U.S. patent application number 16/562838 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-26 for adult disposable absorbent articles and arrays of said articles comprising improved capacity profiles.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Gary Dean LaVON, Bret Darren SEITZ.
Application Number | 20190388283 16/562838 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56204075 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190388283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SEITZ; Bret Darren ; et
al. |
December 26, 2019 |
ADULT DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND ARRAYS OF SAID ARTICLES
COMPRISING IMPROVED CAPACITY PROFILES
Abstract
An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of
disposable absorbent articles comprising first and second absorbent
cores, the array comprising a Core Bracket Maximum Difference of
the absorbent core of the second size is less than the Core Bracket
Maximum Difference of the absorbent core of the first size and/or a
Maximum Core Bracket of the absorbent core of the second size is
equal to or less than the Maximum Core Bracket of the absorbent
core of the first size and/or a Minimum Core Bracket of the
absorbent core of the second size is equal to or greater than the
Minimum Core Bracket of the absorbent core of the first size.
Inventors: |
SEITZ; Bret Darren; (West
Chester, OH) ; LaVON; Gary Dean; (Liberty Township,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56204075 |
Appl. No.: |
16/562838 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15185105 |
Jun 17, 2016 |
10449099 |
|
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16562838 |
|
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62184346 |
Jun 25, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2013/530051
20130101; A61F 2013/49084 20130101; A61F 13/4963 20130101; A61F
2013/53051 20130101; A61F 13/53 20130101; A61F 13/5519 20130101;
A61F 13/55105 20130101; A61F 2013/530036 20130101; A61F 13/49
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/53 20060101
A61F013/53; A61F 13/551 20060101 A61F013/551; A61F 13/496 20060101
A61F013/496; A61F 13/49 20060101 A61F013/49 |
Claims
1. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of
disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent cores having a
Core Bracket Standard Deviation, a Core Bracket Maximum Difference,
Maximum Core Bracket, and a Minimum Core Bracket, the array
comprising: a first package comprising a first disposable absorbent
article, the first absorbent article comprising a first topsheet, a
first backsheet, a first absorbent core, and the first absorbent
article being a first size; a second package comprising a second
disposable absorbent article, the second absorbent article
comprising a second topsheet, a second backsheet, a second
absorbent core, and the second absorbent article being a second
size and in closed form; wherein the second size is larger than the
first size; wherein the Core Bracket Standard Deviation of the
second absorbent core of the second size is less than the Core
Bracket Standard Deviation of the first absorbent core of the first
size.
2. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein the first absorbent
core has a Core Bracket Standard Deviation from about 10 g to about
35 g.
3. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein the second absorbent
core has a Core Bracket Standard Deviation from about 1 g to about
15 g.
4. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein the first absorbent
core comprises comprise less than about 20% cellulosic airfelt
material as determined by weight.
5. The array of packages of claim 1, wherein the Core Bracket
Maximum Difference of the second size is less than the Core Bracket
Maximum Difference of the first size; wherein the Maximum Core
Bracket of the second size is equal to or less than the Maximum
Core Bracket of the first size; and wherein the Minimum Core
Bracket of the second size is equal to or greater than the Minimum
Core Bracket of the first size.
6. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of
disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent cores having a
Core Bracket Standard Deviation, a Core Bracket Maximum Difference,
Maximum Core Bracket, and a Minimum Core Bracket, the array
comprising: a first package comprising a first disposable absorbent
article, the first absorbent article comprising a first topsheet, a
first backsheet, a first absorbent core, and the first absorbent
article being a first size; a second package comprising a second
disposable absorbent article, the second absorbent article
comprising a second topsheet, a second backsheet, a second
absorbent core, and the second absorbent article being a second
size; wherein the second size is larger than the first size;
wherein the Core Bracket Maximum Difference of the second absorbent
core of the second size is less than the Core Bracket Maximum
Difference of the first absorbent core of the first size.
7. The array of packages of claim 6, wherein the first absorbent
core has a Core Bracket Maximum Difference from about 45% to about
85%.
8. The array of packages of claim 6, wherein the second absorbent
core has a Core Bracket Maximum Difference from about 1% to about
55%.
9. The array of packages of claim 6, wherein the first absorbent
core comprises comprise less than about 20% cellulosic airfelt
material as determined by weight.
10. The array of packages of claim 6, wherein the Core Bracket
Standard Deviation of the second absorbent core of the second size
is less than the Core Bracket Standard Deviation of the first
absorbent core of the first size; wherein the Maximum Core Bracket
of the second size is equal to or less than the Maximum Core
Bracket of the first size; and wherein the Minimum Core Bracket of
the second size is equal to or greater than the Minimum Core
Bracket of the first size.
11. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of
disposable absorbent articles comprising absorbent cores having a
Core Bracket Standard Deviation, a Core Bracket Maximum Difference,
Maximum Core Bracket, and a Minimum Core Bracket, the array
comprising: a first package comprising a first disposable absorbent
article, the first absorbent article comprising a first topsheet, a
first backsheet, a first absorbent core, and the first absorbent
article being a first size; a second package comprising a second
disposable absorbent article, the second absorbent article
comprising a second topsheet, a second backsheet, a second
absorbent core, and the second absorbent article being a second
size; wherein the second size is larger than the first size;
wherein the Maximum Core Bracket of the second absorbent core of
the second size is equal to or less than the Maximum Core Bracket
of the first absorbent core of the first size.
12. The array of packages of claim 11, wherein the first absorbent
core has a Maximum Core Bracket from about 70 g to about 95 g.
13. The array of packages of claim 11, wherein the second absorbent
core has a Maximum Core Bracket from about 55 g to about 80 g.
14. The array of packages of claim 11, wherein the first absorbent
core comprises comprise less than about 20% cellulosic airfelt
material as determined by weight.
15. The array of packages of claim 11, wherein the Core Bracket
Standard Deviation of the second absorbent core of the second size
is less than the Core Bracket Standard Deviation of the first
absorbent core of the first size; wherein the Core Bracket Maximum
Difference of the second absorbent core of the second size is less
than the Core Bracket Maximum Difference of the first absorbent
core of the first size; and wherein the Minimum Core Bracket of the
second size is equal to or greater than the Minimum Core Bracket of
the first size.
16. An array of packages of claim 11, wherein the Minimum Core
Bracket of the second absorbent core of the second size is equal to
or greater than the Minimum Core Bracket of the first absorbent
core of the first size.
17. The array of packages of claim 16, wherein the absorbent core
size has a Minimum Core Bracket from about 15 g to about 45 g.
18. The array of packages of claim 16, wherein the second absorbent
core has a Minimum Core Bracket from about 35 g to about 65 g.
19. The array of packages of claim 16, wherein the Core Bracket
Standard Deviation of the second absorbent core of the second size
is less than the Core Bracket Standard Deviation of the first
absorbent core of the first size; wherein the Core Bracket Maximum
Difference of the second absorbent core of the second size is less
than the Core Bracket Maximum Difference of the first absorbent
core of the first size; and wherein the Maximum Core Bracket of the
second absorbent core of the second size is equal to or less than
the Maximum Core Bracket of the first absorbent core of the first
size.
20. The array of packages of claim 16, wherein the first absorbent
core comprises comprise less than about 20% cellulosic airfelt
material as determined by weight.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/185,105, filed on Jun. 17, 2016, which claims the benefit, under
35 USC .sctn. 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 62/184,346, filed on Jun. 25, 2015, the entire disclosures of
which are fully incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent
articles and arrays of disposable absorbent articles which are
designed to fit different adult body sizes, shapes and types, and
as such are sized to fit a broad range of adult consumers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Adult incontinence ("AI") articles are designed to absorb
and contain liquid and other discharges from the human body to
prevent the body and clothing from becoming soiled. One challenge
is to provide a line-up of AI articles that meets the urine
containment needs while providing an article that meets the fit and
comfort desires of diverse wearers, which can range over several
hundred pounds. These challenges include bulkiness and stiffness of
the absorbent core, in both the dry and wet state.
[0004] The shape of the consumer's crotch on the sagittal plane
changes as BMI changes. For adult incontinent articles, this shape
influences how fluid flows into and is absorbed by the Absorbent
Core. Appropriately locating Absorbent Material by taking into
account the shape of the consumer through the crotch can help
distribute liquid and help improve acquisition rate. This can also
help reduce chances of a saggy and bulky appearance of the article
when wetted.
[0005] There is a permanent need to improve fit and comfort of
absorbent articles. Providing absorbent articles of different
dimensions (in longitudinal and transversal direction) based on the
body dimensions to provide the right coverage and performance is
known. The present inventors have now found that the Capacity
Profile of the Absorbent Core within an array of articles should be
specifically adapted to the size and shape of the wearer. Adapting
the Capacity Profile to BMI driven morphological changes (shape
through the crotch) is beneficial to enable proper fit, comfort and
protection along the full range of consumers. In addition, the
inventors have found a correlation between the Capacity Profile and
BMI driven morphological changes that can be used to not only
reduce the chances for leakage but also improve fit and comfort for
a given sizes of articles in an array. In short, the Capacity
Profile of the Absorbent Core should be adapted to the BMI of the
wearer to provide for better containment/protection and better fit
and comfort.
[0006] Body Mass Index (BMI) is on the rise globally for both men
and women. In the U.S. alone, more than 1/3 of adult females are
now considered obese (BMI>30). This has changed significantly
over the past 30 years; in 1980 only about 16% of U.S. adult
females were obese. Larger women exhibit different ratios of body
anthropometrics than smaller women, i.e., all body dimensions do
not simply scale-up as women get larger. In addition, women across
the range of BMI may also have very different body shapes not only
at the waist and hips but also through the crotch and in particular
along the sagittal plane. There is a lack of recognition and
understanding of this issue by current adult absorbent article
manufacturers and as such consumers' needs are not being adequately
met. Therefore, there is a need to develop adult absorbent articles
for a wide variety of body shapes and sizes in order to provide an
improved level of fit and contact between the body and the adult
absorbent article to reduce the occurrence of leakage and improve
the overall performance, fit, comfort, coverage and discretion of
the article. There is a clear need for adult absorbent articles
which are designed for variety of wearers based on their BMI and
body shape. There is also a need to communicate to wearers the
benefits of such customized adult absorbent articles in an
easy-to-understand manner (e.g., some women may not understand what
BMI is or know their BMI number), which is not off-putting (e.g.,
without stigmatizing or embarrassing women based on their BMI).
[0007] Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to describe
absorbent articles and arrays of absorbent articles whereby the
Capacity Profiles of the Absorbent Cores and are designed to
correspond to the anatomical differences and thus meet the consumer
needs across the BMI range wherein each size in the array is
intended to fit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pant diaper with a continuous
belt in the front and back waist regions.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows representative female body shapes of differing
BMI and the "Flat Region Through the Crotch".
[0010] FIG. 3 is a chart showing the relationship between Target
BMI and the "Flat Region Through the Crotch".
[0011] FIG. 4 shows an example Absorbent Core A with an example
Capacity Profile A.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows an example Absorbent Core B with an example
Capacity Profile B.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an example Absorbent Core C with an example
Capacity Profile C.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a chart showing the relationship between Target
BMI and Target Weight.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a chart showing the relationship between Target
BMI and Target Waist.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a chart showing the relationship between Target
BMI and Target Hip.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a chart showing the relationship between Target
BMI and Target Thigh.
[0018] FIG. 11 shows how the general female body shape changes as
BMI increases.
[0019] FIG. 12 depicts the variability of female body shapes within
each BMI class.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a partially cut away plan view of a pant diaper
with a pair of flaps, wherein the wearer-facing interior of the
diaper faces the viewer.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a partially cut away plan view a pant diaper with
front and rear flaps, wherein the garment-facing exterior of the
diaper faces the viewer.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the pant diaper shown in
FIG. 1 wherein belts connect opposing waist regions.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the pant diaper shown in
FIG. 13 wherein flaps connect opposing waist regions.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the pant diaper shown in
FIG. 14 wherein side seams connect the flaps and opposing waist
regions.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross section view taken along line
18-18 in FIG. 13 of an example of a folded outer leg cuff suitable
in one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross section view of a back
belt-like flap suitable in one embodiment of the invention, taken
along line 19-19 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] "Pull-on garment" or "pant" means articles of wear which
have a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and which
are typically pulled onto the body of the wearer by inserting the
legs into the leg openings and pulling the article up over the
waist.
[0028] "Disposable" means garments, which are not intended to be
laundered or otherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., they
are intended to be discarded after a single use and to be recycled,
composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible
manner). The pull-on garment may be "absorbent" such that it
absorbs and contains the various exudates discharged from the
body.
[0029] "Closed form" means opposing waist regions are joined to
form a continuous waist opening and leg openings. See FIGS.
15-17.
[0030] "Array" means a display of packages comprising disposable
articles of different sizes having like article constructions
(e.g., same elastomeric materials [compositionally and/or
structurally] in the flaps, graphic elements) said packages having
the same brand and/or sub-brand, and said packages oriented in
proximity to each other in a given area of a retail store. An array
is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging
elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant
color, design theme, etc.) that convey to consumers that the
different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays
often have the same brand, for example, "Depend," and same
sub-brand, for example, "for Women Underwear." A different array
may have the brand "Depend" and the sub-brand "Silhouette For
Women." The differences between the "for Women Underwear" array and
the "Silhouette For Women" arrays include different elastomeric
materials in the side flaps, where "for Women Underwear" comprises
strands as the elastomeric material and "Silhouette For Women"
comprises a film elastomeric material." Furthermore, the packaging
is distinctly different in that "for Women Underwear" is packaged
in a predominately green, film bag and "Silhouette For Women" is
packaged in a predominately maroon box.
[0031] Further regarding "Arrays," as another example of two
separate "arrays" having the same brand, "Certainty," one line-up
has the sub-brand "Women's Underwear." A different array may have
the same brand "Certainty" and the sub-brand "Smooth Shape Briefs
for Women." The differences between the "Women's Underwear" array
and the "Smooth Shape Briefs for Women" arrays include different
elastomeric materials in the side flaps, where "Women's Underwear"
comprises strands as the elastomeric material and "Smooth Shape
Briefs for Women" comprises a film elastomeric material."
Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that "Women's
Underwear" is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag and
"Smooth Shape Briefs for Women" is packaged in a predominately
maroon box.
[0032] Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including
trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits
across the line-up.
[0033] "On-line Array" means an "Array" distributed by a common
on-line source.
[0034] "Flat Region Through Crotch" is the approximated
longitudinally flat region, on the sagittal plane of the body,
through the crotch. This is illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0035] "Core Length" is the longitudinal length of the Absorbent
Core 200 from the lateral midpoint of the front core edge 236 to
the lateral midpoint of the back core edge 238.
[0036] "Bracket Length" is the Core Length divided by 10.
[0037] "Core Bracket" is a section of the Absorbent Core 200 with a
longitudinal length equal to the Bracket Length. Each Absorbent
Core is subdivided into 10 equal longitudinal length Core Brackets.
For example, an Absorbent Core with a Core Length of 40 cm would be
subdivided into 10 segments with each segment having a Bracket
Length of 4 cm, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. Core Bracket.sub.1 is
the first subdivision of the Absorbent Core. Each subsequent Core
Bracket.sub.n is the next segment. Core Bracked.sub.10 is the last
segment of the Absorbent Core, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. Each
Core Bracket extends laterally (y-direction) from the laterally
edges 237a and 237b of the Absorbent Core 200. Each Core Bracket
contains the full volume, including all of the Absorbent Material
of the Absorbent Core within the bounded region of each.
[0038] "Absorbent Material" refers to liquid absorbent materials
such as for example soft materials providing a rather fluffy
structure with a lot of empty space, such as comminuted wood pulp,
creped cellulose wadding, chemically stiffened, modified or
cross-linked cellulosic fibers all of which are herein generally
referred to as "airfelt". In addition, the absorbent materials may
also include nonwoven webs of synthetic fibers including highloft
webs that can absorb liquids into the interstitial spaces between
the fibers. Absorbent Material also refers to superabsorbent
polymer material (SAP), such as super absorbent polymer particles,
fibers or foams as well as mixtures of superabsorbent polymer
material with airfelt.
[0039] "Dry Bracket Weight" is the dry weight of each Core
Bracket.
[0040] "Wet Bracket Weight" is the wet weight of each Core Bracket
when using a 0.90% saline solution at from between 35.degree. C. to
37.degree. C.
[0041] "Bracket Capacity" herein refers to the maximum amount of
liquid than can be absorbed by all of the Absorbent Material within
each Core Bracket, and is expressed in grams (g). Each Core Bracket
has its own Bracket Capacity.
Bracket Capacity.sub.i=Wet Bracket Weight.sub.i-Dry Bracket
Weight.sub.i
[0042] "Total Core Capacity" is the total absorbent capacity of the
Absorbent Core. The Total Core Capacity is the summation of each
Bracket Capacity.
Total Core Capacity = i = 1 10 Bracket Capacity i ##EQU00001##
[0043] "Maximum Core Bracket" is the maximum Bracket Capacity
within the Absorbent Core.
[0044] "Minimum Core Bracket is the minimum Bracket Capacity within
the Absorbent Core.
[0045] "Core Bracket Standard Deviation" is the standard deviation
of all Bracket Capacity's within the Absorbent Core.
[0046] "Core Bracket Maximum Difference" is the percent difference
between the Maximum Core Bracket and the Minimum Core Bracket.
Core Bracket Maximum Difference = ( Maximum Core Bracket - M inimum
Core Bracket ) Maximum Core Bracket ##EQU00002##
[0047] "Capacity Profile" herein refers to a map of the Bracket
Capacity in different locations of the Absorbent Core. This is
illustrated by the graphs on FIGS. 4-6.
[0048] "Hip" means the circumference of the body at the level of
the maximum posterior protuberance of buttocks.
[0049] "Waist" means the horizontal circumference of the waist at
the level of the center of the navel (omphalion).
[0050] "Thigh" means the circumference of the thigh at its juncture
with the buttock, the measurement made perpendicular to the long
axis of the thigh.
[0051] "Target Waist" means for a product with a recommended waist
range, the mid point of that recommended waist range.
[0052] "Target Hip" means for a product with a recommended hip
range, the mid point of that recommended hip range.
[0053] "Target Weight" means for a product with a recommended
weight range, the mid point of that recommended weight range.
[0054] "Target Thigh" means for a product with a recommended thigh
range, the mid point of that recommended thigh range.
[0055] "Target BMI from Waist" is determined from the Target Waist
and is shown in FIG. 8. It is calculated by:
(Target BMI from Waist)=a+b.times.(Target Waist).times.ln(Target
Waist)
[0056] Where:
[0057] Target Waist: is in units of mm
[0058] Target BMI: is in units of kg/m.sup.2
[0059] a=-2.483.times.10.sup.-1
[0060] b=4.625.times.10.sup.-3
[0061] "Target BMI from Hip" is determined from the Target Hip and
is shown in FIG. 9. It is calculated by:
(Target BMI from Hip)=a+b.times.(Target Hip).times.ln(Target
Hip)
[0062] Where:
[0063] Target Hip: is in units of mm
[0064] Target BMI: is in units of kg/m.sup.2
[0065] a=-15.517
[0066] b=6.010.times.10.sup.-3
[0067] "Target BMI from Weight" is determined from the Target
Weight and is shown in FIG. 7. It is calculated by:
(Target BMI from Weight)=a+b.times.(Target Weight).times.ln(Target
Weight)
[0068] Where:
[0069] Target Weight: is in units of kg
[0070] Target BMI: is in units of kg/m.sup.2
[0071] a=7.879
[0072] b=6.525.times.10.sup.-2
[0073] "Target BMI from Thigh" is determined from the Target Thigh
and is shown in FIG. 10. It is calculated by:
(Target BMI from Thigh)=a+b.times.(Target Thigh).times.(Target
Thigh).sup.2.5
[0074] Where:
[0075] Target Thigh: is in units of mm
[0076] Target BMI: is in units of kg/m.sup.2
[0077] a=8.979
[0078] b=1.868.times.10.sup.-6
[0079] "Target BMI" means the Target BMI from Waist if a waist
range is recommended. If a waist range is not recommended then the
Target BMI means the Target BMI from Hip if a hip range is
recommended. If neither a hip range nor a waist range is
recommended, then Target BMI means the Target BMI from Weight if a
weight range is recommended. If neither a waist, hip nor weight
range is recommended, then Target BMI means the Target BMI
determined from a panty size if a panty size is recommended. If a
panty size is not recommended, then the Target BMI is determined
from the clothing size if a clothing size is recommended. See
Table's 1-5 for examples.
Table 1 shows an example of how the Target BMI is determined for
absorbent articles where a waist range and a weight range are
recommended.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Establishing the Target BMI for Always
Discreet Underwear (Maximum Absorbency) Establishing the Target BMI
Always Discreet Underwear Target Target Target Target Target BMI
Target BMI Target Waist Weight Waist Waist Weight Weight from Waist
from Weight BMI Size (in) (lbs) (in) (mm) (lbs) (kg) (kg/m.sup.2)
(kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) S/M 28-40 115-190 34 864 153 69.2 26.8
27.0 26.8 L 35-50 170-260 43 1080 215 97.5 34.6 37.0 34.6 XL 48-64
200-300 56 1422 250 113.4 47.5 42.9 47.5
Table 2 and Table 3 show examples of how the Target BMI is
determined for absorbent articles where a waist range, a hip range
and a weight range are recommended.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Establishing the Target BMI for Depend for
Women Underwear (Maximum Absorbency) Establishing the Target BMI
Depend for Women Underwear Target Target Target Target Target
Target Target BMI Target BMI Target BMI Target Waist Hip Weight
Waist Waist Hip Hip Weight Weight from Waist from Hip from Weight
BMI Size (in) (in) (lbs) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) (lbs) (kg)
(kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) S/M 28-40 34-46
115-190 34 864 40 1016 153 69.2 26.8 26.8 27.0 26.8 L 38-50 44-54
170-250 44 1118 49 1245 215 97.5 36.0 37.8 37.0 36.0 XL 48-64 48-64
200-300 56 1422 56 1422 250 113.4 47.5 46.5 42.9 47.5
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Establishing the Target BMI for Depend
Silhouette Briefs for Women (Maximum Absorbency) Depend Silhouette
Briefs Establishing the Target BMI for Women Target Target Target
Target Target Target Target BMI Target BMI Target BMI Target Waist
Hip Weight Waist Waist Hip Hip Weight Weight from Waist from Hip
from Weight BMI Size (in) (in) (lbs) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) (lbs) (kg)
(kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) S/M 28-40 34-46
115-190 34 864 40 1016 153 69.2 26.8 26.5 27.0 26.5 L/XL 38-50
44-54 170-300 44 1118 48 1245 235 106.6 36.0 37.8 40.4 36.0
Table 4 and Table 5 show examples of how the Target BMI is
determined for panty and clothing sizes where a waist range and a
hip range are recommended.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Establishing the Target BMI for Women's
Panty Sizes Establishing the Target BMI Women's Panty Size Chart
Target Target Target Target Target BMI Target BMI Target Waist Hips
Waist Waist Hip Hip from Waist from Hip BMI Size (in) (in) (in)
(mm) (in) (mm) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) 4 (XS) 23-24
33-34 23.5 597 33.5 851 17.4 19.0 17.4 5 (S) 25-26 35-36 25.5 648
35.5 902 19.1 21.4 19.1 6 (M) 27-28 37-38 27.5 699 37.5 953 20.9
23.7 20.9 7 (L) 29-30 39-40 29.5 749 39.5 1003 22.7 26.2 22.7 8
(XL) 31-32 41-42 31.5 800 41.5 1054 24.5 28.6 24.5 9 (2XL) 33-34
43-44 33.5 851 43.5 1105 26.3 31.0 26.3 10 (3XL) 35-36 45-46 35.5
902 45.5 1156 28.1 33.5 28.1 11 (4XL) 37-38 47-48 37.5 953 47.5
1207 30.0 35.9 30.0 12 (5XL) 39-40 49-50 39.5 1003 49.5 1257 31.8
38.4 31.8 13 (6XL) 41-42 51-52 41.5 1054 51.5 1308 33.7 40.9 33.7
14 (7XL) 43-44 53-54 43.5 1105 53.5 1359 35.6 43.4 35.6 15 (8XL)
45-46 55-56 45.5 1156 55.5 1410 37.4 45.9 37.4
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Establishing the Target BMI for Women's
Clothing Sizes Establishing the Target BMI Women's Clothing Size
Chart Target BMI Target BMI Target UK Waist Hip from Waist from Hip
BMI US EU AU (cm) (cm) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) (kg/m.sup.2) 0 34
6 64 84 18.9 18.5 18.9 2 36 8 68 88 20.3 20.3 20.3 4 38 10 72 92
21.7 22.2 21.7 6 40 12 76 96 23.1 24.1 23.1 8 42 14 80 100 24.5
26.0 24.5 10 44 16 84 104 25.9 27.9 25.9 12 46 18 88 108 27.3 29.8
27.3 14 48 20 92 112 28.8 31.7 28.8 16 50 22 96 116 30.2 33.7
30.2
[0080] Consumers who are urinary incontinent often are traumatized
by the condition. Many aspects of the condition contribute to the
trauma, like the fear of having an incontinent event in public.
Even when wearing an absorbent article, there is still the fear of
leaking, and the fear of her absorbent article being noticeable
under her clothes. This fear can be exacerbated by the presence of
free liquid inside the article during or immediately after the
event. As such providing a product experience that helps normalize
the condition by providing a more underwear-like, thin and body
conforming structure across the entire BMI range is one of the
objects of the present disclosure. Profiling the core to better
match the anatomical features of the wearer is key to minimizing
the free fluid within the article and thus providing increased
confidence and reduced fear/trauma while providing enhanced leakage
protection.
[0081] The body mass index (BMI) is a classification system for
body shapes based upon height and mass. BMI may be calculated as
follows:
BMI = weight ( kg ) height ( m ) 2 = 703 weight ( lb ) height ( in
) 2 ##EQU00003##
[0082] The BMI comprises different classes of body mass, including:
underweight (BMI<20), normal weight (BMI 20-25), overweight (BMI
25-30), obese (BMI 30-40), and morbidly obese (BMI>40).
[0083] FIG. 11 illustrates how the general female body shape
changes as BMI increases. FIG. 12 illustrates a variety of specific
shapes that may exist within each BMI class: rectangle (also known
as cylindrical), hourglass, pear, and apple. The higher her BMI,
the further to the right (toward the apple) a woman typically is on
this body shape scale. The prevalence of these shapes differs
across the BMI range, for instance, higher BMI women have a higher
probability of being apple or pear shaped. Adult absorbent articles
may be marketed to women of a particular body shape, such as apple,
rather than focusing on exact BMI values (which may be off-putting
to a consumer), in order to match a wearer with the article that
may best fit her unique body shape or size.
[0084] One region where the shape of the female body change as BMI
gets higher is in the Flat Region Through the Crotch, on the body's
sagittal plane. This is illustrated in FIG. 2, and in the chart on
FIG. 3. The Flat Region Through the Crotch approximates the length
along which an absorbent core will have little to no curvature, and
remain essentially flat during standing wear due to the morphology
of the body shape through the crotch. As BMI increases the length
of the Flat Region Through Crotch increases.
[0085] It may be desirable to link the Capacity Profile of the
Absorbent Core to the Flat Region Through the Crotch in order to
achieve a better fitting, better conforming article. This may
increase the wearing comfort for each consumer while reducing
leakage by providing enhanced body contact thereby minimizing the
free fluid in the article.
[0086] As fluid exits the body, it will tend to pool as free fluid
within flat regions of the Absorbent Core. Having appropriate
amounts of Absorbent Material in the flat regions of the Absorbent
Core and in contact with the body will improve fluid acquisition,
thereby reducing free fluid and thereby improving leakage while
minimizing bulk within the Absorbent Core by designing the profile
of the core to match the anatomy of the wearer which for larger BMI
women means increasing the surface area over which fluid is taken
into the Absorbent Core. As the Flat Region Through the Crotch
increases as BMI increases, so does the flat region of the
Absorbent Core, hence it may be desirable to "flatten" the Capacity
Profile of the Absorbent Core as the Target BMI for each size in a
product array increases.
[0087] Table 6 below illustrates an example of an inventive array
of 3 packages, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. The Capacity Profiles
of these Absorbent Cores better match the body shapes of the Target
BMI's of the consumers each package is intended to fit and thereby
providing better fit, body contact and comfort while reducing the
amount of free fluid and the chance of leakage.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Capacity Profiles for an Example Inventive
Array of 3 Sizes Core A Core B Core C (FIG. 4) (FIG. 5) (FIG. 6)
Target BMI (kg/m.sup.2) 27 35 45 Bracket Bracket Bracket Core
Bracket Capacity (g) Capacity (g) Capacity (g) 1 19.3 48.5 60.0 2
52.9 63.7 60.0 3 87.8 72.0 60.0 4 90.5 77.7 60.0 5 90.5 77.7 60.0 6
88.2 67.9 60.0 7 76.8 58.2 60.0 8 50.5 51.3 60.0 9 24.4 44.4 60.0
10 19.2 38.8 60.0
[0088] Table 7 below illustrates for the array example of Table 6,
the calculated values of: Total Core Capacity; Core Bracket
Standard Deviation; Maximum Core Bracket; Minimum Core Bracket; and
Core Bracket Maximum Difference. As the Target BMI increases, the
Capacity Profile's for each Absorbent Core become "flatter".
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Calculated Core Values for an Example
Inventive Array of 3 Sizes Core A Core B Core C (FIG. 4) (FIG. 5)
(FIG. 6) Target BMI (kg/m.sup.2) 27 35 45 Total Core Capacity (g)
600.0 600.0 600.0 Core Bracket Standard 30.6 13.9 0.0 Deviation (g)
Maximum Core Bracket (g) 90.5 77.7 60.0 Minimum Core Bracket (g)
19.2 38.8 60.0 Core Bracket Maximum 78.8% 50.0% 0.0% Difference
(%)
[0089] These inventive arrays are provided simply as non-limiting
examples. Other inventive arrays are possible within the scope of
this disclosure. For example, a first article may comprise a first
absorbent core having a Core Bracket Standard Deviation from about
10 g to about 35 g, and a second article in the array may comprise
a second absorbent core having a Core Bracket Standard Deviation
from about 1 g to about 15 g. The first absorbent core may also
have a Bracket Maximum Difference from about 45% to about 85%, and
the second absorbent core may have a Bracket Maximum Difference
from about 1% to about 55%. The first absorbent core may also have
a Maximum Core Bracket from about 70 g to about 95 g, and the
second absorbent core may have a Maximum Core Bracket from about 55
g to about 80 g. The first absorbent core may also have a Minimum
Core Bracket from about 15 g to about 45 g, and the second
absorbent core may have a Minimum Core Bracket from about 35 g to
about 65 g.
Absorbent Article
[0090] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are
generally designed and configured to manage bodily exudates such as
urine, menses, feces or other vaginal discharges.
[0091] In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a
chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core
disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet.
The absorbent chassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or
elastic strands. In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 1, an
example absorbent article 10 is shown in its flat uncontracted
state prior to joining the waist regions to complete the waist
opening by for example fastening components 53a and b (illustrated
in FIG. 17).
[0092] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, one end portion of
the absorbent article 10 may be configured as a front waist region
36 and the longitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as
a back waist region 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent
article 10 extending longitudinally between the front waist region
36 and the back waist region 38 may be configured as a crotch
region 37. In one embodiment, although not illustrated as such, the
length of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region
38 and the crotch region 37 may be about 1/3 of the length of the
absorbent article 10, for example. In other embodiments, the length
of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, and
the crotch region 37 may have other dimensions. In various
embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may have a laterally
extending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and
a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end
edge 138 in the back waist region 38.
[0093] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, a chassis 100 of the
absorbent article 10 may comprise a first longitudinally extending
side edge 137a and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally
extending side edge 137b. Both of the side edges 137 may extend
longitudinally between the front waist end edge 136 and the back
waist end edge 138. The chassis 100 may form a portion of the
laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist
region 36 and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and
laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the back waist
region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 100 may comprise an interior
surface 102, an exterior surface 104, a longitudinal axis 42, and a
lateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a
midpoint of the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of
the back waist end edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend
through a midpoint of the first side edge 137a and through a
midpoint of the second side edge 137b.
[0094] In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent
article 10 may be made to be laterally extensible. The
extensibility of the absorbent article 10 may be desirable in order
to allow the absorbent article 10 to conform to a body of a wearer
during movement by the wearer. The extensibility may also be
desirable, for example, in order to allow the caregiver to extend
the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, the crotch
region 37, and/or the chassis 100 to provide additional body
coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor the
absorbent article 10 to the individual wearer. Such extension may
provide the absorbent article 10 with a generally hourglass shape,
so long as the crotch region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser
degree than the waist regions 36 and/or 38. This extension may also
impart a tailored appearance to the absorbent article 10 during
use.
[0095] Any or all portions of the absorbent article may comprise a
bacteriophage composition as described in U.S. Ser. No. 61/931,229,
titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES COMPRISING BACTERIOPHAGES AND
RELATED METHODS, and filed on Jan. 24, 2014.
Topsheet
[0096] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 19, the
absorbent article 10 may comprise a topsheet 81. The topsheet 81
may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's
skin and may be elastically stretchable in one or more directions.
Further, the topsheet 81 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids
(e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its
thickness. Various topsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic
material, for example, which is configured to draw bodily fluids
into an absorbent core of the chassis 100 when these fluids are
expelled from the body. A suitable topsheet 81 may be manufactured
from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven
materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, apertured
nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated
thermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example.
Suitable apertured films may comprise those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,929,135, 4,324,246, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 5,006,394,
5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539.
[0097] Apertured film or nonwoven topsheets typically may be
pervious to bodily exudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced
tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the
wearer's skin. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise
natural fibers, such as, for example, wood or cotton fibers,
synthetic fibers, such as, for example, polyester, polypropylene,
or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If the topsheet 81
comprises fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid,
meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed, for example, as
is generally known in the art.
[0098] The topsheet may comprise a skin care lotion. Examples of
suitable lotions include, but are not limited to, those described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; 5,643,588; and
5,968,025, and as described in U.S. Application No. 61/391,353, and
as described in U.S. Pub. No. 2014-0257216. Beyond these
compositions, the absorbent article may comprise soluble
cyclodextrin derivatives such as those described in U.S. Pub. No.
2014/0274870.
[0099] Additionally, the topsheet of the present disclosure may be
a tufted laminate web as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,683,
and/or may be an apertured web as disclosed in PCT/CN2014/083769
having an international filing date of Aug. 6, 2014.
[0100] In one embodiment, the topsheet may comprise graphics (e.g.,
116 in FIG. 15) such that depth perception is created as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,528.
Backsheet
[0101] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, for
example, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a backsheet 83. The
backsheet 83 may be impervious, or at least partially impervious,
to fluids or body exudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny
feces) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although
other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The
backsheet 83 may prevent the body exudates or fluids absorbed and
contained in an absorbent core of the absorbent article 10 from
wetting articles which contact the absorbent article 10, such as
bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/or undergarments. The backsheet 83
may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as
thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a
multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven
material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven
layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylene film
having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051
mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by
Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation
BR-120 and BR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute,
Ind., under the designation XP-39385.
[0102] One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid
impervious thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about
0.012 mm (0.50 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example
including polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, the backsheet
can have a basis weight of from about 5 g/m2 to about 35 g/m2. The
backsheet can be typically positioned adjacent the outer-facing
surface of the absorbent core and can be joined thereto. For
example, the backsheet may be secured to the absorbent core by a
uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of
adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of
adhesive. Illustrative, but non-limiting adhesives, include
adhesives manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn.,
U.S.A., and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable
attachment device including an open pattern network of filaments of
adhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986. Another suitable
attachment device including several lines of adhesive filaments
swirled into a spiral pattern is illustrated by the apparatus and
methods shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,911,173; 4,785,996; and
4,842,666. Alternatively, the attachment device may include heat
bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds,
or any other suitable attachment device or combinations of these
attachment devices.
[0103] In one embodiment, the backsheet 83 may be embossed and/or
matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further,
the backsheet 83 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent
core of the absorbent article 10 (i.e., the backsheet 83 is
breathable) while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids
or body exudates from passing through the backsheet 83. In one
embodiment, the size of the backsheet 83 may be dictated by the
size of the absorbent article 10 and the design or configuration of
the absorbent article 10 to be formed, for example.
Absorbent Core
[0104] In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the
absorbent article 10 may comprise an absorbent core (also referred
to as an "absorbent member" or "absorbent assembly" or "absorbent
structure" or "absorbent composite") 200 that is disposed between
the topsheet 81 and the backsheet 83. The absorbent core 200 may
comprise a laterally extending front edge 236 in the front waist
region 36, a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back
edge 238 in the back waist region 38, a first longitudinally
extending side edge 237a, and a laterally opposing and second
longitudinally extending side edge 237b. Both of the side edges 237
may extend longitudinally between the front edge 236 and the back
edge 238. In one embodiment, more than one absorbent core 200 or
more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in an absorbent
article 10, for example. The absorbent core 200 may be any suitable
size or shape that is compatible with the absorbent article 10.
Example absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 200 of
the present disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial
success are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402;
4,888,231; and 4,834,735.
[0105] In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise
cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may
comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the
cellulosic airfelt material as determined by weight. Additionally,
such an absorbent core may be primarily comprised of an absorbent
gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%,
90%, 95%, or even about 100% as determined by weight. Furthermore,
a portion of the absorbent core may comprise a microfiber glue (if
applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent
gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,335;
5,562,646; 5,669,894; 6,790,798; and 7,521,587 and in U.S. Pat.
Publ. No. 2004/0158212.
[0106] In one embodiment, the core, including multiple layers
making up the core system, may be printed and embossed as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,401.
[0107] In one embodiment, the core may be separable from the
chassis as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,989,006; 7,381,202;
7,175,613; 7,824,386; 7,766,887; and 6,989,005. In such
embodiments, the measurements described in this disclosure may be
made to the chassis alone or may be made to the chassis in
combination with the separable core/absorbent assembly.
[0108] In one embodiment, the absorbent article of the present
disclosure, and particularly, a portion where the absorbent member
is disposed, may have a body fluid absorption rate greater than 3
g/sec according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810. According to U.S. Pat.
No. 6,649,810, the expression "the portion (of the absorbent
article) where the absorbent member is disposed" is intended to
mean the portion occupied by the absorbent member when the
absorbent article is flatly unfolded and seen in its plan view.
[0109] In one embodiment, the absorbent structure may have an
intake factor greater than 3 according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373,
wherein the intake factor is defined as the absorbent core
permeability divided by the normalized retention capacity (which is
defined by the Retention Capacity Test--also according to U.S. Pat.
No. 7,073,373).
[0110] In one embodiment, the absorbent composite has a body fluid
absorption greater than 75 g/100 cm2, according to U.S. Pat. No.
6,649,810.
[0111] In one embodiment, a target location of the absorbent
article may have a wicking value greater than 36%, according to
U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,960.
[0112] In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a bending
stiffness between 0.05-1.0 gf, according to U.S. Pat. No.
5,810,796.
[0113] In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a crotch
fluid absorption rate greater than 3 g/sec according to U.S. Pat.
No. 6,649,810. In one embodiment, a freeze-dried composite of the
absorbent composite may have an intake rate of at least about 1.9
cubic centimeters (cc) of liquid/second at 80% composite saturation
according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,934.
[0114] In some embodiments the absorbent core 200 may comprise
channels as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,566; U.S. Pub. Nos.
2012/316046, 2014/027066, 2014/163500, 2014/163506, 2014/163511,
2012/316526, 2012/316527, 2012/316528, 2012/316529, 2012/316523,
2014/163501, 2014/163502, 2014/163503 and European Pub. Nos.
2532328, 2532329, 2717823, 2717820, 2717821, 2717822, 2532332,
2740449, and 2740452.
Leg Cuffs
[0115] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the chassis
100 of the absorbent article 10 may comprise longitudinally
extending and laterally opposing leg cuffs 147a and 147b that are
disposed on the interior surface of the chassis 100 that faces
inwardly toward the wearer and contacts the wearer. The leg cuffs
147a and 147b may comprise one or more elastic gathering members
disposed at or adjacent the proximal edge of one or both of the leg
cuffs 147. In addition, the elastic gathering members of the leg
cuff may also comprise one or more elastic strands 146 disposed at
or adjacent the distal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs 147.
The elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise several embodiments for
reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in the leg regions.
The elasticized leg cuffs 147 are sometimes referred to as leg
bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs. Suitable
elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and
4,909,803, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs 147
may be formed by folding portions of the chassis 100 laterally
inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis 42, to form both the
respective leg cuffs 147 and the side edges 137a and b of the
chassis 100. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may be formed
by attaching an additional layer or layers to the chassis 100 at or
adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137a and 137b of the
chassis 100. In one embodiment, the chassis 100 may also comprise
other elastics disposed adjacent the side edges 137 which may cause
the article 10 to form into a "U" shape when allowed to relax
thereby pulling the interior surface 102 of the front waist region
36 toward the interior surface 102 of the back waist region 38.
[0116] In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may comprise a proximal
edge 157a and 157b. These edges 157a and 157b are positioned
proximate to the longitudinal axis 42 compared to distal edges 139a
and 139b. The leg cuffs 147 may overlap the absorbent core 200,
i.e., the proximal edges 157a and 157b lie laterally inward of the
respective side edges 237a and 237b of the absorbent core 200. Such
an overlapped configuration may be desirable in order to impart a
more finished appearance to the absorbent article 10 than that
imparted by a non-overlapped configuration. In other embodiments,
the leg cuffs 147 may not overlap the absorbent core 200.
[0117] In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may be attached to the
interior surface 102 of the chassis 100 in a leg cuff attachment
zone (not shown) adjacent to the front waist end edge 136 and in a
longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown)
adjacent to the back waist end edge 138. In one embodiment, between
the leg cuff attachment zones, the proximal edge 157 of the leg
cuff 147 remains free, i.e., not attached to the interior surface
102 of the chassis 100 or to the absorbent core 200. Also, between
the longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zones, each leg
cuff 147 may comprise one or more (specifically including one, two,
three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff 147) longitudinally
extensible cuff elastic gathering members 159 that may be disposed
at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 by any
suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gathering members 159
may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or over only a
portion of the leg cuff's length. For example, such cuff elastic
gathering members 159 may be attached only at or near the leg
cuff's longitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the
middle of the leg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering
members 159 may be disposed in the crotch region 37 and may extend
into one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist
region 38. For example, an elastic gathering member 159 may be
attached at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of each of the leg
cuffs 147 and extends into both the front waist region 36 and the
back waist region 38.
[0118] In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member
159 may be enclosed inside a folded hem for example. In various
embodiments, the cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be
sandwiched between two layers forming the leg cuff 147, by two
layers of the chassis 100, or may be attached on a surface of the
chassis 100 or the leg cuff 147 and remain exposed.
[0119] In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic
gathering member 159 disposed adjacent to each leg cuff's proximal
edge 157 allows the leg cuff proximal edge 157 to extend to the
flat uncontracted length of the chassis 100, e.g., the length of
the chassis 100. When allowed to relax, the cuff elastic gathering
member 159 contracts to pull the front waist region 36 and the back
waist region 38 toward each other and, thereby, bend the article 10
into a "U" shape in which the interior of the "U" shape may be
formed by the portions of the article 10 that are intended to be
placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface 102).
Because each of the proximal edges 157 remains free between the
longitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive
force of the elastic gathering member 159 may lift the proximal
edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 away from the interior surface 102 of
the chassis 100. This lifting of the proximal edges 157 when the
article 10 is in the relaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs 147 into
a position to serve as side barriers to prevent, or at least
inhibit, leakage of bodily exudates.
[0120] Examples of acceptable leg cuffs 147 are disclosed in U.S.
Ser. No. 13/457,521, filed Apr. 27, 2012, including the
configurations disclosed by FIGS. 8a-t of the '521 application.
Waistband
[0121] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, the article 10 may
comprise an elasticized waistband 112a and b. The elasticized
waistband may provide improved fit and containment and may be
configured to elastically expand and contract laterally to
dynamically fit a wearer's waist. The elasticized waistband may
extend longitudinally from the waist edge of the absorbent article
10 toward the waist edge of the absorbent core 200. In one
embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may have two elasticized
waistbands, one positioned in the back waist region 38 and one
positioned in the front waist region 36, although other pant
embodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized waistband.
The elasticized waistband may be constructed in a number of
different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092.
[0122] In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands may comprise
materials that have been "prestrained" or "mechanically
prestrained" (i.e., subjected to some degree of localized pattern
mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the material). The
materials may be prestrained using suitable deep embossing
techniques. In other embodiments, the materials may be prestrained
by directing the material through an incremental mechanical
stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,458. The
materials may then be allowed to return to their substantially
untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretch material
that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretching.
Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,075,189, 3,025,199, 4,107,364, 4,209,563, 4,834,741, and
5,151,092.
Flaps
[0123] The flaps 189 (a-d) may be discrete from or integral with
the chassis 100. A discrete flap is formed as separate element,
which is joined to the chassis 100. In some embodiments, this
includes a plurality of flaps, e.g. 2 or 4 (often referred to as
ear panels or side flaps) being joined to the side edges 137 a and
b of the chassis in the front and/or rear waist regions 36 and 38
(see FIGS. 1 and 13-17). In other embodiments this may include a
front and/or back belt-like flaps ("belts") being joined across the
front and back (or rear) waist regions of the chassis 100, at least
across end edges of the chassis 136 and 138 (see FIGS. 1 and 19).
In some embodiments the waistbands 112 can overlap the flaps to
create a continuous belt-like structure (see FIG. 14).
[0124] The belt-like flaps and may comprise an inner nonwoven layer
and an outer nonwoven layer and elastics there between. The inner
and outer nonwoven layers may be joined using adhesive or
thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt-like flap configurations
can be found in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211363.
[0125] An integral flap is a portion, one or more layers, of the
chassis that projects laterally outward from the longitudinal edge.
The integral flap may be formed by cutting the chassis to include
the shape of the flap projection.
[0126] While many of the embodiments illustrated in this
application having belt-like flaps are pant articles, taped
articles may have belt-like flaps disposed in one or both waist
regions as well.
[0127] The structure of flaps play an important role in the
functionality of the absorbent article and are fundamentally
different than the elastics used in underwear. As mentioned above,
incontinence events, such as SUI and UUI, can result in a high flow
rate and/or a full bladder release. The amounts of urine expelled
during the incontinence events can vary wildly given the type of
urinary incontinence as well as other circumstances such as time
since last bathroom visit, amount of fluid intake, day or night,
etc. Loadings can range from as low as a few drops of urine to
loadings as high as 600 mls. It is not unusual to have single
loadings as high as 300, 400 and even 500 mls. These levels of
loading present a significant downward force associated with the
loading which can be a pound or more. This downward force must be
compensated for by the absorbent article chassis in order to
minimize sagging, gapping and leakage. In order to sustain the fit
of the article even after loading the article comprises elastomeric
element(s) 146, including films and/or strands) that are disposed
proximate to and along the side seams 280a and b (see, for example,
FIG. 15, where the elastomeric elements 146 terminate proximate to
and along the length of the seams 280a and b) of the article and
extend laterally from one side toward the other. These elastomeric
element(s) should create a normal force against the body sufficient
to anchor the article. The location of the elastomeric element(s),
as well as the forces exerted by the elastomeric element(s) can be
varied to ensure proper anchoring at the hips and along the body
specifically across the front waist region and in the back waist
region. One form of anchoring beneficial for sustaining the fit of
a loaded article is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,500 Absorbent
Articles Providing Sustained Dynamic Fit issued Oct. 25, 1994 to
LaVon, et al. It should also be noted that regular underwear with
elastic along the waist edge and leg edges would not typically
provide sufficient support to sustain the fit of the underwear if a
weight of 300-600 grams was applied to the crotch region of the
underwear. This paragraph illustrates another fundamental reason
why proper Body Rise/Length of the absorbent article is key to
maintain contact and gasketing, as well as proper anchoring on the
body to overcome the fit degrading forces associated with high
loadings.
[0128] The seams 280a and b may each be from about 150 mm to about
200 mm, from about 160 mm to about 190 mm, or from about 170 mm to
about 180 mm. The seams are the portions of the flap that overlap
(i.e., the distance from the waist opening to the leg opening of
the overlapped or abutted flaps).
Fastening System
[0129] The absorbent article may also include a fastening system.
When fastened, the fastening system interconnects the front waist
region 36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist
circumference that may encircle the wearer during wear of the
absorbent article 10. The fastened elements connecting the front
and back waist regions form refastenable side seams. This may be
accomplished by flaps 189 a and b in the back waist region
interconnecting with flaps 189 c and d in the front waist region or
by flaps in the back waist region interconnecting with the chassis
100 in the front waist region. The fastening system may comprises a
fastener 53 a and b such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastening
components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,
buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening
components, although any other known fastening means are generally
acceptable. The fasteners may releasably engage with a landing zone
118, which may be a woven or nonwoven. Some exemplary surface
fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594;
4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; 5,221,274.
Particularly, the flaps may be configured as described and
illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C and 4A-k of U.S. Ser. No. 61/666,065,
filed on Jun. 29, 2012, titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT REFASTENABLE
PANTS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME. Further, the
absorbent articles of this disclosure may be manufactured in
accordance with the descriptions and illustrations of U.S. Ser. No.
61/666,065 (see, for example, FIGS. 5-10C of the '065 application).
An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system may also provide a means
for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system may also include
primary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,699,622. The fastening system may be constructed to reduce
shifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.
Identical or Substantially Identical Chassis
[0130] As disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355, it may be
desirable to offer an array of packages for fitting different sized
wearers, but comprising identical or substantially identical
chassis. For instance, an array may comprise a first package
comprising a first size of absorbent articles and a second package
may comprise a second size of absorbent articles, where the first
and second packages comprise identical or substantially identical
chassis as described in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355. More
particularly, the first package may comprise a first chassis and
the second package may comprise a second chassis, where each of the
first and second chassis comprise the same dimensions of one or
more of: core width at the lateral centerline, core width at one of
the front or rear core end, a distance from a left outer cuff
distal edge to a right outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a
left inner cuff distal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a
distance from a left inner cuff proximal edge to a right inner cuff
proximal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximal edge to a
left outer cuff distal edge, a free height of the inner cuff, inner
cuff hem fold width, inner cuff elastics length, outer cuff
elastics length, core length, and backsheet width.
[0131] Further, each of the first and second chassis may comprise
identical chemical compositions of one or more of a topsheet,
backsheet film, backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers,
core pulp, core nonwoven, core tissue, leg cuff film, leg cuff
nonwoven, super absorbent polymer adhesive, core nonwoven adhesive,
leg cuff elastic adhesive, and backsheet nonwoven/film
adhesive.
[0132] And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise the
same basis weight of one or more of the topsheet, backsheet film,
backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, leg
cuff nonwoven, leg cuff film, super absorbent polymer adhesive, leg
cuff adhesive, and backsheet nonwoven/film adhesive.
[0133] And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise
compositionally identical core super absorbent polymers. The first
and second chassis may have identical component cross sectional
order and disposition in at least one of the front waist region,
back waist region, and crotch region. The inner leg cuffs of the
first and second chassis may be composed of the compositionally
identical materials.
[0134] And, the core adhesives of the first and second chassis may
be the same adhesive(s). The first and second chassis may comprise
core super absorbent polymers that are in the same chemical class
and subclass.
[0135] And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise first
and second wetness indicators, respectively, and wherein the first
and second wetness indicators are compositionally identical.
[0136] Further, the inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis
may have identical component cross sectional order and disposition
in at least one of the front waist region, back waist region, and
crotch region. The distance from the left outer cuff distal edge to
a right outer cuff distal edge may the same. The distance from the
left inner cuff proximal edge to left outer cuff distal edge may be
the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximal edge to
the right inner cuff proximal edge is the same. The lengths of the
inner and outer cuffs are the same.
[0137] In some embodiments, different size offerings in an array
may have identical or substantially identical chassis as the flaps
or belts may be used to enable the absorbent article to fit
different sized wearers. For example, first and second absorbent
articles may have identical chassis (compositionally,
dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have a
different length due to disposition of the belts, such that the
first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than the
second article. As a second example, first and second absorbent
articles may have identical chassis (compositionally,
dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have a
different length and/or width due to the size of the belts, such
that the first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than
the second article.
[0138] In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may
have identical chassis compositionally, but not dimensionally, and
not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second
absorbent articles may have identical chassis dimensionally, but
not compositionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some
embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical
chassis cross-sectionally, but not dimensionally, and not
compositionally. In still other embodiments, first and second
absorbent articles may have two, but not three of (1)
compositionally, (2) dimensionally, and (3) cross-sectionally
identical chassis.
Test Methods
Bracket Capacity
[0139] Each of the measurements is to be conducted on 10 separate
like specimens and the average of the 10 separate like specimens is
considered to be the measurement for that specific specimen set.
Provide ten separate like absorbent articles or absorbent core
samples. The samples are conditioned for at least two hours prior
to testing under the same conditions of temperatures from between
15.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. and relative humidity from between
35% to 75%.
[0140] All length measurements are made using a ruler that is
traceable to NIST or other standards organization, and is accurate
to the nearest +/-1.0 mm.
[0141] All weight measurements are made using a scale that is
traceable to NIST or other standards organizations, and is accurate
to the nearest +/-0.1 gram.
[0142] Remove all layers that do not directly wrap the absorbent
core (e.g., topsheet and backsheet and any layers without
compromising absorbent material) from the absorbent article sample.
Determine the Core Length by using a ruler by measuring the
longitudinal length of the absorbent core (parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the product, refer to FIGS. 4-6) from the
lateral midpoint of the front edge 236 to the lateral midpoint of
the back edge 238. Measure to the nearest +/-1.0 mm.
[0143] Divide the Core Length by 10 to determine the Bracket
Length.
[0144] From the front core edge 236 of the Absorbent Core, measure
a longitudinal distance equal to the Bracket Length to the nearest
+/-1.0 mm. Using sharp scissors, cut off the first core bracket
adjacent the front edge of the Absorbent Core by cutting from the
lateral edge 237a to the lateral edge 237b such that the cut line
is lateral and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
Absorbent Core. This is Core Bracket. Repeat this until the
Absorbent Core has been cut into 10 equal longitudinal length
segments, each having a longitudinal length equal to the Bracket
Length, and each subsequent segment numbered sequentially such that
the last segment is Core Bracket.sub.10. Refer to FIGS. 4-6.
[0145] Weigh each Core Bracket to the nearest +/-0.1 gram to
determine its Dry Bracket Weight. Each Core Bracket from 1 to 10
will have a corresponding Dry Bracket Weight. For example, Core
Bracket.sub.1 has a Dry Bracket Weight.sub.1.
[0146] Use a tray with dimensions of about 10 mm deep.times.120 mm
wide.times.220 mm long. Fill the tray with a 0.90% saline solution
at from between 35.degree. C. to 37.degree. C.
[0147] Determine the Wet Bracket Weight by placing each Core
Bracket into the solution and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. After
5 minutes, remove each Core Bracket and weigh it to the nearest
+/-0.1 gram.
[0148] Determine the Bracket Capacity for each Core Bracket by
subtracting the Dry Bracket Weight from the Wet Bracket Weight.
Bracket Capacity.sub.i=Wet Bracket Weight.sub.i-Dry Bracket
Weight.sub.i
* * * * *