfactory topsheet for the
present invention comprises staple length polypropylene fibers
having a denier of about 2.2. As used herein, the term "staple
length fibers" refers to those fibers having a length of at least
about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches). Preferably, the topsheet has a basis
weight from about 14 to about 25 grams per square meter. A suitable
topsheet is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of
International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass. under the
designation P-8. An alternative preferred topsheet is a spunbonded
nonwoven web of 22 grams per square meter basis weight as is
available from Fiberweb North America, Inc. of Simpsonville, S.C.,
under the designation 9694.
[0053] The topsheet 38 of diaper 20 is preferably made of a
hydrophilic material to promote rapid transfer of liquids (e.g.,
urine) through the topsheet. If the topsheet is made of a
hydrophobic material, preferably at least the body surface of the
topsheet, or a portion thereof, is treated to be hydrophilic so
that liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. This
diminishes the likelihood that body exudates will flow off the
topsheet rather than being drawn through the topsheet and being
absorbed by the absorbent core. The topsheet can be rendered
hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. Suitable methods for
treating the topsheet with a surfactant include spraying the
topsheet material with the surfactant and immersing the material
into the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such a treatment
and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,988,344
entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multiple Layer Absorbent Layers"
issued to Reising, et al on Jan. 29, 1991 and U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Rapid Acquiring
Absorbent Cores" issued to Reising on Jan. 29, 1991, each of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
[0054] In a particularly preferred embodiment as described herein,
the topsheet of the absorbent article will also have a skin care
composition disposed thereon. Representative treated topsheets are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588, "Diaper Having a Lotioned
Topsheet", issued to Roe, Bakes & Warner on Jul. 1, 1997; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,191, "Diaper Having a Lotioned Topsheet
Containing a Polysiloxane Emollient", issued to Roe & Mackey on
Jun. 3, 1997; each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Methods for delivering a skin care composition via the repeated use
of absorbent articles having such treated topsheets are disclosed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/926,532 (P&G Case 6823)
"A Method For Maintaining or Improving Skin Health", Elder, et al.,
filed on Sep. 10, 1997; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/926,533
(P&G Case 6822) "A Method For Improving Skin Condition", Van
Rijswijck, et al. filed on Sep. 10, 1997; and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/908,852 (P&G Case 5494CR) "Diaper
Having A Lotioned Topsheet", Roe, et al. filed on Aug. 8, 1997;
each of which is incorporated herein by reference. As discussed
herein, a skin care composition disposed on both the cuffs and the
topsheet will facilitate transfer of the skin care composition to a
greater amount of skin, in terms of surface area, relative to
treatment of the cuffs only. Furthermore, application to both
components may allow delivery of greater amounts of skin care
composition to a given region of the wearer and/or delivery of
different formulation skin care compositions for different skin
benefits.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment of a diaper as described herein,
the backsheet 42 has a modified hourglass shape extending beyond
the absorbent core around the entire diaper periphery. The
backsheet is preferably a soft, cloth-like web laminate comprising
a selectively apertured polymeric formed film and a nonwoven web.
Such a breathable backsheet is more fully described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,571,096 issued to Dobrin, et al. on Nov. 5, 1996, which
patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0056] The absorbent core 44 may take on any size or shape that is
compatible with the diaper 20. One preferred embodiment of the
diaper 20 has an asymmetric, modified T-shaped absorbent core 44
having ears in the first waist region but a generally rectangular
shape in the second waist region. Exemplary absorbent structures
for use as the absorbent core of the present invention that have
achieved wide acceptance and commercial success are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled "High-Density Absorbent
Structures" issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No.
4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores"
issued to Weisman et al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231
entitled "Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer" issued to Angstadt
on Dec. 19, 1989; EP Patent Application 640 330, The Procter &
Gamble Company, published Mar. 1, 1995; and U.S. Pat. No.
4,834,735, entitled "High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower
Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones", issued to
Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989. The absorbent core may further
comprise a dual core system containing an acquisition/distribution
core of chemically stiffened fibers positioned over an absorbent
storage core as detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,423, entitled
"Absorbent Article With Elastic Waist Feature and Enhanced
Absorbency" issued to Alemany et al., on Aug. 10, 1993; and in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,147,345, entitled "High Efficiency Absorbent Articles
For Incontinence Management" issued to Young, LaVon and Taylor on
Sep. 15, 1992. All of these patents are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the diaper 20 comprises cuffs
each comprising a leg cuff comprising a barrier cuff 62 and/or a
gasketing cuff 56 for providing improved containment of liquids and
other body exudates. The cuffs provide for improved containment of
liquids and other body exudates and can be constructed in a number
of different configurations. The diaper 20 may also comprise cuffs
comprising an elastic waist feature (not shown) and/or elastic side
panels (not shown) to provide a more contouring fit and more
effective application of the diaper 20. Such cuffs may also be
treated with a skin care composition.
[0058] Each leg cuff may comprise several different embodiments for
reducing the leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. (The leg
cuff can be and is sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side
flaps, barrier cuffs, elastic leg cuffs, gasketing cuffs, or
elastic cuffs.) U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, incorporated herein by
reference, describes a disposable diaper which provides a
contractible leg opening having a side flap and one or more elastic
members to provide an elastic leg cuff (gasketing cuff). U.S. Pat.
No. 4,909,803 entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having
Elasticized Flaps" issued to Aziz et al. on Mar. 20, 1990, and
incorporated herein by reference, describes a disposable diaper
having "stand-up" elasticized flaps (barrier cuffs) to improve the
containment of the leg regions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278 entitled
"Absorbent Article Having Dual Cuffs" issued to Lawson on Sep. 22,
1987, and incorporated herein by reference, describes a disposable
diaper having dual cuffs including a gasketing cuff and a barrier
cuff. While each leg cuff may be configured so as to be similar to
any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs
described above, it is preferred that each leg cuff comprise
barrier cuffs 62 and gasketing cuffs 56 as described in detail
below.
[0059] Each barrier cuff 62 is a flexible member having a proximal
edge 64, a distal edge 66, a garment surface 68 (also referred to
as the inboard surface) and a body surface 70 (also referred to as
the outboard surface). The garment surface 68 is oriented toward
the interior of the diaper, and the body surface 70 is oriented
toward the skin of the wearer when the diaper is being worn. The
barrier cuff 62 may be manufactured from a wide variety of
materials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams,
nonwovens, plastic films, formed films, and elastic films or foams.
A number of manufacturing techniques may be used to manufacture the
barrier cuff. For example, the barrier cuff 62 may be woven,
non-woven, spunbonded, spunbonded-meltblown-spunbonded, carded,
coated, laminated or the like. Any of the aforementioned materials
may also be post-processed using a variety of coatings, treatments,
or laminations or the like. These post treatments are usually used
to improve the liquid holdout (as measured by hydrostatic head) of
the material.
[0060] A preferred barrier cuff is made of a non-woven material due
to its particular efficiency at holding out liquid, such as urine,
while remaining soft and comfortable to the skin of the wearer.
Preferred nonwovens for barrier cuffs are made with polypropylene,
which, being hydrophobic, exhibits superior liquid holdout. A
preferred barrier cuff 62 comprises a polypropylene material
containing no finish or surfactant to render it liquid impermeable.
An exemplary polypropylene fiber nonwoven material is manufactured
by Crown Zellerbach Company as Celestra. A particularly preferred
nonwoven material is a carded nonwoven web as is available from PGI
of Landisville, N.J. under the designation 67700. Alternatively,
the material may be a nonwoven web supplied by Corovin GmbH (now
BBA) of Peine, Germany under the designation MD300A.
[0061] A more particularly preferred nonwoven material for use as a
barrier cuff 62 of the present invention, which has been shown to
provide improved gentleness to the skin of the wearer, is a very
fine denier, entirely spunbonded nonwoven made with at least about
65%, more preferably 100%, very fine denier metallocene
polypropylene fibers. That is, the preferred nonwoven is
characterized by a complete lack of a meltblown layer, which has
been beneficially used in prior leg cuff materials due to its
barrier properties. The preferred metallocene polypropylene
material has a basis weight of about 17 grams per square meter
(gsm) and is a spunbond-spunbond (SS, i.e., made using two spunbond
beams) structure, the metallocene polypropylene filaments having a
denier of about 1.1 to 1.3. The material can have a thickness of
about 190 microns under a load of about 0.3 psi, and can have air
porosity of less than about 500 cubic feet per minute (cfm) using a
TexTest FX 3300 Air Permeability Tester. The SS material can have a
barrier hydrostatic head of at least 95 mm using a TexTest FX 3300
Hydrostatic Head Tester. If a higher hydrostatic head is required,
a third spunbond beam can be utilized to produce an "SSS" structure
of higher basis weight, but of the same fiber type and denier,
which can have a hydrostatic head of about 100-110.
[0062] A preferred SS metallocene polypropylene barrier cuff
material is available from Pegas, Czech Republic, as "SS Spunbond
Microden 17 g/sqm". The Pegas cuff material is characterized by the
lack of a meltblown component, a basis weight of about 17 gsm and a
hydrostatic head of at least about 95 mm by the TexTest method
referenced above. It can be manufactured on recently-developed
Reicofil III brand spunbonding machines which are specially
equipped for producing fine denier nonwovens. Suitable machines are
available from Reifenhauser GmbH, Troisdorf, Germany.
[0063] The preferred SS fine denier metallocene polypropylene
barrier cuff material has been shown to cause less red marking of
the wearer's skin, as well as overall healthier skin at the point
of cuff contact with the skin, compared to current barrier cuff
materials, while still providing for adequate barrier protection.
For example, the preferred SS metallocene polypropylene barrier
cuff material causes less red marking than currently-used
spunbonded-meltblown-spunbonded (SMS) leg materials, using
polypropylene materials. This is a surprising discovery, as it was
believed that the meltblown layer of the SMS structure was
necessary to provide for barrier properties to prevent leakage.
However, the SS structure of the present invention provides for
leakage control as well as better skin health.
[0064] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the
preferred SS metallocene polypropylene barrier cuff material
provides for better skin health because of the absence of the
relatively less resilient meltblown layer. In prior leg cuff
materials the meltblown layer represented about 18% by weight of
the overall material in an SMS structure. This amount, while
providing for very efficient filtration and excellent barrier
properties, tended to add a relative harshness to the structure
that manifested itself in relatively more red marking on the skin
of the user.
[0065] For economic reasons, e.g., to be able to run faster line
speeds in producing the barrier cuff material, it is recognized
that adding back in a relatively small amount of meltblown
polypropylene can be beneficial. The addition of small amounts of
meltblown, for example 3, 5, 8, or up to 10% meltblown fibers by
weight can provide for barrier properties for adequate hydrohead,
which results in the need for less relatively slow-running fine
denier spunbond. The overall structure can have reduced basis
weight, without loss of barrier or softness properties. For
example, a nonwoven having an SMS structure with a total basis
weight of 11.5 and a component basis weight of 5 gsm/1.5 gsm/5gsm,
with the "S" layers being spunbond polypropylene having a denier of
about 1.6-1.7 provides for a hydrohead of about 85 mm by the
TexTest method referenced above. Reducing the denier of the
spunbond layer to the very fine denier of about 1.1 to 1.3 per the
present invention can increase the hydrohead to about 95 mm, which
is an acceptable level for barrier properties in a disposable
garment application.
[0066] Therefore, as according to the present invention, a spunbond
only material having a basis weight of about 17 gsm and comprising
about 1.1 to 1.3 metallocene polypropylene fibers has been shown to
provide adequate barrier properties to function as a leg cuff,
while providing for improved softness and overall skin health in
the wearer of a garment incorporating such cuffs. However, it is
recognized that a relatively small amount of meltblown material can
be added to improve the economies of production, while balancing
the skin health properties of the material so produced. Thus, it is
believed that up to about 10% meltblown can be added in without
reducing skin health results to an unacceptable level, but
increasing the line speed of the production equipment, thereby
lowering the cost of the material. By balancing the amount of
meltblown properties with the desired level of skin health
characteristics, a nonwoven web having an optimum of consumer
benefits and commercial production rates can be achieved.
[0067] The SS very fine denier metallocene polypropylene barrier
cuff 62 of the present invention is preferably lotioned with a
beneficial skin care composition. The lotion composition can be any
of the lotions described herein. By way of non-limiting example,
excellent skin care results were obtained with the skin care
Composition A shown in Table 1 below, and applied to the cuff as
disclosed herein.
[0068] Because of the hydrophobic skin care compositions used in
the present invention, the barrier cuff may be made from
hydrophilic material and have a hydrophobic skin care composition
disposed thereon to enhance its barrier properties.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the barrier cuff 62, and more
particularly the proximal edge 64, is disposed inboard of the
longitudinal edge 30, adjacent to and preferably inboard of the
gasketing cuff 56. The term "inboard" is defined as the direction
toward the centerline (34 or 36, respectively) of the diaper that
is parallel to the respective edge of the diaper along which the
particular gasketing cuff is disposed. The barrier cuff 62 is
disposed adjacent the gasketing cuff 56 to provide a more effective
dual restraint against the flow of body exudates. The barrier cuff
62 is preferably disposed inboard of the gasketing cuff 56 so that
exudates, especially loose fecal material which is not easily
absorbed and tends to float along the body surface 40, will contact
the barrier cuff 62 before it can contact the gasketing cuff 56.
The barrier cuff 62 is more preferably disposed between the flap
elastic member 60 of the gasketing cuff 56 and the longitudinal
centerline 36 of the diaper 20. Most preferably, the barrier cuff
62 is disposed between the flap elastic member 60 and the side edge
46 of the absorbent core 44 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper
20.
[0070] The proximal edge 64 and the distal edge 66 are in spaced
relation to each other and define the width of the barrier cuff 62.
The proximal and distal edges 64 and 66, respectively, may be in a
parallel, non parallel, rectilinear or curvilinear relationship. In
addition, the barrier cuff 62 may have a variety of different cross
sectional areas including circular, square, rectangular or any
other shape such as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the proximal edge
64 is spaced from the distal edge 66 in a parallel and rectilinear
relationship to provide a barrier cuff 62 having uniform
widths.
[0071] A preferred embodiment of the diaper 20 shown in FIGS. 2 and
3 is provided with the barrier cuff 62 joined to the topsheet 38.
The term "joined" includes any means for affixing the barrier cuff
62 to the diaper 20, and includes embodiments wherein the barrier
cuff 62 is a separate element having the proximal edge 64 directly
or indirectly attached to the topsheet 38 (i.e., integral) or
embodiments wherein the barrier cuff 62 is made from the same
element or material as the topsheet 38 so that the proximal edge 64
is a continuous and undivided element of the topsheet (i.e.,
unitary). The barrier cuff 62 may alternatively be joined to the
side flap 58, the backsheet 42, the absorbent core 44, the topsheet
38 or any combination of these or other elements of the diaper 20.
In a preferred diaper 20, the barrier cuffs 62 are integral with
the topsheet 38. The integral barrier cuff 62 is preferably formed
by a strip of material, barrier cuff member 63, which is secured to
the topsheet by proximal securement member 92, the distal edge 66
being formed by folding an end of the barrier cuff member 63 back
upon itself.
[0072] The distal edge 66 is preferably disposed inboard of the
proximal edge 64 to present a more effective barrier against the
flow of exudates. The distal edges 66 are maintained inboard of the
proximal edges 64 by the closure members 78 so as to obviate their
inversion. While the distal edges 66 may alternatively be disposed
in other positions in relation to the proximal edges 64, such
positions are not preferred.
[0073] The distal edge 66 is preferably not secured to any other
element in at least the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 so that
it may be spaced away from the body surface 40 of the topsheet 38.
The distal edge 66 is preferably spaced away from the body surface
40 to enhance the containment of the article. As used herein,
"spaced" includes embodiments wherein the distal edges 66 may
assume one or more positions relative to the body surface 40 of the
topsheet 38 including at some times assuming a position adjacent
the body surface 40 of the topsheet 38. The distance between the
distal edge 66 to the body surface 40 of the topsheet 38 is
measured along a line drawn from the distal edge 66 to the closest
part of the topsheet 38 when the distal edge 66 is positioned so as
to be spaced away from the topsheet as far as possible. (i.e., in
the elastically contracted position).
[0074] In addition to barrier cuffs, the leg cuffs of the present
invention preferably further comprise gasketing cuffs 56. The
gasketing cuffs 56 are disposed adjacent the periphery of the
diaper 20, preferably along each longitudinal edge 30 so that the
gasketing cuffs 56 tend to draw and hold the diaper 20 against the
legs of the wearer. While the gasketing cuffs 56 may comprise any
of several means as are well known in the diaper art, a
particularly preferred gasketing cuff construction comprises a
flexible side flap 58 and flap elastic members 60, as is described
in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, issued to Buell on Jan. 14,
1975 and incorporated herein by reference. In addition, a method
and apparatus suitable for manufacturing a disposable diaper having
elastic gasketing cuffs 56 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,301
entitled "Method and Apparatus for Continuously Attaching Discrete,
Stretched Elastic Strands to Predetermined Isolated Portions of
Disposable Absorbent Articles" which issued to Buell on Mar. 28,
1978 and which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0075] The side flap 58 should be highly flexible and thus
contractible so that the flap elastic members 60 may gather the
side flap 58 to provide a gasketing cuff 56 about the legs or waist
of the wearer. The side flaps 58 are preferably that portion of the
diaper 20 between the periphery and the edges of the absorbent core
44. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 1, the side flaps 58 are formed from the extension of
the backsheet 42 and the topsheet 38 from and along the side edges
46 of the absorbent core 44 of the diaper 20 in at least the crotch
region 26. Alternatively, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003,
the side flap may be a separate member joined to the chassis
(topsheet, backsheet, and/or absorbent core) or one of the
components of the side flap may be a separate member.
[0076] The flap elastic members 60 are preferably operatively
joined (secured) to the side flaps 58 in an elastically
contractible condition so that in a normally unrestrained
configuration, the flap elastic members 60 effectively contract or
gather the side flaps 58. The flap elastic members 60 can be
secured to the side flaps 58 in an elastically contractible
condition in at least two ways. For example, the flap elastic
members 60 may be stretched and secured to the side flaps 58 while
the side flaps 58 are in an uncontracted condition. Alternatively,
the side flaps 58 may be contracted, for example by pleating, and
the flap elastic members 60 secured to the contracted side flaps 58
while the flap elastic members 60 are in their unrelaxed or
unstretched condition. The gasketing cuffs may alternatively
comprise a number of different elastically extensible structures
such as elastic nonwoven webs or foams; stretch laminates such as
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell, et al. on
Sep. 29, 1992, incorporated herein by reference; and structural
elastic-like film (SELF) webs such as are described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,518,801 issued to Chappell, et al. on May 21, 1996, and
incorporated herein by reference.
[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the flap elastic
members 60 extend essentially the entire length of the side flaps
58 in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the
elastic members 60 may extend the entire length of diaper 20, or
any other length suitable to provide a gasketing cuff. The length
of the flap elastic members 60 is dictated by the diaper's
design.
[0078] In the diaper 20 of FIG. 3, the flap elastic members 60 are
associated with the side flaps 58 by securing them to the side
flaps 58 with elastic attachment members 90. The elastic attachment
members 90 should be flexible and of sufficient adhesiveness to
hold the flap elastic member in its stretched condition. The
elastic attachment members 90 herein are preferably glue beads or
spirals made of hot melt adhesives such as marketed by ATO Findley
Incorporated, Wauwatosa, Wis. as Findley 2511 or Findley H9254. It
is recognized that traditional adhesives may not be compatible with
all skin care compositions. Specifically, some skin care
compositions may degrade the integrity of the adhesive bonds
resulting in elastic creep and/or poor bond sufficiency. An
adhesive which has been found especially effective in avoiding
creep of elastics when a skin care composition is applied thereto
is Findley H9254. A more detailed description of the manner in
which the flap elastic members 60 may be positioned and secured to
the diaper 20 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,461 issued to
Strickland and Visscher on Mar. 3, 1981, and U.S. Pat. No.
4,081,301 issued to Buell on Mar. 28, 1978, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0079] One flap elastic member 60 which has been found to be
suitable is an elastic strand made from natural rubber as available
from Easthampton Rubber Thread Company of Stewart, Va., under the
trademark L-1900 Rubber Compound. Other suitable flap elastic
members 60 can be made from natural rubber, such as elastic tape
sold under the trademark Fulflex 9211 by Fulflex Company of
Scotland, N.C. An exemplary elastic member is a Lycra strand such
as is available from DuPont Co. of Waynesboro, Va. under the
designation Lycra-XA T-151. The flap elastic member 60 may also
comprise any heat shrinkable elastic material as is well known in
the art. Other suitable flap elastic members 60 may comprise a wide
variety of materials as are well known in the art including
elastomeric films, Lycra films or strands, polyurethane films,
elastomeric foams, and formed elastic scrim.
[0080] In addition, the flap elastic members 60 may take a
multitude of configurations. For example, the width of the flap
elastic members 60 may be varied from about 0.25 mm (0.01 inches)
to about 25 mm (1.0 inch) or more; the flap elastic members 60 may
comprise a single strand of elastic material or may comprise
several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material; or
the flap elastic members 60 may be rectilinear or curvilinear.
Still further, the flap elastic members 60 may be affixed to the
diaper 20 in any of several ways which are well known in the art.
For example, the flap elastic members 60 may be ultrasonically
bonded, heat/pressure sealed into the diaper 20 using a variety of
bonding patterns, or the flap elastic members 60 may simply be
glued to the diaper 20.
[0081] The cuff may also comprise an elastic waist feature, such as
an elasticized waistband (not shown), that may be constructed in a
number of different configurations including those described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to Kievit et al. on May 7, 1985;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,364 issued to Robertson on Jun. 25, 1991; and
the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al.
on Sep. 29, 1992, each of these references being incorporated
herein by reference, wherein a skin care composition is disposed
thereon.
[0082] The cuff may further comprise elastic side panels that may
be constructed in a number of configurations wherein a skin care
composition is disposed thereon. Examples of diapers with elastic
side panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,067, issued to
Wood, et al. on Aug. 15, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,781, issued to
Sciaraffa, et al. on May 3, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,753, issued
to Van Gompel, et al. on Jul. 3, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092,
issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411
issued to Nease, et al. on Dec. 3, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,897
issued to LaVon, et al. on Sep. 23, 1997; and U.S. Pat. No.
5,569,232 issued to Roe, et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; each of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0083] Embodiments of cuffs of the present invention may also
include pockets for receiving and containing waste, spacers which
provide voids for waste, barriers for limiting the movement of
waste in the article, compartments or voids which accept and
contain waste materials deposited in the diaper, and the like, or
any combinations thereof wherein a skin care composition is
disposed thereon. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in
absorbent products are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,121 issued
to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled "Diaper Having Expulsive
Spacer"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,236 issued to Dreier et al. on Dec.
15, 1992, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having Core
Spacers"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,318 issued to Dreier on Mar. 14,
1995, entitled "Absorbent Article Having A Pocket Cuff"; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,540,671 issued to Dreier on Jul. 30, 1996 entitled "Absorbent
Article Having A Pocket Cuff With An Apex"; and PCT Application WO
93/25172 published Dec. 3, 1993, entitled "Spacers For Use In
Hygienic Absorbent Articles And Disposable Absorbent Articles
Having Such Spacer"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,266, entitled
"Flexible Spacers For Use In Disposable Absorbent Articles", issued
to Freeland on Apr. 26, 1994. Examples of compartments or voids are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,312, entitled "Disposable Fecal
Compartmenting Diaper", issued to Khan on Nov. 6, 1990; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,990,147, entitled "Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For
Waste Material Isolation", issued to Freeland on Feb. 5, 1991; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,062,840, entitled "Disposable Diapers", issued to Holt
et al. on Nov. 5, 1991; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,755 entitled
"Trisection Topsheets For Disposable Absorbent Articles And
Disposable Absorbent Articles Having Such Trisection Topsheets",
issued to Freeland et al. on Dec. 14, 1993. Examples of suitable
transverse barriers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,142
entitled "Absorbent Article Having Multiple Effective Height
Transverse Partition" issued Sep. 10, 1996 in the name of Dreier et
al.; PCT Patent WO 94/14395 entitled "Absorbent Article Having An
Upstanding Transverse Partition" published Jul. 7, 1994 in the name
of Freeland, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,703 Absorbent Article
Having Angular Upstanding Transverse Partition, issued Aug. 5, 1997
to Roe, et al. All of the above-cited references are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0084] Exemplary fastening systems 54 are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,846,815, issued to Scripps on Jul. 11, 1989; U.S. Pat. No.
4,894,060, issued to Nestegard on Jan. 16, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.
4,946,527, issued to Battrell on Aug. 7, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.
3,848,594, issued to Buell on Nov. 19, 1974; U.S. Pat. No.
4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al. on Oct. 16, 1990; U.S. Pat.
No. B1 4,662,875, issued to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; each
of which is incorporated herein by reference. A skin care
composition may be disposed on one or more components of the
fastening system to further enhance skin health. For example, a
skin care composition as described herein may be disposed on the
tape tabs to ease the effects of the tape tab chafing the skin.
[0085] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the diaper 20 in its
elastically contracted position prior to being placed on the
wearer. The topsheet 38 is shown as a portion of the body surface
of the diaper 20, the backsheet 42 being disposed away from the
body of the wearer. The gasketing cuffs 56 are shown to be gathered
or contracted by the flap elastic members (not shown in FIG. 4).
The diaper 20 is shown as having two barrier cuffs 62 extending
adjacent to and inboard of the gasketing cuffs 56. The distal edges
66 are shown to be gathered and contracted by the spacing elastic
members (not shown) in the crotch region. In addition, the ends 74
of the barrier cuff 62 are secured closed so as to provide comfort
for the wearer, to obviate inversion of the barrier cuffs, and for
ease of application of the diaper. A skin care composition 72 is
disposed on the body surface of (applied to the body surface or
applied to be migratable to the body surface of) each barrier cuff
62 so as to transfer to the skin of the wearer so as to provide the
skin benefits discussed herein.
[0086] The diaper 20 is applied to a wearer by positioning the back
waist region 24 under the wearer's back, and drawing the remainder
of the diaper 20 between the wearer's leg so that the front waist
region 22 is positioned across the front of the person. The ends of
the tape-tab fasteners 54 are then secured preferably to the
landing member 55 to close the diaper 20. In this manner, the
barrier cuffs 62 should be disposed in the crotch region of the
wearer and should provide the dispositions and functions described
hereinbefore. Once applied, the distal edges 66 of the barrier
cuffs 62 extend through the groin areas and diverge upwardly along
both of the buttocks of the wearer. Neither of the barrier cuffs 62
encircle the thighs of the wearer. However, the gasketing cuffs 56
will encircle the thighs and create a gasketing action against the
thighs. The barrier cuffs 62 contacts the skin of the wearer and
transfer the skin care composition 72 thereto to provide some or
all of the benefits described herein.
[0087] The treated cuffs of the present invention are also useful
in training pants or pull-on diapers. The term "training pants", as
used herein, refers to disposable garments having fixed sides
thereby defining a fixed waist opening and leg openings. Training
pants are placed in position on the wearer by inserting the
wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the training pant
into position about the wearer's lower torso. Suitable training
pants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse, et
al. on Sep. 21, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464 issued to Van Gompel,
et al. on Jul. 10, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,861 issued to
Nomura, et al. on Mar. 3, 1992 each of which is incorporated herein
by reference. The treated cuffs of the present invention are also
applicable to absorbent articles that are a combination or "hybrid"
of training pants and diapers (pull-on diapers) as are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234, "Disposable Pull-On Pant" issued to Buell
and Carlin on Oct. 29, 1996 incorporated herein by reference.
[0088] Another disposable absorbent article for which the treated
cuffs of the present invention are useful are incontinence
articles. The term "incontinence article" refers to pads,
undergarments (pads held in place by a suspension system of some
type, such as a belt, or the like), inserts for absorbent articles,
capacity boosters for absorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, and the
like regardless of whether they are worn by adults or other
incontinent persons. Suitable incontinence articles are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,461 issued to Strickland, et al. on Mar. 3,
1981; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,597,760 and 4,597,761 issued to Buell; the
above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,115; U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,802
issued to Ahr, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,860 issued to Gipson, et
al. on Oct. 23, 1990; and PCT Publication No. WO 92/11830, The
Procter & Gamble Company, published on Jul. 23, 1992; each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0089] FIG. 7 is a simplified fragmentary sectional view of an
alternative preferred diaper construction of the present invention.
The diaper 720 comprises a chassis and treated cuffs joined to the
chassis. The chassis comprises (i) an outer covering layer
comprising a portion of the topsheet 38 and a portion of the
backsheet 42, and (ii) the absorbent core 44. The cuffs each
comprise a barrier cuff 762 and a gasketing cuff 756. The barrier
cuff 762 comprises a separate barrier cuff member 763 having a flap
portion 702 and a channel portion 704.
[0090] The flap portion 702 is formed by affixing portions of the
barrier cuff member 763 to the backsheet 42 adjacent the
longitudinal edge 30 of the diaper by flap attachment members 88,
such as an adhesive; a leakage-resistant seal being formed by the
flap attachment members 88, the flap portion 68, and the backsheet
42 to provide protection against leakage of liquids wicking along
the topsheet 38. The flap portion 702 and the backsheet 42 define
the side flap 758 of the gasketing cuff 756 and enclose the flap
elastic members 760. The flap elastic members 760 are secured in
the flap portion-backsheet-formed side flap 758 by elastic
attachment members 90. The gasketing cuff 756 is thereby formed by
the side flap 758 and the flap elastic members 760.
[0091] The channel portion 704 of the barrier cuff 762 is
contiguous with the flap portion 702 and has a proximal edge 64 and
a distal edge 66. The proximal edge 64 is preferably formed inboard
of the gasketing cuff 756, more preferably between the side edge 46
of the absorbent core and the flap elastic member 760, by adjoining
a segment of the barrier cuff member 763 to the backsheet 42 by the
proximal securement member 92 such as a mechanical/pressure bond so
as to form a leakage-resistant seal along the proximal edge 64 to
present a barrier to liquid wicking through the topsheet 38 so as
to prevent the liquids from wicking underneath the barrier cuffs to
the edges of the diaper 20. The distal edge 66 is preferably
disposed inboard of the proximal edge 64 and is not secured to any
underlying elements of the diaper 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the
distal edge 66 is preferably formed by folding the end of the
barrier cuff member 763 back upon itself and securing it to another
segment of the barrier cuff member by the distal attachment member
96 to form a tunnel. A spacing means such as a spacing elastic
member 76 is enclosed in the tunnel; the spacing elastic member 76
being secured in the barrier cuff 762 by the elastic attachment
members 94. (As an alternative embodiment, only the ends of the
spacing elastic member are secured to the barrier cuff element to
create a "drawstring elastic" such that the middle segment of the
elastic "floats" in the tunnel. This drawstring elastic is
described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,025 issued to
Richardson on Mar. 28, 1989, which patent is incorporated herein by
reference.) The distal edge 66 is thus spaced away from the body
surface 40 of the topsheet 38 by the gathering action of the
spacing elastic member 77.
[0092] In the embodiment shown, the topsheet 38 is positioned
adjacent the body surface of the absorbent core 44 and extends
beyond the side edge 46 of the absorbent core 44 but terminates
inwardly of the proximal edge 64. (Alternatively, the topsheet may
extend outwardly beyond the proximal edge but terminate inwardly of
outermost flap attachment member 88 to obtain the benefits of the
structure.) A more detailed description of the cuff construction of
this embodiment is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,454, "Absorbent
Article Having Leakage-Resistant Dual Cuff", issued to Dragoo on
Jan. 3, 1989, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0093] The flap portion 702 is contiguous with the channel portion
704 and extends outwardly from the proximal edge 64 of the channel
portion 704 toward the longitudinal edge 30, preferably to the
longitudinal edge 30, such that the side flap 758 is formed from
the extension of the backsheet 42 and the flap portion 702. While
the flap portion 702 is preferably a continuous segment of the
barrier cuff member 763, the flap portion 702 may be formed from a
different piece of material secured to the channel portion 704 of
the barrier cuff 762. Thus, the flap portion 702 may have different
physical properties, dimensions, and characteristics than the
channel portion 704. For example, the flap portion 702 need not be
hydrophobic nor extend outwardly to the longitudinal edge 30. In
addition, each of the barrier cuffs 762 need not have a flap
portion such that a flap portion may be omitted entirely. The flap
portion is, however, preferably hydrophobic, compliant, soft
feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin since it contacts
the legs of the wearer when in use.
[0094] An effective amount of a skin care composition is disposed
on the cuff to provide skin care benefits for the wearer. To
effectuate delivery of the skin care composition to the wearer's
skin during use, it is preferred to dispose the skin care
composition on the portions of the cuff that will contact the
wearer's skin. Thus, the skin care composition may be disposed on
both surfaces of the cuff, one surface of the cuff, or portions of
either or both surfaces. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
skin care composition may be disposed on the flap portion 702, the
channel portion 704, or both. If a skin care composition is
disposed on both the flap portion and the channel portion, the
formulation of the skin care composition disposed on each need not
be the same. In fact, each skin care composition may have different
formulations and properties to provide different benefits. For
example, a first skin care composition that, for example, reduces
diaper rash may be disposed on the channel portion while a second
skin care composition that, for example, reduces skin irritation
and/or soothes the skin may be disposed on the flap portion. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a first skin care composition 72 is
disposed on the channel portion, preferably on the body surface
thereof; a second skin care composition 72' is disposed on the flap
portion, preferably on the body surface thereof; and a third skin
care composition 72'' is disposed on the topsheet, preferably on
the body surface thereof. The formulation of each skin care
composition need not be the same; however, in this particular
embodiment, the formulation of each skin care composition is the
same. Each skin care composition is disposed in an effective amount
so as to transfer the skin care composition to the skin of the
wearer.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, a skin care composition is preferably
disposed on discrete portions of the flap portion and the channel
portion. More preferably, the skin care composition is applied in
one or more stripes, most preferably the stripe or stripes being
aligned with those areas that overlie the flap elastic members or
the spacing elastic members. The first skin care composition 72 is
preferably applied to the channel portion 704 in a wide stripe
(about 1.4 inch) extending from the distal edge 66 toward the
proximal edge 64. The length of this stripe extends along a portion
of the length of the spacing elastic member 76 (about 11.75 inch
long) such that the portion of the barrier cuff element 763
adjacent the end of the spacing elastic member in the front waist
region does not have the skin care composition 72 disposed thereon.
(See, for example, FIG. 1.) A plurality of stripes of the second
skin care composition 72' are disposed on the flap portion 702.
[0096] The skin care composition may be applied to the body surface
57 or the garment surface 59 of the barrier cuff member 763. If
applied to the garment surface, the skin care composition
preferably acts as a hydrophobic coating to assist in blocking the
flow of urine and BM through the barrier cuffs. Also, the skin care
composition is applied such that it will migrate or transfer
through to the body surface of the barrier cuff member so as to be
transferable onto the skin of the wearer and provide the skin care
benefits discussed herein.
[0097] A skin care composition may also be disposed on the topsheet
so as to provide a different benefit or the same benefit as that
applied to the barrier cuff. An example of a skin care composition
for a topsheet is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588 issued to
Roe, et al. on Jul. 1, 1997, which patent is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0098] FIG. 8 is another alternative embodiment of a treated cuff,
particularly a breathable treated elastic leg cuff, of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the diaper 820 comprises a chassis
comprising an outer covering layer comprising a topsheet 38 and a
backsheet 42, and an absorbent core 44 encased in the outer
covering layer, preferably between the topsheet 38 and the
backsheet 42. The leg cuff 856 comprises a side flap 858 and
elastic members 860. The leg cuff 856 is formed as a separate unit
that is joined to the chassis. In this particular embodiment, the
side flap 858 comprises two cuff elements, a first cuff element 802
joined to the topsheet 38 and extending laterally outwardly
therefrom and a second cuff element 804 joined to the backsheet 42
and extending laterally outwardly therefrom. The first cuff element
802 and the second cuff element 804 enclose the elastic members 860
which are operatively joined to either or both cuff elements to
form a gasketing cuff. In the particular embodiment shown, each
cuff element is formed of a material which allows the passage of
vapor (breathes) while tending to retard the passage of liquid (air
pervious but liquid impervious). In this particular embodiment, the
cuff elements each comprise a nonwoven web; however, other
breathable materials, including apertured formed films may be used.
A more detailed description of such a leg cuff is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,636,207, issued to Buell on Jan. 13, 1987, which patent
is incorporated herein by reference.
[0099] The skin care composition may be disposed on either the
first cuff element, the second cuff element, or both. In a
preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the skin care composition
872 is disposed on the first cuff element 802, preferably on the
body surface 802, such that the skin care composition 872 may be
readily transferred to the wearer's skin when the leg cuff 856 is
in contact with the wearer. The skin care composition is preferably
applied in one or more stripes with the stripe or stripes more
preferably aligned with those areas that overlie the elastic
members. Alternatively, the skin care composition may be applied to
the garment surface 808 of the first cuff element 802 or to the
second cuff element 804 and allowed to migrate or transfer through
the materials to the body surface 806 of the first cuff element 802
to provide the benefits of the skin care composition as well as to
provide a leg cuff that has reduced leakage. In addition, the skin
care composition may be applied to the elastic members and allowed
to transfer through to the body surface of the first cuff element.
(In a further alternative embodiment, the second cuff element may
be replaced by extending the backsheet all the way to the edge of
the diaper).
[0100] The breathability (vapor permeability) of the cuff enhances
the function of many of the skin care compositions used in the
present invention by allowing vapor exchange within the diaper to
reduce the relative humidity of the interior of the diaper.
Excessive relative humidity in the absorbent article between the
wearer's skin and the article can interfere with the normal
transport of water vapor into and out of the skin. By providing a
means for transport of such excess moisture (breathable cuffs), the
driving force toward overhydration is reduced. This allows moisture
adjacent the skin to be removed from the diaper, thereby further
enhancing the skin health of the wearer over and above the
reduction provided by the skin care composition of the present
invention alone. (Disposable absorbent articles which provide
improved protection against skin overhydration because of a skin
care composition disposed on the topsheet, improved skin aeration
such as is provided by improved breathability, and superior liquid
handling performance is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 08/926,566 (P&G Case 6832Q) "Disposable Absorbent Articles
Providing A Skin Condition Benefit", Elder, et al. filed on Sep.
10, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference.)
[0101] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment of
the present invention having separate side panel laminates, front
side panels 902 and back side panels 904, joined to the chassis
(containment assembly). The extensible back side panels 904 have
multi-directional stretch provided by a first side panel 906 and a
second side panel 908 to provide separate extensibility along the
waist and leg portions of the diaper 920. The side panels and the
diaper are described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411, "Zero
Scrap Method for Manufacturing Side Panels for Absorbent Articles"
issued to Nease, et al. on Dec. 3, 1996 and U.S. application Ser.
No. 08/115,048 entitled "Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional
Extensible Side Panels", filed on Nov. 19, 1994 in the names of
Robles, et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. The
diaper 920 can have various treated cuffs and combinations thereof.
The leg cuffs of the diaper 920 comprise the gasketing cuff 956 of
the chassis (containment assembly) and the leg edges 910 of the
second side panels 908 and of the front side panels 902. The waist
cuffs comprise the elastic waistband 912 of the chassis
(containment assembly) and the waist edge 914 of the first side
panels 906 and the front side panels 902. In this embodiment, a
skin care composition may be applied to the side panels or any
portion thereof, to the gasketing cuff, to the elastic waistband,
or any combination of the above. For example, a skin care
composition may be applied to the elastic waistband and to a
portion of the waist edge of each first side panel and front side
panel. A skin care composition may be disposed on each leg cuff
including a segment of the gasketing cuff, the leg edge of the
second side panel and the leg edge of the front side panel. The
skin care composition may thus provide a therapeutic or protective
coating to the legs of the wearer. Alternatively, different
formulation skin care compositions may be disposed on any
combination or all of these cuffs. A further skin care composition
may also be disposed on the topsheet 38 as described herein. As
shown in FIG. 10, a first skin care composition 972 is disposed on
the first side panel 906 in multiple stripes as spirals, a second
skin care composition 972' is disposed on the second side panel 908
in multiple stripes as spirals, and a third skin care composition
972'' is disposed on the front side panels 902 in multiple stripes
as spirals. Each of the skin care compositions may be of the same
formulation or different formulations. If the skin care
compositions have different formulations, each particular skin care
composition can be formulated to provide unique skin care benefits
to different areas of the wearer.
[0102] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of an alternative
preferred diaper construction of a treated cuff disposed in the
waist regions of a diaper. In particular, the drawing depicts a
unitary waistcap/waistband. An exemplary embodiment of such a
unitary waistcap/waistband is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,364
issued to Robertson on Jun. 25, 1991, which patent is incorporated
herein by reference. (It should be noted that the present invention
is not limited to unitary waistcap/waistbands but also encompasses
waistbands such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to
Kievit & Osterhage on May 7, 1985; as well as waistcaps such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,677 issued to Foreman on Apr. 19,
1988 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,246 issued to Lawson on May 10, 1988;
each of these patents being incorporated herein by reference.) The
unitary waistcap/waistband 1002 is formed by a single piece of
elastomeric material operatively joined with the diaper 1020. The
outward portion 1004 is operatively joined with the waist flap 1058
in an elastically contractible condition adjacent the end edge 32
of the diaper 1020 by a waistband securement member (not shown)
such as ultrasonic bonds so as to form an elastic waistband 1056.
The inward portion 1006 is contiguous with the outward portion 1004
and has a proximal edge 1064 and a distal edge 1066. The proximal
edge 1064 of the inward portion 1006 is formed inboard of the end
edge 32 of the diaper 1020, preferably between the waist edge 47 of
the absorbent core 44 and the outward portion 1004, by joining a
segment of the inward portion 1006 to the waist flap 1058 (the
topsheet 38) by a proximal attachment member (not shown) such as an
adhesive so as to form a seal along the proximal edge 1064. The
distal edge 1066 is disposed inboard of the proximal edge 1064 and
in the view shown, is not secured to any underlying elements of the
diaper 1020, particularly the topsheet 38, so that portions of the
inward portion 1006 may be spaced away from the body surface 40 of
the topsheet 38 to form a waistcap 1062 (barrier cuff). In the
embodiment shown, a single piece of material serves as both the
elastic waistband 1056 and as the waistcap 1062 (barrier cuff).
This single piece of material is referred to herein as a unitary
waistcap/waistband 1002. The waistband enhances the fit of the
diaper about the wearer and retards leakage from the waist area
while the waistcap restrains, contains and holds body exudates
within the diaper. However, it should be noted that separate
elements may form both the waistcap and the waistband.
[0103] In the embodiment shown, a skin care composition may be
disposed on the inward portion, the outward portion, or both. Thus,
a skin care composition may be applied onto the waistcap or the
waistband. The skin care composition is preferably applied to the
body surface of the unitary waistcap/waistband so as to contact and
transfer to the skin of the wearer during use. As shown in FIG. 10,
a skin care composition 1072 is preferably disposed in one or more
stripes on the body surface 1070 of the unitary waistcap/waistband
1002, more preferably adjacent the distal edge 1066 of the waistcap
1062 and in the waistband 1056. In order to enhance the
hydrophobicity of the waistcap and to provide a skin care
composition transferable to the skin, the skin care composition may
alternatively be applied to the garment surface and allowed to
migrate or transfer through to the body surface thereby providing a
hydrophobic coating which helps retard the passage of liquid while
allowing the skin care composition to be readily transferred to the
skin of the wearer. In addition, a different formulation skin care
composition may be applied to the inward portion versus the outward
portion.
[0104] Another disposable absorbent article of the present
invention are feminine hygiene articles, such as sanitary napkins.
Suitable feminine hygiene articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,556,146, issued to Swanson et al. on Dec. 3, 1985; U.S. Pat. No.
B1 4,589,876, issued to Van Tilburg on Apr. 27, 1993; U.S. Pat. No.
4,687,478, issued to Van Tilburg on Aug. 18, 1997; U.S. Pat. No.
4,950,264, issued to Osborn, III on Aug. 21, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.
5,009,653, issued to Osborn, III on Apr. 23, 1991; U.S. Pat.
5,267,992, issued to Van Tilburg on Dec. 7, 1993; U.S. Pat. No.
5,389,094, issued to Lavash et al. on Feb. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.
5,413,568, issued to Road et al. on May 9, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.
5,460,623, issued to Emenaker et al. on Oct. 24, 1995; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,489,283, issued to Van Tilburg on Feb. 6, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.
5,569,231, issued to Emenaker et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,620,430, issued to Bamber on Apr. 15, 1997; each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0105] FIG. 11 shows a fragmentary coronal view showing a sectioned
sanitary napkin 1120 having a treated cuff of the present invention
positioned in a panty 1102 in place on a wearer during use. A more
detailed description of a sanitary napkin having a barrier cuff is
found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,917 issued to Roberts & Mancel on
Jul. 22, 1997; which patent is incorporated herein by reference. As
shown in FIG. 11, the sanitary napkin 1120 comprises a central
absorbent pad comprising a topsheet 38, a backsheet 42, and an
absorbent core 44 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the
backsheet 42; a flap 1104 (commercially referred to as "wings" or
"tabs") extending from each longitudinal edge 1130 of the central
absorbent pad, each flap 1104 having at least one flexible axis,
preferably a first axis of flexibility 1106 and a second axis of
flexibility 1108 such that, in use, the elastic in the panty 1102
pushes the flaps 1104 adjacent the second axes of flexibility 1108
snugly against the body resulting in a double-wall barrier to
contain menses; and a treated cuff comprising a barrier cuff 1162
(barrier means) having a proximal edge 1164 and a distal edge 1166,
the proximal edge 1164 being joined to the napkin (preferably in
this embodiment the flap 1104) to contain body exudates.
[0106] A skin care composition 1172 is disposed on each barrier
cuff 1162 to provide skin care benefits as described herein. While
the skin care composition may be applied to the entire cuff, one of
the surfaces of the cuff, or any portions thereof, in the
embodiment shown, the skin care composition is applied in one or
more stripes to a portion of the body surface of the barrier cuff
1162 preferably adjacent the distal edge 1166. In addition, in the
embodiment shown, a second skin care composition 1172' is also
disposed on each flap 1104. A third skin care composition 1172'' is
disposed on the topsheet 38. The second skin care composition 1172'
disposed on the flaps 1104 is preferably disposed on the portions
of the flaps that come in contact with the wearer during use,
typically the portions of the flaps adjacent the second axis of
flexibility 1108. The second skin care composition 1172' may be
disposed between the first axis of flexibility 1106 and the second
axis of flexibility 1108 and/or between the second axis of
flexibility 1108 and the distal edge 1110 of the flap, or both. The
formulation of the skin care compositions applied to the barrier
cuff, the topsheet, and the flaps can be different to provide
different skin care benefits to different portions of the skin of
the wearer. In the embodiment shown, the skin care compositions
which are disposed on the topsheet, the flaps, and the barrier
cuffs have the same formulation.
B. Skin Care Composition
[0107] While the specific skin care composition(s) delivered
(referred to herein as "skin care composition" and "composition")
in accordance with the present invention is an important factor in
delivering desirable skin effects, it is preferred that the skin
care composition should provide a protective, nonocclusive function
(e.g., a relatively liquid impervious but vapor pervious barrier)
to avoid skin hyperhydration and skin exposure to materials
contained in body exudates; an abrasion minimizing function to
reduce skin irritation in the areas where the cuffs contact the
wearer's skin; or contain agents that deliver, either directly or
indirectly, skin care benefits. For example, indirect benefits
include improved removal of skin irritants such as feces or urine.
The composition may be in a variety of forms, including, but not
limited to, emulsions, lotions, creams, ointments, salves, powders,
suspensions, encapsulations, gels, and the like.
[0108] As used herein, the term "effective amount of a skin care
composition" refers to an amount of a particular composition which,
when applied or migrated to ("disposed on") the body surface of a
cuff, will be effective in reducing the abrasion between the cuff
and skin in the areas where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin,
providing a protective barrier and/or delivering a skin care
benefit when delivered via cuffs, and/or reducing the adherence of
BM to the skin. Unless otherwise indicated, the description
pertaining to disposition of skin care composition on the cuffs
will be applicable to compositions disposed on the topsheet, in
such preferred embodiments. Of course, the effective amount of
composition disposed on the cuff will depend, to a large extent, on
the particular skin care composition used. Nonetheless, the
quantity of the skin care composition disposed on at least a
portion of the body surface of the cuff will preferably range from
about 0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.0078 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 80 mg/in.sup.2
(12 mg/cm.sup.2), more preferably from about 1 mg/in.sup.2 (0.16
mg/cm.sup.2) to about 40 mg/in.sup.2 (6 mg/cm.sup.2), still more
preferably from about 4 mg/in.sup.2 (0.6 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 26
mg/in.sup.2 (4 mg/cm.sup.2). These ranges are by way of
illustration only and the skilled artisan will recognize that the
nature of the composition will dictate the level that must be
disposed thereon to achieve the desired skin benefits, and that
such levels are ascertainable by routine experimentation in light
of the present disclosure.
[0109] While the level of skin care composition disposed on the
cuffs is an important aspect of the present invention, more
important is the amount of composition transferred to the wearer's
skin during use of one or more of the treated cuffs. Though the
requisite level delivered to the skin to provide the desired skin
benefits will depend to some degree on the nature of the
composition employed, Applicants have found that relatively low
levels may be delivered while still providing the desired skin
effects. This is particularly true for preferred compositions, such
as those described in the examples.
[0110] Another benefit of the present invention is the controlled
application of the skin care composition to deliver the low but
effective levels of composition required. This is in contrast to
typically sporadic manual application of skin care agents, where
the caregiver/user often applies significantly greater levels of
material than are needed. Excessive materials added manually may
adversely impact the fluid handling properties of the absorbent
article, as a result of transfer from the skin to the article.
Indeed, for certain materials, such as petrolatum, the levels
applied manually may actually result in an occlusive effect,
thereby compromising the skin. A benefit of the present invention
is providing a barrier to surface moisture while avoiding occlusion
of the skin (i.e., maintaining skin breathability). Thus, the
present invention allows transfer of optimal levels of the
composition to the skin to maintain and/or improve skin health.
[0111] With regard to the level of skin care composition that is
transferred to the wearer during use of one treated absorbent
article worn for a period of about 3 hours (a typical daytime wear
time), particularly for preferred skin care compositions such as
that described in Example 1, preferred is where at least about 0.01
mg/in.sup.2 (0.0016 mg/cm.sup.2), more preferably at least about
0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.0078 mg/cm.sup.2), still more preferably at
least about 0.1 mg/in.sup.2 (0.016 mg/cm.sup.2), of the composition
is transferred to the skin over a three hour wear period.
Typically, the amount of composition delivered by one treated
article will be from about 0.01 mg/in.sup.2 (0.0016 mg/cm.sup.2)to
about 8 mg/in.sup.2 (1.24 mg/cm.sup.2), more preferably from about
0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.0078 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 6 mg/in.sup.2 (0.93
mg/cm.sup.2), still more preferably from about 0.1 mg/in.sup.2
(0.016mg/cm.sup.2)to about 5 mg/in.sup.2 (0.78 mg/cm.sup.2), over a
three hour wear period.
[0112] It will be recognized that of the numerous materials useful
in the skin care compositions delivered to skin in accordance with
the present invention, those that have been deemed safe and
effective skin care agents are logical materials for use herein.
Such materials include Category I actives as defined by the U.S.
Federal Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Tentative Final
Monograph on Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter
Human Use (21 C.F.R. .sctn. 347), which presently include:
alantoin, aluminum hydroxide gel, calamine, cocoa butter,
dimethicone, cod liver oil (in combination), glycerine, kaolin,
petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, shark liver oil, white
petrolatum, talc, topical starch, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate,
zinc oxide, and the like. Other potentially useful materials are
Category III actives as defined by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug
Administration's Tentative Final Monograph on Skin Protectant Drug
Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use (21 C.F.R. .sctn. 347),
which presently include: live yeast cell derivatives, aldioxa,
aluminum acetate, microporous cellulose, cholecalciferol, colloidal
oatmeal, cysteine hydrochloride, dexpanthanol, Peruvean balsam oil,
protein hydrolysates, racemic methionine, sodium bicarbonate,
Vitamin A, and the like. It will be recognized that one or more of
these optional materials may be used in combination with other
ingredients, such as those described herein.
[0113] As will be discussed hereinafter, the skin care compositions
useful in the present invention preferably, though not necessarily,
have a melting profile such that they are relatively immobile and
localized on the wearer-contacting surface (body surface) of the
cuff at room temperature, at least a portion of the composition
will be transferable to the wearer at body temperature, and yet are
not completely liquid under extreme storage conditions. Preferably,
the compositions are easily transferable to the skin by way of
normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Because the
composition preferably is substantially immobilized on the cuff's
wearer-contacting surface, relatively low levels of skin care
composition are needed to impart the desired skin care benefits. In
addition, special barrier or wrapping materials may be unnecessary
in packaging the articles useful in the present invention.
[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the skin care compositions useful
herein are solid, or more often semi-solid, at 20.degree. C., i.e.
at ambient temperatures. By "semisolid" is meant that the
composition has a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or plastic
liquids. When no shear is applied, the compositions can have the
appearance of a semi-solid but can be made to flow as the shear
rate is increased. This is due to the fact that, while the
composition contains primarily solid components, it also includes
some minor liquid components.
[0115] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention have a
zero shear viscosity between about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 centipoise
and about 1.0.times.10.sup.8 centipoise. More preferably, the zero
shear viscosity is between about 5.0.times.10.sup.6 centipoise and
about 5.0.times.10.sup.7 centipoise. As used herein the term "zero
shear viscosity" refers to a viscosity measured at very low shear
rates (e.g., 1.0 sec.sup.-1) using plate and cone viscometer (a
suitable instrument is available from TA Instruments of New Castle,
DE as model number CSL 100). One of skill in the art will recognize
means other than high melting point components (as discussed below)
can be used to provide comparable viscosities measured for such
compositions comprising such means can be measured by extrapolating
a plot of viscosity vs. shear rate for such compositions to a shear
rate of zero at a temperature of about 20.degree. C.
[0116] Preferred compositions are at least semi-solid at room
temperature to minimize composition migration. In addition, the
compositions preferably have a final melting point (100% liquid)
above potential "stressful" storage conditions that can be greater
than 45.degree. C. (e.g., warehouse in Arizona, car trunk in
Florida, etc.). Specifically, preferred compositions will have the
following melt profile:
TABLE-US-00001 Characteristic Preferred Range Most Preferred %
liquid at 2-50 3-25 room temp. (20.degree. C.) % liquid at 25-95
30-90 body temp. (37.degree. C.) final melting point (.degree. C.)
.gtoreq.38 .gtoreq.45
[0117] By being solid or semisolid at ambient temperatures,
preferred compositions do not have a tendency to flow and migrate
to a significant degree to undesired locations of the absorbent
article. This means less skin care composition is required for
imparting desirable therapeutic, protective and/or conditioning
benefits.
[0118] To enhance immobility of preferred compositions, the
viscosity of the formulated compositions should be as high as
possible to prevent flow from the cuff to undesired locations
within the diaper. Unfortunately, in some instances, higher
viscosities may inhibit transfer of composition to the wearer's
skin or may be difficult to apply without processing problems.
Therefore, a balance should be achieved so the viscosities are high
enough to keep the compositions localized on the body surface of
the cuff, but not so high as to impede transfer to the wearer's
skin. Suitable viscosities for the compositions will typically
range from about 1 to about 5000 centipoise, preferably from about
5 to about 300 centipoise, more preferably from about 5 to about
100 centipoise, measured at 60.degree. C. using a rotational
viscometer (a suitable viscometer is available from Lab Line
Instruments, Inc. of Melrose Park, Ill. as Model 4537). The
viscometer is operated at 60 rpm using a number 2 spindle.
[0119] For compositions designed to provide a skin care benefit, a
useful active ingredient in these compositions is one or more skin
protectants or emollients. As used herein, the term "emollient" is
a material that protects against wetness or irritation, softens,
soothes, supples, coats, lubricates, moisturizes, protects and/or
cleanses the skin. (It will be recognized that several of the
monographed actives listed above are "emollients", as that term is
used herein.) In a preferred embodiment, these emollients will have
either a plastic or liquid consistency at ambient temperatures,
i.e., 20.degree. C.
[0120] Representative emollients useful in the present invention
include, but are not limited to, emollients that are
petroleum-based; sucrose ester fatty acids; polyethylene glycol and
derivatives thereof; humectants; fatty acid ester type; alkyl
ethoxylate type; fatty acid ester ethoxylates; fatty alcohol type;
polysiloxane type; propylene glycol and derivatives thereof;
glycerine and derivatives thereof, including glyceride,
acetoglycerides, and ethoxylated glycerides of C.sub.12-C.sub.28
fatty acids; triethylene glycol and derivatives thereof; spermaceti
or other waxes; fatty acids; fatty alcohol ethers, particularly
those having from 12 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty chain, such
as stearic acid; propoxylated fatty alcohols; other fatty esters of
polyhydroxy alcohols; lanolin and its derivatives; kaolin and its
derivatives; any of the monographed skin care agents listed above;
or mixtures of these emollients.
[0121] Suitable petroleum-based emollients include those
hydrocarbons, or mixtures of hydrocarbons, having chain lengths of
from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Petroleum based hydrocarbons having
these chain lengths include mineral oil (also known as "liquid
petrolatum") and petrolatum (also known as "mineral wax, "
"petroleum jelly" and "mineral jelly"). Mineral oil usually refers
to less viscous mixtures of hydrocarbons having from 16 to 20
carbon atoms. Petrolatum usually refers to more viscous mixtures of
hydrocarbons having from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Petrolatum and
mineral oil are particularly preferred emollients for compositions
of the present invention.
[0122] Suitable fatty acid ester type emollients include those
derived from C.sub.12-C.sub.28 fatty acids, preferably
C.sub.16-C.sub.22 saturated fatty acids, and short chain
(C.sub.1-C.sub.8, preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.3) monohydric alcohols.
Representative examples of such esters include methyl palmitate,
methyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl
palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate and mixtures thereof. Suitable
fatty acid ester emollients can also be derived from esters of
longer chain fatty alcohols (C.sub.12-C.sub.28, preferably
C.sub.12-C.sub.16) and shorter chain fatty acids e.g., lactic acid,
such as lauryl lactate and cetyl lactate.
[0123] Suitable alkyl ethoxylate type emollients include C12-C22
fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation
of from about 2 to about 30. Preferably, the fatty alcohol
ethoxylate emollient is selected from the group consisting of
lauryl, cetyl, and stearyl ethoxylates, and mixtures thereof,
having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 2 to
about 23. Representative examples of such alkyl ethoxylates include
laureth-3 (a lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of
ethoxylation of 3), laureth-23 (a lauryl ethoxylate having an
average degree of ethoxylation of 23), ceteth-10 (a cetyl alcohol
ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10) and
steareth-10 (a stearyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree
of ethoxylation of 10). When employed, these alkyl ethoxylate
emollients are typically used in combination with the
petroleum-based emollients, such as petrolatum, at a weight ratio
of alkyl ethoxylate emollient to petroleum-based emollient of from
about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:2 to about 1:4.
[0124] Suitable fatty alcohol type emollients include
C.sub.12-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.16-C.sub.18
fatty alcohols. Representative examples include cetyl alcohol and
stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. When employed, these fatty
alcohol emollients are typically used in combination with the
petroleum-based emollients, such as petrolatum, at a weight ratio
of fatty alcohol emollient to petroleum-based emollient of from
about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:2.
[0125] Other suitable types of emollients for use herein include
polysiloxane compounds. In general, suitable polysiloxane materials
for use in the present invention include those having monomeric
siloxane units of the following structure:
##STR00001##
wherein, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, for each independent siloxane
monomeric unit can each independently be hydrogen or any alkyl,
aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, arakyl, cycloalkyl, halogenated
hydrocarbon, or other radical. Any of such radicals can be
substituted or unsubstituted. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 radicals of any
particular monomeric unit may differ from the corresponding
functionalities of the next adjoining monomeric unit. Additionally,
the polysiloxane can be either a straight chain, a branched chain
or have a cyclic structure. The radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can
additionally independently be other silaceous functionalities such
as, but not limited to siloxanes, polysiloxanes, silanes, and
polysilanes. The radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may contain any of a
variety of organic functionalities including, for example, alcohol,
carboxylic acid, phenyl, and amine functionalities.
[0126] Exemplary alkyl radicals are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,
pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, octadecyl, and the like. Exemplary
alkenyl radicals are vinyl, allyl, and the like. Exemplary aryl
radicals are phenyl, diphenyl, naphthyl, and the like. Exemplary
alkaryl radicals are toyl, xylyl, ethylphenyl, and the like.
Exemplary aralkyl radicals are benzyl, alpha-phenylethyl,
beta-phenylethyl, alpha-phenylbutyl, and the like. Exemplary
cycloalkyl radicals are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and
the like. Exemplary halogenated hydrocarbon radicals are
chloromethyl, bromoethyl, tetrafluorethyl, fluorethyl,
trifluorethyl, trifluorotloyl, hexafluoroxylyl, and the like.
[0127] Viscosity of polysiloxanes useful may vary as widely as the
viscosity of polysiloxanes in general vary, so long as the
polysiloxane is flowable or can be made to be flowable for
application to the absorbent article. This includes, but is not
limited to, viscosity as low as 5 centistokes (at 37.degree. C. as
measured by a glass viscometer) to about 20,000,000 centistokes.
Preferably the polysiloxanes have a viscosity at 37.degree. C.
ranging from about 5 to about 5,000 centistokes, more preferably
from about 5 to about 2,000 centistokes, most preferably from about
100 to about 1000 centistokes. High viscosity polysiloxanes which
themselves are resistant to flowing can be effectively deposited
upon the absorbent articles by such methods as, for example,
emulsifying the polysiloxane in surfactant or providing the
polysiloxane in solution with the aid of a solvent, such as hexane,
listed for exemplary purposes only. Particular methods for applying
polysiloxane emollients to absorbent articles are discussed in more
detail hereinafter.
[0128] Preferred polysiloxanes compounds for use in the present
invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,282 (Ampulski et
al), issued Oct. 22, 1991, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Particularly preferred polysiloxane compounds for use as
emollients in the compositions of the present invention include
phenyl-functional polymethylsiloxane compounds (e.g., Dow Corning
556 Cosmetic-Grade Fluid: polyphenylmethylsiloxane) and cetyl or
stearyl functionalized dimethicones such as Dow 2502 and Dow 2503
polysiloxane liquids, respectively. In addition to such
substitution with phenyl-functional or alkyl groups, effective
substitution may be made with amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether,
polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, ester, and thiol groups. Of
these effective substituent groups, the family of groups comprising
phenyl, amino, alkyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups are more
preferred than the others; and phenyl-functional groups are most
preferred.
[0129] Suitable humectants include glycerine, propylene glycol,
sorbitol, trihydroxy stearin, and the like.
[0130] When present, the amount of emollient that can be included
in the composition will depend on a variety of factors, including
the particular emollient involved, the skin benefits desired, the
other components in the composition and like factors. The
composition will comprise from 0 to about 100%, by total weight, of
the emollient. Preferably, the composition will comprise from about
10 to about 95%, more preferably from about 20 to about 80%, and
most preferably from about 40 to about 75%, by weight, of the
emollient.
[0131] Another optional, but especially key component of certain
skin care compositions useful in the present invention is an agent
capable of immobilizing the composition (including the preferred
emollient and/or other skin condition/protective agents) in the
desired location in or on the treated cuff. Because certain of the
preferred emollients in the composition have a plastic or liquid
consistency at 20.degree. C., they tend to flow or migrate, even
when subjected to modest shear. When applied to a body surface or
other location of a cuff, especially in a melted or molten state,
the emollient will not remain primarily in or on the treated
region. Instead, the emollient will tend to migrate and flow to
undesired regions of the absorbent article.
[0132] Specifically, if the emollient migrates into the interior of
the article, it can cause undesired effects on the absorbency of
the absorbent core due to the hydrophobic characteristics of many
of the emollients and other skin conditioning agents used in the
compositions useful in the present invention. It also means that
much more emollient has to be applied to the cuff to get the
desired benefits. Increasing the level of emollient not only
increases the cost, but also exacerbates the undesirable effect on
the absorbency of the core and undesired transfer of composition
during processing/converting of the treated cuffs.
[0133] The immobilizing agent counteracts this tendency of the
emollient to migrate or flow by keeping the emollient primarily
localized on the surface or in the region of the cuff to which the
composition is applied. This is believed to be due, in part, to the
fact that the immobilizing agent raises the melting point and/or
viscosity of the composition above that of the emollient. Since the
immobilizing agent is preferably miscible with the emollient (or
solubilized in the emollient with the aid of an appropriate
emulsifier or dispersed therein), it entraps the emollient on the
surface of the wearer contacting surface of the cuff or in the
region to which it is applied.
[0134] It is also advantageous to "lock" the immobilizing agent on
the wearer contacting surface or the region of the cuff to which it
is applied. This can be accomplished by using immobilizing agents
which quickly set up (i.e., solidify) upon application to the cuff.
In addition, outside cooling of the treated cuff via blowers, fans,
cold rolls, etc. can speed up crystallization of the immobilizing
agent.
[0135] In addition to being miscible with (or solubilized in) the
emollient, the immobilizing agent will preferably have a melting
profile that will provide a composition that is solid or semisolid
at ambient temperature. In this regard, preferred immobilizing
agents will have a melting point of at least about 35.degree. C.
This is so the immobilizing agent itself will not have a tendency
to migrate or flow. Preferred immobilizing agents will have melting
points of at least about 40.degree. C. Typically, the immobilizing
agent will have a melting point in the range of from about
50.degree. to about 150.degree. C.
[0136] When utilized, immobilizing agents useful herein can be
selected from any of a number of agents, so long as the preferred
properties of the skin care composition provide the skin benefits
described herein. Preferred immobilizing agents will comprise a
member selected from the group consisting of C.sub.14-C.sub.22
fatty alcohols, C.sub.12-C.sub.22 fatty acids, and
C.sub.12-C.sub.22 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average
degree of ethoxylation ranging from 2 to about 30, and mixtures
thereof. Preferred immobilizing agents include C.sub.16-C.sub.18
fatty alcohols, most preferably crystalline high melting materials
selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl
alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. (The linear
structure of these materials can speed up solidification on the
treated cuff.) Mixtures of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are
particularly preferred. Other preferred immobilizing agents include
C.sub.16-C.sub.18 fatty acids, most preferably selected from the
group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and mixtures
thereof. Mixtures of palmitic acid and stearic acid are
particularly preferred. Still other preferred immobilizing agents
include C.sub.16-C.sub.18 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an
average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 5 to about 20.
Preferably, the fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty alcohols are
linear. Importantly, these preferred immobilizing agents such as
the C.sub.16-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols increase the rate of
crystallization of the composition causing the composition to
crystallize rapidly onto the surface of the substrate.
[0137] Other types of immobilizing agents that may be used herein
include polyhydroxy fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid
amides, and mixtures thereof. Preferred esters and amides will have
three or more free hydroxy groups on the polyhydroxy moiety and are
typically nonionic in character. Because of the possible skin
sensitivity of those using cuffs to which the composition is
applied, these esters and amides should also be relatively mild and
non-irritating to the skin.
[0138] Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the
present invention will have the formula:
##STR00002##
wherein R is a C.sub.5-C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl group, preferably
straight chain C.sub.7-C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably
straight chain C.sub.9-C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably
straight chain C.sub.11-C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixture
thereof; Y is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a hydrocarbyl
chain with at least 2 free hydroxyls directly connected to the
chain; and n is at least 1. Suitable Y groups can be derived from
polyols such as glycerol, pentaerythritol; sugars such as
raffinose, maltodextrose, galactose, sucrose, glucose, xylose,
fructose, maltose, lactose, mannose and erythrose; sugar alcohols
such as erythritol, xylitol, malitol, mannitol and sorbitol; and
anhydrides of sugar alcohols such as sorbitan.
[0139] One class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use
in the present invention comprises certain sorbitan esters,
preferably the sorbitan esters of C.sub.16-C.sub.22 saturated fatty
acids. Because of the manner in which they are typically
manufactured, these sorbitan esters usually comprise mixtures of
mono-, di-, tri-, etc. esters. Representative examples of suitable
sorbitan esters include sorbitan palmitates (e.g., SPAN 40),
sorbitan stearates (e.g., SPAN 60), and sorbitan behenates, that
comprise one or more of the mono-, di- and tri-ester versions of
these sorbitan esters, e.g., sorbitan mono-, di- and tri-palmitate,
sorbitan mono-, di- and tri-stearate, sorbitan mono-, di and
tri-behenate, as well as mixed tallow fatty acid sorbitan mono-,
di- and tri-esters. Mixtures of different sorbitan esters can also
be used, such as sorbitan palmitates with sorbitan stearates.
Particularly preferred sorbitan esters are the sorbitan stearates,
typically as a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-esters (plus some
tetraester) such as SPAN 60, and sorbitan stearates sold under the
trade name GLYCOMUL-S by Lonza, Inc. Although these sorbitan esters
typically contain mixtures of mono-, di- and tri-esters, plus some
tetraester, the mono- and di-esters are usually the predominant
species in these mixtures.
[0140] Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for
use in the present invention comprises certain glyceryl monoesters,
preferably glyceryl monoesters of C.sub.16-C.sub.22 saturated fatty
acids such as glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monopalmitate, and
glyceryl monobehenate. Again, like the sorbitan esters, glyceryl
monoester mixtures will typically contain some di- and triester.
However, such mixtures should contain predominantly the glyceryl
monoester species to be useful in the present invention.
[0141] Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for
use in the present invention comprise certain sucrose fatty acid
esters, preferably the C.sub.12-C.sub.22 saturated fatty acid
esters of sucrose. Sucrose monoesters and diesters are particularly
preferred and include sucrose mono- and di-stearate and sucrose
mono- and di- laurate.
[0142] Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amides for use in the
present invention will have the formula:
##STR00003##
wherein R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl,
2-hydroxypropyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl or a mixture thereof,
preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, methoxyethyl or methoxypropyl,
more preferably C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl or methoxypropyl , most
preferably C.sub.1 alkyl (i.e., methyl) or methoxypropyl; and
R.sup.2 is a C.sub.5-C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl group, preferably
straight chain C.sub.7-C.sub.1g alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably
straight chain C.sub.9-C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably
straight chain C.sub.11-C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixture
thereof; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a linear
hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to
the chain. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,174, 927 (Honsa), issued Dec. 29,
1992 (herein incorporated by reference) which discloses these
polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, as well as their preparation.
[0143] The Z moiety preferably will be derived from a reducing
sugar in a reductive amination reaction; most preferably glycityl.
Suitable reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, maltose,
lactose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. High dextrose corn syrup,
high fructose corn syrup, and high maltose corn syrup can be
utilized, as well as the individual sugars listed above. These corn
syrups can yield mixtures of sugar components for the Z moiety.
[0144] The Z moiety preferably will be selected from the group
consisting of --CH.sub.2--(CHOH)n--CH.sub.2OH,
--CH(CH.sub.2OH)--[(CHOH).sub.n-1]--CH.sub.2OH,
--CH.sub.2OH--CH.sub.2--(CHOH).sub.2(CHOR.sup.3
)(CHOH)--CH.sub.2OH, where n is an integer from 3 to 5, and R.sup.3
is H or a cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most preferred are
the glycityls where n is 4, particularly
--CH.sub.2--(CHOH).sub.4--CH.sub.2OH.
[0145] In the above formula, R.sup.1 can be, for example, N-methyl,
N-ethyl, N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl,
N-methoxypropyl or N-2-hydroxypropyl. R.sup.2 can be selected to
provide, for example, cocamides, stearamides, oleamides,
lauramides, myristamides, capricamides, palmitamides, tallowamides,
etc. The Z moiety can be 1-deoxyglucityl, 2-deoxyfructityl,
1-deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1-deoxygalactityl,
1-deoxymannityl, 1-deoxymaltotriotityl, etc.
[0146] The most preferred polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have the
general formula:
##STR00004##
wherein R.sup.1 is methyl or methoxypropyl; R.sup.2 is a
C.sub.11-C.sub.17 straight-chain alkyl or alkenyl group. These
include N-lauryl-N-methyl glucamide, N-lauryl-N-methoxypropyl
glucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropyl
glucamide, N-palmityl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide,
N-tallowyl-N-methyl glucamide, or N-tallowyl-N-methoxypropyl
glucamide.
[0147] As previously noted, some of the immobilizing agents may
require an emulsifier for solubilization in the emollient. This is
particularly the case for certain of the glucamides such as the
N-alkyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamides having HLB values of at least
about 7. Suitable emulsifiers will typically include those having
HLB values below about 7. In this regard, the sorbitan esters
previously described, such as the sorbitan stearates, having HLB
values of about 4.9 or less have been found useful in solubilizing
these glucamide immobilizing agents in petrolatum. Other suitable
emulsifiers include steareth-2 (polyethylene glycol ethers of
stearyl alcohol that conform to the formula
CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.17(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH, where n has
an average value of 2), sorbitan tristearate, isosorbide laurate,
and glyceryl monostearate. The emulsifier can be included in an
amount sufficient to solubilize the immobilizing agent in the
emollient such that a substantially homogeneous mixture is
obtained. For example, an approximately 1:1 mixture of
N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamide and petrolatum that will normally not
melt into a single phase mixture, will melt into a single phase
mixture upon the addition of 20% of a 1:1 mixture of Steareth-2 and
sorbitan tristearate as the emulsifier.
[0148] Other types of ingredients that can be used as immobilizing
agents, either alone, or in combination with the above-mentioned
immobilizing agents, include waxes such as carnauba, ozokerite,
beeswax, candelilla, paraffin, ceresin, esparto, ouricuri, rezowax,
isoparaffin, and other known mined and mineral waxes. The high melt
point of these materials can help immobilize the composition on the
desired surface or location on the cuff. Additionally
microcrystalline waxes are effective immobilizing agents.
Microcrystalline waxes can aid in "locking" up low molecular weight
hydrocarbons within the skin care composition. Preferably the wax
is a paraffin wax. An example of a particularly preferred alternate
immobilizing agent is a paraffin wax such as Parrafin S.P. 434 from
Strahl and Pitsch Inc. P.O. Box 1098 West Babylon, N.Y. 11704.
[0149] The amount of the optional immobilizing agent that can be
included in the composition will depend on a variety of factors,
including the actives (e.g., emollients) involved, the particular
immobilizing agent involved, if any, the other components in the
composition, whether an emulsifier is required to solubilize the
immobilizing agent in the other components, and like factors. When
present, the composition will typically comprise from about 5 to
about 90% of the immobilizing agent. Preferably, the composition
will comprise from about 5 to about 50%, most preferably from about
10 to about 40%, of the immobilizing agent.
[0150] Compositions can comprise other components typically present
in emulsions, creams, ointment, lotions, powders, suspensions, etc.
of this type. These components include water, viscosity modifiers,
perfumes, disinfectant antibacterial actives, antiviral agents,
vitamins, pharmaceutical actives, film formers, aloe vera,
deodorants, opacifiers, astringents, solvents, preservatives, and
the like. In addition, stabilizers can be added to enhance the
shelf life of the composition such as cellulose derivatives,
proteins and lecithin. All of these materials are well known in the
art as additives for such formulations and can be employed in
appropriate amounts in the compositions for use herein.
[0151] If water-based skin care compositions are used, a
preservative will be needed. Suitable preservatives include propyl
paraben, methyl paraben, benzyl alcohol, benzylkonnium, tribasic
calcium phosphate, BHT, or acids such as citric, tartaric, maleic,
lactic, malic, benzoic, salicylic, and the like. Suitable viscosity
increasing agents include some of the agents described as effective
immobilizing agents. Other suitable viscosity increasing agents
include alkyl galactomannan, silica, talc, magnesium silicate,
sorbitol, colloidal silicone dioxide, magnesium aluminum silicate,
zinc stearate, wool wax alcohol, sorbiton, sesquioleate, cetyl
hydroxy ethyl cellulose and other modified celluloses. Suitable
solvents include propylene glycol, glycerine, cyclomethicone,
polyethylene glycols, hexalene glycol, diol and multi-hydroxy based
solvents. Suitable vitamins include A, D-3, E, B-5 and E
acetate.
C. Application of Skin Care Composition To Cuffs (Or Other
Webs)
[0152] In preparing treated cuff products according to the present
invention, the skin care composition is preferably applied to the
body surface (i.e., wearer-contacting surface) of the cuff.
However, since certain skin care compositions disclosed herein can
penetrate or migrate through some of the cuff materials disclosed
herein, the skin care composition may alternatively be applied to
the garment surface of the cuff such that an effective amount of
the skin care composition is disposed on the body surface. In fact,
in some circumstances, this may be a preferred approach to achieve
the benefits of a fully treated cuff (i.e., both sides are treated)
though application is to one surface only.
[0153] Any of a variety of application methods that distribute
lubricious materials having a molten or liquid consistency can be
used to apply the skin care composition to the cuffs. Suitable
application methods include coating (e.g., gravure or slot
coating), spraying, printing (e.g., flexographic printing),
extruding, or combinations of these or other application techniques
(e.g. spraying the skin care composition on a rotating surface,
such as a calendar roll, that then transfers via contact coating
the skin care composition to the body surface of the diaper cuffs).
If desired, the skin care composition can also be applied to both
sides of the cuffs.
[0154] The manner of applying the skin care composition to the
cuffs should be such that the cuffs do not become over saturated
with the skin care composition. If the cuffs are treated with
excessive amounts of the skin care composition, there is a greater
potential for the skin care composition to migrate to undesired
locations of the article, for example, into the interior of the
article where it can have a detrimental effect on the absorbency of
the underlying absorbent core. Also, saturation of the cuffs is not
required to obtain the therapeutic and/or protective skin care
composition benefits.
[0155] The minimum level of skin care composition to be applied to
the cuff is the smallest amount effective in reducing erythema,
diaper rash, red marking, skin irritation or other adverse skin
conditions. (The compositions can also be effective in reducing the
adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer.) Of course, the
effective amount of a skin care composition will depend, to a large
extent, on the particular skin care composition used. Because the
emollient is substantially immobilized on the body surface of the
cuff, less skin care composition is needed to impart the desired
skin care benefits. Such relatively low levels of skin care
composition are adequate to impart the desired therapeutic and/or
protective skin care composition benefits to the cuff.
[0156] The skin care composition may be applied evenly and
uniformly onto either or both surfaces of the cuff or portions
thereof. The skin care composition may also be applied in a pattern
(i.e., stripes, boxes, dots, spirals, etc.). Preferably, the skin
care composition is registered with the region of the cuff that
will, in use, be most in contact with the wearer. Most preferably,
as described in the Examples hereinafter, the skin care composition
is applied in a stripe to a discrete portion of the cuff, e.g., a
1.4 inch wide (diaper lateral direction, such that the distal edge
of the cuff is covered) and 11.75 inch long (diaper longitudinal
direction) patch generally disposed in the crotch portion of the
body surface of the cuff.
[0157] The skin care composition can also be applied nonuniformly
to either or both surfaces of the cuff. By "nonuniform", it is
meant that the amount, pattern of distribution, etc., of the skin
care composition can vary over the cuff surface. For example, some
portions of the treated surface of the cuff can have greater or
lesser amounts of skin care composition, including portions of the
surface that do not have any skin care composition on it.
[0158] The skin care composition can be applied to the cuff or a
web that forms a portion of the cuff at any point during assembly.
For example, the skin care composition can be applied to the cuff
of the finished product before it has been packaged. The skin care
composition can also be applied to the cuff or the web before it is
combined with the other raw materials to form a finished product,
either at the converting site prior to combination with other
article components or as a pretreated stock material.
[0159] The skin care composition is typically applied from a melt
thereof to the cuff. Since the skin care composition melts at
significantly above ambient temperatures, it is usually applied as
a heated coating to the cuff. Typically, the skin care composition
is heated to a temperature in the range from about 35.degree. to
about 100.degree. C., preferably from 40.degree. to about
90.degree. C., prior to being applied to the cuff. Once the melted
skin care composition has been applied to the cuff, it is allowed
to cool and solidify to form a solidified coating or film disposed
on the surface of the cuff. Preferably, the application process is
designed to aid in the cooling/set up of the composition.
[0160] In applying skin care compositions of the present invention
to cuffs, slot coating, extrusion coating, gravure coating, and
spraying methods are preferred. FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred
method involving continuous or intermittent contact slot coating of
the skin care composition on to a diaper barrier cuff during the
converting operation. Referring to FIG. 5, conveyor belt 1 advances
in the direction shown by the arrows on turning rolls 3 and 4 and
becomes returning conveyor belt 2. Conveyor belt 1 carries
nonlotioned diaper 5 to contact slot coating station 6 where the
barrier cuff member 7 is coated with a hot, molten (e.g.,
65.degree. C.) skin care composition. After leaving slot coating
station 6, the diaper 5 becomes diaper 8 having treated barrier
cuffs. The amount of skin care composition transferred to barrier
cuff member 7 is controlled by: (1) the rate at which the molten
skin care composition is applied from contact slot coating station
6; and/or (2) the speed at which conveyor belt 1 travels under slot
coating station 6; and/or (3) positioning of the contact slot
coating station. (If desired, the coating station may be positioned
so as to coat the barrier cuff member 7 as well as portions of the
topsheet 38 such that both the cuff and the topsheet have a skin
care composition disposed thereon.) FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate
preferred method involving contact slot coating of the skin care
composition on the diaper barrier cuffs before the cuffs are
assembled with the other raw materials into a finished product.
Referring to FIG. 6, a nonwoven barrier cuff web 1 is unwound from
parent barrier cuff roll 2 (rotating in the direction indicated by
arrow 2a) and advanced to the contact slot coating station 6 where
one side of the web is coated with a hot, molten (e.g., 65.degree.
C.) skin care composition. After leaving slot coating station 6,
nonwoven barrier cuff web 1 becomes a treated barrier cuff web
indicated by 3. Treated barrier cuff web 3 is then advanced around
turning roll 4 and turning roll 8, and then wound up on parent roll
10 (rotating in the direction indicated by arrow 10a). The treated
web is then applied to the chassis of the diaper to form the
barrier cuff member of the barrier cuff during the converting
operation.
D. Skin Care Composition on Topsheet and Cuffs
[0161] As shown in FIG. 7, a first skin care composition may be
disposed on the topsheet while a second skin care composition may
be disposed on one or more of the cuffs. It has been found that the
addition of a skin care composition to both the topsheet and the
cuffs performs more effectively than either alone. The combination
of a treated topsheet and treated cuffs provides a greater skin
area to which the skin care composition may be transferred. With a
larger area of the skin having the skin care composition
transferred thereto, the better the likelihood that all parts of
the wearer's skin will be maintained in a healthier state.
[0162] As discussed above, the first skin care composition and the
second skin care composition can be the same formulation. However,
it has been found that if the first skin care composition is
different than the second skin care composition, then the diaper
can be designed to deliver specific skin care benefits to specific
portions of the skin of the wearer. For example, since the topsheet
is typically in contact with the genitals and buttocks of the
wearer during use, a first skin care composition specifically
formulated to, for example, provide diaper rash prevention and/or
treatment can be disposed on the topsheet. Since the cuffs tend to
come in contact with the waist and legs of the wearer, the second
skin care composition can be specifically formulated to, for
example, provide reduced friction/red marking benefits. Thus, a
specific portion of the diaper may have a specifically formulated
skin care composition to target a specific area of the skin of the
wearer for a skin care treatment or maintenance. This allows great
flexibility in the design of the diapers and the ability of the
manufacturer to provide specially designed products for a number of
different consumer needs.
[0163] Another variation in the formulations of the skin care
composition can result from the function of the elements on which
the skin care composition is disposed. For example, the cuffs are
typically designed to contain and restrain urine and runny BM
within the diaper. It may be desired that the cuffs be hydrophobic,
more particularly liquid impermeable, to prevent liquids from
getting through the materials. If the skin care composition is also
hydrophobic it can assist the cuff in resisting the passage of
liquid through the cuff. In contrast, the topsheet needs to be
highly liquid pervious to allow urine or menses to rapidly
penetrate through the topsheet to the absorbent core. Placement of
a hydrophobic skin care composition on the topsheet may degrade the
performance of the topsheet. It may be more desirable to dispose a
hydrophilic skin care composition on the topsheet to maintain the
performance of the topsheet. Therefore, in some embodiments, it may
be desirable that at least a portion of the skin care composition
disposed on the topsheet be made of a hydrophilic material to
promote rapid transfer of liquids (e.g., urine) through the
topsheet. Similarly, it may be desirable that the skin care
composition be sufficiently wettable to ensure that liquids will
transfer through the topsheet rapidly. Alternatively, a hydrophobic
skin care composition may be utilized, so long as they are applied
such that the fluid handling properties of the topsheet are
adequately maintained. For example, nonuniform application of the
composition to the topsheet is one means to accomplish this goal.
An example of nonuniform application is disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/908,852, (P&G Case 5494CR) "Diaper
Having A Lotioned Topsheet", Roe, et al. filed on Aug. 8, 1997,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0164] Where a hydrophilic composition is desired, depending upon
the particular components used in the composition, a hydrophilic
surfactant (or a mixture of hydrophilic surfactants) may, or may
not, be required to improve wettability. For example, some
immobilizing agents, such as N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide
have HLB values of at least about 7 and are sufficiently wettable
without the addition of hydrophilic surfactant. Other immobilizing
agents such as the C16-C18 fatty alcohols having HLB values below
about 7 may require addition of hydrophilic surfactant to improve
wettability when the composition is applied to the topsheet.
Similarly, a hydrophobic emollient such as petrolatum may require
the addition of a hydrophilic surfactant if hydrophilic composition
is desired. Of course, the concern around wettability is not a
factor when the wearer-contacting surface under consideration is
desired to be hydrophobic or when fluid handling properties of the
material is adequately maintained via other means (e.g., nonuniform
application).
[0165] Suitable hydrophilic surfactants will preferably be miscible
with the other components of the skin care composition so as to
form blended mixtures. Because of possible skin sensitivity of
those using disposable absorbent products to which the composition
is applied, these surfactants should also be relatively mild and
non-irritating to the skin. Typically, these hydrophilic
surfactants are nonionic to be not only non-irritating to the skin,
but also to avoid other undesirable effects on any other structures
within the treated diaper. For example, reductions in tissue
laminate tensile strength, adhesive bond sufficiencies, and the
like.
[0166] Suitable nonionic surfactants may be substantially
nonmigratory after the composition is applied to the topsheet and
will typically have HLB values in the range of from about 4 to
about 20, preferably from about 7 to about 20. To be nonmigratory,
these nonionic surfactants will typically have melt temperatures
greater than the temperatures commonly encountered during storage,
shipping, merchandising, and use of disposable absorbent products,
e.g., at least about 30.degree. C. In this regard, these nonionic
surfactants will preferably have melting points similar to those of
the immobilizing agents previously described.
[0167] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use in compositions that
will be applied to the topsheet include alkylglycosides;
alkylglycoside ethers as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,389
(Langdon, et al), issued Mar. 8, 1977, which is incorporated by
reference; alkylpolyethoxylated esters such as Pegosperse 1000 MS
(available from Lonza, Inc., Fair Lawn, N.J.), ethoxylated sorbitan
mono-, di- and/or tri-esters of C12-C18 fatty acids having an
average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 20,
preferably from about 2 to about 10, such as TWEEN 60 (sorbitan
esters of stearic acid having an average degree of ethoxylation of
about 20) and TWEEN 61 (sorbitan esters of stearic acid having an
average degree of ethoxylation of about 4), and the condensation
products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 54 moles
of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol is
typically in a straight chain (linear) configuration and contains
from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are
the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group
containing from about 11 to about 22 carbon atoms with from about 2
to about 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples
of such ethoxylated alcohols include the condensation products of
myristyl alcohol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of
alcohol, the condensation products of coconut alcohol (a mixture of
fatty alcohols having alkyl chains varying in length from 10 to 14
carbon atoms) with about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. A number of
suitable ethoxylated alcohols are commercially available, including
TERGITOL 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C11-C15 linear
alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by Union Carbide
Corporation; KYRO EOB (condensation product of C13-C15 linear
alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by The Procter
& Gamble Co., the NEODOL brand name surfactants marketed by
Shell Chemical Co., in particular NEODOL 25-12 (condensation
product of C12-C15 linear alcohols with 12 moles of ethylene oxide)
and NEODOL 23-6.5T (condensation product of C12-C13 linear alcohols
with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide that has been distilled (topped)
to remove certain impurities), and especially the PLURAFAC brand
name surfactants marketed by BASF Corp., in particular PLURAFAC
A-38 (a condensation product of a C18 straight chain alcohol with
27 moles of ethylene oxide). (Certain of the hydrophilic
surfactants, in particular ethoxylated alcohols such as NEODOL
25-12, can also function as alkyl ethoxylate emollients). Other
examples of preferred ethoxylated alcohol surfactants include ICI's
class of Brij surfactants and mixtures thereof, with Brij 72 (i.e.,
Steareth-2) and Brij 76 (i.e., Steareth-10) being especially
preferred. Also, mixtures of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol
ethoxylated to an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 10
to about 20 may also be used as the hydrophilic surfactant.
[0168] Another type of suitable surfactant for use in the
composition includes Aerosol OT, a dioctyl ester of sodium
sulfosuccinic acid marketed by American Cyanamid Company.
[0169] Still another type of suitable surfactant for use in the
composition includes silicone copolymers such as General Electric
SF 1188 (a copolymer of a polydimethylsiloxane and a
polyoxyalkylene ether) and General Electric SF 1228 (a silicone
polyether copolymer). These silicone surfactants can be used in
combination with the other types of hydrophilic surfactants
discussed above, such as the ethoxylated alcohols. These silicone
surfactants have been found to be effective at concentrations as
low as 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.25 to about 1.0%, by
weight of the composition.
[0170] Where a hydrophilic composition is desired, the amount of
hydrophilic surfactant required to increase the wettability of the
composition to a desired level will depend in-part upon the HLB
value and level of immobilizing agent, if any, used, the HLB value
of the surfactant used and like factors. The composition can
comprise from about 0.1 to about 50% of the hydrophilic surfactant
when needed to increase the wettability properties of the
composition. Preferably, the composition comprises from about 1 to
about 25%, most preferably from about 10 to about 20%, of the
hydrophilic surfactant when needed to increase wettability.
[0171] Applicants have discovered that maintaining or improving
healthy skin under absorbent articles can be accomplished with
repeated use, over a period of time (e.g., several days), of
absorbent articles that are treated with two or more skin care
compositions that are transferred to the wearer under normal usage
conditions (e.g., contact, movement, handling by the caregiver
after application of the article, body heat, etc.) such as the
absorbent articles described herein. In this regard, a method for
maintaining or improving skin health in the area covered by an
absorbent article, comprises the steps of:
[0172] (a) applying to the wearer an absorbent article having a
first skin care composition that provides a therapeutic and/or
protective skin benefit upon transfer to the skin and a second skin
care composition that provides a second skin benefit upon transfer
to the skin;
[0173] (b) transferring to the wearer at least a portion of the
first skin care composition and the second skin care composition
during wear; and
[0174] (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) with one or more additional
articles with sufficient frequency to maintain or improve the
health of the skin covered by the absorbent article relative to the
skin covered by an equivalent absorbent article that does not
comprise the first skin care composition and the second skin care
composition, and without the need for manual application of skin
protective agents (e.g., by the caregiver or wearer).
[0175] A key to this method is the use of an absorbent article
having two or more skin care compositions and frequent cycles of
cumulative delivery of a first skin care composition and a second
skin care composition to the wearer's skin to maintain or improve
skin health. Applicants have further discovered that delivery of
relatively low levels of the compositions with each article wear
are sufficient to obtain the skin benefits resulting from this
novel method of cumulative delivery.
[0176] The article used in the present methods provides an
available source from which the skin care compositions transfer
onto the skin continuously over time. As the compositions are
transferred, they accumulate on the skin surface to initiate and
maintain protective activity. As a used article is discarded and
replaced by a new one, this cycle is repeated for further
composition accumulation above and beyond what a single or original
article would have delivered on its own. Certain of the ingredients
for use in preferred skin care compositions are known to penetrate
the stratum comeum (e.g., petrolatum, which is preferred for use
herein). Thus, even as some amount of the compositions are removed
by cleaning, bathing, etc., or even if usage of treated articles as
described herein is discontinued temporarily, some of the benefits
of the skin compositions will remain with the user. As usage of
treated articles is resumed before all of the benefits of the
composition have dissipated, the user will derive benefits, in
terms of reduced erythema and/or rash, more rapidly than would a
user who has not used treated articles.
[0177] As indicated above, it is generally recognized that skin
under absorbent articles is more susceptible to degradation of that
skin's condition. Typically, cutaneous manifestations of these skin
conditions include redness (also referred to as erythema) and/or
rash. As such, Applicants describe herein a method for maintaining
or improving skin health in regions covered by an absorbent
article, wherein the desired endpoint of the method is the
reduction or avoidance of erythema and/or rash when compared to
skin covered by an equivalent absorbent article that does not
comprise the skin care compositions.
SPECIFIC ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE PREPARATION OF TREATED DIAPER CUFFS
AND TOPSHEETS ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0178] The following are specific illustrations of treating cuffs
and/or topsheets or webs with skin care compositions in accordance
with the present invention:
EXAMPLE 1
A. Preparation of Skin Care Composition
[0179] A skin care composition (Composition A) is made by mixing
the following melted (i.e., liquid) components together: Petrolatum
(available from Witco Corp., Greenwich, Conn. as Perfecta.RTM.)
Stearyl Alcohol (available from The Procter & Gamble Company,
Cincinnati, Ohio as C01897) and aloe extract (available from Madis
Botanicals, Inc., South Hackensack, N.J. as Veragel Lipoid in
Kaydol). The weight percentages of these components are shown in
Table 1 below:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE I Component Weight % Petrolatum 58 Stearyl
Alcohol 41 Aloe 1
B. Preparation of Treated Diaper Leg Cuff by Hot Melt Coating
[0180] Skin care composition A is placed into a heated tank
operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F. The composition is
subsequently applied with a contact applicator (i.e., a Meltex EP45
hot melt adhesive applicator head operating at a temperature of
170.degree. F.) directly onto the body surface of the barrier cuffs
of a diaper in a 1.4 inch wide (diaper lateral direction, such that
the distal edge of the barrier cuff is covered) and 11.75 inch long
(diaper longitudinal direction) area, the patch centered in the
chassis in the longitudinal direction such that one or both ends of
each spacing elastic member is covered by the skin care
composition. Add-on level=0.0116 g/in.sup.2 (18.0 g/m.sup.2). The
spacing elastic members is operatively joined to the barrier cuff
member by a specially formulated adhesive to avoid creep such as
Findley H9254 as discussed previously herein.
EXAMPLE 2
[0181] The skin care composition A (prepared in accordance with the
procedure in Example 1) is subsequently applied onto the body
surface of the barrier cuffs of a diaper in a 1.4 inch wide (diaper
lateral direction, such that the distal edge of the barrier cuff is
covered) stripe on of each barrier cuff and extending the entire
length of the barrier cuff. Add-on level=0.0116 g/in.sup.2 (18
g/m.sup.2).
EXAMPLE 3
[0182] The skin care composition A (prepared in accordance with the
procedure in Example 1) is subsequently applied onto the body
surface of the barrier cuffs of a diaper in a 1.4 inch wide (diaper
lateral direction, such that the distal edge of the barrier cuff is
covered) stripe on each barrier cuff and 8 inch long (diaper
longitudinal direction) area, the patch centered in the contracted
area of the barrier cuff such that each of the ends of the spacing
elastic members is not covered by the skin care composition. Add-on
level=0.0077 g/in.sup.2 (12.0 g/m.sup.2).
EXAMPLE 4
A. Preparation of Skin Care Composition
[0183] A water free skin care composition (Skin care composition B)
is made by mixing the following melted (i.e., liquid) components
together: Mineral Oil (Carnation White Mineral Oil, USP made by
Witco Corp.); and Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixed linear
C.sub.16-C.sub.18 primary alcohol made by The Procter & Gamble
Company under the name TA-1618). The weight percentages of these
components are shown in Table II below:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE II Component Weight % Mineral Oil 65 Cetearyl
Alcohol 35
B. Preparation of Treated Leg Cuffs by Hot Melt Coating
[0184] Skin care composition B is placed into a heated tank
operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F. The composition is
subsequently applied with a contact applicator (i.e., a Meltex EP45
hot melt adhesive applicator head operating at a temperature of
170.degree. F.) onto the barrier cuffs of a diaper in a 1.4 inch
wide (diaper lateral direction, such that the distal edge of the
barrier cuff is covered) and 11.75 inch long (diaper longitudinal
direction) area, the patch centered in the contracted area of the
barrier cuff such that one or both ends of each spacing elastic
member is covered by the skin care composition. Add-on level=0.0116
g/in.sup.2 (18.0 g/m.sup.2).
EXAMPLE 5
A. Preparation of Skin Care Composition
[0185] A water free skin care composition (Skin care composition C)
is made by mixing the following melted (i.e., liquid) components
together: Mineral Oil (Carnation White Mineral Oil, USP made by
Witco Corp.); Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixed linear C.sub.16-C.sub.18
primary alcohol made by The Procter & Gamble Company under the
name TA-1618); and Cetereath 10 (a C.sub.16-C.sub.18 linear alcohol
ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10, made by
ICI America). The weight percentages of these components are shown
in Table III below:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE III Component Weight % Mineral Oil 50 Cetearyl
Alcohol 35 Ceteareth 10 15
B. Preparation of Treated Diaper by Hot Melt Coating
[0186] Skin care composition C is placed into a heated tank
operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F. The composition is
subsequently applied with a contact applicator (i.e., a Meltex EP45
hot melt adhesive applicator head operating at a temperature of
170.degree. F.) onto the barrier cuffs of a diaper in a 1.4 inch
wide (diaper lateral direction, such that the distal edge of the
barrier cuff is covered) and 11.75 inch long (diaper longitudinal
direction) area, the patch centered in the contracted area of the
barrier cuff such that one or both ends of each spacing elastic
member is covered by the skin care composition. Add-on level=0.0116
g/in.sup.2 (18.0 g/m.sup.2).
EXAMPLE 6
A. Preparation of Skin Care Composition
[0187] A water free skin care composition (Skin care composition D)
is made by mixing the following melted (i.e., liquid) components
together: Petrolatum (available from Witco Corp. as Perfecta.RTM.);
Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixed linear C.sub.16-C.sub.18 primary alcohol
made by The Procter & Gamble Company under the name TA-1618);
Ceteareth 10 a C.sub.16-C.sub.18 linear alcohol ethoxylate having
an average degree of ethoxylation of 10, made by ICI America; and
Veragel 1:1 Lipoid with Kaydol (aloe extract in mineral oil made by
Dr. Madis Laboratories, Inc.). The weight percentages of these
components are shown in Table IV below:
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE IV Component Weight % Petrolatum 49 Stearyl
Alcohol 35 Ceteareth 10 15 Aloe 1
B. Preparation of Treated Diaper by Hot Melt Coating
[0188] Skin care composition D is placed into a heated tank
operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F.
[0189] The composition is subsequently applied with a contact
applicator (i.e., a Meltex EP45 hot melt adhesive applicator head
operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F.) onto the barrier
cuffs of a diaper in a 1.4 inch wide (diaper lateral direction,
such that the distal edge of the barrier cuff is covered) and 11.75
inch long (diaper longitudinal direction) area, the patch centered
in the contracted area of the barrier cuff such that one or both
ends of each spacing elastic member is covered by the skin care
composition. Add-on level=0.0116 g/in.sup.2 (18.0 g/m.sup.2).
EXAMPLE 7
[0190] Composition A (made according Example 1) is placed into a
heated tank operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F. The
composition is subsequently applied with a contact applicator
(using, for example, a Meltex EP45 hot melt adhesive applicator
head having 5 slots and operating at a temperature of 170.degree.
F.) onto the topsheet of an article in a striped pattern where the
stripes run in the article's longitudinal direction. Specifically,
5 stripes are applied, each stripe measuring 0.25 in. wide (i.e.,
in the articles lateral direction) and 11.75 in. long at an add-on
level =7.7 mg/in.sup.2 (12 g/m.sup.2, 1.19 mg/cm.sup.2). The
distance between the stripes is 0.31 in.
[0191] Skin care composition A is also subsequently applied onto
the body surface of the barrier cuffs of an article in a 1.4 inch
wide (lateral direction, such that the distal edge of the barrier
cuff is covered) stripe on each barrier cuff and extending the
entire length of the barrier cuff. Add-on level=0.0116 g/in.sup.2
(18 g/m.sup.2). Application is accomplished in the same manner as
described in Example 1.
EXAMPLE 8
[0192] Composition D (made according Example 6) is placed into a
heated tank operating at a temperature of 170.degree. F. The
composition is subsequently applied with a contact applicator
(using, for example, a Meltex EP45 hot melt adhesive applicator
head having a single slot and operating at a temperature of
170.degree. F.) onto the topsheet of an article in generally
uniform coating. Specifically, 1 stripe, measuring 2.5 in. wide
(i.e., in the article's lateral direction) and 11.75 in. long, is
applied at an add-on level =7.7 mg/in.sup.2 (12 g/m.sup.2, 1.19
mg/cm.sup.2). The stripe is applied so as to be centered on the
article's longitudinal centerline.
[0193] Skin care composition A is subsequently applied onto the
body surface of the barrier cuffs of the article in a 1.4 inch wide
(lateral direction, such that the distal edge of the barrier cuff
is covered) stripe on each barrier cuff and extending the entire
length of the barrier cuff. Add-on level=0.0116 g/in.sup.2 (18
g/m.sup.2). Application is accomplished in the same manner as
described in Example 1.
[0194] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm.
[0195] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
[0196] While particular embodiments 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 the scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *