Absorbent article for absorbing body fluids

An absorbent article is disclosed having a liquid permeable bodyside cover, a liquid permeable garment side liner and an absorbent core enclosed by the cover and the liner. The absorbent article also has a pair of fringes formed by joining the cover to the liner. The pair of fringes extend laterally outward from the absorbent core and are capable of being biased upward to form a pair of upstanding side walls when placed in an undergarment. The pair of upstanding side walls form a pair of reservoirs located adjacent to the absorbent core. The pair of reservoirs are capable of retaining body fluid that has run off of the cover until the body fluid can be absorbed by the absorbent core.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, many different forms of primary absorbent undergarments, diapers and fitted briefs are available to consumers who involuntarily expel urine or suffer from urinary incontinence. Some of these products are designed to resemble common cotton underwear except that they contain a highly absorbent material. Even though such products are relatively inexpensive, many people who use such products, especially the elderly, are interested in lower cost alternatives. One solution to this problem is to attach an inexpensive absorbent article, diaper insert or liner within the primary absorbent undergarment. When the absorbent article or liner is saturated with urine, it can easily be removed and discarded. Another absorbent article, diaper insert or liner can then be inserted into the primary absorbent undergarment so as to prolong the life of the primary absorbent undergarment. The absorbent article, diaper insert or liner is substantially less costly than the primary absorbent undergarment.

The absorbent article, diaper insert or liner differs in construction from current commercially available incontinence pads in that it exhibits the ability to allow urine and other body fluid to pass therethrough and enter the primary absorbent undergarment under controlled conditions.

Now an inexpensive absorbent article has been invented which is designed to allow body fluid to pass therethrough while prolonging the useful life of a primary absorbent undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to an absorbent article having a liquid permeable bodyside cover, a liquid permeable garment side liner and an absorbent core enclosed by the cover and the liner. The absorbent article also has a pair of fringes formed by joining the cover to the liner. The pair of fringes extend laterally outward from the absorbent core and are capable of being biased upward to form a pair of upstanding side walls when placed in an undergarment. The pair of upstanding side walls form a pair of reservoirs located adjacent to the absorbent core. The pair of reservoirs are capable of retaining body fluid that has run off of the cover until the body fluid can be absorbed by the absorbent core.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, an absorbent article10, such as an incontinence pad capable of absorbing a relatively large quantity of urine, is shown constructed of a bodyside cover12, a garment side liner14and an absorbent core16. The bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14are both liquid permeable. By “liquid permeable” it is meant that body fluids, especially urine, and vapors can pass therethrough. The absorbent core16is enclosed by the liquid permeable bodyside cover12and the liquid permeable garment side liner14to form an absorbent pad18having a crotch portion20. The absorbent article10is an elongated member having a longitudinal axis x—x, a transverse axis y—y and a vertical axis z—z. The absorbent article10can have a rectangular, hourglass, race track, oval, elliptical or other geometrical configuration when viewed from the top. The absorbent article10has a length, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis x—x, of less than about 500 millimeters (mm). Preferably, the absorbent article10has a length of less than about 400 mm, and most preferably, has a length of less than about 350 mm. The absorbent article10has a crotch width, measured parallel to the transverse axis y—y, of less than about 150 mm. Preferably, the crotch width of the absorbent article10is less than about 125 mm, and most preferably, the crotch width of the absorbent article10is less than about 110 mm. It should be noted that the absorbent article10could have a wider width when measured away from the crotch region. The absorbent article10also has a height, measured parallel to the vertical axis z—z, of from about 2 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the height of the absorbent article10is less than about 18 mm.

The liquid permeable cover12is designed to allow body fluid, particularly urine, to quickly pass therethrough and be received by the absorbent core16. The bodyside cover12is placed in contact with the genital area of a human body. The bodyside cover12is capable of passing body fluid, voluntarily or involuntarily expelled from the urethra, downward into the absorbent core16.

The liquid permeable cover12can be constructed from natural or synthetic material. The cover12can be formed from a woven or nonwoven material. Suitable materials include bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, finely perforated film webs and net materials also work well. A preferred material is spunbond. Spunbond is a nonwoven material formed from polypropylene fibers. Spunbond is sold commercially by Kimberly-Clark Corporation having an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah, Wis. 54956. The spunbond is treated to be hydrophilic so as to allow liquid to penetrate therethrough. The spunbond can contain from about 1% to about 2% titanium dioxide pigment to give it a clean, white appearance.

The bodyside cover12can be formed from a material having a variety of basis weights. When the bodyside cover12is formed from spunbond, the material should have a basis weight of from about 0.3 ounces per square yard (osy) to about 1.0 osy. Preferably, the basis weight for the spunbond material is from about 0.3 osy to about 0.5 osy. Most preferably, the basis weight of the spunbond material should be about 0.385 osy.

The liquid permeable bodyside cover12should allow body fluids, especially urine, that comes into contact with it to readily and quickly pass therethrough. In this regard, the material from which the cover12is constructed can be treated to be hydrophilic. Alternatively, the cover12can be constructed with pores or openings that permit liquids and/or gases to pass therethrough. The liquid permeability of the cover12can be measured using a common test procedure known to those skilled in the art.

The liquid permeable garment side liner14, like the bodyside cover12, is designed to allow body fluid, particularly urine, to pass quickly therethrough. The garment side liner14is designed to be positioned away from the human body. The garment side liner14is capable of allowing body fluid exiting from the absorbent core16to pass downward into a primary absorbent undergarment22, see FIG.4. The liquid permeable liner14can be constructed from natural or synthetic material. The liner14can be formed from a nonwoven material such as spunbond. The garment side liner14can be formed from a material having a variety of basis weights. When the garment side liner14is formed from spunbond, the material should have a basis weight of from about 0.3 ounces per square yard (osy) to about 1.0 osy. Preferably, the basis weight of the spunbond material is from about 0.3 osy to about 0.5 osy. Most preferably, the basis weight of the spunbond material should be about 0.385 osy.

The liquid permeable garment side liner14should allow body fluids that come into contact with it to readily and quickly pass therethrough. In this regard, the material from which the garment side liner14is constructed is treated to be hydrophilic. Alternatively, the garment side liner14can be constructed to have pores or openings that permit liquids and/or gases to pass through. It should be noted that the bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14can be formed from the same material. Preferably, both the bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14are formed from spunbond and both have a basis weight of 0.385 osy. The liquid permeability of the bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14can be equal to one another or be different from each other. Preferably, the liquid permeability of the bodyside cover12is equal to the liquid permeability of the garment side liner14. When the liquid permeability is different the bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14, the bodyside cover12should exhibit the higher liquid permeability. The reason for this is that the higher liquid permeability of the bodyside cover12will allow body fluid impinging thereon to pass quickly into the absorbent core16instead of pooling on the cover12.

Referring still toFIGS. 1-3, the absorbent core16is shown having an outer periphery24. The bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14are secured or attached to the absorbent core16so as to form a fringe26. The fringe26extends laterally outward from the absorbent core16. The fringe26can extend partially or completely around the outer periphery24of the absorbent core16. The fringe26can be bifurcated or divided into a pair of fringes26each located on opposite sides of the crotch portion20. Even when the fringe26extends 360 degrees around the absorbent core16, it can be viewed as having two portions that form a pair of fringes26located adjacent to the crotch portion20. The pair of fringes26extends along at least a portion of the length of the crotch portion20. The pair of fringes26can be identical in size and shape and will have a predetermined width measured along the y—y axis. From here on, the absorbent article10will be described as having a pair of fringes26.

The cover12and the liner14can be secured to the absorbent core16by an adhesive28, which is preferably a construction adhesive. The construction adhesive28can be either a hot melt adhesive or a cold melt adhesive. A hot melt adhesive that works well is REXTAC® RT 2730. This construction adhesive is commercially available from Huntsman Polymers Corporation having a mailing address of P.O. Box 371263 Pittsburgh, Pa. 15251-7263. It should be noted that the construction adhesive28could also be present at other locations within the absorbent article10. For example, the construction adhesive28can be present between the cover12and the underlying layer. The construction adhesive28can also be present between adjacent layers.

Other methods of securing the bodyside cover12to the garment side liner14are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of other attachment methods include: ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonds, heat bonds, heat and pressure bonds, and thermal bonds wherein one material is heated above its melting temperature and is bonded to a second material. The cover12and the liner14can also be secured together by using thread if desired. When the pair of fringes26are present in the crotch portion20of the absorbent article10, they should extend for a distance of from about 1 inch (about 25.4 millimeters (mm)) to the entire length of the absorbent article10. Preferably, the pair of fringes26will extend for a distance of at least 2 inches (about 51 mm). Most preferably, the pair of fringes26will extend for a distance of at least 3 inches (about 76 mm).

Referring now toFIG. 2, the absorbent core16can consist of one or more absorbent layers. The absorbent core16can be made from natural or synthetic fibers, including cellulose fibers, surfactant-treated meltblown fibers, wood pulp fibers, regenerated cellulose or cotton fibers, or coform. Coform is a blend of pulp and synthetic meltblown fibers. Two preferred absorbent materials are wood pulp fluff and coform.

InFIG. 2, the absorbent core16is shown made up of a first absorbent layer30. The first absorbent layer30is positioned below the bodyside cover12. The first absorbent layer30can optionally contain a hydrocolloidal material32, commonly referred to as a superabsorbent. The superabsorbent can be a partially neutralized salt of polyacrylic acid.

A superabsorbent is normally added to the absorbent core16to increase the amount of fluid that the absorbent core16can absorb and retain. The fluid retention capacity, also referred to as fluid absorbent capacity, of the absorbent core16, for urine, should be at least 150 grams (g). Preferably, the fluid absorbent capacity of the absorbent core16for urine is at least 200 g. Most preferably, the fluid absorbent capacity of the absorbent core16for urine is at least 250 g. It should be noted that saline is normally used in place of human urine when measuring the fluid retention or absorbent capacity of the absorbent core16. Saline is an aqueous solution of about 0.9% sodium chloride by weight. One brand of saline is S/P® Certified Blood Saline, Saline is an aqueous solution of about 0.9% sodium chloride by weight. One brand of saline is S/P® Certified Blood Saline, which is commercially available from Baxter Diagnostics having an office in McGraw Park, Ill. The reason for using saline instead of actual human urine is that it is sanitary to handle in a laboratory. In addition, the absorbency results for an absorbent core tested using about 0.9% saline is very close to the absorbency results using human urine.

The superabsorbent32that can be added to the absorbent core16can be produced to have almost any physical form. Commonly, the superabsorbent32is in the shape of small particles having a major dimension of less than about 500 microns. Superabsorbents are commercially available from several different vendors including Dow Chemical Company, Hoechst-Celanese and Stockhausen Inc. Two superabsorbents that work well for retaining urine are DRYTECH® 2035M and FAVOR® SXM 880. DRYTECH® 2035M is available from Dow Chemical Company having a mailing address of P.O. Box 846028 Dallas, Tex. 75284-6028. FAVOR® SXM 880 is available from Stockhausen Inc. having a mailing address of P.O. Box 7247-7261 Philadelphia, Pa. 19170-7261.

It should also be noted that the absorbent core16could optionally be formed as a laminate structure with the superabsorbent32incorporated therein.

Returning toFIG. 2, the absorbent article10includes a tissue34that is C-folded around the first absorbent layer30. The tissue34functions to retain the superabsorbent32therein. It is advantageous to utilize at least about 15 percent by weight of superabsorbent32in the first absorbent layer30. Preferably, at least about 20 percent by weight of the superabsorbent32is present in the first absorbent layer30. Most preferably, about 24 percent by weight of the superabsorbent32is present in the first absorbent layer30. The use of this percentage by weight of the superabsorbent32will significantly increase both the fluid absorbing and the fluid retention capacity of the absorbent core16.

It should be noted the superabsorbent32does not have to be present in the first absorbent layer30. However, one must recognize that the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent layer30will be less if no superabsorbent is present. When one uses a concentration of superabsorbent in the first absorbent layer30in excess of about 15 percent by weight, it is advantageous to wrap the first absorbent layer30in the tissue34to prevent the fine superabsorbent particles from failing out. If no superabsorbent32is present or if the superabsorbent32represents less than about 15 percent by weight of the first absorbent layer30, then the tissue34could be eliminated.

The absorbent core16also includes a second absorbent layer36. The second absorbent layer36can also contain a hydrocolloidal material38, commonly referred to as a superabsorbent. The superabsorbent38can be similar or different from the superabsorbent32. However, from a cost and manufacturing standpoint, the superabsorbents32and38should be identical. The superabsorbent38can also be in particle form having a major dimension of less than about 500 microns. Such superabsorbents are commercially available from the vendors described above.

It has been found that the second or lower absorbent layer36can contain a lower, equal or greater percentage by weight of superabsorbent than the first absorbent layer30. Preferably, the percentage by weight of the superabsorbent38in the second absorbent layer36will be less than the percentage by weight (excess of about 15 percent) of the superabsorbent32in the first absorbent layer30. More preferably, the percentage by weight of the superabsorbent38in the second absorbent layer36will be less than about 12 percent by weight, most preferably, about 10 percent by weight. Since the percentage by weight of the superabsorbent38in the second absorbent layer36represents less than about 15 percent by weight of the second absorbent layer36, it is not necessary to wrap the second absorbent layer36in tissue. As noted above with reference to the first absorbent layer30, it is not necessary to include superabsorbent in the second absorbent layer36. However, the absence of the superabsorbent38will decrease the fluid absorbent and the fluid retention capacity of the second absorbent layer36.

It should be noted that even though the absorbent core16is described as including two absorbent layers30and36, it could be formed from a single absorbent layer. Alternatively, the absorbent core16could be constructed of three or more absorbent layers, if desired.

Still referring toFIG. 2, an impediment layer40is positioned between the absorbent core16and the garment side liner14. The impediment layer40is capable of slowing or blocking the downward movement of body fluid from the absorbent core16to the garment side liner14. The impediment layer40acts as a barrier that prevents the body fluid from passing directly through it. Instead, the body fluid is forced to flow around the edges of the impediment layer40in order to contact the garment side liner14. The impediment layer40can be formed from almost any type of liquid-impermeable material. A thermoplastic film is a good liquid-impermeable material that can be used to form the impediment layer40. The thermoplastic film can be formed from polyethylene, polypropylene or a combination thereof. A polyethylene film having a thickness of less than about 2 mm works well.

It is also possible to form the impediment layer40from an adhesive, a polymer coating or from some other impervious material. For example, the adhesive or polymer coating could be sprayed or applied onto a portion of the lower surface of the second absorbent layer36. By spraying or applying a thin adhesive or coating onto a portion of the second absorbent layer36, an impediment layer40can be obtained. The adhesive or coating can be applied in liquid form such that a variety of impervious patterns or areas can be covered. The adhesive or coating can be self adhering and does not required another means for attaching it to the second absorbent layer36. The adhesive or coating can be colored, if desired, to identify it from a non-coated surface. Desirably, the adhesive or coating is aligned along at least the central longitudinal portion of the liner14. However, the pattern of adhesive or coating can take on almost any desired design, including multiple discrete shapes that are independently arranged over at least a portion of the exterior surface42.

Still referring toFIG. 2, the absorbent core16has a height, measured parallel to the vertical axis z—z, of from about 2 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the absorbent core16has a height of from about 3 mm to about 20 mm. Most preferably, the absorbent core16has a height of from about 4 mm to about 15 mm. As the height of the absorbent core16increases, the fluid capacity of the absorbent core16normally increases. However, one should understand that the materials from which the absorbent core16is constructed, the presence of the superabsorbent32and/or38, and the thickness of the absorbent core16will all determine the fluid capacity of the absorbent core16. The height dimension is important for it can be used to determine the width dimension of the pair of fringes26.

Each of the pair of fringes26has a width dimension, measured parallel to the transverse axis y—y, of from about 3 mm to about 30 mm. Preferably, each of the pair of fringes26has a width dimension of from about 5 mm to about 25 mm. Most preferably, each of the pair of fringes26has a width dimension of less than about 20 mm. The width of each of the pair of fringes26can be sized to be less than, equal to or be greater than the height of the absorbent core16. Preferably, the width of each of the fringes26is sized to be equal to or be greater than the height of the absorbent core16. Most preferably, the width of each of the fringes26is sized to be greater than the height of the absorbent core16.

It should be noted that when the absorbent core16is constructed of more than one absorbent layer, the width of each of the pair of fringes26should be greater than the height of at least the lower absorbent layer.

Still referring toFIG. 2, the garment side liner14of the absorbent article10has an exterior surface42. Secured to the exterior surface42is an attachment means44. The attachment means44is preferably one or more strips of a garment adhesive. However, the attachment means44can include other forms of attachment mechanisms. Other forms of attachment mechanisms that can be utilized include hook and/or loop fasteners, tape, glue, etc. VELCRO® is one form of a hook fastener that engages a loop material. VELCRO® is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries having a mailing address of 406 Brown Avenue, Manchester, N.H. 03103. When the attachment means44is a garment adhesive, the adhesive can be either a hot or cold melt adhesive that is sprayed, brushed, slot coated or otherwise applied onto the exterior surface42of the liner14. The garment adhesive can be applied as one or more beads, lines or strips of adhesive aligned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis x—x. Preferably, the garment adhesive is a hot melt adhesive. Garment adhesive is commercially available from several vendors. One such vendor is National Starch Co. having an office at 10 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.

When a hook and loop fastener is used as the attachment means44, the hook portion can be secured to a portion of the liner14and the loop portion can be secured to a portion of the primary absorbent undergarment22or vice versa. It should also be noted that some materials, like spunbond, can serve the same function as a loop material and therefore a separate patch of loop material does not have to be secured opposite to the hook material. For example, if a patch of hook material is secured to the liner14, the primary absorbent undergarment22will not be required to have a patch of loop material secured to it.

As mentioned above, the liner14has an exterior surface42and a portion of this exterior surface42will contact the primary absorbent undergarment22. The portion of the exterior surface42that will contact the primary absorbent undergarment22can be formed to have a high coefficient of friction making it a non-skid surface. For example, the exterior surface42can consist of a roughened surface, a treated surface or be made from a non-skid material. The roughened, treated or non-skid surface will provide a physical attachment to the primary absorbent undergarment22. Another way of stating this is to say that the non-skid portion of the exterior surface42serves a similar function as the attachment means44.

The attachment means44can be protected from contamination by a releasable or removable peel strip46. The peel strip46is designed to be removed by the consumer just prior to positioning and attaching the absorbent article10to the crotch portion of the absorbent undergarment22. The releasable peel strip46is generally slightly larger in overall dimensions when compared to the attachment means44so as to enable the absorbent article10to be manufactured at high speeds. By “high speeds” it is meant the ability to manufacture at a speed of more than 200 absorbent articles per minute. The peel strip46can be a white Kraft paper, coated on one side so that it can be easily released from the attachment means44.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, a primary absorbent undergarment22is shown having a waist opening48and a pair of leg openings50and52. Each of the pair of leg openings50and52can be elasticized, if desired, by incorporating one or more strands of elastic,54and56respectively. The primary absorbent undergarment22also has a liquid permeable bodyside cover58, a liquid-impermeable baffle60, and an absorbent62positioned therebetween. Desirably, the absorbent62is completely enclosed between the cover58and the baffle60. The bodyside cover58is designed to allow rapid intake of body fluid. The liquid permeable cover58can be constructed of a woven or nonwoven material formed from either natural or synthetic fibers that can easily be penetrated by body fluids. Suitable materials include bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, finely-perforated film webs and net materials, also work well.

The liquid-impermeable baffle60functions to prevent body fluid from passing therethrough. The liquid-impermeable baffle60can be made from a micro-embossed polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or it can be made from bicomponent films. A desired material is a polyethylene film having a thickness of less than about 3 mm. Composite materials formed from a polymer and a nonwoven fabric material can also be used. The composite sheets are generally formed by extrusion of the polymer onto a web of spunbond material to form an integral sheet. This material is desirable because the outer fabric surface is not irritating to the skin of the wearer and has a cushioned feel.

The primary absorbent undergarment22has a crotch portion64formed between the pair of leg openings,50and52respectively. The primary absorbent undergarment22is depicted as having a pair of side seams66and68that can be manually torn open. The undergarment22can be pulled up around the wearer's torso in a similar fashion as regular cotton underwear. For removal, the wearer can either pull the undergarment down away from the torso in a similar fashion as regular cotton underwear or one or both of the side seams66and68can be manually torn open for easy removal.

It should be noted that the primary absorbent undergarment22could be formed with a refastenable waist design such that the waist can be opened and closed more than once. Such a design is advantageous in allowing for tightening or loosening the primary absorbent undergarment22around the waist of the wearer.

The primary absorbent undergarment22can be in the form of a pant product, a brief product, an undergarment product, a reusable absorbent product, etc. These product descriptions are used by various manufacturers to identify differently configured absorbent products. The primary absorbent undergarment22is preferably a disposable product that will be discarded after a single use. However, the primary absorbent undergarment22could also be a disposable undergarment that is designed for multiple uses but typically is not to be laundered. Furthermore, the primary absorbent undergarment22can also be a non-disposable undergarment that can be laundered one or more times before being discarded. Still further, the primary absorbent undergarment22can be an undergarment that has a pocket or fold for containing a disposable insert or liner. Any and all such absorbent undergarments22are capable of being used in conjunction with the absorbent article10.

The absorbent article10is designed to be attached to the bodyside cover58of the primary absorbent undergarment22by the attachment means44. When attached, the crotch portion20of the absorbent pad18will cover or overlap at least a portion of the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22. Before the primary absorbent undergarment22is pulled up or fitted around the torso of the wearer, the absorbent article10can be secured to the bodyside cover58. For example, the absorbent article10can be attached to the primary absorbent undergarment22before the primary absorbent undergarment22is placed on the wearer's body. Alternatively, the absorbent article10can be attached to the primary absorbent undergarment22when the undergarment22is positioned approximately about the shins, knees or thighs of the wearer. Still further, it is also possible for a caregiver to position the primary absorbent undergarment22, in an open configuration, about the wearer's torso and then attach the absorbent article10before the primary absorbent undergarment22is closed and/or fastened around the wearer's waist.

As the absorbent article10is secured to the bodyside cover58of the primary absorbent undergarment22, it acquires a cup shape configuration due to the cup shape configuration or curvature of the primary absorbent undergarment22. This cup shape configuration causes the pair of fringes26to be biased upward and form a pair of upstanding side walls70and72. Each of the pair of fringes26and therefore the pair of side walls70and72are free of elastics. It is not necessary that stretchable material or material that can extend or contract in at least one direction be present in the pair of fringes26in order to make the pair of side walls70and72stand upright. The combination of the curvature of the primary absorbent undergarment22and the width dimension of the pair of fringes26will allow the pair of side walls70and72to acquire an upright orientation.

Turning now toFIG. 5, the pair of upstanding side walls70and72forms a pair of reservoirs74and76. Each of the reservoirs74and76is located adjacent to and outward from a side edge of the absorbent core16. The pair of reservoirs74and76are capable of retaining body fluid that may run off or that has run off of the bodyside cover12until the body fluid can be absorbed by the absorbent core16. The construction of the absorbent article10and the width dimension of the pair of fringes26dictate the depth of each of the pair of reservoirs74and76. The pair of fringes26can be sized to be equal to or be greater than the height of the absorbent core16. In this design, one can be assured that the pair of side walls70and72will have sufficient height to hold body fluid that may have pooled on the bodyside cover12and has run laterally off to one or both sides. The pair of reservoirs74and76should also have a length that extends at least the length of the crotch portion20of the absorbent pad18. Preferably, each of the pair of reservoirs74and76will have a length of greater than about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm). More preferably, each of the pair of reservoirs74and76will have a length of greater than about 2 inches (about 51 mm). Most preferably, each of the pair of reservoirs74and76will have a length of greater than about 3 inches (about 76 mm).

The absorbent article10can be visualized as a secondary absorbent structure that is used to extend or prolong the useful life of the primary absorbent undergarment22. Since the primary absorbent undergarment22is more costly than the absorbent article10, the consumer can extend the life of the primary absorbent article22for a relatively small amount of money. It is also possible for the consumer to sequentially exchange the original absorbent article10with one or more absorbent article10before the primary absorbent undergarment22becomes so saturated with body fluid that it has to be replaced.

It should be noted that the purpose of the absorbent article10is to receive and retain body fluid, especially urine. The absorbent article10is constructed with a liquid permeable cover12and a liquid permeable liner14so as to permit excess body fluid to pass quickly down into the primary absorbent undergarment22. However, if the absorbent article10is insulted with body fluid at a slow rate, the absorbent article10may be able to absorb and retain essentially all of the body fluid expelled from the user. In this situation, the wearer can remove the saturated absorbent article10and replace it with another dry absorbent article10. This action will allow the primary absorbent undergarment22to stay dry and be used over an extended period of time.

Method of Using the Absorbent Article

Referring toFIGS. 6-9, various methods of securing the absorbent article10to a primary absorbent undergarment22, positioning the undergarment22around a wearer's torso, replacing the absorbent article10and/or removing the primary absorbent undergarment22from the wearer's body are depicted. Starting with the flow diagram shown inFIG. 6, the absorbent article10functions to prolong the life of a primary absorbent undergarment22. The undergarment22has a liquid permeable bodyside cover58, a liquid-impermeable baffle60and an absorbent62positioned between the cover58and the baffle60. The primary absorbent undergarment22also has a waist opening48, a pair of leg openings50and52and a crotch portion64formed between said pair of leg openings50and52. The method includes releasably attaching the absorbent article10to the primary absorbent undergarment. The absorbent article10is specially constructed to allow body fluid, especially urine, to pass completely therethrough fairly rapidly.

The absorbent article10has a liquid permeable bodyside cover12and a liquid permeable garment side liner14. Preferably, the liquid permeable bodyside cover12and the liquid permeable garment side liner14will both have the same liquid permeability. The liner14has an exterior surface42with an attachment means44secured thereto. A releasable peel strip46covers the attachment means44to protect it from contamination prior to use of the absorbent article10by the consumer. The absorbent article10also includes an absorbent core16enclosed by the bodyside cover12and the garment side liner14. The absorbent article10further has a pair of fringes26formed by joining the bodyside cover12to the garment side liner14. The pair of fringes26extend laterally outward from the absorbent core16. The pair of fringes26do not contain any elastic treads or elastic strands. In other words, the pair of fringes26are free of elastic.

The consumer can position the primary absorbent undergarment22onto his or her body by pulling the primary absorbent undergarment22up over their legs in the same manner as conventional underwear is applied. Alternatively, if the primary absorbent undergarment22has a refastenable waist, the waist can be opened and the undergarment22can be positioned around the torso of the wearer before the waist is again closed. Most commonly, the wearer will step into the waist opening48and place a leg through each of the leg openings50and52. The primary absorbent undergarment22is then raised or pulled upward from the ankles, along the shins, past the knees and to the thighs. Somewhere between the ankles and the thighs, the wearer can laterally move his or her legs apart so as to cause the crotch portion64to be stretched out. At this point, the waist opening48is still below the wearer's torso and waist. Preferably, the waist opening48is positioned about even with or below the wearer's thighs before the absorbent article10is placed over at least a portion of the crotch portion64. The crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22will exhibit a cup shape configuration or curvature due to the construction of the primary absorbent undergarment22.

At this time, the wearer removes the releasable peel strip46from the absorbent article10and this exposes the attachment means44. The wearer then centers or aligns the crotch portion20of the absorbent article10over at least a portion of the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22. The wearer then presses the absorbent article10against the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22to secure the attachment means44thereto. Preferably, the consumer will firmly press the absorbent article10onto the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22. At this time; the waist opening48of the primary absorbent undergarment22is still positioned about even with or below the wearer's thighs. The primary absorbent undergarment22can then be pulled up along the thighs of the wearer or, if the primary absorbent undergarment22is of a refastenable design, it can be secured around the torso of the wearer. Alternatively, the wearer may place the absorbent article10in the area of the primary absorbent undergarment22where it is most likely to be insulted by body fluid.

Referring toFIG. 7, it should be noted that the consumer could also secure the absorbent article10to at least a portion of the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22before the primary absorbent undergarment22is placed on his or her body. In this case, the wearer will remove the releasable peel strip46from the absorbent article10and expose the attachment means44. The wearer then places or aligns the crotch portion20of the absorbent article10over at least a portion of the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22. The wearer then presses the absorbent article10against the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22to secure the attachment means44thereto. The primary absorbent undergarment22can then be pulled up over the legs and thighs of the wearer or, if the primary absorbent undergarment22is of a refastenable design, it can be secured around the torso of the wearer. Alternatively, the wearer may place the absorbent article10in the area of the primary absorbent undergarment22where it is most likely to be insulted by body fluid.

In both methods depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7, the absorbent article10will acquire a cup shape configuration matching the crotch portion64of the primary absorbent undergarment22. This causes the pair of fringes26to be biased upward and form a pair of upstanding side walls70and72. The pair of upstanding side walls70and72forms a pair of reservoirs74and76adjacent to the absorbent core16. The pair of reservoirs74and76are capable of retaining body fluid that has run off of the bodyside cover12until the body fluid can be absorbed by the absorbent core16.

The wearer can pull up and position the primary absorbent undergarment22around his or her torso such that the pair of upstanding side walls70and72are aligned in the wearer's groin. The pair of upstanding side walls70and72will assist in preventing side leakage of body fluid from the absorbent article10.

Referring toFIG. 8, one of the unique aspects of the absorbent article10is that it can absorb and pass body fluid, especially urine, down into the primary absorbent undergarment22. However, since the absorbent article10contains superabsorbent32, it has the ability to also retain body fluid for a certain period of time. The exact time period will depend upon how the absorbent article10is insulted with body fluid and how much body fluid is deposited thereon. For example, a slow dribble of body fluid onto the absorbent article10will be easily absorbed and retained. A rapid gush of a large quantity of body fluid would most likely mean that some of the body fluid would pass down into the primary absorbent undergarment22.

The ability of the absorbent article10to both retain and pass body fluid means that the wearer may have the option to replace the absorbent article10once it becomes wetted or saturated with body fluid but before the primary absorbent undergarment22is saturated. By removing the saturated absorbent article10and sequentially replacing it with a second absorbent article10, the wearer can substantially extend and prolong the life of the primary absorbent undergarment22. It is possible in some instances that the initial absorbent article10can be removed and replaced multiple times before the primary absorbent undergarment22has to be discarded.

The absorbent article10will increase in weight as it acquires body fluid. The absorbent article10might also become damp or wet to the wearer as more and more body fluid is absorbed by the absorbent article10. These conditions will indicate to the wearer that it is time to replace the absorbent article10. Some wearers will also become accustomed to their body fluid discharge rate and therefore will tend to replace the absorbent article10at set time intervals. Either way, the wearer can easily and discretely change the absorbent article10without taking off their slacks, pants, etc. The absorbent article10can be removed or withdrawn by first lowering the primary absorbent undergarment22from around the wearer's torso. The primary absorbent undergarment22can be lowered to the wearer's thighs, knees, shins or ankles, whatever distance is comfortable to the wearer. The saturated absorbent article10is then removed by pulling up on the absorbent article10to release the attachment means44. Although not shown inFIG. 8, at this point the soiled absorbent article10can be discarded in a trash container and a new or second absorbent article10can be attached to the primary absorbent undergarment22using the same procedure explained above for the initial absorbent article10. The primary absorbent undergarment22is then pulled up around the wearer's torso and the second absorbent article10can be positioned adjacent to the wearer's groin.

Referring now toFIG. 9, the absorbent article10and the primary absorbent undergarment22can both be removed from the wearer's torso or body after they have become soiled or saturated. Each can be removed individually or both can be removed simultaneously. Both can be removed simultaneously by pulling the primary absorbent undergarment22downward away from the wearer's torso and sliding the undergarment22off of the wearer's legs. The two absorbent articles10and22can then be discarded in a trash container. Alternatively, if the primary absorbent undergarment22has manually tearable side seams66and68, seeFIG. 4, one or both of the side seams66and68can be opened. This action will allow the primary absorbent undergarment22to be removed from the wearer's body without having to slide it down the wearer's legs. The tear open feature is beneficial for older people who may suffer from dexterity problems. The tear open feature can also assist a caregiver that may be tending to an elderly patient or an immobile patient.

It should be noted that it is possible to use two or more absorbent articles10in the primary absorbent undergarment22at the same time. Preferably, one absorbent article10will be aligned vertically above the second absorbent article10. By using two or more absorbent articles10at the same time, one can further extend or prolong the life of the primary absorbent undergarment22. When the upper most absorbent article10becomes saturated with body fluid, it can be removed. It is possible to replace the upper most absorbent article10at this time with a new dry absorbent article10, if desired.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.