Patent Application
20250186272
This invention relates to pant-type absorbent articles having a composite isolation sheet for isolating body exudates from the wearer's skin.
Absorbent articles for personal hygiene, such as disposable diapers, disposable pants, and adult incontinence undergarments, are designed to absorb and contain various body exudates, including urine, menses, low viscosity fecal matter, and solid fecal matter. Urine may be difficult to quickly isolate and contain while the wearer is sleeping, and particularly when the wearer is sleeping on one's side. Moreover, it is known that when fecal material and urine meet on the skin, this may cause irritation and redness of the skin and sometimes even dermatitis of the skin.
Absorbent articles with means to isolate urine have been known in the art, such as in JP Publication 2001-252303A. While such absorbent articles have been known, they have shortcomings that have prevented significant commercial success. For example, those known in the art may have a front side isolation sheet with an edge extending straight in the transverse direction, or may have elastic strands at the edge of the front side isolation sheet. Such configurations for the front side isolation sheet may cause irritation to the wearer's genital area.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an absorbent article having an isolation sheet on the front side for preventing urine leakage while maintaining the performance of containment and wear comfort. There is also a need for such an absorbent article which may be economically manufactured.
The present invention is directed to an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction comprising a front elastic belt, a back elastic belt, and a crotch region, wherein the front and back elastic belts are connected with a pair of side seams to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; the crotch region extending longitudinally between the front elastic belt and the back elastic belt; the absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body extending the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and further extending partly into each of the front region and the back region, the absorbent main body comprising:
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:
As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specified thereafter:
“Absorbent article” refers to articles of wear which may be in the form of pants, taped diapers, incontinent briefs, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, so configured to also absorb and contain various exudates such as urine, feces, and menses discharged from the body. The “absorbent article” may serve as an outer cover adaptable to be joined with a separable disposable absorbent insert for providing absorbent and containment function, such as those disclosed in PCT publication WO 2011/087503A.
“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waist and leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer's lower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”, “prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and “diaper-pants”.
“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article.
“Transverse” refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
“Proximal” and “distal” refer respectively to the position closer or farther relative to the longitudinal center of the article.
“Wearer-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. “Wearer-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” implies the element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate to the wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article).
“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place or position.
“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element and to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.
“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width of the material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, films have a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.
“Nonwoven”, “nonwoven layer” or “nonwoven web” are used interchangeably to mean an engineered fibrous assembly, primarily planar, which has been given a designed level of structural integrity by physical and/or chemical means, excluding weaving, knitting or papermaking (ISO 9092:2019 definition). The directionally or randomly orientated fibers, are bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion. The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm and they come in several different forms such as short fibers (known as staple, or chopped), continuous single fibers (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tow), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yam). Nonwoven webs can be formed by many processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, carding and airlaying. The basis weight of nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter (g/m2 or gsm).
“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from natural forces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable”.
“Hydrophilic” describes surfaces of substrates which are wettable by aqueous fluids (e.g., aqueous body fluids) deposited on these substrates. Hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined in terms of contact angle and the strike-through time of the fluids, for example through a nonwoven fabric. This is discussed in detail in the American Chemical Society publication entitled “Contact Angle, Wettability and Adhesion”, edited by Robert F. Gould (Copyright 1964). A surface of a substrate is said to be wetted by a fluid (i.e., hydrophilic) when either the contact angle between the fluid and the surface is less than 90°, or when the fluid tends to spread spontaneously across the surface of the substrate, both conditions are normally co-existing. Conversely, a substrate is considered to be “hydrophobic” if the contact angle is greater than 90° and the fluid does not spread spontaneously across the surface of the fiber.
“Extendibility” and “extensible” mean that the width or length of the component in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.
“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at least a portion made of elastic material.
“Elongatable material”, “extensible material”, or “stretchable material” are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about 110% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percent more than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20% of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recovers at least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material is considered to be “elastic” or “elastomeric.” For example, an elastic material that has an initial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40% recovery). In the event the material recovers less than 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material is considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantially non-elastomeric”. For example, an elongatable material that has an initial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 10% recovery).
“Dimension”, “Length”, “Width”, “Pitch”, “Diameter”, “Aspect Ratio”, “Angle”, and “Area” of the article are all measured in a state wherein the article is extended to the Full Stretch Circumference W1 according to the “Whole Article Force Measurement” herein, and utilizing a ruler or a loupe, unless specified otherwise.
“Artwork” refers to a visual presentation to the naked eye, which is provided by printing or otherwise, and having a color. Printing includes various methods and apparatus well known to those skilled in the art such as lithographic, screen printing, flexographic, and gravure ink jet printing techniques.
“Color” or “Colored” as referred to herein includes any primary color except color white, i.e., black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigo as well as any declination thereof or mixture thereof. The color white is defined as those colors having a L* value of at least 94, an a* value equal to 0±2, and a b* value equal to 0±2 according to the CIE L*a*b* color system.
The absorbent article (20) may be a belt-type pant as in
The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) of the article of the present invention acts to dynamically create fitment forces and to distribute the forces dynamically generated during wear. The front and back elastic belts (84, 86) are joined with each other outside the side edges (89) to form side seams (32), a waist opening and two leg openings. Each leg opening may be provided with elasticity around the perimeter of the leg opening. The elasticity around the leg opening may be provided by the leg elastic bodies (33F, 33B) provided along the shaped crotch region of the elastic cover (40) as in
The front elastic belt (84) and back elastic belt (86) are configured to impart elasticity in the transverse direction. Referring to
The tensile stress (N/m) of the entirety of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86), respectively, may be profiled in order to provide the functional benefits of the present invention, such as ease of stretch and application, while also maintaining certain force during wear, to prevent the article from sagging after loading. When the elasticity of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86) are provided by a plurality of elastic members (96) running in the transverse direction, the tensile stress may be adjusted by one or more of the following methods; 1) elongation rate of the elastic member (96); 2) density (dtex) of the elastic member (96); 3) longitudinal pitch of multiple elastic members (96); and 4) effective length of elasticity of the elastic member (96) in the transverse direction. By elongation, “0% elongation” is meant the original length of the elastic member.
The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises a water permeable topsheet (24), a water impermeable backsheet (25) and an absorbent core (62) disposed between the topsheet (24) and the backsheet (25). The topsheet (24) may be a water permeable substrate. The backsheet (25) may be a water impermeable film. Referring to
The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises a water permeable topsheet (24) that may be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to a wearer. Suitable topsheets (24) may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet (24) is generally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. The topsheet (24) is water permeable, permitting bodily fluids to readily penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet (24). One topsheet (24) useful herein is available from Fibertex NiLai, Malaysia with tradename H30501221 or FQN Hazlet NJ with tradename SB1206169. Any portion of the topsheet (24) may be coated with a lotion or skin care composition as is known in the art. Portions of the topsheet (24) that do not overlap the composite isolation sheet may be coated with a lotion. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; and 5,643,588.
The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises a water impermeable backsheet (25) which is designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbent core (62) from soiling articles that may contact the absorbent article, such as bed sheets and undergarments. The backsheet (25) may be positioned such that it extends beyond the absorbent core (62) in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. Suitable backsheet (25) materials include films such as those manufactured by Plaster Argentina with tradename PLBA NBBS 10-12GSM PR V1. Other suitable backsheet (25) materials may include breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet (25). Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by Daika Japan with tradename MPF DKH-180 15G V7 and manufactured by Berry Nashville, TN with trademark BR-137P V13. Such breathable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823. Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturing techniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet including, but not limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections and processing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.
The absorbent main body (38) of the present invention comprises an absorbent core (62) for absorbing and containing body exudates disposed on the wearer facing side. The absorbent core (62) may include an absorbent layer and an acquisition system. The absorbent layer is the region wherein absorbent materials having a high retention capacity, such as superabsorbent polymers, are present. The absorbent core (62) may exist through the entire longitudinal dimension of the crotch region and extending at least partly in the front region (26); or at least partly in both the front and back regions (26, 28). The absorbent layer may be substantially cellulose free. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may contain cellulose. There may be an absorbent layer mainly comprising cellulose, and another absorbent layer mainly comprising superabsorbent polymers.
Superabsorbent polymers of the absorbent layer may be disposed between first and second layers of material immobilized by a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material. The first and second layers of materials may be nonwoven fibrous webs including synthetic fibers, such as mono-constituent fibers of PE, PET and PP, multiconstituent fibers such as side by side, core/sheath or island in the sea type fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbonding process or a meltblowing process.
The absorbent core (62) may also include an acquisition system for facilitating the acquisition and distribution of body exudates, and may be placed between the topsheet (24) and the absorbent layer. The acquisition system may include cellulosic fibers. The absorbent layers may be disposed in plurality in the absorbent core (62). Some portions of the absorbent layers may be configured to have substantially no absorbent material to form a channel or a plurality of channels. Channels may be useful for allowing the absorbent core (62) to bend upon swelling with fluids, such that the center region conforms to the wearer's body after swelling and prevent sagging of the article. The channels may also be formed in the acquisition system, and may be configured to at least partly match the channels of the absorbent layer in the thickness direction. The acquisition system may comprise a liquid management layer directly under the topsheet (24). The function of such a layer is to rapidly acquire the fluid from the topsheet (24) away from the wearer-facing side and/or to distribute over a larger area so it is more efficiently absorbed by the absorbent core. It is also possible that such a liquid management layer may be placed between the backsheet (25) and the absorbent core. The liquid management layer may be a spunlace nonwoven comprising viscose, PET, CoPET/PET fibers, and combinations thereof.
The absorbent core (62) may comprise a high loft material encompassing superabsorbent polymers. The term “high loft” refers to low density bulky fabrics, as compared to flat, paper-like fabrics. High loft webs are characterized by a relatively high porosity. This means that there is a relatively high amount of void space in which superabsorbent polymer particles can be distributed. The high loft material (without the superabsorbent particles) of the invention may have a density at a pressure of 4.14 kPa (0.6 psi) below 0.20 g/cm3, in particular ranging from 0.05 g/cm3 to 0.15 g/cm3. The high loft layer (without the superabsorbent particles) may have a density at a pressure of 2.07 kPa (0.3 psi) below 0.20 g/cm3, in particular ranging from 0.02 g/cm3 to 0.15 g/cm3. The high loft layer (without the superabsorbent particles) of the invention may have a density at a pressure of 0.83 kPa (0.12 psi) below 0.15 g/cm3, in particular ranging from 0.01 g/cm3 to 0.15 g/cm3, and a basis weight of from 15 to 500 gsm, preferably 30˜200 gsm, such as those described in US 2021/0361497 A1. The absorbent core (62) comprising high loft material encompassing superabsorbent polymers may also contain channels.
Alternatively, the absorbent core (62) may comprise an absorbent layer having superabsorbent polymers disposed between first and second layers of nonwoven material immobilized by a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material (not shown). The first and second layers of nonwoven materials may be relatively low basis weight nonwoven fibrous webs including synthetic fibers, such as mono-constituent fibers of PE, PET and PP, multiconstituent fibers such as side by side, core/sheath or island in the sea type fibers. Such synthetic fibers may be formed via a spunbonding process or a meltblowing process.
Referring to
In the embodiments of
In addition to the main bonds (MB) extending in the longitudinal direction, the composite isolation sheet (CIS) is bonded to the wearer facing side of the topsheet (24) by an auxiliary bond (AB) extending in the transverse direction between the main bonds (MB). The auxiliary bond (AB) may be provided only in a dimension between the main bonds (MB), or may be provided for the entire transverse dimension of the absorbent main body (38). The auxiliary bond (AB) may also be formed by adhesive, heat, ultrasonic, pressure, or combinations thereof. The auxiliary bond (AB) may be continuous along its entire dimension, or may be provided discontinuous, such as in stripes spaced apart in the transverse direction. The auxiliary bond (AB) may be continuous for providing secure prevention of leakage beyond the absorbent main body (38). The auxiliary bond (AB) may be discontinuous for preventing stiffness in this region. When the auxiliary bond (AB) is provided in stripes spaced apart in the transverse direction, each spacing is no greater than 10 mm. The absorbent core (62) does not extend to the transverse edges beyond the main bonds (MB), and does not extend to the front end beyond the auxiliary bond (AB). By disposing the absorbent core (62) within the main bonds (MB) and auxiliary bonds (AB) this helps exudates to be effectively contained in the absorbent core (62).
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The composite isolation sheet of the present invention may have T1 (mm) and F1 (mm) in the relationship of:
F1≥248.14−4.66×T1+0.34×(T1−40.79)2
Such relationship is described in
Material for making the composite isolation sheet (CIS) may be substantially water impervious material. The material may be an SMS nonwoven or an SMMS nonwoven material, or a nonwoven component layer comprising fine fibers having an average diameter of less than 1 micron. One useful combination of nonwoven fabric webs may include spunbond, meltblown, spunbond (“SMS”) webs comprising outer layers of spunbond thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins) and an interior layer of meltblown thermoplastics. Suitable composite isolation sheet material useful herein include those of SMS type available from Toray Polytech Nantong China with tradename LIVSEN SMS 13, available from FON Hazlet NJ with tradename SM15009270, and available from Fibertex Aalborg Denmark with tradename B10160HS. The material may be treated, by region or in part of a region, with a lotion or a hydrophobic surface coating to provide various physical properties. Material for making the composite isolation sheet (CIS) may have a hydrostatic head of greater than about 2 mbar, or greater than about 3 mbar, or greater than about 4 mbar. The material may have a hydrostatic head of less than about 200 mbar, or less than about 100 mbar, or less than about 75 mbar, or less than about 50 mbar, or less than about 25 mbar, or less than about 15 mbar. The material may have an opacity of from about 15% to about 50% hunter opacity, or from about 20% to about 45% hunter opacity. The material may have an opacity of from about 45% to about 75% hunter opacity; or from about 50% to about 70% hunter opacity. The material may have an air permeability of less than about 50 m3/m2/min; or less than about 45 m3/m2/min. The material may have an air permeability of greater than about 5 m3/m2/min; or greater than about 10 m3/m2/min; or greater than about 15 m3/m2/min; or greater than about 20 m3/m2/min.
Referring to
For any of the configurations of
In some configurations such as in
In the absorbent article of the present invention, the front portion (FC) and components of the front elastic belt (84) have a particular relationship in order for the front portion (FC) to function as intended. Referring to
Further, such configuration of the front portion (FC) being devoid of elastic strands in the front opening edges (102, 103), and preferably the front portion (FC) being devoid of any elastic strands, enables providing elasticity generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (LX) of the absorbent main body. Such configuration of the composite isolation sheet (CIS) of the present invention is advantageous in that, when the machine direction for manufacturing the absorbent main body matches the longitudinal direction, any elastic body to be disposed on the composite isolation sheet (CIS) may also be advanced in the machine direction for attachment.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The back waist guard (WGP) is a separate part from the composite isolation sheet (CIS), however may cooperate with the back portion (BC) in order to provide additional protection on the back side. Without being bound by theory, by providing the back waist guard (WGP) in such dimension relative to LS on the back elastic belt (86), the back side is effectively covered towards the waist opening, so that fluid exudate such as urine, runny fecal matter or blood, may be effectively drawn into the pocket, even when the wearer is in active movement.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The front elastic belt (84) and the back elastic belt (86) of the present invention may each be formed by an inner sheet (94) and an outer sheet (92) having certain relationship with each other for enhancing certain benefits of the front and back elastic belts (84, 86).
When the inner sheet (94) has an inner sheet hydrophilicity and the outer sheet (92) has an outer sheet hydrophilicity, the outer sheet hydrophilicity may be greater than the inner sheet hydrophilicity. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such gradient of hydrophilicity is advantageous in transporting skin sweat from the inner sheet (94) to the outer sheet (92) and outside the laminate. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may be inherently hydrophobic. The inner sheet (94) nonwoven may be provided hydrophobicity by treating with hydrophobic melt additives into polymer resin in the fiber making process, or by applying hydrophobic additives after the nonwoven is formed. The outer sheet (92) nonwoven may inherently be hydrophobic, and thus provided relatively more hydrophilic than the inner sheet (94) by treating with hydrophilic melt additives into polymer resin in the fiber making process, or by applying hydrophilic additive after the nonwoven is formed.
The basis weight of the outer sheet (92) and the inner sheet (94) may be adjusted such that the basis weight of the inner sheet (94) is not greater than the basis weight of the outer sheet (92). Thus, the outer sheet (92) may be provided with a soft lofty tactile sense which connotes high quality, while the inner sheet (94) may be kept thinner and conforming to the outer sheet (92), thus saving cost. Further, without being bound by theory, by providing the basis weight relationship as such, it is believed that skin sweat is effectively transported to the outer sheet (92) and outside the laminate, while preventing the transported sweat back to the inner sheet (94).
The absorbent article (20) of the present invention may further comprise components that improve leakage prevention, wearability, fit, or aesthetic aspects of the resulting absorbent article.
The absorbent main body (38) may comprise gasketing leg cuffs (34). Referring to
While not shown, the absorbent main body (38) of the present invention may comprise an outer cover located on the garment-facing side of the backsheet (25). Referring to
The absorbent core (62) may comprise an intermediate layer between the layer of absorbent material and the backsheet (25). The intermediate layer may be in direct contact with the layer of absorbent material and with the backsheet (25). The intermediate layer may be useful as a masking layer to isolate the superabsorbent polymer particles in the layer of absorbent material from the backsheet (25), thus reducing graininess feeling and improving the tactile properties of the garment-facing side of the article, especially for absorbent core (62) containing a high level of superabsorbent polymer particles. The intermediate layer may also isolate the exudates which have been absorbed in the layer of absorbent material from the garment-facing side of the article, as this may be visually unpleasant to the caregiver. Thus by having an intermediate layer with a relatively high opacity, stains in the layer of absorbent material (e.g. from urine or feces) can be concealed from view, when looking at the backsheet (25) of the absorbent article during use. The hunter opacity in the dry state of the intermediate layer may be at least 25%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 70%. The intermediate layer can also help reduce the residual moisture in contact with the backsheet (25), which may lead to cold/wet feeling for the caregiver, or may lead to the wearer mistaking the cold/wet feeling as liquid leaking out of the absorbent article. The intermediate layer may also serve as a temporary reservoir for liquid that had not been absorbed fast enough by the layer of absorbent material.
The parts of the absorbent article (20) of the present invention may be provided with specifically arranged aesthetics which may enhance the existence of the composite isolation sheet (CIS) and its benefit thereof. The topsheet (24) may be provided with a first topography visible from the wearer facing side, and the composite isolation sheet (CIS) may be provided with a second topography visible from the wearer facing side, wherein the first topography and the second topography are discernible with each other. The second topography may be provided on the front portion (FC) and/or the inner cuffs (BLC). The first and second topography may be selected from the group consisting of color, opening, pattern, and combinations thereof, respectively. Opening may be apertures or slits. Pattern may be embossing, quilting, and other visible deformation. Whole Article Force Measurement
Force is measured using an Electronic Tensile Tester with a computer interface such as the MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software (available from MTS SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD) or equivalent instrument. A load cell is selected so that force results for the samples tested will be between 10 and 90% of capacity of the load cell used. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and 50±5% relative humidity.
The tensile tester is fitted with hanger-type sample holding fixtures (300) as shown in
The instrument is set up to go through the following steps:
An article (20) sample is inserted onto the upper horizontal bar section (302) so that the bar passes through the waist opening and one leg opening of the article. The crosshead is raised until the specimen hangs above the lower bar and does not touch lower bar (302). The load cell is tared and the crosshead is lowered to enable the lower bar (302) to be inserted through the waist opening and other leg opening without stretching the article. The article is adjusted so that the longitudinal centerline LX of the article is in a horizontal plane halfway between the upper and lower bars (302). The center of the side portion in contact with the bar (302) is situated on the same vertical axis as the instrument load cell. The crosshead is raised slowly while the article is held in place by hand as necessary until the force is between 0.05 and 0.1 N, while taking care not to add any unnecessary force. The gauge circumference at this point is the Initial Gauge Circumference. The test is initiated and the crosshead moves up at 254 mm/min until a force of 19.6 N is attained, then the crosshead immediately returns to the Initial Gauge Circumference at the same speed. The maximum circumference at 19.6 N and the force at 70% of the maximum circumference during the loading segment and unloading segment of the test are recorded.
The maximum circumference at 19.6 N is defined as the Full Stretch Circumference (mm). The Full Stretch Circumference (mm)×0.7 is defined as the 70% Stretch Circumference. The Waist Circumference Force is defined as the force at 70% stretch circumference during the load (extension) segment of the test. Five samples are analyzed and their average are calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01 N, respectively.
The tensile stress (N/m) is calculated by tensile force (N) divided by the specimen width (m). Force may be measured using an Electronic Tensile Tester with a computer interface such as the MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software (available from MTS SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD) or equivalent instrument. A load cell is chosen so that force results for the samples tested will be between 10% and 90% of capacity of the load cell. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and 50±5% relative humidity. The instrument is equipped with single line contact grips at least as wide as the test specimen.
To obtain test specimens, the sample article is cut open along the side seams (32), and the elastic cover (40) or the front and belt regions (26, 28) are removed from the absorbent main body (38) by separating the bonding between them, and further the waist guard portion WGP is separated from the belt to which it is attached. Cold Spray may be used, paying attention not to make wrinkles in the belt sections. Care is taken not to spray on any belt elastic member (96F, 96S). The obtained elastic belt samples are severed into zones (202, 204, 206, 208, 2031-WGEP, 2031-CP) according to the present invention with care not to cut any elastic member (96F, 96S). Samples are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±5% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.
The instrument is set up to go through the following steps. Initial Gauge Length is calculated from the Initial Gauge Circumference which is determined during the Whole Article Force Test using separate identical articles, as described above. Initial Gauge Length=0.5×Initial Gauge Circumference. The final gauge length is calculated from the Full Stretch Circumference which is determined during the Whole Article Force Test, as described above.
One end of the specimen is clamped into the upper clamp and the load is tared. The other end of the specimen is clamped into the lower clamp. Approximately 5 mm of each end of the specimen is behind the contact line of the grip. The test is started and the specimen is extended to the final gauge length at a crosshead speed of 254 mm/min, then immediately returned to the original gauge length at the same speed. The specimen is extended in the article transverse direction during the test. The unload force at 70% of the Final Gauge Length during the unload segments of the test is recorded.
Five articles are analyzed and the unload forces are recorded for each of the zones. The average tensile force (N) is calculated to the nearest 0.01 N for each. The tensile stress for each zone is calculated by the average tensile force (N) divided by the average specimen width (m) and reported to the nearest 0.1 N/m.
Opacity is measured using a 0° illumination/45° detection, circumferential optical geometry, spectrophotometer with a computer interface such as the HunterLab LabScan XE running Universal Software (available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, VA) or equivalent instrument. Instrument calibration and measurements are made using the standard white and black calibration plates provided by the vendor. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and 50±2% relative humidity.
The spectrophotometer is configured for the XYZ color scale, D65 illuminant, 10° standard observers, with UV filter set to nominal. The instrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's procedures using the 0.7 inch port size and 0.5 inch area view. After calibration, the software is set to the Y opacity procedure which prompts the operator to cover the sample with either the white or black calibration tile during the measurement.
Articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, the article is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing site is selected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article or the part. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut in 60 mm square or as close as possible to 60 mm. Any elastic members are removed.
The specimen is placed over the measurement port. The specimen should completely cover the port with the surface corresponding to the wearer-facing surface of the specimen directed toward the port. The specimen is gently extended until taut in its longitudinal direction so that the specimen lies flat against the port plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure the specimen to the port plate in its extended state for testing. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The specimen is then covered with the white standard plate. A reading is taken, then the white tile is removed and replaced with the black standard tile without moving the specimen. A second reading is taken, and the opacity is calculated as follows:
Specimens from five identical articles are analyzed and their opacity results recorded. The average opacity is calculated and reported to the nearest 0.01%.
Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 Air Permeability Tester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC) with a custom made 1 cm2 circular aperture (also available from Advanced Testing Instruments) or equivalent instrument. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity.
The articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, the article is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing site is selected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article or the part. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut in 30 mm square or as close as possible to 30 mm. Any elastic members are removed.
The specimen is centered over the measurement port. The specimen should completely cover the port with the surface corresponding to the wearer-facing surface of the specimen directed toward the port. The specimen is gently extended in its longitudinal direction until taut so that the specimen lies flat across the port. Adhesive tape is applied to secure the specimen across the port in its extended state for testing. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The test pressure is set to allow air to pass through the specimen. For non-woven specimen the pressure is set for 125 Pa and for specimen containing films 2125 Pa is used. The sample ring is closed and the measuring range is adjusted until the range indicator shows green to indicate that the measurement is within the accepted limits of the instrument. The air permeability is recorded to the nearest 0.1 m3/m2/min.
Hydrostatic head is tested using a TexTest FX3000 Hydrostatic Head Tester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, SC) with a custom made 1.5 cm2 circular measurement port (also available from Advanced Testing Instruments). Two annular sleeve rings, the same dimensions as the gaskets around the measurement ports, are cut from the standard protective sleeves for fine nonwovens (part FX3000-NWH, available from Advanced Testing Instruments). The sleeve rings are then adhered with two-sided adhesive tape to the sample facing surfaces of the upper and lower gaskets of the TexTest instrument to protect the specimen during clamping. Standardize the instrument according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2% relative humidity.
Precondition the articles at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. A testing site is selected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article or the part. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut in 70 mm square or as close as possible to 70 mm. Any elastic members are removed.
Place the specimen centered over the port of the upper test head. The specimen should completely cover the port with the surface corresponding to the garment-facing surface of the specimen directed toward the port (wearer-facing surface will then be facing the water). Gently extend the specimen taut in its longitudinal direction so that the specimen lies flat against the upper test plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure the specimen to the test plate in its extended state for testing. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port.
Fill the TexTest syringe with distilled water, adding the water through the measurement port of the lower test plate. The water level should be filled to the top of the lower gasket. Mount the upper test head onto the instrument and lower the test head to make a seal around the specimen. The test speed is set to 3 mbar/min for samples that have a hydrostatic head of 50 mbar or less and a speed of 60 mbar/min for samples with a hydrostatic head above 50 mbar. Start the test and observe the specimen surface to detect water droplets penetrating the surface. The test is terminated when one drop is detected on the surface of the specimen or the pressure exceeds 200 mbar. Record the pressure to the nearest 0.5 mbar or record as >200 mbar if there was no penetration detected.
A total of five identical articles are analyzed and their hydrostatic head results recorded. Calculate and report the average hydrostatic head report to the nearest 0.1 mbar.
Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2 were obtained as such.
Comparative Example 1: “Pampers Ichiban Pants Size 5” diapers Lot #20221104 purchased from the PRC market in 2022.
Comparative Example 2: “GooN Premium Nature Pants” supplied by Daio Paper with Lot #20220828 purchased from the PRC market in 2022.
Example 1: “Pampers Ichiban Pants Size 5” diapers Lot #20230317 purchased from the PRC market in 2023 and further modified to replace the composite isolation sheet so that it has the front portion (FC) and inner cuff (BLC) configurations of
Further, Example 1 and Comparative Example 1-2 were subject to a consumer acceptance test as detailed below, and leakage prevention also reported in Table 1 below.
Example 1, Comparative example 1 and Comparative example 2, were placed in a consumer test among 29 caregivers with babies wearing Size 5 Pant diapers. The panelists were caregivers of Chinese Size 5 (XL-size) wearers of age 0-36 months, all boys, and experienced at least 3 times or above urine leakage when baby is at sleep. The panelists were given enough samples of Example 1, Comparative example 1 and Comparative example 2 to use each Example for 5 days. The 29 panelists were grouped into 6 groups and with each group using the Example rotation plan as in Table 1.
During the 15 days usage, each panelist filled a diary sheet with a question asking whether each sample they used had urine leakage or not. The urine leakage % of each tested sample was calculated as the leaked sample number divided by total sample number used by all the panelists. The total number of used samples are different by Example due to natural variation of consumer usage habits. As the result, the urine leakage % of each Example was as summarized in Table 2.
The articles of Example 1, when worn, provide the composite isolation sheet raised from the topsheet, while not covering the urethral orifice of the intended wearer. The articles of Example 1 provide good isolation of urine from the wearer's skin, while maintaining the performance of containment and wear comfort of Comparative Example 1. The articles of Example 1 may be manufactured in approximately the same speed as manufacturing Comparative Example 1.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2022/122097 | Sep 2022 | WO | international |
| PCT/CN2022/126978 | Oct 2022 | WO | international |
This application is a continuation, under 35 USC 120, of Application No. PCT/CN2023/118883, filed Sep. 14, 2023, which claims priority to PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT/CN2022/126978, filed Oct. 24, 2022, and PCT/CN2022/122097, filed on Sep. 28, 2022, the entire disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/CN2023/118883 | Sep 2023 | WO |
| Child | 19059470 | US |
