U.S. patent application number 12/687527 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for outer cover for two-piece wearable absorbent article.
Invention is credited to Donald Carroll Roe, Elaine Mary Wiggins.
Application Number | 20100179501 12/687527 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42104342 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100179501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roe; Donald Carroll ; et
al. |
July 15, 2010 |
Outer Cover for Two-Piece Wearable Absorbent Article
Abstract
A wearable absorbent article having features for the containment
and absorption of bodily exudates. The article may comprise an
outer cover and an absorbent insert. The outer cover may be formed
of durable or semi-durable materials and be launderable. The insert
may be disposable. The insert may have containment and absorption
features that prevent soiling of the outer cover by the wearer's
exudates, so that the outer cover may be reused after an exudation
event and change of inserts. The insert and/or the outer cover may
have features to enhance containment, absorption, economy of
materials and/or fit that make them asymmetric about their
respective lateral axes, and may have features that direct a user
to install the insert and/or the outer cover with correct
front-rear orientation relative the wearer. Articles of commerce
including packages of outer covers and/or inserts in varying
combinations of numbers and features are also described.
Inventors: |
Roe; Donald Carroll; (West
Chester, OH) ; Wiggins; Elaine Mary; (Fairfield
Township, 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: |
42104342 |
Appl. No.: |
12/687527 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61144866 |
Jan 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.14 ;
604/385.28; 604/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/74 20130101;
A61F 13/505 20130101; A61F 13/49004 20130101; A61F 13/4752
20130101; A61F 2013/51449 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.14 ;
604/385.28; 604/397 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/45 20060101
A61F013/45; A61F 13/56 20060101 A61F013/56 |
Claims
1. An outer cover adapted to be worn about a wearer's lower torso
and for use with a disposable absorbent insert having a rearward
region having a lateral width, the outer cover having a
longitudinal length and comprising: an outer cover front region, an
outer cover rear region comprising a layer formed of knitted cloth
material, an outer cover lateral axis between the front and rear
regions and equally dividing the longitudinal length, and a pair of
elasticized leg band portions; and a laterally-centered insert
fastener component disposed in the outer cover rear region, adapted
to cooperate with a fastener component on a rearward region of the
insert to effect fastening of the insert within the outer cover,
the laterally-centered insert fastener component being adapted so
as to force-couple not more than about 50% of the insert rearward
region lateral width to the outer cover when the insert is
completely installed within the outer cover; wherein the outer
cover is asymmetric across the outer cover lateral axis; wherein
the outer cover is adapted to function on and/or fit the wearer
optimally with the outer cover front region disposed proximate to a
torso front region of the wearer's lower torso, and the outer cover
rear region disposed proximate to a torso rear region of the
wearer's lower torso; and wherein the outer cover is reusable.
2. The outer cover of claim 1 further comprising an outer cover
indicium disposed thereon, adapted to provide information to a user
concerning correct front-rear orientation of the insert with
respect to the outer cover, or the outer cover with respect to the
wearer.
3. The outer cover of claim 2 wherein the insert fastener component
comprises the outer cover indicium.
4. The outer cover of claim 1 wherein the knitted cloth material
comprises fibers of elastomeric material.
5. The outer cover of claim 2 further comprising an alignment
indicium disposed thereon.
6. The outer cover of claim 5 wherein the alignment indicium and
the outer cover indicium are combined.
7. The outer cover of claim 2 wherein the outer cover indicium and
the insert fastener component are combined, such that the insert
fastener component is only cooperative with the insert to effect
fastening of the insert within the outer cover upon correct
front-rear orientation of the insert with respect to the outer
cover, and not cooperative with the insert to effect fastening of
the insert within the outer cover upon incorrect front-rear
orientation of the insert with respect to the outer cover.
8. An outer cover adapted to be worn about a wearer's lower torso
and for use with a disposable absorbent insert having a rearward
region having a lateral width, the outer cover having a
longitudinal length and comprising: an outer cover front region, an
outer cover rear region comprising a layer formed of knitted cloth
material, an outer cover lateral axis between the front and rear
regions and equally dividing the longitudinal length, and a pair of
elasticized leg band portions; and an outer cover indicium disposed
thereon, adapted to provide information to a user concerning
correct front-rear orientation of the insert with respect to the
outer cover, or the outer cover with respect to the wearer; wherein
the outer cover is asymmetric across the outer cover lateral axis;
wherein the outer cover is adapted to function on and/or fit the
wearer optimally with the outer cover front region disposed
proximate to a torso front region of the wearer's lower torso, and
the outer cover rear region disposed proximate to a torso rear
region of the wearer's lower torso; and wherein the outer cover is
reusable.
9. An outer cover adapted to be worn about a wearer's lower torso
and for use with a disposable absorbent insert having a rearward
region having a lateral width, the outer cover having a
longitudinal length and comprising: an outer cover front region, an
outer cover rear region comprising a layer formed of knitted cloth
material, an outer cover lateral axis between the front and rear
regions and equally dividing the longitudinal length, and a pair of
elasticized leg band portions; and an insert alignment indicium
disposed thereon; wherein the outer cover is asymmetric across the
outer cover lateral axis; wherein the outer cover is adapted to
function on and/or fit the wearer optimally with the outer cover
front region disposed proximate to a torso front region of the
wearer's lower torso, and the outer cover rear region disposed
proximate to a torso rear region of the wearer's lower torso; and
wherein the outer cover is reusable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] To the extent allowable, this application claims the benefit
of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/144,866,
filed Jan. 15, 2009, the substance of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
diapers and other wearable absorbent articles having features for
the containment and absorption of bodily exudates, and more
particularly, to such articles having disposable absorbent inserts
and reusable outer covers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is likely that reusable diapers made of cloth have been
in use since the invention of cloth. Reusable cloth diapers,
however, present difficulties relating to sanitation needs, in
handling, laundering and effectively sanitizing soiled diapers for
re-use. Reusable cloth diapers also may be relatively unreliable
with respect to containing bodily exudates (i.e., they may tend to
leak). Because a wet cloth diaper may be in direct contact with the
skin, unless wetness is quickly detected and the wet diaper
removed, it may promote over-hydration of the wearer's skin, which
makes the skin vulnerable to diaper rash.
[0004] The introduction of disposable diapers in relatively recent
times has mitigated these disadvantages for many. Generally, upon
removal from a wearer, a soiled disposable diaper need not be
emptied, laundered or handled to any significant extent, but
rather, may be discarded as is. Any soiled areas of the wearer's
body may then be cleaned, and a clean new disposable diaper may be
placed on the wearer as necessary. Many current disposable diapers
have structures that make them relatively more effective at
containing exudates than traditional cloth diapers. Many have
structures and materials that make them relatively more effective
at conveying and storing liquid exudates away from the wearer's
skin. Some have features that enable them to "breathe", thereby
reducing humidity inside the diaper, and some even include skin
care compositions that are transferred to the skin when the diaper
is worn. Such features may reduce the likelihood and/or extent of
skin over-hydration and otherwise promote or help maintain skin
health.
[0005] For economic reasons, currently most disposable diapers are
made of substantial proportions of materials derived from
petroleum, such as polypropylene and/or polyethylene. These
materials often appear in the form of spun fibers forming
cloth-like nonwoven web materials, or alternatively or in addition,
films.
[0006] In recent years concerns have arisen concerning the
"environmental footprint" of human activities of all kinds. The
manufacture and use of diapers is no exception, particularly in
view of the growing human population, i.e., the growing number of
babies. One view seems to be that use of disposable diapers is
detrimental to the environment because the materials of which they
are typically made may be derived from non-renewable resources and
require substantial amounts of energy in their manufacture.
Additionally, because disposable diapers typically are not re-used
or recycled, their use may be deemed by some to be unsatisfactorily
taxing upon disposal facilities such as landfills. If the
alternative is reusable cloth diapers, however, another view seems
to be that the increased use of energy (e.g., for operating
equipment, heating laundry water, and treating wastewater) and
chemicals (e.g., detergents and water treatment agents), necessary
for laundering soiled diapers at the rate they are typically used,
and treating the associated wastewater, present their own set of
stresses on the environment. As may be appreciated, analysis
concerning which alternative is more "environmentally friendly" is
complicated, and undisputed conclusions either way do not yet
appear to exist.
[0007] Regardless of which alternative one may believe is more
environmentally friendly, however, it appears that in developed
nations, today's disposable diapers are generally favored over
reusable cloth diapers among caregivers of babies and young
children. This is probably attributable to the advantages of
reducing or eliminating the unpleasantness, sanitary concerns, and
extra work and/or expense associated with handling and laundering
soiled reusable cloth diapers, better containment of exudates, and
effectiveness at promoting and/or helping maintain skin health.
[0008] Manufacture of wholly disposable diapers is generally
considered a capital-intensive business. This is a consequence of
the complex machinery required to produce product from incoming
material streams at economically-feasible production rates, which
often exceed 450 or more articles per manufacturing line, per
minute. Any innovation which has the potential to simplify the
process or the equipment required, or reduce material costs, has
the corresponding potential to reduce per-article costs for the
manufacturer and the consumer.
[0009] Several designs of diapers that include a reusable cloth
outer cover and either a reusable or a disposable absorbent insert
have been manufactured and marketed. However, for the user, these
designs have still presented at least some of the disadvantages of
traditional cloth diapers, while not providing some of the
advantages available from current disposable diaper designs.
[0010] In view of the concerns set forth above, it would be
advantageous if a wearable absorbent article were available that
provides advantages afforded by both disposable and reusable
diapers, while reducing the respective disadvantages of these
alternatives. It also would be advantageous if a construction were
provided that could simplify manufacturing processes and/or reduce
costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wearable absorbent article
as it might appear being worn by a wearer about the lower
torso;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, outer surface facing the viewer;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer;
[0014] FIG. 2C is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer;
[0015] FIG. 2D is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer;
[0016] FIG. 2E is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer; next to a plan view of an
insert opened and laid flat, outer (garment-facing) surface facing
the viewer;
[0017] FIG. 2F is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer; next to a plan view of an
insert opened and laid flat, outer (garment-facing) surface facing
the viewer;
[0018] FIG. 2G is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer; next to a plan view of an
insert opened and laid flat, outer (garment-facing) surface facing
the viewer;
[0019] FIG. 2H is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer; next to a plan view of an
insert opened and laid flat, outer (garment-facing) surface facing
the viewer;
[0020] FIG. 2I is a plan view of an outer cover opened and laid
flat, inner surface facing the viewer; next to a plan view of an
insert opened and laid flat, outer (garment-facing) surface facing
the viewer;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disposable absorbent
insert shown apart from an outer cover, as it might appear in a
free-standing, relaxed state;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent insert shown
stretched out and laid flat, body-facing surfaces facing the
viewer;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of an example of an insert
such as shown in FIG. 4, taken at line 5A-5A in FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of an example of an insert
such as shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 5C is across sectional view of another example of an
insert such as shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 5C-5C in FIG.
4;
[0026] FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of another example of an
insert such as shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 5D-5D in FIG.
4;
[0027] FIG. 5E is a cross sectional view of another example of an
insert such as shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 5E-5E in FIG.
4;
[0028] FIG. 5F is a cross sectional view of another example of an
insert such as shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 5F-5F in FIG.
4;
[0029] FIG. 6a is a front view of fixtures used on a constant rate
of extension tensile tester for use in the Edge Deflection Force
Measurement Method herein, with an included test sample;
[0030] FIG. 6b is a side view of a lower fixture used on a constant
rate of extension tensile tester for use in the Edge Deflection
Force Measurement Method herein;
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates preparation of a test sample of an insert
including an end support stiffener, for testing in the Edge
Deflection Force Measurement Method herein;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a front view of a lower fixture used on a constant
rate of extension tensile tester for use in the Bending Stiffness
Measurement Method herein;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a side view of an upper fixture used on a constant
rate of extension tensile tester for use in the Bending Stiffness
Measurement Method herein;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a front view of an upper fixture used on a
constant rate of extension tensile tester for use in the Bending
Stiffness Measurement Method herein; and
[0035] FIG. 11 is a graph showing Peak Bending Force and slope
calculation areas on a bending curve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Definitions
[0037] For purposes of this description, the following terms have
the meanings set forth:
[0038] "Absorbent insert" and "insert" mean a component of a
wearable absorbent article that is adapted to contain and/or absorb
urine, feces, menses or any combination thereof, and is adapted to
be installable and removable as a modular unit, from an outer
cover. Herein, an absorbent insert may also be referred to as an
"absorbent assembly". The terms "absorbent insert," "insert" and
"absorbent assembly" may be used interchangeably herein.
[0039] "Chassis" means a component of a wearable absorbent article
that is adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer, and
is adapted to support an absorbent insert and hold the insert next
to the wearer's body. Herein, a chassis may also be referred to as
an "outer cover". The terms "outer cover" and "chassis" are
interchangeable for purposes herein.
[0040] "Disposable", when referring to an absorbent insert, means
that the absorbent insert is not adapted or intended to be
effectively sanitarily laundered in an ordinary household
laundering process and ordinary household equipment, and thereby is
ordinarily unsuitable for sanitary and effective reuse so as to
provide as-new intended functions and performance, following
soiling by exudates and removal from an outer cover. By way of
non-limiting examples, effective laundering may be frustrated or
prevented, causing the insert to be disposable, by inclusion of
materials and/or construction: that do not retain their substantial
as-new physical shape or structure through ordinary household
laundering and drying on as to be effective as-new in reuse; that
absorb aqueous liquids and cannot be sufficiently dried/dehydrated
in ordinary household drying equipment and ordinary drying cycles
so as to be effective as-new in reuse; that dissolve or
substantially degrade in ordinary household laundering or drying,
causing the insert to be substantially damaged or rendered useless;
and/or that cannot be effectively cleaned of exudate material
through ordinary laundering, so as to be sanitary and otherwise
acceptable for re-use.
[0041] "Fastener component" means any component of a system that
effects removable fastening, attachment or holding of a first
structure to a second structure. The system may have a single
fastener component, for example, an adhesive patch on the first
structure adapted to adhere to one or more types of surfaces on the
second structure, or a hook, or patch of hooks on the first
structure, adapted to catch on one or more types of surfaces on the
second structure. By way of further example, any structure such as
a pocket, strap, hook, buckle, etc. on a first structure adapted to
capture and retain, in whole or in part, the second structure, is a
"fastener component" as used herein. The system also may comprise
two or more fastener components, for example, respective components
of a hook-and-loop fastening system (such as VELCRO), respective
surfaces having a cohesive material applied thereto; male and
female snap fastener components, a button and button hole, slot or
loop, other fastenably cooperating elements, etc. Other examples of
fastener components include zipper components, "zip lock" engaging
components, loops, posts, pockets, bands or straps, microfasteners,
macrofasteners, and fastener components such as described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,936,039; 6,893,388; 6,669,618; 6,432,098; and
6,251,097, and U.S. Published Applications, Pub. Nos. 2005/0234419;
2005/0215971; 2005/0215970; 2005/0130821; 2004/0023771;
2003/0233082; 2003/0119641; 2003/0088220; and 2002/0169431.
[0042] "Lateral" (and forms thereof), with respect to a wearer,
means along a direction generally transverse or across the
direction extending from the front to the rear, of the wearer, or
vice versa. With respect to a component of a wearable absorbent
article, "lateral" (and forms thereof), means along a direction
generally transverse or across the direction extending along the
component as it would be properly situated on a wearer, from the
front to the rear of the wearer, or vice versa.
[0043] "Longitudinal" (and forms thereof), with respect to a
wearer, means along a direction generally extending from the front
to the rear of the wearer, or vice versa. With respect to a
component of a wearable absorbent article, "longitudinal" (and
forms thereof), means along a direction generally extending along
the component as it would be properly situated on a wearer, from
the front to the rear of the wearer, or vice versa.
[0044] "Outer cover" means a component of a wearable absorbent
article that is adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a
wearer, and is adapted to support an absorbent insert and hold the
insert next to the wearer's body. Herein, an outer cover may also
be referred to as a "chassis". The terms "outer cover" and
"chassis" are interchangeable for purposes herein.
[0045] "Reusable", when referring to an outer cover, means an outer
cover that is adapted to permit removal of at least a first insert,
and replacement thereof with at least a second insert, without
substantial destruction of any components of the outer cover that
are necessary to provide the substantial as-new functionality of
the outer cover, and without the necessity of any repair or
reconstruction following such insert replacement.
[0046] "Use," with respect to an outer cover, means one event of
the wearing of the outer cover until the time an absorbent insert
is replaced.
[0047] "User" means a caregiver or other person who may apply a
wearable absorbent article to a wearer. Where the wearer is capable
of donning the wearable absorbent article him/herself, the wearer
is also a "user".
[0048] "Wearer" means a person who may wear a wearable absorbent
article as described herein.
[0049] "Wearable absorbent article" means any article designed to
be worn about the lower torso and to contain and/or absorb urine,
feces, menses or any combination thereof. "Wearable absorbent
article" includes but is not limited to baby or children's diapers
(of the "tape"-fastenable, otherwise fastenable, "pull-up" or any
other variety), training pants and adult incontinence pants, briefs
and the like.
[0050] Two-Piece Wearable Absorbent Articles
[0051] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a wearable absorbent article 10
having certain features, as it might appear while being worn by a
wearer. Wearable absorbent article 10 may include an outer cover
20, having front waist edge 21, rear waist edge 22, and a pair of
leg opening edges 23.
[0052] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict an outer cover 20 as it may
appear opened and laid flat. In FIG. 2A, the outer, i.e.,
garment-facing, surfaces of outer cover 20 face the viewer; in
FIGS. 2B and 2C, the inner, i.e., wearer-facing, surfaces of outer
cover 20 face the viewer. Front and rear waist edges 21, 22 are
depicted at the top and bottom of the drawings, respectively. Outer
cover 20 may have crotch region 26, front region 27, rear region 28
and a pair of fastening ears 29 laterally extending from rear
region 28. Outer cover 20 will have a length LC from the
forwardmost portion of front waist edge 21 to the rearwardmost
portion of rear waist edge 22, and an outer cover lateral axis 45
equally dividing this length. Thus, front region 27 is forward of
outer cover lateral axis 45, and rear region 28 is rearward of
outer cover lateral axis 45. Outer cover 20 may have disposed
thereon one or more insert fastener components such as front and
rear insert fastener components 33, 32.
[0053] FIG. 3 depicts a disposable absorbent insert 50 that may
form an inner component of the wearable absorbent article 10, shown
in perspective view as it might appear in a free-standing, relaxed
state, apart from outer cover 20. Insert 50 may be designed to
contain and/or absorb body exudates, and may be made of pliable
materials as will be described further below. Insert 10 has forward
region 54 and rearward region 55, and may include front fastener
component 56 and rear fastener component 57. Insert 10 may include
a body-facing liner or topsheet 51, outer liner or backsheet 52,
and a pair of standing cuffs 53. Referring to FIG. 4, insert 50
will have a length L from the forwardmost portion of forward region
54 to the rearwardmost portion of rearward region 55, and an insert
lateral axis 70 equally dividing this length. Thus, forward region
54 is forward of insert lateral axis 70, and rearward region 55 is
rearward of insert lateral axis 70.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2B and 3, insert 50 may have rear
fastener component 57 disposed thereon. Alternatively, or in
addition, outer cover 20 may have rear insert fastener component 32
disposed thereon. Similarly, insert 50 may have front fastener
component 56 disposed thereon. Alternatively, or in addition, outer
cover 20 may have front insert fastener component 32 disposed
thereon. If a two-component fastening system is used, fastener
component pairs 57, 32 and 56, 33 may be cooperating components
that effect fastening therebetween when these respective components
are brought together. Thus, in the example depicted, in order to
install absorbent insert 50 into outer cover 20, a user may lay
outer cover 20 flat, inner surface 25 facing up, stretch and orient
insert 50 such that rear fastener component 57 faces rear insert
fastener component 32 and front fastener component 56 faces front
insert fastener component 33, and bring these respective fastener
component pairs 57, 32 and 56, 33 together to effect fastening
therebetween.
[0055] If it is desired that outer cover 20 be reusable, for outer
cover 20 to remain substantially sanitary and useful (without
requiring laundering or disposal) after removal and replacement of
an insert, it may be desired that all parts of outer cover 20
remain substantially unsoiled after an exudation of waste
(especially fecal matter) by the wearer. Thus, it may be desired
that when insert 50 is installed within an outer cover 20, there is
no non-removable portion or component of outer cover 20 that lies
over or covers a substantial portion of wearer-facing surfaces of
insert 50 (expressed differently, no non-removable portion or
component of outer cover 20 is situated between a substantial
portion of insert 50 and the wearer when the wearable absorbent
article is worn), at least in the areas proximate to wearer body
features that discharge exudates. Thus, it may be desired that
outer cover 20 include no non-removable cover sheet or the like
that covers or contains substantial portions of wearer-facing
surfaces of insert 50 within outer cover 20, nor any overlying
structures such as pockets, straps or flaps that substantially wrap
or cover the insert proximate to exudate discharge points, or lie
substantially between insert 50 and the wearer's anus and/or
genitals, when the wearable absorbent article is worn. If outer
cover 20 lacks such overlying structures, this may increase the
likelihood that the wearer's exudates will contact only insert 50,
and not portions of outer cover 20.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, it can be seen that
wearable absorbent article 10 may be placed on a wearer by wrapping
outer cover 20 between the wearer's legs and under the buttocks
such that crotch region 26 is between the wearer's legs, bringing
front waist edge 21 and rear waist edge 22 into the positions
approximately as shown in FIG. 1, and then securing fastening ears
29 to front region 27, thereby forming a pant-like garment about
the wearer as suggested in FIG. 1. When insert 50 has been
installed into outer cover 20, insert 50 will then be disposed
within outer cover 20, next to the wearer, with the standing cuffs
53 oriented and extending longitudinally adjacent the inner
portions of leg edges 23 (i.e., longitudinally between the wearer's
legs).
[0057] Examples of Possible Outer Cover Details
[0058] Fastening System
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, to enable fastening of
fastening ears 29 to front region 27, fastening ears 29 may have
outer cover fastener components 30 disposed thereon. Alternatively,
or in addition, front region 27 may have disposed thereon one or
more receiving fastener components 31 disposed thereon. Fastener
components 30, 31 may be selected so as to be cooperative to effect
fastening of ears 29 to front region 27.
[0060] In one example, outer cover fastener components 30 may
include a patch of hooks, and receiving fastener component 31 may
include a patch of loops. An example of a suitable hook-and-loop
fastening system is a VELCRO system (a product of Velcro Industries
B.V.) A hook-and-loop fastening system provides certain advantages.
Because the respective hook and loop components are supplied in
sheet form, they may be cut into suitably shaped patches that can
be affixed to a cloth or nonwoven substrate by various mechanisms,
including adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, ultrasonic bonding,
sewing, stitching, serging, edging, and the like. If patches of
hooks or loops are affixed to fastening ears 29 to form outer cover
fastener components 30, as suggested by FIG. 2B, a laterally
extended patch of cooperating hook or loop material can be affixed
to outer cover front region 27 to form a receiving fastener
component 31, as suggested by FIG. 2A. By providing for fastening
of ears 29 to front region 27 at laterally varying locations
thereon, this arrangement provides for easy and simple
adjustability of waist opening size of the wearable absorbent
article.
[0061] In another example, as noted above, the outer cover
fastening system may include other types of fastener components. To
provide for waist opening size adjustability, fastener components
disposed on fastening ears 29 that cooperate with extended surfaces
or multiple cooperating fastener components disposed on front
region 27 may be used. Receiving fastener components may be
multiply disposed on front region 27 in laterally arranged, varying
locations, allowing for fastenability of respective ears 29 to
front region 27 at laterally varying locations.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 2B, outer cover 20 also may have one or
more respective fastener protectors 39 disposed thereon. This
feature may prevent fastener components having features likely to
randomly and unintentionally engage and catch on portions of the
outer cover, or other articles, during storage, carrying,
laundering and similar/related activities, from doing so, thereby
avoiding potential bunching, entangling and/or damage to either
outer cover 20 or other articles during such activities. For
example, if fastener components 30 are patches of hooks,
appropriately placed fastener protectors 39 may include patches of
corresponding loops. This will enable the user to fold ears 29 over
to engage them with fastener protectors 39, thereby holding them in
the folded-over position such that hooks thereon will be concealed
and prevented from snagging other articles when outer cover 20 is
not being worn.
[0063] Materials
[0064] Outer cover 20 and/or layers or portions thereof may be made
of any knitted, woven or nonwoven textile or textile-like material
that is appropriately compatible with skin of the intended
wearer(s). Outer cover 20 may be constructed of durable and/or
semi-durable materials. Generally, only for purposes of reference
in this description, "durable" refers to a woven or knitted textile
material of any kind that may be used as a component of a washable
clothing article. As used herein, "durable" includes materials
which are "launderable" as defined and described in co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. ______, entitled, respectively, "REUSABLE
OUTER COVER FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE," "REUSABLE OUTER COVER FOR AN
ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING ZONES OF VARYING PROPERTIES," and "LEG AND
WAISTBAND STRUCTURES FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE," by Donald C. Roe
(Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket Nos. 11557, 11558 and 11559),
filed on the same day hereof. Generally, only for purposes of this
description, "semi-durable" refers to a nonwoven material or
laminate thereof that when used as an outer cover material can
withstand more than one use with an insert without losing its
structural integrity to an extent that renders it unserviceable. As
used herein, "semi-durable" includes materials which are
"laundering resistant" as defined and described in the co-pending
U.S. applications identified immediately above. Thus, outer cover
20 may be constructed of materials and construction that make it
reusable and/or washable.
[0065] Durable materials of which outer cover 20 may be constructed
may include any natural or synthetic textile materials known in the
diaper, pant, underwear, performance clothing, sport clothing, or
general clothing or textile arts. Durable materials may include
woven or knitted textiles made of natural fibers such as cotton,
linen, wool, bamboo, hemp, silk, rayon, and the like, as well as
blends of any of these fibers with any other(s), or with synthetic
fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers suitable for use as components
of durable materials include polyester, nylon, spandex and/or other
elastomer fibers. Durable outer cover materials also may include
breathable water repellent materials such as GORE-TEX (a product of
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Md.), fabrics comprising
microencapsulated phase-change polymer materials such as OUTLAST
COMFORTEMP fabrics (products of Outlast Technologies, Boulder,
Colo.--see U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,362 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,738, for
example), COOLMAX (a product of Invista, Wichita, Kans.), and the
like.
[0066] Suitable durable materials may be formed in any weave or
knit fabric form, including birdseye fabric, terry, fleece,
flannel, knits, stretch knits, sherpa, suedecloth, microfleece,
satin, velour, Burley knits, etc. Suitable examples include
POLARTECH POWER DRY, POWER STRETCH and WIND PRO (products of
Polartec, LLC, Lawrence, Mass.). Knitted textiles, which may be
more inherently stretchable and elastic than woven or nonwoven
materials, may impart better fit, comfort and/or appearance to the
outer cover. Incorporation of fibers of spandex or other elastomer
also may also enhance stretchability and elasticity, and thereby
impart better fit, comfort and/or appearance to the outer cover,
than textiles not including such elastomeric fibers.
[0067] Specific suitable examples for durable outer cover materials
include jersey knits of blends of: rayon (93%) and spandex (7%)
fibers; modal (94%) and spandex (6%) fibers; cotton and spandex
fibers; and bamboo and spandex fibers. Materials that have stretch
capability of equal to or greater than about 2.times. may be
desired. Suitable examples of materials may have basis weights of
about 0.09-0.15 gram/in..sup.2 per layer, or other basis
weights.
[0068] Durable outer cover materials may be selected to impart
desired comfort, appearance and performance to outer cover 20. In
some circumstances it may be desired to select durable outer cover
materials which are sufficiently inexpensive to allow for disposal,
if soiled extensively or damaged, with minimized issues of cost or
conscience.
[0069] Semi-durable outer cover materials may include any natural
or synthetic nonwoven web and/or film materials known in the diaper
or pant arts. Semi-durable materials of which outer cover 20 may be
constructed may include non-woven web materials of polypropylene
and/or polyethylene fibers, polyester fibers, and any other
synthetic fibers used to form nonwoven web materials used as
components of disposable diapers, and blends thereof. Natural
fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, bamboo, hemp, silk, rayon, and
the like may be blended with synthetic fibers to form such a
nonwoven web suitable as a component layer of outer cover 20.
[0070] Non-limiting examples of fibers, nonwovens and laminates of
nonwovens and films that might be considered for use as
semi-durable outer cover materials may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,223,818; 7,211,531; 7,060,149; 6,964,720; 6,905,987; 6,890,872;
6,884,494; 6,878,647; and 5,518,801; and U.S. Published
Applications Nos. 2008/0319407; 2008/0045917; 2007/0293111;
2007/0287983; 2007/0287348; 2007/0249254; 2007/0203301; and
2005/0164587.
[0071] Semi-durable outer cover materials also may be selected to
impart desired comfort, appearance and performance to outer cover
20. In some circumstances it also may be desired to select
semi-durable outer cover materials which are sufficiently
inexpensive to allow for disposal, if soiled extensively or
damaged, with minimized issues of cost or conscience.
[0072] The outer cover also, or additionally, may include a
laminated or substantially separate film layer, which may be
elastic, to provide enhanced liquid penetration resistance and/or
elastic properties. Elastic properties also can be added or
enhanced via the addition of other materials to the outer cover in
layer, band or strip fashion, including elastic strands, bands,
scrims, and the like. A film layer may be laminated with a durable
material or semi-durable material. A film layer may include an
elastomer based on KRATON (a product of Kraton Polymers U.S., LLC,
Houston, Tex.), or by way of further example, VISTAMAXX available
from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Houston, Tex.; FLEXAIRE,
EXTRAFLEX or FABRIFLEX (products of Tredegar Film Products
Corporation, Richmond, Va.), and various latex-free elastomeric
sheets available from Fulflex Elastomerics Worldwide (Greenville,
Tenn.).
[0073] Inclusion of an elastomeric material, either as a fibrous
component of a cloth or nonwoven layer, or as a film layer,
provides for improved stretchability and elasticity where it may be
deemed useful to accommodate the wearer's anatomy and movements,
such as over the wearer's buttocks and/or around the waist areas,
and improved fit and comfort. Additionally, where a film layer may
be included, it may impart additional liquid containment capability
to the outer cover. A film layer may include a film that is
substantially liquid impermeable, but vapor permeable, so as to
provide breathability and reduce humidity within the outer cover
while it is being worn, reducing chances for over-hydration of the
skin where liquid containment capability is desired. A breathable
film also may be provided by mechanically perforating or aperturing
a film by various processes. Examples of such processes are
described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/366,825 and
12/534,353.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 2A, in one example outer surface 24 may be
formed by a first layer of a durable or semi-durable material. The
material selected may include fibers having hydrophobic properties,
providing enhanced liquid containment attributes to such first
layer. In another example, however, it may be desirable in some
circumstances for the selected material to include hydrophilic
fibers, or fibers treated to be hydrophilic, so as will cause the
material to more readily absorb and/or transmit liquid
therethrough. This may serve to provide supplemental absorbency
within the outer cover for the event in which liquid exudates
escape the insert, or to provide one way of communicating to the
user that liquid exudates have escaped the insert. Additionally, in
some circumstances it may be desirable that the material selected
have soft tactile properties so as to have a pleasant feel that the
user and/or wearer find attractive. The material also may be
selected so as to have a desired appearance, including but not
limited to coloration, sheen, texture, etc.
[0075] Outer cover 20 may be formed of a single layer of a durable
or semi-durable material, or may have two or more layers in the
front region 27 and/or rear region 28. Accordingly, referring to
FIG. 2B, in another example inner surfaces 25 may be formed by a
second layer of a durable or semi-durable material. The material
selected may include fibers having hydrophobic properties,
providing enhanced liquid containment attributes to the second
layer. In another example, however, it may be desirable in some
circumstances for the selected material to include hydrophilic
fibers, or fibers treated to be hydrophilic. This may be desired in
some circumstances to cause the material forming inner surfaces 25
to more readily absorb liquid, or transmit liquid therethrough.
This may serve to provide supplemental absorbency within the outer
cover for an event in which liquid exudates escape the insert,
reducing the likelihood that the outer cover will leak.
Alternatively, it may provide one way of communicating to the user
that liquid exudates have escaped the insert, by causing wetness to
be transmitted through to the outer cover outer layer such that
wetness is visible on outer surfaces. Alternatively, it may serve
to provide a layer that tends to draw moisture away from the skin,
for a drier, more comfortable feel.
[0076] Additionally, in some circumstances it may be desirable that
the material(s) selected for inner surfaces 25 have soft tactile
properties so as to have a pleasant feel against the skin,
particularly in areas where no portion of an insert is expected to
be present between the outer cover and the wearer's skin.
[0077] In another example, the second layer of material may be
formed of a textile material having enhanced elasticity, such as by
inclusion of fibers of an elastomeric material (such as spandex).
In another example, an intermediate film layer may be included,
laminated or not laminated with another layer.
[0078] Forming the outer cover 20 of more than one layer, for
example, two, or more, layers, as described above, may provide
various benefits. A second layer (and any additional layers) may
provide supplemental tensile strength in both the lateral and
longitudinal directions across the outer cover 20. Additionally, a
first layer may be selected for a first set of properties, and a
second layer may be selected for a second set of properties. For
example, material forming a first layer may be selected for having
comparatively greater elasticity and a particular texture, color
and/or other appearance-related properties, and material forming a
second layer may be selected for having comparatively greater
hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity and/or softness to the skin for
purposes of an inner layer, the two layers in combination imparting
a combination of desirable attributes to the outer cover. For
example, the inner layer may be formed of material(s) and/or
treated to be more hydrophilic so as to provide for absorbency and
reduced chances of fluid runoff (leakage), while the outer layer
may be formed of material(s) that are more hydrophobic, so as to,
e.g., resist environmental soiling, or resist liquid transmission
from the inner layer to the outer layer. Additionally, a plurality
of layers may better serve to conceal bumps, corners, seams or
other features of an insert, as compared with a single layer, for a
smoother, more attractive appearance.
[0079] In addition to forming differing layers of differing
materials, it may be desirable to form a single layer of differing
materials, for example, differing materials in the respective
front, crotch and/or rear regions of the outer cover. Such
differing materials may be joined at a seam such as inner seam 40
and/or outer seam 41. For example, the material predominately
forming the inner surface of rear region 28 may be selected
primarily for its elasticity features, which may better serve to
provide snug fit about wearer body contours and accommodate wearer
movement (i.e., about the buttocks and hips). By comparison, the
material predominately forming the inner surface of front region 27
and/or crotch region 26 might be selected primarily for its
hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity, which may better serve to contain
liquid exudates.
[0080] Layers or other elements of the outer cover may be joined to
each other via any suitable mechanism, including, for example,
adhesives, mechanical bonding, ultrasonic bonding, sewing,
stitching, serging, edging, and the like.
[0081] Additionally or alternatively to the constructions and
materials described above, the outer cover may be constructed and
may include materials and features as described in co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. ______, entitled, respectively, "REUSABLE
OUTER COVER FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE," "REUSABLE OUTER COVER FOR AN
ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING ZONES OF VARYING PROPERTIES," and "LEG AND
WAISTBAND STRUCTURES FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE," by Donald C. Roe
(Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket Nos. 11557, 11558 and 11559),
filed on the same day hereof.
[0082] Elasticized Waistbands, Leg Bands
[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, front waist band
portion 34, rear waist band portion 35, and leg band portions 36
are depicted. One or more of these band portions 34, 35, 36 may be
formed of one or more strands or strips including an elastomeric
material such as spandex or a blend of spandex and other fibers,
enveloped by a nonwoven or textile material, which may include the
edges of the material forming the inner and/or outer layers of
outer cover 20, to form and elasticize the respective band
portions. The elastic material may be affixed to or within an outer
cover layer in a strained condition, or at zero applied strain.
Textile material(s) enveloping the elastic strand(s) or strip(s)
may be sewn around elastic strand(s) or strip(s) to hold them in
place within the respective band portions. If the elastic material
is strained prior to, and while, being enveloped and affixed to
form these band portions during the manufacturing process, upon
relaxation the enveloping material and adjacent outer cover
material may be caused to gather and form ruffles 37 therealong,
which constitute gathered outer cover material. This can serve to
promote snug fit, wearer comfort and appearance. The band portion
may be disposed along the edge of the outer cover, and in some
circumstances it may be desired to have the band portion situated
along substantially the entire length of the leg and/or waist
openings so as to form bands that substantially or completely
encircle the wearer's legs and/or waist while outer cover 20 is
worn. The gathered material within ruffles 37 can serve to
accommodate stretching of waist band portions 34, 35 and leg band
portions 36. This arrangement including elasticized leg band
portions 36 as described, not only may provide for better fit about
the wearer's legs, but also may enable the outer cover 20, when
formed of appropriately sized and shaped material, to form a
pouch-like structure 75 in the crotch region (see FIG. 1) when
worn, which may serve to provide space within the outer cover to
accommodate the insert 50 (FIG. 3) and help hold it in place within
outer cover 20, in a substantially laterally centered position
within the crotch region. This may be deemed advantageous in
examples in which an insert 50 is attached within outer cover 20 by
fastener components only located proximate to the respective ends
of insert 50, and not at any longitudinally intermediate locations,
as described further below. Alternatively, or additionally, the
elastic strands or strips in waist band portions 34, 35 and leg
band portions 36 may be affixed within the outer cover only at or
near their respective ends, e.g., within a pouch, tube or envelope
structure formed of outer cover material--referred to herein as a
"drawstring elastic". This will allow the elastic material and
associated outer cover material to stretch and move freely and
independently of each other, which may promote fit and comfort. A
snug fit about the wearer's legs provided by such elasticized leg
band portions 36 may serve to enhance containment capability of the
wearable absorbent article.
[0084] One or more of waist band portions 34, 35 and leg band
portions 36 may be elasticized in the manner described above, or by
other mechanisms. For example, elasticized band/strip material such
as that used to form elastic waistbands and leg bands or other
banding features of conventional cloth underwear, briefs or other
articles of clothing may be separately produced, and affixed to the
materials forming outer cover 20 in any suitable manner, during the
manufacture thereof.
[0085] In another example, one or more of waist band portions 34,
35 and leg band portions 36 may be formed of elastic material
simply affixed about the leg opening and/or waist opening edges by
use of adhesive and/or compression bonding. In another example, an
elastic strip material may formed by affixing a plurality of
strained elastomeric strands or strips to one or more strips of
unstrained nonwoven web material, or film. When the resulting
elastic strip material is allowed to relax, the unstrained material
forms transverse rugosities that comprise gathered unstrained
material, which will accommodate stretching of the elastic strip
material. By affixing the elastic strip material at one or more of
waist band portions 34, 35 and/or leg band portions 36, the elastic
strip material may be used to form one or more of elasticized waist
band portions 34, 35 and/or leg band portions 36.
[0086] Anchoring Bands
[0087] Outer cover 20 also may include an anchoring supplement such
as anchoring band 38 disposed on or in the outer cover rear region
28 as indicated in FIGS. 2A, 2B. As suggested in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
anchoring band 38 may be affixed along a layer, or disposed between
layers, forming inner surfaces 25 and outer surfaces 24 of outer
cover 20. Anchoring band 38 may include an elastomeric or
elasticized strip or band of material, affixed to outer cover 20 at
locations proximate to its rearward corners or proximate to
fastening ears 29. Thus, anchoring band 38 may be partially or
substantially force-decoupled from the other layer(s) of the outer
cover along its lateral length from the layer(s) forming the inner
and outer surfaces of outer cover 20, via attachment to the outer
cover only by the ends of anchoring band 38, or only at a limited
number of selected intermediate lateral locations along anchoring
band 38. For example, anchoring band 38 might be attached to outer
cover 20 only at the ends of anchoring band 38. In another example,
anchoring band 38 might be attached to outer cover 20 only at the
ends and at the lateral center of anchoring band 38. This
substantially force-decoupled arrangement allows anchoring band 38
and surrounding portions of outer cover 20 to stretch and move
substantially independently of one another, which may promote
better fit and comfort. In another example, however, anchoring band
38 may be an elastic band, strip or strap laminated with or
otherwise affixed to a layer of stretchable material forming either
of or both the inner and outer surfaces of the outer cover, along
substantially the entire length of anchoring band 38.
[0088] When strained laterally by application to the wearer,
anchoring band 38 may serve to provide, or supplement, lateral
tensile forces in the article about the wearer's waist, thereby
tending to draw the waist opening snug, enhancing fit and enhancing
securement of the wearable absorbent article about the wearer's
waist. The elastic modulus of the anchoring band may be higher than
the elastic modulus of the surrounding, adjacent, or coextensive
outer cover materials.
[0089] An anchoring band, or system of one or more anchoring band
members, may have any additional features described in, for
example, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/810,741;
11/810,708; 12/101,476; 12/028,317; 11/810,745; 11/810,742;
11/810,734; 11/810,779; 11/810,715; 11/810,733; 11/810,736;
11/810,777; and 11/599,862; 11/810,901 and 11/599,851; 11/899,812;
12/204,844; 12/204,849; 12/204,854; 12/204,858; and 12/204,864;
11/899,810; 11/899,656; and 11/899,811; 11/899,812; 12/204,844;
12/204,849; 12/204,854; 12/204,858; and 12/204,864; and co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled, respectively, "REUSABLE
WEARABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES WITH ANCHORING SYSTEMS," "REUSABLE
WEARABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES WITH ANCHORING SUBSYSTEMS," and
"REUSABLE OUTER COVERS FOR WEARABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES," by Donald
C. Roe (Procter & Gamble Attorney Docket Nos. 11225M, 11565 and
11566), filed on the same day hereof.
[0090] In another example, instead of, or in addition to, being
oriented substantially laterally as suggested by the depicted
location of anchoring band 38 in FIGS. 2A and 2B, one or more
members forming anchoring bands may be oriented diagonally between
the longitudinal and lateral directions. For example, as suggested
in FIG. 2A, a pair of diagonal anchoring bands 38a may have
respective waist ends thereof affixed at a location area proximate
to corners of the outer cover and/or fastening ears 29, and
respectively extend toward both the lateral and longitudinal center
of outer cover 20, as suggested in FIG. 2A. The respective center
ends of bands 38a may be affixed to the outer cover at locations
proximate the lateral center of the outer cover as suggested in
FIG. 2A, and bands 38a may be either force-decoupled or
force-coupled to the outer cover along the lengths of bands 38a, as
described above. In an example where an insert is connected to an
anchoring band for additional longitudinal support as described
further below, diagonal anchoring bands such as diagonal anchoring
bands 38a may serve to provide supplementary longitudinal tension
along outer cover 20, providing supplemental longitudinal support
therewithin.
[0091] Outer Cover Asymmetry
[0092] In order to enhance and/or maximize fit, wearer comfort and
appearance of the outer cover 20, it may be desirable to fashion
outer cover 20 so as to accommodate anatomical contours and body
movements of the intended wearer. For example, as suggested by
FIGS. 2A and 2B, outer cover 20 may have differing shape and/or
greater material surface area in the rear region 28 than in the
front region 27. Human anatomy in the lower torso/hip/thigh region
is asymmetric about the lateral plane of the body, i.e., the
geometry of the front of the human body is different than that of
the back. To provide for better fit and comfort, the outer cover
geometry and functionality, including stretch properties, may be
adapted accordingly. Differing shape and/or greater material
surface area in the rear region may serve to better cover the
buttocks through movements of the wearer (including sitting and/or
bending forward at the hips), while lesser material surface area in
the front region may serve to avoid material bunching and/or an
ill-fitting appearance, particularly when the wearer is in
positions including sitting and/or bending forward at the hips. As
a result, the outer cover may be asymmetric in shape or surface
area across outer cover lateral axis 45.
[0093] For purposes of this description, when used with respect to
an outer cover, "asymmetric" and "asymmetry" mean that features,
geometry (e.g., shape), materials and/or construction on one side
of outer cover lateral axis 45 differ substantially in some respect
from those on the other side of outer cover lateral axis 45. Such
asymmetric construction results from having various features of
outer cover 20 designed to accommodate the body features and
functions of the intended wearer as they differ front-to-rear, to
enhance containment/absorbency performance, comfort, fit and/or
appearance of the wearable absorbent article, and/or to economize
on use of materials. "Asymmetric" and "asymmetry" do not refer to
differences across the outer cover lateral axis that are
attributable to features that may be included on an outer cover
only for purposes of: purely cosmetic coloration or surface
decoration; fastening an insert (such as fastener components
described herein); bundling, folding, storing or carrying the outer
cover; indicia for orienting an insert within an outer cover or
vice versa (such as orientation indicia described herein), or for
other purposes substantially unrelated to the body features and
functions of the intended wearer as they differ front-to-rear, to
affect performance, comfort, fit and/or physical appearance of the
wearable absorbent article, and/or to economize on use of
materials.
[0094] Other asymmetries across outer cover lateral axis 45 may be
present as well. For example, as suggested by FIGS. 2A and 2B,
relatively localized outer cover fastener components 30 may be
respectively disposed on fastening ears 29, while a relatively
laterally extended receiving fastener component 31 may be disposed
on outer cover front region 27, for purposes of waist opening
adjustability as explained above. Fastening ears 29 may form
lateral extensions from rear region 28 that are not present in kind
on front region 27. These are examples of differences that create
functional and structural asymmetries of the outer cover across
outer cover lateral axis 45. Because an absorbent article of the
type described herein is usually changed while the wearer is
substantially facing the user, such arrangement enhances user
convenience by locating these fastening and waist opening
adjustability features at the wearer's front abdominal region,
facing the user.
[0095] In another example of asymmetry, materials of differing
composition, construction and/or properties may predominately form
forward region 27 as compared with rearward region 28. For example,
the material(s) forming rear region 28 may be selected for enhanced
stretch/elastic properties, as compared with material(s) forming
front region 27. In this example, material(s) with enhanced
stretch/elastic properties may serve to better accommodate, stretch
and contract over contours of the buttocks, and accommodate body
movements such as sitting and bending forward at the hips, thereby
providing better coverage and fit.
[0096] In still another example of asymmetry, outer cover 20 may
have structures such as elastic bands, anchoring bands and/or other
members which differ between front region 27 and rear region
28.
[0097] In still other examples of asymmetry, the materials forming
outer cover 20 may have, or be imparted with, differing levels of
hydrophilicity and/or hydrophobicity, differing levels of
breathability, differing coefficients of friction, and/or other
differing functional attributes in the front versus the rear
regions.
[0098] It will be appreciated, therefore, that outer cover
asymmetry across outer cover lateral axis 45 is a result of design
and construction of the outer cover so as to have only one front
region and only one rear region, i.e., the front and rear regions
are not interchangeable, if the fit, comfort, performance and
appearance of outer cover 20 are to be optimal.
[0099] Examples of Possible Absorbent Insert Details
[0100] Examples of features of an absorbent insert 50 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A-F.
[0101] As noted above, FIG. 3 depicts a disposable absorbent insert
50 that may form an inner component of a wearable absorbent article
as described herein, shown in perspective view as it might appear
in a free-standing, relaxed state, apart from an outer cover. FIG.
4 depicts an example of an insert 50 shown stretched out and laid
flat (against elastic-induced contraction to a position similar to
that shown in FIG. 3), body-facing surfaces facing the viewer.
FIGS. 5A-5F depict cross sections of an insert 50 as indicated in
FIG. 4, in various possible examples.
[0102] Insert 50 may have a topsheet 51 and backsheet 52 forming an
envelope-like enclosure for absorbent core materials such as those
described further below. Topsheet 51 and backsheet 52 may be
affixed together along longitudinal seams 64, and along lateral
seams 69. Insert 50 also may have longitudinal standing cuffs 53
affixed therealong.
[0103] Topsheet
[0104] Topsheet 51 may be formed of a liquid-permeable nonwoven web
material. It may be desired that material forming topsheet 51 is
compliant, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.
It may be desired that at least a portion of topsheet 51 may be
liquid pervious, permitting liquids to readily penetrate through
its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide
range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams,
apertured plastic films, or woven or nonwoven materials of natural
fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g.,
polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and
synthetic fibers. If topsheet 51 includes fibers, the fibers may be
spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise
processed as is known in the art.
[0105] One suitable material comprising a nonwoven web of
staple-length polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec,
Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass.
under the designation P-8. Additional suitable materials comprising
formed films are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135; 4,324,246;
4,342,314; 4,463,045; and 5,006,394. Other suitable topsheets 30
may be made in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,518 and
4,629,643. Suitable examples of formed and/or apertured films may
include products produced by The Procter & Gamble Company of
Cincinnati, Ohio as DRI-WEAVE, and by Tredegar Corporation, based
in Richmond, Va., as FRESHFEEL. Suitable topsheet materials also
may include laminates of films and nonwoven webs produced by
Tredegar as COMFORTFEEL, COMFORTQUILT, SOFTQUILT and
COMFORTAIRE.
[0106] In some circumstances it may be desired that at least a
portion of topsheet 51 is made of a hydrophobic material or is
treated to be hydrophobic in order to isolate the wearer's skin
from liquids contained in absorbent core 71. If topsheet 51 is
generally made of a hydrophobic material, it may be desired that at
least a portion of the upper surface of topsheet 51 is treated to
be hydrophilic so that liquids will transfer through the topsheet
more rapidly. Topsheet 51 can be rendered hydrophilic by treating
it with a surfactant or by incorporating a surfactant into the
topsheet. Suitable methods for treating topsheet 51 with a
surfactant include spraying the topsheet material with the
surfactant and/or 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 and 4,988,345. A more
detailed discussion of some suitable methods for incorporating a
surfactant in the topsheet can be found in U.S. Statutory Invention
Registration No. H1670. In another example, however, topsheet 51
may include an apertured web or film which is hydrophobic. This may
be accomplished by foregoing the hydrophilizing treatment step from
the production process and/or applying a hydrophobic treatment to
the topsheet material, such as a polytetraflouroethylene compound
like SCOTCHGUARD or a hydrophobic lotion composition, as described
below. In such examples, it may be desired that the apertures be
large enough to allow the penetration of aqueous fluids like urine
without significant resistance otherwise attributable to
hydrophobicity. It may also be desired that the apertures have
sufficient effective open area and/or aperture size to allow the
penetration of low-viscosity fecal material. Examples of topsheets
meeting these requirements are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,342,338; 6,414,215; and 6,010,491.
[0107] Any portion of topsheet 51 may be coated with a lotion or
skin care composition as is known in the art. Examples of suitable
lotions include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760;
5,609,587; 5,635,191; 5,643,588; 5,968,025 and 6,716,441. The
lotion may function alone or in combination with another agent as
the hydrophobizing treatment described above.
[0108] Topsheet 51 may also include or be treated with
antibacterial agents, some examples of which are disclosed in U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/212,441, published as U.S. Statutory
Invention Registration H1732.
[0109] Topsheet 51, backsheet 52 or any portion of the topsheet or
backsheet may be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more
cloth-like appearance.
[0110] Topsheet 51 may be fully or partially elasticized or may be
foreshortened so as to provide a void space between topsheet 51 and
core 71. Exemplary structures including elasticized or
foreshortened topsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,892,536; 4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.
[0111] Backsheet
[0112] Backsheet 52 is generally that outer liner portion of insert
50 forming the garment-facing surface thereof, and prevents the
exudates absorbed and contained within insert 50 from wicking
through and soiling the outer cover. In some circumstances it may
be desired that backsheet 52 is substantially impervious to
liquids.
[0113] Backsheet 52 may be formed of a film, a nonwoven, or a
laminate of a film and a nonwoven. Backsheet 52 may be formed of a
substantially liquid-impermeable laminate or composite of film and
non-woven web. Backsheet 52 may be formed of a substantially liquid
impermeable nonwoven web, or laminate of nonwoven web and
substantially liquid impermeable film, no as to contain and isolate
liquid exudates from the outer cover, outer clothing and/or
environment of the wearer. At the same time, backsheet 52 may be
vapor permeable to provide for breathability of the insert and the
wearable absorbent article, reducing humidity in the areas between
the insert and the wearer's body, and helping reduce the likelihood
of skin irritation and/or rashes that may result from
over-hydration of the skin.
[0114] The material forming backsheet 52 may include a thin plastic
film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012
mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet
materials also may be breathable materials which permit vapors to
escape while still preventing liquid from passing therethrough.
Suitable examples may include those manufactured by Tredegar
Corporation, based in Richmond, Va., and sold under the trade names
CPC2, X15306, X10962 and X10964 film. Other examples may include
microporous films such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of
Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by Exxon Chemical Co., of
Bay City, Tex., under the designation EXXAIRE, and monolithic films
such as manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under
the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Some additional examples may
include breathable composite materials as described in PCT
Application No. WO 95/16746; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,938,648;
5,865,823; and 5,571,096. In other examples, backsheet 52 may
comprise elastomeric films, foams, strands, or combinations of
these or other suitable materials with nonwovens or synthetic
films.
[0115] In certain embodiments, the backsheet may have a water vapor
transmission rate (WVTR) of greater than about 2000 g/24 h/.sup.2,
greater than about 3000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater than about 5000
g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater than about 6000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater
than about 7000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater than about 8000 g/24
h/m.sup.2, greater than about 9000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater than
about 10000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater than about 11000 g/24
h/m.sup.2, greater than about 12000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, greater than
about 15000 g/24 h/m.sup.2, measured according to WSP 70.5 (08) at
37.8.degree. C. and 60% Relative Humidity. A higher WVTR may be
desired in this particular application, since the insert backsheet
52 will not form the outer surface of the wearable article, as a
conventional disposable diaper backsheet would, but rather, will be
covered by the one or more layers of the outer cover
material(s)--which themselves may act in some circumstances to
reduce WVTR of the composite structure.
[0116] Backsheet 52 may be joined to topsheet 51, absorbent core 71
or any other element of insert 50 by any suitable attachment
mechanism known in the art. For example, the attachment mechanism
may include a continuous line or layer of adhesive, a patterned
layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots
of adhesive. One example of an attachment mechanism comprises an
open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,573,986. Other suitable attachment mechanisms include
several lines of adhesive filaments which are swirled into a spiral
pattern, as is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,911,173; 4,785,996; and 4,842,666. Adhesives which
have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller
Company of St. Paul, Minn. and marketed as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP.
Alternatively, the attachment mechanism may comprise heat bonds,
pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any
other suitable attachment mechanisms or combinations of these
attachment mechanisms known in the art.
[0117] It will be appreciated that the outer cover described above
can be constructed of materials and construction so as to bear and
sustain a majority of the structural loading generally imposed upon
a disposable diaper, by stretching and accommodation of the
wearer's anatomical features and body movements, and by absorption,
swelling and added weight resulting from the wearer's exudations of
waste. Thus, lesser requirements for structural strength of an
insert might be present with use of such an outer cover, as
compared with strength required of inside components of a
disposable diaper. Therefore, an article such as described herein
may include a disposable absorbent insert manufactured from
materials that are different from those ordinarily used in the
manufacture of disposable diapers, such as petroleum-derived
materials, e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene. For example, a
disposable absorbent insert having one or more of a topsheet,
backsheet, standing cuffs and/or other components formed of
products of wood, cotton, flax (linen), hemp, bamboo, or other
cellulose fibers (e.g., paper), in addition to the materials
identified above, is contemplated. If resistance to aqueous liquid
penetration or substantial liquid impermeability is desired, e.g.,
for a backsheet and/or standing cuffs, a material formed of
ordinarily hydrophilic fibers such as paper may be coated or
impregnated with a hydrophobic material, such as a skin-compatible
oil or wax, to impart the desired resistance to aqueous liquid
penetration. Each of the materials forming the insert may be
selected so as to be dispersible in water or an aqueous solution,
flushable, biodegradable and/or compostable (preferably to an
agriculturally usable humus or soil amendment).
[0118] Absorbent Core
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 5A-F, insert 50 may have an absorbent
core 71 within the envelope-like structure formed by topsheet 51
and backsheet 52. Absorbent core 71 may comprise any absorbent
material which 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.
Absorbent core 71 may comprise 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; chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic
fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates;
absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers;
absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbent material
or combinations of materials.
[0120] Absorbent core 71 may include liquid
acquisition/distribution material 65, and storage material 66.
Generally, acquisition/distribution material 65 may have
comparatively rapid absorption and wicking properties, but also may
have limited absorption capacity. Conversely, generally, storage
material 66 may have comparatively slower absorption and wicking
properties, but also may have greater absorption capacity. Thus,
acquisition/distribution material 65 may serve to rapidly absorb
and distribute gushes of liquid such as urine, while storage
material 66, having greater absorption capacity, may serve to
absorb such liquid from the acquisition/distribution material and
store it for the time needed until the insert may be replaced.
[0121] Absorbent core 71 may be manufactured in a wide variety of
sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, "T"-shaped, etc.).
The configuration and construction of absorbent core 71 may also be
varied (e.g., the absorbent core(s) or other absorbent structure(s)
may have varying caliper zones, hydrophilic gradient(s), a
superabsorbent gradient(s), or lower average density and lower
average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more
layers or structures). Examples of absorbent structures for use as
absorbent core 71 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231; 5,137,537; 5,147,345;
5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; and 5,625,222.
[0122] To reduce the overall size and/or thickness of the absorbent
core, and thereby improve wearer comfort and reduce the volume of
disposable waste created by a soiled insert, it may be desired to
construct an absorbent core using the lowest volumes of core
materials possible within performance constraints. Toward this end,
examples of suitable materials and constructions for a suitable
absorbent core are described in, but are not limited to, copending
U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/141,122; 12/141,124; 12/141,126;
12/141,128; 12/141,130; 12/141,132; 12/141,134; 12/141,141;
12/141,143; and 12/141,146. These applications generally describe
absorbent core constructions that minimize or eliminate the need
for and inclusion of airfelt or other forms of cellulose fiber in
combination with particles of superabsorbent polymer (hereinafter,
"substantially airfelt-free cores"). Airfelt and other cellulose
fiber have been used as absorbent fillers in absorbent cores of
disposable diapers. Such fiber possesses absorbent properties and
imparts some absorption capacity to an absorbent core, but also is
included to provide a structural matrix to hold dispersed particles
of superabsorbent polymer and/or absorbent gelling material. While
inclusion of such particles enhances absorption capacity, keeping
such particles suitably dispersed may be important to prevent the
particles from "gel-blocking" in use as they swell with absorbed
liquid, causing loss of absorption capacity. The inclusion of
airfelt or other cellulose fiber as a matrix for superabsorbent
particles can serve to reduce or prevent gel-blocking. However, it
also imparts bulk to an absorbent core, even before absorption of
any liquids.
[0123] In accordance with the disclosures in the co-pending
applications identified immediately above, referring to the
examples depicted in FIGS. 5C and 5E herein, an absorbent core 71
having a portion that is substantially airfelt-free may be disposed
between the topsheet 51 and the backsheet 52. The core 71 may
include a layer formed at least in part of a substrate, distributed
absorbent particles 66 of a superabsorbent polymer or absorbent
gelling material, and a thermoplastic adhesive composition
capturing the distributed absorbent particles 66 and adhering to at
least portions of the substrate, thereby immobilizing the absorbent
particles 66 on or proximate to, and relative to, the
substrate.
[0124] Features of an outer cover 20 as described herein provide
for a wearable absorbent article that has a relatively improved,
garment-like (or underwear-like) fit, comfort and appearance (as an
outer garment or under other clothes), as compared with many types
of wholly disposable diapers currently available. If an outer cover
20 having such attributes is used with an insert 50 having an
absorbent core 71 incorporating substantial amounts of airfelt or
other cellulose fiber, the improved, garment-like fit, comfort and
appearance provided by the outer cover 20 may be compromised by the
bulkiness of the insert. In order to better preserve some or most
of the improved, garment-like fit, comfort and appearance of the
outer cover 20, therefore, it may be desirable to construct
absorbent core 71 of insert 50 with features as described in one or
more of patent applications cited immediately above, which provide
for a relatively thin absorbent core.
[0125] In addition to providing an absorbent core having reduced
bulk, the substantially airfelt-free core may generally be more
flexible than an absorbent core containing substantial amounts of
airfelt or other cellulose fiber. This enhanced flexibility may
enable the core and the associated insert to better conform about
the wearer's body when in use, providing for improved comfort and
less bulky appearance of the wearable article 10.
[0126] Additionally, by reducing or eliminating airfelt or other
cellulosic fiber material, the substantially airfelt-free core
reduces the amount of materials consumed in manufacturing, reduces
the amount of space (and in some circumstances, weight) per unit
which must be packaged and shipped, conserving resources in that
regard, and reduces the amount of materials and bulk which must be
disposed of in connection with disposing of a used/soiled
insert.
[0127] Sublayer
[0128] Insert 50 may also include a sublayer disposed between
topsheet 51 and backsheet 52. The sublayer may be any material or
structure capable of accepting, storing or immobilizing bodily
exudates. Thus, the sublayer may include a single material or a
number of materials operatively associated with each other.
Further, the sublayer may be integral with another element of
insert 50 or may be one or more separate elements joined directly
or indirectly with one or more elements of insert 50. Further, the
sublayer may include a structure that is separate from the core 71
or may include or be part of at least a portion of the core 71.
[0129] Suitable materials for use as the sublayer may include large
cell open foams, macroporous compression resistant nonwoven
highlofts, large size particulate forms of open and closed cell
foams (macro and/or microporous), highloft nonwovens, polyolefin,
polystyrene, polyurethane foams or particles, structures comprising
a multiplicity of vertically oriented looped strands of fibers,
absorbent core structures described above having punched holes or
depressions, and the like. One example of a sublayer includes a
mechanical fastening loop landing element, having an uncompressed
thickness of about 1.5 millimeters available as XPL-7124 from the
3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn. Another example includes a 6
denier, crimped and resin-bonded nonwoven highloft having a basis
weight of 110 grams per square meter and an uncompressed thickness
of 7.9 millimeters which is available from the Glit Company of
Wrens, Ga. Other suitable absorbent and nonabsorbent sublayers are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,680,422 and 5,941,864. Further, the
sublayer, or any portion thereof, may include or be coated with a
lotion or other known substances to add, enhance or change the
performance or other characteristics of the element.
[0130] Standing Cuffs
[0131] Insert 50 also may have a pair of longitudinal standing
cuffs 53 attached partially or entirely along the length thereof.
Suitable longitudinal standing cuffs (in various published examples
identified as "leg cuffs", "barrier cuffs" "gasketing cuffs," etc.,
may be formed of materials and construction such as described in,
but not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,786,895; 6,420,627; 5,911,713;
5,906,603; 5,769,838; 5,624,425; 5,021,051 and 4,597,760; and
copending U.S. Published Application No. 2007/0239130 and U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/195,272. As shown in FIG. 3, standing cuffs
53 may have one or more strands or strips of cuff elastics 58a, 58b
disposed longitudinally therealong. If such cuff elastics 58a, 58b
are pre-strained prior to being affixed to the web material forming
standing cuffs 53, resulting longitudinal tensile forces therealong
will cause the web material forming standing cuffs 53 to gather as
shown, and cause the cuffs to extend from the body of the insert
(upwardly relative to FIG. 3), or causing them to "stand". This
feature causes standing cuffs 53 to form a gasketing structure
along the wearer's body when the article including insert 50 is
worn, longitudinally on either side of the anatomical features
where waste is exuded. Thus, standing cuffs 53 may serve to enhance
the exudate containment capability of insert 50 and, and as a
result, of the wearable absorbent article. As with backsheet 52,
standing cuffs 53 may be formed of a substantially liquid
impermeable web so as to contain and isolate liquid exudates from
the outer cover, outer clothing and environment of the wearer. At
the same time, standing cuffs 53 may be vapor permeable to provide
for breathability of the insert and the wearable absorbent article,
reducing humidity in the areas between the insert and the wearer's
body, and helping reduce the likelihood of skin irritation and/or
rashes that may result from over-hydration of the skin.
[0132] In another example, the material forming standing cuffs 53
may be integral with the material forming backsheet 52, such as
described in, by way of non-limiting example, copending U.S.
Published App. No. 2007/0239130. In this particular example,
referring to and relative to the view in FIG. 3, a continuous piece
of material may form one standing cuff 53, wrap beneath the insert
to form backsheet 52, and wrap up the other side to form the other
standing cuff 53. This example of a wraparound construction may
provide improved liquid containment capability to insert 50, by
eliminating seams along the outer liquid-containing surfaces that
include standing cuffs 53 and backsheet 52. Another example of this
construction is depicted and described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,808,178.
[0133] In some circumstances, however, manufacturing and/or
economic constraints may discourage such construction, or else, it
may be desirable for the materials forming standing cuffs 53 and
backsheet 52 to have differing properties. For example, in some
applications it may not be deemed necessary for standing cuffs 53
to be substantially liquid impervious, if they are otherwise formed
of a nonwoven web material comprising closely situated hydrophobic
fibers, which may still tend to repel and contain fluid, but may be
generally more breathable than substantially liquid impervious
laminates including films. In this event, improved strength and
liquid containment attributes can still be imparted by having the
material forming standing cuffs 53 wrap only partially beneath the
lower longitudinal corners of the insert, and affixed at seams
beneath the insert, rather than at its outermost lower corners as
suggested by FIG. 3. One example of this construction is depicted
and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/158,563, and in
particular, FIG. 13 therein and associated descriptive text.
[0134] Insert Asymmetry
[0135] Referring to FIG. 4, insert 50 will have an insert lateral
axis 70 that equally divides its longitudinal length. Insert 50 may
have a structure that is asymmetric across insert lateral axis 70.
For purposes of this description, with used with respect to an
insert, "asymmetric" and "asymmetry" mean that features, geometry
(e.g., shape), materials and/or construction on one side of insert
lateral axis 70 differ substantially in some respect from those on
the other side of insert lateral axis 70. Such asymmetric
construction results from having various features of insert 50
designed to accommodate the body features and functions of the
intended wearer (i.e., body contours, excretory and eliminatory
functions) as they differ front-to-rear, to enhance
containment/absorbency performance, comfort, fit and/or appearance
of the wearable absorbent article, to economize on use of materials
and/or to reduce volume of disposable waste. "Asymmetric" and
"asymmetry" do not refer to differences across the insert lateral
axis that are attributable to features that may be included on an
insert only for purposes of: purely cosmetic coloration or surface
decoration; fastening to an outer cover (such as fastener
components described herein); user grasping of the insert (such as
a grasping structure described herein); as indicia for orienting an
insert within an outer cover (such as orientation indicia described
herein); or for other purposes substantially unrelated to the body
features and functions of the intended wearer as they differ
front-to-rear, to affect performance, comfort, fit and/or physical
appearance of the wearable absorbent article, to economize on use
of materials and/or to reduce volume of disposable waste.
[0136] As one example, topsheet 51 may one or more have apertures
63 therethrough, predominately in the crotch and/or rearward region
55 as suggested in FIG. 4. Apertures 63 can permit liquid or low
viscosity fecal material to penetrate topsheet 51 and reach
absorbent materials in absorbent core 71 more rapidly than would
occur without such apertures, enhancing liquid feces absorption and
containment capability of insert 50.
[0137] In another example, a feces management feature may be
disposed in the rear of the article, including one or more pockets,
spacers, low viscosity feces management elements, openings in
suspended elasticized topsheets, and similar features, for example.
as described in copending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/224,779,
11/786,890 and 11/894,087. Thus, topsheet 51 may comprise one or
more larger apertures in the rear region to provide for
unrestricted or comparatively less restricted movement of solid or
higher viscosity waste therethrough. The size of an aperture may be
important in achieving the desired fecal waste encapsulation
performance. If the aperture is too small, the waste may not pass
through the aperture, either due to poor alignment of the exudation
point and the aperture location, or due to fecal masses having a
size greater than the aperture. If the aperture is too large,
however, the area of skin that may be exposed to "rewet" from the
contained waste matter is increased. An aperture may have an area
of between about 10 cm.sup.2 and about 50 cm.sup.2. In some
circumstances it may be desired that an aperture has an area of
between about 15 cm.sup.2 and 35 cm.sup.2.
[0138] An insert may have asymmetry in its absorbent core
(absorbent core asymmetry). Absorbent core asymmetry may result
from arrangement of materials and features within the absorbent
core to locate particular materials and features of the absorbent
core where they are most needed and/or most effective, in
accordance with features and functions of wearer anatomy as they
differ front-to-rear.
[0139] For example, all or a portion of the rearward region 55 of
insert 50 may include acquisition/distribution material 71 but less
or no storage material 66 as compared with forward region 54, as
may be seen by comparison of FIGS. 5A and 5B, 5C and 5D, and 5E and
5F, respectively. By this particular absorbent core asymmetry,
storage material 66 may be located predominately in the front of
the wearable absorbent article when worn. This may provide a
predominate proportion of the insert's urine storage capacity
closer to the urine exudation point of the wearer to reduce the
likelihood of leakage, and remove potentially uncomfortable and/or
unsightly size and bulk from between the wearer's legs or the
wearer's backside area, particularly relevant when storage material
66 becomes swollen with absorbed liquid. Additionally, this
particular asymmetry provides for economization of the amount of
storage material 66 used, by locating it in only a portion of the
insert rather than substantially along the entire insert. The
liquid storage capacity of the forward region of the absorbent core
may be greater than that of the rearward region of the absorbent
core as measured by the Teabag Centrifuge Capacity test disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,037. The liquid storage capacity of the
forward region of the absorbent core may be at least about 10%,
20%, 50%, or even 100% or more greater than that of the rearward
region. With such an arrangement, acquisition/distribution material
65 located in both forward and rearward regions 54, 55 can serve to
acquire and move liquid (usually, urine) to the storage material 66
located predominately in the forward region 54. Alternatively, or
additionally, the area and/or basis weight of the acquisition
system or component materials in the forward region of the insert
may be at least about 10%, 20%, 50%, or even 100% or more greater
than that of the rearward region. Alternatively, or additionally,
the surface area, cross-sectional area and/or lateral width of
absorbent core 71 may be greater in the forward region 54 as
compared with the rearward region 55. For example, the surface
area, cross-sectional area and/or lateral width of absorbent core
71 may be greater in the forward region 54 as compared with the
rearward region 55, to accommodate a greater proportion of the
acquisition/distribution and/or storage material present in the
forward region of the absorbent core.
[0140] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5E, in other examples,
absorbent material 66 in forward region 54 may be, respectively,
dispersed within acquisition/distribution material 65 (FIG. 5A),
contained within a separate liquid permeable structure or envelope
67 in fluid communication with acquisition/distribution material 65
(FIG. 5C); or dispersed on, or within an adherent matrix of,
retaining material 68, and in fluid communication with
acquisition/distribution material 65 (FIG. 5E). Conversely, the
rearward region 55 may predominately contain
acquisition/distribution material 65, but less storage material 66
as compared with forward region 54, or none (FIGS. 5B, 5D, 5F).
Materials in forward region 54 also may be disposed according to
construction described in one or more of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 12/141,122, 12/141,124; 12/141,126;
12/141,128; 12/141,130; 12/141,132; 12/141,134; 12/141,141;
12/141,143; and 12/141,146, with a differing construction in
rearward region 55.
[0141] In another example, storage material 66 and
acquisition/distribution material 65 may occupying differing,
distinct layers of absorbent core 71, as suggested by FIG. 5C. It
may be desirable in some circumstances to make the layer containing
acquisition/distribution material 65 larger in surface area (i.e.,
plan view surface area relative to the insert laid flat, as shown
in FIG. 4) than the layer containing storage material 66, or vice
versa. For example, if the layer containing
acquisition/distribution material 65 is formed no as to have a
larger surface area laterally across the insert in the forward
region 54, this may serve to provide space for a greater quantity
of acquisition/distribution material in the forward region. This
may impart greater capacity in the forward region to rapidly absorb
and distribute relatively large gushes of urine discharged toward
the forward region, as may be desired for wearable absorbent
articles for, e.g., older male babies and toddlers--enhancing
containment capability of the insert.
[0142] In another example, however, such as for newborns and young
babies, large gushes of urine might not be expected, but
comparatively substantial quantities of liquid or low-viscosity
fecal material may be. Thus, a wearable absorbent article for this
group of intended wearers may include an acquisition/distribution
layer of larger size, occupying a greater surface area, in the
rearward region 55 of the insert. This may impart greater capacity
in the rearward region to rapidly absorb gushes of liquid or low
viscosity fecal material discharged toward the rearward region, and
thereby enhance containment capability of the insert.
[0143] Differences between forward and rearward regions also may be
included for purposes of sleep-use inserts. While an insert
designed for awake-use may have the predominate proportion of its
liquid-storage capacity in the forward region 54 as described
above, an insert designed for sleep-use with, e.g., young babies,
may have the predominate proportion of its liquid-storage capacity
in the rearward region 55, to accommodate babies who sleep lying on
their backs, by locating the predominate proportion of storage
capacity where fluid exudates will flow under influence of
gravity.
[0144] It also may be desired to dispose a thickening agent in the
absorbent core in the rearward region 55 of the insert. A
thickening agent may be useful for providing additional assurance
that liquid or low viscosity fecal material will be thickened and
thereby more immobilized, and more likely to be contained within
the insert.
[0145] Insert 50 also may have overall shape/backsheet asymmetry.
For example, viewed in a laid-flat position as shown in FIG. 4,
insert 50 may occupy a larger surface area on one side of insert
lateral axis 70 than on the other. This may be useful for purposes
of comfort, body coverage, appearance, performance and/or
economization in use of backsheet material(s). For example, in
conjunction with including a predominate proportion of storage
material 66, the forward region 54 of insert 50 may occupy a larger
surface area, associated with a larger space within the insert to
contain the storage material, e.g., so as to improve overnight
absorption and containment capacity for wearers who sleep on their
stomachs, and allow for the insert to remain flatter, particularly
relevant when the absorbent material becomes swollen with absorbed
liquid. Such larger surface area may be greater on one side of
insert lateral axis 70 than the surface area occupied by the
rearward region 55 on the other side of insert lateral axis 70.
[0146] Insert 50 also may have a narrowed region in the area which
rests in the crotch region of the outer cover. This narrowing in
the crotch region may serve to enhance wearer comfort by
eliminating size and bulk between the legs. Referring to FIG. 2B,
it may also serve to better enable the crotch region 26 of outer
cover 20 to contain and maintain a laterally centered position of
insert 50, by ensuring that insert 50, by having limited quantities
of absorbent materials therein and limited width, does not swell
beyond the space capacity of crotch region 26 of outer cover 20.
Such narrowing may continue, for example, into the rear portion of
the insert, thereby creating overall shape/backsheet asymmetry.
[0147] Insert 50 may also be asymmetrical across insert lateral
axis 70 in other ways, to serve the same, related or other purposes
as those described above.
[0148] It will be appreciated, therefore, that insert asymmetry
across insert lateral axis 70 is a result of design and
construction of the insert so as to have only one front region and
only one rear region, i.e., the front and rear regions are not
interchangeable, if the designed fit, comfort, performance and
appearance of insert 50 are to be fully realized.
[0149] Grasp Structures
[0150] Referring to FIGS. 2F, 3 and 4, insert 50 also may include
respective forward and rearward user grasp structures 59, 61. User
grasp structures 59, 61 may be provided to enable the user to
quickly and easily grasp insert 50 proximate its respective
ends.
[0151] Grasp structures as shown and/or suggested may enable the
user to more quickly grasp and stretch insert 50 from a contracted
position similar to that depicted in FIG. 3, to an extended
position similar to that depicted in FIG. 4, which may be desirable
for installing insert 50 into an outer cover. If user grasp
structures 59, 61 are centered proximate to the respective ends of
insert 50 as shown, this may also provide visual assistance to the
user for co-locating respective centered fastener component pairs,
described in more detail below.
[0152] Additionally, user grasp structures 59, 61 may serve to
enable the user to quickly and easily grasp insert 50 proximate to
its respective ends, which as a result of their distance from
exudation points on a wearer's body, are less likely to be soiled
at the time replacement of insert 50 becomes necessary or
desirable. Thus, the user may be better enabled to avoid contacting
the wearer's exudates with the user's hands when removing a soiled
insert 50 from an outer cover 20.
[0153] Referring to the example depicted in FIG. 2F, it may be
desirable in some circumstances to include more than one grasp
structure 59 on the insert. This may be deemed useful in examples
such as depicted in FIG. 2F, where more than one fastener component
56 is disposed on an end of an insert. In such circumstances,
including a separate grasp structure 59 associated with and
proximate to each fastener component 56 may enable a user to
manipulate portions of an insert to more easily accurately locate
and install it within an outer cover with fastener components 59,
33 suitably co-located and/or aligned. It may also enable a user to
more easily tug the fastener components 56 away from paired
fastener components 33 to separate them, when it is necessary to
remove the insert from the outer cover, by localizing or focusing
the user's tugging forces where they are needed to effect such
separation.
[0154] User grasp structures 59, 61 may include tab-like extensions
as shown in FIGS. 2F, 3 and 4, with free ends unattached to the
outer cover 20 when insert 50 is installed therein, which are
easily graspable. User grasp structures may have different forms as
well. By way of non-limiting example, user grasp structures may
take the form of loop-like extensions (not shown) extending from
the ends of insert 50, finger holes (not shown) through insert 50
proximate the ends thereof, pockets with openings facing the
lateral centerline 70 of the insert, and other structures that
facilitate grasping and pulling of insert 50 at locations proximate
to its ends.
[0155] Additionally, grasp structures 59, 61 may be formed of
materials having a high coefficient of friction (e.g., at least
about 0.5), resiliently compressible materials and/or surfaces
having three-dimensional relief, to facilitate secure gripping and
pulling the insert by the user.
[0156] Grasp structures 59, 61 also may be configured or adapted so
as can be folded over or under the respective ends of insert,
toward the lateral centerline of the insert. This can serve to
conceal the grasp structures behind other materials and protect
them from contamination by bodily exudates. Alternatively or in
addition, it can serve to add convenience for the user.
[0157] Insert/Outer Cover Fastener Components; Orientation Indicia;
Other Possible Features
[0158] Referring back to FIGS. 2B, 3 and 4, as previously noted,
outer cover 20 may have one or more insert fastener components such
as front and/or rear insert fastener components 33, 32 disposed
thereon. Insert 50 may have front and/or rear fastener components
56, 57 disposed thereon. Respective front and/or rear fastener
components 56, 57 on insert 50 may be selected and/or adapted to be
cooperative to enable fastening with respective front and/or rear
insert fastener components 33, 32 disposed on outer cover 20.
[0159] Types, Locations and Localization of Fastening Locations
[0160] In one example, to enable fastening of respective front and
rear fastener components 56, 57 of insert 50 with respective front
and rear insert fastener components 33, 32 on outer cover 20,
respective fastening pairs 56, 33 and 57, 32 may include
cooperating fastener components. An example of a suitable
hook-and-loop fastening system is a VELCRO system, a product of
Velcro Industries B.V., components of which are available from
Velcro USA, Inc., Manchester, N.H. A hook-and-loop fastening system
provides certain advantages. Because the respective hook and loop
components are supplied in sheet or strip form, they may be cut
into suitably shaped patches that can be affixed to a cloth
substrate by various mechanisms, including adhesive bonding,
mechanical bonding, ultrasonic bonding, sewing, stitching, serging,
edging, and the like. If respective hook-and-loop patches are used
as fastener components, relative ease of fastening, simplicity and
convenience for the user (as compared with, for example, fastener
components such as a button and button hole) are one among several
advantages provided, because fastening is effected simply by
placing the fastener components in face-to-face contact and
applying gentle pressure.
[0161] Some types of hook components may, in some circumstances,
tend to snag or catch undesirably on a variety of materials in
addition to intended corresponding loop components, while most
types of loop components currently available do not have this
tendency. Thus, in some circumstances it may be desired that
patches of loop components form one or both of insert fastener
components 33, 32, while patches of hook components form one or
both of fastener components 56, 57. This arrangement places a
non-snagging insert fastener component on the outer cover. This may
be desirable in some circumstances, such as when the outer cover 20
is designed to be reusable--reducing the likelihood that components
on an outer cover 20 will undesirably snag on other parts of outer
cover 20 or on other articles, such as clothing articles, being
stored or laundered along with outer cover 20.
[0162] However, fastening pairs 56, 33 and 57, 32 need not
necessarily include respective components of a hook-and-loop
fastening system, and need not necessarily include respective
components of a two-component fastening system. Rather, a fastening
system may require only one fastener component, or use other types
of fastener components. Fastener components used may be adapted to
engage, retain, and otherwise hold the insert or a portion thereof.
A fastener component on outer cover 20 may include a patch of
adhesive; a structure having a region of relatively high
coefficient of friction; a pocket; flap; strap; or other capturing,
holding and/or retaining surface, device or structure. Thus,
referring to FIG. 2C in one example, the inside of outer cover 20
may include one or more pocket structures 32a, 33a situated on or
along the inner surface 25 of outer cover 20, in, e.g., the front
region 27 or rear region 28. Such a pocket structure may have an
opening facing downward or upward (relative to the wearer in a
standing position, and relative to FIG. 2B). A pocket structure may
be adapted to receive, fit and capture, for example, the forward
edge and a portion of forward region 54 of insert 50. A pocket
structure 33a, 33b may have an opening facing lateral axis 45, such
that an end of insert 50 may be inserted therein and retained
thereby. A pocket structure may alternatively have an opening
facing away from lateral axis 45, such that an end of insert 50 may
be inserted therein and retained thereby, and then insert 50 may be
folded back over such opening and toward lateral axis 45. Referring
to FIG. 2D, in another example, one or more pockets 32b, 33b may be
provided in the front and/or back region on the inner surface of
the outer cover 20 positioned such that a corner of an insert 50
may be inserted into and retained by the pocket. Such pockets may
have respective openings defined by edges of material 32c, 33c
forming an angle with respect to both the lateral and longitudinal
axes of between about 0 and 90 degrees, but more preferably,
between about 30 degrees and 60 degrees. One or more of such
fastener components may be provided in lieu of, in addition to, or
in combination with, other fastener components disposed at the
front region of the outer cover 20 and forward region of insert 50.
As one example, an outer cover 20 may have a pocket structure 33a
in front region 27 (see FIG. 2C) in combination with a patch of
loops component forming rear fastener component 32 (see FIG. 2B).
With such a structure and a suitably adapted insert 50 having a
patch of hooks as fastener component 57, to install the insert the
user may insert the forward edge of insert 50 into the pocket
structure 33a, and then fasten the rearward portion of insert 50
into the rear region of the outer cover 20 by engaging respective
fastener components 32, 57.
[0163] In another example, fastener components 32, 33 may be
respective patches of hook components, while fastener components
56, 57 may simply be surfaces formed of woven or nonwoven material
adapted to be attachably engageable by such hook components. In yet
another example, fastener components 56, 57 may include respective
patches of hook components, while fastener components 32, 33 may
simply be surfaces formed of woven or nonwoven material suitable
for, or adapted to be, attachably engageable by such hook
components.
[0164] Also, a fastener component in any form, including a
respective component of a fastening pair 56, 33 and 57, 32 may be
disposed on either of insert 50 or outer cover 20. For example, a
hook patch may be disposed on either of insert 50 or outer cover
20, with a cooperating loop patch disposed on the other of insert
50 or outer cover 20.
[0165] An insert fastener component such as component 32 on outer
cover 20 may be attached or connected to at least a portion of an
anchoring system, such as an anchoring band 38, or diagonal
anchoring band 38a. This may provide, as one advantage, the
distribution of structural loading resulting from the weight of
absorbed or contained exudates, as described in one or more of the
patent applications cited above, in the description of anchoring
bands.
[0166] Fastening locations may be multiply disposed, for example,
at each of the four corners of insert 50 and corresponding
locations on outer cover 20, and even at other locations along
insert 50 and outer cover 20, created by fastener components
suitably selected and disposed. For example, fastener components
may be disposed along the longitudinal sides proximate the ends of
the insert in the forward and/or rearward region of the insert.
Fastener components may be disposed adjacent an edge of the insert,
or may be disposed laterally and longitudinally inboard of the
edge. For example, a fastener component may be disposed at least 1,
2, or 3 cm from all edges of the insert. In certain embodiments, at
least one fastener component is disposed at least a distance from
the lateral or longitudinal edge, or both, of the insert equivalent
to one-fourth the width of the insert. In one embodiment, a
fastener component is disposed along at least about one-fifth of
the length of the longitudinal axis.
[0167] In another example, a fastening system such as either of
fastener component pairs 56, 33 and 57, 32 may form a singularized
and localized fastening location proximate each of, or either, the
forward/front and/or rearward/rear ends/regions as suggested in the
Figures. Having only two respectively singularized, localized
fastening locations substantially laterally centered on the insert
and the outer cover, as suggested in FIGS. 2B and 3, provides an
advantage of simplicity and ease of installation for the user, by
presenting only two locations at which the user must co-locate and
fasten insert 50 to outer cover 20.
[0168] Additionally, having a single, localized fastening location
proximate only one or two ends of insert 50, such as suggested in
FIGS. 2B and 3, provides a partially force-decoupled attachment of
insert 50 within outer cover 20. This may be especially desired in
the rear region 28 of outer cover 20, where extensibility and/or
elasticity of outer cover 20 may be especially desired to maintain
fit, comfort and appearance while accommodating body contours and
movements of the wearer about the buttocks and hips. With this
force-decoupled arrangement, the portions of outer cover 20
surrounding fastening element (s) 33, 32, such as waistband
portions 34, 35, and front and rear regions 27, 28, may laterally
stretch and contract substantially independently of and unimpeded
by the structure of insert 50 and portions thereof. This may avoid
lateral bunching of the ends of insert 50 with lateral contraction
of the outer cover 20, and/or, conversely, may avoid having the
structure of insert 50 restrict outer cover 20 from stretching or
contracting laterally, as a result of a more force-coupled
arrangement therebetween. Such lateral bunching or restricting
otherwise may be incidental to fastening insert 50 within outer
cover 20 in a manner that force-couples a greater portion of the
width of insert 50 to outer cover 20, e.g. by use of more than one
fastening location across the width of insert 50 proximate a given
longitudinal location, or by use of a laterally
delocalized/extended continuous fastening location along a larger
portion of the width of insert 50. Force-decoupling, therefore, may
provide for enhancement of fit, appearance and wearer comfort, as
well as improved capability for maintenance of intended insert
shape and performance while worn.
[0169] Thus, in one example, referring to FIG. 4, a patch of hook
components forming a fastener component 56 and/or 57 attached to
insert 50 may be substantially laterally centered on the insert as
suggested in the figure, and may have an width W.sub.f attached
along insert 50 that extends no more than about 50% of the lateral
width W.sub.i of the insert 50 at forward region 54 and/or rearward
region 55. This provides that no more than about 50% of the width
of the insert 50 at, e.g., forward region 54 and/or rearward region
55, will be force-coupled to the outer cover by operation of the
patch of hook components, and that, correspondingly, about 50% of
such width (i.e., that portion of width W.sub.i that is not
attached to, or force-coupled to, the insert along width W.sub.f)
is force-decoupled from the outer cover 20 when insert 50 is
installed therein. In some circumstances, it may be desired that
the portion of the lateral width of forward region 54 and/or,
especially, of rearward region 55 of insert 50 that is
force-decoupled from the outer cover is even greater than about
50%. Thus, it may be desired that the width W.sub.f of a fastener
component 56 or 57, comprising, e.g., a continuously attached patch
of hooks, is no more than about 40%, no more than about 30%, or
even no more than about 20%, of the lateral width W.sub.i of the
insert at the region where the fastener component is situated. In
another example, it may be desired in some circumstances that at
least about 50% of the lateral width of the insert 50 in the front
and/or rear region 54, 55, is force-decoupled from the outer cover.
In some circumstances it may be desired that more than about 50%,
more than about 60%, more than about 70%, or even more than about
80%, of the lateral width of the insert at any longitudinal
location, is force-decoupled from the outer cover when installed
therein.
[0170] As depicted in FIGS. 2E and 2F, examples are contemplated
wherein singularized/localized force-decoupled fastener component
pairs 32, 57 may be employed in the rear region 28 of the outer
cover 20 and rearward region 55 of the insert 50, while fastener
component pairs 33, 56 effectively controlling the forward corners
of the insert 50 may be employed in the front region 27 of the
outer cover 20 and forward region 54 of the insert 50. This may
allow force decoupling of the stretchable outer cover in the back
of the article, while maintaining control over the front corners of
the insert.
[0171] Other fastener components that provide such singularized and
relatively laterally localized fastening locations, providing
limited force-coupling across the lateral width of at least one end
of insert 50, are possible. Other suitable fastener components may
include tab and slot fasteners, macro hook and loop fasteners,
button fasteners, interlocking fasteners, hook and slot fasteners,
snap fasteners and other fastener types available.
[0172] In some insert embodiments, as implied above, the corners of
the insert 50 when in use may be prone to buckling, sagging or
rotating toward the insert lateral axis 70, or out of the contour
of the body of the insert, in response to forces resulting from
wearer motion or position, or exudate loading, e.g., in the crotch
region. Also, referring to FIG. 3, and from the description of
standing cuffs 53 with cuff elastics 58a, 58b set forth above, it
can be appreciated that, if longitudinal tensile forces are
imparted by pre-strained cuff elastics 58a, 58b, standing cuffs 53
may tend to pull the respective outer corners of insert 50
longitudinally toward each other. If there is not structure present
to resist these forces, the outer corners of insert 50 may sag or
buckle, and standing cuffs 53 may be loosened, sag or even
collapse. This may lead to gaps between the edges 58 of the cuffs
and the wearer's body. In turn, this may compromise the cuffs'
gasketing function, and increase the risk of leakage.
[0173] While it may be important at both ends of the insert,
control of the insert corners may be particularly important in the
forward region 54, due to its closer proximity to the urethra.
Insert designs in which exuded urine is predominately stored in the
forward region also may concentrate the weight and expansion stress
of exudate loading in the forward region 56, and thus, on the
forward corners of the insert 50.
[0174] Control of the corners to reduce the likelihood of such
sagging and rotation may be improved, in one group of examples, by
placement and/or shaping of fastener component pairs. Referring
again to FIGS. 2E and 2F, it can be seen that fastening component
pairs 33, 56 in, e.g., the respective front/forward regions of the
outer cover 20 and insert 50 may be arranged, shaped, sized and/or
placed such that the forward corners of insert 50 are effectively
captured and held to the outer cover 20 when insert 50 is installed
therein. The fastener component(s) 56 disposed on the insert may,
accordingly, have a width W.sub.f at least equal to about
one-fourth, or one-half, of the width of the insert. In some
examples, the width W.sub.f of the fastener component(s) may be
between about 50% and 100%, or between about 75% and 100%, or even
between about 85% and 100% of the width W.sub.i of the insert (not
including cuffs 53). If multiple fastener components 56 are
included, e.g., in a line, array, or other pattern, the fastener
component width is considered to be the lateral distance between
the outermost edges of the fastener components 56.
[0175] Insert End Support Stiffeners
[0176] In some circumstances, inclusion of fastening component
pairs which attach the outer corners of the insert to the outer
cover may be undesirable for reasons of cost and/or complexity, or
may sacrifice the advantages of having only one
singularized/localized fastening location proximate each end of
insert 50, as described above. Particularly in the rear region of
the outer cover 28, a singularized and relatively localized
fastening location providing a force-decoupled arrangement may be
desirable, for the reasons described above.
[0177] In this circumstance, it may be desirable to include a
stiffening component proximate to one or both ends of the insert,
but especially an end adapted with a singularized and relatively
localized fastening location providing a force-decoupled
arrangement. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, end support stiffeners 60
and 62 may be included. Such end support stiffeners may serve to
aid the user in engaging the insert with the outer cover, and to
help insert 50 maintain its intended shape and configuration while
being worn beneath an outer cover, i.e., help maintain the intended
position and gasketing function of the standing cuffs 53. End
support stiffeners 60, 62 also may help control the corners of the
insert regardless of the size, type or location of fastener
components included on the insert. In addition to providing
resistance to longitudinal pull of cuff edges 58, end support
stiffeners 60, 62 may provide resistance to bending in any
direction or plane.
[0178] End support stiffeners 60, 62 may be affixed to, or
incorporated within, insert 50 proximate the ends thereof as
suggested by FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition to increasing the tendency
of insert 50 to maintain optimal shape while in use, such end
support stiffeners may increase the tendency of the respective ends
of insert 50 to stay open and flat before insert 50 is installed in
an outer cover. Because the ends of insert 50 may otherwise be
folded over or bunched while being stored and/or carried by the
user before installation, end support stiffeners may enhance user
convenience, by causing the ends of insert 50 to maintain or seek a
shape/configuration that requires less manipulation by the user to
install it in an outer cover.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 4, one or more end support stiffeners 60,
62 may be disposed in a lateral orientation with respect to the
insert and formed of any flat, sheet-like or card-like material, or
any flat, stiffened assembly. In one example, an end support
stiffener may be formed by folding over a portion of the insert end
material(s) to create a stiffened region comprising folded layers
of material. In another example, end support stiffeners 60, 62 may
be formed by depositing onto the ends of insert 50 lateral bands,
strips or other shapes or patterns of deposits of liquid or
semi-liquid adhesive or other material that cures or cools to a
stiffened state, and thereby imparts added stiffness to the
substrate to which it is applied. In another example, end support
stiffeners may be formed of cardboard or like material. One example
of suitable stiffener material is 0.031 in. thick VOLARA foam
supplied in sheet form (a product of Sekisui Voltek, LLC, Lawrence,
Mass.). Stiffener materials may be laminated with or adhesively
applied to portions of insert 50 to be stiffened, or applied,
affixed or included by any other suitable method. Other examples of
suitable stiffening materials may include added layers of
nonwovens, tufted nonwovens, films, laminates of films and
nonwovens, patches of fastener loops or hooks components, portions
of a suitable grasp structure, etc.
[0180] It may be desired that the portions of insert 50 including
one or more end support stiffeners 60, 62 are sufficiently stiff to
effectively resist the tension forces in standing cuffs 53 and
substantially maintain standing cuffs 53 in their gasketing
configurations while insert 50 is in use, and substantially
maintain the corners of insert 50 in laterally extended positions,
preventing buckling or bunching of the same. The amount of
stiffness desired may depend upon various factors including the
inherent stiffness of the insert materials without a supplemental
end support stiffener, and the amount and/or range of tension in
the standing cuffs when the article is worn. At the same time, for
purposes of wearer comfort and safety, it may be desirable that the
portions of the insert including the one or more end support
stiffeners 60, 62 are pliable enough to flex comfortably with the
wearer's body movements, and to collapse before any form of
contusion or impalement injury hazard would be presented. It also
may be desirable that stiffened portions are elastic in nature, in
they will tend to return to a substantially flat configuration
after being bent, folded or twisted.
[0181] End support stiffeners 60, 62 may increase planar, lateral
and/or longitudinal stiffness of the areas of insert 50 in which
they are located, as compared with portions of the insert adjacent
such stiffeners with respect to a plan view (such as FIG. 4). These
differing orientational aspects of stiffness may affect various
attributes of the insert. For example, referring to FIG. 3, it can
be seen that the ability of a portion including an end support
stiffener 60, 62 (stiffened portion) to resist longitudinal tension
forces in standing cuffs 53, may be affected by one or more of
planar and longitudinal stiffness of the stiffener. The pliability
and relative comfort or discomfort for the wearer, associated with
a presence of a stiffened portion, may be affected by planar
stiffness of the stiffener.
[0182] One measure of stiffness relevant to the ability of a
stiffened portion to resist longitudinal tension forces in standing
cuffs is Edge Deflection Force, which is measured according to the
Edge Deflection Force Measurement Method set forth below. In view
of the potentially competing objectives of structural rigidity and
comfort, it may be desired that a stiffened portion of an insert
end, i.e., the portion of an end that includes an end support
stiffener, have an average Edge Deflection Force from 0.2 N to 3.0
N, or from 0.4 N to 2.0 N, or even from 0.50 N to 1.70 N, as
measured by the Edge Deflection Force Measurement Method set forth
below.
[0183] Another measure of stiffness relevant to the comfort of a
stiffened portion is the Peak Bending Force and Bending Stiffness,
which are measured according to the Bending Stiffness Measurement
Method set forth below. In view of concerns for comfort, it may be
desired that a stiffened portion of a an insert end, i.e., the
portion of an end that includes an end support stiffener, have an
average Peak Bending Force of no more than 4.0 N, or even no more
than 3.7 N, and an average Bending Stiffness of no more than 675
N/mm, or even no more than 630 N/mm.
[0184] End support stiffeners 60, 62 may be located adjacent or
near one or both ends of insert 50 and may extend laterally from
the lateral center thereof to stiffen the insert along a
substantial portion of its width. Alternatively, the stiffeners may
be located at least about 0.5, 1, or 2 cm from the end of insert
50, and may be substantially centered about the longitudinal center
line of the insert. The one or more end support stiffeners may have
a width of from about 50% to about 100% of the lateral width of the
insert, or may extend beyond the longitudinal edges of other
materials forming the insert. The end support stiffeners may have
any longitudinal dimension, although, in some circumstances, a
longitudinal dimension less than 25% of the insert length may
better assure comfort for the wearer, and therefore, may be
desired. In some examples, the longitudinal dimension of an end
support stiffener may range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. A
stiffener also may extend longitudinally beyond the lateral edge of
other materials forming the insert. One or both ends of the insert
may include an end support stiffener. In examples wherein the
insert comprises more than one end support stiffener, the
respective end support stiffeners may have differing shapes,
dimensions, stiffness, thickness, color, structure, placement,
material(s) or composition. An end support stiffener also may
include, or be integral with, a grasp structure or fastener
component as described above, and as suggested in FIG. 3 (end
support stiffener 60 is depicted as integral with grasp structure
59).
[0185] Targeting, Orientation and Alignment Indicia
[0186] As discussed above, an insert 50 may be imparted with
features that make it asymmetric about its lateral axis. Despite
such asymmetrical configuration, as suggested by FIG. 4, insert 50
may have an overall profile that does not appear to be asymmetric
about its lateral axis. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4, insert
50 may have an overall profile, when opened and laid flat, that is
substantially rectangular, and thus, appears to be symmetric about
its lateral axis 70. Other insert profiles are possible as well,
which have overall profiles which appear symmetric about a lateral
axis. Additionally, even where an insert 50 has an overall profile
that is asymmetric about its lateral axis, it may not be clear just
from the profile which portion is the forward portion and which
portion is the rearward portion. Thus, absent a sufficiently
perceptible signal indicating which portion of the insert is the
forward portion and which is the rearward portion, a user may have
difficulty determining the same, and as a result, may attempt to
install an insert into an outer cover with incorrect relative
front-rear orientation--in turn, resulting in sub-optimal fit,
appearance, exudate containment and/or comfort.
[0187] The insert and/or outer cover may comprise one or more
insert targeting indicia to indicate, facilitate and/or compel
correct positioning and association of portions of the insert
within the outer cover. The insert targeting indicia may comprise
verbal or non-verbal instructive indicia, visual targeting indicia,
cooperating geometrical features, cooperating types of fastener
components, or cooperating designs of fastener components sized and
formed to indicate or compel the engagement of the insert with the
correct region of, and in correct orientation with, the outer cover
so as to enable the optimum performance of the wearable absorbent
article. Other examples of possible targeting indicia components
include one or more cooperating colors, shapes, patterns, lines,
outlines, silhouettes, other geometrical features, protrusions or
depressions, textures, patterns, targeting lines or crosshairs,
bulls-eye representations, and the like, disposed on the outer
cover and/or the insert to indicate correct positioning of the
insert within the outer cover. In one example, the inner surface of
the outer cover may be imprinted with an outline of an insert, or a
silhouette of an insert. Alternatively, one or both of the forward
and rearward regions 54, 55 of the insert may have disposed thereon
a pictogram showing the outer cover shape, or a generalized version
thereof, with the front and back of the outer cover indicated via
size, color, contrast, or some other indicator, showing the correct
insert installation orientation. For example, an outer cover
pictogram disposed in the rearward region 55 of the insert may have
the rear outer cover region, or portions thereof, indicated with a
brighter color, an arrow, a circle, etc., while an outer cover
pictogram disposed in the forward region 54 of the insert may have
the front outer cover region, or portions thereof, indicated
similarly.
[0188] Targeting indicia also may comprise at least two cooperating
components, one on the outer cover 20 and one on insert 50, such
that when these two components are associated, the respective
components of outer cover/insert system will be properly oriented
with respect to one another and will perform most optimally. In one
example, the inner surface of the outer cover may be imprinted with
a first arrow pointing at an insert location, and the insert may be
imprinted with a second arrow pointing at the first arrow when the
insert and outer cover are correctly relatively positioned.
[0189] Indicia may be cognitively correlating, or non-correlating,
a correlation indicating a correct optimal placement, and a
non-correlation indicating an incorrect sub-optimal placement.
Respective cognitively correlating targeting indicia may include an
indicium on the outer cover that cognitively correlates with an
indicium on the insert, indicating to the user the correct relative
positioning and engagement of the insert and the outer cover. For
example, respective cognitively correlating indicia on the insert
and outer cover may have a common color, shape, or texture. (As
used herein, "common color" includes any first color and
recognizable shades or variants thereof, which in view of all
features of the article is visibly and cognitively distinguishable
from another color on the article.)
[0190] Referring to FIGS. 2B, 3 and 4, when an insert 50 is
asymmetrical as described above, it may have only one optimal
forward region 54 and only one optimal rearward region 55.
Similarly, when an outer cover 20 is asymmetrical as described
above, it may have only one optimal front region 27 and only one
optimal rear region 28. Thus, in the event either or both of these
asymmetries are substantial, installation of insert 50 into outer
cover 20 with incorrect relative front-rear orientation may cause
the wearable absorbent article not to fit and/or function
optimally. Accordingly, it may be desirable in some circumstances
to incorporate one or more indicia into the outer cover 20 and/or
insert 50 that are adapted to inform the user as to the correct
respective front-rear orientation of these components. Such indicia
may provide such information to the user functionally, tactilely
and/or visually.
[0191] Functional indicia may include fastener components that
function properly, effectively and/or optimally with correct
front-rear orientation, but do not function properly, effectively
and/or optimally with incorrect front-rear orientation.
[0192] For example, referring to FIGS. 2B and 3, front insert
fastener component 33 on outer cover 20 may be cooperative to
effect optimal/maximum fastening security only with front fastener
component 56 on insert 50, but not with rear fastener component 57
on insert 50. Similarly, rear insert fastener component 32 on outer
cover 20 may be cooperative to effect optimal/maximum fastening
security only with rear fastener component 57 on insert 50, but not
with front fastener component 56 on insert 50.
[0193] In a more specific example conceptually appreciated from
FIG. 2H, front insert fastener component 33 on outer cover 20 may
include a patch of loops, while front fastener component 56 on
insert 50 may include a mating patch of hooks (mating relationship
indicated by hatching of components 33, 56 in FIG. 2H).
Correspondingly, rear insert fastener component 32 on outer cover
20 may include a patch of hooks, while rear fastener component 57
on insert 50 may include a mating patch of loops (mating
relationship indicated by absence of hatching of components 32, 57
in FIG. 2H). Thus, in this particular example, if a user mistakenly
attempts to fasten rear fastener component 57 on insert 50 (loops)
to front insert fastener component 33 on outer cover 20 (loops),
proper or optimal fastening will not be effected, which will
communicate to the user that he/she must rotate insert 50 by 180
degrees to install it with correct/optimal front-rear orientation
on the outer cover.
[0194] In another specific example also conceptually appreciated
from FIG. 2H, front insert fastener component 33 on outer cover 20
may include a female snap fastener component, while front fastener
component 56 on insert 50 may include a mating male snap fastener
component (mating relationship indicated by hatching of components
33, 56 in FIG. 2H). Correspondingly, rear insert fastener component
32 on outer cover 20 may include a male snap fastener component,
while rear fastener component 57 on insert 50 may include a mating
female snap fastener component (mating relationship indicated by
absence of hatching of components 32, 57 in FIG. 2H). Thus, in this
particular example, if a user mistakenly attempts to fasten rear
fastener component 57 on insert 50 (female snap fastener component)
to front insert fastener component 33 on outer cover 20 (female
snap fastener component), the components will not fit properly
together and proper/optimal fastening will not be effected, which
will communicate to the user that he/she must rotate insert 50 by
180 degrees to install it with correct/optimal front-rear
orientation.
[0195] Thus, functional indicia may include any fastener components
that will function properly and/or optimally to effect fastening
and maximum fastening security between insert 50 and outer cover 20
when the two are properly oriented, but will not function properly
or optimally otherwise. Any different types of fastener components
or systems may be combined to differentiate the forward and
rearward regions of the insert and indicate correct orientation
within the outer cover. Generally, with the use such functional
indicia, the fastener components types in the forward region of the
insert and front region of the outer cover are respectively
incompatible, or significantly less effective, with the respective
fastener components types in the rearward region of the insert and
rear region of the outer cover. As another example of such
functional indicia, the front insert fastener pair 33, 56 may be a
hook and loop fastening system, while the rear insert fastener pair
32, 57 may be a snap fastening system. In another example, the
front insert fastening component(s) may include a pocket or flap
structure, while the rear fastening components embody a dissimilar
fastening system. The front and rear insert fastening systems may
comprise any two different fastening systems as disclosed herein,
or as otherwise available.
[0196] In another example, functional indicia may be embodied by
fastener pairs 33, 56 and 32, 57 having mutually exclusive
geometries of similar or compatible fastening system types. For
example, as depicted in FIGS. 2E and 2F, the front fastener pair
33, 56 may have a first placement and geometry, while the rear
fastener pair 32, 57 may have a second placement and geometry, such
that if installation of insert 50 within outer cover 20 with
incorrect front-rear orientation is attempted, the fastener pairs
will not align to provide visibly correct and functionally
effective attachment, communicating to the user that that he/she
must rotate insert 50 by 180 degrees to install it with
correct/optimal front-rear orientation. In another similar example
(not depicted), the front insert fastening system may have an open
circle, or doughnut-like, geometry, while the rear insert fastening
system may have a geometry of a circle with a diameter less than
that of the central opening in the open circle of the front insert
fastening system. In yet another example (not depicted), the front
and rear insert fastening systems may be located primarily on one
side of the longitudinal axis of the article (i.e., the
longitudinal axes of both the insert and the outer cover). In this
example, if the insert is applied to the outer cover in the
incorrect front-to-back orientation, the insert fastening
components and fastening components will not align correctly. In
another example (not depicted), the front insert fastening system
may comprise an interlocking fastener oriented along the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the article, while the rear fastening
system may comprise an interlocking fastener oriented along the
direction of a waist edge or lateral axis of the article. In
another example which may be conceptually appreciated from FIG. 2F,
the front fastening system may include one or more fastening
components 33, 56 disposed along the longitudinal edges of the
insert, while the rear fastening system may include a single
fastening pair 32, 57 having a width less than the insert width and
disposed on the longitudinal axis of the article.
[0197] Functional indicia need not necessarily be limited to
fastener components. Functional indicia also may be embodied in
other features of the outer cover and insert that affect how the
two fit or function together in correct, optimal front-rear
orientation versus incorrect (reverse), sub-optimal front-rear
orientation. Thus, functional indicia may additionally be
associated with or combined with another functional element of the
outer cover or insert. Indicia may be associated with elements of
the outer cover such as a waistband, side panel, stretch element,
leg cuff, physical retention fastener component (e.g., a pocket or
retaining strap), and the like. Indicia may be associated with
elements of the insert, such as a waist cap, waist band, standing
cuff, fecal management feature, insert positioning aid, insert
stiffening aid, insert removal aid, or insert disposal aid.
[0198] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that other forms
of functional orientation indicia are possible, within the
principle of the foregoing description. Additionally, any of the
differing types of indicia described may be included in a single
article, in any combination.
[0199] In other possible examples, instead of respective
functionally cooperative/uncooperative pairs of components as
described above, insert 50 and outer cover 20 may include
respective non-functional indicia, such as tactile or other sensory
indicia.
[0200] For example, the front insert and outer cover fastener
components may be selected or formed so as to have a first tactile
attribute, while the rear insert and outer cover components may be
selected or formed so as to have a second tactile attribute. In
another example, features of the insert and outer cover may have
features such as 3-dimensional shapes that are mating or
geometrically cooperating with optimal front-rear orientation, but
not mating or geometrically cooperating with reversed, suboptimal
front-rear orientation.
[0201] In other possible examples, instead of or in addition to
respective functionally cooperative/uncooperative pairs of fastener
components or tactile indicia components as described above, insert
50 and outer cover 20 may include respective visual indicia. Outer
cover 20 may include respective front and rear visual indicia 73,
74 disposed on the front region 27 and rear region 28,
respectively. Respective visual indicia disposed on insert 50 and
outer cover 20 may be adapted to provide a visual cue to the user
of correct/optimal orientation and placement of insert 50 within
outer cover 20.
[0202] For example, components of visual indicia and a visual cue
may involve use of a common color. In one particular example, front
and/or rear visual indicia 73, 74 disposed on outer cover 20 may
comprise respective common colors visibly distinct from one
another. (As used herein, "common color" includes any first color
and recognizable shades or variants thereof, which in view of all
features of the article is visibly and cognitively distinguishable
from another color on the article.) Insert 50 may have respective
cooperating indicia disposed or embodied thereon. Thus, for
example, forward and rearward user grasp structures 59, 61 on
insert 50 may bear or be colored with colors respectively common
and corresponding with those comprised by front and/or rear visual
indicia 73, 74. More particularly, for example, front visual
indicium 73 and an insert feature such as forward user grasp
structure 59 may both bear or be colored a first common color, and
rear visual indicium 74 and a feature such as rearward user grasp
structure 61 may either or both be colored a second common color,
visibly distinguishable from the first common color.
[0203] In another particular example which may be conceptually
appreciated from FIGS. 2G, 2I and 3, front and rear visual indicia
73, 74 disposed on outer cover 20 may embody, or bear images of,
respective shapes or sizes to match, or cognitively correlate
visually correlate with, corresponding shapes or sizes embodied, or
pictured on, insert features such as forward and rearward user
grasp structures 59, 61 and/or fastener components 56, 57. More
particularly, for example, front visual indicium 73 or forward user
grasp structure 59 may both embody or bear images of triangles, and
rear visual indicium 74 or rearward user grasp structure 61 may
both embody or bear images of circles. Other examples of
cognitively correlating indicia respectively disposed on an insert
and corresponding location on an outer cover include: a baseball
and glove, soccer ball and goal, bird and nest, and any other
images of components of well-recognized pairings which would
indicate to a user that two portions bearing or embodying such
images are to be brought together during installation of insert 50
within outer cover 20.
[0204] In another particular example, front and rear visual indicia
73, 74 disposed on outer cover 20 may bear images of words or
symbolic indications for "front" and "rear", to match corresponding
words or symbolic indications on insert features such as forward
and rearward user grasp structures 59, 61. In a more particular
example, front visual indicium 73 and forward user grasp structure
59 may both bear an image of the letter "F" (i.e., for "front"),
and rear visual indicium 74 and rearward user grasp structure 61
may both bear an image of the letter "R" (i.e., for "rear").
[0205] In another particular example, front and/or rear visual
indicia 73, 74 disposed on outer cover 20 may embody, or bear
images of, respective portions of expectedly user-recognizable
shapes, characters, objects, etc., to match corresponding portions
of expectedly user-recognizable shapes, characters, objects, etc.,
embodied, or pictured on, insert features such as forward and/or
rearward user grasp structures 59, 61. In a more particular
example, front visual indicium 73 and forward user grasp structure
59 may both embody or bear respective portions of a first image
that, when brought together properly, form a cognitively complete
image of an expectedly user-recognizable first shape, character,
object, etc.; and/or rear visual indicium 74 and rearward user
grasp structure 61 may both embody or bear respective portions of a
second image that, when brought together properly, faint a
cognitively complete image of an expectedly user-recognizable
second shape, character, object, etc., distinctive from the
first.
[0206] In yet another particular example, visual orientation
indicia may be simplified into a single pair of visual indicia
appearing, respectively, on outer cover 20 and insert 50. In one
such example, an inner surface 25 of outer cover 20 may bear an
image of an arrow pointing longitudinally toward front edge 21, and
insert 50 may bear an image of an arrow pointing longitudinally
toward its forward end.
[0207] Examples of other suitable visual orientation indicia
adapted to provide orientation information may include alphanumeric
text including words, arrows, symbols, diagrams, pictographs,
icons, cartoons, schematics, and any other visual indicia.
[0208] It may be desired that indicia associated with the front
portions of the outer cover and insert will not cognitively
correlate, or will cognitively not correlate, with indicia
associated with rear portions of the outer cover and insert, and
vice versa, when the user views both sets of indicia.
[0209] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that other forms
of visual orientation indicia are possible, within the principle of
the foregoing description.
[0210] In addition to providing indicia that indicate and/or compel
the correct front-rear orientation of the insert with respect to
the outer cover, it also may be desirable to provide indicia that
indicate and/or compel correct longitudinal and lateral alignment
of the insert within the outer cover, in order to provide for the
designed optimal containment, fit, comfort and appearance of the
article. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2E-2I, respective fastener
component pairs 32, 57 and 33, 56 are configured and disposed to
serve as alignment indicia. It can be appreciated from these
examples that fastener components may be configured and disposed to
not only indicate and/or compel correct front/rear orientation, but
also indicate and/or compel correct longitudinal and lateral
alignment of the insert 50 with respect to the outer cover 20,
because co-location of one or both of these fastener component
pairs to effect proper fastening will also effect proper
longitudinal and lateral alignment. In other examples, separate
visual indicia may be included for this purpose, such as, for
example, longitudinal alignment indicia 79a, 79b and lateral
alignment indicia 78a, 78b disposed respectively on outer cover 20
and insert 50 (FIG. 2E). Referring to FIG. 2E, it can be seen that
insert 50 may be longitudinally and laterally aligned within outer
cover 20 by ensuring that alignment indicia pairs 78a, 78b and 79a,
79b meet, or are closely proximate each other, when insert 50 is
installed into outer cover 20. Visual alignment indicia may take
other forms, including, but not limited to, matching line segments,
shapes, insert end or corner outline images 80 disposed on the
inner surfaces of outer cover 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 2I), etc.
[0211] Article of Commerce
[0212] It is contemplated that an article of commerce including one
or a plurality of outer covers and one or a plurality of inserts,
as described herein, may be prepared and sold as such. For example,
a package containing from one to 12, or more, outer covers,
together with one or a plurality of associated inserts, may be
assembled and sold together as packaged. The respective outer
cover(s) and inserts in a package may have matching/complementary
fastening systems, orientation indicia and/or alignment indicia as
described herein.
[0213] For such an article of commerce it may be desirable to
determine a ratio of inserts to outer covers suitable to constitute
a set of convenient numbers of outer covers and inserts,
respectively. For example, it may be deemed suitable to include
approximately a half day or day's supply of inserts for each outer
cover included in the set. Thus, for example, the article of
commerce may include inserts and outer covers in a ratio of inserts
to outer covers of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1 or even 6:1.
Accordingly, for example, a package associating a set may include
one outer cover and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 inserts; two outer covers
and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 inserts; three outer covers and 3, 6, 9,
12, 15 or 18 inserts, and so on. For a "starter" set for certain
consumers such as first-time purchasers, or in other circumstances,
it may be desirable for a package to contain from 2 to 14 outer
covers--which may correspond roughly to from one day's to one
week's supply of clean outer covers available before laundering
becomes necessary.
[0214] It may also be desirable to include, in a set including a
plurality of inserts, inserts of differing designs, adapted for use
under differing circumstances. In one example, one or more of the
inserts in the plurality may be adapted for extended or nighttime
use (sleep-use), and one or more for daytime use, with respect to
features such as, e.g., location of absorbent material and
absorbent capacity. Half of the number of inserts in the plurality,
or fewer than half, may be adapted for sleep-use. In one example of
this embodiment, the set also may include one or more outer covers
decorated with nighttime/sleep themes, such as, for example, images
of the moon, stars, nighttime sky colors and other nighttime
scenes, images of sleeping animals, sleeping people, sleeping
anthropomorphic characters, etc.; and one or more outer covers
decorated with daytime/play themes, such as, for example, sun,
birds, bright colors, daytime sky colors and other daytime scenes,
images of awake/playing animals, people, anthropomorphic
characters, etc.
[0215] In a further embodiment, a set in a package may be specially
adapted for either boys or girls. For example, a package may
include one or more outer covers having surface decoration and
ornamentation associated with little girls, e.g., inclusion of
pink, lavender and/or other soft pastel color schemes, images of
flowers, butterflies, bunnies, kittens, little girls, princesses,
feminine cartoon characters or feminine anthropomorphic characters,
etc., or other decorative features generally associated with little
girls. Conversely, a package may include one or more outer covers
having decoration and ornamentation associated with little boys,
e.g., inclusion of blue, black, dark or bold color schemes, images
of cars, trains, planes, boats, rockets, spaceships, objects
associated with sports, little boys, masculine cartoon characters
or masculine anthropomorphic characters, etc., or other decorative
features generally associated with little boys. A package designed
for either boys or girls also may include associated corresponding
inserts specially adapted for either boys or girls, whether by
functional elements or by non-functional, ornamental/decorative
elements. Alternatively, a package may contain one or more outer
covers and inserts adapted for use with either boys or girls,
having gender-neutral decoration/ornamentation and functional
elements.
[0216] In a further embodiment, a set in a package may include
several types of inserts, having functional designs that differ in
other respects. For example, a package may include one or more
inserts having one or more of a feces acceptance aperture in a
topsheet, space beneath the topsheet for isolation of feces, and/or
related features such as described in, for example, co-pending U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 11/224,779, 11/786,890 and 11/894,087.
[0217] In a further embodiment, a set in a package may be specially
adapted for use in specific circumstances. For example, a set may
include one or more outer covers and associated inserts adapted for
wearing while swimming or public bathing. In this example, the
outer cover(s) and inserts may be adapted for satisfactory use and
to substantially retain structural integrity while soaked and/or
immersed in water. For example, the included outer cover(s) may be
constructed of materials which do not substantially lose tensile
strength, stretch or sag when soaked. In this example, it may be
desirable to form the outer cover(s) predominately of polymeric,
hydrophobic materials and/or elasticized textile materials.
Similarly, it may be desirable to form included inserts of
materials that will withstand immersion and soaking without
substantial loss of structural integrity during the period of
intended use. It also may be desirable to form such inserts without
inclusion of superabsorbent polymer or absorbent gelling material.
While these absorbent materials are often included in the absorbent
cores of regular diapers, they may be deemed unsuitable for use in
articles to be worn while swimming or bathing, because such
materials would quickly absorb water, and swell and bulge with the
absorbed water, upon being immersed--giving up their absorptive
capacity, adding bulk and weight, and retaining no benefit. Within
the same set, however, one or more inserts may be included for
non-swimming, non-bathing use, such that the same outer cover(s)
may be used for swimming/bathing and non-swimming, non-bathing
activities. The one or more inserts for non-swimming, non-bathing
use may have absorbent cores including superabsorbent polymer or
absorbent gelling material.
[0218] In a further embodiment, a set in a package may contain a
plurality of durable outer covers 20, having leg openings defined
by leg opening edges 23 that differ in dimension from one durable
outer cover to another durable outer cover. Sequential use of such
durable outer covers may be useful to effect a change in the
location(s) at which leg band portions 36 and leg opening edges 23
encircle and contact the wearer's skin, each time a durable outer
cover in the plurality is replaced by another durable outer cover
in the plurality having such differing dimensions. This may provide
the advantage of reducing the likelihood or severity of chafing of
the wearer's skin in the location(s) of such contact that may
result from the wearer's movements. Such chafing may otherwise be
caused or exacerbated by repeated use of successive durable outer
covers having leg openings of substantially unchanging dimensions,
which may result in repeated encircling contact with the skin in a
more concentrated or localized fashion. Thus, for example, a user
may apply a first durable outer cover in the plurality and the
wearer may wear it for a first period of time (such as a day), and
the user may apply a second durable outer cover in the plurality
and the wearer may wear it for a second period of time (such as the
ensuing night or following day), and so on--effectively varying the
location(s) on the wearer's skin at which leg opening edges and leg
bands encircle and contact it--and reducing the likelihood or
severity of chafing. Referring to FIG. 2C, it will be appreciated
that varying any of or any combination of, outer cover crotch width
WC.sub.c, outer cover front width WC.sub.f, outer cover rear width
WC.sub.r, outer cover length LC and leg band length LLB, can have
the effect of varying the size of the leg openings of a durable
outer cover 20 when applied to the same wearer. Accordingly, a set
of at least first and second outer cover in a package may have a
difference between them in any of outer cover crotch width
WC.sub.c, outer cover front width WC.sub.f, outer cover rear width
WC.sub.r, outer cover length LC or leg band length LLB, as measured
with each outer cover laid out horizontally on a flat surface,
extended to its fullest unstretched (relaxed) dimensions. Any of
dimensions WC.sub.c, WC.sub.f, WC.sub.r, LC or LLB may differ
between the first and second durable outer covers by at least about
10%, 15%, 20% or more. In another example, however, the tension
forces in leg bands 36 may be varied from one durable outer cover
to the next, by use of, for example, differing types of elastic
strands or strips, or differing sizes of elastic strands or strips,
or differing numbers of elastic strands or strips, respectively
included by leg band portions 36, or even differing constructions
of leg band portions 36--any of which may effect differences in
dimensions of leg opening edges 23 from one durable outer cover to
another durable outer cover within the package.
[0219] In a further embodiment, a variety of packages containing a
variety of types of sets may be presented as a variety of articles
of commerce. In one example, one or more outer covers forming part
of a set in a package may be seasonal in nature, either by reasons
of function or decorative/ornamental elements or both. Distinctive
sets of outer covers may differ from set to set in attributes such
as material basis weight, insulation properties, breathability,
etc. For example, a "winter" or "cold weather" outer cover may be
formed of materials individually or in combination having a
relatively higher basis weight, while a "summer" or "warm weather"
outer cover may be formed of relatively lighter materials and/or
materials having greater breathability (as may be characterized and
compared by WVTR).
[0220] In another example, one or more outer covers forming part of
a set in a first package may all have decorative/ornamental
elements designed by a first designer and/or be labeled or branded
with the first designer's name or brand, while one or more outer
covers forming part of a set in a second package may all have
decorative/ornamental elements designed by a second designer and/or
be labeled or branded with the second designer's name or brand. In
another example, one or more outer covers forming part of a set in
a first package may all have decorative/ornamental elements and/or
a label and/or a brand associated with a first particular
"collection" or design theme of a designer, while one or more outer
covers forming part of a set in a second package may all have
decorative/ornamental elements and/or a label and/or a brand
associated with a second particular "collection" or design theme of
the designer.
[0221] In any of the above examples, the outer cover(s) and
associated insert(s) in each individual article of commerce will be
sized to fit optimally with each other. Thus, in a further example,
respective packages may be prepared and presented with sets of
outer cover(s)and associated insert(s) distinguished by size. For
example, a first package may contain outer cover(s) and associated
insert(s) adapted for "size 1" children; a second package may
contain outer cover(s) and associated insert(s) adapted for "size
2" children; and so on.
Edge Deflection Force Measurement Method
[0222] Edge Deflection Force is measured on a constant rate of
extension tensile tester with a computer interface (a suitable
instrument is the MTS QTest/1 L using Testworks 4.0 software, as
available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.) using a load
cell for which the forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the
limit of the cell. Referring to FIG. 6a, the movable (upper)
pneumatic jaws 1001 are fitted with 1 inch.times.1 inch
diamond-faced grips 1002.
[0223] The tensile tester is configured for a compression test.
Program the tensile tester to lower the crosshead at a rate of 5.0
mm/min until a force of 0.01 N is detected. Zero the time and
extension channels and begin data collection at an acquisition rate
of 100 Hz. Lower the crosshead at a rate of 50 mm/min for 10 mm and
then return the crosshead to its original gage length. From the
force versus extension curve, program the software to report the
peak force (N).
[0224] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the lower fixture 1000
consists of a base 1005 base 90 mm wide by 40 mm deep by 6 mm
thick. The base 1005 is affixed to a suitable mounting device that
includes lower mounting shaft 1006, adapted to connect to the
stationary mount of the tester. Lower mounting shaft 1006 is
threaded as shown and has a locking collar 1007. When the lower
mounting shaft 1006 is connected to the stationary mount of the
tester, the locking collar 1007 is turned against the stationary
mount to immobilize the base 1005 relative the stationary mount of
the tester, such that it will remain stationary with the stationary
mount, without any interplay therebetween, during testing. Mounted
on the base 1005 is a V notched block 1003 that is 30 mm wide by 30
mm deep by 30 mm in height which is made of a low friction material
such as Teflon. Referring to the perspective FIG. 6b, the block
1003 is notched from side to center with a "V" at an angle 1004 of
10 degrees. As mounted on the base 1005, the block is centered
front to back and offset a distance 1012 of 32.7 mm from the center
axis of the mounting shaft 1006, with the line defined by the
vertex of the "V" notch intersecting the center axis of the
mounting shaft 1006.
[0225] Obtain 10 samples from 10 inserts for testing as follows:
Determine which of front or rear portions of the inserts are to be
tested, and take all 10 samples from such portions accordingly. Lay
the insert on a horizontal surface, outer/garment-facing surface
up. Referring to FIG. 7: Visually identify the inside edge 1022 of
the stiffened portion 1009 of the end (i.e., the portion having end
support stiffener 60 or 62). If visually identifying inside edge
1022 is difficult due to the particular construction of the insert,
inside edge 1022 may be identified by flattening the insert along
the region including the subject end, to its full longitudinal
extent (stretching it out against any contraction caused by cuff
elastics), laying one hand over the insert near the end to hold the
insert in the stretched/flattened position, generally in the
location indicated as 1020, and using the other hand to lift outer
end edge 1021 vertically. The insert will tend to fold first along
inside edge 1022, since a natural "hinge" location will exist at
the juncture between the stiffened portion and the adjacent
unstiffened portion. Cut the stiffened portion 1009 away from the
insert, along edge 1022. Stiffened portion 1009 will now be the
sample to be tested. Do not remove any components such as fastener
components, grasp structures, etc. If outer edge 1021 is not
inherently readily distinguishable from the cut edge by a
distinctive feature such as a grasp structure 59, 61, mark outer
end edge 1021 for later identification.
[0226] All testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained at
about 23 C.+-.2 C and about 50%.+-.2% relative humidity.
Precondition samples at about 23 C.+-.2 C and about 50%.+-.2%
relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.
[0227] Referring to FIG. 6a for directional and positional
orientation, locate a sample 1009 in the grips 1002 with inside
edge 1022 horizontal and oriented upward, and outer end edge 1021
oriented downward, and in line with the bottom edges of the grips
1002. Additionally, locate sample 1009 in the grips 1002 such that
distance 1010 is 30 mm, and distance 1011 is 10 mm. Close the grips
1002 so that sample 1009 is gripped securely enough so as not to
allow it to slip or rotate during testing, but not so tightly as to
cause tearing of the sample at the grips during testing.
[0228] Zero the load cell and the crosshead position. Start the
tensile tester's program, and record the data. Report the peak
force (Edge Deflection Force) (N) to .+-.0.001 N. For each sample,
perform the test on both the left and right sides (see FIG. 7), and
record the Edge Deflection Force for both sides. Test 10 samples.
Calculate the average Edge Deflection Force found of the 10
samples, both sides.
Bending Stiffness Measurement Method
[0229] Peak Bending Force and Bending Stiffness are measured using
a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computer interface
(a suitable instrument is an MTS Alliance under TestWorks 4
software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.)
fitted with a 10 N load cell. A plunger blade 2100, shown in FIG. 9
(front view) and FIG. 10 (side view), is used for the upper movable
test fixture. Base support platforms 2200, shown in FIG. 8, are
used as the lower stationary test fixture. All testing is performed
in a conditioned room maintained at about 23 C.+-.2 C and about
50%.+-.2% relative humidity.
[0230] Components of the plunger 2100 are made of a light weight
material such as aluminum to maximize the available load cell
capacity. The shaft 2101 is machined to fit the tensile tester and
has a locking collar 2102 to stabilize the plunger and maintain
alignment orthogonal to base support platforms 2204. The blade
2103, is 115 mm long 2108 by 65 mm high 2107 by 3.25 mm wide 2109,
and has a material contact edge with a continuous radius of 1.625
mm. The bracket 2104 is fitted with set screws 2105 that are used
to level the blade and a main set screw 2106 to firmly hold it in
place after adjustment.
[0231] The bottom fixture 2200 is attached to the tensile tester
with the shaft 2201 and locking collar 2202. Two movable support
platforms 2204 are mounted on a rail 2203. Each test surface 2205
is 85 mm wide 2206 by 115 mm long (into plane of drawing) and made
of polished stainless steel so as to have a minimal coefficient of
friction. Each platform has a digital position monitor 2208 which
reads the individual platform positions, and set screws 2207 to
lock their position after adjustment. The two platforms 2204 are
square at the gap edge and the plate edges should be parallel front
to back. The two platforms form a gap 2209 with an adjustable gap
width 2210.
[0232] Accurately (.+-.0.02 mm) align the plunger blade 2103 so
that it is orthogonal to the top surface of the support platforms
2204 and exhibits no skew relative to their gap edges. Using the
position monitors 2208, accurately set the gap 2210 to
25.00.+-.0.02 mm between the two gap edges of the support platforms
2204, with the plunger blade 2103 accurately (.+-.0.02 mm) centered
in the gap. Program the tensile tester for a compression test. Set
the gauge length from the bottom of the plunger blade 2103 to the
top surface of the support platform 2204 to 15 mm.
[0233] Set the crosshead to lower at 500 mm/min for a distance of
25 mm. Set the data acquisition rate to 200 Hz.
[0234] Obtain 10 test samples 1009 as described in the description
of the Edge Deflection Force Measurement Method, above. (Do not
remove any components such as fastener components, grasp
structures, etc.) Precondition samples at about 23 C.+-.2 C and
about 50%.+-.2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.
[0235] Examine the sample 1009 to be tested for any exposed
adhesive and deactivate any exposed adhesive by applying baby
powder to it as necessary. Place the sample flat onto the surface
of the support platform 2204 over the gap 2209 with the
wearer-facing surface facing upward. Center the sample 1009 across
the gap, with edge 1022 perpendicular to the gap. Zero the load
cell; start the tensile tester and the data acquisition.
[0236] Program the software to calculate the maximum peak bending
force (N) and Stiffness (N/m) from the constructed force (N) verses
extension (m) curve. Stiffness is calculated as the slope of the
bending force/extension curve for the linear region of the curve
(see FIG. 11), using a minimum line segment of at least 25% of the
total peak bending force to calculate the slope.
[0237] Report Peak Bending Force to the nearest 0.1 N and the
Bending Stiffness to the Nearest 0.1 N/m, and record the results.
Repeat the test and record the results for all 10 samples.
Calculate the average Peak Bending Force and average Bending
Stiffness.
[0238] A two-piece wearable absorbent article having some or all of
the features described herein may provide advantages over both
conventional wholly reusable cloth diapers and conventional wholly
disposable diapers. The potential for use of semi-durable
materials, and more so durable materials, to form an outer cover,
provides for an outer cover that may be used more than once, and,
depending upon the materials selected, used and laundered many
times. An outer cover having some or all of the features described
herein may eliminate the necessity for a disposable outer cover
structure, thereby reducing the volume of soiled waste the user
must dispose of, as compared with typical disposable diapers.
Additionally, because the possibility of a reusable outer cover
that bears most of the structural loading generally imposed upon a
disposable diaper is presented, disposable absorbent portions may
have more simplified designs, reducing manufacturing and material
costs as compared with those of disposable diapers. The possibility
for making a disposable absorbent insert of non-traditional
renewable materials (such as paper) is presented. At the same time,
a disposable absorbent insert and outer cover having some or all of
the features described herein may in many circumstances prevent
most or all soiling of the outer cover by the wearer's exudates,
thereby mitigating sanitation and odor problems associated with
handling and storage, reducing the frequency of laundering
necessary, and reducing the need for laundering resources, efforts
and/or expenses, associated with conventional cloth diapers. A
disposable absorbent insert having some or all of the features
described herein also may provide better absorbency and better
isolation of exudates from both the wearer's skin, and the wearer's
clothing and environment, than conventional cloth diapers.
[0239] Use of durable materials for an outer cover also may provide
other incidental benefits, in creating choices in use of materials
for improved and/or more appealing comfort, fit, designs, colors,
patterns, etc. as compared with disposable diapers. An outer cover
having features described herein provides a wide variety of choices
for making a wearable absorbent article look more attractive and/or
more like an article of clothing or outerwear. In addition to the
foregoing advantages, the use of an insert having an asymmetric
structure together with orientation indicia allows for the design
of an insert tailored to wearer anatomy and bodily functions as
they differ front-to-rear, better performance, and increased
economy in design, construction and use of materials, while
enabling the user to ensure correct front-rear orientation of the
insert within the outer cover. Other advantages are apparent from
the description above.
[0240] 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."
[0241] Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0242] 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 that the appended claims cover
all such changes and modifications, and that nothing in the
foregoing description or the figures, but rather, only the appended
claims, limit the scope of the invention.
* * * * *