U.S. patent application number 16/751807 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-23 for disposable absorbent article silhouettes and silhouette arrays.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Kaoru ISHIHARA, Gary Dean LaVON, Bret Darren SEITZ.
Application Number | 20200229994 16/751807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57396819 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200229994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SEITZ; Bret Darren ; et
al. |
July 23, 2020 |
DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE SILHOUETTES AND SILHOUETTE ARRAYS
Abstract
Absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have Relaxed
Product Waist Widths, Relaxed Product Hip Widths, and Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes as disclosed herein. And, arrays of the
present disclosure may have Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist
Silhouettes and Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio
as disclosed herein.
Inventors: |
SEITZ; Bret Darren; (West
Chester, OH) ; LaVON; Gary Dean; (Liberty Township,
OH) ; ISHIHARA; Kaoru; (West Chester, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57396819 |
Appl. No.: |
16/751807 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15343787 |
Nov 4, 2016 |
10583054 |
|
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16751807 |
|
|
|
|
62251921 |
Nov 6, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/55115 20130101;
A61F 13/49058 20130101; A61F 13/5519 20130101; A61F 13/51 20130101;
A61F 2013/51078 20130101; A61F 13/49011 20130101; A61F 13/55105
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/551 20060101
A61F013/551; A61F 13/51 20060101 A61F013/51; A61F 13/49 20060101
A61F013/49 |
Claims
1. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of
disposable absorbent articles, 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 a first pair of side seams, the first
absorbent article being a first size and in a closed form; 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 a second pair of side seams,
the second absorbent article being a second size and in a closed
form; wherein the second size is larger than the first size, such
that the second absorbent article has one or more of: (a) a larger
Relaxed Product Length than the first absorbent article; (b) a
larger Relaxed Product Hip Width than the first absorbent article;
and (c) a larger Relaxed Product Waist Width than the first
absorbent article; wherein the first absorbent article has a
Relaxed Product Length of less than 250 mm and a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from 0.9 to 1.4; wherein the second
absorbent article has a Relaxed Product Length of less than 250 mm
and a Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette greater than the Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of the first absorbent article; and wherein
the first and second packages are in the same array.
2. The array of packages according to claim 1, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Delta of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is greater than zero.
3. The array of packages according to claim 2, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Delta of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is less than 10 mm.
4. The array of packages according to claim 1, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is greater than 1.
5. The array of packages according to claim 1, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is from 1.1 to 1.5.
6. The array of packages according to claim 4, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is less than 1.1.
7. An array of packages consisting of two sizes of disposable
absorbent articles, 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 a first pair of side seams, the first
absorbent article being a first size and in a closed form; 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 a second pair of side seams,
the second absorbent article being a second size and in a closed
form; wherein the second size is larger than the first size, such
that the second absorbent article has one or more of: (a) a larger
Relaxed Product Length than the first absorbent article; (b) a
larger Relaxed Product Hip Width than the first absorbent article;
and (c) a larger Relaxed Product Waist Width than the first
absorbent article; wherein the first absorbent article has a
Relaxed Product Length of less than 250 mm and a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from 0.9 to 1.4; wherein the second
absorbent article has a Relaxed Product Length of less than 250 mm
and a Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette greater than the Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of the first absorbent article; and wherein
the first and second packages are in the same array.
8. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Delta of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is greater than zero.
9. The array of packages according to claim 8, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Delta of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is less than 10 mm.
10. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is greater than 1.
11. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein the Product
Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of at least one of the first
and second absorbent articles is from 1.1 to 1.5.
12. The array of packages according to claim 10, wherein the
Product Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of at least one of
the first and second absorbent articles is less than 1.1.
13. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein each of the
first and second packages of absorbent articles are manufactured by
or for the same company and wherein the first and second packages
have a different brand name.
14. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has a Relaxed
Product Hip Width of less than 260 mm.
15. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has a Relaxed
Product Waist Width of less than 210 mm.
16. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of less than 1.5.
17. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has a plurality of
elastic strands extending laterally across the front and back waist
regions and disposed proximate to and along the side seams.
18. The array of packages according to claim 7, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has an apertured
film extending laterally across the front and back waist regions
and disposed proximate to and along the side seams.
19. An array of packages consisting of two sizes of disposable
absorbent articles, 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 a first pair of side seams, the first
absorbent article being a first size and in a closed form; 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 a second pair of side seams,
the second absorbent article being a second size and in a closed
form; wherein the second size is larger than the first size, such
that the second absorbent article has one or more of: (a) a larger
Relaxed Product Length than the first absorbent article; (b) a
larger Relaxed Product Hip Width than the first absorbent article;
and (c) a larger Relaxed Product Waist Width than the first
absorbent article; wherein the first absorbent article has a
Relaxed Product Length of less than 250 mm and a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from 0.9 to 1.4; wherein the second
absorbent article has a Relaxed Product Length of less than 250 mm
and a Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette less than the Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of the first absorbent article; and wherein
the first and second packages are in the same array.
20. The array of packages according to claim 19, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has a Relaxed
Product Hip Width of less than 260 mm.
21. The array of packages according to claim 20, wherein at least
one of the first and second absorbent articles has a Relaxed
Product Waist Width of less than 210 mm, and wherein at least one
of the first and second absorbent articles has a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of less than 1.5.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/343,787, filed on Nov. 4, 2016, which claims the benefit, under
35 USC .sctn. 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/251,921 filed on Nov. 6, 2015, the entire disclosures of which
are fully incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent
articles and arrays of disposable absorbent articles which are
designed to fit different body sizes, shapes and types, and as such
are sized to fit a broad range of consumers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As weight increases, both the Hip Circumference measurement
and Waist Circumference measurement increase. However the Waist
Circumference and Hip Circumference increase at different rates,
depending on the age and weight of the consumer. For infants and
young adults, less than about 18 years old and less than about 50
kg in weight, on average their Hip Circumferences increase at a
faster rate than their Waist Circumferences. For adult consumers,
greater than about 18 years old and greater than about 50 kg in
weight, on average their Waist Circumferences increase at a faster
rate than their Hip Circumferences. The Hip Circumference
measurement, due to the relationship to the prominent point of the
buttocks, generally establishes the primary anchoring point of the
absorbent article as it often represents the maximum circumference
around the body. This is especially true for consumers who have a
more cylindrical body shape or a more apple-like body shape. In
alternative embodiments, the Waist Circumference measurement can be
the primary anchoring point of the absorbent article as it can
represent the minimum circumference around the body especially for
consumers who have a more hourglass body shape or a more pear-like
body shape. This is a function of fit at the minimum circumference,
which means the product circumference and as a result force at the
waist would have to increase to slide or sag due to the increased
body dimension at the hip. For products comprising one uniform
elastic material or a series of uniformly strained strands of
material, the hip may be the highest force region in the
waist-encircling portion of the article, especially for hour glass
or pear shaped body styles. For smaller infants and larger adults,
the high force region can extend toward the waist as the Waist
Circumference measurement approaches the Hip Circumference
measurement. The Hip Circumference and Waist Circumference are
illustrated in FIG. 1. The relationship of the Hip Circumference to
the Waist Circumference (Hip Circumference-to-Waist Circumference
Ratio), as illustrated in FIG. 2 as a function of body weight, and
in FIG. 3 as a function of age. This is an important product design
parameter to ensure that the shape of the product in the waist
region more closely approximates the shape of the body in the waist
region. Having an understanding of the relationship between the Hip
Circumference and Waist Circumference enables targeting of elastic
forces based on the body shape to enable improved fit, comfort and
gasketing. Elastic forces that are too high as well as elastic
forces that are too low can both have a negative impact on fit,
performance and comfort. High force leads to fit that is too tight
and uncomfortable due to skin marking and low forces lead to loose
fit, sagging and potential leakage due to poor gasketing.
[0004] The Hip Width and Waist Width are illustrated in FIG. 4. The
correlation between the Hip Circumference and Hip Width is shown in
FIG. 5, and the correlation between Waist Circumference and Waist
Width is shown in FIG. 6. The Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouette, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7 correlates with the Hip
Circumference-to-Waist Circumference Ratio as the values of both
increase as a function of weight for infants and young adults, less
than about 50 kg in weight, and decrease as a function of weight
for adults greater than about 50 kg in weight. This is shown in
FIGS. 2, 4, and 7.
[0005] A key benefit of having the Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette
closer to that of the Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouette and designed to
change accordingly with body weight is that the product itself more
closely matches the shape of the body. This results in the product
being deformed to a significantly lesser degree during application
than one that is generically designed to generically fit a bigger
range as illustrated by the current marketed products. It also
results in a product fit, which is more tailored to the body shape,
providing more effective gasketing and more targeted force and
pressure distribution between the hip and waist. In fact, many of
the current marketed product arrays do not provide adequate fit,
gasketing, comfort and discretion across the entire range.
Additionally, product designs, which mimic the general shape of the
body convey to consumers a better, more tailored fit as the Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes are more similar to consumers' Body
Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes. The designs enabled by the present
disclosure are more targeted by design and therefore provide a
greater level of fit, gasketing, comfort and discretion.
[0006] Absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be used to
absorb and contain liquid and other discharges from the human body
to prevent the body and clothing from becoming soiled.
[0007] Absorbent articles come in a variety of designs, each
typically available in multiple sizes, including 2, 3 and 4 size
arrays. The size of articles of the prior art typically affects,
for example, the size of the waist opening, the size of the
openings around the thighs, and the length or "pitch" of the
article. The prior art articles are typically sized and sold by
weight or waist circumference dimension.
[0008] Desirably, an absorbent article should be designed and sized
to maintain contact with and conform as closely as possible to a
wearer's body. Such a body-conforming design may increase the
effectiveness of the absorbent article by reducing the possibility
that urine, or the like, will spread or travel along the wearer's
body and leak out of rather than be absorbed into the absorbent
article. However, current absorbent articles on the market do not
adequately address body shape or product shape and therefore do not
fit a broad range of users adequately or provide the desired level
of close fit. Typically packages of absorbent articles are labeled
with a recommended wearer weight or waist circumference range that
the packaged article is intended to fit. As a result, the weight or
waist circumference are often the only criteria used to identify
the size of an article. The waist size does not in itself
adequately describe the body shape of the individual and therefore
does not help define the hip or thigh circumference nor the pitch
that may be needed to provide the proper fit, comfort, coverage and
gasketing of the article. This is the case even though other
characteristics and anthropometric attributes of potential wearers
(for example, age, height, weight, thigh circumference, and rise)
may vary widely within the recommended weight or waist
circumference range, and may result in an ill-fitting article even
though a wearer's weight or waist circumference falls within that
range. There is a need for absorbent articles that conform well to
various wearers' body shapes and sizes. While there is a wide range
of body shapes and sizes among consumers, available products do not
reflect this wide range; rather, absorbent articles available today
within a given product array tend to be scaled versions of each
other, and do not even follow the natural trend of body shape and
dimensional changes across the range of consumers, i.e. smaller to
larger consumers as well as consumers of varying shape.
[0009] As consumers gain in body weight, they exhibit different
ratios of body anthropometrics than smaller consumers, i.e., all
body dimensions do not simply scale-up as consumers get larger. In
addition, consumers across the range of weight may also have very
different body shapes. There is a lack of recognition and
understanding of this issue by current absorbent article
manufacturers and as such consumers' needs are not being adequately
met. Therefore, there is a need to develop 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
absorbent article to reduce the occurrence leakage and improve the
overall fit, comfort, coverage and discretion of the article. There
is a clear need for absorbent articles which are designed for a
variety of wearers based on their weight and body shape. There is
also a need to communicate to wearers the benefits of such
customized absorbent articles in an easy-to-understand.
[0010] These are all objects of the present disclosure; embodiments
of the present disclosure may combine various objects mentioned. A
particular embodiment may, but need not, embody every object as
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows Hip Circumference and Waist Circumference
against a body shape.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a chart which shows how the average ratio of Hip
Circumference-to-Waist Circumference Ratio changes as body weight
increases.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a chart which shows how the average ratio of Hip
Circumference-to-Waist Circumference changes as age increases.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows Waist Width and Hip Width against a body
shape.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a chart which shows how the Hip Width and Hip
Circumference correlate.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a chart which shows how the Waist Width and Waist
Circumference correlate.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a chart which shows how the average Body
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette changes as weight increases.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a pant product in its laid out, relaxed, and
unfolded state.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a chart which shows examples of existing product
arrays, and how their Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes compare to
the Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes of the weight of the consumers
each product is targeted to fit.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a chart which shows examples of existing product
arrays, and how their Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes compare to
the Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes of the weight of the consumers
each product is targeted to fit.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a chart which shows examples of inventive product
arrays, and how their Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes compare to
the Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes of the weight of the consumers
each product is targeted to fit.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a pant diaper with a continuous
belt in the front and back waist regions.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG.
12 wherein belts connect opposing waist regions.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG.
13 wherein flaps connect opposing waist regions.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG.
14 wherein side seams connect the flaps and opposing waist
regions.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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. 12.
[0030] FIG. 20 shows Bar C (304) and Bar O (305) of the Sample
Holder Apparatus
[0031] FIG. 21 shows a flat, unfolded pant.
[0032] FIG. 22 shows a pant in the testing apparatus.
[0033] FIG. 23 illustrates an example package of a plurality of the
absorbent articles of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] "Pull-on garment" or "pant" means articles of wear which
have a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and which
are pulled onto the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into
the leg openings and pulling the article up over the waist.
[0035] "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.
[0036] "Closed form" means opposing waist regions are joined to
form a continuous waist opening and leg openings. See FIGS.
15-17.
[0037] "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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including
trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits
across the line-up.
[0040] "On-line Array" means an "Array" distributed by a common
on-line source.
[0041] "Hip Circumference" means the circumference of the body at
the level of the maximum posterior protuberance of buttocks. See
FIG. 1.
[0042] "Hip Width" means the horizontal distance at the front of
the body at the hips, where the hips are defined at the same level
as the maximum prominent point of the buttocks as seen from the
side. See FIG. 3.
[0043] "Waist Circumference" means the horizontal circumference of
the waist at the level of the center of the navel (omphalion). See
FIG. 1.
[0044] "Waist Width" means the width of the body measured
horizontally in the front of the body at the omphalion (center of
navel). See FIG. 3.
[0045] "Hip Circumference-to-Waist Circumference Ratio" means the
Hip Circumference (mm) divided by the Waist Circumference (mm). See
FIG. 1.
[0046] "Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouette" means the Hip Width (mm)
divided by the Waist Width (mm). See FIG. 3.
[0047] "Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette" means Relaxed Product Hip
Width (301) (mm) divided by the Relaxed Product Waist Width (302)
(mm). See FIG. 8. The Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette may be from
about 0.9 to 1.4, from 1 to 1.3, or from 1.1 to 1.2.
[0048] "Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette" means the
average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of each size offered in a
product array. For example, the Depend Underwear for Women (Maximum
Absorbency) is marketed and sold in an array of 3 sizes:
Small/Medium; Large and Extra Large. The Array Average Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette is the average of: The Product Hip-to-Waist
Silhouette for size Small/Medium; the Product Hip-to-Waist
Silhouette for size Large; and the Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette
for size Extra Large. Table 1 shows examples of the Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette for some currently marketed product
arrays.
[0049] "Relaxed Product Length" means the longitudinal distance
between the longitudinally distal most point in the crotch region
and the longitudinally distal most point along the front waist
edge. The longitudinal distance is measured parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the product. Refer to FIG. 8. Relaxed Product
Length may be from about 180 mm to 490 mm, from about 190 mm to 300
mm, or from about 200 mm to about 260 mm.
[0050] "Relaxed Product Hip Width" means the lateral distance from
the laterally distal most point of the left side edge of the
product at the upper edge of the left leg opening to the laterally
distal most point of the right side edge of the product at the
upper edge of the right leg opening. Refer to FIG. 8. The lateral
distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
product. Relaxed Product Hip Width may be from about 150 mm to 440
mm, from about 160 mm to 330 mm, or from about 180 mm to about 260
mm.
[0051] "Relaxed Product Waist Width" means the lateral distance
from the distal most point at the right side of the front waist
edge to the distal most point at the left side of the front waist
edge. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the product. Refer to FIG. 8. Relaxed Product
Waist Width may be from about 140 mm to 360 mm, from about 150 mm
to 270 mm, or from about 170 mm to about 270 mm.
[0052] "Relaxed Product Side Length" means the linear distance from
the point of intersection between the waist edge and the side edge
of the product to the point of intersection between the top of the
leg opening and the same side edge of the product. The relaxed
product side length measurement is the average of the measurements
from the left and right sides of the product. Refer to FIG. 8.
[0053] "Target Weight Range" means the weight range as defined on
each product package. For example, the Pampers Easy Ups size 2T-3T
package indicates a weight of 7 kg-15 kg.
[0054] "Average Targeted Weight" means the average of the Target
Weight Range. For example, the Pampers Easy Ups size 2T-3T has a
Target Weight Range (as defined on its package) of 7 kg-15 kg. The
Average Targeted Weight for this product is 11 kg.
[0055] "Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio" means the ratio of Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette to Average Targeted Weight for successive
products in an array. It is calculated by taking the absolute value
of the difference between successive Product Hip-to-Waist
Silhouettes divided by the difference between those same products
Average Targeted Weight. The units are mm/mm/kg. For example, an
array of three packages will have two Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight
Ratios. One Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio is calculated between the
first and second packages, and one Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio is
calculated between the second and third packages. Table 1 shows
examples of the Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio for some currently
marketed product arrays.
[0056] "Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio" means
the average of all Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio's within an array
of at least three packages. For example, the Pampers Easy Ups &
Pampers Under Jams is marketed and sold in an array of 5 sizes:
2T-3T; 3T-4T; 4T-5T; Small/Medium; and Large/Extra Large. This
array has four Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratios. The Array Average
Product Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio is the average of: The
Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between sizes 2T-3T and 3T-4T; the
Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between sizes 3T-4T and 4T-5T; the
Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between sizes 4T-5T and Small/Medium;
and the Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between sizes Small/Medium and
Large/Extra Large.
[0057] "Product Length-to-Center Chassis Length Delta" means the
difference between the longitudinal product length and the
longitudinal center chassis length. The Product Length-to-Center
Chassis Length Delta may be greater than zero, may be from about 10
mm to 200 mm, from about 25 mm to 100 mm, or from about 50 mm to
about 75 mm.
[0058] "Product Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio" means the
longitudinal product length divided by the longitudinal center
chassis length. The Product Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio
may be from about 1.05 to 1.6, from about 1.10 to 1.3, or from
about 1.15 to 1.25.
[0059] "Back Side Panel Longitudinal Length" means the longitudinal
length of the back side panel 38. Refer to FIG. 12.
[0060] One region where the shape of the body changes as weight
gets higher is in the Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouette. The Body
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette gets larger on average for infants and
young adults, weighing less than about 50 kg and being less than
about 18 years old. And the Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouette gets
smaller on average for adults weighing more than about 50 kg and
older than about 18 years old. FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 illustrate how both
the Hip Circumference-to-Waist Circumference Ratio and the Body
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette change as weight and age increase.
[0061] It may be desirable to link the Product Hip-to-Waist
Silhouette to that of the targeted consumers Body Hip-to-Waist
Silhouette in order to achieve a better fitting, better conforming,
better gasketing product. This may increase the wearing comfort for
each consumer while reducing leakage. Additionally, a product array
where the Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of each subsequently
larger size follows the same general trend as the Body Hip-to-Waist
Silhouette for each subsequently larger size may also deliver a
better fitting, better conforming article to each consumer
regardless of their respective weight.
[0062] Table 1 details some of today's marketed product arrays
("comparative example arrays" or "existing product arrays"). FIGS.
9 and 10 show how the Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes of these
arrays compare to the consumers' Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes. It
can be seen that for these comparative example arrays of three or
more sizes, their Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes not only fail to
match those of their target consumers, but it can also be seen that
the trend from size to size for the existing product arrays is that
the Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes do not match the trend of the
Body Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes of the consumers. The result of this
mismatch is that the products provide an inferior level of fit,
comfort, coverage and gasketing across much of the weight range
than products that are designed in line with the anthropometric
measures across the same weight range. Each of the comparative
example arrays have a Product Length-to-Center Chassis Length Delta
of zero and a Product Length-to-Center Chassis Length Ratio of
1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Examples of Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes
for Existing Product Arrays Relaxed Relaxed Array Average Minimum
Maximum Average Product Product Product Product Weight Weight
Targeted Waist Hip Relaxed Hip-to-Waist Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight
Hip-to-Waist Target Target Weight Width Width Product Silhouette
Ratio Silhouette (kg) (kg) (kg) (mm) (mm) Length (mm) (mm/mm)
(mm/mm/kg) (mm/mm) Pampers Easy Ups & Pampers Under Jams size
2T-3T 7 15 11.0 143 182 200 1.274 n/a 1.299 size 3T-4T 14 18 15.9
155 195 203 1.259 0.003 size 4T-5T 17 30 23.5 163 197 209 1.211
0.006 size S/M 17 29 23.0 157 222 228 1.415 0.409 size L/LX 26 39
32.5 180 241 241 1.334 0.009 Huggies Pull Ups & Huggies Good
Nites Pull Ups size 2T-3T 8 15 11.5 153 185 191 1.213 n/a 1.290
size 3T-4T 15 18 16.5 136 202 183 1.483 0.054 size 4T-5T 17 23 20.0
159 203 207 1.279 0.058 size S/M 17 29 23.0 214 262 234 1.223 0.019
size L/LX 27 57 42.0 229 287 248 1.254 0.002 Target Up and Up size
2T-3T 8 15 11.8 154 182 190 1.181 n/a 1.234 size 3T-4T 15 18 16.3
157 191 189 1.217 0.008 size 4T-5T 17 23 20.0 170 210 207 1.233
0.004 size S/M 17 29 23.4 179 228 230 1.275 0.012 size L/LX 27 54
40.8 210 265 254 1.262 0.001 Parents Choice size 2T-3T 8 15 11.5
148 185 187 1.250 n/a 1.138 size 3T-4T 15 18 16.5 157 196 194 1.243
0.001 size 4T-5T 12 17 14.5 194 226 211 1.166 0.039 size S/M 20 29
24.5 269 267 256 0.993 0.017 size L/LX 27 57 42.0 252 262 258 1.039
0.003 Meijer Kids size 2T-3T 8 15 11.5 141 189 187 1.339 n/a 1.251
size 3T-4T 15 18 16.5 150 196 187 1.303 0.007 size 4T-5T 17 23 20.0
182 208 202 1.141 0.046 size S/M 17 29 23.0 201 246 232 1.228 0.029
size L/LX 27 57 42.0 219 271 252 1.241 0.001 Kroger Comforts &
Kroger Comforts Nite Pants size 2T-3T 8 15 11.5 161 186 189 1.158
n/a 1.197 size 3T-4T 15 18 16.5 150 191 193 1.275 0.023 size 4T-5T
17 23 20.0 182 219 207 1.207 0.019 size S/M 17 29 23.0 216 249 236
1.153 0.018 size L/LX 27 57 42.0 235 281 249 1.195 0.002
[0063] Table 2 below illustrates inventive arrays of 2, 3, and 4
packages, whose Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes match the trends
of the consumers that they are targeted to fit and thereby provide
better fit & comfort while reducing the chance of leakage.
These inventive arrays are provided simply as non-limiting
examples. Other inventive arrays are possible within the scope of
this disclosure. These inventive arrays are also shown in FIG.
11.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Examples of Inventive Product Arrays Array
Relaxed Relaxed Average Min Max Average Product Product Relaxed
Product Product Targeted Targeted Targeted Waist Hip Product
Hip-to-Waist Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Hip-to-Waist Weight Weight
Weight Width Width Length Silhouette Ratio Silhouette (kg) (kg)
(kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm/kg) (mm/mm) 1.sup.st Inventive
Array (2 package array) 1.sup.st Package in 4 7 6 140 150 190 1.071
n/a 1.111 Array 2.sup.nd Package in 8 19 14 165 190 220 1.152 0.010
Array 2.sup.nd Inventive Array (3 package array) 1.sup.st Package
in 15 18 17 170 200 190 1.176 n/a Array 2.sup.nd Package in 17 44
31 175 220 220 1.257 0.006 1.224 Array 3.sup.rd Package in 37 67 52
210 260 240 1.238 0.001 Array 3.sup.rd Inventive Array (4 package
array) 1.sup.st Package in 17 30 24 165 210 190 1.273 n/a Array
2.sup.nd Package in 27 57 42 200 270 220 1.350 0.004 1.302 Array
3.sup.rd Package in 40 80 60 225 300 240 1.333 0.001 Array 4.sup.th
Package in 70 100 85 260 325 260 1.250 0.003 Array
[0064] Beyond the examples above, it may be desirable and within
the scope of the present disclosure to have a first absorbent
article in a first package, the first absorbent article may have a
Relaxed Product Waist Width of from about 70 mm to about 210 mm, or
from about 130 mm to about 180 mm, a Relaxed Product Hip Width of
from about 140 mm to about 230 mm, or from about 150 mm to about
210 mm, a Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from about 1.0 to
about 2.2, or from about 1.05 to about 1.8. Arrays of the present
disclosure may comprise a second absorbent article in a second
package, the second absorbent article may have a Relaxed Product
Waist Width of from about 80 mm to about 270 mm, or from about 150
mm to about 230 mm, a Relaxed Product Hip Width of from about 170
mm to about 310 mm, or from about 180 mm to about 280 mm, a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from about 1.0 to about 2.2, or from
about 1.05 to about 1.8. Arrays of the present disclosure may
comprise a third absorbent article in a third package, the third
absorbent article may have a Relaxed Product Waist Width of from
about 150 mm to about 330 mm, or from about 160 mm to about 320 mm,
a Relaxed Product Hip Width of from about 230 mm to about 380 mm,
or from about 250 mm to about 360 mm, a Product Hip-to-Waist
Silhouette of from about 1.0 to about 2.2, or from about 1.05 to
about 1.8. Arrays of the present disclosure may comprise a fourth
absorbent article in a fourth package, the fourth absorbent article
may have a Relaxed Product Waist Width of from about 170 mm to
about 400 mm, or from about 180 mm to about 370 mm, a Relaxed
Product Hip Width of from about 250 mm to about 380 mm, or from
about 260 mm to about 370 mm, a Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of
from about 1.0 to about 2.2, or from about 1.05 to about 1.8.
Arrays of the present disclosure may comprise a fifth absorbent
article in a fifth package, the fifth absorbent article may have a
Relaxed Product Waist Width of from about 180 mm to about 400 mm,
or from about 190 mm to about 370 mm, a Relaxed Product Hip Width
of from about 250 mm to about 400 mm, or from about 260 mm to about
370 mm, a Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from about 1.0 to
about 2.2, or from about 1.05 to about 1.8. Arrays of the present
disclosure may comprise a sixth absorbent article in a sixth
package, the sixth absorbent article may have a Relaxed Product
Waist Width of from about 200 mm to about 400 mm, or from about 210
mm to about 370 mm, a Relaxed Product Hip Width of from about 250
mm to about 400 mm, or from about 270 mm to about 370 mm, a Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of from about 1.0 to about 2.2, or from
about 1.05 to about 1.8. Note, each of the first, second, third,
fourth, fifth, and sixth absorbent articles of this paragraph are
not identical dimensionally.
[0065] Further, an Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of
the first and second absorbent articles of the first and second
packages may be from about 0.90 to about 1.15, or from about 0.95
to about 1.08. An Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of
the first, second, and third absorbent articles of the first,
second, and third packages may be from about 0.90 to about 1.6, or
from about 0.95 to about 1.10. An Array Average Product
Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of the first, second, third, and fourth
absorbent articles of the first, second, third, and fourth packages
may be from about 0.90 to about 1.70, or from about 0.95 to about
1.55. An Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of the
first, second, third, fourth, and fifth absorbent articles of the
first, second, third, fourth, and fifth packages may be from about
0.90 to about 1.03, or from about 0.95 to about 1.01. An Array
Average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouette of the first, second,
third, fourth, fifth, and sixth absorbent articles of the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth packages may be from about
0.90 to about 1.3, or from about 0.95 to about 1.25.
[0066] Further, an Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight
Ratio between the first and second absorbent articles of the first
and second packages may be from about 0.0 to about 0.015, or from
about 0.0 to about 0.010. An Array Average Product
Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between the first, second, and third
absorbent articles of the first, second, and third packages may be
from about 0.0 to about 0.013, or from about 0.0 to about 0.010. An
Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between the
first, second, third, and fourth absorbent articles of the first,
second, third, and fourth packages may be from about 0.0 to about
0.015, or from about 0.0 to about 0.006. An Array Average Product
Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth absorbent articles of the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth packages may be from about 0.0 to about 0.015, or
from about 0.0 to about 0.010. An Array Average Product
Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio between the first, second, third,
fourth, fifth, and sixth absorbent articles of the first, second,
third, fourth, fifth, and sixth packages may be from about 0.0 to
about 0.070, or from about 0.0 to about 0.060.
Absorbent Article
[0067] 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.
[0068] In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a
chassis (also referred to as a "center 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. 12, an example absorbent
article 10 is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to joining
the fastening components 53a and b.
[0069] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, 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 436 in the front waist region 36 and
a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end
edge 438 in the back waist region 38.
[0070] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, 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 chassis end edges 136 and
138. The chassis 100 may form a portion of the laterally extending
front waist end edge 436 in the front waist region 36 and a portion
of the longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist
end edge 438 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
436 and through a midpoint of the back waist end edge 438, 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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
[0073] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 12 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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/m.sup.2 to about 35
g/m.sup.2. 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.
[0079] 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
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] In one embodiment, the absorbent structure may have an
intake factor greater than 3 according to US 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).
[0086] In one embodiment, the absorbent composite has a body fluid
absorption greater than 75 g/100 cm.sup.2, according to U.S. Pat.
No. 6,649,810.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
Leg Cuffs
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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 436 and in a
longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown)
adjacent to the back waist end edge 438. 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
Waistband
[0095] 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 outwardly 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.
[0096] 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
[0097] 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 137a and b of the
chassis in the front and/or rear waist regions 36 and 38 (see FIGS.
12-17). 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 FIG. 12). In some embodiments
the waistbands 112 can overlap the flaps to create a continuous
belt-like structure (see FIG. 14).
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
Fastening System
[0102] 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. This may be accomplished by flaps 189a and b
in the back waist region interconnecting with flaps 189c 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 53a 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; and 5,221,274. 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
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
Packages
[0112] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be
placed into packages. The packages may comprise polymeric films
and/or other materials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to
properties of the absorbent articles may be formed on, printed on,
positioned on, and/or placed on outer portions of the packages.
Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles. The
absorbent articles may be packed under compression so as to reduce
the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate amount
of absorbent articles per package. By packaging the absorbent
articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store
the packages, while also providing distribution savings to
manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.
[0113] Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the
present disclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of less than
about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less
than about 85 mm, less than about 85 mm, but greater than about 75
mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about
76 mm, or less than about 74 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm
increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed
therein or thereby, according to the In-Bag Stack Height Test
described herein. Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles
of the present disclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of from
about 70 mm to about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm, from
about 72 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, or
from about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm
increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed
therein or thereby, according to the In-Back Stack Height Test
described herein.
[0114] FIG. 23 illustrates an example package 1000 comprising a
plurality of absorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an
interior space 1002 in which the plurality of absorbent articles
1004 are situated. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are
arranged in one or more stacks 1006.
[0115] In-Bag Stack Height Test
[0116] The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles
is determined as follows:
[0117] Equipment
[0118] A thickness tester with a flat, rigid horizontal sliding
plate is used. The thickness tester is configured so that the
horizontal sliding plate moves freely in a vertical direction with
the horizontal sliding plate always maintained in a horizontal
orientation directly above a flat, rigid horizontal base plate. The
thickness tester includes a suitable device for measuring the gap
between the horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate
to within .+-.0.5 mm. The horizontal sliding plate and the
horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of the absorbent
article package that contacts each plate, i.e. each plate extends
past the contact surface of the absorbent article package in all
directions. The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of
850.+-.1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article package,
which may be achieved by placing a suitable weight on the center of
the non-package-contacting top surface of the horizontal sliding
plate so that the total mass of the sliding plate plus added weight
is 850.+-.1 grams.
[0119] Test Procedure
[0120] Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at
23.+-.2.degree. C. and 50.+-.5% relative humidity prior to
measurement.
[0121] The horizontal sliding plate is raised and an absorbent
article package is placed centrally under the horizontal sliding
plate in such a way that the absorbent articles within the package
are in a horizontal orientation (see FIG. 28). Any handle or other
packaging feature on the surfaces of the package that would contact
either of the plates is folded flat against the surface of the
package so as to minimize their impact on the measurement. The
horizontal sliding plate is lowered slowly until it contacts the
top surface of the package and then released. The gap between the
horizontal plates is measured to within .+-.0.5 mm ten seconds
after releasing the horizontal sliding plate. Five identical
packages (same size packages and same absorbent articles counts)
are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the package
width. The "In-Bag Stack Height"=(package width/absorbent article
count per stack).times.10 is calculated and reported to within
.+-.0.5 mm.
[0122] Test Methods
Product Measurement Preparation
[0123] All measurements are conducted at 22.degree. C.+/-2.degree.
and 50% RH +/-20%.
Purpose
[0124] This method is used to prepare pant type products for
subsequent dimensional measurement. The method provides a
consistent means of opening a product that has been removed from a
bag. This method is applicable to all forms of pant products. A
constant rate of extension tensile testing machine with computer
interface is used.
[0125] A load cell is chosen so that the load cell capacity ensures
accuracy of a 5N load to within 0.1N.
Sample Holder Apparatus
[0126] "C" (304) and "O" (305) Bar attachments each with a rod
radius of 9.50 mm that extend longer than the length of the longest
side seam. Refer to FIG. 20. The bars are mounted horizontally in
the tensile tester with their longitudinal axes in the same
vertical plane and with upper bar mounted directly above the lower
bar.
Equipment Set Up
[0127] Calibrate tensile tester equipment according to the
instrument manufacturer's recommendations.
[0128] The initial gauge length is determined by removing 10 sample
products from the bag, unfolding the pant products (307) and laying
them flat as illustrated in FIG. 21, below and measuring the
distance between the sides of the pant at the waist as shown (306).
The average of the waist measurement will be used as the initial
gauge length for the specific set of specimens. The initial gauge
length is the distance from the uppermost edge of the upper bar to
the lowermost edge of the lower bar.
[0129] Apply the whole product (307) to the bars as shown in FIG.
22 while minimizing manipulation of the specimen.
[0130] Pull Sample to 5N Force then hold for 10 seconds. Return to
initial gauge length.
[0131] Speed=254.0 mm/min, Data acquisition rate=50 Hz.
[0132] Cycles=1
[0133] Remove the specimen from the bars while minimizing
manipulation. Lay the specimen flat with the front side facing
upward as shown in FIG. 8.
[0134] Repeat for all 10 specimens
Physical Measurements
[0135] Each of the measurements below 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.
Relaxed Product Length (300)
[0136] Relaxed Product Length is the longitudinal distance between
the longitudinally distal most point in the crotch region and the
longitudinally distal most point along the front waist edge. The
longitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the product. Refer to FIG. 8.
Relaxed Product Hip Width (301)
[0137] Relaxed Product Hip Width is the lateral distance from the
laterally distal most point of the left side edge of the product at
the upper edge of the left leg opening to the laterally distal most
point of the right side edge of the product at the upper edge of
the right leg opening. Refer to FIG. 8. The lateral distance is
measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product.
Relaxed Product Waist Width (302)
[0138] Relaxed Product Waist Width is the lateral distance from the
distal most point at the right side of the front waist edge to the
distal most point at the left side of the front waist edge. The
lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the product. Refer to FIG. 8.
Relaxed Product Side Length (303)
[0139] Relaxed Product Side Length is the linear distance from the
point of intersection between the waist edge and the side edge of
the product to the point of intersection between the top of the leg
opening and the same side edge of the product. The relaxed product
side length measurement is the average of the measurements from the
left and right sides of the product. Refer to FIG. 8.
[0140] Each of the measurements above is recorded to within +/-1.0
mm
* * * * *