Low bulk disposable diaper
AssigneeMcNeil-PPC, Inc.
InventorsHeinz A. Pieniak, Gloria Huffman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A disposable diaper is particularly configured for improved fit and comfort, as well as provide enhanced absorptive capacity and leakage-resistant characteristics. Improved fit and comfort are achieved by providing the diaper with a relatively thin, narrow absorbent panel, with the panel configured to provide desirably high absorbency efficiency for enhanced performance characteristics. Additionally, the diaper is provided with elasticized leg openings each including a plurality of elastic members. The innermost ones of the elastic members are positioned relatively close together, thereby providing improved fit.
Claims17
A disposable diaper having improved fit and comfort, the diaper having front and back waist end portions and comprising:
- an absorbent panel;
- a moisture-pervious facing layer positioned in overlying relationship on one side of said absorbent panel, said facing layer being adapted for positioning adjacent the wearer of the diaper;
- and
- an outer backing layer positioned on the side of said absorbent panel opposite said facing layer;
- the absorbent panel and outer backing layer being secured together at the waist portions of the diaper;
- said absorbent panel comprising a matrix of absorbent material and having an impact zone which comprises the second and third fifths of said absorbent panel in a longitudinal direction as measured from the front thereof, said impact zone including a portion positionable between the thighs of the wearer, which said portion has a transverse dimension and a thickness dimension to provide a cross-sectional area for said portion of no more than about 0.6 square inches, said matrix of said absorbent panel having sufficient inherent absorbency to provide said absorbent with an absorbency efficiency index of at least 1.5, thereby providing sufficient absorbent capacity for absorbing anticipated volumes of voided liquid with a structure which is sufficiently narrow and thin so as to minimize discomfort to the wearer.
An absorbent panel in accordance with claim 9, wherein
- said absorbent matrix further includes liquid transport means comprising at least one wicking layer of densified hydrophilic fibers, said wicking layer being coextensive with at least a portion of a respective expansive surface of said fibrous web layer to promote liquid transport within said absorbent matrix by said wicking layer.
An absorbent panel for use in an absorbent article having a facing layer and a backing layer on respective opposite sides of said absorbent panel, said absorbent panel providing the absorbent article with improved comfort and fit for the wearer, said absorbent panel comprising:
- a matrix of absorbent material having sufficient inherent absorbency to provide a volumetric storage capacity of at least about 220 cc. of liquid, said absorbent panel having a bulk volume in a portion of the panel positionable between the thighs of the wearer, which said bulk volume is derived from said panel portion having a transverse dimension of about 4.5 inches and a thickness dimension of about 0.13 inches to provide a cross-sectional area for said portion of about 0.6 square inches, and to thereby provide said absorbent panel with an absorbency efficiency index of about 2.29, wherein said absorbent panel includes an impact zone comprising the second and third fifths of said absorbent in a longitudinal direction thereof, said impact zone including said portion of said panel, said absorbent matrix comprising superabsorbent material and fibrous material, said superabsorbent material comprising 200-1,500 percent, by dry weight basis of said fibrous material, said absorbent panel having a density of at least about 0.25 grams/cubic centimeters, whereby a sufficient absorbent capacity for absorbing anticipated volumes of voided liquid is provided by a structure which is sufficiently narrow and thin so as to minimize discomfort to the wearer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.