MXPA01000362A - Disposable underpants including skewed absorbent core - Google Patents

Abstract

A three dimensional disposable underpant having an absorbent core has been skewed forward by a factor of no more than 0.155. The absorbent core is disposed within the front, central, and back sections of the disposable underpant such that the length of the absorbent core in the back section of the disposable underpant divided by the length of the absorbent core in the front and central sections of the disposable underpant is less than 0.155 and the length of the absorbent core in the front section ofthe disposable underpant is greater than the length of the absorbent core in the back section of the disposable underpant. The disposable underpant may include elasticized leg and waist openings, resulting in the underpant being stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user.

Description

DISPOSABLE SHOES THAT INCLUDE A SESGADO ABSORBING NUCLEUS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to underpants in general, and more specifically to inner incontinence briefs and disposables that have a liquid impermeable region and an absorbent core moved forward to more effectively contain and absorb body discharges and waste. .

Background of the Invention Currently, various types of garments or combinations of absorbent articles and garments are used to provide an underwear-type garment to absorb human discharge. Examples of such garments include regular underpants (non-disposable), regular underpants used in combination with various absorbent or incontinent articles, and disposable absorbent undergarments having the basic structure including a top sheet layer permeable to aqueous liquid. , and an absorbent core containing one or more layers to receive and absorb the discharge, and a liquid barrier impervious to the aqueous liquid to contain the discharge.

Disposable underwear type garments, as is well known, now find widespread use in adult incontinence care, as well as infant care. (However, due to the differences between the bodies of young children and adults as well as the different activities and movements of young children and adults, simply increasing the size of disposable training underpants to sizes adults may not meet many of the needs of adult users). The typical disposable underpants-type garment is a three-layer composite structure comprising a liquid-permeable inner side body liner (top sheet), an outer liquid impervious cover (liquid barrier) and an absorbent core placed on sandwich shape between the liner and the cover. The absorbent block is typically positioned asymmetrically between the front waistband and the rear waistband. The materials now in general use for the three main elements of the disposable inner brief include various types of non-woven fabrics for the side-to-body lining (top sheet layer), a thin thermoplastic film for the outer cover ( barrier to liquid) and the cellulose fluff for the absorbent block.

While some of these garments perform satisfactorily for their intended purpose, there is still a need to provide a more discreet interio pant type that has improved absorption characteristics, improves utilization of the absorbent material as well as better containment characteristics. waste with a minimum discomfort for the user. More specifically, thus far, the underwear-type garments are not designed to facilitate the transfer of aqueous liquids to the complete area, including the distal ends, of the absorbent layer or layer of the absorbent core. As a result of this, the waste absorption is concentrated in a small region of the absorbent core which results in underutilization of much of the absorbent capacity of the underwear-type garment.

Underwear-type garments and most personal absorbent garment type products are typically used in a "J" configuration. The front region of the underwear-type garment is worn below on the wearer's body that in the back region of the underwear-type garment. As such the center of the underwear type garment typically does not coincide with the point of discharge. The point of discharge occurs towards the front region of the underpants-type garment. The present garment or the underwear-type garments do not adequately provide an absorbent material at the point of discharge. In addition, underwear-type garments have absorbent cores that include certain centrally located acquisition zones that do not provide the expected absorbency, resulting in product failure.

Thus far, some underwear-type garments for absorbing and containing human discharge have typically been bulky and somewhat ineffective. Typically, the absorbent core is placed such that much of the absorbent capacity is located where it is not fully utilized and creates a configuration which is bulky, particularly in the central part and in the posterior region. Obviously, this type of underwear type of underwear is uncomfortable to wear, especially if the user is an active adult. In addition, this form of underwear-type garment results in costly and inefficient placement of the absorbent material in the back region where it is not used and therefore wasted.

Therefore, it becomes apparent that there is a need for an underwear-type underwear garment that improves the absorbent characteristics and containment characteristics of the underwear-type garment while still comfortable to wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention describes a discrete, disposable, three-dimensional underpants which typically includes the elastified leg openings and the waist portion that is circumferentially stretchable around the hip and stomach regions and which provides protection to incontinence The benefit of the protection is obtained by providing a flexible absorbent core associated with the crotch area of the underpants where the absorbent core is maintained in a suitable place for the discharge of incontinence by means of an elastic system surrounding each opening of the underpants. leg. The absorbent core extends from the crotch area of the underpants to the underpants body in the front and back body portions. This provides an underpants which is able to trap and absorb the incontinence discharge and prevent the transfer of liquid through and out of the clothes and bed sheets.

The present invention provides an improved absorbent and disposable underpants having improved absorption and containment characteristics as well as improved comfort characteristics. The disposable underpants of the invention provide an absorbent core positioned primarily in the front section and in the center section so that the absorbent core is not symmetrically placed in the longitudinal dimension of the disposable undergarment which facilitates the formation of a disposable underpants comfortable and suitable when it is formed from a generally flat to an anatomically conformant condition.

In addition, the proportion (skewing factor) of the absorbent core length in the back section divided by the combined absorbent core length of the center section plus the front section of the disposable inner brief must be less than about 0.270. The disposable underpants also provide a stretchy design that facilitates the formation of a bag structure in the center section, as well as an effective seal between the disposable underpants and the wearer, so that the disposable underpants are comfortable to wear and have improved containment characteristics.

The present embodiment of the invention also provides an absorbent core that facilitates rapid aqueous liquid transfer in the "x", "y" and "z" directions by having a generally continuous and constant proportion of fiber and super absorbent in the transverse and machine directions through the dimensions of absorbent core. However, the absorbent core may have varying densities and areas of fiber or super absorbent in the transverse and machine directions through the dimensions of the absorbent core.

In addition, the disposable underpants may additionally include an emergence layer (intake material) to contain large aqueous liquid spills between the top sheet layer and the absorbent core., or a plug applicator between the absorbent core and the liquid barrier. In some embodiments, the disposable underpants may include both a plug applicator and an emergence layer (absorption material). Ideally the plug applicator and the emergence layer (absorption material) should be biased in the front and center sections of the disposable underpants and do not need to be present in the back section.

The additional objects of the present invention are hardly given in the description hereinafter.

DEFINITIONS The phrase "Impervious to aqueous liquid" describes a layer or a laminate which means that aqueous liquid such as urine will not pass through the layer or laminate under ordinary conditions of use in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or of the laminate at the point of contact with the aqueous liquid.

The back or the back side, or back, with reference to the human anatomy are defined in relation to figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates a transverse axis or plane passing through the center of the illustrated undergarment to divide it into the front half and back half. The "back" or "back" side or the "back" of the user will include that part of the center line on one side of the user and around the back to a similar point on the other side of the user.

The "posterior section" is the one third posterior of the total garment length which is worn on the back side of the wearer's body.

The barrier fabric or barrier means a fabric which is relatively impervious to the transmission of aqueous liquids, for example a fabric which has a blood transfer rate of 1.0 or less according to test method 22 of the ASTM.

Or, the barrier fabric refers to a fabric having a useful level of resistance to penetration by the aqueous liquid and / or the particles. Generally speaking, the resistance to the penetration of the aqueous liquid is measured by hydrostatic head tests, transfer tests, penetration tests of water spray and the like. Unless indicated otherwise, a material with resistance to penetration of the aqueous liquid refers to a material having a hydrostatic head of at least about 20 cm. as determined in accordance with the AATCCTM standard hydrostatic pressure test No. 127-1977. For example, such a water-resistant material can have a hydrostatic head of 60 cm or more. The resistance to penetration by the particles can be measured by determining the air filter retention of dry particles and can be expressed as particle retention efficiency. In particular, a particle retention efficiency refers to the efficiency of a material to prevent the passage of particles of a certain size range through the material. The particle retention efficiency can be measured by determining the retention of dry particulate air filter using such tests as, for example, test method IBR No. E217, Revision G (January 15, 1991) carried to held by InterBasic Resources, Inc. of Grass Lake, Michigan. Generally speaking, a high particle retention efficiency is desirable for barrier fabrics. Desirably, the barrier fabrics must resist penetration through a column of tap water of at least about 20 cm. and / or must have a particle retention efficiency of at least about 40 percent for particles having a diameter greater than 0.1 microns.

The phrase "mixture" means a combination of two or more polymers while the term "alloy" means a subclass of mixtures wherein the components are immiscible but are compatibilized. The "miscibility" and the "immiscibility" are defined as mixtures that have negative and positive values, respectively, for the free energy of mixing. In addition, "compatibilization" is defined as the process for modifying the interfacial properties of an immiscible polymer blend in order to be an alloy.

"United" refers to the union, adhesion, connection, attachment, or the like of two elements. The two elements are considered to be joined together when they are directly linked to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly linked to intermediate elements.

The phrase "carded and knitted fabric" refers to fabrics made of basic fibers which are sent through a combing or carding unit, which breaks and separates and aligns the basic fibers in the machine direction to form " a fibrous nonwoven fabric generally oriented in the machine direction Such fibers are usually purchased in bales which are placed in a defibrator which separates the fibers before the carding unit Once the fabric is formed, this then it is linked by one or more of the various known joining methods, One such binding method is the binding with powder, wherein a powder adhesive is distributed through the tissue and then activated, usually by means of heating the tissue and bonding with hot air.Another suitable method of bonding is pattern bonding, where heated calendering rolls or ultrasonic bonding equipment are used to join the fibers. ntas, usually in a localized union pattern, even when the tissue can be joined through its entire surface if desired. Another suitable and well-known joining method, particularly when using bicomponent basic fibers, is the bonding via air.

The "volume" refers to the thickness of samples measured with a model 49-70 thickness tester available from TMI (Testing Machines Incorporated) of Amityville, New York. The thickness tester was equipped with a 2-inch diameter circular foot and the measurements were taken at an applied pressure of about 0.2 pounds per square inch (psi). Volume measurements of the samples that are essentially dry (for example having a moisture content generally of less than about 10 percent, by weight, as determined by conventional methods) can be mentioned as a dry volume.

The "CD address" means the short or transverse direction of the product.

"Cellulosic fibers" refer to fibers comprising cellulose, a polysaccharide moisturizable with linear water, whether existing as a single constituent in a large natural aggregate such as wood pulp, bagasse and cotton waste, or as a derivative of the natural aggregate such as alpha pulp or viscose ray.

The "middle section" means the central third of the total garment length which is between the front and back sections of the product on the wearer's body.

"Nearly adjacent" means an element that is positioned as close to another element as possible to achieve due to another nearby structure, manufacturing constraints, comfort or notch considerations or the like.

"Coform" means a process in which at least one melt blown die head is arranged near a conduit through which other materials are added to the fabric while it is being formed. Such other materials may be pulp, super absorbent particles, cellulose or basic fibers such as for example. The coform processes are shown in commonly assigned United States of America patents 4,818,464 to Lau and 4,100,324 to Anderson et al. The tissues produced by the coform process are generally mentioned as coform materials.

The phrase "consists essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials which do not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a given composition or product. Exemplary materials of this class will include, without limitation, the pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, particles and aggregate materials to improve the processability of the composition.

"Continuous" means that the structure described is a closed circuit structure. The continuous structure can be unitary, for example, a one-piece structure or it can be made of individually joined elements that form a closed circuit.

"Disposable" means that the garment or article described is designed to be worn until it becomes soiled, either by urination, defecation, or otherwise, and then discarded rather than washed and reused; "Or disposable" is not limited to limited-use or single-use items but also refers to items that are so cheap to the consumer that they can be discarded if they get dirty or otherwise become unusable after only one or few uses.

"Placed", "arranged over", "placed with", "placed in", "placed close" or variations thereof are intended to mean that an element can be an integral or unitary part of another element, or that an element it can be a separate structure attached to or connected or placed with or placed near another element.

"Elastic" or "elastomeric" when referring to a fiber, film or fabric means a material which with the application of a pressing force, is stretchable to a pressed and stretched length which is at least about 150 times one hundred and one and a half times its length not stretched and relaxed, and which will recover at least 50 percent of its elongation with the release of the pressing and stretching force.

Elasticity, elasticity, or elasticity refers to the property of a material or a composite elastic material that allows it to recover to at least a part of its original shape and size after the removal of the force that causes the deformation (expressed in percent).

"Elasticable" describes a temporarily inhibited elastic or elastic member that can be activated to recover its elasticity.

"Elasticized" means that a material that is naturally non-elastic becomes elastic by properly bonding it to an elastic material.

"Elongation" means the ratio of the extension of a material to the length of the material before extension (expressed as a percent), as represented by the following: extended length - original length / original length X 100.

"Extensible", "stretchable" or variations of them means that the material can have its length increased (expressed in units of length). Also see stretching.

The "extension", "spread", "spread" or variations thereof refer to an increased change in the length of a material due to stretching, and is expressed in units of length.

The word "cloth" is used to refer to all woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics.

"Filament" refers to an element having a high ratio of length to diameter or width, and may comprise a fiber, a yarn, a strand, a yarn or the like or a combination of these elements.

"Finished product" means a product that has been properly manufactured for its intended purpose.

"Flexible" refers to materials that are docile and easily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.

"Front", "front side" or "front part" includes the front of the article or garment complementary to the "back", "back side" or "back part" defined above.

The "front" or "back" are used throughout this description to designate relationships with respect to the garment itself, rather than to suggest any position that the garment assumes when it is placed on a wearer.

The "front section" is the one front third of the total garment length which is worn on the front side of the wearer's body.

"Completely folded" with reference to, for example, an opening or boundary means that the material around the opening or boundary is folded along its entire periphery.

"Garment" means any of a non-medically oriented garment that can be worn. This includes industrial workwear and covers, undergarments, pants, shirts, jackets, gloves, socks and the like; Or, the "pledge" means any type of clothing that may be worn. This includes industrial workwear and coveralls, undergarments, breeches, shirts, jackets, gloves, socks, and the like.

"Hydrophilic" refers to fibers or fiber surfaces that are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can be described in terms of contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wetting of particular fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials can be measured by a Cahn SFA-222 surface force analyzer system. When measured with this system, fibers having contact angles of less than 90 ° are designated "wettable" for example "hydrophilic", and fibers having contact angles greater than 90 ° are "non-wettable", for example "hydrophobic" The "absorption material or absorption layer" refers to a material designed to help decelerate and diffuse the emergence of aqueous liquid that is introduced into the absorbent pad. Examples of emerging materials are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,192,606 issued March 9, 1993 to D. Proxmire et al .; in U.S. Patent No. 5,486,166 issued January 23, 1996 to Ellis et al .; in the patent to the United States of America No. 5,490,846 granted on February 13, 1996 to Ellis et al .; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,509,915 issued April 23, 1996 to Hanson et al .; whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. It also refers to the emergence layer.

The word "integral" refers to several parts of a single unit element rather than to separate structures attached to or placed with or placed close to each other.

"Inward" or "outwardly" refers to positions relative to the center of an absorbent garment, and particularly transverse and / or longitudinally closer to or away from the transverse and longitudinal center of the absorbent garment.

"Joining", "joining", "joining" or variations thereof when used to describe the relationships between two or more elements, means that the elements can be contacted together in any suitable manner, such as by sealing. by heat, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, adhesives, sewing or the like. In addition, the elements can be joined directly together or they can have one or more elements interposed therebetween, all of which are connected together.

The word "layers" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a united element or a plurality of elements.

The word "liquid" means a substance and / or a material that flows and that will assume the interior shape of a container inside which it is poured or placed. For the description, this term means an aqueous material.

"Liquid communication" or "fluid migration" refers to the ability of an aqueous liquid to travel through or between (or along) two structures in the absence of a barrier impermeable to the aqueous liquid that prevents displacement to the liquid between (or along) two structures.

"Liquid impervious" when used to describe a layer or laminate includes at least one layer or film impervious to the aqueous liquid and at least one layer or film impermeable to the aqueous liquid means that the aqueous liquid will not pass through the laminate under ordinary conditions of use, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the laminate at the point of contact of aqueous liquid. The liquid may be spread or may be transported parallel to the plane of the layer or film impervious to the aqueous liquid, but is not considered to be within the meaning of "impermeable to the aqueous liquid" when used in reference to the laminate.

Or, it describes the laminate as a 2-or 3-layer laminate comprising an "impermeable film to the aqueous liquid" and "a layer permeable to the aqueous liquid". This avoids describing the laminate as impervious to aqueous liquid, and relies on the waterproof film to the aqueous liquid for its waterproofing characteristic. Note that the aqueous liquid may be transmitted / spread on the non-woven layer and then possibly on the upper / distal end of the film making the laminate "permeable" to the aqueous liquid unless you use the description mentioned above.

The "machine direction" or "MD" means the length of a fabric the direction in which it is produced. The term "cross machine direction" or "CD" means the width of the fabric, for example an address generally perpendicular to the machine direction.

The "MD address" is the long longitudinal direction of the product and is typically the direction in which the product is manufactured.

The word "member" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of the single element or of a plurality of elements.

Microfibers mean small diameter fibers having an average diameter no greater than about 75 microns, for example, having an average diameter of about 0.5 microns to about 50 microns, or more particularly, microfibers that can have an average diameter from around 2 microns to around 40 microns. Another frequently used expression of denier fiber diameter, which is defined as grams per 9 thousand meters of a fiber and can be calculated as a fiber diameter in square microns, multiplied by the density in grams / cubic centimeter X 0.00707. A lower denier indicates a finer fiber and a higher denier indicates a thicker or heavier fiber. For example, the diameter of a polypropylene fiber given as 15 microns can be converted to denier by placing the square, multiply the result by .89 grams per cubic centimeter and multiply by 0.00707. Therefore a polypropylene fiber of 15 microns has a denier of about 1.42 (152X 0.89 X 0.00707 = 1.415). Outside the United States of America, the unit of measurement is most commonly "tex" which is defined as grams per kilometer of fiber. The tex can be calculated as denier / 9.

"Monocomponent fiber" refers to a fiber formed from one or more extruders using only one polymer. This does not mean that the fibers formed of a polymer to which small amounts of additives have been added for coloring, antistatic properties, lubrication, hydrophilicity, etc., are excluded. Their additives, for example titanium dioxide for coloring, are generally present in an amount of less than 5% by weight and more typically of about 2% by weight.

"Multilayer laminate" means a laminate wherein some of the layers are spin-bonded and some are meltblown such as a laminate linked with spinning / meltblowing / spinning (SMS) and others as described in United States of America patents Nos. 4,041,203 granted to Brock and others, 5,169,706 granted to Collier and others, 5,145,727 granted to Potts and others, 5,178,931 granted to Perkins and others and 5,188,885 granted to Timmons and others. Such rolling can be done by sequentially depositing on a first mobile forming pan a spunbond fabric layer, then a meltblown fabric layer and finally another spin bonded layer and then joining the laminate in a manner as described down. Alternatively, the fabric layers can be made individually, collected in rolls, and combined in a separate bonding step. Such fabrics usually have a basis weight of from about 0.1 to 12 ounces per square yard (6 to 400 grams per square meter), or more particularly from about 0.75 to about 3 ounces per square yard. The multi-layer laminates may also have multiple numbers or meltblowing layers or multiple spinning tie layers in many different configurations and may include other film type materials (F) or coform materials such as SMMS, SM, SFS, etc.

"Non-elastic" refers to any material that does not fall within the definition of "elastic".

The "non-woven fabric" or "non-woven fabric" means a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interleaved, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Non-woven fabrics or fabrics have been formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinning processes and carded and bonded tissue processes. The basis weight of non-woven fabrics is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per square meter (gsm) and useful fiber diameters are usually expressed in microns (note that to convert ounces square inch to grams per square meter multiply ounces per square yard by 33.91).

The phrase "non-woven fabric" means a fabric of material which is formed without the aid of a weaving or knitting process.

Or, it can also mean a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads that are interleaved but not in a repeatable and identifiable pattern. non-woven fabrics have been formed, in the past, by a variety of processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinning processes, and carded and bonded weaving processes.

It also means a fabric of material which is formed without the aid of a weaving process or textile fabric. Non-woven fabrics have been formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinning processes, and carded and bonded weaving processes. The basis weight of non-woven fabrics is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per square meter (gsm) and useful fiber diameters are usually expressed in microns.

"Operably attached", "elastically associated" or "associated with" in relation to the fastening of an elastic member to another elastic member means that the elastic member when fastened or placed with or formed of the element gives that element elastic properties. . With refee to the fastening of a non-elastic member to another element, this means that the member and the element can be fastened or placed together in any suitable manner that allows or authorizes them to carry out their intended or described function, even when they do not completely inhibit the properties of the individual elements. The fastening or positioning can be either directly, such as fastening or placing any member directly with an element, or it can be indirectly by means of another member or element placed between the first member and the first element. 0 also describes the joining of an elastic member to a non-elastic member so that the two joined members exhibit elasticity or elastic properties.

Also "operatively linked" with refee to the fastening of an elastic member to another element, means that the elastic member when fastened to or connected to the element or treated with heat or chemicals, by stretching or the like, gives the elastic member properties; and with refee to the fastening of a non-elastic member to another element means that the member and the element can be held in any manner that allows or allows them to carry out the tried or described function of the joint. The joint, fastening, connection or the like can be either directly, such as attaching any member directly to an element or can be indirectly by means of another element placed between the first member and the first member.

"Outward" refers to a position relative to the center of an absorbent garment, and particularly transversely and / or longitudinally outward of the longitudinal and transverse center of the absorbent.

"Partially elastic" refers to a substrate, garment, part of a garment or the like, which has at least a portion thereof that is elastic.

Particles as in SAP or SAM means any geometric or non-geometric shape such as, but not limited to spherical grains, cylindrical fibers or threads, to flat surfaces or to surfaces that have become rough, sheets, ribbons, ropes , threads or similar. When used in an absorbent structure, the particles can be formed loosely in a shaped or compressed structure in a shaped form.

"Permeable or permeable" (also "permeable") refers to the ability of an aqueous liquid such as, for example, a gas to pass through a particular porous material. Permeability can be expressed in units of volume per unit time per unit area, eg cubic feet per minute) per square foot of material (eg cubic foot / minute / square foot). Permeability was determined using a fraizer air permeability tester available from Fraizer Precision Instrument Company was measured in accordance with federal test method 5450, standard No. 191A, except that the sample size was 8 inches X 8 inches instead of 7 inches X 7 inches. Although permeability is generally expressed as the ability of air or another gas to pass through a permeable sheet, sufficient levels of gas permeability may correspond to levels of permeability of aqueous liquid to enable the practice of the present invention. For example, a sufficient level of gas permeability can allow an adequate level of the aqueous liquid to pass through a permeable sheet with or without the aid of a driving force such as, for example, an applied gas pressure or an applied vacuum. .

"Personal care product" means diapers, underpants, absorbent undergarments, adult incontinence products, and women's hygiene products; 0, "Personal care product" means diapers, underpants, or absorbent undergarments, adult incontinence products and products for women's hygiene and the like.

The word "polymers" generally includes but is not limited to homopolymers, copolymers such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and mixtures and modifications thereof. In addition, unless specifically limited otherwise, the term "polymers" will include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetry.

The word "pulps" refers to a pulp that contains fibers from natural sources such as from woody and non-woody plants. Woody plants include, for example, deciduous and coniferous trees. Non-woody plants include, for example, cotton, flax, grass, esparto grass, benzene, straw, hemp and bagasse.

"Released releasably", "releasably attached", "releasably engageable" or the variations thereof refer to two elements that are connected or connectable so that the elements tend to remain connected in the absence of a separating force applied to them. one or both of the elements, and the elements being capable of separation without a rupture or essentially permanent deformation. The required separation force is typically beyond that found while the absorbent garment is worn.

"Retraction" or variations of the same term refer to a change of decrease in the length of an extended material with the removal of the force that causes the extension.

"Side" refers to a position in which one side of the body faces the supporting surface.

"Fibers bonded with yarn" refers to fibers of small diameter which are formed by extruding the molten thermoplastic material as filaments of a plurality of usually circular and thin capillaries of a spinning organ with the diameter of the extruded filaments and then being quickly reduced such as for example, as indicated in US Patents Nos. 4,340,563 granted to Appel and others, 3,692,618 granted to Dorschner and others, 3,802,817 granted to Matsuki and others, 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 granted to Kinney, 3,502,763 granted to Hartman, and 3,542,615 granted to Dobo and others. Spunbonded fibers are not generally sticky when they are deposited on a collecting surface. Spunbonded fibers are generally continuous and have average diameters (from a sample of at least 10) greater than 7 microns, more particularly between about 10 and 20 microns.

The "basic fiber" refers to a natural fiber or to a section cut from, for example, a fabricated filament. The basic fibers typically have a length of between about 3 and about 7.5 millimeters.

. "Stretching, stretchability, stretching characteristics" or variations therein mean that the material can have its length increased (also expressed in units of length). See also extensible.

"Stretch joint" refers to a process wherein one elastic member is attached to another member while only the elastic member is extended at least about 25 percent of its relaxed length. "Coated and stretched laminate" refers to a composite elastic material made according to the stretch-bonding process, for example, the layers are joined together with only the elastic layer being in an extended condition such that with the loosening of the layers , the non-elastic layer is folded. Such laminates usually have stretching properties in the machine direction and can be stretched to an extent where the non-elastic material collected between the bonded locations allows the elastic material to elongate. One type of bonded and stretched laminate is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,720,415 issued to Vanderielen et al., In which multiple layers of the same polymer produced from multiple extruder banks are used. Other composite elastic materials are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,789,699 issued to Kieffer et al., 4,781,966 issued to Taylor and 4,657,802 and 4,652,487 granted to Morman and 4,655,760 issued to Morman et al.

The "substrates", "surface", or "sheet" means a layer that can be a film or a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, a laminate; permeable or impervious to air, gas, and / or aqueous liquids; or a composite structure comprising, for example, an upper sheet, a lower sheet and an absorbent medium therebetween.

The "superabsorbent" refers to absorbent materials capable of absorbing at least 10 grams of aqueous liquid (eg, distilled water per gram of absorbent material while being immersed in the liquid for 4 hours and retaining essentially all of the aqueous liquid absorbed under a Compressive strength of up to about 1.5 pounds per square inch.

The "emergence layer" refers to a material designed to help decelerate and diffuse the emergence of the aqueous liquid that is introduced to the absorbent pad. Examples of such materials are described in the patents of the United States of America numbers 5,192,606 granted on March 9, 1993 to D. Proxmire et al .; 5,486,166 granted on January 23, 1996 to Ellis and others; 5,490,846 granted on February 13, 1996 to Ellis and others and 5,509,915 granted on April 23, 1996 to Hanson and others; whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. It also refers to a tap layer or a tap material.

The surface includes any layer, film, fabric, nonwoven, laminate, composite or the like whether permeable or impermeable to air, gas, and / or aqueous liquids.

Tension refers to a force that tends to cause the extension of a body or the swinging force within the body's resistance to extension. The tension is expressed in units of grams.

Thermoplastic defines a material that softens when exposed to heat and which essentially returns to a non-softened condition when cooled to room temperature.

The air-bonding or TAB means a bonding process of a non-woven bicomponent fiber fabric in which the air which is hot enough to melt one of the polymers from which the fibers of the fabric are made is forced to through the tissue. The air speed is between 100 and 500 feet per minute and the dwell time can be as long as 6 seconds. The fusion and resolidification of the polymer provides the binding. Bonding through air has a relatively restricted variability and since the TAB air binding requires the melting of at least one component to achieve bonding, this is restricted to fabrics with two components such as conjugated fibers or those which include an adhesive. At the junction through air, air that has a temperature above the melting temperature of one component and below the melting temperature of another component is directed from a surrounding covering, through a fabric, and up to a roller perforated that supports the fabric. Alternatively, the air-binding device can be a flat arrangement in which the air is directed vertically downwards onto the fabric. The operating conditions of the two configurations are similar, the primary difference being the geometry of the fabric during joining. The hot air melts the lower melting polymer component and thus forms bonds between the filaments to integrate the fabric.

Two dimensions refers to a garment, such as a diaper, which can be opened and placed in a flat condition without destructively tearing any structure. This type of garment does not have continuous waist and leg openings when opened and placed flat and requires a resurfacing device, such as adhesive tapes to be fastened around the wearer.

The waistband refers to a boundary around the waist opening of an undergarment and may be constructed of one or more layers of material.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the drawings, in which: Figure la is a top plan view of a disposable inner underwear article of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration.

Figure Ib is a top plan view of an article of a disposable underpants of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration.

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a disposable inner underwear article of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration.

Figure 2a is a top plan view of an article of a disposable underpants of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration.

Figure 2b is a top plan view of a disposable inner underwear article of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of an article of a disposable underpants of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a full-size disposable underpants of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a full-size disposable underpants of the present invention.

"Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the lines of view 6 - 6 of the Figure illustrating the outer cover, the liner (top sheet layer) and the elastics.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the lines of view 6-6 of Figure 2b illustrating the outer cover, the liner (upper sheet layer) and the elastics.

Figure 8 is an exploded sectional view taken along the lines of view 4-4 of Figure 1 and illustrating the absorbent layer, barrier and outer cover.

Figure 9 is an exploded sectional view taken along the lines of view 4-4 of Figure 2a and illustrating the absorbent layer, the barrier and the outer cover.

Figure 10 is an expanded plan view of a disposable inner underwear article of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration and showing a biased front placement of the absorbent pad.

Figure 11 is an expanded plan view of a disposable inner underwear article of the present invention in a preassembled planar configuration and showing a biased front placement of the absorbent pad.

Figure 12 is an expanded plan view of a disposable inner underwear article of the present invention in a pre-assembled planar configuration and showing a biased front placement of the absorbent pad.

Figure 13a is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along line 4-4 of Figure la and showing a homogeneous distribution of a fibrous material of high absorbency.

Figure 13b is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along line 4-4 of Figure Ib and showing a homogeneous distribution of a fibrous material of high absorbency which has a profiled basis weight distribution.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along the line of section A-A of Figure la and showing a homogeneous distribution of fibrous material and high absorbency.

Figure 15a is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along the section of line 4-4 of Figure la and showing a layered distribution of the fibrous and high-absorbency material.

Figure 15b is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad taken along the line of section AA of Figure la and showing the pulsed distribution of fibrous and high-absorbency material with very little high-absorbency material at the ends .

Figure 15c is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along the section of line 4-4 of Figure la and showing a non-uniform distribution of fibers and high-absorbency material in the transverse direction of the absorbent pad.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Additions The following detailed description is made in the context of an article 10 that includes a disposable underpants 12 that includes an absorbent core in place during use. It is readily apparent, however, that the present invention can be employed for incontinence, vaginal and sweat discharges, and the like in adult, child and infant products.

The disposable inner brief 12 of the Figure illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a planar configuration prior to assembly. In Figure 1, underpants 12 are shown having an outer cover 13 which includes a front body portion 14, a rear body part 15, a front waist edge portion 44, a rear waist edge portion 45 , a crotch portion 18, a waist liner 26 (optional, shown in Figures 5 and 7), a leg liner 38 (optional, shown in Figures 5 and 7) and a side liner to body 80. outer cover 13 may include a front body portion 14, a rear body part 15, a front waist edge portion 44, a rear waist edge portion 45, and a crotch portion 18 wherein the crotch portion 18 it is interposed between the front and rear body parts 14 and 15.

The outer cover 13 is docile and feels soft to the user. The outer cover 13 can be any soft, flexible and porous sheet which is permeable to liquid, allows the liquids to penetrate easily within its thickness or to be impermeable, resistant to the penetration of liquids within its thickness. A suitable outer cover 13 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as natural fibers (e.g. cotton or wood fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural fibers and synthetic or cross-linked foams and perforated plastic films.

There are a number of fabrication techniques which can be used to manufacture the outer cover 13. For example, the outer cover 13 can be a woven or non-woven fabric or sheet such as a spunbond, meltblown or carded fabric and bonded composite of synthetic polymer filaments, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters or the like, or a natural polymer filament fabric such as rayon or cotton. The carded and bonded fabric can be thermally bonded or sprayed with a binder by means well known to those skilled in the art of fabrics. Suitably, the outer cover 13 is a material bonded with non-woven yarn. Ideally, the outer cover 13 is a polypropylene nonwoven bonded with yarn with a wire woven pattern. Suitably, yarn-bound material is available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation located in Roswell, Georgia. Outer cover 13 has a weight of from about 0.3 ounces per square yard (osy) to about 2.0 ounces per square yard and alternatively about 0.6 ounces per square yard. The outer cover 13 of the underpants can be printed, colored or engraved decoratively. The outer cover 13 has a pore size that easily allows passage through it of air, sweat, perspiration due to the breathing ability of the material. The outer cover 13 can be engraved or selectively perforated with slits or with discrete orifices extending therethrough.

Referring to Figures la, 2a and 3, a edge 60 of the front body part 14 is assembled with a rim 62 of the rear body part 15 to form a side seal or seam 64. Similarly, a rim 66 the front body part 14 is assembled with a edge 68 of the rear body part 15 to form a seal or a side seam 70. The front body part 14 and the rear body part 15, when assembled form an opening of waist 20 for putting on and removing the underpants 12. The waist opening 20 is surrounded at least in part by a waist part elastic 22 including from 1 to 40 elastic threads, cords, ribbons or bands of elastic material. The elastic of the waist part 22 is stretched and fastened to the body parts 14 and 15. The elastic of the waist part 22 can also be placed in the front and rear waist edge portions 44 and 45. (In others incorporations, the elastic of the waist part 22 can be contained only in the front body part 14 or only in the rear body part 15). The elastic of the waist part 22 is released after the fastening to produce creases of waist portion, creases or gathers 24 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) to allow an expansion of the waist opening 20 and of the parts of the waist portion. body 14 and 15 so that the underpants 12 can fit into several individuals of various sizes.

Because the users of this invention generally prefer a truss-style underpants, the front waist edge portion 44 of the underpants 12 preferably reaches the navel and still around the wearer's waist. Having the underpants 12 at this height and then pulling on either or both front and back body parts 14 and 15 with the elastic of the waist part 22 provides a comfortable notch. Alternatively, underwear styles may include the bikini (for example, a regular leg cut and a French leg cut) and a young eccentric (for example, regular leg cut and French leg cut).

In some embodiments, the waist opening is surrounded by the leg elastic 21 including between 1 and 10 tapes, threads or b > stretchers of elastic materials that are stretched and fastened to the front waist edge portion 44 and / or the rear waist edge portion 45. (See Figures 5 and 7). (In other embodiments, the waist elastic 21 may be contained in only the front waist edge portion 44 or the rear waist edge portion 45). The waist elastic 21 is released after the fastening to produce waist folds, pleats or gathers 25 that allow the expansion of the waist opening 20 so that the inner brief 12 can fit several individuals of various sizes. The use of waist elastic 21 having a different tension or elongation to the tension or elongation used in the elastic of the waist part 22 can provide a better notch of the inner underpants 12.

Referring again to Figure 1, the front body part 14 and the rear body part 15 together with the crotch portion 18 form the leg openings 28 and 30, respectively, which are generally circular in shape or shape. oval. The leg openings 28 and 30 are each surrounded at least in part by the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 respectively. The front leg elastics 32 and 33 are stretched and fastened to the front body part 14, the rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are stretched and fastened to the back body part 15 and the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are stretched and fastened to the crotch part 18. The leg and crotch elastics 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 39 are released after fastening to produce the leg folds (also referred to as folds or gathers) 36 to allow the expansion of the leg openings 28 and 30 for notching on several legs of varying size.

The front body part 14 is usually divided into the upper front body part 40 and a lower front body part 42 (see Figures la, 2a and 3). Similarly, the outer body part 15 is divided into a rear upper body part 41 and a rear lower body part 43. The front and rear upper body parts 40 and 41 are preferably designed to include the elastic of the waist part 22 which is capable of stretching to allow the body to put on the underpants 12 and then contract and conform easily to the wearer's body. This ensures a comfortable or closed notch to different sizes and body shapes. The elastic of the waist portion 22 is placed on both the front and rear upper body parts 40 and 41, respectively, in positions between the waist opening 20 and the leg openings 28 and 30, so that the inner brief 12 fits better in the user, particularly around the body. The lower front and rear body parts 42 and 43 do not necessarily require the elastic of the waist part 22. The base weight of the laminate comprising the outer cover 13, the body liner 80, and the elastic of the waist part 22 It can be as high as 5 ounces per square yard.

The crotch portion 18 of the underpants 12 consists of an absorbent barrier composite 46. The absorbent barrier composite 46 can and generally extends into the front body portion 14 and / or the rear body portion 15 (see Figure 1). the) . The absorbent barrier composite 46 further consists of a liquid barrier 48, a top sheet layer essentially permeable to liquid 49, and an absorbent core 50 sandwiched between the liquid barrier 48 and the top sheet layer 49. The liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49 are desirably longer and wider than the absorbent core 50, so that the peripheries of the liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49 form margins which they can be sealed together using ultrasonic joints, thermal bonds, adhesives, or other suitable means. In the sealed area, the crotch elastics 37 and 39 can be incorporated between the liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49. The absorbent core 50 can be attached to the liquid barrier 48 and / or to the upper sheet layer 49 using ultrasonic joints, adhesives, or other suitable means (see Figures la, 8 and 9).

The absorbent barrier composite 46 may also include additional components to aid in the acquisition, distribution and storage of body exudates. For example, the absorbent barrier composite 46 may include a transport layer, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,798,603 issued January 17, 1989 to Meyer et al., Or an emergence management layer. as described in the European patent application EP 0 539 703 Al, published May 5, 1993, whose patent and application are incorporated herein by this mention. Such layers are also referred to as acquisition / distribution layers.

The absorbent barrier composite 46 can be constructed by supplying the top sheet layer 49 and liquid barrier 48 materials and sandwiching an individual absorbent core 50 between the liquid barrier 48 and the top sheet layer 49. The lateral and end peripheries of the liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49 facing away from the absorbent core 50 can be joined with the crotch portion 18, the front body portion 14, and the rear body portion 15. and seal together. The absorbent barrier composite 46 and / or the absorbent core 50 may optionally be T-shaped, I-shaped, oval-shaped, hourglass-shaped, rectangular in shape, or irregularly. In addition, the absorbent barrier composite 46 and / or the absorbent core 50 may also include the leg cuts 29 and 31, the opposing indentations on the longitudinal sides 87 and 89 of the absorbent barrier composite 46, of the longitudinal side edges 59 and 61 of the absorbent core 50 and / or of the longitudinal side edges 104 and 106 of the disposable underpants 12. The leg cuts 29 and 31 can improve the notch of the disposable underpants 12 by reducing or preventing the reduced volume between the legs of the leg. user the formation of cracks thus avoiding filtrations as well as improving comfort. The other materials used in the disposable undergarment 12, including but not limited to the upper layer 49, the liquid barrier 48 and the outer cover 13 may also be shaped to include the leg cuts 29 and 31. However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the absorbent core 50 to be shaped to include the leg cuts 29 and 31 and not conform to the other materials, including the top sheet layer 49, the liquid barrier 48, and the outer cover 13, to include the leg cuts 29 and 31. In the absorbent barrier composite 46 and / or the absorbent core 50, the leg cuts 29 and 31 are not typically placed symmetrically in a disposable underpants 12 but are biased toward the front end edge 103 of the disposable underpants 12.

Through the description, the term "generally rectangular" is used by the applicants. However, it is not intended that this term be limited by only a rectangular shape. Instead, the term may include geometric shapes that are rectangular, oval or race track patterns, hourglass configurations, bilobal shapes, and in general any shape where the length is greater or less than the width.

Referring to Figures la, Ib, le, 2a, 2b, 3, 10, 11 and 12, the absorbent core 50 is of a generally rectangular shape and includes a peripheral edge 67 comprising the lateral edges 59 and 61, a border of front end 55, and a rear end edge 57. Absorbent core 50 has an outer surface 63 that faces away from the wearer, and an inner surface 65 that faces the wearer.

The porous fibrous matrix of the absorbent core 50 is preferably a block placed by air of fluff and of high absorbency material which can be formed in many ways, for example, according to the teachings of Mazurak and Fries as indicated in the United States patent of America number 4,381,782 whose full descriptions are incorporated here by this mention. Referring to the Figures 13a, 13b, 14, 15a, 15b and 15c, the absorbent core 50 may comprise a mixture formed of air of high absorbency material (SAP) 110 and fibers 112, preferably a fluff pulp. More preferably, as shown in Figures 13a, 13b and 14, the mixing of the fluff fibers 112 and the high absorbency material 110 is homogeneous. In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 15a, 15b and 15c, the mixtures can be layered (Figure 15a), phased to place the high-absorbency material at a specific machine direction location (Figure 15b). ) or placed in a narrow band in the transverse direction (Figure 15c).

Also, fibers other than fluff pulp such as thermomechanical or chemically stiffened pulps can also be used. In addition, the absorbent core 50 can comprise the absorbent material other than the waste formed by air and the high absorbency material. For example, the coform materials as mentioned in the United States patents of America numbers 4,818,464 granted to Lau and 4,100, 324 granted to Anderson can be used to make the absorbent as long as they contain high-absorbency materials. In addition, the wet-formed composites comprise a combination of fibers and high-absorbency materials as described in the United States of America patent number ,651,862 granted to Apderson and others and also how it was used. Stabilized air-laid materials comprise a mixture of fibers, binder fibers, and high-absorbency materials which are joined together by latex bonding or through air bonds or are also usable as absorbent materials.

The hydrogel polymers are desirably cross-linked in a manner sufficient to render the materials essentially insoluble in water. Cross-linking can, for example, be by irradiation or by covalent, ionic, Van der Waals or hydrogen bonding. Suitable materials are available from various commercial vendors, such as Dow Chemical Company (Drytech 2035 LD), Hoechst Celanese Corporation and Allied-Colloid. Typically, the high-absorbency material is capable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in water, and desirably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in water.

The high-absorbency material can be distributed or otherwise incorporated into the absorbent core 50 employing various techniques. For example, as illustrated in Figures 13a, 13b, 14, 15a, 15b and 15c, the high-absorbency material can be substantially uniformly distributed among the fibers comprising the absorbent core 50. The materials can also be distributed non-uniformly within of the fibers of the absorbent core 50 to form a generally continuous gradient with either an increasing or a decreasing concentration of the high-absorbency material, as determined by observing the concentration moving inward from the liquid barrier 48. Alternatively, the high-absorbency material may comprise a discrete layer separate from the fibrous material of the absorbent core 50 or may comprise a discrete layer integral with the absorbent core 50.

The absorbent pad 50 may also include a wrapping layer 100 to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous core (see Figure 8). This wrapping layer 100 may comprise a cellulosic fabric or a spin-bonded, meltblown or bonded and carded fabric material composed of synthetic polymer filaments, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters or the like or natural polymer filaments such as rayon or cotton.

The absorbent core 50 must have a greater aqueous liquid capacity to be sufficient to absorb discharges of from about 10 grams to about 1500 grams. The absorbent core 50 should preferably have a capacity (described below) and a thickness preferably of less than about 25 millimeters, thereby providing a flexible and non-bulky notch. The capacity of the absorbent core 50 should have a total capacity of about 200 grams to about 1,300 grams. Preferably, the absorbent core 50 should have a total capacity of at least about 300 grams and no more than about 1,200 grams. More preferably, the total capacity of the absorbent core 50 should be from about 400 grams to about 800 grams.

The total capacity of the absorbent core 50 is determined using the absorbent barrier composite 46 of the underpants 12 and the outer cover 13. The holding capacity is measured from the total absorbent capacity of an absorbent article 10, in this case, a brief underpants. disposable interior 12. The saturated retention capacity is determined as follows. The disposable inner brief 12 to be tested, has a moisture content of less than about 7 percent by weight, is then weighed and submerged in an excess amount of the salt water solution at room temperature (about 23 degrees. centigrade) described below. The material is allowed to remain submerged for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes the disposable inner brief 12 is removed from the salt water solution and placed on a Teflon-coated glass fiber grid having 0.25 inch openings (commercially available from Taconic Platics, Inc., of Petersburg, New York) which in turn is placed on a vacuum box and covered with a flexible rubber dam material. A vacuum of 3.5 kilopascals is pulled into the vacuum box for a period of 5 minutes. The disposable inner brief 12 is heavy. The amount of aqueous liquid retained by the material being tested was determined by subtracting the dry weight of the disposable underpants 12 from the wet weight of the disposable underpants 12 (after application of the vacuum) was reported as the saturated retention capacity in grams of retained aqueous liquid.

The salt water solution is an aqueous solution of about 0.9 percent sodium chloride by weight. A suitable product is the certified saline water of s / P1"3" * commercially available from Baxter Diagnostics in McGaw Park, Illinois.

The absorbent core 50 comprises materials adapted to absorb and retain urine, menstrual fluids, blood, or other body waste. The absorbent core 50 may comprise various natural or synthetic absorbent materials, such as cellulose fibers, melt blown fibers treated with surfactant, wood pulp fibers, cotton or regenerated cellulose fibers, a mixture of pulp and another fiber or similar. One such material is a cofcrm material which is composed of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. The absorbent core 50 may also include compounds to increase its absorbency, such as from 0-95 percent by weight of organic or inorganic absorbency can materials, which are typically capable of absorbing at least about 15 and desirably more than 25 times its weight in water.

Organic high-absorbency materials can include natural materials such as pectin, guar gum and swamp moss as well as synthetic materials such as synthetic hydrogel polymers. Such hydrogel polymers may include, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and vinyl sulfonic acid copolymers, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyridine or the like. Other suitable polymers may include acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable high-absorbency materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,823 issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al. And 5,147,343 granted on September 15, 1992 to Kellenberger, which are incorporated here by reference. High-absorbency materials are available from various commercial vendors such as Dow Chemical Company, Stockhausen, Inc., of Hoechst Celanese Corporation and Allied Colloids, Inc. Absorbent core 50 may also include tissue layers or acquisition or distribution layers to help maintain the integrity of fibrous absorbents or absorbers. aqueous transport liquids.

The disposable absorbent inner brief 12 may also include additional components to aid in the acquisition, distribution and storage of body exudates. For example, the absorbent disposable inner brief 12 may include a transport layer or an emergence layer (absorption material) 114, such as is described in United States of America Patent No. 4,798,603 issued January 17, 1989 to Meyer et al., Or an emergence management layer, as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,486,166 issued January 23, 1996 to Bishop et al., 5,364,382 issued November 15, 1994 to Latimer and others, 5,490,846 granted to Ellis and others, 5,429,629 granted to Latimer and others, 5,509,915 granted to Hanson and others, 5,192,606 granted to Proxraire and others, and European patent application EP 0 539 703 Al, published on 5 May 1993, whose patents and application are incorporated here by reference. Such layers can also be mentioned as acquisition / distribution layers. A sprouting layer (intake material) 114 would be placed within about 0 inches (or 0 centimeters to about 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) from the front end edge 55 of the absorbent core 50, more typically from about 0 centimeters to about 5.1 centimeters from the front end edge 55 of the absorbent core 50 and more typically from about 0 centimeters to about 2.5 centimeters from the front end edge 55 of the absorbent core 50.

The length of the emergence layer (take-up material) 114 is typically between about 12.7 centimeters and about 48.3 centimeters, more typically between about 20.3 centimeters and about 40.6 centimeters, and more typically between about 25.4 centimeters and about 35.6 centimeters. The length of the emergence layer (shooting material) 114 is generally around 30.5 centimeters.

The acquisition / distribution layer 52 is placed on the aqueous liquid storage layer 51 towards the body facing surface 16 of the absorbent core 50 to help decelerate and diffuse the outpourings of aqueous liquid that can be introduced into the absorbent core 50. The acquisition / distribution layer 52 may comprise a carded and air-bonded fabric composed of a blend of 40 percent 6-denier polyester fibers, commercially available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation, and 60% bicomponent fibers from 3 denier polypropylene / polyethylene sheath and core, commercially available from Chisso Corporation, with an overall basis weight ranging from about 50 grams per square meter and about 120 grams per square meter.

The alternative acquisition / distribution materials are described in the patents of the United States of America numbers 5, 192, 606 granted on March 9, 1993 to D. Proxmire et al .; 5,486,166 granted on January 23, 1996 to Ellis and others; 5,490,846 granted on February 13, 1996 to Ellis and others; and 5,509,915 issued on April 23, 1996 to Hanson and others; whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. The illustrated acquisition / distribution layer 52 is rectangular with a length of about 191 millimeters and a width of about 45 millimeters. The acquisition / distribution layer 52 may vary in shape and size as described for the absorbent core 50 and for the disposable underpants 12.

A suitable absorbent core 50 comprises an aqueous liquid storage layer 52 in which the basis weight of the absorbent components, such as the pulp, the fluff and the superabsorbent (SAP), are generally continuous through the length in the direction of the absorbent core machine 50. The distribution of the absorbent components is essentially homogeneous in at least the Y direction, preferably in the X and Y directions and may be homogeneous in the Z direction within the absorbent core 50. The base weight of the absorber Absorbent core 50 can vary between about 80 grams per square meter and about 1000 grams per square meter. More preferably, an acquisition / distribution layer 52 is disposed in the aqueous liquid storage layer 51, which is typically moved forwardly on the aqueous liquid storage layer 51. The proportion of lint / superabsorbent pulp may vary from from around 100: 0 to around 40:60, and more typically from around 80:20 to around 50:50.

The applicator 140 is of a generally rectangular shape and has a peripheral edge 142 with a front edge 144, a rear edge 146, and the lateral edges 148 and 150 (see Figure 12). The applicator 140 has an outer surface 152 facing away from the user and an inner surface 154 facing the user. The applicator 140 is dimensioned in relation to the absorbent core 50 so that its width and its length are less than the width and length of the absorbent core 50, respectively. In this aspect, the length of the applicator 140 is measured along the front and back edges 144 and 146 thereof and the width of the applicator is measured along the lateral edges 148 and 150 thereof. The length of the absorbent core is measured between the front end edge 55 and the rear end edge 57 and the width of the absorbent core 50 is measured between the side edges 59 and 61.

The applicator 140 is more preferably made of a blend of fibers comprising about 15 to about 30 percent by weight of polypropylene or polyethylene fibers and about 85 to about 70 percent by weight of wood pulp fluff fibers. , and has a basis weight of around 100 to around 525 grams per square meter. In addition, a superabsorbent is added in an amount of about 10 to about 300 grams per square meter. The applicator 140 can be formed on a tissue or on a carrier sheet linked with yarn, or it can be formed without a carrier sheet.

The applicator 140 is illustrated in the drawings as having a dry thickness that is approximately equal to the dry thickness of the absorbent core 50. However, it should be appreciated that the applicator 140 and the absorbent core 50 may be of different thicknesses. For example, the applicator 140 can be formed from about one-half to about four times the thickness of the absorbent core 50.

The applicator 140 can be positioned to be symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis A- A, B-B, respectively, of the disposable underpants 12. When in this position, the front and back edges 144 and 146 of the applicator 140 are equidistant from the front edge 90 and the rear edge 92 of the top sheet 49, respectively and the lateral edges 148 and 150 of the applicator 140 are equidistant from the side edges 94 and 96 of the top sheet layer 49, respectively. Further, when in this position, the absorbent core 50 extends beyond the peripheral edge 142 of the applicator 140.

The applicator 140 may, however, be illustrated in Figure 12, be positioned so that any of the front or rear edges 144 and 146 is not less than 5.1 centimeters from its respective front or rear edges 90 and 92 of the upper sheet layer 49 while still symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis A- -A. In other words, the edge 140 may be symmetrical about the transverse axis B-B.

In other embodiments of the present invention, disposable inner brief 12 includes a single layer absorbent core 50. Absorbent core 50 comprises materials adapted to absorb and retain urine, menstrual fluids, blood or other body waste. The absorbent core 50 may comprise various natural or synthetic absorbent materials, such as cellulose fibers, meltblown fibers treated with surfactant, wood pulp fibers, regenerated cotton or cellulose fibers, a mixture of pulp and other fibers or similar. One such material is the coform material which is composed of a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. The absorbent core 50 may also include compounds to increase its absorbency, such as from 0-95 percent by weight of organic or inorganic high-absorbency materials, which are typically capable of absorbing at least about 15 and more desirably more than 25. times its weight in water. Suitable high-absorbency materials are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,699,823 issued October 13, 1987 to Kellenberger et al .; 5,147,343 issued September 15, 1992 to Kellenberger, which are incorporated herein by reference. High-absorbency materials are available from various commercial vendors such as Dow Chemical Company, Hoechst Celanese Corporation and Allied Colloids, Inc.

The absorbent core 50 provides the characteristic of being able to transport aqueous liquid in what can be characterized in a "x" and "y" direction and in a "z" direction. The transport of aqueous liquid in the z direction is a movement of a transmission nature and by gravity of flow wherein the aqueous liquid moves out of the body of the user. The transport of aqueous liquid in the x direction and in the y direction is a movement and / or transmission of aqueous liquid along the length and width of the absorbent core 50. As can be appreciated, the movement of aqueous liquid both outwardly of the user and along the length and width of the absorbent core 50 results in an increase in utilization of the area of the absorbent core 50 as the aqueous liquid moves towards the distal ends of the absorbent core 50, and the result is an improvement of the absorption characteristics of the absorbent core 50.

As illustrated in Figures la, Ib, le, 2a, 2b, 3, 10, 11 and 12, the absorbent core 50 has a width that is measured between the lateral edges 59 and 61 thereof. The absorbent core 50 has a length that is measured between the front end edge 55 and the rear end edge 57 thereof. The width and length of the absorbent core 50 are each less than the corresponding width and length of the container 73 composed of the barrier to the liquid 48 and of the upper sheet layer permeable to the aqueous liquid 39. The width of the container 73 is measured between the side edges 79 and 81 thereof, and the length of the container 73 is measured between the front edge 75 and the rear edge 77. However, the width of the absorbent core 50 may exceed the width of the container 73 in the underpants product inside.

The overall length of the absorbent core 50 should be adequate to help prevent the transfer of the aqueous liquid when sleeping or sitting. With reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12, for the purposes of this invention, central section 56 is a central third of the total product length that falls between lines 4-4 and 5-5. The front section 54 is one third of the total product length of the disposable underpants 12 falling between the line 4-4 and the front end edge 103 of the disposable underpants 12 and which is typically used against the front side of the underpants. body of the user. The back section 58 of the disposable underpants 12 is that one third of the length of the disposable underpants 12 between the line 5-5 and the rear end edge 105 of the disposable underpants 12 and is typically used against the back side of the body. of the user. This overall length is at least about 254 millimeters thus extending beyond the center section 56 along the longitudinal centerline A- -A of the disposable inner brief 12. Alternatively, the length should be in the range from around 305 millimeters to around 762 millimeters, more typically ranging from around 381 millimeters to around 584 millimeters. A common range is from about 381 millimeters to about 533 millimeters in length, more typically ranging from about 17 inches (432 millimeters) to about 20 inches (508 millimeters). Optimally, the length of the absorbent core 50 is about 19 inches (483 millimeters).

The width of the absorbent core 50 extending beyond the crotch portion 18 should be at least as wide as the width of the crotch portion 18. The width of the absorbent core 50 can be narrowed beyond the crotch portion. 18 but can understand the containment of the filtrate. In some cases, the width of the absorbent core 50 is broadened beyond the crotch portion 18, especially where the disposable inner brief 12 includes the leg cutouts 29 and 31 in the center section 56. Because the absorbent core 50 is located primarily in the front section 54, the center section 56, with less in the rear section 58 a position changed forward along the longitudinal axis of the disposable inner brief 12, it being understood that the leg cuts 29 and 31 would also be shifted forward along the longitudinal axis of the disposable underpants 12 to accommodate the position of the disposable underpants 12 over the wearer's body. The width of the absorbent core 50 extending beyond the crotch portion 18 is from about 64 millimeters to about 305 millimeters, alternately from about 102 millimeters to about 254 millimeters. A common range is more than about 127 millimeters to about 229 millimeters.

The present invention contemplates various forms of the absorbent core 50. A preferred composite has a non-rectangular shape such as an absorbent core 50 in the shape of an hourglass or an I beam. Another embodiment of the preferred absorbent core 50 is rectangular in shape with an end. rounded The essentially rectangular-shaped absorbent core 50 (for example an hourglass) is more preferred since it can be square at the ends to provide a smoother appearance on the back of the disposable inner brief 12 while providing a contouring notch of the body more comfortable.

The absorbent core 50 is positioned to be symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis A- of the underpants 12 and biased forward along the central transverse axis B-B of the underpants 12. In other words, the side edges 59 and 61 of the absorbent core 50 are equidistant from the lateral edges 94 and 96 of the upper sheet layer permeable to the aqueous liquid 49, respectively. The front end and rear end edges 55 and 57, respectively, of the absorbent core 50 are not equidistant from the front and rear edges 103 and 105 of the top sheet layer permeable to the aqueous liquid 49 respectively. The absorbent core 50 is positioned in the front section 54, the center section 56, and the back section 58. The front end edge 103 of the absorbent core 50 is from about 254 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, more preferably from about 229 millimeters to about 51 millimeters, more preferably from about 203 millimeters to about 76 millimeters from the front end edge 103 of the disposable inner panty 12. Optimally, the distance is about 76 millimeters. The rear end edge 105 of the absorbent core 50 is from 76 millimeters to about 330 millimeters, more preferably from about 127 millimeters to about 305 millimeters, more preferably from about 152 millimeters to about 279 millimeters from the rear end edge 105 of disposable underpants 12.

Referring to Figures la, Ib, le, 2a, 2b, 3, 10, 11 and 12, in order to better understand what is meant by a biased front absorbent core 50 along the central transverse axis is useful defining a "skewing factor" of the absorbent core 50 which in combination with the presence of an absorbent core 50 in which more of the length of the absorbent core 50 is in the front section 54 than in the rear section 58 (the core Absorber 50 is not placed symmetrically in the longitudinal direction, but is biased forward in the disposable underpants 12) serves to define the invention. For the purpose of this invention, "not symmetrically positioned" means that more than about 20 millimeters or more of the absorbent core 50 is in the front section 54 as compared to the rear section 58.

The skew factor is calculated using the following steps: 1. Divide the length of the disposable inner brief 12 into three sections of equal length: the front section 54; the front section 56; and the subsequent section 58. 2. Determine what length in the machine or longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 50 along the line A- -A of Figures 10, 11 and 12 is in each section. 3. Calculate the skew factor by dividing the length of the absorbent core 50 in the back section 58 by summing the lengths of the absorbent core 50 in the front section 54 and in the center section 56.

Referring again to Figures la, Ib, le, 2a, 2b, 3, 10, 11 and 12, because the absorbent disposable inner brief 12 can have a large range of product lengths to fit in people from infants to adults , the skew factor in conjunction with the presence of more of the absorbent core 50 in the front section 54 than in the rear section 58 serves to define the amount of forward biasing of an absorbent core 50 for any product length. The skewing factor is a function of the overall length of the absorbent core 50 and how it is placed in the disposable inner brief 12. Because the overall length of the disposable inner brief 12 affects how much of the absorbent core 50 is in the section front 54, center section 56, and back section 58, the slant factor is also a function of the length of the disposable inner brief 12. The placement of the absorbent core 50 in any designs or tarars of various disposable underpants products 12 it will depend on how the particular disposable underpants 12 is designed to fit over the wearer's body and the ability of the manufacturing process to control the placement of the absorbent core 50 within the disposable underpants 12. For the purposes of this invention, the biased can be any value of r.os of about 0.155. The skewing factor varies from about 0 to about 0.155, more preferably from about 0 to about 0.12, more preferably from about 0 to about 0.10. In some designs, it may be desirable to apply skewing factors ranging from about 0 to about 0.090.

For the incorporations where nothing of the absorbent core 50 is placed in the rear section 58, the skew factor becomes zero. Therefore, the range of the biasing factors described in this invention for the disposable underpants 12 having absorbent cores 50 with a greater length in the front section 54 than in the rear section 58 is from 0 to 0.270. For the disposable underpants 12 shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the range of skew factors is from 0 to 0.270 and more preferably from 0 to 0.20 and more preferably from 0.07 to 0.195.

Referring to Figures 10, 13a and 14, in another embodiment, a disposable inner brief 12 has a length of 845 millimeters, a width of 715 millimeters at the ends along the line 9-9 and a minimum width of 120 millimeters in the central section 58 along the line 8-8 and comprises an absorbent core 50 which has a length in the machine direction of 438 millimeters and a width in the transverse direction of 153 millimeters at the ends and 89 millimeters in the center of leg cut 29 and 31 along line 8-8. The absorbent core 50 is placed on a barrier impervious to the aqueous liquid 48. The absorbent core 58 also has a bag region of high basis weight 141 which has a length of 279 millimeters, a width of 89 millimeters along the line 8-8 and a width of 102 millimeters at the ends.

Referring to Figures 13a and 14, the absorbent core 50 comprises a homogenous mixture of 129 grams per square meter (grams per square meter) of Dow 2035 high-absorbency material (available from the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan) and 215 grams per square meter of pulp fibers debris Alliance CR1654 in the end regions 700 and 701. In the bag region 141, the basis weight of the high-absorbency material is 261 grams per square meter and the debris pulp is 435 grams per square meter. There is also a carded fabric making material 114 in the disposable underpants 12 which is 330 millimeters long and 76 millimeters wide with a basis weight of 85 grams per square meter comprising a mixture of 40 percent by weight of 6 denier polyester fibers from Hoechst Celanese and 60 percent polyethylene / polypropylene sheath and 3 denier core fibers from Chisso Corporation of Japan. The intake material 114 is located between the upper sheet layer 49 and the absorbent core 50. The absorbent core 50 has a holding capacity of about 500 grams of 0.9 percent sodium chloride in water. Importantly, the absorbent core 50 is placed in a disposable underpants 12 so that the front end edge 55 of the absorbent core 50 is 163 millimeters from the front end edge 103 of the disposable underpants 12.

In addition, the front end edge 720 of the bag region 141 is positioned 222 millimeters from the front end edge 103 of the disposable underpants 12. Finally, an emergence material of 85 grams per square meter (shot material) (not shown) with a length dimension of 279 millimeters and a width of 64 millimeters is placed coextensive with the pocket region 141 in the length dimension and centered in the width dimension is placed on the inner surface 65 of the absorbent core 50. The absorbent core 50 has a holding capacity around 500 grams of 0.9 percent sodium chloride in water. This results in 27.1 percent of the length of the absorbent core 50 in the machine direction which is placed in the front section 54 of the disposable underpants 12, 64.2 percent of the length of the absorbent core 50 is in the center section 56 of the underpants disposable 12, and 8.7 percent of the length of the absorbent core 50 is in the back section 58 of the disposable underpants 12. The absorbent core 50 has a skew factor of 0.095.

Additionally, 21.5 percent of the length of the bag area 141 is in the front section 54, 78.5 percent of the length of the bag area 141 is in the front section 56, and 0.0 percent of the length of the bag area 141 is in the rear section 58. The placement of the absorbent core 50 and of the absorption material 114 is symmetrical in the dimension of the transverse direction of the disposable inner brief 12 along the central longitudinal axis AA of Figure 11. When placed on the wearer's body, this configuration results in a greater proportion of the core absorbent 50 being on the user's front side where it is most feasible to be used.

Compared to the symmetrical placement of a pad or absorbent core in the machine direction length of a disposable underpants resulting in an equal placement of the absorbent pad or core in the front and back portions of such disposable underpants, the slanted front configuration described above results in a superior utilization of the absorbent core 50 and avoids an ugly and non-comfortable volume in the back section 58 of the disposable underpants 12.

Referring to Figures 1.1, 13a and 14 in yet another embodiment of a disposable underpants 12 has a length of 845 millimeters, a width of 715 millimeters at the ends along the line 9-9 and a minimum width of 120 millimeters in the central section 56 along the line 8-8 and comprises an absorbent core 50 which has a length in the machine direction of 489 millimeters and a width in the transverse direction of 153 millimeters at the ends and of 89 millimeters inside the leg cut 29 and 31 along the line 8-8. The absorbent core 50 is placed on the impermeable barrier to the aqueous liquid 48. The absorbent core 50 also has a bag region of upper basis weight 143 which has a length of 489 millimeters (full length of the absorbent core 50), a width of 89 millimeters along the line 8-8 and a width of 102 millimeters at the ends.

Referring to Figures 13b and 14, the absorbent core 50 comprises a homogeneous mixture of 114 grams per square meter (grams per square meter) of a Dow 2035 high-absorbency material (available from the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan) and 232 grams per square meter of Alliance CR1654 fluff pulp fibers in the lateral end regions 721 and 722. In the bag region 143, the basis weight of the high absorbency material is 282 grams per square meter and the pulp it is 591 gramcs per square meter. The absorbent core 50 has a holding capacity of about 800 grams of 0.9 percent sodium chloride in water. Importantly, the absorbent core 50 is placed in the disposable inner brief 12 so that the front end edge 55 of the absorbent core 50 is 112 millimeters from the front end edge 103 of the disposable inner brief 12. Finally, an emerging material of 85 grams per square meter (intake material) (not shown) with a length dimension of 279 millimeters and a width of 64 millimeters is placed 187 millimeters from the front end edge 103 of the disposable underpants 12 and is centered on the width dimension to the large of the central longitudinal axis AA is placed on the inner surface 65 of the absorbent core 50.

This results in 34.7 percent of the length of the absorbent core 50 in the machine direction being placed in the front section 54 of the disposable underpants 12, 57.6 percent of the length of the absorbent core 50 is in the center section 56 of the disposable underpants 12, and 7.7 of the length of the absorbent core 50 is in the back section 58 of the disposable underpants 12. The absorbent core 50 has a skew factor of 0.082. The placement of the absorbent core 50 and the symmetrical take-up material 114 in the cross-directional dimension of the disposable inner brief 12 along the central longitudinal axis AA. When placed on the user's body, this configuration results in a greater proportion of the absorbent core 50 being on the user's front side where it is more likely to be used.

Compared to the symmetrical placement of a pad or absorbent core in the length of the machine direction of a disposable underpants resulting in equal placement of the pad or absorbent core in the front and back portions of such a product, the configuration forward biased described above results in a superior utilization of the absorbent core 50 and avoids ugly and uncomfortable volume in the back section 58 of the disposable underpants 12.

Example Two disposable absorbent underwear products were tested for the performance of the filtering protection. The disposable underpants were sent to 72 incontinent panelists (44 women and 24 men) who used them under conditions of normal use. A daily sheet, with written questions, was provided for all the individual products with respect to which the panelists recorded the information related to the filtering. All used products were returned and weighed to determine the amount of urine they contained.

From the combined data, a procedure was used in the sense of the steps for a logistic regression to determine the best notch model for the filtering data. The objective of the logistic regression is to describe the relationship between the filtrates and the set of explanatory variables (code, urine, grams, gender, activity and hip size of the panelist).

The interior disposable underwear products tested were a disposable inner prototype underpants and the SureCare® Slip-On Undergarment product produced by Inbrand Corporation of Marietta, Georgia. The Slip-On product is a traditional panty with a symmetrical placement of the absorbent core in the product frame while the prototype disposable underpants had a highly biased front absorbent core with less capacity than the SureCare product.

The SureCare product is 660 millimeters long and has an essentially rectangular absorbent core which is 550 millimeters long and 127 millimeters wide. The absorbent core has 90 grams per square meter of high-absorbency material and 1.062 grams per square meter of fluff pulp. The absorbent core is placed 55 millimeters from the edges of the front and back ends of the garment.

The prototype of disposable underpants (referring to Figure 10) has a product length of 781 millimeters. The absorbent core is 400 millimeters long and 165 millimeters wide at the ends and 90 millimeters wide at the center. The absorbent core is placed 160 millimeters from the front end edge of the prototype disposable underpants and 221 millimeters from the rear end edge of the prototype underpants. The absorbent core comprises 110 grams per square meter of a high-absorbency material and 165 grams per square meter of fluff fibers.

In addition, the prototype disposable underpants have an applicator which is 292 millimeters long, 90 millimeters wide and is placed 185 millimeters from the front end edge of the prototype underpants and 304 millimeters from the rear end edge of the inner prototype underpants between the absorbent core and the liquid barrier. The applicator is composed of 180 grams per square meter of a high-absorbency material and 270 grams per square meter of fluff fibers. The density of the absorbent core and the applicator is around 0.160 grams per cubic centimeter.

In addition, the prototype disposable underpants have an absorption material of 100 grams per square meter which is 64 millimeters wide and 203 millimeters long. The front end edge of the absorption material is 216 millimeters from the front end edge of the prototype disposable underpants and 362 millimeters from the rear end edge of the prototype disposable underpants.

The proportions of the absorbent core and the applicator in the front section, in the center section and in the rear section of the disposable inner prototype shoe are shown in Table 5. Table 5 shows that the absorbent core, the applicator, and the material The prototype inner disposable underpants are biased to the front of the disposable inner prototype underpants with superior proportions of the absorbent core on the front while the SureCare product has a symmetrical placement of its absorbent core.

TABLE Dimensional Comparison of the Prototype Disposable Interior Underpants and the SureCare Slip-On The SureCare product of Table I does not have a skew factor because the placement of the absorbent core is symmetric. On the other hand, the bias factor of the absorbent core of the prototype disposable underpants is 0.111, showing the absorbent core the being highly skewed forward.

The filtering information in Table II expressed as the urine load in grams at which 20 percent (LD20) and 50 percent (LD50) of filtration of the products clearly shows that the inner disposable prototype underpants with the front biased absorbent core provides better protection against runoff because a higher urine load is required to make 20 percent and 50 percent of the products filter.

TABLE II SureCare Slip-On Filtration Protection Against Interior Prototype Disposable Underpants Although the specific embodiments of the disposable underpants 12 are shown in the Figures, it is understood that any disposable underpants product may incorporate the absorbent core 50 being positioned so that the product will have a skewing factor of at least 10%. less than 0.27.

Preferably, the thickness of the absorbent core 50 is less than about 45 millimeters. The thickness of the absorbent core 50 can vary from about 4 millimeters to about 40 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness varies from about 5 millimeters to about 30 millimeters with a thickness having a more preferred range of from about 6 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The thickness is measured on a smooth square sample of 102 millimeters (elastics removed) with a Digamatic Mitutoyo indicator using an acrylic plate 76 millimeters in diameter and a set to produce a pressure of 0.05 pounds per square inch.

In the construction of the absorbent barrier composite 46, the liquid barrier 48 must retard the movement of the liquid through the absorbent barrier composite 46 by making the barrier penetration resistant liquid 48 normally encountered under conditions of use. The absorbent barrier composite 46 can be made impermeable to the liquid by any method well known in the art such as the coating of the absorbent core 50 by securing a material impermeable to the liquid separated to the absorbent core 50.

The liquid barrier 48 has an outer surface 99 that is facing away from the user and an interior surface 98 that faces the user. The liquid barrier 48 may comprise a fabric impervious to thin liquid or a sheet of plastic film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or a similar material. Alternatively, the liquid barrier 48 may comprise a fibrous nonwoven fabric which has been properly constructed and arranged to have a low liquid permeability. Still alternatively, the liquid barrier 48 may comprise a laminated or layered material, such as a composite of a thermally bonded plastic film and a nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, the liquid barrier 48 consists of a liquid impervious film or foam which is permeable to water vapor under normal conditions of use. More preferably, the liquid barrier 48 has a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 1000 grams per square meter per day measured by the ASTM E96-92 test. An example of a suitable film is a microporous film of 39.4 grams per square meter produced by Mitsui and sold by Consolidated Ther oplastics (CT) under the trade name of ESPOIR® N-TAF-CT.

The liquid barrier 48 desirably comprises a material that is formed or treated to render the fluid impermeable. Alternatively, the liquid barrier 48 may comprise a fluid permeable material and other suitable means (not shown), such as a fluid impermeable layer associated with the absorbent barrier composite 46 (or the absorbent core 50), may be provided to prevent the fluid movement out of the absorbent barrier composite 46 (or the absorbent core 50). The liquid barrier 48 may comprise a single material layer or a laminate of two or more layers of separated material. Acceptable materials include a single spunbonded layer, two layers of spunbond and meltblown materials, or three layers of spunbond-spunbonded material.

Suitable materials for the liquid barrier 48 include thermoplastic films, fabrics, nonwovens, film laminates, fabrics, and / or non-wovens, foams, or the like. For example, the liquid barrier 48 may comprise a fabric essentially impermeable to the fluid or a sheet of plastic film such as a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyvinyl chloride, or a similar material. A suitable material for the liquid barrier 48 is a 0.028 millimeter (mm) thick polyethylene film with a systematic matte etched pattern and which has been corona treated on both sides.

The liquid barrier 48 is necessary to prevent the liquid from flowing through and to the outer clothing when a discharge occurs on the absorbent barrier composite 46 of the underpants 12. The liquid barrier 48 is located on the inside of the outer cover 13 in at least crotch portion 18 and consists of a film impervious to liquid such as polyethylene. The use of only the film (without the outer cover 13) would be hot and uncomfortable, may not be durable enough to withstand periods of extended use. The absorbent core 50 may be associated with a liquid barrier 48 which may or may not include elastic characteristics.

The absorbent barrier composite 46 includes a liquid barrier essentially fluid impermeable 48, a fluid (or liquid) impermeable top sheet layer 49 superimposed on the outer cover 13. (See Figures la, 8 and 9). The absorbent core 50 is sandwiched between the liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49. (See Figures la, 8 and 9). The liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49 are desirably larger and wider than the absorbent core 50. The upper sheet layer 49 is designed to be placed towards the wearer and is referred to as the body facing surface 16. In reverse, the liquid barrier 48 is designed to be placed towards the outer cover 13 and the outer clothing of the wearer and is referred to as the face facing the garment 23.

The upper sheet layer 49 has an outer surface 109 that faces away from the wearer and an inner surface 108 that faces the wearer. The top sheet layer 49 consists of a nonwoven material or other soft material to make contact with the wearer's skin. the top sheet layer 49 is formed of a flexible and soft porous aqueous liquid permeable material so that the aqueous liquid waste, and possibly the semi-solid waste, can also pass through the absorbent core 50 and be absorbed by the barrier compound absorbent 46 (or absorbent core 50). A suitable top sheet layer 49 may be composed of a non-woven fabric, a spunbond, a meltblown or bonded fabric and bonded composite of synthetic polymer fibers or filaments, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters or the like, a perforated film, crosslinked foams, an expanded plastic fabric material, a canvas material, or a fabric or filaments or fibers of natural polymer such as cotton, rayon or wood. The top sheet layer 49 has a pore size that easily allows the transfer of air, sweat, perspiration due to the ability to breathe of the material.Suitably, the top sheet layer 49 is a material bonded with non-woven yarn. Such yarn-bound material is available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, located in Roswell, Georgia. The top sheet layer 49 has a weight of from about 0.3 ounces per square yard to about 2.0 ounces per square yard and alternately about 0.5 ounces per square yard. The upper sheet layer 49 of the underpants may be printed, colored, embossed or may be perforated with discreet holes or slits that extend and pass through.

In addition, the top sheet layer 49 can be treated with a surfactant to aid in fluid transfer. In a particular embodiment, the top sheet layer 49 comprises a fabric bonded with non-woven yarn of bicomponent sheath and core filaments with 50 percent polyethylene and 50 percent polypropylene having a basis weight of about 20 grams per square meter ( gsm). The fabric is surface treated with a surfactant commercially available from Union Carbide Chemical and Plastics Company, Inc., of Danbury, Connecticut, United States of America, under the trade designation TRITON X-102.

The width of the crotch portion 18 between the crotch elastics 37 and 39 should be wide enough to accommodate the absorbent core 50 between the lateral edges. 17 and 19 of the crotch part 18 without having the absorbent core 50 obstruct the crotch elastics 37 and 39 and finally the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35. This allows the crotch elastics 37 and 39 to contract and pulling the crotch sides creating a vessel with the walls of the top sheet layer 49 and a liquid barrier 48 to prevent body exudates from leaking out of the product and to accommodate more sizes of individuals. However, in some product designs, the crotch elastics 37 and 39 may be covered with at least one part of the absorbent core 50.

The width of the crotch portion 18 should not be so wide as to appear bulky or uncomfortable, but an adequate width is at least about 64 millimeters between the crotch elastics 37 and 39. The width advantageously varies from around 64 millimeters to around 152 millimeters. Typically the width of the crotch portion 18 between the crotch elastics 37 and 39 varies from about 89 millimeters to about 127 millimeters. Preferably, the width thus defined is from about 108 millimeters.

The crotch portion 18 is also at least about 6 millimeters wider than the width of the absorbent core 50. The crotch portion 18 is from about 6 millimeters to about 102 millimeters wider than the absorbent core 50. Typically, the crotch portion 18 is from about 13 millimeters to about 76 millimeters wider than the absorbent core 50 and more typically from about 13 millimeters to about 51 millimeters wider. Preferably, each of the crotch elastics 36 and 39 are from about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters wide. More preferably, the width of each of the crotch elastics 37 and 39 is from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. The overall width of the crotch portion 18 includes the width between the crotch elastics 37 and 39, the width of the crotch elastics 37 and 39, and the material of the crotch outside the crotch elastics 37 and 39 at the edge of the crotch elastics. leg openings 28 and 30. In some embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent core 50 may be from about 0 millimeters to about 25 millimeters wider than the crotch portion 18.

Preferably, the shirred material on the edge of the leg openings 28 and 30 outside the leg and crotch elastics 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 39 is less than about 13 millimeters. More preferably, the shirred material is less than about 3 millimeters. It is more desirable to remove the shirred material from the edge of the leg openings 28 and 30.

The width of the absorbent barrier composite 46 is dimensioned relative to the width of the crotch portion 18. The width of the composite 46 is at least the width of the crotch portion 18 between the crotch elastics 37 and 39. Preferably, the width is equivalent to the width of the crotch part 18.

The overall length of the absorbent barrier composite 46 should be adequate to extend beyond the ends of the absorbent core 56 to help prevent liquid from passing through these spots when sleeping or sitting. The overall length is at least about 305 millimeters, thus extending beyond the crotch portion 18 along the longitudinal center line AA of the underpants 12. Alternatively, the length should be in the range of about 100%. 305 millimeters to around 762 millimeters. More typically varying from from around 381 millimeters to around 584 millimeters. A common range is from about 432 millimeters to around 533 millimeters in length. Optimally, the length of the composite 46 is around 483 millimeters.

The width of the absorbent barrier composite 46 extending beyond the crotch portion 18 should be at least as wide as the width of the crotch portion 18. The width of the absorbent barrier composite 46 can be narrowed beyond of the crotch part 18 but the containment of the filtrate can be compromised. Typically the width of the absorbent barrier composite 46 is broadened beyond the crotch portion 18. The width of the absorbent barrier composite 46 extending beyond the crotch portion 18 is from about 64 millimeters to about 305 millimeters, alternately from about 102 millimeters to about 254 millimeters. A common range is from about 178 millimeters to about 229 millimeters.

Optimally, the width is from around 203 millimeters.

The present invention contemplates various forms of the absorbent barrier composite 46. A preferred compound has a non-rectangular shape such as an hourglass or I-beam shaped absorbent barrier composite 46 which provides extensive coverage in the finished underpants seat 12. Another embodiment of the preferred absorbent barrier composite 46 is rectangular in shape with rounded ends. The absorbent barrier composite formed in an essentially rectangular shape 46 (e.g., an hourglass shape) is more preferred since it can be square at the ends to provide a smoother appearance on the back of the undergarment 12 while it is provided. a notch that is contoured to the most comfortable body.

Referring to Figures la-c, 2a-b, 3 and 6, the elastics of the waist portion 22 are shown covered with a body liner 80. The body liner 80 consists of a non-woven material or other soft material for make contact with the user's skin. The body side liner 80 is described in more detail below. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the elastic of the waist portion 22 may be covered by the absorbent barrier composite 46. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 are shown. covered by the side lining to the leather 80. In Fig. Ib, the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are shown in the form of a sandwich between the upper sheet layer 49 and the liquid barrier 48. In the alternate incorporations, the elastic crotch 37 and 39 can be placed in sandwich form between the outer cover 13 and the liquid barrier 48. Depending on the size and shape of the absorbent barrier composite 46, at least a portion of the leg elastics 32, 33 , 34 and 35 may be covered by the absorbent barrier composite 46.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the waist elastics 21 are shown in another embodiment as covered with a waist liner 26. The waist elastic 21 can also be covered with the side-to-body lining 80. Referring to FIGS. and 7, the leg elastics 32 and 34 are shown covered by a leg lining 38. Depending on the size and shape of the absorbent barrier composite 46, at least a portion of the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 may be covered by the absorbent barrier composite 46. In FIG. 1, the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are shown covered by the absorbent barrier composite 46 as the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are sandwiched between the outer shell. 13 and the absorbent barrier composite 46. Referring to Figure 7, the elastic of the waist portion 22 is shown covered with the body liner 80. The body liner 80 consists of a non-reflective material. tissue or other soft material to make contact with the user's skin. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the elastic of the waist portion 22 may be covered by the absorbent barrier composite 46.

The body side liner 80 is docile and soft to the user. The body side liner 80 can be any porous, flexible and soft sheet which is permeable to liquid, allowing liquids to easily penetrate within its thickness, or impermeable, resistant to the penetration of liquids within its thickness. A suitable side-to-body liner 80 can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as from natural fibers (for example wood or cotton fibers), from synthetic fibers (for example from polyester or polypropylene fibers or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers or reticulated foams and perforated plastic films.

There are a number of manufacturing techniques which can be used to make the lining from side to body 80. For example, the body side liner 80 may be a woven or non-woven sheet or fabric such as a spunbond, meltblown or bonded and carded fabric composed of synthetic polymer filaments, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, of polyesters or the like or a woven of natural polymer filaments such as rayon or cotton.

The carded and bonded fabric can be thermally bonded or sprayed with a binder with means well known to those skilled in the art of fabrics. Suitably, the side-to-body liner 80 is a bonded non-woven yarn. Ideally, the body side liner 80 is a polypropylene nonwoven bonded with a yarn with a wire woven pattern. Suitably, yarn-bound material is available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, located in Roswell, Georgia. The body side liner 80 has a weight of from about 0.3 ounces per square yard (osy) to about 2.0 ounces per square yard and alternatively of about 0.6 ounces per square yard. The body side liner 80 of the underpants can be printed, colored or decoratively engraved. The side-to-body liner 80 has a pore size that readily allows passage therethrough of air, sweat, perspiration due to the breathing ability of the material. The body side liner 80 may be selectively perforated or etched with discrete slits or holes extending therethrough.

The position and shape of the leg openings 28 and 30 is important to avoid tightening in the crotch area and the groin of the user, to obtain adequate coverage of the buttocks, and to prevent the underpants 12 from tilting. forward, for example, tilt so that the front waist edge is added lower in relation to the rear waist edge. The figure illustrates the most preferred design for the coverage of the buttocks and the leg groove. The shape of the curve through the front edges 72 and 74 of the leg openings 28 and 30 can have an impact on the notch of the underpants 12. If the curve is too deep, the underpants 12 will change downwards and backwards resulting in a short front waist, increasing the length of the back and the bulge in the seat of the underpants 12. This will make the underpants 12 appear sloped when worn as evidenced by a lack of level around the user's waist, resulting in a tightening along the front edges 72 and 74 of the leg openings 28 and 30 and reducing comfort in the notch.

The structures of the leg openings 28 and 30 are important for the correct functioning of the underpants 12. With the underpants 12 placed flat as in FIG. 1, the majority (at least 51%) of the back edges 76 and 78 of the rear portions 82 and 84 of the leg openings 28 and 30 respectively preferably form an essentially linear line. More preferably, the rear edges 76 and 78 of the back portions 82 and 84 of the leg openings 28 and 30 are essentially linear by a length, p, of at least about 70% of the length of the portions of the legs. complete backs 82 and 84. The straight section p of the back edges 76 and 78 of the back parts 82 and 84 of the leg openings 28 and 30 must form an acute angle with the longitudinal centerline, AA, of the inner briefs 12. Preferably, the line, p, forms an angle p with the center line AA of the underpants 12 of between about 45Q and about 89Q, more preferably between about 55Q and about 87? and more preferably between about 61o and about 76Q. If a shallow curve (a curve having a radius of at least 6 inches) defines the back edges 76 and 78 of the back portions 82 and 84 of the leg openings 28 and 30, two spots are selected to Along the curve, one point is placed at around 25% of the length of the curve and the other point is placed at around 75% of the length of the curve. A line drawn between the two points is used to determine the angle or formed with the center line AA of the underpants 12. The rear edges 76 and 78 that form the acute angles with the longitudinal centerline as described reduce bulging and change of the absorbent core 50 during use, ensuring a better contouring to the body and a comfortable notch. Such angles help the underpants 12 to trim the buttocks, improving the notch and reducing the filtering. It is understood that because the leg elastics 34 and 35 closely follow the rear edges 78 and 76 respectively, the references to the rear edges 78 and 76 can be read as describing the leg elastics 34 and 35.

The majority (at least 51%) of the front edges 72 and 74 of the front parts 85 and 88 of the leg openings 28 and 30 include the lengths p, preferably forming the straight lines. More preferably, the lengths of the front edges 72 and 74 (or of the leg openings 28 and 30 are essentially linear for at least about 70% of the length of the front portions 86 and 88 of the leg openings 28 and 30. The substantially linear section or front edges 72 and 74 of the front portions of the leg openings 28 and 30 should form an angle p with the center line of the underpants 12 of between about 62E and about 99 ^, more preferably between about 74Q and about 91Q, and more preferably about 85Q.The front edges 72 and 74 that form an angle with the center line as described reduce bulging and change of the absorbent core 50 during use, ensuring a better contour to the body and a more comfortable notch If a shallow curve (a curve that has a radius of at least 6 inches) defines the front edges 72 and 74 of the front parts 86 and 88 of the leg openings 28 and 30, two points are selected along the curve, one point is placed at about 25% of the length of the curve and the other point is placed at about 75% of the length of the curve. A line drawn between the two points is used to determine the angle or formed with the center line of the underpants 12. Even when the front edges 72 and 74 forming angles of 90O can be used, angles of at least slightly greater or less than 90Q provide an underpants 12 having a comfortable notch during movement. It is understood that because the leg elastics 32 and 33 closely follow the front edges 72 and 74 respectively, the references to the front edges 72 and 74 can be read as describing the leg elastics 32 and 33.

Similarly, the shape of the curve in the crotch portion 18 is important. The majority of the lateral edges 17 and 19 of the crotch portion 18 include the lengths p, preferably forming curved (arched) lines. If the curve is shallow or straight (especially at the ends of the crotch elastics 37 and 39), the tight can be experienced in the groin area inside and the cracking in the notch of the underpants 12 as the contour of the underpants does not follow. user's leg, resulting in filtering. The preferred narrow crotch width that has shallow curves can also reduce the coverage of the buttocks. To compensate for such reduction, the rear leg edges 76 and 78 on the backs 82 and 84 are preferably adjusted downward, increasing the angle o. The curve between the lateral edges 17 and 18 of the crotch portion 18 and of the backs 82 and 84 of the leg openings 28 and 30 should begin slightly at the front of the center line BB of the underpants 12, see FIG. the. This allows the rear leg elastics 34 and 35 to be placed below the bottom edge of the buttocks and helps prevent the underpants 12 from getting up when walking. This means that the arched crotch part p of the leg openings 28 and 30 is completely forward of the underpants 12 of the centerline B-B. It is understood that because the crotch elastics 37 and 39 closely follow the edges 17 and 18 respectively, the references to the edges 17 and 19 can be read as describing the leg elastics 37 and 39.

Even though the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 can be designed to closely follow the edge of the absorbent core 50 outside the crotch portion 18, moving the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 out of the absorbent core 50, the absorbent core 50 interferes less with the function of the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35, providing a better gasket around the leg openings 28 and 30. In addition, as the absorbent core 50 swells as the absorbing core 50 Discharges from the body, the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 thus placed are more capable and in better shape to remain in contact with and conform to the user's body.

In a preferred embodiment, the waist portion and the leg elastics 22, 32, 33, 34 and 35, respectively (and in the incorporations including the waist elastic 21) are fastened to the underpants 12 placed in the form of a sandwich between the underpants. outer cover 13 and the side-to-body liner 80 in a generally stretched state by means known in the art, including ultrasonic bonding, heat and pressure bonding or adhesive bonding. The crotch elastics 37 and 39 are sandwiched between the liquid barrier 48 and the top sheet layer 49 of the absorbent barrier composite 46. The crotch elastics 37 and 39 are typically held in a stretched state by known means in art, including ultrasonic bonding, bonding with heat and pressure or bonding adhesively. The materials suitable for the elastics include a wide variety including but not limited to elastic threads, rubber thread, flat rubber, elastic tape, film type rubber, polyurethane and elastomeric, polyurethane foam or elastomeric ribbon type or an elastic or non-elastic fabric formed. The ® suitable material is sold under the name LYCRA of DuPont Company, located in Wilmington, Delaware. Each elastic must be unitary, multi-part or composite in the construction before being integrated into the underpants 12.

In an alternate embodiment, the elastics of the waist, leg and crotch part 22, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 39, respectively (and in the incorporations including the waist elastic 21) are attached to the underpants inside 12 placed in the form of a sandwich between the outer cover 13 and the side-to-body liner 80 in a generally stretched condition by means known in the art, such as ultrasonic bonding, heat and pressure bonding or adhesive bonding. Suitable materials for elastics include a wide variety including but not limited to elastic threads, thread rubber, flat rubber, elastic tape, film type rubber, polyurethane and foam or elastomeric type polyurethane. elastomeric tape or elastic or non-elastic canvas formed. The appropriate material is sold under the name LYCRA by DuPont Company located in Wilmington, Delaware. Each elastic can be unitary, multi-part or composite in construction.

The part of the front and rear body parts 14 and 15 that has the elastic of the waist part 22 is from about 25 millimeters to about 254 millimeters wide (perpendicular to A-A as shown in Figure la). More typically, the portion of the front and rear body portions 14 and 15 having the elastic of the waist portion 22 is from about 3 inches (76 millimeters) to about 203 millimeters in width. More typically, the width varies from about 152 millimeters to about 191 millimeters. In some embodiments it is desirable to vary the widths of the elastic of the waist portion 22 between the front and rear body portions 14 and 15. If one of the body portions 14 and 15 has a narrower part of the elastic of the portion of waist 22, the width varies between about 25 millimeters to about 203 millimeters, more typically from about 76 millimeters to about 152 millimeters, and more typically from about 102 millimeters to about 140 millimeters. The elastic of the waist portion 22 is applied under an elongation of from about 100% to about 400%, more typically under an elongation of from about 15% to about 300%, and more typically under an elongation from around 200% to around 275%. The underpants 12 can be constructed so that the elastic tension of the waist part 22 can be of a different value in the front body part 14 compared to the elastic tension of the waist part 22 in the part of the head part 14. posterior body 15.

The elastic of the waist part 22 may comprise threads, tapes, bands, film, elastic non-wovens, or composites. The threads, tapes or bands can be multiple and can be applied as a compound. The number of pieces of the elastic material comprising the elastic of the waist portion 22 varies from about 1 to about 100, more typically from about 10 to about 40, and more typically from about 15 to about of 35. Preferably, when the elastic of the waist portion 22 is yarns, 15 to 40 yarns are used as the elastic of the waist portion 22 and the yarns are spaced by from about 1.6 millimeters to about 51 millimeters, more preferably from about 1.6 millimeters to about 13 millimeters, and more preferably about 6 millimeters apart. Even though the appearance of the underpants 12 can be increased by the even and closed spacing of the elastic material, such as yarns, in the elastic of the waist portion 22, however, the distance between the pieces of the elastic material can be varied . Such variation can be used in the front and rear waist edge portions 44 and 45 to give the appearance of a waistband.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic yarns can be made of any suitable elastomeric material. A suitable material is spandex such as threads ® LYCRA available from DuPont located in Wilmington, Delaware.

The elastic of the appropriate waist portion 22 includes the yarns having a decitex (g / lOOOOm) of from about 100 to about 1200, more typically from about 470 to about 940, and more typically from about 620 to about 740 for the elastic of the waist part 22 comprising from about 15 to about 35 threads. Adhesive 71, typically applied in a meltblown or swirl pattern using currently known technology, is used to attach the elastic of the waist portion 22 to the outer cover 13 and the side-to-body liner 80. Preferably, the adhesive 71 is applied only to the elastic of the waist portion 22. A suitable adhesive includes, for example, the hot melt adhesive Findley H2096 which is available from Ato Findley Adhesives, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In the incorporations that include the waist elastic 21, the waist elastic 21 is from about 1.6 millimeters to about 51 millimeters wide. More typically, the front and rear waist edge portions 44 and 45 of the front and rear body portions 14 and 15 respectively having the waist elastic 21 are from about 6 millimeters to about 38 millimeters wide. More typically, the width varies from about 13 millimeters to about 25 millimeters. The waist elastic 21 is applied under an elongation of from about 150% to about 300%, more typically under an elongation of from about 175% to about 275%, and more typically under an elongation of from about 200. % to around 250%.

The waist elastic 21 can comprise threads, ribbons, film, elastic or composite nonwovens. The threads, strings, ribbons or bands can be multiple and can be applied as a compound. The number of pieces of elastic material comprising the waist elastic 21 varies from about 1 to about 20, more typically from about 2 to about 10, more typically from about 2 to about 8, and more typically from about 2 to about 6. Preferably, when the waist elastic 21 are threads, 3 to 6 threads are used as the waist elastic 21 and the threads are spaced by from about 1.6 millimeters to about 38 millimeters, more preferably from about 1.6 millimeters to about 6 millimeters, and more preferably from about 3 millimeters apart.

The yarns can be made of any suitable elastomeric material. Adequate material is the spandex tal ® as the available LYCRA yarns from DuPont located in Wilmington, Delaware. Suitable waist elastic 21 includes threads having a decitex (g / lOOOOm) of from about 100 to about 120Q, more typically from about 470 to about 940, and more typically from about 620 to about 740 for the waist elastic 21 comprising from about 5 to about 10 wires. The adhesive 71, typically applied in a meltblown or swirl pattern using current known technology, is used to attach the waist elastic 21 to the outer cover 13 and the side-to-body liner 80 or waist lining 26 Preferably, the adhesive 71 is applied only to the waist elastic 21. A suitable adhesive includes, for example, the Findley H2096 hot melt adhesive which is available from Ato Findley Adhesives, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 are d from about 1.6 millimeters to about 25 millimeters wide, more typically from about 6 millimeters around 25 millimeters and more typically from about 6 millimeters to about 18 mm. The elastic leg 32, 33, 34 and 35 is applied under an elongation of from about 100% to about 300%, more typically low or elongation from about 175% to about 275%, more typically under an elongation from around 200 to around 250%.

The leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 may comprise elastic or composite yarns, cords, bands, ribbons, film, nonwovens. The yarns, cords, ribbons or band may be multiple and may be applied as a composite. The number of pieces of elastic material comprising the leg elastic 32, 33, 34 and 35 varies from about to about 6, more typically. from about 2 about 5, and more typically from about 3 about 4. Preferably, when the elastic is worn, 32, 33, 34 and 35 are threads, 1 to 6 threads are used as elastic leg 32, 33, 34 and 35, and the yarns are spaced by from about 0.0625 inches (1.6 millimeters) about 13 millimeters, more preferably from about 1.6 millimeters to about 6 millimeters, and more preferably from about of 3 mm d separation.

The yarns can be made of any suitable elastomeric material. Adequate material is the spandex tal ® as the available LYCRA yarns from DuPont located in Wilmington, Delaware. The right leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 include yarns having a decitex (g / lOOOOm) of from about 470 to about 1200, more typically from about 620 to about 1000, and more typically from about 740 to about 940 for the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 comprising from about 3 to about 6 threads. Adhesive 71, typically applied in a meltblown or swirl pattern using current known technology, is used to attach leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 to outer cover 13 and side-to-body liner 80 , to the absorbent barrier composite 46 or to the leg lining 38. Preferably, the adhesive 71 is applied only to the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35. A suitable adhesive includes, for example, the hot melt adhesive Findley H2096 the which is available from Ato Findley Adhesives, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The crotch elastics 37 and 39 are from about 1.6 millimeters to about 25 millimeters wide, more typically from about 6 millimeters to about 25 millimeters and more typically from about 6 millimeters to about 18 millimeters such as of 13 millimeters. The crotch elastic 37 and 39 is applied under an elongation of from about 100% to about 300%, more typically under an elongation of from about 150% to about 275%, and more typically under an elongation from about from 200% to around 250%.

Crotch elastics 37 may comprise threads, cords, bands, tapes, film, elastic or composite nonwovens. The threads, strings, ribbons or bands can be multiple and can be applied as a compound. The number of pieces of elastic material comprising the crotch elastic 37 and 39 varies from about 1 to about 6, more typically from about 2 to about 5, and more typically from about 3 to about 3. 4. Preferably, when the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are threads, 1 to 6 threads are used as the crotch rests 37 and 39, and the threads are spaced by from about 1.6 millimeters to about 13 millimeters , more preferably from about 1.6 millimeters to about 6 millimeters, and more preferably about 3 millimeters apart.

The yarns can be made of any suitable elastomeric material. A suitable material is the spandex tal ® as the available LYCRA yarns from DuPont located in Wilmington, Delaware. Suitable crotch elastics 37 and 39 include yarns having a decitex (g / lOOOOm) of from about 470 to about 1200, more typically from about 620 to about 1000, and more typically from about 740 at about 940 for the crotch elastics 37 and 39 comprising from about 3 to about 6 strands. The adhesive 71, typically applied in a meltblown or swirl pattern using current known technology, is used to join the crotch elastic 37 and 39 to the outer cover 13 and the absorbent barrier composite 46 or the leg lining 38. Preferably, the adhesive 71 is applied only to the crotch elastics 37 and 39. A suitable adhesive includes, for example, the Findley H2096 hot melt adhesive which is available from Ato Findley Adhesives, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In one embodiment, to provide a comfortable fit around the leg openings 28 and 30 and to pull the sides of the crotch portion 18 to form a cradle structure around the absorbent core 50, the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 are applied to the outer cover 13 under an elongation of about 200% to about 250%. The leg elastics 37 and 39 are placed in sandwich form between the liquid barrier 48 and the upper sheet layer 49 under an elongation of about 200%. Preferably, during the application of the elastics, the front leg elastics 32 and 33 and the rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are elongated to a different degree and are applied to the outer cover 13. In one embodiment, the front leg elastics 32 and 33 are elongated less than the posterior leg elastics 34 and 35.

In another embodiment that provides a comfortable notch around the leg openings 28 and 30 and pulling the sides of the crotch portion 18 upward to form a cradle structure around the absorbent core 50, the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 and the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are applied to the outer cover 13 under an elongation of about 200% to about 250%. Preferably, during the application of the elastics, the front leg elastics 32 and 33 and the rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are elongated to a different degree and are applied to the outer cover 13. In one embodiment, the front leg elastics 32 and 33 are elongated less than the rear leg elastics 34 and 35.

In the incorporations that have the three segment elastics surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 (the three segment elastics include the front leg elastics 32 and 33, the rear leg elastics 34 and 35, and the spring elastics). crotch 37 and 39), the front leg elastics 32 and 33 and the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are elongated less than the rear leg elastics 34 and 35. Preferably, the front leg elastics 32 and 33 and the crotch elastics 37 and 39 are elongated to about 200% and the rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are elongated to about 250%. The elastic system of three segments and the different tensions allow a better notch, less tight in the crotch area, and less bulging of the crotch part 18 caused by the high elastic leg retraction. The rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are under the upper elongation to help maintain the underpants seat 12 preventing them from rising with movement during use and stabilizes the absorbent core 50 of the bulge which causes filtering and notching. comfortable for underwear 12.

In the incorporations having three elastic segments surrounding each of the leg apertures 28 and 30, the active portions of the crotch elastics 37 and 39 can cover the active parts of the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 as the figure (showing such configuration with the crotch elastic 39 and the crotch elastic 32 and 35 was shown in figure.) The active parts of the crotch and leg elastics 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 39 (as well as the waist elastic 21 and the elastic of the waist part 22) are defined as the part of the elastic that exerts a force of contraction on the article 10 In Figure la, another configuration of the three segments of elastics surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 is shown in which the active part of the crotch elastic 37 covers the active part of the leg elastic 34 but does not cover the active part of the leg elastic 33. This forms a gap 107 in the elastics surrounding the leg opening 30 in the front body part 14. The separation 107 may vary in size from about 76 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, more typically from about 51 millimeters to about 6 millimeters and more typically from about 25 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.

The separation 107 provides a more comfortable notch of the underpants 12 in the sense that the binding or wear that can result from the leg elastics 32 and 33 and the leg elastics 37 and 39 during use with certain shapes can be reduced. and body sizes and activities. In addition, the lower front body part 42 is smoothed, providing a more discreet interior underpants 12.

Another configuration of the three segments of elastics surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 is shown in Figure Ib where the active part of the crotch elastic 39 covers the active part of the leg elastic 32 but does not cover the part active of the leg elastic 35. This forms a separation 111 in the elastics surrounding the leg opening 28 in the rear body part 15. The separation 111 may vary in size from about 76 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, more typically from about 51 millimeters to about 6 millimeters and more typically from about 25 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.

The separation 111 provides a more comfortable notch of the underpants 12 in the sense that the binding or wear that can result from the leg elastics 34 and the crotch elastics 37 and 39 during use with certain shapes and shapes can be reduced. body sizes and activities. In addition, the lower rear body part 43 is smoothed, providing a more discreet interior underpants 12.

Another configuration of the three elastic segments surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 is shown in Figure Ib, where the active part of the crotch elastic 37 does not cover the active part of the leg elastics 33 and 34. That forms the cracks 107 and 111 in the elastics surrounding the leg openings 28 and 30 respectively in the front and rear body parts 14 and 15, respectively. The separations 107 and 111 each may vary in size from about 3 inches (76 millimeters) to about 0.125 inches (3 millimeters), more typically from about 51 millimeters to about 6 millimeters and more typically from about from 25 millimeters to around 13 millimeters.

The separations 107 and 111 provide a more comfortable notch of the underpants 12 in the sense that the binding and wear that can result from the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 and the elastics 37 and 39 during use with certain sizes and body shapes and activities can be reduced. In addition, the lower rear body part 43 is smoothed, providing a more discreet interior underpants 12.

In the embodiment that the two surrounding segments have (see Figure 2a) the leg openings 28 and 30 (the two elastic segments include the front leg elastics 32 and 33, and the rear leg elastics 34 and 35), the front leg elastics 32 and 33 are elongated less than the rear leg elastics 34 and 35. Preferably, the front leg elastics 32 and 33 are elongated to about 200%, and the rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are elongated to about 250%. The elastic system of two segments and different tensions allows a better notch, less tight in the crotch area, and less bulging of the crotch part 18 caused by the high retraction of the leg elastic. The rear leg elastics 34 and 35 are under an upper elongation to help maintain the inner underpants seat 12 preventing them from rising with movement during use and to stabilize the absorbent core 50 from the bulge that causes filtering and an uncomfortable notch. of the underpants 12.

Another configuration of the two segments of elastics surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 is shown in Figure 1, where the active part of the leg elastic 32 does not cover the active part of the leg elastic 35. This form a gap 107 in the elastic surrounding the leg opening 28 in the upper part of the leg openings 28 in the front body part 14, in the rear body part 15, or in both front and back body parts 14 and 15. The spacing 107 may vary in size from about 76 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, more typically from about 51 millimeters to about 6 millimeters and more typically from about 25 millimeters to about 13 millimeters. The separation 107 provides a more comfortable notch of the underpants 12 in the sense that the tying or wearing that can result from the leg elastics 32, 33, 34, and 35 during use with certain body shapes and sizes can be reduced. and activities. In addition, the separation 107 provides a more discreet underpants 12 since the "pant lines" are removed on the upper part of the user's legs.

In the incorporations having two elastic segments surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30, the active parts of the leg elastics 32 and 33 can overlap with the active parts of the leg elastics 34 and 35 as shown in FIG. Figure 2a (showing such configuration with the leg elastic 32 and the leg elastic 35).

In Figure 2a, another configuration of the two segments of elastics surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 is shown in which the active part of leg elastic 33 does not cover the active part of the leg elastic 34. This forms a spacing 113 on the elastics surrounding the leg opening 30 in the front body part 14. The spacing 113 may range in size from about 76 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, more typically from about 51 millimeters to about of 6 mm and more typically from around 25 mm to around 13 mm.

The spacing 113 provides a more comfortable notch of the underpants 12 in the sense that tying or wear that may result from the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 during use with certain body shapes and sizes and activities may be reduced. .

Another configuration of the two segments of elastics surrounding each of the leg openings 28 and 30 is shown in Figure 2a where the active part of the leg elastic 32 does not overlap the active part of the leg elastic 35. This forms a spacing 113 in the elastic surrounding the leg opening 28 in the upper part of the leg opening 28 in the body front part 14, in the rear body part 15, or in both front and back body parts 14 and 15 The spacing 113 may vary in size from about 76 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, more typically from about 51 millimeters to about 6 millimeters and more typically from about 25 millimeters to about 13 millimeters. The spacing 113 provides a more comfortable notch of the underpants 12 in the sense that the binding or wear that can result from the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 during use with certain body shapes and sizes can be reduced. activities. In addition, the separation 113 provides a more discreet underpants 12 since the "panty lines" are removed at the top of the user's legs.

In the embodiment having a single segment elastic surrounding (see Figure 3) the leg openings 28 and 30 (the single segment elastic includes the leg elastics 96 and 98), the leg elastics 96 and 98 are applied under an elongation of from about 100% to about 3C0%, more typically under an elongation of from about 175% to about 275%, and more typically under an elongation of from about 200% to about 250%.

The elastic of the waist part 22 circumferentially surrounds the body parts 14 and 15 of the underpants 12 independently acting to conform to the contours of various body types and constitutions. This provides a soft, comfortable and comfortable fit within a given range of hip size. In the incorporations having the waist elastic 21, the use of a higher elongation, a closer spacing, and a higher cross-sectional area in the waist elastic 21 than in the elastic of the waist part 22, results in in which the underpants 12 have a rounded shape and a good waist notch through a wide range of waist-to-hip ratios found. The elongation of the elastic of the waist part 22 can be different in the front and rear body parts 14 and 15.

Preferably, in the front body portion 14, the elastic of the waist portion 22 is spaced apart from the front leg elastics 32 and 33. The elastics of the waist portion 22 in the back body part 15 are spaced apart and separated from the rear leg elastics 34 and 35. The distance between the elastic of the waist part 22 and the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 may vary from about 3 millimeters to about 76 millimeters, more typically from about 6 millimeters to about 51 millimeters, and more typically from around 6 mm to around 38 mm. The spacing in the front body parts 14 and 15 is not required to be of the same size. However, the elastic of the waist portion 22 in either or both of the front and rear body portions may be to one side of the front or rear leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35, respectively. In embodiments where the waist elastic 21 is present, it is preferable that the elastic of the waist portion 22 is spaced apart from the waist elastic 21 and the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35.

However, the elastic of the waist portion 22 in either or both of the front and back body parts can be attached to either or both of the waist elastic 21 and the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35, where the elastic of the waist portion 22 is attached to at least a portion of the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35. In the inner brief 12 which is sized to fit comfortably over a range of from about 914 millimeters to about 1143 millimeters, the elastic of the waist part 22 is about 102 millimeters wide in the front body part 14 and about 159 millimeters wide in the rear body part 15. The elastic of the waist portion 22 may be spaced from about 1.6 millimeters to about 13 millimeters apart. Preferably the elastic of the waist portion 22 is spaced by from 1.6 millimeters to about 6 millimeters apart. More preferably, elastic of the waist portion 22 is spaced by about 3 millimeters apart.

The absorbent barrier composite 46 which extends upwardly from the front and / or back body parts 14 and 15 toward the waist opening 20 is shaped to the wearer's body by the force exerted by the elastic of the waist portion 22. The transmission from the lower front and rear body parts 42 and 43 to the front and rear rear body parts 40 and 41 is therefore smoothed.

In embodiments having waist elastics 21, it is desirable that the waist elastic 21 be under a greater tension per unit width than the elastic of the waist part 22 in the upper body parts 40 and 41 to provide the notch loose waist over the range of waist to hip proportions of the various body shapes. In the preferred embodiment, the tension on the waist elastic 21 is coordinated with the elastic tension of the waist part 22 to form a loose fit around the waist opening 20 while providing a smooth transition from the body parts. upper 40 and 41 to the front and rear waist edge portions 44 and 45. However, the tensions and LYCRA® beads of the waist elastic 21 and the elastic of the waist part 22 may be different.

In the front and rear body parts 14 and 15, the leg lining 38, the waist lining 26 and / or the top sheet layer 49 can be expanded to cover the inside of the body parts 14 and 15. In another incorporation, the leg liner 38, the waist lining 26, and / or the top sheet layer 49 can exclude the central crotch portion 18 which is covered by the application of the absorbent barrier composite 46. In body parts 14 and 15 wherein the absorbent barrier composite 46 covers the liner 80, the composite 46 is applied over the top of any liner 80 present as to make contact with the wearer. However, the overlapping part of the absorbent barrier composite 46 can be placed in the form of a sandwich between the outer cover 13 and the body liner 80.

For the incorporations that have the elastic of the waist part 22, the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35, and the leg elastics 37 and 39 the following ranges for the elasticities of the elastics 22, 32, 33, 34 , 35, 37 and 39 are provided in Table III given below.

TABLE III For the incorporations that have the waist elastic 21, the elastic of the waist part 22, the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 and the crotch elastic 37 and 39, the following ranges for the tensions of the elastics 21 , 22, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 39 are given in Table IV given aba or.

TABLE IV The tensions of the waist elastic 21, of the elastic of the waist part 22, of the crotch elastics 37 and 39, and of the leg elastics 32, 33, 34 and 35 were determined as follows. The samples having the dimensions of 10 mm wide and 51 mm long were tested for each of the elastic 21, 22, 32, 33, 34 and 35. The stresses stated in Table III and Table IV are given in grams by a width of 10 millimeters.

If the sample size that is being tested varies from 10 millimeters in width, the values should be normalized to 10 millimeters in width. Tensions were measured during the first extension cycle at 100% elongation at room temperature and humidity.

The side seams 64 to 70 can be made on the inside or the outside of the underpants 12 or formed flat against the underpants 12 to give a more finished view to the underpants 12 and to prevent the side seams 64 and 70 from being shown to through clothes. Optionally, the lateral edges 60, 62, 66 and 68 of the front and rear body parts are not overlapped but rather are flat and extend laterally. The side seams 64 and 70 should be minimal in width while providing sufficient strength to be pulled up and down many times over a 24-hour period of use without tearing or breaking. Suitable side seams and seals are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,610,681 issued September 9, 1986 to Strohbeen et al., 4,641,381 issued February 10, 187 to Heran et al. And 4,646,362 issued on 3 March 1987 to Heran and others which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the side seams 64 and 70 can be resuable. Various means for securing the disposable underpants 12 around the wearer include fasteners of the mechanical type.

These include buttons and button holes, boteroles, buckles, hooks and curls and end extensions, appendages, adhesive tapes and the like which are designed or adapted to enclose or engage with some type of complementary device or other cover of the garment. In addition, elasticated fasteners are also used to ensure a better fit of the disposable underpants 12.

The side seams 64 and 70, respectively, of the outer cover 13 are sealed by means known in the art, such as ultrasonic bonding, pressure / heat bonding and sewing or bonding with adhesive. The maximum seam strength obtainable will depend on the materials used, the joint pattern, the joint width and any process placements of dwell time, energy and pressure. Suitable side seams typically use the ultrasonic joint to achieve a stitch resistance so that the side seams 64 and 7C do not tear or open during use.

The side seams 64 and 70 may have an unbonded portion facing away from the bonded area to provide a soft edge for each of the side seams 64 and 70. The unbonded portion may be varied from about 0 to about 13 millimeters wide, more preferably from about 1 to about 6 millimeters wide and more preferably from about 2 to about 3 millimeters wide. Alternatively, the full seam width (the joined part plus the unbonded part) can be less than about 15 millimeters. If the seam is trimmed or cut close to the outer edge of the joint area, a sharp edge is produced along the seam edge which may get stuck on the clothes or be irritating to the wearer's or user's skin.

Having thus described the invention in full detail, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following clauses.

Claims (19)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A disposable inner brief defining an initial expanded form having the longitudinal and transverse axes, a front section, a back section, said front section and said back section being generally positioned opposite on said longitudinal axis and a central section located therebetween. front section and said back section, and each section has a length along the longitudinal axis of a third of the length of said underpants comprising: a) an outer cover having a front body part and a rear body part connected by a crotch part, said front and rear body parts are connected together to form a waist opening and two leg openings; Y 'b) an associated absorbent barrier composite within at least said crotch portion having a liquid impervious layer, a permeable layer, and a generally rectangular absorbent core having a leading end edge and a rear end edge positioned between the liquid impermeable layer and the permeable layer, wherein the absorbent core is positioned within said sections such that the length of said absorbent core in the rear section divided by the length of the absorbent core in said front section and in said central section is less than 0.155 and said length of said The absorbent core in said front section is greater than said absorbent core length in said back section.

2. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said front body part further comprises a front waist edge part and a rear body part further comprising a rear waist edge part.

3. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said outer cover further comprises the leg elastic placed around each of said leg openings to form a fold around each of said leg openings, and an elastic of waist part placed around said front and back body parts to form a gathering of said front and back body parts.

4. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said outer cover further comprises the leg elastic placed around each of the leg openings to form a fold around each of said leg openings, and an elastic waist portion positioned around said front and back body parts to form a shirring of said front and back body parts.

5. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said front end edge of said absorbent core is positioned from about 7 inches to about 3 inches from said front waist opening and said rear end edge of said absorbent core is positioned from about 4 inches to about 10 inches from said waist opening.

6. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said absorbent core is positioned symmetrically in relation to said longitudinal axis.

7. The disposable inner brief as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the absorbent core is positioned symmetrically in relation to said longitudinal axis.

8. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said length of said absorbent core is from about 15 inches to about 21 inches.

9. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said length of said absorbent core is from about 15 inches to about 21 inches.

10. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said outer cover 'further comprises a waist elastic placed around the waist opening to form a pleat around said waist opening.

11. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said outer cover further comprises a waist elastic placed around the waist opening to form a pleat around said waist opening.

12. A disposable inner brief defining an initial expanded form having the longitudinal and transverse axes, a front section, a back section, said front section and said back section being generally positioned opposite on said longitudinal axis and a central section placed therebetween front section and said back section, and each section has a length along the longitudinal axis of a third of the length of said inner underwear comprising: a) an outer cover having a front body part and a back body part connected by a crotch portion, said front and rear body parts being connected together to form a waist opening and two leg openings; Y b) an absorbent barrier composite associated with at least one crotch portion having a liquid impervious layer, a permeable layer, and a generally rectangular absorbent core having a front end edge and a rear end edge disposed therebetween liquid impervious layer and a permeable layer; Y, c) said outer cover further comprises the leg elastic placed around each of the leg openings to form a puck around each leg opening, and an elastic waist part positioned around the front and back body parts to form a puckering of said front and back body parts; wherein said absorbent core is positioned within said sections such that the length of said absorbent core in the rear section divided by the length of said absorbent core in said front section and in said central section is less than 0.155 and said lcr. The thickness of said absorbent core to said front section is greater than said length of the absorbent core in said end section.

13. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that said front body part further comprises a front waist edge portion and a rear body portion further comprising a rear waist edge portion.

14. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said front end edge of said absorbent core is positioned at from about 7 inches to about 3 inches from said front waist opening and said end threshing The back of said absorbent core is positioned at from about 4 inches to about 10 inches from said waist opening.

15. The disposable inner brief as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the absorbent core is positioned symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis.

16. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that said absorbent core length is from about 15 inches to about 21 inches.

17. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said length of said absorbent core is from about 15 inches to about 21 inches.

18. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that said outer cover further comprises a waist elastic positioned around the waist opening to form a gathe around said waist opening.

19. The disposable underpants as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said outer cover further comprises a waist elastic positioned around said waist opening to form a gathe around said waist opening. SUMMARY A three-dimensional disposable inner brief that has an absorbent core that has been skewed forward by a factor of not more than 0.155. The absorbent core is positioned within the front, middle and back sections of the disposable underpants such that the absorbent core length in the back section of the disposable underpants divided by the length of the absorbent core in the front and center sections of the underpants disposable is less than 0.155 and the length of the absorbent core in the front section of the disposable underpants is greater than the length of the absorbent core in the back section of the disposable underpants. The disposable underpants may include the elasticated leg and waist openings, resulting in the underpants being stretchable around a user's hip and stomach regions.