Abstract:
A secondary internal topsheet and leg wrap structure is provided in a disposable absorbent garment such as a diaper or training pants. The leg wrap structure has a base layer, a top layer, and an elastic construction disposed inbetween. The elastic construction includes a plurality of spaced apart elastic elements that are aligned in a generally in generally parallel relation. The leg wrap structure and secondary topsheet provides for the efficient formation of a reservoir and a plurality of fluid dams each capable of capturing a quantity of fluid to minimize the occurrence of fluid leaks from the absorbent article. Methods of forming such absorbent articles are disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/117,739, filed May 8, 2008, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/916,779 filed May 8, 2007, the contents of which all applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, and more particularly, to absorbent articles having a unique secondary topsheet and elastic leg wraps capable of forming a reservoir to contain liquid and a plurality of fluid dams further capable of retaining liquid to improve the overall containment characteristics of the absorbent article, especially the containment of loose fecal material. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Disposable absorbent articles are worn to contain and absorb urine and fecal exudates. To this end, an absorbent article incorporates certain improved components or structural attributes which function to provide a close, comfortable fit around the user&#39;s legs and waist. Such a close fit enhances the containment and leakage prevention capabilities of the absorbent article. 
         [0004]    Typical elements of disposal absorbent articles include a liquid-permeable inner layer or topsheet, a liquid-impermeable outer layer or backsheet, and an absorbent core sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. Elasticized barrier leg cuffs, gathering components, and waistbands are often employed to provide leakage prevention by enhancing the fit of the absorbent article about the thighs and waist of the user. For example, elastic members may be positioned longitudinally along the article, generally outboard of the absorbent core to effect a seal around the legs of the user. In addition, several elastic members e.g., in the form of elongated elastic threads or strands may be positioned laterally throughout the waist regions including side waist regions of the disposable absorbent article to allow the article to stretch during use. In this way, the article can stretch to accommodate variations of waist size and leg size of the user, while maintaining a proper fit and leg seal during use. 
         [0005]    One function of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and adult incontinent briefs is to absorb and contain body exudates. Such articles are intended to prevent body exudates from soiling, wetting, or otherwise contaminating clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come in contact with the wearer. A limitation of such products is leakage out of the leg seals between the absorbent article and the wearer&#39;s leg or waist and onto adjacent clothing. This is most evident with loose fecal material which is not easily absorbed by the absorbent article and tends to freely flow on the top surface of the absorbent article. 
         [0006]    Contemporary disposable diapers have elasticized leg cuffs to improve both wearing comfort and the ability to contain body exudates. These elasticized leg cuffs prove somewhat effective to prevent wicking and overflow from a fluid laden absorbent article to clothing contacting the edges of the article in that the elasticized leg flaps present a fluid impervious barrier between the edge of the absorbent core and the contacting clothing, and in addition, provide for a sealing action about the legs of the wearer. Despite the effectiveness of such structures, however, body exudates, especially loose fecal material, can leak through the elasticized leg cuffs and soil the wearer&#39;s clothing because the diaper does not constrain the free flow of such material nor provide a structure to hold it within the diaper so that as such material flows along the top surface of the topsheet, it tends to work its way past the elasticized leg cuffs. 
         [0007]    Thus, it would be beneficial to provide an absorbent article designed to sustain the proper fit of the article around the legs of the wearer. If would be of further benefit to provide an absorbent article having a reduced possibility of leakage at the legs. It would also be beneficial to provide a reservoir that can constrain the flow of fecal material within the absorbent article to reduce the possibility of its leakage. Additionally, it would be of benefit to provide an absorbent article having easy application and/or removal and improved comfort for the wearer. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, such as a baby diaper or disposable pull-on garment, which includes a pair of elasticized leg wraps and internal secondary topsheet for effectively forming a reservoir within the absorbent article for preventing liquid and/or solid exudate leakage and providing better fit and aesthetic appearance. Embodiments of the present invention provide an absorbent article having improved liquid and exudate containment characteristics. 
         [0009]    Embodiment of the present invention includes a novel secondary topsheet that is incorporated into a disposable absorbent article and characterized by a narrowing of the distance between the pair of elasticized leg wraps when compared to the backsheet distance between the pair of elasticized leg wraps. The narrowing between the pair of elasticized leg wraps proximate to the secondary topsheet enhances the fit of the disposable absorbent article around the crotch region of the user. In particular, the difference between a topsheet gap and a backsheet gap allows the formation of a bucketing/reservoir effect. Different embodiments of this aspect of the invention are contemplated wherein the coversheet or topsheet(s) can be the primary or a secondary (i.e., additional) topsheet, be with or without holes or slits, be of full-length or partial length, be of a width that is less than, equal to or greater than the backsheet width, or be partially or fully glued down to itself to form a topsheet gap allowing the formation of the bucketing/reservoir effect. The details of these and other embodiments are described in the ensuing detailed description. 
         [0010]    In one aspect of the present invention, a disposable absorbent article has a central body and a pair of elasticized leg wraps. The central body includes an absorbent core and, thus, may be referred to herein as a central absorbent assembly. When disposed in a generally flat, open condition, e.g., before being worn by a user or at a later stage in the manufacturing process, the central body has or is otherwise further characterized by a front longitudinal edge, a rear longitudinal edge opposite the front longitudinal edge, and a longitudinal centerline extending across the front and rear edges. These front and rear edges define, at least partially, front and rear waist portions, respectively, of the disposable absorbent article. The pair of elasticized leg wraps extends longitudinally adjacent opposite lateral sides of the central body. Each leg wrap is spaced outwardly from the lateral edge of the absorbent core. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the invention, leg wraps incorporated with or into the inventive disposable absorbent article may be characterized by an elastic stretch property or elasticity in the longitudinal direction. This elasticity is imparted to the leg wrap by an arrangement of elastic elements extending longitudinally along the disposable absorbent article. The elasticity of the leg wraps enhances the fit of the disposable absorbent article around the thighs of the user. In a particular embodiment, the elastic elements are parallel and spaced apart from each other, for example, by at least a few millimeters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the leg wrap provides an effective sealing function e.g., of a barrier leg cuff and leg gathers and fit function, for the disposable absorbent article. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a disposable absorbent article is provided. The method includes providing a central body assembly that includes an absorbent core and a topsheet spanning a topsheet gap and a pair of elasticized leg wraps defined, for example, by a top layer, a bottom layer and a plurality of elastic elements between the top and bottom layers. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article having an internal secondary topsheet and improved elasticized leg wraps defining a plurality of fluid dams so as to provide a dual restraint against the lateral flow of body exudates, thereby improving the containment characteristics of the absorbent article, especially in regard to loose fecal material. 
         [0014]    Still other embodiments of the inventive disposable article and their manufacturing methods will become readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art from the following detailed description of the drawings, wherein the various embodiments of the invention are described by way of illustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is capable of other and different embodiments, its several details are capable of modification and its several structural or processed details are capable of modification in various and obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following drawings and detailed description of the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an inside face of a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of an inside face of a portion of the disposable absorbent article of  FIG. 1  in a generally flat, open condition. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the outside face of the disposable absorbent article of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the article of  FIGS. 2 and 3  along axis  3 - 3 . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are alternate embodiments of an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of an absorbent article according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of an absorbent article of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9 to 24  are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of absorbent articles similar to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 25  is a depiction of the application of an absorbent article of the present invention upon a wearer. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 26 and 27  are depictions of cross-sections taken through an absorbent article and wearer. 
           [0025]      FIG. 28  is a depiction of the absorbent article upon a wearer. 
           [0026]      FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded side panel concept in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 30-31  illustrate different embodiments of securing the folded side panel in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 32-36  are cross-sectional views illustrating the formation of a narrower topsheet gap relative to the backsheet gap in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 37  illustrates a different embodiments of placing and attaching the topsheet in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    As used herein, the term “disposable absorbent article” refers to articles which absorb and contain body exudates and more specifically refers to articles which are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body, and to articles which are intended to be discarded after a single use (i.e., they are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused). A preferred embodiment of the disposable absorbent article of the present invention, as indicated by numeral  8 , is shown in  FIG. 1 . As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to a garment generally worn by infants and incontinent persons, which is worn about the lower torso of the wearer. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is also applicable for use in other disposable absorbent articles such as incontinent briefs and the like. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an absorbent article  8 . The absorbent article  8  comprises a liquid pervious topsheet or coverstock  10 ; a liquid impervious backsheet  12 , an absorbent core assembly  14  disposed, for example, between the coverstock  10  and the backsheet  12 ; a pair of fasteners  16 ; flexible elastic leg wraps  18 ; internal topsheet  19 ; and elastic members  20  secured within the leg wraps  18  and capable of defining a plurality of fluid dams  90  when worn (as shown in  FIG. 28 ). The liquid pervious coverstock  10 , absorbent core  14 , topsheet  19  and liquid impervious backsheet  12  may be assembled in a variety of well known configurations as appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are plan views of the absorbent article  8  of the present invention in the flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with all elastic induced contraction removed and prior to any folding operation performed on the article or addition of secondary topsheet  19 ). The novel secondary topsheet  19  is not shown in  FIGS. 2-24 .  FIG. 3  is a plan view of the other side (outer side) of absorbent article  8  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the absorbent article  8  comprises a liquid pervious topsheet or coverstock  10 ; a liquid impervious backsheet  12 , an absorbent core assembly  14  disposed, for example, between the coverstock  10  and the backsheet  12 ; a pair of fasteners  16 ; flexible elastic leg wraps  18 ; elastic members  20  secured within the leg wraps  18  and capable of defining a plurality of fluid dams  90  when worn (as shown in  FIG. 28 ). The liquid pervious coverstock  10 , absorbent core  14  and liquid impervious backsheet  12  may be assembled in a variety of well known configurations as appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an embodiment of the absorbent article  8  in which the coverstock  10  and the backsheet  12  are coextensive and have length and width dimension generally larger than those of the absorbent core assembly  14 . The coverstock  10  is superposed on the backsheet  12  thereby forming a periphery of the absorbent article  8  comprising end edges  28  and  30 , and longitudinal edges  32  and  34 . 
         [0035]    The absorbent article  8  has waist regions  36  and  38  extending, respectively, from the end edges  28  and  30 , of the absorbent article periphery toward the lateral centerline  40  of the absorbent article  8  a distance of from about ¼ to about ⅓ the length of absorbent article  8 . The waist regions  36  and  38  comprise those portions of the absorbent article  8  which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the absorbent core assembly  14  includes an absorbent core  42 , a liquid permeable nonwoven coverstock  10  and a liquid impermeable backsheet  12 . Additional layers of a material, such as additional absorbents, cellulose materials or nonwoven  44 , that provide additional functionality such as storage of urine, fast acquisition of urine and/or distribution of urine, may also be provided within the core assembly. The absorbent core  42  may be composed of combinations of cellulose based absorbent materials, super-absorbent polymers, synthetic nonwoven materials or other absorbent materials. The disposable, absorbent article  8  is joined together in such a way that the coverstock  10  and backsheet materials  12  entirely enclose the absorbent core  42 . The coverstock  10  and backsheet  12  may be directly joined together or indirectly joined together through an intermediate portion. Materials suitable for each of the core  42 , coverstock  10  and backsheet  12  are generally known in the art. 
         [0037]    The nonwoven coverstock  10  provides a fluid permeable upper layer of the absorbent core assembly to contain the absorbent core components and allows the passage of body exudates into the absorbent core  42  during use. Preferably coverstock  10  has length and width dimensions greater than that of the absorbent core assembly  42 . These extended side edges of a nonwoven coverstock  10  may extend to the lateral edges  32 ,  34  of the absorbent article and serve to provide the upper layer of the composite containing the elastic members  20 . The lateral sides of a nonwoven coverstock  10 , which extend over the elastic leg wraps  18 , may or may not be permeable to aqueous fluids. 
         [0038]    The coverstock  10  is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer&#39;s skin. Further, the coverstock  10  is liquid pervious permitting liquids to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable coverstock may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Preferably, it is made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer&#39;s skin from fluids in the absorbent core  42 . 
         [0039]    A further embodiment of an absorbent article involves the use of a coverstock with zones of differing hydrophilic nature achieved by selective treatment of the material with agents which impart a hydrophilic nature to the nonwoven, e.g. surfactants. In this embodiment the coverstock will have a hydrophilic zone in the centre of the sheet, this central zone aligned to correspond with the region of the article where the absorbent core is disposed. The side zones, laterally adjacent to this central zone, may be less hydrophilic or more hydrophobic than the central zone. This produces an article having a hydrophilic, water permeable coverstock above the absorbent core to allow passage of urine into the core, and hydrophobic, water impermeable regions of said coverstock above the leg gathers to provide a dry feeling around the legs and to resist leakage of fluid through the leg wraps  18 . 
         [0040]    Leg wraps  18  may include multiple elastic strands  20  associated with each side leg panel  18 . In one embodiment, elastic strands  20  are sandwiched between the nonwoven coverstock  10  and the backsheet laminate  12 . The composite of the elastic strands  20 , nonwoven coverstock  10  and backsheet laminate  12  is secured by using any suitable means familiar to those skilled in the art, such as adhesive bonding using slot coat or spray, spiral or swirl application of hot melt adhesive or ultrasonic bonding. In one embodiment six elastic strands  20  are shown per side leg panel  18 . The elastic strands  20  could be yarns of natural or synthetic rubber latex, or synthetic elastic materials such as spandex. The choice of elastic materials is not limited to elastic strands, but may also include ribbons of elastic materials, elastomeric films, elastic scrims, elastic and nonwoven composites and the like. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  wherein the backsheet material  12  is represented as a laminate of an air porous or air non-porous, fluid impermeable, polyethylene or polypropylene film  52  and a fluid impermeable polypropylene nonwoven  54 . Such materials are known to those skilled in the art as clothlike or textile backsheet. It is also suggested that the backsheet material  12  can be a single layer of polyethylene film or other suitable composite material. 
         [0042]    The fasteners  16  may involve pressure sensitive adhesive fastening tapes which secure to a frontal portion of silicone, “release” coated polyolefin film, hook and loop tapes or any other suitable fastening medium. The absorbent article may also have an elasticized waistband using an elastic foam, elastic film, elastic strands or other suitable elastic, elastic laminate, stretchable material affixed to or between the coverstock and backsheet portions. 
         [0043]    An example of the disposable absorbent article according to the present invention provides a close fitting seal around the thighs of the user, thereby significantly improving its leakage prevention capability. The close fitting seal of the inventive garment is further enhanced through addition of fastening element  16 . The fastening element  16  may be provided by known adhesive elements or hook fastening devices. The hook fastening element may be selected so as to be engageable with the loops formed on the surface of a nonwoven fabric. Thus, the nonwoven material of the stretchband panel provides the loop element of a hook and loop fastening system similar to those generally known in the art. 
         [0044]    In further embodiments, a loop landing tape may be located near the front waist region of the outside face of the inventive article, and a pair of hook fastening elements may be located in the rear non-elasticized zones of each stretch panel. The fastening portion is therefore attached directly to the central body rather than to the front edge of the stretch panel. The loop landing tape may be constructed from a knitted, extruded, or non-woven material, as is generally known in the art. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show various other embodiments of absorbent articles  8 .  FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment where the lateral side edges  32 ,  34  of the absorbent article  8  are inwardly curved to define cut-out regions  56 . This shaped product facilitates a better fit of the product around the waist of the wearer without increasing the amount of material within the side panel that would be gathered around the user&#39;s legs when worn. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  discloses elastic elements  20  which are oriented parallel to at least a portion of the lateral side edges  32 ,  34  of the absorbent article  8 . In comparison,  FIG. 6  depicts elastic elements  20  which follow the inwardly curved side portions of the absorbent article. Descriptions of some additional configurations suitable for use with the present invention are found in U.S. Ser. No. 11/295,781, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having Leg Wraps and Method of Making Same”, hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of the present disclosure. 
         [0047]    Additional concepts of the present are disclosed in  FIG. 6  wherein the absorbent article  8  is defined by a central absorbent core assembly  14  and a pair of leg wraps  18  separated from the absorbent core assembly  14  by inelastic regions or zones  58  of substantially decreased elasticity  58 . Each inelastic zone  58  is defined between the absorbent core assembly  14  and the nearest elastic strand member  20  of the leg wraps  18 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a distance, h, is defined between the lateral edges of the absorbent core assembly  14  and the elastic strand  20  nearest to the core assembly  14  or stated another way, the strand  20  furthest from the lateral edges  32 ,  34  of the absorbent article  8 . The spacing between the strands  20  of elastic material is represented as distance, e. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  also illustrates another embodiment of the fasteners  16  which may be utilized in the practice of the invention. Fasteners  16  may be provided on the outward portion of side panels  35  having one or more regions of elasticity  37  and one or more regions of inelasticity  39 . Other fasteners and side panel constructions are disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/113,114, entitled “Extensible Side Panels For Use With Convertible Absorbent Articles”, hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of the present disclosure. 
         [0050]    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the strand  20  count for each elastic leg wrap  18  ranges from 4 to 10 strands, and more preferably between 4 to 6 strands. The distance, h, (width of inelastic zone  58 ) is preferably between 19 mm to 64 mm, and more preferably between 25 mm to 40 mm. The distance, e, between the strands  20  is preferably between 4 mm to 40 mm, more preferably greater than 6 mm, and yet more preferably approximately 8 mm. 
         [0051]    Leg cuff elements  64  may be provided upon a top surface of the coverstock  10  of an absorbent article  8 . Leg cuff elements  64  may be defined by material of the coverstock layer  10 , or may be of different material attached in know manners to the top surface. The construction of leg cuff elements  64  within the absorbent article  8  would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As depicted in  FIGS. 9-13 , leg cuff elements  64  may be provided at different distances away from absorbent core  14 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 9-24  show cross sections of alternate embodiments of the topsheet, backsheet and absorbent article suitable for use with the internal topsheet  19  (not shown). In some embodiments, the continuous full width nonwoven coverstock  10  may be replaced with a three-piece construction. In the central region  10  of the absorbent article a material  66  permeable to aqueous fluids such as a hydrophilic treated polypropylene nonwoven is placed over the absorbent core to contain the absorbent materials and to allow the passage of urine into the absorbent core  14 . Another material element  68  forms the top layer of the elastic side panels  18  along each lateral side edge of the article. This material may be selected from suitable materials such as water permeable polypropylene nonwovens, water impermeable polypropylene nonwovens, polyethylene film and the like.  FIG. 9  shows the absorbent core covering material  66  overlapping the outer elastic composite covering material  68 .  FIG. 10  shows the absorbent core covering material  66  under-lapping the material  68  covering the elastic composite. 
         [0053]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , an absorbent core assembly  42  is enclosed by a nonwoven, fluid permeable coverstock  70  and a fluid impermeable backsheet  72 . In this embodiment the coverstock  70  and backsheet  72  do not extend to the outer edges of the absorbent article. A single ply of nonwoven web  74  is folded around and encloses the elastic strands  20 . This elastic composite is then attached to the sides of the absorbent core assembly  14  using any suitable means, for example using hotmelt adhesives or ultrasonic bonding. 
         [0054]    In the example of  FIG. 12 , the coverstock material  10  extends continuously over the full width of the absorbent article  8 , as is the case in the first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment a separate piece of suitable material  78  is used to enclose the underside of elastic composite on each leg wrap  18 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 13  shows an alternate embodiment to that shown in  FIG. 11 . This embodiment differs in that two separate layers of suitable material are used to enclose the elastic strand elements  20  within elastic composite elements which are affixed between the coverstock and backsheet portions of the core assembly  14 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 14-24  show still further embodiments where the underside of the elastic composite side panels are formed from a material such as the fluid impermeable polypropylene nonwoven which extends continuously across the full width of the absorbent article. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 25-28  depict a disposable absorbent article as fitted to the wearer. The novel internal topsheet  19  is shown in these figures. The absorbent article  8  folds inwards at point  80  and outwards at point  82 . The absorbent article  8  may naturally conform to the shape depicted in  FIGS. 25-28 . It may be necessary or useful to prefix the article in this configuration by applying spots of adhesive or by using any other suitable means to ensure that the article is fitted correctly to the wearer. 
         [0058]    The outcome of this folding pattern of the article is two fold. First, the elastic leg wraps  18  are desirably positioned against the wearer&#39;s body and fit securely around the upper thighs and buttocks of the user. This serves to create a generally fluid impermeable seal around the legs, crotch and thighs of the user, which reduces the incidence of leakage. Second, the absorbent core assembly  14  is held away from the body of the wearer, particularly in the crotch area of the article. This serves to create a void space  84  between the user&#39;s body and the absorbent core assembly  14 . 
         [0059]    This void space  84  may have an approximately trapezoid appearance as demonstrated in  FIG. 26 , with a base having a length approximately equal to the width of the absorbent core  42 , sides of a length approximately equal to dimension X, and a top length dependent upon the angle formed between the base and sides. Portions of the article  8  can pivot or rotate relative to each other so that the absorbent core  42  and leg wraps  18  can freely move upon the wearer. This pivoting effect enables the leg wraps  18  to move during use while maintaining an effective leg seal. 
         [0060]    Void space  84  created by the structure of the absorbent article  8  serves to hold the absorbent core  42  away from direct contact with the skin or body of the wearer. For example, rewet or the wetting of the user&#39;s skin by body waste fluids not completely captured by the superabsorbent materials within the absorbent core  42  is reduced, resulting in improved comfort for the wearer. 
         [0061]    Referring particularly to  FIGS. 25 and 28 , reservoir  26  is a structure in which body exudates can be collected, contained and held. Exudates float or flow along the top surface flow into and down the side walls of the reservoir  26  to be collected in the bottom of the reservoir  26  until the absorbent article  8  can be removed. The reservoir  26  is, therefore, especially effective for exudates, particularly loose fecal materials, that are not easily absorbed by the absorbent core  14  and tend to “float” on the coverstock  10 . 
         [0062]    The reservoir  26  may be disposed at least in part between the elastic members  20  and the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article  8 , e.g., by material within the zone of decreased elasticity  58 . The reservoir  26  may be constructed of materials known in the art which are compliant and conformable enough to present a pocket or well-like shape. The material may be absorbent, wicking or impermeable to exudates. For example, the reservoir  26  may comprise an element (i.e., the coverstock  10 , the backsheet  12  or the leg wrap  18 ) or any combination of these elements or other elements of the absorbent article  8  configured or folded to present a reservoir. In addition, the reservoir  26  may have a variety of shapes and cross-sections provided that a pocket or well-like shape is formed to contain and hold the exudates. For example, the reservoir  26  may have a semi-circular, square or parabolic cross-section. Preferably, the reservoir  26  is formed by folding material within the zone of decreased elasticity  58  and securing the folded portion to portions of the coverstock  10  adjacent the absorbent core  14 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 28  illustrates the temporary reservoir  26  and void  84  wherein the reservoir  26  contains fluid prior to absorption by core  14 . Fluid is prevented from passing through side leg panels  18  by the series of elastic gathers defining a plurality of fluid dams as indicated by numeral  90 . Fluid which passes through one of the fluid dams  90  encounters the furtherly-outward fluid dam  90 . As a result, multiple sealing structures are provided by the leg wraps  18 . 
         [0064]    It has been found that the desired trapezoid shape of void  84  and/or reservoir  26  can be difficult to form and maintain in every application as it can be dependent on how the absorbent article  8  is placed on the user and movements the user might make whilst wearing the diaper. In order to improve the likelihood that this shape exists in the product when the diaper is fitted to the wearer and to improve the stability of the desired shape during use it is possible to pre-fold the diaper in the side regions of the product, and fix the fold with the addition of a bonding element. This bonding element could be any combination of adhesive, thermo-bonding, ultrasonic bonding or any other suitable method of bonding plastic and nonwoven based materials. It is also envisaged that this fold-fixing bond point could also be obtained using a hook and loop engagement system or other non-permanent fixation means. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments of the present invention a z-shaped fold is formed in the leg wrap  18  of the diaper during manufacture. The leg wraps  18  can be folded in towards the core and a suitable bonding method is then used to fix this fold in position. Secondly, the side panel is then folded back away from the core. An optional bonding method can be used to fix this fold in position.  FIG. 29  shows a cross-section of the folded diaper with the fold-fixing bonded areas indicated as numeral  94 . Bonded areas  94  are optional and embodiments of the present invention may not necessarily include bonded areas  94 . Similarly, other embodiments of the present invention may include one or more bonded areas  94 . 
         [0066]    Bonding of the folded side region can be achieved by a longitudinally continuous application of adhesive using any suitable application method, such as spiral spray, intermittent bead or continuous bead. Alternatively a continuous line of an ultrasonic or thermal bonding method could be used.  FIG. 30  shows a diagram of this embodiment. 
         [0067]    In further embodiments of this invention the longitudinal fold-fixing bonding points can be discontinuous. This has the advantage of allowing selection of zones on the diaper where the fold can open up to provide maximum void space, whilst effectively pinning the fold in position in other selected areas. In the embodiment of  FIG. 31 , two fold fixing bond points per side panel  18  are provided in a region close to the front and rear edges of the diaper. In another embodiment of  FIG. 32  these bond points are moved towards the center of the diaper. In yet another embodiment of  FIG. 33 , a single bond point per side panel is provided in the center crotch region of the diaper. 
         [0068]    The diagrams above show possible variations of the folded chassis of this invention and the possible positions for fold-fixing bond points. However further embodiments of this invention not shown by the drawings above are also possible. The position of the fold is variable and could be moved laterally to any position within the side panel or, alternatively, sections of the absorbent core could be incorporated into the folded region. The number of fold-fixing bond points per side panel is also variable. 
         [0069]    In addition to or in place of the use of the aforementioned fold-fixing bond points, providing a topsheet gap that is narrower than the back sheet gap can assure the maintenance of void  84  and/or reservoir  26 . In a preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 34 , secondary topsheet  19  ensures that the preferred void and/or reservoir is created and maintained even with variations in donning or fitting of the absorbent garment. The secondary topsheet  19  may also be additionally bonded to the absorbent as illustrated in  FIG. 35 . In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 36 , the primary topsheet  10  can be folded and bonded to itself to create the void and/or reservoir.  FIG. 37  shows a partial length secondary topsheet  19  placed about the center of the diaper. Further embodiments not shown by the drawings are also possible. The positioning of the partial length topsheet  19  can be optimized for best performance in relation to the containment of fecal exudates and its separation from the skin. A plurality of topsheets  19  can also be envisioned and optimally positioned for best performance in fecal exudates handling. Additionally, topsheet  19  can have slits or holes to assist in the capture of liquid and solid exudates. 
         [0070]    It is important that the tension forces provided by the elasticized side leg panel  18  are neither too low nor too high. If the tension forces provided by the side leg panel  18  are too low, the absorbent article  8  may not fit very closely in certain regions around the legs and the waist and the absorbent article ability to prevent leakage will be compromised. High tension forces may constrict the user&#39;s thighs and cause discomfort. In a typical prior art disposable absorbent article, the positioning of elastomeric elements and the type of elastomeric element placed does not vary along the length of the stretch panel. The elasticity or elastication of the stretch panel is, therefore, uniform along the stretch panel length. When elongated in a uniform manner, the overall tension provided by the stretch panel is also uniform along its length. The magnitude of this uniform tension depends on the overall elongation of the leg wraps  18 . When the absorbent article  8  is worn, however, the elongation of the leg wrap  18  along it length is generally non-uniform, and thus, the tension generated varies. As a result, there may be regions about the length of the leg wrap  18  that are undesirably too loose or too tight. 
         [0071]    In one respect, regions or zones devoid of elastic elements—e.g., zones provided for finger lift area and landing area—are also distinct regions of elasticity formed by pre-determined placement of elastic elements. These regions of elasticity differ, however, in the sense that the elastic elements do not impart elasticity to the stretch panel in these regions in contrast to the distinct regions of imparted elasticity in the vicinity of the elastic elements. Descriptions of some configurations suitable for use with the present invention are found in U.S. Ser. No. 10/441,469, entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article With Elasticized Side Panels and Method of Making Same”, hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of the present disclosure. 
         [0072]    In addition, embodiments of the absorbent article  8  achieve increased comfort by positioning the elasticized side flaps closer to the side edge of the absorbent core  42 . Thus, when initially placed on the wearer, the elasticized side flaps ride in the groin areas along the inner thighs of the wearer thereby providing a better initial fit. This positioning provides a better initial fit on the wearer because elasticized side flaps of conventional diapers are often initially positioned farther down on the thigh of the wearer and subsequently tend to ride or creep up into the groin regions of the wearer during use. Because the side flaps are drawn up, gaps tend to form in the legs and waist providing less comfort for the wearer. However, because the present invention initially positions the elasticized leg wraps  18  in the groin areas, sagging of the diaper is reduced resulting in increased comfort for the wearer. 
         [0073]    The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is to be noted that the description is not intended to limit the invention to the various apparatus and processes disclosed herein. Various aspects of the invention as described above, may be applicable to other types of disposable absorbent articles and garments, and processes for making the same. For example, the feature of an elasticized side panel having the fastening portion described above, may be incorporated in other disposable absorbent articles such as training pants, etc. Moreover, the feature of an elasticized side panel as having the characteristic elasticity described above may also be incorporated in other disposable absorbent articles and garments. Such variations of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the relevant consumer products, or other relevant art provided with the present disclosure. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described and illustrated herein are further intended to explain the best modes for practicing the invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present invention.