MXPA02001746A - Refastenable absorbent article. - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed having a refastenable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion connects the front portion to the back portion. The front portion has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. First and second lateral sections are releasably attached to the front portion and each of the first and second lateral sections has an outer edge. The back portion has first and second side edges and first and second ends. The back portion is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back portion to a line drawn parallel thereto. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back portion to the line drawn parallel to the first end whereby a ratio L2 L3 is established which ranges from between about 0.1 to about 2. The absorbent article further includes an absorbent secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions. Each of the outer edges of the first and second lateral sections are secured to one of the first and second side edges of the back portion to form a pant like article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Description

RESUJETABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an absorbent article having a resubstanable mechanism. More specifically, this invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having a restrainable mechanism that improves the body notch and reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently there are several disposable absorbent articles which are designed to absorb and retain body fluid and / or excrement. Examples of such items include incontinence products such as underpants, underpants and undergarments, baby diapers, menstrual panties for women's care, underpants for learning, etc. Even though most of these items work satisfactorily for their intended purpose, some are difficult to remove from the user's body. Many do not have a restrainable mechanism that allows the article to be easily adjusted during use or be easily removed from the user's body before the product is permanently discarded while a underwear type notch is maintained. Some of the products Commercially available today do not conform well to the human body and this poor notch increases the possibility of fluid filtration while the product is being used. Therefore, there is still a need for a disposable absorbent article having a restrainable mechanism that provides an improved notch to the human body and reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

Now, an absorbent article has been invented that has a resutable mechanism that improves the fit of the body-and reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention relates to an absorbent article having a resubstanable mechanism. The absorbent article has a front part, a back part and a crotch part. The crotch part puts the front part in contact with the back part. The front part has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first and second side sections are releasably attached to the front part and each of the first and second side sections has an outer edge. The back has the first and second side edges and the first and second ends. The back part is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section fct-t-? -i. M-A.-t- > i, .- i fc-tl.J? -. »- 1.,. Ji, aj - ^ ----- .-,., < ,. - ... n, "," _ -. aa-, ^ ¿-¡¡¡ S ... -i, has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back to a line drawn parallel to it. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back to the line drawn parallel to the first end so that a proportion of L2 L3 is established which varies from between about 0.1 to about 2. The The absorbent article further includes an absorbent secured to at least one of the front, back, or crotch portions. Each of the outer edges of the first and second side sections are secured to one of the first and second side edges of the back to form a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

The general object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article having a resubstanable mechanism. The most specific object of this invention is to provide a disposable absorbent article having a restrainable mechanism that improves the body notch and reduces the possibility of fluid filtration.

Another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article having a resonable mechanism which is easy to manufacture, which is relatively inexpensive and which is easy to use.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an absorbent article having a resubstanable mechanism that provides the user with a choice of how to apply and / or remove the absorbent article, for example pulling the article upwards around the torso of the user against the resumption of the article around the torso of the user.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article that can be easily adjusted to conform to the wearer's body.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an absorbent article having a resectable mechanism and shown in a previously assembled planar configuration.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along line 3-3. t ^ ¿., - * Mfc-é ...

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken along line 4-5.

Figure 5 is a top view of an alternate absorbent assembly.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 taken along line 6-6.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the "in use" configuration of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1 once the first and second side section and the rear section are secured together.

Figure 8 is a top view of a back portion of the absorbent article with the elastic removed for clarity and showing a way of measuring an Aa / A2 ratio for the second section in order to obtain an improved body notch.

Figure 9 is a top view of the back and crotch portion of the absorbent article with the elastic removed for clarity and showing an alternate way to measure an A3 / A ratio for the second section in order to obtain a notch to the body improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INCORPORATIONS Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an absorbent article 10 having a resubstanable mechanism. The absorbent article 10 is preferably a disposable article having a longitudinal central axis X-X, a transverse central axis Y-Y and a vertical central axis Z-Z. The absorbent article 10 includes a front part 12, a back part 14 and a crotch portion 16. The crotch portion 16 connects the front part 12 to the back part 14. The back and crotch parts 12, 14 and 16 can be formed of a single piece of material or two or more pieces of material. Each of the front, back and crotch portions 12, 14 and 16 can be a single layer of material or each can be formed as a laminate having two or more layers. In Figure 2, the front part 12 is shown as a single layer 18 when it can be formed from a laminate. In Figures 3 and 4, the back portion 14 and the crotch portion 16 are shown as a laminate 20 having an upper layer 22 and a lower layer 24. Preferably, the front, back and crotch portions 12, 14 and 16 , respectively, they are formed as a laminate having two layers.

When a laminate 20 is used, the top layer 22 faces the user's body in use and can be either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. ,.? á - --fc ££. A, -A jjj A thermoplastic film can be used to make the upper layer 22 impermeable to liquid. The lower layer 24 is facing away from the wearer's body in use and this can also be either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. Preferably, the lower layer 24 is permeable to liquid and is formed of a soft material such as a nonwoven. Spunbond is a non-woven material manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation that is soft and compliant and functions well as the bottom layer 24. It is beneficial to make one of the layers 22 or 24 impervious to liquid at the crotch portion 16, to prevent the flow of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 10.

The front part 12, which will be aligned around a part of the front torso of the body of a user in use, includes a first end 26, an end seat 28, a first side edge 30 and a second side edge 32. Side sections first and second 34 and 36, respectively, are releasably attached to the front part 12. This provides a resubstanable mechanism that can be released and then resubjected and adjusted as many times as needed by the user. Each of the first and second side sections 34 and 36 has an inner edge 38 and 40, respectively, and an outer edge 42 and 44 respectively. The inner edges 38 and 40 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal central axis X-X of the absorbent article 10. Preferably, the inner edges 38 and 40 i_I_A »i a _i -terflj *» JM____ME .. v. . ,, - "¡__. .,. ^ - - ", __". ", .- < ^ »_,. ^ J fcjfcjj are aligned one next to the other. More preferably, the inner edges 38 and 40 are arranged in abutting duration to one another. The inner edges 38 and 40 may be initially directly or indirectly attached to one another if desired. For manufacturing purposes, it is sometimes advantageous to secure different members to one another as to facilitate high speed production.

A means of securing the inner edges 38 and 40 of the first and second side sections 34 and 36, is to form movable joints or perforations 46 therebetween. For example, a line of perforations 46 or a line of weak joints 46 can join the two inner edges 38 and 40 together. The perforations or breakable joints 46 must be designed so that they can be easily broken by the user. The breakable perforations or joints 46 may be initially broken before the absorbent article 10 is placed around the wearer's torso or after the absorbent article 10 has been worn but just before an adjustment is required to improve the notch to the body .

Each of the first and second side sections 34 and 36 can be formed from a single layer of material or can be formed as a laminate. When the first and second side sections 34 and 36 are in the form of a laminate, they should have an upper layer 48 and a lower layer 50. The first and second side sections 34 and 36 may be either liquid permeable or water impermeable. liquid. Preferably, the first and second side sections 34 and 36 are liquid permeable and are constructed of a soft material such as a nonwoven. The first and second side sections 34 and 36 may be formed of an elastic material or may contain multiple elastic yarns 52 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The elastic yarns 52 may vary in size, length and shape. The elongated elastic tapes, the elastic strips, the elastic bands, the elastic band having a flat round configuration or other configuration in cross section can also be used.

It should be noted that the elastic 52 can provide the first and second side sections 34 and 36 with extension properties. Alternatively, the first and second side sections 34 and 36 can be formed of a material exhibiting elastomeric properties. The elastic 52 can be formed of a rubber, polyurethane or other elastomeric materials. One suitable material is LYCRA® which is commercially available from E.l. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. LYCRA® is a trademark of E.l. Du Pont De Nemours and Company that has an office in Wilmington, Delaware.

The elastic 52 can include two or more members placed between the upper and lower layers 48 and 50, respectively, and held in place by glue, an adhesive or some other type of binder. Preferably, the elastic 52 is in the form of multiple strands arranged in parallel rows relative to one another. Other arrangements for the elastic 52 may also be used.

Turning our attention to Figure 2, one can clearly see that the first and second side sections 34 and 36 cover a substantial amount of the front part 12. The first and second side sections 34 and 36 can cover the entire surface area of the front part 12 if desired. The first and second side sections 34 and 36 are releasably fastened to the front part 12 by a fastener 54. In FIG. 2, the fastener 54 is shown as a hook and loop fastener having a hook component 56 and a hook component. 58. Whatever the width component 56 or the curl component 58 may be secured to the front part 12 or the first and second side sections 34 and 36. It should also be recognized that other types of fasteners may be used to releasably fasten the first and second side sections 34 and 36 to the front part 12. Such other fasteners may include adhesives, co-adhesives, as well as mechanical fasteners, such as buttons and corresponding eyelets etc. Other fasteners are known to those skilled in the art.

The front part 12 can be constructed of a material having hook or loop properties or having tÁ- iLá-? a separate piece of hook or loop material secured thereto to give it the ability to be fastened on the first and second side sections 34 and 36. Similarly, the first and second side sections 34 and 36 can be constructed of a material having hook or curl properties or having a separate piece of a hook or loop material secured thereto to give it the ability to be fastened on the front part 12. The fastener 54 functions to allow the first and second side sections second 34 and 36 being released from the front 12 and being resumed on the front 12 multiple times. This means that the user can easily remove the absorbent article 10 from his body, for example, to go to the bathroom, and then resubject the absorbent article 10 around his torso. The resuable mechanism also provides the user with an opportunity to release and adjust the absorbent article 10 around his body during use. For example, if the absorbent article 10 appears too tight, the user can release the first and second side sections 34 and 36 of the front part 12 and then restrain them to release the absorbent article 10 against the wearer's body.

Referring to Figure 1, it should be noted that unlike the hook and loop fasteners 56 and 58, the breakable links 46, which secure the first and second side sections 34 and 36 together, are designed . Í .- J? Í -? ? . to break only once. The primary function of the breakable joints 46 is that of joining the first and second side sections 34 and 36 together during the manufacture of the article 10 and during the application of the product as an article that can be raised. The article 10 can be raised around the torso of a user without breaking the breakable links 46. In this case, these will need to be broken before the first and second side sections 34 and 36 can be released from the front part 12.

Returning again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second side sections 34 and 36 have a length represented by Li. The length of Li is measured parallel to the longitudinal central axis X-X. The length Li should be equal to or greater than about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters). Preferably, for an adult-sized garment, the length of Li should vary from about 3 inches to about 7 inches (about 7.6 centimeters to about 18 centimeters). More preferably, for an adult-sized garment the length of Li should vary from about 6 inches to about 7 inches (about 15 centimeters to about 18 centimeters). The meaning of the Li dimension is explained immediately.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, the absorbent article 10 also includes the back 14 i -! - ^ .. - .- * - - x ^ A ¿. i A-.¿as-, Á * -. ^ s, ^ ... a. . E ---_ * - * e ^, -8 -.-. ? -frfc .t. -. ^ ^^ _, a_gs & -as &. which will make contact with the back part of a user's torso in use. The back part 14 has the first and second side edges 60 and 62, respectively, and the first and second ends 64 and 66 respectively. The back 14, as discussed above, is shown as a laminate having an upper layer 22 and a lower layer 24. The upper layer 22, which is closer to the wearer's body, may be liquid permeable or liquid impervious. Preferably, the upper layer 22 is permeable to liquid. The back part 14 is divided into a first section 68 and a second section 70. The first section 68 has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from the first end 64 to a line 72 pulled parallel to it. The length of L2 must be equal to or greater than about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters). Preferably, for an adult size garment, the length of L2 should vary from about 7.6 centimeters to about 18 centimeters. More preferably, for a garment of adult size, the length of L2 should range from about 15 centimeters to about 18 centimeters.

The first section 68 should be formed of an elastic material, of an elastic composite or this may contain elastics 74. The "bonded and stretched laminate" is an elastic material that can be used to form the first section 68. The laminate attached and stretched is manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation which has an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah Wisconsin 54956. The elastic 74 may be in the form of yarns, ribbons, elongated elastic strips etc. which extend transversely through the first section 68 from the first lateral edge 60 to the second lateral edge 62. Preferably six elastic strands 74 contained in the first section 68. The number of elastic strands 74 may vary from 2 to about of 50. Preferably, the number of elastic yarns 74 will vary from between about 10 to about 40. The elastic 74 functions to cause the back 14 of the absorbent article 10 to secure contact of the wearer's back torso and prevent and prevent fluid leakage occurring in or around the waist opening.

The second section 70 of the rear part 14 has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end 66 to the line 72 drawn parallel to the first end 64. The length of L3 must be equal to or greater than about 2.5 centimeters. Preferably, for a garment of adult size, the length of L3 should range from about 8 centimeters to about 25 centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size learner, the length L3 should vary from between about 10 centimeters to about 20 centimeters.

The second section 70 may or may not contain the elastic 74 which extends transversely there. Through the designing and manufacturing the absorbent article 10 to have an L2 / L3 ratio which varies from between about 0.1 to about 2, one can improve the notch to the body of the disposable absorbent article 10. Preferably, the L2 / L3 ratio varies from from between about 0.2 to about 1.6, and more preferably, the L2 / L3 ratio ranges from between about 0.3 to about 0.5. By manufacturing the back 14 to the desired ratio one can minimize the fluid filtration.

The second section 70 may have the first and second leg elastics 76 and 78 that are aligned on one side of the first and second edges 80 and 82. Preferably, line 72 will intersect at a point where the first and second edges 80 and 82 meet the first and second banks 60 and 62, respectively. The leg elastics 76 and 78 may include one or more elastic threads, tapes or strips that are arranged approximately parallel to the first and second edges 80 and 82 respectively. Preferably, there are from about 1 to about 6 elongated elastic strips constituting each leg elastic 76 and 78. More preferably, each of the leg elastics 76 and 78 contains three elastic threads. The elastic threads can be aligned parallel to each other. For good results, the leg elastics 76 and 78 should be placed inward about 2.5 centimeters from the first and second edges 80 and 82, respectively. More preferably, the leg elastics 76 and 78 should be placed inwardly by about 2 centimeters from the first and second edges 80 and 82, respectively. More preferably, the leg elastics 76 and 78 should be placed inward for about 1.3 centimeters from the first and second edges 80 and 82.

The leg elastics 76 and 78 are shown extending from the lateral edges 60 and 62 of the first section 68 to the second end 66 of the back 14. One should note that the exact location of the line 72 dictates whether the leg elastics 76 and 78 are completely contained within the second section 70 or if they will extend into the first section 68. The leg elastics 76 and 78 function to fold the material from which the back part 14 is formed at a location adjacent to the openings of leg. The leg openings are formed by securing the first and second side sections 34 and 36 to the back 14 to form a brief type article. Various types of elastic can be used to form the leg elastics 76 and 78. The leg elastics 76 and 78 must have a tension of between about 10 grams to about 400 grams. Preferably, the leg elastics 76 and 78 should have a tension of between about 50 grams to about 220 grams. More preferably, the leg elastics 76 and 78 should have a tension of between about 80 grams to about 200 grams. t-át-JAri < «• * Í. # JM¡ ate», -t-. ...- .-. - ___. . * > - », M. ^. »« I. *, J Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 4, the absorbent article 10 also includes the crotch portion 16. The crotch portion 16 connects the front 12 to the back 14. As noted above, the front part 12, the back part 14 and the crotch part 16 all can be part of a single sheet of material. The crotch portion 16 has a first side edge 84 and a second side edge 86 and may have a shape or configuration of hourglass, rectangular, square oval or some other configuration. Each of the lateral edges 84 and 86 may be straight and may be aligned parallel or non-parallel to one another. The lateral edges 84 and 86 may also be curved, curved, irregular or convex or concave. Preferably, the side edges 84 and 86 are arcuate last with the narrowest distance between the side edges 84 and 86 occurring along the transverse center line Y-Y. The crotch portion 16 may be a single layer 18, as shown, or a laminate. Since the crotch portion 16 acts as a separator for the body fluid that is absorbed by the absorbent article 10, it must be impermeable to the liquid. If the crotch portion 16 is a laminate, at least one of the layers forming the laminate should be impermeable to the liquid. Polypropylene, polyethylene or any other thermoplastic material works well as a liquid impervious layer. Preferably, the crotch portion 16 is a laminate formed of a layer of thermoplastic film and a layer of -k £ ff¿ * fc lí - = -, -, a - & - * u ^ & faith, a, - .. ¿.1 -. ^ ».., - .. - fc. -a-- .-, few - «,» - -. ^ "_v, &_ nonwoven material. The non-woven material can be joined with yarn. Spunbonded is a non-woven material manufactured and marketed or sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation having an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956.

The crotch portion 16 may also include the first and second crotch elastics 88 and 90. The crotch elastics 88 and 90 are located on one side of the first and second side edges 84 and 86, respectively. The crotch elastics 88 and 90 are preferably contoured for hunting with the profile of the lateral edges 84 and 86. The crotch elastics 84 and 90 are located inwardly by about 2.5 centimeters from the first and second lateral edges 84 and 86, respectively. Preferably, the crotch elastics 84 and 90 are located inwardly by about 2 centimeters from the first and second side edges 84 and 86, respectively. More preferably, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 are located inwardly for about 1.3 centimeters from the first and second lateral edges 84 and 86, respectively.

The crotch elastics 88 and 90 should have a tension of between about 10 grams to about 400 grams. Preferably, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 should have a tension of between about 50 t *. & ¿A *? tt *? a. í r *? O »** .. > «.. - .. .. -, * > . * -, w »« *. * '. «Ga. AHA-.; grams to around 220 grams. More preferably, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 should have a tension of between about 80 grams to about 200 grams.

The leg elastics 88 and 90 may include one or more elongated elastic threads, ribbons or strips. Preferably, each of said first and second crotch elastics 88 and 90 includes at least two elastic strands, and more preferably, at least three strands of elastics. The threads of each of the crotch elastics 88 and 90 can be aligned parallel to one another or they can be aligned in a non-parallel relationship, if desired. It is preferable to a parallel alignment. The threads of each of the crotch elastics 88 and 90 can be spaced closely together, for example, within one millimeter of each other. The exact spacing can be adjusted depending on the size of the article, the width of the crotch part 16, the resistance of the crotch elastics 88 and 90, the material from which the absorbent article 10 is constructed, etc.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 can be placed and secured between the layers 22 and 24 to form a laminate, similar to that shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 can be adhered to an upper surface 92 of the upper layer 22 of laminate, see figure 4. Preferably, the first and second crotch elastics 88 and 90 are attached to the upper surface 92 of the top layer 22 by an adhesive.

Referring to Figures 1-4, the absorbent article 10 may include a liquid permeable liner 94. The liquid permeable liner 94 is also referred to as a side-to-body cover. The liner 94 is not required, but the absorbent article 10 will be described as including the liner 94. The liquid permeable liner 94, when present, may be formed of a natural or synthetic material that is permeable to liquid. The liquid permeable liner 94 can also be formed from a nonwoven material. The yarn-bonded material is a good material from which to build the liquid-permeable liner 94.

The liquid-permeable body side liner 94 can be secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions 12, 14 or 16. The liquid permeable liner 94 is shown to be directly attached to the crotch portion 16 in Figure 4. Alternatively, the liquid permeable liner 94 may be indirectly attached to the crotch portion 16 through one or more layers. In this case, the intermediate layer will be secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions 12, 14 or 16. For example, the liquid-permeable liner 94 can be secured to t aA »- - jj _ ^ - ..... tf. ^ ^ - "^ -.- A-- ,. «-, -_- * a.a £ .ri -.- ^, -, 3-i» - ^ A L I a separator impermeable to liquid, which is secured adhesively to the crotch part 16.

In Figure 1, the periphery of the liquid-permeable liner 94 and the periphery of the crotch portion 16 are shown to be cotermines. When the crotch elastics 88 and 90 are placed on the upper surface 92 of the laminate 20, these can be adhesively secured to the side liner to the body 94 so that these are arranged on one side of the side edges 84 and 86 of the side Crotch 16 The absorbent article 10 further includes an absorbent 96 positioned below the liquid permeable liner 94. The absorbent 96 may be in contact with the top layer 48 of the crotch portion 16. The absorbent 96 is designed to absorb body fluid, especially the urine may include one or more layers of an absorbent material. The layers can be constructed of similar or different materials. Suitable materials for absorbent 96 include cellulose, wood pulp flux, rayon, melt blown polymer cotton such as polyester, polypropylene or coform. The coform is a combination formed by blown air with fusion of meltblown polymers, such as polypropylene, short absorbent fibers, such as cellulose. A preferred material is the wood pulp fluff because of its low cost, its relative ease for "It a ¿--j -i, .. "- .. r -.» », - .... • .-. - "y-» f? ~. r ^ ~ «, A i J t («? li; be formed and because it has great absorbency. It should be noted that if two or more layers are used, it is not necessary for all layers to be formed of the same material or have the same density.

The absorbent 96 can also be formed of a composite comprising a hydrophilic material which can be formed of various natural or synthetic fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton or regenerated cellulose fibers, or a mixture of pulp and other fibers. A preferred material is a tissue placed by air.

It is also possible and sometimes advantageous to insert a superabsorbent material into the absorbent 96 to increase its ability to absorb a large amount of fluid relative to its own weight. Typical superabsorbents used in absorbent articles such as the incontinence garment and diapers can absorb more than ten times their weight in body fluid. The superabsorbent material can be inserted as particles, fibers or as a sheet. Hydroxyfunctional polymers have been found to be good superabsorbents for disposable absorbent articles. Such superabsorbents are commercially available from the Dow Chemical Company, Stockhausen, Inc., as well as from other companies. Two such superabsorbents are DRYTECH® 2035M and FAVOR® SXM 880. DRYTECH® is a registered name of the Dow Chemical Company which has an office at 2030 Dow Center, Midland, Michigan 48642. FAVOR® is a registered trademark of Stockhaussen Inc. , which has an office at 2401 Doyle Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406. The superabsorbent may be a partially neutralized salt of crosslinked copolymers of polyacrylic acid. Other types of superabsorbent materials known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the absorbent assembly 98 is shown which includes, from the top to the bottom, a liquid-permeable body side liner 94, one or more layers of an absorbent 96, a layer being shown , and a liquid impervious separator 100. The liquid impervious separator 100 can be formed of a thin layer of a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or other kinds of liquid impervious material. Preferably, the separator 100 is formed of a liquid impervious film. It should be noted that the separator 100 can be formed of a laminate wherein at least one of the layers is impermeable to the liquid.

In the absorbent assembly 98, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 are placed in the form of a sandwich between the liner 94 and the spacer 100. The crotch elastics 88 and 90 can be held in place by means of an adhesive, an adhesive, by ultrasonic, by heat, • 7% iX £ 3t by pressure or by a combination of heat and pressure, or by any other joining mechanism known to those skilled in the art. It is also possible to secure the crotch elastics 88 and 90 to the lower or outer surface of the spacer 100 if desired. For good results, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 should be placed within about 2.5 centimeters of the respective side edge 84 and 85. More preferably, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 should be placed within about 2 centimeters of the respective side edge 84 and 86. More preferably, the crotch elastics 88 and 90 should be placed within about 1.3 centimeters of the respective side edge 84 and 86.

The absorbent assembly 98 may be placed in or over the crotch portion 16 of the absorbent article 10 and may be retained in place by an adhesive or other type of fastener. Since the separator 100 is impervious to liquid, the crotch portion 16 will not have to be constructed of a material impervious to liquid. The absorbent assembly 98 may be either permanently or releasably secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch 12, 14 or 16 of the absorbent article 10. Preferably, the absorbent assembly 98 is secured to the crotch portion 96. by an adhesive.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 7, the outer edges 42 and 44 of the first and second side sections 34 and 36 are securely attached to the first and second side edges 60 and 62 respectively, of a lower part 14 to form an article of type of pants 102. The pants type article 102 has a waist opening 104 and a pair of first and second leg openings 106 and 108. Leg elastic 76, crotch elastic 90, and possibly the first elastic section 68 can cooperate to form folds 110 around the first waist opening 106. Similarly, the leg elastic 78, the crotch elastic 90 and possibly the first elastic section 68 can cooperate to form the folds 102 around the second opening of leg 108. It should be noted that the absorbent article 10 can be sold in any assembled condition, as shown in Figure 7 or with later sections ales 34 and 36 detached from 1 front 12 Referring again to Figure 1, the back 14 of the disposable absorbent article 10 has been described with reference to a first section 68 and a second section 70. The first section 68 has a length L2 and the second section 70 has a length L3 , both measures parallel to the longitudinal central axis XX. The combination of length L2 and length L3 equals a new length L. The length L4 should vary from between about 7.5 Liil centimeters to around 64 centimeters. Preferably for an adult size garment, the length L4 should vary from about 18 centimeters to about 43 centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L4 should vary from between about 25 centimeters to about 38 centimeters.

In addition, the absorbent article 10 has an overall length L5 measured perpendicularly from a first end 114 of the first and second side sections 34 and 36 to the first end 64 of the back part 14. The length Ls must vary from between about 25 centimeters to around 114 centimeters. Preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L5 should vary from between about 51 centimeters to about 102 centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment, the length L5 should vary from between about 76 centimeters to about 89 centimeters.

An L / L5 ratio can be established which varies from between about 0.1 to about 0.5. Preferably the L4 / L5 ratio varies from between about 0.2 to about 0.5 and more preferably the L / L5 ratio varies from between about 0.3 to about 0.4. By designing and manufacturing the absorbent article 10 to fit within the values set by the L4 / L5 ratio one can be confident that the absorbent article 10 will exhibit an improved body notch and it will be less feasible to filter body fluid.

Returning back to the first and second side sections 34 and 36, shown in Figure 1, it was mentioned that they have a length Li. Since the first and second side sections 34 and 36 are designed to hunt with the back 14, it is advantageous to size the length L4 / L5 to make approximately equal to the length L2. This will provide an aesthetically pleasing panty type article 102. However, if one wishes, the length Li may be sized to be less than, equal to or greater than the length L2.

Referring now to Figure 8, the back 14 of the absorbent article 10 is shown with the elastic 74 removed for clarity of diecussion only. The back portion 14, as described above, has a first section 68 and a second section 70. The first section 68 has a length L2 that is equal to or greater than about 5 centimeters and the second section 70 has a length L3 that is equal or greater than about 2.5 centimeters. The second section 70 includes a first area Ai and a second area A2. The first area Al is joined by the second end 66, the line 72 drawn parallel to the first end 64 and the first and second side edges 80 and 82. In essence, the first area Al represents the total area of the second section 70. The second area A2 is shown as the joined cross-tabbed area through the first and second lines 116 and 118, the second end 66 and the line 72 drawn parallel to the first end 64. The first and second lines 116 and 118 are drawn perpendicular to the second end 66 at points 120 and 122 where the edges first and second laterals 80 and 82 intersect with second end 66. First and second lines 116 and 118 extend vertically upward and intersect line 72 at points 124 and 126 respectively. It has been found that if one divides the first area Ai by the second area A2, a proportion A? / A is established. If this ratio A? / A2 is maintained within a certain limited range, one can manufacture a disposable absorbent article 10 that exhibits an improved body notch in the region of the wearer's buttocks. Such a notch to the improved body reduces the possibility of fluid filtration occurring which is of greater importance to a consumer of such products.

The first area Ai must be equal to or greater than about 175 square centimeters. Preferably, for a garment of adult size, the first area Ai ranges from between about 400 square centimeters to about 1500 square centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment, the first area Ai ranges from between about 500 square centimeters to about 1200 square centimeters. More preferably, for an adult size garment, the first area Ai varies from between about 600 square centimeters to about 1100 square centimeters. The second area A2 must be equal to or greater than about 50 square centimeters. The ratio A? / A2 should vary from between about 1.3 to about 3.5. Preferably, the ratio A? / A2 should vary from between about 1.7 to about 2.5, and more preferably the proportion A? / A2 should vary from between about 2.0 to about 2.3.

It should be noted that the first and second lines 116 and 118 are aligned parallel to each other and are spaced apart by a distance denoted i. Such i represents the width of the second area A2. The Wi width must be equal to or greater than about 10 centimeters. Preferably, the width i should vary from between about 13 centimeters to about 38 centimeters, and preferably, the width i should vary from between about 15 centimeters to about 28 centimeters. The Wi dimension may vary depending on the type and size of the absorbent article, as well as the age and physical size of the user for which the absorbent article is designed to be used. If the absorbent article is sized for use by an infant, the Wi dimension will be less than if the absorbent article is designed to be worn by a crawling child or by an adult. The user's gender can also affect dimension i.

Referring to Figure 9, the back 14 and the crotch portion 16 of the absorbent article 10 are shown with elastic 74 removed from the back 14 for discussion clarity only. The crotch portion 167 is attached at one end to the second end 66 of the back part 14. The crotch portion 16 has the first and second side edges 84 and 86 and the crotch elastics 88 and 90 placed on one side of the edges. first and second laterals 84 and 86, respectively. The back part 14 has a first section 68 and a second section 70. The first section 68 has a length L2 that is equal to or greater than about 5 centimeters and the second section 70 has a length L3 that is equal to or greater than about 2.5 centimeters The second section 70 includes a first area A3 and a second area A4. The first area A3 is joined by the second end 66, the line 72 drawn parallel to the first end 64, on the leg and second side edges 80 and 82. In essence, the first area A3 represents the total area of the second section 70. The second area A4 is shown as the grid area joined by the first and second lines 128 and 130, the second end 66, and the line 72 drawn parallel to the first end 64. The first and second lines 128 and 130 are drawn tangentially to the first and second crotch elastics 88 and 90 at points 132 and 134 where the first and second crotch elastics 88 and 90 are spaced closer together. In another way of saying this is that the first and second lines 128 and 130, I ^ atihJSáifeiit ^ ÉÉlfiigh ^ B-if-r - i - 1 i • r. • rn "-t ifr - tr ^ w» tW-? ^^^ "* * respectively, subtract tangentially aligned to the inner elastic yarn of each one or of the first and second crotch elastics 88 and 90. For a shaped article symmetrically 10, this will happen on the transverse center axis YY.

The first and second lines 128 and 130 extend vertically upward to the first end 64 and intersect both the second end 66 at points 136 and 138, and the line 72 pulled parallel to the first end 64 at points 140 and 142. The grid area joined by points 136, 138, 140 and 142 represents the second area A4. It has been found that if one divides the first area A3 by the second area A4, that an A3 / A4 ratio is established. If this A3 / A ratio is maintained within a certain limited range, one can fabricate an absorbent article that exhibits a notch to the body in the region of the wearer's buttocks. Such a notch to the improved body reduces the possibility of fluid leakage for it to occur which is of great importance for a disposable absorbent article.

The first A3 area should be equal to or greater than about 175 square centimeters. Preferably, the first area A3 should vary from between about 400 square centimeters to about 1500 square centimeters. More preferably, the first area A3 should vary from between about 500 square centimeters to __- é * &? íá L'Fjj * - * • -. aafclfe & * fe ^ * 4 ~ áx, around 1200 square centimeters. And more preferably, the first area A3 varies from between about 600 square centimeters to about 1100 square centimeters. The second A4 area must be equal to or greater than about 35 square centimeters. The A3 / A4 ratio should vary from between about 1.5 to about 5.0. Preferably, the A3 / A ratio should vary from between about 2.5 to about 4.0 and more preferably, the A3 / A4 ratio should vary from between about 3.0 to about 3.7.

It should be noted that the first and second lines 128 and 130 are aligned parallel to each other and are spaced apart by a distance denoted by W2. Such W2 represents the width of the second area A4. The width W2 must be equal to or greater than about 5 centimeters. Preferably, the width W2 should vary from between about 8 centimeters to about 18 centimeters, and more preferably, the width W2 should vary from between about 10 centimeters to about 15 centimeters. The dimension W2 may vary depending on the type of the size of the absorbent article as well as the age and physical size of the user for whom the absorbent article is designed to be used by it. If the absorbent article is sized for use by an infant, the W2 dimension will be less if the absorbent article is designed to be worn by a crawling child or by an adult. The sex of the user can also affect the W2 dimension.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it should be understood that many alternatives are apparent, modifications and variations to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Therefore, this invention is intended to cover all those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. _t. ~ - .-. »-A-? TO.

Claims (20)

1. An absorbent article comprising: a) a front part having a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge; b) the first and second side sections releasably fastened to said front part, each of said first and second side sections having an outer edge; c) a crotch part attached at one end to said second end of said front part, said crotch portion having the first and second side edges and the first and second crotch elécticoe positioned on one side of the first and second side edges, respectively; d) a backrest part attached to an opposite end of said crotch part, said back part having a first end, a second end and the first and second side edges, said back part being divided into a first section and a second section, said first section has a length e L2 measured perpendicularly from said first end of said portion of uL = irf__fc _ * ______---- -_______________________________ ^ _-_. back to a line drawn parallel to it, said length L2 is equal to or greater than about 5.08 centimeters, and shower second section has a length L3 measured perpendicular from said second end to said line drawn parallel to said first end, said length L3 being equal to or greater than about 2.54 centimeters, said second section having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge and a first area A3 and a second area A4, said first area A3 represents an area joined by said first and second lateral edges said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, said second area A4 represents an area joined by said first and second lines, said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, said first and second lines being drawn tangentially to said first and second crotch elastics at points where said crotch elastics first and second are spaced together more closely, said first and second lines intersect said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, and said second section has a ratio A3 / A varying from between about 1.5 to about 5.0; Y e) an absorbent secured to at least one of said front, back or crotch portions, and each of said outer edges of said first and second side sections being secured to one of the edges first and second side of said back part to form a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first and second side sections are elastic.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first and second side sections cover said front part.

4. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that each of said first and second side sections has an inner edge and said pair of inner edges are aligned in an abutting relationship.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 4 characterized in that said pair of inner edges are joined together by breakable joints.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 5 characterized in that said breakable links include a line of perforations.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said rear part includes elastic threads extending from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said length L3 varies from between about 4 inches to about 8 inches.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said first and second lines are parallel to each other and the spacing between said first and second lines is greater than about 5.08 centimeters.

10. An absorbent article comprising: a) a front part having a first end, a second end and a first side edge and a second side edge; b) the first and second side sections releasably joined to said front part, each of said first and second side sections having an outer edge; & a ^^ c) each crotch part is attached at one end to said second end of said front part, said crotch portion having the first and second side edges and the first and second crotch elastics placed on one side of the legs. first and second lateral edges, respectively; d) a back part attached to an inserted end of said crotch portion, said crotch portion having a first end, a second end and the first and second side edges, said back part being divided into a first section and a second section , said first section has a length L2 measured perpendicular from said first end of said rear part to a line drawn parallel thereto, said length L2 being equal to or greater than about 5.08 inches, and said second section having a length L3 measured perpendicular from said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, said length L3 being equal to or greater than about 1 inch, said second section having a first side edge and a second side edge and a first area A3 and a second area A4, said first area A3 represents an area joined by said first and second lateral edges, said second end and said second a line drawn parallel to said first end, said second area A represents an area joined by said first and second lines, said second end and said line drawn -l-.A ^ ». ^» .. ^.,, ... ^. ^ .- .-, ... ".- _ ^ ... parallel to said first end, said first and second lines being drawn tangentially to said first and second crotch elastics at points wherein said first and second crotch elastics are spaced closer together, said first and second lines intersect said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, and said second section has a ratio A3 / A ranging from between about 2.5 to about 4.0; e) a liquid-permeable liner secured to at least one of said front, rear crotch portions; Y f) an absorbent placed under said liner, of each of said outer edges of said first and second side sections being secured to one of the first and second side edges of said back part to form a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said first and second side sections are elastic.

12. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said | £ ^ ^^^ £ ^^^^ gÉi ^? First and second side sections cover said front part.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that each of said first and second side sections has an inner edge and said pair of inner edges are aligned in an abutting relationship.

14. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 10 characterized in that said inner edges are joined together by breakable joints.

15. An absorbent article comprising: a) a front part having a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge; b) the first and second side sections releasably joined to said front part, each of said first and second side sections having an outer edge; c) a crotch portion attached at one end to said second end of said front part, said crotch portion having the first side edges and í *. second and the first and second crotch elastics placed on one side of the first and second side edges respectively; d) a rear part attached to an opposite end of said crotch portion, said back part having a first end, a second end and the first and second side edges, said rear part being divided into a first section and a second section, said first section has a length L2 measured perpendicularly from said first end of said rear part to a line drawn parallel thereto, said length L being equal to or greater than about 5.08 centimeters, and said second section having a length L3 measured perpendicularly from said second end to said line drawn parallel to said first end, said length L3 being equal to or greater than about 2.54 centimeters, said second section having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge and a first area A3 and a second area A4, said first area A3 represents an area joined by said first and second lateral edges, said second ex and said line drawn parallel to said first end, said first area A3 being equal to or greater than about 175 square centimeters, said second area A4 represents an area joined by said first and second lines, said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, said first and second lines being drawn tangentially to said crotch elastics first and second at points where said first and second crotch elastics are spaced closer together, said first and second lines intersect said second end and said line drawn parallel to said first end, and said second section has an A3 / A4 ratio varying from between about 3.0 to about 3.7; e) a liner permeable to the liquid secured to at least said front, back or crotch portions; Y f) an absorbent placed below said liner, and each of said outer edges of said first and second side sections being secured to one of said first and second side edges of said back portion to form a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

16. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that said first and second side sections are releasably attached to said front part by hook and loop fasteners.

17. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 16 characterized in that A3 varies from between about 400 square centimeters to about 1500 square centimeters.

18. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that A3 varies from from about 500 square centimeters to about 1200 square centimeters.

19. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that each of said first and second side sections has an inner edge and said pair of inner edges are aligned in an abutting relationship.

20. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that said inner edge pair are joined together by breakable joints. ii- -t-fcrt J-J fcwf »A fcjtm-t» __... ». Y . "-. < ,, .-, «. ,. < -J », ^ i-. .. "* ,: - > ---.- -1 -i -J-Bl SUMMARY An absorbent article having a resutable mechanism is described. The absorbent article has a front part, a back part and a crotch part. The crotch part connects the front to the back. The front has a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first and second side sections are releasably attached to the front part and each of the first and second side sections has an outer edge. The back has the first and second side edges and the first and second ends. The back part is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section has a length L measured perpendicularly from the first end of the back to a line drawn parallel to it. The second section has a length L3 measured perpendicularly from the second end of the back to a line drawn parallel to the first end so that a ratio L2 / L3 is established which varies from between about 0.1 to about 2. The The absorbent article further includes an absorbent secured to at least one of the front, back or crotch portions. Each of the outer edges of the first and second side sections are secured to one of the first and second side edges of the back to form h & ^ m? h ^ tf * iAM a brief type article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. ? ji Hc