U.S. patent application number 12/687554 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for reusable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring subsystems.
Invention is credited to Donald Carroll Roe.
Application Number | 20100179502 12/687554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46882800 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100179502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roe; Donald Carroll |
July 15, 2010 |
Reusable Wearable Absorbent Articles With Anchoring Subsystems
Abstract
Reusable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring
subsystems.
Inventors: |
Roe; Donald Carroll; (West
Chester, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
46882800 |
Appl. No.: |
12/687554 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61144883 |
Jan 15, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.15 ;
604/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/49004 20130101;
A61F 13/5622 20130101; A61F 13/565 20130101; A61F 13/66 20130101;
A61F 13/49014 20130101; A61F 13/49003 20130101; A61F 13/505
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.15 ;
604/397 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/45 20060101
A61F013/45 |
Claims
1. A wearable absorbent article comprising an absorbent core and a
reusable outer cover with a side having a side anchoring subsystem
configured to indirectly anchor the absorbent core to a wearer of
the article.
2. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outer
cover is launderable.
3. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the outer
cover is laundering resistant.
4. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side
anchoring subsystem is discrete from the side.
5. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side
anchoring subsystem is attached to the side.
6. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side
anchoring subsystem is embedded in the side.
7. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side
anchoring subsystem is integral with the side.
8. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side
anchoring subsystem includes one side anchoring member.
9. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side
anchoring subsystem includes two side anchoring members.
10. The wearable absorbent article of claim 1, configured as a
front-fastenable article.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application 61/144,883 filed Jan. 15, 2009, the substance of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
wearable absorbent articles. In particular, embodiments of the
present disclosure relate to reusable wearable absorbent articles
with anchoring subsystems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wearable absorbent articles include reusable diapers and
reusable incontinence undergarments. A wearable absorbent article
can receive and contain bodily waste while being worn by a wearer.
Such articles can be made with various materials in a number of
configurations. The design of a wearable absorbent article can
affect the way that the article fits on a wearer. Unfortunately,
some wearable absorbent articles fit wearers poorly. As an example,
some wearable absorbent articles can sag or slip down on a wearer.
A wearable absorbent article that sags or slips down on a wearer
can feel uncomfortable, look unattractive, and perform poorly as
the article tends to leak.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an inside of a front
fastenable wearable absorbent article with a reusable outer
cover.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable wearable
absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the side ear
includes an anchoring subsystem.
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates a side ear of a front fastenable
wearable absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein the
side ear includes an anchoring subsystem.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure include wearable
absorbent articles with anchoring subsystems that fit wearers well.
The wearable absorbent articles can be configured as reusable
wearable absorbent articles or as disposable wearable absorbent
articles. The designs of these articles help prevent the articles
from sagging or slipping down on a wearer. As a result, the
wearable absorbent articles of the present disclosure can feel
comfortable, look attractive, and perform well as the articles tend
to stay in place on wearers and not leak.
[0015] Absorbent articles include products for sanitary protection,
for hygienic use, and the like. Some absorbent articles are
wearable. A wearable absorbent article is configured to be worn on
or around a lower torso of a body of a wearer. Examples of wearable
absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, and
incontinence undergarments.
[0016] A wearable absorbent article can include an absorbent core.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term absorbent core refers
to a part of a wearable absorbent article configured to absorb
bodily exudates received into the article from a body of a wearer.
An absorbent core can be configured in various ways, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. An absorbent core
can include one or more absorbent materials, such as wood pulp
and/or superabsorbent particles, and may include one or more
additional compositions, materials, or structures for receiving,
containing, storing, and/or treating bodily waste, as known in the
art. Further, an absorbent core may include one or more of
compositions such as lotions, perfumes, and sensates, on an outer
surface and/or within the assembly. An absorbent core can be
configured as a bucket-shaped absorbent core, a removable absorbent
core, a replaceable absorbent core, etc. An absorbent core can be
part of an absorbent core assembly, comprising one or more layers
such as a liquid-permeable topsheet, an acquisition layer, a
distribution layer, a storage layer, and a liquid impermeable
backsheet. An absorbent core assembly may also include one or more
of various structures, such as barrier leg cuffs, a feces
containment compartment, a wetness indicator, fasteners for
retaining the core within an article, disposal tapes, etc.
[0017] In various embodiments, an absorbent core can be configured
as described in 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, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. 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 super absorbent particles.
[0018] A wearable absorbent article can also include an outer
cover. Throughout the present disclosure, the term outer cover
refers to a part of a wearable absorbent article forming an outer
surface of the article (sometimes referred to as a backsheet),
extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core, usually covering
a significant portion of the buttocks of the wearer, and generally
shaped to resemble the appearance of an undergarment. An outer
cover can be configured in various ways, as described herein. In
various embodiments, an outer cover can coincide with and/or define
a chassis of a wearable absorbent article.
[0019] Some absorbent articles are disposable. A disposable
absorbent article is configured to be disposed of after a single
use (e.g., not intended to be reused, restored, or laundered).
Examples of disposable absorbent articles include disposable
diapers, disposable training pants, disposable incontinence
undergarments, as well as feminine care pads and liners.
[0020] Some absorbent articles are reusable. The term reusable, as
used herein, means that a referenced material, component, or all of
an absorbent article is configured to be restored and/or reused for
more than one usage cycle (e.g. a diaper change). In some reusable
absorbent articles, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all of
the articles may be launderable or laundering resistant, as defined
and described herein. As an example, a wearable absorbent article
can include an outer cover that is launderable or laundering
resistant. In other reusable absorbent articles, part, or parts, or
substantially all, or all of the articles may not be launderable or
may not be laundering resistant. For example, an absorbent article
can be configured as a reusable absorbent article by using
materials, such as nonwovens, that are used in disposable articles,
such as diapers.
[0021] In various embodiments, a reusable outer cover can be
configured to perform various functions, which provide various
benefits to a wearer of the article and/or to a care giver for the
wearer. In various embodiments, a reusable outer cover can be
configured to provide liquid impermeability, which can help the
absorbent article contain bodily waste. In various embodiments, a
reusable outer cover can be configured to provide vapor
permeability (e.g. breathability), which can help the wearer
maintain healthy skin. In various embodiments, a reusable outer
cover can be configured to be elastically extensible, inelastically
extensible, and/or inextensible, in one or more particular
directions. In various embodiments, at least a portion of a
reusable outer cover, such as a portion of an inner layer, may be
absorbent to control minor leakage events from the absorbent
core.
[0022] Specifically, part, or parts, or substantially all, or all
of a reusable outer cover thereof can be configured to extend and
relax to particular degrees, while the article is being applied to
a wearer, while the article is being worn by a wearer, and while
the article is containing bodily waste. A reusable outer cover can
be configured to extend easily while the article is being applied
to a wearer, to help facilitate application. A reusable outer cover
can also be configured to extend adequately while the article is
being worn, to help accommodate the wearer's movement while provide
a conforming fit. A reusable outer cover can further be configured
to relax (i.e. contract), properly with sufficient tension to
provide sustained fit while the article is being worn, and to help
support the absorbent core. It is contemplated that any reusable
outer cover disclosed herein can be used with any embodiment of a
wearable absorbent article disclosed herein.
[0023] The term launderable, as used herein, means that a
referenced material, component, or all of an absorbent article is
configured to withstand a large number (e.g. at least 10, in some
embodiments up to 50, in other embodiments more than 50) of cycles
of machine washing and machine drying (as defined by AATCC Test
Method 124-2001 as described herein), without significant
degradation to the appearance or performance of the article that
would render it unsuitable for its intended functionality and/or
use. As used herein, the term "wash" or "wash cycle" refers to a
cycle of machine washing and machine drying, as described above.
Since hand-washing and line-drying are typically much less
stressful on an absorbent article than machine washing and machine
drying, it is expected that a material, component, or article that
is machine washable and machine dryable, should also be
hand-washable and hand-dryable for at least as many cycles. As an
example, a reusable wearable absorbent article can include an outer
cover that is launderable. Launderable articles are designed to be
suitable for use after many washings, similar to types of clothing.
As an example, a launderable outer cover can be configured as
described in US non-provisional patent application entitled
"Reusable Outer Covers for Wearable Absorbent Articles," filed on
Jan. 14, 2010 under attorney docket number 112566, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0024] The term laundering resistant, as used herein, means that a
referenced material, or component, or all of an absorbent article
is configured to withstand a small number (e.g. at least one, in
some embodiments up to 5, in other embodiments more than 5) of
cycles of machine washing and drying (as defined by AATCC Test
Method 124-2001 and as described herein), without significant
degradation to the appearance or performance of the article that
would render it unsuitable for its intended functionality and/or
use. As an example, a reusable wearable absorbent article can
include an outer cover that is laundering resistant. Laundering
resistant articles generally experience degradation after fewer
laundering cycles than launderable articles. For example, a
laundering resistant material may experience significant
degradation in appearance or performance after 5 or 10 wash cycles.
As an example, a laundering resistant outer cover can be configured
as described in US non-provisional patent application entitled
"Reusable Outer Covers for Wearable Absorbent Articles," filed on
Jan. 14, 2010 under attorney docket number 112566, which is
incorporated herein by reference
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an inside (wearer-facing
side) of a front fastenable wearable absorbent article 101. While
the present disclosure refers to front fastenable wearable
absorbent articles, the present disclosure also contemplates
alternate embodiments of wearable absorbent articles, as described
herein, wherein the wearable absorbent articles are rear-fastenable
or side-fastenable. Thus, each embodiment of a wearable absorbent
article of the present disclosure that is described as front
fastenable can also be configured to be rear fastenable, as will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0026] In FIG. 1, a longitudinal centerline 113 and a lateral
centerline 117 provide lines of reference for referring to relative
locations of parts of the wearable absorbent article 101. When a
first part is nearer to the longitudinal centerline 113 than a
second part, the first part can be considered laterally inboard 112
to the second part. Similarly, the second part can be considered
laterally outboard 114 from the first part. When a third part is
nearer to the lateral centerline 117 than a fourth part, the third
part can be considered longitudinally inboard 116 to the fourth
part. Similarly, the fourth part can be considered longitudinally
outboard 118 from the third part. FIG. 1 includes arrows indicating
relative directions for laterally inboard 112, laterally outboard
114, longitudinally inboard 116, and longitudinally outboard 118,
with respect to the wearable absorbent article 101. Throughout the
present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, a reference to a
longitudinal dimension, measurement, line, or direction refers to a
dimension, measurement, line, or direction substantially or
completely parallel to the longitudinal centerline 113, and a
reference to a lateral dimension, measurement, line, or direction
refers to a dimension, measurement, line, or direction
substantially or completely parallel to the lateral centerline
117.
[0027] The wearable absorbent article 101 includes a outer cover
121, defining the outermost edges of the article 101. The outer
cover 121 includes an inner layer 121-A and an outer layer 121-B;
in FIG. 1, the inner layer 121-A is shown as partially broken away
to show the outer layer 121-B. The outer cover 121 also includes a
front 123, and a back 125. It is contemplated that, in various
embodiments, the outer cover 121 can be configured as any reusable
outer cover disclosed herein, including a launderable outer cover
and/or a laundering resistant outer cover.
[0028] The front 123 is a portion of the wearable absorbent article
101 disposed generally proximate to and/or below the belly of a
wearer, when the wearable absorbent article 101 is worn by the
wearer. A reference to the "front" can mean the front itself, part,
or parts, or substantially all, or all of an element in the front,
and/or a disposition in the front, depending on the context of the
reference. The back 125 is a portion of the wearable absorbent
article 101 disposed generally proximate to and/or below the back
of a wearer, when the wearable absorbent article 101 is worn by the
wearer. A reference to the "back" can mean the back itself, part,
or parts, or substantially all, or all of an element in the back,
and/or a disposition in the back, depending on the context of the
reference. The lateral centerline 117 of the wearable absorbent
article 101 forms a boundary between the front 123 and the back
125. The front and back terminology described above is used for
wearable absorbent articles throughout the present disclosure,
unless otherwise indicated. The wearable absorbent article 101 also
includes an absorbent core 127 extending from the front 123 to the
back 125.
[0029] The outer cover 121 also includes a back waist edge 106 and
a back elastic waist band 107. The back elastic waist band 107 is
disposed proximate to the back waist edge 106 and extends laterally
across a portion of the back 125. The outer cover 121 also includes
a front waist edge 108. In various embodiments, an outer cover can
include a front elastic waist band disposed proximate to a front
waist edge and extending laterally across a portion of the front.
The outer cover 121 also includes longitudinal sides with leg cuff
portions 186, which at least partially encircle a leg of a wearer
when the article 101 is worn. Leg elastic bands 187 are disposed
proximate to the leg cuff portions 186 and extend longitudinally to
a portion of the front 123 and a portion of the back 125.
[0030] The outer cover 121 further includes a side 152, a side ear
153, and fasteners 154. The side 152 is disposed in the back 125,
laterally outboard from a narrowest portion of the outer cover 121.
Although the side 152 is illustrated as to the right of the
longitudinal centerline 113, the outer cover 121 also includes
another side, of the same configuration, to the left of the
longitudinal centerline 113. The side 152 includes the side ear
153, which is the portion of the outer cover 121 laterally
extending outward from the longitudinal side of the outer cover
121, as illustrated by the phantom line, which is provided for
reference. In various embodiments, part, or parts, or substantially
all, or all of a side ear may be formed by a portion of an outer
cover or may be formed by a separate element attached to an outer
cover. The outer cover 121 includes a second side ear as part of
the other side. Each of the side ears 153 includes a fastener 154,
for fastening the back 125 to the front 123. Each of the side ears
153 can be configured to include an anchoring subsystem, as
described in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-10.
[0031] The outer cover 121 includes an overall longitudinal length
191 measured along the longitudinal centerline from the back waist
edge 106 to the front waist edge 108. The outer cover 121 also
includes an overall lateral width of the back waist region 193,
measured across the widest portion of the back 125. The outer cover
121 further includes a lateral width between fasteners 195 measured
between the farthest laterally inboard points along the edges of
the fasteners 154 on the back ears 154 of the outer cover 121. The
dimensions 191, 193, and 195 are the dimensions measured in the
test methods, described herein. Analogous dimensions can be
similarly located in an outer cover for a pant-type wearable
absorbent article, as will be understood by one of skill in the
art.
[0032] When a wearable absorbent article is placed on a wearer, the
article is placed in an initial position with respect to the
wearer. The location of this initial position can depend on a
number of factors, such as the size of the article, the shape of
the wearer's body, and the manner in which the article is placed on
the wearer. For example, an initial position of a fastenable diaper
can depend in part on a location at which the diaper is fastened
around a wearer. However, as a wearable absorbent article is worn
by a wearer, a number of forces can act upon the article.
[0033] Some of these forces can tend to move the article on the
wearer. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "load" refers
to a force that tends to move a wearable absorbent article out of
place on a wearer. First, a wearable absorbent article can
experience various loads from placement of the article on a wearer.
As an example, some pretension forces from fastening the article
can drive the article downward. Second, a wearable absorbent
article can experience various loads from the article's
environment. A wearer's clothes can pull on the article, for
example. Third, a wearable absorbent article can experience various
loads from a wearer's movements. For example, as a wearer changes
positions or moves about, the wearer's body can push against parts
of the article or create dynamic forces in the article. Fourth, the
force of gravity can move a wearable absorbent article down on a
wearer. The article can experience a significant load from the
force of gravity, due to a mass of the article as well as a mass of
any bodily waste contained by the article. These loads, can act
upon a wearable absorbent article, tending to move the article on a
wearer.
[0034] However, other forces acting upon a wearable absorbent
article can tend to hold the article in place on a wearer. First, a
wearable absorbent article can experience various holding forces
from placement of the article on a wearer. As an example, other
pretension forces from fastening the article can drive the article
upward. Second, parts of a wearable absorbent article can
experience friction forces from contact with a wearer's skin. For
example, the article can experience a friction force where a
waistband of the article wraps around and against the wearer's
waist. Third, parts of a wearable absorbent article can experience
reaction forces from contact with various external anatomical
features on a wearer's body. As an example, the article can
experience reaction forces where the article contacts protruding
portions of the wearer's hips. In this example, the reaction forces
react against the force of gravity by pushing up on the article.
These holding forces can act upon a wearable absorbent article,
tending to hold the article in place on a wearer.
[0035] As some forces tend to move a wearable absorbent article
down on a wearer and other forces tend to hold the article up on
the wearer, part or all of the article may or may not move,
depending on whether or not such forces are balanced. If the forces
tending to hold the article up can equal the forces tending to move
the article down, then the article can hold in place on the wearer.
If the forces tending to move the article down are greater than the
forces tending to hold the article up, then part or all of the
article can move out of place and down on the wearer. Sometimes,
forces can move down part or all of wearable absorbent article,
resulting in sagging and/or slipping.
[0036] However, embodiments of the present disclosure can help
prevent wearable absorbent articles from sagging and/or slipping
down on a wearer. A wearable absorbent article can include an
anchoring subsystem. In various embodiments, an anchoring subsystem
can be configured to collect at least some of the loads acting upon
the article. The anchoring subsystem can also be configured to
anchor itself to a body of a wearer. In this way, the anchoring
subsystem can balance at least some of the collected loads with
holding forces obtained from the anchoring. By balancing the
collected loads with the obtained holding forces, the anchoring
subsystem can at least assist in holding the wearable absorbent
article in place on a wearer.
[0037] An anchoring subsystem can be configured to collect loads
acting upon a wearable absorbent article, to anchor itself to a
body of a wearer, and to balance the collected loads with holding
forces obtained from the anchoring. Throughout the present
disclosure, the term "anchored" refers to a configured relationship
between part or all of an anchoring subsystem in a wearable
absorbent article and part or all of a body of a wearer, while the
article is worn by the wearer. Where an element of an anchoring
subsystem is anchored to a portion of a body of a wearer, at least
part of the element is in direct and/or indirect contact with the
portion of the body and the anchoring subsystem is configured to at
least reduce and/or prevent relative movement between the element
and the portion, while the article is worn by the wearer.
[0038] An anchoring subsystem can be anchored to a body of a wearer
with one or more elements of the anchoring subsystem configured to
contact various parts of a body of a wearer. For example, an
anchoring subsystem can be at least partially anchored by wrapping
one or more anchoring subsystem elements at least partway around a
front, back, and/or side of a body of a wearer, thus creating
friction and/or reaction forces.
[0039] A part of the body with a relatively smaller radius of
curvature can, in some embodiments, provide greater friction
forces, since an element can tend to wrap around such parts more
tightly. This is due to the physics of a flexible material that is
wrapped around a curved surface and placed under tension. In this
scenario, as a tensile force places the flexible material under
tension, the flexible material exerts a normal force perpendicular
to and inward on the curved surface. According to the basic Capstan
formula, the normal force is proportional to the tensile force
divided by the radius of the curved surface. Thus, at a given
tensile force as the radius becomes smaller the normal force
becomes larger.
[0040] Also as an example, an anchoring subsystem can be at least
partially anchored by setting one or more anchoring subsystem
elements on, around, and/or above protruding portions of a body of
a wearer, thus creating friction and/or reaction forces. A part of
the body with a relatively larger horizontal protrusion can, in
some embodiments, provide greater reaction forces, since an element
can tend to hang and/or ride on such parts more securely.
[0041] In order to collect loads, anchor itself to a body of a
wearer, and balance various forces, an anchoring subsystem can be
configured to include one or more anchoring subsystem elements. In
some embodiments, an anchoring subsystem element can be an
elongated element configured to carry tension. Anchoring subsystem
elements can follow various pathways on external surfaces of a body
of a wearer of the wearable absorbent article in which the
anchoring subsystem is included. The shapes of these external
surfaces can affect the shapes of the pathways. The shapes of the
pathways can, in turn, affect configurations of anchoring subsystem
elements.
[0042] Many external surfaces on human bodies include curved
shapes, such as a curve around a hip of a human body. Different
human bodies can include different curves as bodies have various
sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, part or all of an anchoring
subsystem element that follows a curved pathway can be a
geodesic.
[0043] The term geodesic relates to a theoretical element with
mathematical properties described by curved geometries. In this
theoretical context, a geodesic is a curved line on a curved
surface, wherein the curved line appears to travel straight,
without turning to the left or to the right, when viewed from that
curved surface. In other words, a geodesic can be thought of as a
line pulled taut on a frictionless curved surface. On a flat
surface, the shortest distance between two points is a straight
line. On a curved surface, the shortest distance between two points
is a geodesic. More information on geodesics and their mathematical
properties can be found in texts on differential geometry and the
theory of general relativity, for example Barrett O'Neill,
Elementary Differential Geometry Ch. 7 (Academic Press 2006); and
James Foster & David J. Nightingale, A Short Course in General
Relativity Ch. 2.1 (Springer Science and Business Media 2006).
[0044] Part or all of an anchoring subsystem element can be
configured as a geodesic. While, throughout the present disclosure,
anchoring subsystem elements are described as geodesics, these
descriptions are intended to mean that such anchoring subsystem
elements are configured as close approximations to theoretical
geodesic elements. Real world elements cannot behave exactly like
theoretical geodesic elements since real world elements always have
at least some thickness, always experience at least some friction,
and are always subject to at least some small non-axial outside
forces, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0045] Part or all of an anchoring subsystem element can be
configured as a geodesic as the element follows various convex
curved pathways on external surfaces of a body of a wearer. An
anchoring subsystem element that is loaded in tension (e.g., axial
loading) can be configured as a geodesic, since the tension can
conform the element to the convex curved pathway. When a point load
is added to an anchoring subsystem element that is a geodesic, at
an angle other than in-line with the geodesic, that point load
deforms the original geodesic, dividing the original geodesic into
two new geodesics in the anchoring subsystem element.
[0046] Similarly, when an anchoring subsystem element, configured
in tension as a geodesic, passes over a concave portion of a
generally convex external surface of a human body, the element
bridges the concave portion, separating the anchoring subsystem
element into two geodesics on either convex side of the concave
portion. Further, the bridging portion of the anchoring subsystem
element is also a geodesic, since it is a straight line in
space.
[0047] When an anchoring subsystem element that is a geodesic is
subjected to a load distributed along at least a portion of the
length of the element, at an angle other than in-line with the
geodesic, the element no longer behaves as a geodesic, and instead
begins to act in a manner referred to herein as "geometric
anchoring." An anchoring subsystem can include one or more
anchoring subsystem elements, at least some of which can be
configured as geodesics.
[0048] One kind of anchoring subsystem element is a side anchoring
member (SAM). A SAM is one or more physical, tension-carrying
elements and/or areas disposed along a defined SAM pathway in an
anchoring subsystem of a wearable absorbent article. A SAM has two
defined ends, a middle between the two ends, and a defined length
from its one end to its other end. A SAM can have one or more
widths, each of which is less than its defined length. A SAM also
has a centerline, running along the SAM pathway, in the center of
its width, from its one end to its other end. A SAM pathway cannot
substantially or completely encircle the lower torso of the body of
the wearer. At least a portion of a SAM pathway passes through a
side of the wearable absorbent article. In some embodiments, a SAM
can be contained within a side of the wearable absorbent article.
Further, in various embodiments, a SAM can be contained within a
side panel or a side ear of a wearable absorbent article.
[0049] A side of a wearable absorbent article can be defined in
various ways. A side of a wearable absorbent article can include a
portion of a front of the article as well as a portion of a back of
the article. Sometimes, a side of a wearable absorbent article can
be considered disposed in a portion of the article that is
laterally offset from a longitudinal centerline of the article.
Throughout the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, a side
of a wearable absorbent article is disposed in a portion of the
article that is laterally outboard from longitudinal edges of an
absorbent core of the article. In some instances, a side of a
wearable absorbent article can be considered disposed in a portion
of the article that is laterally outboard from a narrowest portion
of a chassis of the article. In various instances, a side of a
wearable absorbent article can be considered disposed in a side
panel or a side ear of the article. Embodiments of the present
disclosure can be used with any of these definitions of a side of a
wearable absorbent article.
[0050] In an anchoring subsystem of a wearable absorbent article,
one or more SAMs can be configured to contact various parts of a
body of a wearer, to at least assist in anchoring the anchoring
subsystem to the body. A SAM can receive at least some collected
loads from one or more elements of the wearable absorbent article,
such as a chassis, a fastener, a leg cuff, etc. A SAM can also
provide holding forces to help balance the collected loads through
contact with the body. In balancing these loads and forces, the SAM
carries tensions in the anchoring system. This balancing can enable
the anchoring subsystem to at least assist in holding a wearable
absorbent article in place on a wearer.
[0051] A SAM can be configured in various forms. In some
embodiments, a SAM can include a number of elements, such as
fasteners. Part or all of a SAM can be straight, curved, angled,
segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes.
A SAM pathway can be a unitary, continuous pathway, or can be
formed by a number of discrete elements and/or separate areas
disposed along a SAM pathway. As examples, a SAM can be formed by
substantially parallel strands of material running through a side
panel or a side ear, or by a series of pieces of material attached
to a side panel or a side ear, or by a distribution of unstretched
areas in an incrementally stretched side panel or side ear.
[0052] Part or all of a SAM can be structurally associated with one
or more elements of the wearable absorbent article. As examples,
part or all of a SAM can be discrete from and/or joined to and/or
attached to and/or embedded in and/or integral with one or more
elements of the wearable absorbent article. Throughout the present
disclosure, the term "joined" refers to configurations whereby an
element is directly connected to another element by affixing the
element directly to the other element and to configurations whereby
an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the
element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the
other element.
[0053] A SAM can be made from any material suitable for carrying
tensions in an anchoring system. Part or all of a SAM can include
one or more of various elastic, inelastic, extensible,
inextensible, stretchable, and/or non-stretchable material(s)
and/or any other suitable material(s) and/or combinations of any of
these materials. As examples, part or all of a SAM can include one
or more of various elastomeric materials, such as extruded films,
elastics, nonwovens, scrims, slot-coated films, sprayed or
melt-blown fibers, and/or printed elastics and/or any other
suitable elastomeric material(s) and/or combinations of any of
these materials. As a further example a SAM can be formed from
rubber or natural elastic, sewn onto a reusable outer cover.
[0054] Also as examples, part or all of a SAM can be structurally
associated with part or all of one or more elements of a wearable
absorbent article, such as embodiments wherein one or more of the
element(s) are configured with an elastic nonwoven, with an elastic
film and extensible nonwoven, with an extensible film and an
elastic nonwoven, to be pre-stretched with elastic strands allowed
to contract, to be incrementally stretched, with zero strain
laminate, and/or in combinations of these and/or other
configurations. In some embodiments, a SAM can include one or more
laminate materials. In various embodiments, a SAM can be formed
from various basis weights, chemistries, and/or incremental
stretchings, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0055] A SAM can be any suitable width or thickness. For example, a
SAM can be from 5 mm to about 50 mm wide or any width within that
range. The width and/or thickness of a SAM can be substantially or
completely uniform over one or more parts of the SAM or over the
entire length of the SAM, or can vary over the length of the SAM.
In some embodiments, a SAM can have a substantially uniform width
of about 10 mm, about 20 mm, or about 30 mm. Throughout the present
disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the width of a SAM is measured
at a particular point on the SAM's pathway, as the largest overall
dimension across the pathway, from one side edge of the pathway to
the other side edge of the pathway, in a direction perpendicular to
the SAM's centerline.
[0056] As described above, an anchoring subsystem can balance loads
and forces, thus performing functions similar to those of an
anchoring system for a wearable absorbent article, as described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/599,851. As a result, an
anchoring subsystem can provide benefits similar to those of an
anchoring system for a wearable absorbent article; helping prevent
the article from sagging and/or slipping down on a wearer. However,
an anchoring subsystem differs from an anchoring system in the
extent of its presence within a wearable absorbent article. In an
anchoring subsystem of a wearable absorbent article, no element of
the anchoring subsystem substantially or completely encircles the
lower torso of a wearer when the wearable absorbent article is worn
by the wearer. Further, an anchoring subsystem is contained within
a particular, defined area of a wearable absorbent article. For
example, a side anchoring subsystem of a wearable absorbent article
is contained within a side of the disposable wearable absorbent
article.
[0057] FIGS. 2-10 illustrate side ears of a front fastenable
wearable absorbent article with a reusable outer cover, wherein
each of the side ears includes an anchoring subsystem. Each of the
elements of each embodiment of FIGS. 2-10 is configured in the same
way as the like-numbered element of the embodiment of FIG. 1,
except as described below. Throughout the present disclosure, the
term "like-numbered" is intended to indicate a correspondence
between labels of elements wherein the last two numbers in the
labels of the elements are the same. Element labels are considered
to be like-numbered despite differing numeral prefixes
corresponding to figure numbers, and despite differing suffixes
corresponding to particular embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates a side ear 253 with a fastener 254 and an
anchoring subsystem 261, wherein the side ear 253 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 221. The
anchoring subsystem 261 includes two SAMs with partially
coextensive pathways. The first SAM begins as a distinct pathway,
longitudinally inboard to the second SAM, extends laterally outward
and longitudinally outward, partially coextends with the second
SAM, then continues as a distinct pathway, extending laterally
outward and longitudinally outward, to the fastener 254, ending
longitudinally outboard from the second SAM. The second SAM begins
as a distinct pathway, longitudinally outboard from the first SAM,
extends laterally outward and longitudinally inward, partially
coextends with the first SAM, then continues as a distinct pathway,
extending laterally outward and longitudinally inward, to the
fastener 254, ending longitudinally inboard to the first SAM.
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a side ear 353 with a fastener 354 and an
anchoring subsystem 361, wherein the side ear 353 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 321. The
anchoring subsystem 361 includes two SAMs with partially
coextensive pathways. The first SAM begins coextensive with the
second SAM, extends laterally inward, then continues as a distinct
pathway, extending laterally outward and longitudinally outward, to
the fastener 354, ending longitudinally outboard from the second
SAM. The second SAM begins coextensive with the first SAM, extends
laterally inward, then continues as a distinct pathway, extending
laterally outward and longitudinally inward, to the fastener 354,
ending longitudinally inboard to the first SAM.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a side ear 453 with a fastener 454 and an
anchoring subsystem 461, wherein the side ear 453 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 421. The
anchoring subsystem 461 includes two SAMs with partially
coextensive pathways. The first SAM begins as a distinct pathway,
longitudinally inboard to the second SAM, extends laterally outward
and longitudinally outward, then partially coextends with the
second SAM, extending laterally outward, to the fastener 454. The
second SAM begins as a distinct pathway, longitudinally outboard
from the first SAM, extends laterally outward and longitudinally
inward, then partially coextends with the first SAM, extending
laterally outward to the fastener 454.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a side ear 553 with a fastener 554 and an
anchoring subsystem 561, wherein the side ear 553 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 521. The
anchoring subsystem 561 includes one SAM. The SAM begins in the
back portion and extends laterally outward to the fastener 554.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a side ear 653 with a fastener 654 and an
anchoring subsystem 661, wherein the side ear 653 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 621. The
anchoring subsystem 661 includes one SAM. The SAM begins in the
back and extends laterally outward and longitudinally outward to
the fastener 654.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates a side ear 753 with a fastener 754 and an
anchoring subsystem 761, wherein the side ear 753 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 721. The
anchoring subsystem 761 includes one SAM. The SAM begins in the
back and extends laterally outward and longitudinally inward to the
fastener 754.
[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates a side ear 853 with a fastener 854 and an
anchoring subsystem 861, wherein the side ear 853 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 821. The
anchoring subsystem 861 includes one SAM. The SAM begins in the
back and extends laterally outward and longitudinally outward then
laterally outward and longitudinally inward to the fastener
854.
[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates a side ear 953 with a fastener 954 and an
anchoring subsystem 961, wherein the side ear 953 is illustrated as
broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer cover 921. The
anchoring subsystem 961 includes one SAM. The SAM begins in the
back and extends laterally outward and longitudinally outward then
laterally outward to the fastener 954.
[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates a side ear 1053 with a fastener 1054 and
an anchoring subsystem 1061, wherein the side ear 1053 is
illustrated as broken away from a back portion of a reusable outer
cover 1021. The anchoring subsystem 1061 includes one SAM. The SAM
begins in the back and extends laterally outward then laterally
outward and longitudinally inward to the fastener 1054.
[0067] To determine whether a component of an absorbent article,
such as an outer cover, is launderable or laundering resistant, the
component is machine washed and machine dried according to the
protocol from AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and
Colorists) Test Method 124-2001, with the selected parameters and
substitutions listed below.
[0068] AATCC Test Method 124-2001 [0069] a) Per section 6,
Apparatus and materials, a Kenmore 600 (Heavy Duty--Super Capacity
Plus--Quiet Pak) is used for the automatic washing machine, and a
Maytag Commercial (such as model numbers MDE27MNACW, MDE15MNAYW,
and MDE13MNACW) is used for the automatic tumble dryer. [0070] b)
Despite the instructions in Section 6, Apparatus and materials, the
following ballast is used: Test Fabric style 493 from Testfabrics,
Inc, West Pittston, Pa., which is cotton sheeting, with a thread
count of 60.times.60, a weight of 151 gsm, and a size of 55' by
39''. [0071] c) Despite the instructions in Section 6, Apparatus
and materials, the evaluation area is not configured according to
section 6.7 and the apparatus of section 6.8 is not used. Instead,
all visual evaluations are performed under typical artificial
lighting conditions (e.g. fluorescent light), which allows a person
with normal vision to clearly see. [0072] d) Despite the
instructions in Section 7, Test Specimen, the component to be
tested is (as necessary) entirely removed from the rest of the
absorbent article, and (to the extent allowed by the removal) the
component is tested as an undamaged whole. Up to three components
of the same type are washed simultaneously. [0073] e) Regarding the
machine wash in Section 8.2.2, use the "large" setting on the
machine for the water level, select a wash temperature of
32+/-3.degree. C. (90+/-5.degree. F.), and a rinse temperature of
16+/-3.degree. C. (60+/-5.degree. F.). [0074] f) Regarding the
settings in Section 8.2.2, select Normal/Cotton Sturdy, which has a
washing time of 12 minutes, an initial spin time of 6 minutes, a
refill time of 4 minutes, a rinse time of 5 minutes, and a final
spin cycle time of 6 minutes. [0075] g) Regarding the Drying in
Section 8.3, select Cotton Sturdy and Whites & Colors. [0076]
h) Despite the instructions in Section 8.5, the steps of
conditioning and preconditioning are not performed. [0077] i)
Despite the instructions in Section 9, Evaluation, these evaluation
steps are not performed. Instead, the tested component is evaluated
by one of skill in the art, to determine whether the testing has
resulted in significant degradation to the appearance or
performance of the article that would render it unsuitable for its
intended functionality and/or use.
[0078] 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."
[0079] 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.
[0080] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *