Patent Publication Number: US-2020297553-A1

Title: Absorbent article

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/565,562, filed Sep. 23, 2009, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/341,015, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,263, filed Jan. 27, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/712,023, filed Aug. 26, 2005, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an absorbent article and, more specifically, to using target strips and visual sizing indicators on the absorbent article to advise when to downsize an adult incontinent brief or disposable diaper to achieve a proper fit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Adult incontinent briefs, disposable diapers, and other absorbent articles are designed to absorb and contain liquid and other discharges from the human body to prevent body and clothing soiling. These absorbent articles typically have an outer layer of thin plastic film such as polyethylene, which may be reinforced at the areas where adhesive closure tabs are adhered during fastening of the absorbent article around a wearer. The reinforcement frequently may be a stronger plastic film that is adhesively attached to the outer layer and may be known as a target strip. 
     Often, an ill-fitting absorbent article is chosen for a wearer. One reason for the ill-fit is due to the fact that the size determination of absorbent articles is often based on a single criteria such as a wearer&#39;s weight, hip circumference, or waist circumference. Thus, other relevant factors such as age, height, thigh circumference, and rise are not taken into account. Alternatively, a wearer or caregiver may purposely choose a larger sized absorbent article under the mistaken belief that it will have a greater absorbency and hence be more beneficial. In reality, however, an oversized absorbent article may slip, slide, sag, or droop, any of which may cause discomfort and/or leakage. 
     Unlike determining that an absorbent article is too small for a wearer, determining that an absorbent article is too large for a wearer can be difficult and problematic. It is evident when an absorbent article is too small for a wearer because adhesive closure tabs, typically located on a back portion of the absorbent article, will not reach the target strips located on the front portion of the absorbent article, thus making it impossible to secure the absorbent article to the wearer. In contrast, when an absorbent article is too large for a wearer, the back portion may be wrapped around the wearer&#39;s waist, and the adhesive closure tabs may be adhered anywhere on the absorbent article, including portions located outside of the target strips. Because wearers of absorbent articles are often very young children or elderly persons, the wearers may be unable to walk or move freely and therefore may be unlikely to notice the absorbent article sagging or drooping. Moreover, the wearer may not be able to effectively communicate to his or her caregiver that the absorbent article is too large. In other cases, the ill-fit may be relatively subtle, leading the wearer to mistakenly believe that a proper fitting brief was chosen. 
     Downsizing an absorbent article has several benefits to the wearer. First, downsizing to an absorbent article that provides a better fit is likely to reduce leakage, since the smaller absorbent article will be less likely to slip, slide, sag, or droop. Moreover, downsizing an absorbent article may be more cost effective. Larger-sized absorbent articles are typically more expensive than smaller-sized absorbent articles of comparable absorbency. This is due to the fact that larger absorbent articles require the use of more absorbent materials and are thus more costly to manufacture. Often, a case of larger-sized absorbent articles will cost the same as smaller-sized absorbent articles but will contain considerably fewer absorbent articles. 
     Therefore, there exists a need to indicate to a wearer or caregiver when an absorbent article should be downsized. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, an absorbent article comprises a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite edges of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of determining that an absorbent article is too large for a wearer comprises the act of positioning the absorbent article on the wearer, the absorbent article comprising a first portion including at least two target strips positioned on opposite edges of the first portion and at least one visual sizing indicator located between the at least two target strips, and a second portion including at least two fasteners positioned on opposite edges of the second portion. The method further comprises the act of pulling the opposite edges of the second portion in opposite directions such that the second portion is stretched to form a snug fit to the wearer. The method further comprises attaching the at least two fasteners to the first portion. The method further comprises determining whether the absorbent article should be downsized based on whether the at least two fasteners overlap the at least one visual sizing indicator when attached to the first portion. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent article comprises a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite edges of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. 
     The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detailed description and Figures will describe many of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings. 
         FIG. 1 a    illustrates a top view of an outer layer of an open adult incontinent brief, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1 b    illustrates a top view of an outer layer of an open adult incontinent brief, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section generally taken through section line  2 - 2  of the brief of  FIG. 1   a.    
         FIG. 3 a    illustrates a right side view of the brief of  FIG. 1 a   , the brief being secured and fit-appropriate to a wearer. 
         FIG. 3 b    illustrates a left side view of the brief of  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 4 a    illustrates a right side view of the brief of  FIG. 1 a   , the brief being secured and ill-fitted to a wearer. 
         FIG. 4 b    illustrates a left side view of the brief of  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIGS. 5-7  illustrate top views of outer layers of open adult incontinent briefs, according to other embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to an absorbent article having target strips and indicators to advise a wearer or caregiver when the absorbent article is too large for the wearer. Although the remainder of the disclosure herein will be directed toward an adult incontinent brief, it is to be understood that the invention may also be implemented on other absorbent articles, including disposable diapers. 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 a   , the outer layer  20  of an adult incontinent brief  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The brief  10  is of substantially rectangular configuration. In this embodiment, the middle portion  12  is contoured in an “hourglass” configuration to fit around a wearer&#39;s thighs when the brief  10  is secured to the wearer. The brief  10  also includes a front portion  24  and a back portion  14 . The brief  10  generally consists of several layers, as shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the brief  10  generally along section line  2 - 2  shown in  FIG. 1 a   . The brief  10  includes an inner layer  18 , which faces a wearer when the brief  10  is secured to the wearer. The inner layer  18  may be comprised of a nonwoven topsheet. The brief  10  also includes a moisture-impervious outer layer  20 , which faces away from a wearer when the brief  10  is secured to the wearer. This outer layer  20  is substantially co-extensive with the inner layer  18 . The outer layer  20  may be made of any material suitable to minimize fluids and other discharge from escaping the brief, including polyethylene and/or breathable poly. A filler layer  22  is positioned between the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20 . The absorbency of the brief generally may range from about 250 cc to about 2,000 cc. The filler layer  22  may be composed of any materials suitable for absorbing fluids and discharge, including super absorbent polymer (SAP) and fluff. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 a   , a top view of the outer layer  20  of the brief  10  is shown. The brief  10  includes features designed for securing the brief  10  to a wearer. For example, the brief  10  has fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  positioned on opposite side edges  28   a ,  28   b  of the brief  10 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 a   , the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  are positioned on the back portion  14  of the brief  10 . The fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  extend over the side edges  28   a ,  28   b  of the back portion  14 , thus allowing the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  to contact and attach to the front portion  24  when the brief  10  is folded and positioned on a wearer, as shown in  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   . The types of fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  may include pressure sensitive adhesive tape or other adhesive materials, tab members having adhesive on one side, Velcro®, safety pins, hook and loop type latches, and/or other means suitable for attaching the back portion  14  to the front portion  24  such that the brief  10  may be secured to a wearer. Adult incontinent briefs may include at least two fasteners per side to ensure both a tight fit around the wearer&#39;s waist as well as a tight or sealed gasket in the wearer&#39;s crotch area to prevent leakage. 
     The brief  10  of the present invention also includes target strips  30   a ,  30   b . The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  are areas where the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  are to be attached to the front portion  24  during securing of the brief  10  around a wearer. The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may include a frontal tape landing zone(s) or adhesive label imprinted material(s). A frontal tape landing zone may include a section of tape positioned on the front portion  24  of the brief  10  to which the fastener(s)  26   a ,  26   b  may be fastened. The frontal tape landing zone may include an adhesive label imprinted material. The adhesive label imprinted material may be imprinted with text, characters, graphics, fabrics, other indicia, or a combination thereof. The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may comprise an area of reinforced material, such as a stronger plastic film or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). The area of reinforced material is frequently comprised of a stronger plastic film that is adhesively attached to the outer layer  20 . The area of reinforced material may be particularly useful in embodiments where the type of fastener(s)  26   a ,  26   b  includes an adhesive tape or the like so that the fastener(s)  26   a ,  26   b  may be removed from the area of reinforced material without damaging the brief  10 . The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may include other distinct physical characteristics to enhance the ability to secure the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  to the brief  10 , thereby decreasing the likelihood of the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  becoming unfastened. The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may, for example, generally have a width of approximately 165 mm and a length of approximately 165 mm for size large, extra-large (XL), and double extra-large (XXL) briefs. Size small, medium, and regular briefs may, for example, generally have a width of approximately 165 mm and a length of approximately 140 mm. It is contemplated that the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may also have other lengths and widths. The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  shown in this embodiment are generally rectangular in shape. It is contemplated that they may take the form of other shapes, including, but not limited to, squares, polygons, or circles. 
     The target strips  30   a ,  30   b  are located on the portion of the brief  10  generally opposite the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 a   , the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  are located at or near the side edges  32   a ,  32   b  of the front portion  24 . It is contemplated that the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  may be positioned on the front portion  24  of the brief  10 , and the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may be positioned on the back portion  14  of the brief  10 . However, it may be more convenient to place the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  on the back portion  14  of the brief  10  so that the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  may be secured to the front portion  24 , thus making it unnecessary to reach behind the wearer, who is often lying down, in order to secure the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b . In some embodiments, the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  are visually distinct from other areas of the brief  10  so that the wearer or caregiver may readily recognize the areas where the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  should optimally attach to the brief  10 . For example, the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  may include text, characters, graphics, fabrics, or a combination thereof, including happy faces, green lights, or other indicia, different from the rest of the brief  10  and suitable for indicating that a proper fit has been achieved. 
     The brief  10  also includes visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b . As shown in  FIG. 1 a   , the visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b  may be located adjacent to the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  on the inner sides  35   a ,  35   b  of the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  opposite the side edges  32   a ,  32   b  of the brief  10 . In another embodiment, the visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b  may be located on the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  in an area adjacent to the inner sides  35   a ,  35   b . As demonstrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 b   , it is further contemplated that a single visual sizing indicator  134  may be positioned adjacent to and between the target strips  130   a ,  130   b , thereby connecting the first target strip  130   a  to the second target strip  130   b  of the brief  100 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 a   , the purpose of the visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b  is to indicate to a wearer or a caregiver securing the brief  10  to the wearer that the brief  10  is too large and should be downsized.  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    show the brief  10  of  FIG. 1 a    being fit-appropriate and positioned on a wearer. In order to secure the brief  10  to the wearer, the side edges  28   a ,  28   b  of the back portion  14  are grasped and pulled in opposite directions, laterally and outwardly, stretching the back portion  14  so that it lies flat and snug against the wearer. Each of the side edges  28   a ,  28   b  should be pulled with generally the same amount of force so that the brief  10  remains positioned generally evenly and symmetrically on the wearer. The side edges  32   a ,  32   b  of the front portion  24  are also pulled so that the front portion  24  lies flat and snug against the wearer&#39;s abdomen. The brief  10  is then secured to the wearer by securing the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  to a section of the front portion  24  of the brief  10  located as far around the wearer&#39;s waist as the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  will comfortably reach so that the side edges  28   a ,  28   b  of the back portion  14  overlap the side edges  32   a ,  32   b  of the front portion  24 . 
     If, when the brief  10  is secured to a wearer, the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  attach to the front portion  24  of the brief  10  in an area overlapping the target strips  30   a ,  30   b , as shown in  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , the correct size brief has been chosen.  FIG. 3 a    shows the right side of the brief  10  fastened to a wearer where the brief  10  is secured and fit-appropriate to the wearer.  FIG. 3 b    shows the left side of the brief  10  of  FIG. 3 a   . The proper fit of the brief  10  may be illustrated to the wearer or caregiver through the target strips  30   a ,  30   b  distinguishable by the text, characters, graphics, fabrics, other indicia, or combinations thereof of the target strips  30   a ,  30   b.    
     If, when the brief  10  is secured to a wearer, the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  attach to the front portion  24  of the brief  10  in the area overlapping the visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b , as shown in  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , the brief  10  is too large for the wearer.  FIG. 4 a    shows the right side of a brief  10  fastened to a wearer where the brief is secured but ill-fitted to the wearer.  FIG. 4 b    shows the left side of the brief  10  of  FIG. 4 a   . The visual indicators  34   a ,  34   b  may include indicia such as, but not limited to, text (see text  35  of  FIG. 5 ), characters, graphics, fabrics (see fabric  36  of  FIG. 6 ), other indicia, or combinations thereof, to indicate to the wearer or caregiver that the brief  10  is too large and should be downsized. In the embodiment shown, arrows pointing downward are used to suggest downsizing the brief  10 . Other indicia may include, but is not limited to sad faces graphics (see sad faces graphic  37  of  FIG. 7 ), red lights or color, or other characters suitable for indicating that an ill-fit has been achieved. The visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b  should be distinguishable from the target strips  30   a ,  30   b , thus making it evident to the wearer or caregiver that the brief  10  is too large for the wearer because the fasteners  26   a ,  26   b  are being secured to the brief  10  in an area outside the target strip  30   a ,  30   b  and within the area of the visual sizing indicators  34   a ,  34   b.    
     According to alternative embodiment A, an absorbent article comprises a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion, wherein the absorbent article is formed of several different layers, including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. 
     According to alternative embodiment B, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the absorbent article is an adult incontinent brief. 
     According to alternative embodiment C, the article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the absorbent article is a disposable diaper. 
     According to alternative embodiment D, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the at least two fasteners are tab members having adhesive on one side. 
     According to alternative embodiment E, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the first portion is a front portion and the second portion is a back portion when the absorbent article is positioned on a wearer. 
     According to alternative embodiment F, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the at least two target strips are comprised of a reinforced material. 
     According to alternative embodiment G, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the at least two target strips include text, characters, graphics, fabrics, or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment H, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment A, wherein the at least one visual sizing indicator includes arrows, text, characters, graphics, fabrics, or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment I, a method of determining that an absorbent article is too large for a wearer comprises the acts of positioning the absorbent article on the wearer, the absorbent article comprising a first portion including at least two target strips positioned on opposite edges of the first portion and at least one visual sizing indicator located between the at least two target strips, and a second portion including at least two fasteners positioned on opposite edges of the second portion, pulling the opposite edges of the second portion in opposite directions such that the second portion is stretched to form a snug fit to the wearer, attaching the at least two fasteners to the first portion, and determining whether the absorbent article should be downsized based on whether the fasteners overlap the at least one visual sizing indicator when attached to the first portion. 
     According to alternative embodiment J, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the at least two fasteners overlapping the at least two target strips indicate that the absorbent article is an appropriate fit for the wearer. 
     According to alternative embodiment K, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the at least two fasteners overlapping the at least one visual sizing indicator indicate that the absorbent article should be downsized for the wearer. 
     According to alternative embodiment L, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the absorbent article is an adult incontinent brief. 
     According to alternative embodiment M, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the absorbent article is a disposable diaper. 
     According to alternative embodiment N, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the at least two fasteners are tab members having adhesive on one side. 
     According to alternative embodiment O, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the first portion is a front portion and the second portion is a back portion when the absorbent article is positioned on the wearer. 
     According to alternative embodiment P, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the at least two target strips are comprised of a reinforced material. 
     According to alternative embodiment Q, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the at least two target strips include text, characters, graphics, fabrics, or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment R, the method of alternative embodiment I, wherein the at least one visual sizing indicator includes arrows, text, characters, graphics, fabrics, or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment S, an absorbent article comprises a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. 
     According to alternative embodiment T, an absorbent article of alternative embodiment S, wherein the at least one visual sizing indicator is two visual sizing indicators, the two visual sizing indicators being formed on the at least two target strips. 
     According to alternative embodiment U, the absorbent article of alternative embodiment S, wherein the at least one visual sizing indicator is two visual sizing indicators, the two visual sizing indicators being positioned adjacent to the at least two target strips. 
     According to alternative embodiment V, an absorbent article comprises a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion, wherein the article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. 
     According to alternative embodiment W, the article of alternative embodiment V, wherein the at least two target strips include at least one character, graphic, fabric, text or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment X, the article of alternative embodiment V, wherein the at least one visual sizing indicator includes at least one arrow, text, character, graphic, fabric, or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment Y, a method of determining that an absorbent article is too large for a wearer comprises the acts of positioning the article on the wearer, the article comprising a first portion including at least two target strips positioned on opposite edges of the first portion and at least one visual sizing indicator located between the at least two target strips, and a second portion including at least two fasteners positioned on opposite edges of the second portion, pulling the opposite edges of the second portion in opposite directions such that the second portion is stretched to form a snug fit to the wearer, attaching the at least two fasteners to the first portion, and determining whether the article should be downsized based on whether the at least two fasteners overlap the at least one visual sizing indicator when attached to the first portion. 
     According to alternative embodiment Z, the method of alternative embodiment Y, wherein the at least two target strips include at least one character, graphic, fabric, text, or a combination thereof. 
     According to alternative embodiment AA, the method of alternative embodiment Y, wherein the at least one visual sizing indicator includes at least one arrow, text, character, graphic, fabric, or a combination thereof. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.