U.S. patent application number 11/946631 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for absorbent article with hydrophilic lotion and high barrier cuffs.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Rodrigo Rosati, Victor Nicholas Vega, Brandon Ellis Wise.
Application Number | 20080287896 11/946631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39608187 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080287896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vega; Victor Nicholas ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
Absorbent Article With Hydrophilic Lotion And High Barrier
Cuffs
Abstract
This invention is directed to an absorbent article to be worn by
a wearer comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core and
a hydrophilic lotion to reduce the adherence of the menses or feces
to the skin, thereby improving the ease of menses or bowl movement
(BM) clean up; the absorbent article further comprises one or more
cuffs to provide a high barrier to reduce leakage of liquids, such
as urine.
Inventors: |
Vega; Victor Nicholas;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Wise; Brandon Ellis;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Rosati; Rodrigo; (Frankfurt am
Main, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
39608187 |
Appl. No.: |
11/946631 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/364 ;
604/385.06; 604/385.23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 15/16 20130101;
A61L 15/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/364 ;
604/385.06; 604/385.23 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/15 20060101
A61F013/15 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2007 |
EP |
07108199.6 |
May 15, 2007 |
EP |
07108202.8 |
Claims
1. An absorbent article to be worn by a wearer comprising a
backsheet, a topsheet, an absorbent core, one or more cuffs and a
lotion, wherein said lotion is a hydrophilic lotion, having a water
solubility of at least about 40%; and said one or more cuffs
comprise a cuff material, said cuff or said cuff material having a
hydrostatic head of at least about 30 mbar and/or a strike through
time of at least about 600 seconds.
2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said one or
more cuffs comprise one or more nonwoven webs, each web comprising
one or more layers; and said lotion comprises a first component
which is liquid at about 25.degree. C. and a second component which
is solid at about 25.degree. C.
3. An absorbent article to be worn by a wearer comprising a
backsheet, a topsheet, an absorbent core, one or more cuffs and a
lotion, wherein said lotion comprises a first component which is
liquid at about 25.degree. C. and a second component which is solid
at about 25.degree. C.; said first component comprising one or more
compounds selected from the group consisting of: (a) liquid
polyethylene glycol; (b) liquid, polyhydric alcoholic solvents; and
(c) liquid fatty acid esters comprising at least one fatty acid
unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit; and said second
component comprising one or more compounds selected from the group
consisting of: (a) solid polyethylene glycol; (b) solid nonionic
surfactants with HLB value of at least about 10; (c) solid fatty
compounds selected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids,
solid fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols; and (d) ethoxylated
natural oils and fats or propoxylated natural oils and fats, such
as PEG-150 jojoba; and wherein said one or more cuffs comprise one
or more nonwoven webs, each comprising one or more nonwoven layers;
and wherein said at least one nonwoven web either: i) as a basis
weight of at least about 19 g/m.sup.2; or ii) comprise at least 4
layers.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said cuffs comprise a
cuff material, and said cuff or said cuff material has a
hydrostatic head of at least about 35 mbar and/or a strike through
time of at least about 1000 seconds.
5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said lotion comprises
at least about 20% by weight of said first component or at least
about 20% by weight of said second component; and wherein said one
or more cuffs, each comprise at least one nonwoven web, wherein at
least one is a spunbond nonwoven layer and at least one is a
meltblown or nano-fiber nonwoven layer.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said lotion is applied
on the topsheet.
7. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein said lotion is applied
in an amount of at least about 0.015 gsm and said cuffs or nonwoven
layers comprise a coating of at least one barrier agent selected
from the group consisting of silicone polymers and fluorinated
polymers and combinations thereof.
8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said nonwoven web has
a basis weight of at least about 19 g/m.sup.2 and comprises at
least about 5 g/m.sup.2 of spunbond fibers and further comprises at
least about 2 g/m.sup.2 of meltblown fibers and/or at least about 2
g/m.sup.2 nano fibers.
9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the cuff comprises two
spunbond (S) and three meltblown (M) nonwoven layers wherein the
sequence of these layers is SMMMS.
10. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article
is an incontinence article, a diaper or a pant like diaper.
11. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein said one or
more cuffs comprise one or more nonwoven webs, each web comprising
one or more layers; and said lotion comprises a first component
which is liquid at about 25.degree. C. and a second component which
is solid at about 25.degree. C.
12. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein said cuffs comprise a
cuff material, and said cuff or said cuff material has a
hydrostatic head of at least about 35 mbar and/or a strike through
time of at least about 1000 seconds.
13. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein said lotion comprises
at least about 20% by weight of said first component or at least
about 20% by weight of said second component; and wherein said one
or more cuffs, each comprise at least one nonwoven web, wherein at
least one is a spunbond nonwoven layer and at least one is a
meltblown or nano-fiber nonwoven layer.
14. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein said lotion is
applied on the topsheet.
15. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein said lotion is
applied in an amount of at least about 0.015 gsm and said cuffs or
nonwoven layers comprise a coating of at least one barrier agent
selected from the group consisting of silicone polymers and
fluorinated polymers and combinations thereof.
16. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein said nonwoven web has
a basis weight of at least about 19 g/m.sup.2 and comprises at
least about 5 g/m.sup.2 of spunbond fibers and further comprises at
least about 2 g/m.sup.2 of meltblown fibers and/or at least about 2
g/m.sup.2 nano fibers.
17. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein the cuff comprises
two spunbond (S) and three meltblown (M) nonwoven layers wherein
the sequence of these layers is SMMMS.
18. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein the absorbent article
is an incontinence article, a diaper or a pant like diaper.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to an absorbent article to be
worn by a wearer comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent
core and a hydrophilic lotion to reduce the adherence of the menses
or feces to the skin, thereby improving the ease of menses or bowl
movement (BM) clean up; the absorbent article further comprises one
or more barrier cuffs to provide a high barrier to reduce leakage
of liquids, such as urine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Disposable absorbent products, such as diapers and sanitary
napkins, are known that have a topsheet comprising a lotion, to
deliver skin benefits to the skin of the wearer and to sometimes
improve the removal of feces or menses from the skin. In recent
years the focus has been to deliver lotions to sanitary napkins and
diapers that provide extra skin benefits, for example by addition
of botanical ingredients or pharmaceutical ingredients to the
lotions. Lotions of various types are known to provide various skin
benefits, such as prevention or treatment of diaper rash. These
lotions can be applied to the topsheet of absorbent articles, and
can be transferred to the skin of the wearer during use. The
addition of lotion to the topsheet of absorbent articles is also
known to provide benefits such as easier BM clean up on the
skin.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,025 to Roe et al., WO 97/05908, WO
97/05909 and US 2006/140924 describe absorbent articles having
lotioned topsheets for reducing adherence of BM to the skin,
wherein the lotion compositions are primarily hydrophobic. U.S.
Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan et al. teaches a diaper comprising a
hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet wherein a portion of the
topsheet is coated with a discontinuous film of oleaginous
material. However, in diapers disclosed in the Duncan et al.
reference and other diapers treated with hydrophobic lotions, the
hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheets are relatively slow in
promoting transfer of urine to the underlying absorbent cores.
Since the viscosity of BM and menses is higher then the viscosity
of urine, the problems of slow transfer to the absorbent core is
more profound. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for
absorbent articles, such as diapers and catamenial devices having
improved fluid handling such that more menses enter into and remain
in the device, and less on the skin and hair of the wearer. WO
05/035013, WO 00/64500, WO 00/64501, U.S. Patent Application
2002-120241 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,520 describe absorbent articles
with hydrophilic lotion compositions for various uses, such as
improving moisturization or lubrication, for reducing abrasion of
skin, for improving skin health, for enhancing the barrier function
of the skin and for prevention and alleviation of skin
irritations.
[0004] Despite all these benefits often an increase in leakage is
observed when hydrophilic lotions are used in absorbent articles,
such as diapers. Without being bound by theory, one conceivable
reason for the increase in leakage may be the reduction of the
surface tension of the fluid, which is urine in the case of
diapers, wetting the absorbent article after contact with the
lotion. Furthermore it is believed that during diaper wear,
hydrophilic lotion may transfer for example from the topsheet to
the skin of the wearer and then from skin to the cuffs. Another
reason for the transfer of ingredients of the lotion to the cuffs
may be that it is washed of from for example the topsheet by
liquids such as urine. Lotion contamination of these cuffs may then
result in a lower fluid barrier, due to either surface tension
reduction of urine or increased wetting of the cuff due to the
presence of hydrophilic lotion. In particular when surface active
substances are present in such hydrophilic lotions, the reduction
of the surface tension of the bodily fluid, e.g. urine, may be
observed. Since both features, easy BM clean up on the one hand and
as little leakage as possible on the other hand, are important to
the convenience of an absorbent article the need for providing an
absorbent article possessing these both benefits arises.
[0005] It is the aim of the present invention to provide an
absorbent article having the benefits of the use of hydrophilic
lotions, such as reducing the adherence of the menses or feces to
the skin and thereby improving the ease of menses or bowel movement
(BM) clean up, and reducing the tendency of leakage of liquid, such
as urine.
[0006] It has now been found by the inventors that by using the
herein described high barrier cuffs in combination with the herein
described hydrophilic lotion in an absorbent article the lotion can
be applied in an effective amount and leakage is reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to an absorbent article to be
worn by a wearer comprising a backsheet, a topsheet, an absorbent
core, one or more cuffs and a lotion, wherein said lotion is a
hydrophilic lotion, having a water solubility of at least about
40%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, or at least
about 70%. One or more cuffs have a hydrostatic head of at least
about 30 mbar and/or a strike through time of at least about 600
seconds, or the cuffs comprise a material having said hydrostatic
head and/or strike through values. The invention further relates to
an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer comprising a backsheet,
a topsheet, an absorbent core, one or more cuffs and a lotion,
wherein said lotion comprises a first component which is liquid at
about 25.degree. C. and a second component which is solid at about
25.degree. C.; said first component comprising one or more
compounds selected from the group consisting of
(a) liquid polyethylene glycol; (b) liquid, polyhydric alcoholic
solvents; (c) liquid fatty acid esters comprising at least one
fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit; and said
second component comprising one or more compounds selected from the
group consisting of (d) solid polyethylene glycol; (e) solid
nonionic surfactants with HLB value of at least about 10; (f) solid
fatty compounds selected from the group consisting of solid fatty
acids, solid fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols; and (g)
ethoxylated natural oils and fats or propoxylated natural oils and
fats, such as PEG-150 jojoba; and wherein said one or more cuffs
comprise one or more nonwoven webs, each comprising one or more
nonwoven layers; wherein said at least one nonwoven web either a)
has a basis weight of at least about 19 g/m.sup.2; or b) comprise
at least 4 layers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] As used herein, the following terms have the following
meanings:
[0009] Herein, "comprise" and "include" mean that other elements
and/or other steps which do not affect the end result can be added.
Each of these terms encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of".
[0010] Herein, "body facing surface" refers to surfaces of
absorbent articles and/or their component materials which face the
body of the wearer, while "garment facing surface" refers to the
opposite surfaces of the absorbent articles and/or their component
materials that face away from the wearer when the absorbent
articles are worn. Absorbent articles and components thereof,
including the topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and any
individual layers of their component materials, may have a body
facing surface and a garment facing surface.
[0011] Herein, "body" refers to outer layers formed by mammalian
epidermal tissues including the skin and hair. The characteristics
of the body tend to differ dramatically depending on the position,
age, sex, and individual's nature. For example, the skin of babies
and young children differs from the skin of adults, and the skin
having hair differs from the non-haired skin.
[0012] As used herein "absorbent article" refers to devices which
are intended to be placed against the skin of a wearer to absorb
and contain the various exudates discharged from the body.
Absorbent articles of the present invention include diapers,
pant-like diapers and incontinence articles, and feminine hygiene
articles.
[0013] As used herein "diaper" refers to an absorbent article
generally worn by infants (e.g. babies or toddlers) about the lower
torso of the wearer. Suitable diapers are disclosed in, e.g., 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.
5,221,274 issued to Buell et al. on Jun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,554,145 issued to Roe et al. on Sep. 10, 1996. As used herein
the term "diaper" also comprises "pant-like diapers": A pant-like
diaper refers to an absorbent article having fixed sides and leg
openings. Pant-like diapers are placed in position on the wearer by
inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the
pant-like diaper into position about the wearer's lower torso.
Suitable pant-like diapers are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,246,433, issued to Hasse, et al. on Sep. 21, 1993.
[0014] As used herein "incontinence article" refers to an absorbent
article worn about the lower torso of the wearer, pads,
undergarments, inserts for absorbent articles, capacity boosters
for absorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, and the like worn by
incontinent persons that are typically adults. Suitable
incontinence articles are disclosed in, e.g., 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 published by Noel, et al.
on Jul. 23, 1992.
[0015] As used herein "disposable" is used to describe absorbent
articles for single use, which are not intended to be laundered,
restored or otherwise reused as an absorbent article after a single
use.
[0016] The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses
configurations in which an element is directly secured to another
element by affixing the element directly to the other element;
configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the
other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s)
which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations
in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one
element is essentially part of the other element.
[0017] The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line,
axis or direction in the plane of the absorbent article that is
generally aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical
plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body
halves when the absorbent article is worn. The terms "transverse"
or "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a
line, axis or direction which lies within the plane of the
absorbent article that is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction.
[0018] As used herein, the terms "migrate", "migration", or
"migrating" mean a lotion composition moves from one place to
another place by way of movement on a material or permeation
through an intervening material.
[0019] As used herein, the term "transfer" when used in the context
of a lotion composition, refers to the lotion composition moving
from one area of the absorbent article to the skin of the wearer or
to another area on the absorbent article not by way of migration
but by way of direct contact with the lotion composition, such as
in a blotting effect.
[0020] "Applying" to a surface of an absorbent article such as the
topsheet as used herein means that said surface, e.g. topsheet,
comprises at least a partial layer of the lotion composition on at
least part of one of its surface so that at least part of the
lotion composition may contact the skin of the wearer in use. To
allow contact with the skin, the body facing surface of the
topsheet may be coated. The lotion composition may also penetrate
partly or fully into the surface and may penetrate the respective
absorbent article component to which it is applied, e.g. the
topsheet.
[0021] The unit of all molecular weights given herein is
Daltons.
[0022] As used herein, the term "particulate material" refers to a
component of the lotion composition that is insoluble or
non-molecularly dispersible or non-reactive biologically in the
lotion composition prior to applying this lotion composition to the
absorbent article and that remains in particulate form when applied
to the absorbent article. It includes all type of particulate forms
such as granules, beads, spheres, micro-spheres, powders, as known
in the art.
[0023] The terms "reducing the adherence" and "anti-stick" are used
synonymously. This means that less residual bowel movement remains
on the skin when compared to an article without anti-stick lotion
composition.
[0024] Herein, the terms "feces" and "bowl movement", "BM" are used
interchangeably.
[0025] Lotion Compositions of the Present Invention
[0026] The lotion composition of the present invention may comprise
a hydrophilic lotion, having a water solubility of at least about
40% (determined according to the method as described herein).
[0027] The lotion composition may be flowable (e.g. liquid) at
suitable process conditions, e.g. above about 50.degree. C. or
above about 60.degree. C. or above about 80.degree. C. or
optionally above about 100.degree. C., but solid or semi-solid at a
temperature of about 25.degree. C.
[0028] The lotion composition herein may provide additional skin
care benefits. The lotion compositions of the present invention may
be non-fluid, i.e. solid, or semisolid, at about 25.degree. C.,
i.e. at ambient temperatures to minimize migration of the lotion
composition. By "semisolid" is meant that the lotion composition
has a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or plastic fluids. When no
shear is applied, the lotion compositions can have the appearance
of a solid but can be made to flow as the shear rate is increased.
This may be due to the fact that, while the lotion composition
contains a component being solid at about 25.degree. C., it also
includes a component being liquid at about 25.degree. C. Each
component may itself comprise one or more compounds. The lotion
composition may have a final melting point (more than about 95%
liquid) above potential "stressful" storage conditions that can be
about 45.degree. C. or greater. Semi-solid as used herein means
that 1 g of the material, which is placed in the middle of a round
glass plate having a diameter of 15 cm, does not run off a glass
plate within 1 minute, when the glass plate is tilted at
45.degree., under conditions of 25.degree. C. and 50% relative
humidity. All components or compounds being either solid or at
least semi-solid (according to the test-method described above) are
herein referred to as "solid compound or solid component". All
components or compounds being not solid or at least semi-solid
(according to the test-method described above) are herein referred
to as "liquid compound or liquid component".
[0029] In one embodiment, the lotion composition is such that about
3% to about 75% by weight is liquid at test temperature of about
20.degree. C. In one embodiment the lotion according to present
invention is such that about 10% to about 80% by weight, or about
20% to about 70% by weight, or about 30% to about 60% by weight, or
about 40% to about 50% by weight is liquid at a test temperature of
25.degree. C. From about 25% to about 75% or even from about 30% to
about 80% can be liquid at body temperature of about 37.degree. C.
In one embodiment, at about 25.degree. C. the total amount of
liquid compounds is higher than the total amount of solid
compounds, e.g. the amount of liquids is above about 50 wt. % or at
least about 55 wt. % or at least about 60 wt. %. When applied to
the absorbent article, the lotion compositions of the present
invention are transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact,
wearer motion (thus creating friction), and/or body heat.
[0030] An amount of the lotion composition may be comprised on a
body facing surface of an absorbent article. The amount should
effect a reduction of the adherence of feces or menses to the human
skin of a wearer wearing an absorbent article compared to the
absorbent article without the lotion composition. Without being
bound by theory, it is believed that the lotion composition may
reduce the adhesive force between the soils or exudates and the
skin surface because the adhesive forces may be smaller than the
cohesive forces within the soils or exudates, thereby allowing the
soils or exudates to detach from the skin surface upon application
of a shear force (e.g. such as that generated by wiping).
[0031] The lotion composition may be applied on at least a portion
of the topsheet. A suitable amount according to the present
invention may be from about 0.015 grams per square meter (gsm) to
about 100 gsm, or from about 1 gsm to about 80 gsm, or from about 6
gsm to 50 gsm, or from about 12 gsm to about 40 gsm, or from about
16 to about 30 gsm. For example, about 24 gsm.
[0032] Said first liquid component may comprise a liquid
polyethylene glycol and said second component may comprise a solid
nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of at least about 10; or
[0033] said first component may comprise a liquid fatty acid ester
comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene
glycol unit and said second component may comprise a solid
polyethylene glycol; or
[0034] said first component may comprise a liquid polyethylene
glycol and said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected
from the group consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty
soaps and solid fatty alcohols;
[0035] wherein when said solid nonionic surfactant is an
ethoxylated fatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least about
13.
[0036] When said solid fatty compound is a solid fatty acid, then
the total amount of liquids is higher than the total amount of
solids.
[0037] The total amount of the first liquid component, at about
25.degree. C., may be from about 3 to about 90 wt. % or from about
20 to about 80 wt. % or from about 30 to about 70 wt. % based on
the total lotion composition and the total amount of the solid
second component is from about 10 to about 97 wt. % or from about
20 to about 80 wt. % or from about 30 to about 70 wt. % based on
the total lotion composition; and the weight ratio of first to
second component is from about 1:32 to about 9:1 or from about 1:9
to about 9:1 or from about 2:8 to about 8:2 or from about 3:7 to
about 7:3.
[0038] The lotion composition may be hydrophilic and essentially
non-aqueous. Non aqueous means that the lotion compositions either
contain no water or they contain water only in minor amounts such
as less than about 5 wt. % or even less than about 1 wt. %.
However, these amounts refer to the lotion composition at the time
when the absorbent article is produced, i.e. to the time the lotion
composition is applied onto the absorbent article. The lotion
compositions of the present invention may be rather hygroscopic,
and thus may be able to take up a significant amount of water from
the surrounding atmosphere, particularly in an environment with
high relative humidity. Thus, when the absorbent article has been
stored for a relatively long time, such as several months or even
years, it is possible that the amount of water contained in the
lotion composition has increased to be more than about 5 wt %.
[0039] The lotion composition may comprise a first component which
is liquid at about 25.degree. C. and a second component which is
solid at 25.degree. C., for reducing the adherence of feces or
menses to the human skin; wherein the first component may comprise
one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of
(a) liquid polyethylene glycol; (b) liquid, polyhydric alcoholic
solvents; (c) liquid fatty acid esters comprising at least one
fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit; and the
second component may comprise one or more compounds selected from
the group consisting of (d) solid polyethylene glycol; (e) solid
nonionic surfactants with HLB value of at least about 10; (f) solid
fatty compounds selected from the group consisting of solid fatty
acids, solid fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols; (g) ethoxylated
natural oils and fats or propoxylated natural oils and fats, such
as PEG-150 jojoba.
[0040] In one embodiment the lotion composition may comprise a
first component which is liquid at about 25.degree. C. and a second
component which is solid at about 25.degree. C., for reducing the
adherence of feces or menses to the human skin; wherein the first
component may comprise one or more compounds selected from the
group consisting of
methoxyisopropanol, propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether,
methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, watersoluble polypropylene
glycols, glycerin, sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate,
silicone glycols, and liquid PEG derivatives; and the second
component comprises one or more components from the group
consisting of (a) solid polyethylene glycol; (b) solid nonionic
surfactants with HLB value of at least about 10; (c) solid fatty
compounds selected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids,
solid fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols; (d) ethoxylated natural
oils and fats or propoxylated natural oils and fats, such as
PEG-150 jojoba.
[0041] In one embodiment the liquid component may be a polyethylene
glycol having a molecular weight (weight average) of about 100 to
less than about 720, from about 350 to about 700. The lotion
composition may comprise from about 20% to about 80% by weight, or
from about 30% to about 70% by weight, or from about 40% to about
60% by weight of this liquid polyethylene glycol. For example,
about 50% by weight of Polyglycol 400.
[0042] In one embodiment the solid component may be a polyethylene
glycol having a molecular weight (weight average) of above about
720, e.g. from about 720 to about 100000, or from about 950 to
about 30000. It may be that the lotion composition comprises from
about 20% to about 80% by weight, or about 30% to about 70% by
weight, or about 40% to about 60% by weight of this liquid
polyethylene glycol. For example, about 50% by weight of Polyglycol
4000.
[0043] In one embodiment the solid component may be a solid
nonionic surfactant, such as a solid polyethylene glycol fatty
alcohol ethers having the general formula R(OCH2CH2).sub.nOH, where
R represents an alkyl group or a blend of alkyl groups, with for
example from 8 to about 30 or from about 12 to about 22 carbon
atoms, and n is the degree of ethoxylation, e.g. from 2 to about
200. It may be that the lotion composition comprises from about 20%
to about 80% by weight, or from about 30% to about 70% by weight,
or about 40% to about 60% by weight of this liquid polyethylene
glycol. For example, about 50% by weight of Steareth-100.
[0044] The lotion composition may in one embodiment additionally
comprise particulate material described herein after. The
particulate material may be comprised by the component being solid
at about 25.degree. C.
[0045] Liquid Polyethylene Glycol
[0046] Liquid polyethylene glycols are liquid at about 25.degree.
C. They are made from at least 3 units of ethylene glycol and have
the general formula HO--(CH2-O--CH2-O).sub.x--H with x being a
number of from 3 to about 15 or from about 8 to about 12. The
molecular weight (weight average) may be from about 100 to less
than about 720, or from about 350 to about 700. Typical liquid
polyethylene glycols are known as PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8,
PEG-9, PEG-10, PEG-12 and PEG-14. Suitable trade products are for
example Polyglykol 400 of Clariant with an average molecular weight
of from about 380 to about 410 or Polyglykol 600 with an average
molecular weight of from about 570 to about 630.
[0047] Liquid Polyhydric Alcoholic Solvents
[0048] Liquid polyhydric alcoholic solvents, when used herein, are
organic compounds having at least 2 carbon atoms and at least two
alcoholic hydroxy groups and which are liquid at about 25.degree.
C. Examples are glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol,
propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, methyl
propanediol and the like.
[0049] Solid Polyethylene Glycol
[0050] Solid polyethylene glycols are solid or semi-solid at about
25.degree. C. They may be made from at least 16 units of ethylene
glycol and have the general formula HO--(CH2-O--CH2-O).sub.y--H
with y being a number of at least 16, e.g. from about 20 to about
220 or from about 40 to about 150. The molecular weight (weight
average) is above about 720, e.g. from about 720 to about 100000,
or from about 950 to about 30000. Typical solid polyethylene
glycols are known as PEG-20, PEG-32, PEG-40, PEG-45, PEG-55,
PEG-60, PEG-75, PEG-90 and PEG-100. Suitable trade products are for
example Polyglykol 3000 of Clariant with an average molecular
weight of from about 2700 to about 3000 or Polyglykol 4000 with an
average molecular weight of from about 3700 to about 4500.
[0051] Solid Nonionic Surfactants
[0052] Suitable solid nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of at
least about 10 are for example solid polyethylene glycol fatty
alcohol ethers such as solid polyethoxylated fatty alcohols. The
fatty alcohols may have from 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, or from
about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. The average degree of
ethoxylation may be from 2 to about 200, at least about 10, at
least about 20 or at least about 30. The polyethylene glycol fatty
alcohol ethers are nonionic surfactants with HLB values of at least
about 10, or at least about 12, e.g. from about 13 to about 17.
Polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers have the general formula
R(OCH2CH2).sub.nOH, where R represents an alkyl group or a blend of
alkyl groups with for example 8 to about 30 or from about 12 to
about 22 carbon atoms and n is the degree of ethoxylation, e.g. 2
to about 200. Suitable trade products are for example BRIJ 76, BRIJ
78 and BRIJ 700 (Steareth 100). Suitable nonionic surfactant are
e.g. ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated
fatty esters and oils, glycerol esters, block polymers, sorbitan;
sucrose and glucose esters and their derivatives.
[0053] Liquid Ethylene Glycol Fatty Acid Ester
[0054] Suitable liquid ethylene glycol fatty acid esters may be for
example the esters of one or more ethylene glycol units and one or
two fatty acids. They have the general formula
R.sup.1--(OCH2CH2).sub.mO--R.sup.2 where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are
hydrogen or fatty acid residues with e.g. from 6 to about 30 or
from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms and can be the same or
different with the proviso that not both are hydrogen; and m is a
number of at least 1. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are different and m is 1,
2, or 3. Typical ethylene glycol esters are known for example as
diethylene glycol diethylhexanoate/diisononanoate, diethylene
glycol diisononanoate, diethylene glycol dilaurate, diethylene
glycol dioctanoate/diisononanoate and diethylene glycol distearate.
Suitable trade product mixtures containing ethylene glycol esters
are for example DERMOL MO or DERMOL 489.
[0055] Fatty Alcohol Fatty Acid Ester
[0056] Suitable fatty alcohol fatty acid esters may include esters
of a C10- to C30 fatty alcohol with a C10- to C30-fatty acid. They
have the general formula R.sup.3--CO--O--R.sup.4 where R.sup.3--CO
is a C10- to C30 fatty acid residue and O--R.sup.4 is a C10- to C30
fatty alcohol residue. They may be saturated or unsaturated. The
wax esters may be liquid at room temperature (25.degree. C.). They
may be derived from natural sources such as jojoba oil, comprising
docosenyl eicosenoate, eicosenyl eicosenoate and eicosenyl
docosenoate.
[0057] Solid Fatty Compounds
[0058] The solid fatty compounds may be selected from the group
consisting of fatty acids, solid fatty soaps and solid fatty
alcohols. The solid fatty compounds are solid at about 25.degree.
C. (or at least semi-solid according to the method described
herein). The fatty compounds may have from 10 to about 30 or from
about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. The fatty compounds can be
saturated or unsaturated and they can be linear or branched.
Examples of solid fatty acids are decanoic acid, lauric acid,
myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid or
behenic acid. Solid fatty alcohols may be used that are linear,
unsaturated 1-alkanols with at least 12 carbon atoms. Examples of
solid fatty alcohols are lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl
alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol or behenyl alcohol.
[0059] The solid fatty soaps are metallic soaps which are metal
salts of fatty acids. The fatty acid components of the fatty soaps
are the same as mentioned above. Suitable metall cations are
sodium, potassium, lithium, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, mangan,
iron, zirconium, cerium, zink, cobalt or vanadium. Metallic soaps
with low water solubility such as the calcium or magnesium salts,
e.g. calcium stearate may be used.
[0060] Particulate Material
[0061] In one embodiment, the lotion composition additionally may
comprise at least one particulate material for further reducing the
adherence of feces or menses to the skin. The particulate material
may be particulate during application onto the absorbent article.
The particulate material may also be such that it remains
particulate when in contact with the skin and/or when in contact
with urine, menses or feces. Hence, the particulate material is
water-insoluble and it has a melting temperature above the
processing temperature of the lotion composition, as described
above.
[0062] The particulate material may have any mean particle size
between about 1 nanometer to about 2 mm, between about 1 nanometer
to about 500 micrometers, between about 0.1 micrometer to about 2
mm, and between about 50 nanometers to about 1 micrometer, or any
range or individual value within any of the ranges set forth
herein. The minimum mean particle size is at least about 0.1
micrometer or at least about 1 micrometer, or at least about 10
micrometers, or at least about 20 micrometers, and up to about 500
micrometers or in some embodiments up to about 100 micrometers, and
further in other embodiments up to about 30 micrometers. In one
embodiment, it may be that the lotion composition to be applied
and/or the applied coating comprises particles whereof less than
about 25% of the particles have an equivalent diameter of greater
than about 100 microns. In another embodiment, it may be that the
lotion composition to be applied and/or the applied coating
comprises particles whereof less than about 25% of the particles
have an equivalent diameter of less than about 5 microns. In yet
another embodiment, it may be that the lotion composition to be
applied and/or the applied coating comprises particles whereof less
than about 25% of the particles have an equivalent diameter of less
than about 100 microns.
[0063] The particle material may be present in the lotion
composition at a level from about 0.05% to about 25% (by weight of
the lotion composition), from about 0.05% to about 15%, from about
0.05% to about 5%, or from about 0.1% to about 25%, or from about
0.25% to about 20%, from about 0.5% to about 10% or even up to
about 5% by weight.
[0064] Suitably, the particles may have a density between about 0.5
gram/cm.sup.3 and about 2.5 gram/cm.sup.3. The density is between
about 0.5 gram/cm.sup.3 and about 2.0 gram/cm.sup.3, and between
about 0.8 gram/cm.sup.3 and about 1.5 gram/cm.sup.3. In one
embodiment, the density may be less than about 1 gram/cm.sup.3 so
as to minimize particle settling and the density is greater than
about 0.8 gram/cm.sup.3 so as to minimize particle floatation.
[0065] In one embodiment, the lotion composition may comprise
inorganic particles, including alumina silicates, silicates,
silicas, mica and/or talc. Clays may also be used. However, in the
present invention it may be that the particulate material is an
organic material. The particles may be a non-active and/or
non-reactive material. The particles may be porous, or non-porous.
The particles may have any shape, but they have a smooth surface,
and they may be spherical or plate-like particles. The particles
may comprise a coating agent on their surface or part thereof, for
example a surfactant to change its properties, e.g. hydrophilicity.
The particles, in particular when they are oleofinic, may include a
melt-additive, which is added during the manufacturing of the
particles.
[0066] Suitable materials include but are not limited to:
polystyrene particles, polypropylene and/or polyethylene
(co)polymer particles, polytetrafluoroethylene particles,
polymethylsilses-quioxane particles, nylon particles. Suitable
commercially available particulate materials include but are not
limited to: polyethylene particles, available from Honeywell
International of Morristown, N.J. under the trade name ACUMIST;
polymethyl methacrylate particles (microspheres), available from
KOBO of South Plainfield, N.J. as BPA; lactone cross polymer
particles (microspheres), available from KOBO as BPD; nylon 12
particles (microspheres), available from KOBO as NYLON SP;
polymethylsilsesquioxane particles (microspheres), available from
KOBO as TOSPEARL; cellulose particles (microspheres), available
from KOBO as CELLO-BEADS; polytetrafluoroethylene powders,
available from Micro Powders, Inc. of Tarrytown, N.Y. as MICROSLIP;
blends of natural wax and micronized polymers as are available form
Micro Powders as MICROCARE and particles of a copolymer of
vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile and methylmethacrylate available
as EXPANCEL from Expancel, Inc. of Duluth, Ga. Micronized waxes,
such as are available from Micro Powders as MICROEASE may also be
incorporated. Polyolefin particles (powders) as are available from
Equistar Chemical Corp. Houston, Tex. as MICROTHENE may be used.
Particularly, MICROTHENE FN510-00 from Equistar may be used.
[0067] Cuffs of the Present Invention
[0068] The invention provides an absorbent article that may
comprise one or more cuffs having a hydrostatic head of at least
about 30 mbar and/or a strike through time of at least about 600
seconds; or said one or more cuffs may comprise a material having a
hydrostatic head of at least 30 mbar and/or a strike through time
of at least about 600 seconds. The cuff referred to herein may be
an anal cuff, a barrier cuff or a leg cuff. The article may
comprise more than one cuff, or a combination of such cuffs. In one
embodiment, the article may comprise a pair of barrier cuffs and/or
a pair of leg cuffs, having (or comprising a material having) the
hydrostatic head values and/or strike through values as described
herein.
As used herein "barrier cuffs" refer to cuffs designed to form a
barrier to fluids; e.g. stopping or decreasing the amount of fluids
passing through such a cuff. The article may comprise a pair of
barrier cuffs, each cuff of said pair being positioned along a
longitudinal edge of the absorbent core. Leg cuffs, as used herein,
may be comprised along the longitudinal side edges of the article,
i.e. the article thus having a at least one leg cuff along each
longitudinal side edge, and being in use in contact with the legs
of the user. Suitable cuffs in general are described in for example
U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003; U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,178 and 4,909; U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454. The cuffs may also be made of
nonwoven materials and they are hydrophobic.
[0069] In one embodiment the absorbent article according to the
present invention may comprise one pair of barrier cuffs.
[0070] The absorbent article may additionally comprise leg
cuffs.
[0071] The cuff or cuffs of the article of the invention may
comprise a nonwoven material (also referred to as cuff material) as
described herein, for example such that at least about 40%, or at
least about 60, or at least about 80, or about 100% of the surface
area of the cuff may comprise said nonwoven material. This nonwoven
material may comprise one or more nonwoven webs. Each web may
comprise one or more nonwoven layers for example at least 2, or at
least 3 or at least 4 or at least 5 nonwoven layers. In one
embodiment each web consists of 5 nonwoven layers. In one
embodiment the cuffs may comprise one nonwoven web.
[0072] The layers may be spunbond nonwoven layers (S), meltblown
nonwoven layers (M) or nano-fiber nonwoven layers (N). In one
embodiment at least the skinfacing surface and/or at least the
outer surface of the cuff material may comprise a spunbond web. The
presence of at least one or more meltblown or nano-fiber layers in
the web may be used. Without being bound by theory it is believed
that meltblown layers cause an enhancement of the barrier
properties of the cuff material due to the good coverage per basis
weight and hydrophobicity. These properties may be even more
pronounced for the nano-fibers due to reduced fiber size as
compared to meltblown fibers.
[0073] In another embodiment a web may comprise at least 3, or at
least 4, or at least 5 nonwoven layers whereof at least two are
spunbond nonwoven layers.
[0074] In one embodiment in a web comprising at least 3 nonwoven
layers the outermost layers are spunbond, any remaining nonwoven
layers may be either meltblown or nano-fiber nonwoven layers or a
combination thereof. Examples for such sequences are SMS, SMMS,
SMMMS, SNS or SMNMS.
[0075] The basis weights given herein are values for weight per
area of cuff material, nonwoven webs or nonwoven layers
respectively. If the cuff material comprises any coating, the basis
weights given herein include the weight of the coating (e.g.
hydrophobic surface coatings as described herein).
[0076] The basis weight of a nonwoven meltblown layer may be at
least about 1 g/m.sup.2 or at least about 1.5 g/m.sup.2 or at least
about 2 g/m.sup.2, for example about 2.5 g/m.sup.2; in one
embodiment the sum of the basis weights of all nonwoven meltblown
layers comprised by the cuff material equals up to at least about 5
g/m.sup.2 or at least about 7 g/m.sup.2, for example about 7.5
g/m.sup.2. It may be that the basis weight of a nonwoven meltblown
layer is less than about 20 g/m.sup.2 or about 15 g/m.sup.2.
[0077] The basis weight of a nonwoven nano-fiber layer may be at
least about 1 g/m.sup.2 or at least about 1.5 g/m.sup.2 or at least
about 2 g/m.sup.2, for example about 2.5 g/m.sup.2. It may be that
the basis weight of a nonwoven nano-fiber layer is less then about
20 g/m.sup.2 or about 15 g/m.sup.2.
[0078] The basis weight of a nonwoven spunbond layer may be at
least about 3 g/m.sup.2 or at least about 5 g/m.sup.2 or at least
about 7 g/m.sup.2, for example about 7.3 g/m.sup.2 in one
embodiment the sum of the basis weights of all nonwoven spunbond
layers comprised by the cuff material equals up to at least about
10 g/m.sup.2 or at least about 12 g/m.sup.2 or at least about 14
g/m.sup.2, for example about 14.6 g/m.sup.2. It may be that the
basis weight of a nonwoven spunbond layer is less then about 40
g/m.sup.2 or about 30 g/m.sup.2.
[0079] In one embodiment the basis weight of a nonwoven web
comprising one or more nonwoven layers may be at least about 19
g/m.sup.2 or at least about 21 g/m.sup.2 or at least about 22
g/m.sup.2, for example about 22.1 g/m.sup.2. It may be that the
basis weight of said nonwoven web is less then about 80 g/m.sup.2
or about 60 g/m.sup.2.
[0080] In one embodiment, the nonwoven web may comprise nano-fibers
that may have an average diameter of about 1.0 microns or less, or
about 0.8 microns or less, or about 0.6 microns or less. The
nonwoven web may comprise at least one nonwoven layer of which at
least one or more or each nonwoven layer may comprise such
nano-fibers. The nonwoven web thereof may for example comprise at
least about 2 g/m.sup.2 of nano-fibers, or at least about 3
g/m.sup.2 or at least about 5 g/m.sup.2 of nano-fibers. The
nano-fibers may be made by known melt fibrillation methods or melt
film fibrillation methods, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,315,806 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,992. Nano-fiber webs and layers
that may be used are described in co-pending application
WO2005/103355.
[0081] The cuff or cuff material may have a hydrostatic head value,
determined as described herein, of at least at least about 30 mbar,
or at least about 35 mbar, or at least about 38 mbar, or optionally
at least about 40 mbar.
[0082] The cuff or cuff material may additionally or alternatively
have a low surface tension strike through value, as determined by
the method described herein, of at least about 600 seconds, or at
least about 800 seconds, or even at least about 1000 seconds.
[0083] A material is considered to have the above hydrostatic head
and/or low surface tension strike through values if it has these
values at any part of the material, excluding areas comprising
elastic material or edges attached to another material: i.e. the
measurement is done on a sample that does not comprise elastic
material or any another material. In embodiments comprising lotion
(e.g. the hydrophilic lotion of the present invention) the areas
comprising that lotion are excluded as well. In one embodiment the
one or more cuffs comprising the cuff material described herein,
have a surface that is free of elastic material or any other
material of at least about 2.5 cm.times.2.5 cm.
[0084] The cuff or cuff material may further comprise a hydrophobic
agent, such as a wax.
[0085] The cuff material or one or more webs comprised by the cuff
material may comprise a barrier agent, also referred to as
hydrophobic surface coating, as described below.
[0086] As mentioned above, cuffs herein are made of hydrophobic
material and/or are treated to be hydrophobic, with for example a
hydrophobic surface coating (HSC). Hydrophobic surface coatings
that may be used are for example described in co-pending
application US60/543,785, filed Feb. 11, 2004. The hydrophobic
surface coating or masking facilitating agent may comprise one or
more silicone polymers and/or fluorinated polymers. Suitable
silicone polymers are for example selected from the group
consisting of silicone MQ resins, polydimethysiloxanes, crosslinked
silicones, silicone liquid elastomers, and combinations thereof.
The weight average of the molecular weight (MW) of such silicone
polymers may be at least about 4000 MW, at least about 10,000 MW,
at least about 15,000 MW, at least about 20,000 MW, and at least
about 25,000 MW. Polydimethylsiloxanes are selected from the group
consisting of vinyl-terminated polydimethsiloxanes, methyl hydrogen
dimethylsiloxanes, hydroxyl-terminated polydimethysiloxanes,
organo-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, and combinations thereof.
Suitable fluorinated polymers are selected from the group
consisting of telomers and polymers containing tetrafluoroethylene
and/or perfluorinated alkyl chains. For instance, fluorinated
surfactants, which are commercially available from Dupont under the
tradename Zonyl.RTM., are suitable for use herein. In particular,
Zonyl.RTM. 321, 329, 8740, 9027, and 9360 are well suited for use
in the present invention. Additionally, other Zonyl.RTM. materials
include fluoroadditives like micro-powders may be useful herein.
These include, but are not limited to Zonyl.RTM. MP1100, MP1200,
MP1400, MP1500J, MP1600N, TE-3667N (which is a water dispersion).
The coating may be free of aminosilicones.
[0087] These materials are deposited onto the cuff or cuffs in
amounts of from at least about 0.01 gsm (gram of material/square
meter of topsheet), from at least about 0.05 gsm, and from at least
about 0.1 gsm.
[0088] Absorbent Articles
[0089] This invention refers to any absorbent articles such as such
as diapers, adult incontinence articles, sanitary napkins In the
following, a diaper is described as one embodiment of an absorbent
article. However, as the skilled person is aware of, most of the
components and materials described herein below are also applicable
to other absorbent articles such as pant-like diapers.
[0090] An absorbent article herein is a diaper that has a
longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The diaper may further
comprise an inner, body facing surface and an outer, garment facing
surface opposed to the inner surface.
[0091] One end portion of the diaper may be configured as a front
waist region of the diaper. The opposite end portion may be
configured as a back waist region of the diaper. An intermediate
portion of the diaper may be configured as a crotch region, which
extends longitudinally between the front and back waist regions.
The crotch region is that portion of the diaper which, when the
diaper is worn, is generally positioned between the wearer's
legs.
[0092] The chassis of the diaper comprises the main body of the
diaper. The chassis may comprise a liquid pervious topsheet and a
backsheet. The chassis further includes an absorbent core encased
between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis has a periphery
which is defined by the transverse outer edges of the chassis with
longitudinal edges and end edges.
[0093] The absorbent article may comprise one or more cuffs that
extend in longitudinal direction along the longitudinal side edges
of the absorbent article, or part thereof. One or more of these
cuffs may be a cuff or cuffs according to the present invention as
described herein. The cuff or cuffs may be attached to said
absorbent article with one longitudinal edge of said cuff, thus
having a free longitudinal edge that can be positioned out of the
X-Y plane (longitudinal/transverse directions) of the article, i.e.
in z-direction. The cuffs may be mirror images of one another in
the Y-axis of the article.
[0094] In one embodiment a part of these one or more cuffs may
comprise the hydrophilic lotion composition described herein,
wherein said part may comprise less then about 80% of the cuff
material, or less then about 60%, or less then about 40%, or even
less then about 20%.
[0095] The backsheet may be a liquid impervious backsheet, as known
in the art. In one embodiment, the liquid impervious backsheet may
comprise a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a
thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 0.05 mm. Suitable backsheet
materials may comprise breathable material, which permit vapors to
escape from the absorbent article while still preventing exudates
from passing through the backsheet. Suitable backsheet films
include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre
Haute, Ind. and sold under the trade names X15306, X10962 and
X10964. The backsheet, or any portion thereof, may be elastically
extendable in one or more directions.
[0096] The topsheet may be compliant, soft feeling, and
non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet may be
liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g., 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; 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 made of natural fibers (e.g., wood or
cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as
polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a
combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may be
made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from
liquids which have passed through the topsheet and are contained in
the absorbent core (i.e., to prevent rewet). If the topsheet is
made of a hydrophobic material, at least the body facing surface of
the topsheet or a part thereof may be 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. In an embodiment, the
topsheet may be a nonwoven web that can provide reduced tendency
for surface wetness and consequently facilitate maintaining urine
absorbed by the core away from the user's skin, after wetting.
[0097] The backsheet may be directly or indirectly attached to or
joined with the topsheet herein and/or the barrier and/or leg cuffs
herein.
[0098] The absorbent core may be disposed between the topsheet and
the backsheet. The absorbent core may comprise any absorbent
material that is generally compressible, conformable,
non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and
retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body
exudates.
[0099] The absorbent core may be manufactured in a wide variety of
sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, "T"-shaped,
asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent
materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent
articles such as comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred
to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials
include creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including
coform, cross-linked cellulosic fibers, tissue including tissue
wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges,
superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any
equivalent material or combinations of materials. The configuration
and construction of the absorbent core may also be varied, e.g. the
absorbent core may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic
gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and
lower average basis weight 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 diaper. Further, the size and
absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to
accommodate wearers ranging from infants through adults.
[0100] The topsheet of the absorbent article of the present
invention can also be apertured, i.e. the topsheet has a plurality
of apertures having an aperture size of at least about 0.2
mm.sup.2. The topsheet has an open area of at least about 10%, the
open area being the sum of all apertures.
[0101] In one embodiment the article may comprise an anal cuff or
topsheet, that has one or more openings that are large enough to
let feces (or menses) pass to a void space underneath said topsheet
or cuff. The anal or vaginal cuff may be a cuff according to the
present invention as described herein.
[0102] For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0058766 A
filed on Sep. 13, 2005 discloses an absorbent article wherein the
topsheet is provided with at least one opening adapted to receive
fecal material, the topsheet and the opening thereof each having a
front region and a back region. A void space between the absorbent
core and the topsheet is provided and the absorbent article further
may comprise a genital coversheet, which in use covers the
genitals, and which is positioned in, under or above said front
region of the opening. Further suitable absorbent articles are
disclosed e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,191; U.S. Patent Application
No. 2004/0092902 A; U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0092900 A;
U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0162538 A; and U.S. Patent
Application No. 2006/0058765 A.
[0103] Further, the absorbent articles may comprise a front and
back waist band and/or a fastening system, may be joined to the
waistband, as known in the art. Fastening systems may comprise
fastening tabs and landing zones, wherein the fastening tabs are
attached or joined to the back region of the diaper and the landing
zones are part of the front region of the diaper.
[0104] Test Methods
[0105] Water Solubility
[0106] Water solubility of the lotion composition or any compound
used to formulate the lotion composition is determined as follows:
100 mg starting amount (SA) of the lotion composition is applied to
a glass slide (2.5 cm.times.8 cm) of known weight, such that the
lotion covers an area of 2.5 cm.times.5 cm on the glass slide. The
slide is then placed flat in a beaker containing 75 ml of deionized
water at 20.degree. C. The water with the lotion composition
therein is not stirred. After 4 hours the glass slide is removed
from the beaker and put in an oven at 60.degree. C., 0% RH
(relative humidity) to remove the water. After drying it is
weighted to determine the residual amount of lotion composition on
the slide. The lotion composition of the present invention is water
soluble if residual amount (RA) of lotion composition on the plate
after drying is below 60%, below 20% and below 10% (of the 100 mg
that have been applied to the glass slide). These values correspond
to a water solubility of at least 40%, at least 80% and at least
90% which is determined as follows:
[(SA-RA)]/SA.times.100%=water solubility (i)
[0107] Such lotion compositions having relatively good water
solubility are considered to be hydrophilic within the meaning of
the present invention.
[0108] Hydrostatic Head (Hydrohead)
[0109] The hydrostatic head (also referred to as hydrohead) as used
herein is measured with deionized water (DI water)
[0110] This test is performed as set out in co-pending application
WO2005/112854A, conform the Inda/Edana test WSP 80.6 (05). The
water pressure is increased at a rate of 20 mbar per minute in the
testing using DI water (72 mN/m).
[0111] A sample of 5 cm.sup.2 is taken from the cuff or the cuff
material. The sample should be free from elastic material or edges
that are connected to other materials.
[0112] The test head used has a 2.5 cm diameter; the protective
sleeve used has a 2.2 cm diameter.
[0113] Low Surface Tension Strike through Value Method
[0114] The low surface tension strike through value referred to
herein may be obtained by the Edana method WSP70.3 (05), except
that a low surface tension liquid (see below) is used and a sample
of 1 inch.times.1 inch (25 mm.times.25 mm) may be used. The sample
should be free of elastic material or of edges that are connected
to other materials.
[0115] The value obtained from this sample measurement is reported
herein.
[0116] The low surface tension liquid is a liquid with a surface
tension of 49 mN/m prepared as follows:
[0117] 49 mN/m (dynes/cm) liquid preparation:
[0118] A 10 litre canister with tap is cleaned thoroughly 3 times
with 2 litres polyethylene and then 3 times with 2 litres
distilled/deionized water.
[0119] Then, it is filled with 10 litres distilled/deionized water
and stirred with a clean stirring bar for 2 h, after which the
water is released via the tap.
[0120] A 5 litre glass is cleaned 6 times with water and then 6
times with distilled/deionized water.
[0121] Then, 30.00 g of Na Cholate and 5 litres of
distilled/deionized water are placed in the cleaned 5 litres glass.
(Na Cholate should have a TLC purity of >99%, e.g. supplied by
Calbiochem, catalog #229101). This is stirred with a clean stirring
bar for about 5 min, until the Na Cholate is visibly dissolved.
[0122] The stirring bar is removed from the glass with a magnetic
stick (without touching the solution) and then the Na cholate
solution is poured into the 10 litres canister and more
distilled/deionized water is added such that the concentration of
the final solution is 3 g/l. This is further stirred with a
stirring bar for 2 hours and then used.
[0123] This preparation of the solution carried out at 20.degree.
C.
[0124] The surface tension of the solution is measured and this
should be 49 nN/m (+/-2). (The surface tension may be determined by
method: ASTM D1331-56 ("Standard test method for surface and
interfacial tension of solution of surface active agents") using a
Kruss K12 tensiometer.)
[0125] In a clean flask, 2.100 grams of Triton-X-100 is added to
500 ml distilled water (already in flask) and then 5000 ml
distilled water is added. The solution is mixed for 30 minutes and
then the surface tension is measured, which should be 32 mN/m.
[0126] (The surface tension may be determined by method: ASTM
D1331-56 ("Standard test method for surface and interfacial tension
of solution of surface active agents") using a Kruss K12
tensiometer.)
[0127] 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".
[0128] 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. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0129] 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 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.
* * * * *