Abstract:
An absorptive pad having a frontward pad section and a rearward pad section of sufficient length to cover the buttocks of a user to thereby control rearward leakage of fluid. The width of the rearward pad section is less than the width of the frontward pad section, and may become increasingly narrower until the rear edge of the absorptive pad. This ergonomic shape of the pad allows for the absorptive pad to feel comfortable to the user while providing adequate protection from rearward leakage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to absorbent articles generally, and more specifically, to absorbent pads. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is known and described in the art that body liquids, such as urine or blood, are transferred to the back of the body, toward the buttocks. The transfer toward the back of the body is especially likely while an individual is sitting or lying in a non-prone position. Fluids distributed tend to go beyond the rear edge of a conventional pad, causing leakage. 
         [0003]    Conventional absorbent pads, mostly for feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, either provide insufficient coverage and allow for rearward leakage, or are too large and bulky and hence uncomfortable for the wearer. It is known that users of absorbent pads can feel uncomfortable after prolonged use of the pad even though the absorbent capabilities of the pad have not yet been exhausted. The discomfort experienced with the bulky pads is due in large part to the way conventional pads are shaped. 
         [0004]    The discomfort experienced while wearing a pad long enough to protect a user from rearward leakage may deter a user from wearing the pad. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved absorbent pad that protects wearers from rearward leakage and provides greater comfort relative to conventional absorbent pads. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In one embodiment, the invention provides an absorptive pad having a wider forward pad section and a relatively narrower rearward pad section that is adapted to be worn over the buttocks of a user. The forward pad section is separated from the rearward pad section at a location. The forward pad section has a front edge and a forward width between forward side edges. The rearward pad section has a rear edge and a rear width between rear side edges. The forward pad section comprises a forward pad length measured from the front edge along the longitudinal dimension to the location of the absorptive pad that delineates the forward pad section from the rearward pad section. The rearward pad section has a rear length that is measured along the longitudinal dimension from the rear edge to the location of the absorptive pad. The rearward pad section is integral with the forward pad section. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the invention provides an article comprising an absorptive pad with a wider forward pad section and a relatively narrower rearward pad section that is adapted to be worn over the buttocks of a user. 
         [0007]    Specific preferred embodiments of the invention will become evident from the following more detailed description of certain preferred embodiments and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of an exemplary absorbent pad. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a plan view of an exemplary absorbent pad. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Specifically, the invention provides for an absorbent pad intended to prevent the rearward leakage of fluid that is also ergonomically shaped such that it is comfortable to the wearer. The pad provides significant improvement in product performance, efficiency, and discreetness while not hindering the wearer&#39;s movability or comfort. The absorptive pad can be worn by an individual to prevent leakage of body fluids, including, but not limited to urine, blood, plasma, menses, and serum. The absorptive pad can be designed for feminine hygiene (e.g. a pad designed to absorb and prevent leakage of menses) or for incontinence (e.g. a pad designed to absorb and prevent leakage of body fluids). Absorptive pad  100  is made to be attached to an article worn by a user, so that absorptive pad  100  may catch and contain any of the aforementioned fluids. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, as shown in the plan view of  FIG. 1 , absorptive pad  100  comprises a body formed of a forward pad section  110  and a rearward pad section  120 . A location  130  separates forward pad section  110  from rearward pad section  120 . Forward pad section  110  comprises a front edge  112 , forward side edges  114 , and a forward pad length  116 . Forward pad length  116  is measured in the longitudinal dimension from front edge  112  to location  130 . A forward width  118  comprises the width between forward side edges  114 . Rearward pad section  120  comprises a rear edge  122  and rear side edges  124 . Rearward pad section  120  has a rear length  126  measured from rear edge  122  to location  130  along the longitudinal dimension. A rear width  128  comprises the width between rear side edges  124 . 
         [0012]    Forward pad section  110  is integral with rearward pad section  120 . The length of absorptive pad  100  is such that at least a portion of rearward pad section  120  covers the buttocks of the user when absorptive pad  100  is affixed to an article on the user. The length of absorptive pad  100  may be at least 33 cm. A pad length of 36 cm has been found to particularly useful. Forward width  118  of forward pad section  110  may be of the standard size of absorptive pads as currently used in the art. Generally, forward width  118  is not less than 6 cm. For example, forward width  118  may be within the range of 6 cm to 10 cm. Alternatively, forward width  118  is not limited to this range, and may comprise a number of other ranges. Forward width  118  may decrease in a continuous manner from front edge  112  to location  130 . 
         [0013]    Because the pad reaches the upper end of the buttocks, the traditional wide shape of the pad feels bulky to a user and tends to create a sweating reaction with the user&#39;s skin. Rear width  128  of pad  100 , however, is a smaller width than forward width  118  and is sized and shaped so as to provide the user with a comfortable and ergonomic fit as the rearward portion fits against a user&#39;s buttocks. Rear width  128  of rearward pad portion  120  comprises a width such that the pad covers at least a portion of each buttock, as well as the crease between the buttocks. Rear width  128  should be large enough to prevent rear side edges  124  of pad  100  from sliding into and resting within the crease between the buttocks. The pad width in rear portion  120  decreases gradually to allow the fluids to distribute longitudinally without interruption. Rear width  128  does not have a consistent width throughout the length of rear length  126 , but comprises a varying width. Rear width  128  may decrease in a continuous manner along the longitudinal dimension, from location  130  to rear edge  122 . Rear width  128  may comprise a width that is no less than 5 cm at location  130 . Rear width  128  may decrease gradually until the width is approximately 1 cm at rear edge  122 . 
         [0014]    Front edge  112  may be rounded. Alternatively, front edge  112  may be straight. Rear edge  122  may be rounded. Alternatively, rear edge  122  may be straight. 
         [0015]    In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , a portion of each of forward side edges  114  may form a concave curve  140 . A transition point  142  along each of the side edges  114  starts the formation of concave curve  140 . 
         [0016]    The absorptive pad of the invention may be a protective pad that is generally thinner, lighter, more comfortable, and permits greater maneuverability for the wearer than conventional pads. Because the rear width is decreased, less material of absorptive pad  100  will be brushing against the user&#39;s buttocks while the pad is in use, allowing for greater comfort and decreasing the feeling that the user is wearing a diaper. Furthermore, because of the fixed width ratio between the frontward and rearward portions of the pad, the rearward portion will not go between the wearer&#39;s buttocks during use and cause greater wearer discomfort. 
         [0017]    Any suitable absorptive material may be used in the absorptive pad. In one embodiment, the absorptive pad  100  may comprise one or more layers of an absorptive material such as cotton, pulp, or airlaid. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the absorptive pad  100  may comprise a plurality of functional zones. The zones can be different heights at different locations on the surface of the pad, for example by using fibers of various lengths or particles of various heights. Also, the zones can differ in density. For example, a zone with zero density (e.g. no fibers) can serve to control flow of fluids by surface tension along the edges of the zone. In addition, a wicking zone connected to a zero density zone can increase fluid flow speed to a desired location on the article. In a particular embodiment, absorptive pad  100  can be designed to provide areas of distribution in places that are most likely to contact body fluids. For example, the distribution and absorptive zones can be positioned differently depending on whether a male or female will be wearing the pad. 
         [0019]    Absorptive areas can be created by lateral application of various types of particles, such as fluff; super absorbent fibers (SAF); treatment material to treat existing conditions or prevent infection (including, but not limited to antibiotics, antifungal compounds, antiviral compounds, and analgesics); diagnostic material (including, but not limited to compounds that test for chemical adulterants, pH indicators, and labeled antibodies); odor control material; liquid absorbing particulate gels; odor absorbing gels; or any other absorbent material. The absorptive areas can be designed to form any desired pattern and size in a lateral or vertical dimension relative to the article. In one embodiment, an absorptive area can comprise absorptive particles that are contained in a liquid permeable material to ensure the particle remain in a discrete location. For example, absorptive particles can be contained in a mesh container, and the container can be attached (e.g. glued) to a surface. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the pad may further comprise a liquid impermeable barrier layer to prevent leakage of fluids onto the wearer&#39;s garments. Suitable but not limiting examples of barrier layers include rubber and wax. The bottom of pad  100  may comprise a layer of adhesive material, or areas of adhesive materials, so that pad  100  may be affixed to an undergarment. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the absorbent pad may be affixed onto a protective undergarment such as the ones described in Giloh et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,987,210, issued Jan. 17, 2008 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,424, issued Apr. 8, 2008 (Tamicare Ltd, assignee), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0022]    In still another embodiment, absorptive pad may comprise an adjustment device, such as an adhesive flap, or the like, that can be integral with the pad. An adjustment device can provide a means for making an article of the invention fit more snugly on the article that is worn by the user. Representative examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,424, issued Apr. 8, 2008 (TamiCare Ltd., assignee). 
         [0023]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art of that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes variations and modification of the various features described in the specification and shown in the drawings which may occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.