CA2137222C

CA2137222C - Topsheets for disposable sanitary absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such topsheets

Info

Publication number: CA2137222C
Application number: CA002137222A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Mary Elaine Freeland; Patrick Jay Allen
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 1992-06-12
Filing date: 1993-06-02
Publication date: 1999-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2013-06-02
Also published as: FI945815A0; EP0644747B1; BR9306535A; SG79896A1; HK1012950A1; MY109514A; WO1993025170A1; ES2120505T3; US5269775A; FI945815A; AU4397093A; EG20031A; CN1123329C; DE69320957D1; EP0644747A1; AU679183B2; DE69320957T2; PH30352A; JPH08500494A; JP3382942B2

Abstract

A topsheet (22) for use in a disposable absorbent article. The topsheet is divided into three trisections (22R, 22C, 22F) disposed in a particular arrangement along the longitudinal axis (L-L) of the disposable absorbent article. The front trisection (22F) has no elastic extensibility. The central trisection (22C) has elastic extensibility in the transverse direction. The rear trisection (22R) has elastic extensibility in the longitudinal direction. If desired, the topsheet (22) may be further provided with an aperture (46) for communicating fecal material through the topsheet into a void space (52) in the disposable absorbent article. An exemplary disposable absorbent article is also included in the disclosure.

Description

~1 3~2~ PCr/US93/05096 Topsheets for disposable sanitary absorbent articles and disposable absorbant articles having such topsheets.

F1ElD OF ~HE INYEN~lON
The present invention relates to topsheets for use in disposable absorbent articles, particularly to topsheets for use in disposable absorbent articles which isolate fecal material from the skin of the wearer and to disposable absorbent articles incorporating such topsheets.

lS BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN~ION
Disposable absorbent articles are well known in the art. Disposable absorbent articles are worn about the waist to collect and retain exudates from the ~earer. ~hese disposable absorbent articles have a liquid pervious topsheet which is worn in contact with the bod~ of the wearer. 80dily exudates, including urine and fecal material, pass through the topsheet to be retained by, in, or near an absorbent core.
Recent advancements in the art include disposable absorbent articles which attempt to isolate fecal material from the skin of the wearer.
Such disposable absorbent articles often have a topsheet with an aperture to allow fecal material to pass through the topsheet and which are elasticized to conform closely to the wearer's body, particularly the buttocks.
~he balance of the disposable absorbent article may be spaced away from the topsheet, creating a void space for the receipt of fecal material. Examples of such attempts in the art include U.S. Patent 4,834,737 issued May 30, 1989 to Khan and U.S. Patent 5,062,840 issued November 5, 1991 to Holt et al.
Certain attempts in the art only elasticize selected portions of the disposable absorbent article. For e%ample, the topsheet of the disposable absorbent article may be divided into different sections, some 2~ ~ 722 ~ t ' 2 PCI/US93/05096 of which are elastici~ed and somç~ of which are not. Examples of such attempts in the art include U.S'.~Patent 4,655,760 issued Aprii ~, 1987 to Morman et al. and Brltish Patent Application 1,520,~40 published August 9, 1978 in the name of Tong.
S Other attempts in the art elasticize partlcular portions of the topsheet of the disposable absorbent artlcle. Such elastication has been achieved through the use of linear elast1c strands and elastic panels.
Further advances in the art include topsheets which haYe an elastic modulus that provides a close fitting topsheet that is more comfortable to the wearer. Examples of such attempts in the art include commonly assigned U.S. Patent 4,892,536 issued January 9, 1990 to DesMarais et al., commonly assigned U.S. Patent 4,990,147 issued February 5, 1991 to Freeland, U.S. Patent 5,037,415 issued August 6, 1991 to Leroy et al., and commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,03~,416 issued August 6, 1991 to lS Allen et al.
However, the prior art attempts to create a topsheet for use in a disposable absorbent article which isolates fecal material from the skin of the wearer do not sufficiently address the competing interest at stake in such a topsheet. For example, some of the aforementioned teachings do not disclose a hole for the transmission of fecal material and therefore cannot address the need to pass the fecal material to a location where it can be isolated from the wearer. Other attempts in the art do not properly balance the need to accommodate the differences in the wearer's anatomy and participation in the excretory functions while the disposable 2S absorbent article is worn. Yet further, the attempts in the art do not address the differences in cleaning the various parts of the wearer's anatomy when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed and the wearer is to be cleaned.
Clearly, it can be seen that a need exists in the art for a topsheet which properly addresses isolation of fecal material from the skin of the wearer and the comfort of the wearer while the disposable absorbent article is worn. Such a topsheet should further address the differences in the wearer's anatomy which are in contact with the topsheet, and the difference$ such portions of the anatomy have on the effect of the fit of the disposable absorbent article while it is worn and on the cleaning task after the disposable absorbent article is removed.

3 ~ ~ ~ 17 ~ ~ ~ c~

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly 5 pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the associated drawings in which like reference numerals represent the same components, analogous components are designated with a prime symbol and:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a topsheet according to the present invention and having elastic panels extensible in the directions of the arrows;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of a disposable absorbent article incorporating the topsheet of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the disposable absorbent article of Figure 2 shown in an in use configuration;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a disposable absorbent article having a topsheet according to the present invention with linear elastic strands extensible in the directions of the arrows;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention having no aperture, and a central trisection which longitudinally extends into the front and rear trisections which trisections are extensible in the directions of the arrows;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the disposable absorbent article of Figure 5, shown in an in use configuration; and Figure 7 is a top plan view of a topsheet according to the present invention and having elastic panels with curvilinear borders between the three trisections, which trisections are extensible in the directions of the arrows.

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7 ~
3a DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a topsheet is provided for use in a disposable absorbent article having a front waist 5 margin, a rear waist margin, and a longitudinal axis, said topsheet comprising:
a front trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with the front waist margin of the disposable absorbent article, the front trisection being generally inelastic;
a rear trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with the rear waist margin of the disposable absorbent article, the rear waist margin being longitudinally elastically extensible; and a central trisection intermediate the front trisection and the rear trisection, at least a portion of the central trisection being 15 transversely elastically extensible, the central trisection being generally H-shaped whereby the central trisection longitudinally extends into at least one of the front trisection and the rear trisection.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a topsheet is provided for use in a disposable absorbent article having a 20 front waist margin, a rear waist margin, and a longitudinal axis, the topsheet comprising:
a front trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with the front waist margin of the disposable absorbent article, the front trisection being generally inelastic;
a rear trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with the rear waist margin of the disposable absorbent article, the rear waist margin being longitudinally elastically extensible; and a central trisection intermediate the front trisection and the rear trisection, the central trisection being transversely elastically 30 extensible, the central trisection longitudinally extending into at least one of the front trisection and the rear trisection, , ~

3b wherein the topsheet is unapertured and creates a pocket in the rear trisection for the receipt of fecal material.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a 5 topsheet is provided for use in a disposable absorbent article having a front waist margin, a rear waist margin, and a longitudinal axis, the topsheet comprising:
a front trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with the front waist margin of the disposable absorbent article, the front trisection being generally inelastic;
a rear trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with the rear waist margin of the disposable absorbent article, the rear waist margin being longitudinally elastically extensible; and a central trisection intermediate the front trisection and the 15 rear trisection, the central trisection being transversely elastically e~tensible, the rear trisection and the central trisection comprising linear elastic strands, the topsheet further comprising curvilinear borders between the trisections.
Referring to Figure 1, the invention comprise a topsheet 22 which may be utilized in conjunction with a disposable absorbent article 20.
As used herein a "topsheet" refers to any liquid pervious facing of a disposable absorbent article 20, such as the one shown in Figure 2. The ~' 'i:

q ~ PCr/US93/0~096 WO 93/25170 ~,~3~2 ~

topsheet 22 contacts the s~ ~ ~o~ the wearer while the disposable absorbent article 20 is ~or~ and prevents substantial contact of an absorbent core 26 incorporated lnto the disposable absorbent article 20 with the skin of the wearer.
As lllustrated ~n Figure 1, the topsheet 22 according to the present invention is divided into three trisections: a front trisectlon 22F, a central trisection 22C, and a rear trisection 22R. The rear and central trisections 22R and 22C are elasticized and haYe different orientations of elasticity. The rear trisection 22R is longitudinall~ elastical1y extensible and the central trisection 22C is transversel~ elastica11y extensible The directions of the elastic extensibility are indicated in the figures by the arrows. The front trisection 22F has no elastic extensibility.
The topsheet 22 may, but not necessarily, be provided with an aperture 46 for communicating fecal material through the topsheet 22.
Certain advantageous executions of the topsheet 22 according to the present invention, discussed below, work satisfactorily ~ithout an aperture 46.
~he topsheet 22 is preferabl~ compliant, tactilely pleasant, and nonirritating to the skin of the wearer. Preferably the topsheet 22 is treated to be hydrophilic, to more readily transport body exudates into the core 26 of the disposable absorbent article 20.
Referring back to Figure 2, a ~disposable absorbent article~ refers to a garment worn about the body of a wearer which collects body exudates. The disposable absorbent article 20 is intended to be discarded after a single use, and not laundered or otherwise restored (although certain components may be recycled or composted).
A preferred disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present invention comprises a diaper to be worn by an infant. The disposable absorbent article 20 comprises a liquid pervious topsheet 22, a liquid impervious backsheet 24, and an absorbent core 26 intermediate the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24. The topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 are at least partially peripherally joined to ensure the core 26 is held in the desired position.
A disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present invention may further comprise elastic leg cuffs and/or barrier leg cuffs to - - -~ ~ 3 ~ ~ PCT/US93/05096 W o 93/2~170 prevent leakage of body exudates through the leg openings of the disposable absorbent artlcle 20 whlle it ls worn. A disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present ~nvention prefer~bl~ further comprises an elastic waist band to provide for improved flt about the waist of the wearer. A disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present invention ma~ further comprise adhesive tape fasteners 36 juxtaposed with the rear portion 42 of the disposable absorbent article 20 to conveniently secure the disposable absorbent article 20 about the waist of the wearer. For clarity the elastic leg cuffs barrier leg cuffs and elastic waist band are omitted from the figures.
~ owever if it is desired to incorporate such components intn the disposable absorbent article 20 reference is made to commonly assigned .S. Patent 4 081 301 issued March 28 19~8 to Buell which discloses a methot and apparatus for applying elastic strands 5~ to a disposable absorbent article 20 to make leg cuffs; commonl~ assigned U.S. Patent 4 909 803 issued ~arch 20 1990 to Azit et al. which shows how to incorporate barrier leg cuffs into a disposable absorbent article 20;
commonly assigned U.S. ~atert 3 848 59~ issuet November 19 197~ to Buell which discloses how to make and incorporate adhesive tape f-steners into a disposable absorbent article 20; and commonl~ assigned U.S. Patent 4 816 025 issued March 28 1989 to Foreman which discloses how to make a suitable waist b-nd for ~ disposable absorbent article 20.

figure 2 illustrates a disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present invention laid out in a flat state having no elastic induced contraction. The topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 generallr define the periphery of the disposable absorbent article 20. The periphery ls the outer perimeter and greatest extent of the disposable absorbent article 20. The periphery comprises a front waist margin 32 a rear waist margin 34 and two longitudinal side margins.
The front waist margin 32 and rear waist margin 3~ are those portions of the disposable absorbent article 20 which when worn w o s3/2sl7n 2 ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ 2 Pc~r/us93/oso96 encircle the waist of the r~arer and are generally at the highest elevation of the disposab~e ~a;bsiorbent artlcle 20 when the wearer ls ln the standing postt~on. rhe longitudinal stde margins are those portlons of the disposable absorbent article 20 periphery which connect the front and rear waist margins 32 and 34. ~he crotch of the disposable absorbent article 20 is that portion of the disposable absorbent article 20 which is disposed between the front waist margin 32 and rear waist margin 34 and which, when worn, is typically between the legs of the wearer The core 26 of the disposable absorbent article 20 does not extend into the front waist margin 32 or rear waist margin 3~, so that the topsheet 22 and backsheet 24 may be joined and sealed to each other in this area or may be joined and sealed to each other in other areas.
Preferably, the front and rear waist margins 32 and 34 longitudinally extend about five percent of the longitudinal dimension of the disposable absorbent article 20 from the edge of the disposable absorbent article 20 towards the transYerse axis T~ of the disposable absorbent artlcle 20.
As used herein, the ~longitudinal~ dimension, direction or axis of the disposab~e absorbént article 20 is that dimension, direction or axls which is aligned front to back with respect to the wearer as the disposable absorbent article 20 is worn. The ~transverse- dimension, direction or axis of the disposable absorbent article 20 is generally orthogonal the longitudinal direction and sideways aligned as the disposable absorbent article 20 is worn. ~he transverse axis TT divides the disposable absorbent article 20 into front and rear portions 40 and 42, corresponding in position to the respective front and rear waist margins 32 and 3~. The ~Z-direction~ is generally orthogonal both the longitudinal and transverse directions, and does not lie within the plane of the disposable absorbent article 20.
The embodiments of the topsheet 22 and disposable absorbent article described herein are suitable for a wearer weighing about ~.3 kilograms to about 12.2 kilograms (16 to 2~ pounds). It will be understood that if the topsheet 22 and the disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present invention are intended for use with smaller or larger sized wearers, including adults, the topsheet 22 and the disposable absorbent article 20 will have to be scaled accordingly.

W O 93/25170 ~ ~ PCTt~Ss3/o~os6 A uisposable absorbent art1cle 20 sl2ed to fit the aforementioned range of wearers ma~ be made having a topsheet 22 ~ith a longitudina d~mens~on of about 43-t centimeters (1~.25 inches) and ~ backsheet 2 having a longitudlnal dimension of about 46.~ centimeters (18.25 inches).
The difference in longitudinal dimension between the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 foreshortens the topsheet 22 relative to the bac~sheet 2~
creating a void space 52 therebetween even when ~ core 26 is interposed between the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 2~. The topsheet 22 and backsheet 24 according to the present invention have a transverse dimension at the crotch of about IS.9 centimeters (6.25 inches) and about 2l.3 centimeters (8.4 inches) respectively.
The elements of the disposable absorbent article 20 may be assembled in any variety of configurations well known to one skilled in the art.
Preferred configurations are described-in commonl~ assigned U.S. Patent 3 860 003 issued Januar~ l4 l9~5 to Buell and the aforementioned commonly assigned U.S. Patent ~ 909 803 issued March 20 l990 to A2i2 et ~1 .

ln an cven mor~ preferred embodiment the configuratlon of the disposable absorbent articlc 20 conforms to the teachings of U.S.
Patent No. 5,151,092, issued September 9, 1992, in the nam~
of Buell et al.
Examining the components of the disposable absorbent article 20 in more det~il the topsheet 22 and backsheet 24 are gener~tl~ coextensive and at least partially peripher-lly joined together as noted above. As used herein the term ~oin refers to thecondition where a first member or component ls affixed or connected to a second member or component either directly. or indirectly where tne first nember or component is affixed or connected to an intermediate member component which in turn s affixed or connectet to the second ~ember component. The associ-atlon between the first member or component and the second member or component is intended to remain for the life of the disposable absorbent article 20.
The topsheet 22 and backsheet 24 may be joined by any means well 3~ known in the art such as adhesive bonding or heat sealing. A

WO 93/2~170 ~ PCIIUS93/05096 particularly preferred method of joining the topsheet 22 and backsheet 24 ts using hot-melt adhes1ve such as manufactured by Century Adheslves Inc. of Columbus Ohlo and mar~eted ~s Century 522~ or HLl258 adheslve sold by the H. B. Fuller Compan~ of St. P~ul Minnesota. In S particularly preferred embodiment adheslve jolning ls accompllshed by longitudinall~ oriented adhesive bands.
~he absorbent core 26 has longitudinal and transverse dimenslons generally less than those of the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 2~. As used herein the core~ refers to any component of the disposable ~~ absorbent article 20 used for absorbing and retaining body exudates. ~he upper layer 26U and the lower layer 26L of the absorbent core 26 each have opposed major faces and may if tesired be encased by one or more layers of tissue (not shown) or mar be coated with a release agent to reduce friction against the fecal mate~ial.
~he tissue layer if present improves the tensil- strength of the absorbent core 26 and reduces its tendenc~ to split or clump when ~etted.
~he tissue ma~ further improve tr~nsversc wic~1n~ of fluids and more evenl~ distribute absorbed liquids throughout the absorbent core 26. A
tissue layer h~ving a basis weight of approximatel~ l6 grams per square meter (lO pounds per 3 000 square feet) ~nd an a1r permeabilit~ of approximatel~ 30 cubic meters per minute per square meter (lOO cubic feet per minute per square foot);~nd a differential pressure of l3 millimeters of water (O.S inch of water) has been found to wor~ well. Alternativel~
the topsheet 22 ma~ sep~r-tel~ or also wrap around thc core 26.
~he absorbent core 26 m-~ be ~ade from a Yariet~ of commonl~ used materi~ls such as com~inuted wood pulp typicall~ referred to as ~ir felt. If desired the ~bsorbent core 26 ma~ further contain absorbent gelling materials as 1s commonlr used in the art. In particular the absorbent core 26 may be made in accordance with the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Patent 4 610 678 issued September 9 l986 to Weisman et al.

Absorbent gelling materials made in accordance with commonly assigned U.S. Patent Re. 32 649 issued Apr11 l9 l988 to 3~ Brandt et al. have been found suitable for use in a disposable absorbent article 20 according to the present invention.

~ . .

W O 93/25170 9 PC~r/US93/05096 ~ f destred. ln a particularly preferred embodiment the absorbent core 26 may haYe discrete storage and acquisition ~ones. ~he storage zone has a higher average density and higher aYerage basis weight than the acquisition zone so that the acquisition ~one may effect~el~ and efficiently acquire rapidly disch~rged liquids ~nd transport the same to the storage ~one for long term containment- Such ~ core 26 ma~ be ~ade in accordance with the teachings of commonl~ assigned U.S. Patent 4 834 ~35 issued Ma~ 30 1989 to Alemany et al.
A ver~ suitable core 26 material is a fibrous absorbent gelling ~ateri~l such as is sold under the tradename ~ibersorb by the Atlantic Richfield Company of Los Angeles California.
~he core 26 may be adhesivel~ ~oined to the topsheet 22 and/or bac~sheet 24 respectivel~ b~ any attachment means ~ell known in the art.
A particularl~ preferred attachment means is adhesive spirals and longitudinal and transverse bands of adhesive- Particularl~ preferred t~pes of adhesive are manufactured b~ Centur~ Adhesives Inc. of Columbus Ohio as Century 5227 HL-1258 Adhesiv- sold by th- H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul Minnesot~ and XPO-9-035 adhesive manufactured by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Compan~ of St. Paul ~innesot~.
The backsheet 24 is 5mpervious to fluids such as urine and prevents fluids absorbed by and contained in the absorbent core from ~etting undergarments. clothing ant bedding. As used herein the ~backsheet refers to any barrier disposed outwardl~ of the core 26 as the disposable absorbent ~rticle 20 is worn and ~hich contains absorbed liquids within the disposable absorbent article 20. Preferabl~ the backsheet 24 is flexible compliant and readil~ conforms to the general shape and contour of the wearer s bod~.
~he backsheet 24 may be a polyolefinic film such as polyethylene having a thickness of about 0.01 millimeters to about O.OSl millimeters (O.OOS to 0.002 lnches). If desired the backsbeet 24 may be embossed or matte finished to provide a cloth-like appearance or prov~ded with passages to permit vapor escape. A suitable backsheet 24 can be made S from a blend of about 45 to about 90 percent linear low density poly-ethylene and about IO to SS percent polypropylene. Exemplary backsheet ~q ~ PC~r/US93/05096 W O 93/25170 ~ 1~

2~ films are sold by ~redegar~ Industries, Inc. of ~erre Haute, Indiana under the designationiR~8~2~'blend for blown films and RRS475 blend for cast films.
Referring to Flgure 3, preferably the topsheet ls longitudinally S foreshortened relative to the core 26 and/or backsheet 24 of the disposable absorbent article 20. ~his arrangement creates a void space 52 between the core 26 and the backsheet 24.
The pervious topsheet 22 further comprises an aperture 46 transversely centered on the longitudinal axis LL. The aperture 46 provides a passageway for the communication of fecal material from the anal opening through the topsheet 22 into the void space 52. Preferably absorbent gelling materials present in the core 26 are not registered with the aperture 46, so that gell-blocking does not occur when large volume urine loading occurs.
~he aperture 46 may be of any shape desired with a particularly preferred shape being an oval having ~ longitudinal dimension of about 5.1 centimeters (2.0 inches) and a transverse dimension of about 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches). ~he rearwardmost edge of the aperture 46 is disposed at least about 15.2 centimeters (S.0 inches), and preferably about 1~.8 centimeters (7.0 inches) from the rear waist margin 34 of the disposable absorbent article ~0 while it is worn.
A suitable topsheet 22 may be manufactured from materials such as porous foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers (e.g. wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic ~ibers (e.g. polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of the foregoing. A particularly preferred topsheet 22 comprises polypropylene fibers haYing a denier of about 2.2 and a length of about 15.9 millimeters (0.62 inches). The topsheet 22 may be manufactured according to a number of techniques and may be woven, nonwoven, spunbonded, carded, etc.
A particularly preferred topsheet 22 is carded and thermally bonded and has a weight of about 18 to about 25 grams per square meter, a minimum dry tensile strength of about 400 grams per centimeter taken in the machine direction and a minimum wet tensile strength of at least about SS grams per square centimeter taken in the cross machine direction. A suitable topsheet 22 is marketed by Veratec, Inc., DiYision PCT/USs3/0~096 .~O 93/25170 3 ~
of International Paper Company of ~alpole Hassachusetts under the designatlon P-8.
Referring back to Figure I the topsheet 22 according to the present lnvention ~s divided into three trisections disposed in ~ particul~r arrangement along the longitudin~l ax1s LL of the disposable absorbent article 20.
~he rear trisection 22R has a means for elastic~ longitudinally contracting the rear trisection 22R. ~he central trisection 22C has a means for elast k allr transversel~ contracting the central trisection I0 22C. ~he front trisection 22~ has no means for providing elasticity to the front trisection 22F.
The rear and central trisections 22R and 22C have longitudinal and transverse elastic extensibilit~ respectivel~ and as illustrated by the arrows and maY haYe such extensihilit~ i~parted b~ generall~ two-I5 dimension~l elastic panels. As used herein ~panels- ~r~ considered to be two dimensional if the~ haYe principal dimensions lying within the plane of the topsheet 22 and a relatlvelr sm~ll thickness in the Z-direction.
Of course it is to be recognized th~t the panels are onl~ conceptuall~
two dimensional because of this thickness in thc Z-direction. Howe~el such thickness in the ~-direction is small enough to be insignificant relative to the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the front rear and central trisectio~s 22f 22R and 22C of the topsheet 22.
Particularl~ preferred elastic trisections 22R and 22C of the topsheet 22 according to the present invention haYe an elongatlon greater than 50 percent and less than 350 percent under ~ tensilc load of about 800 grams per centimeter of width. Such an elongation at thls tensile loading provides a topsheet 22 which is verY comfortable to the wearer as noted above. Such a topsheet 22 ma~ be 0ad~ in ~ccordance with the aforementioned commonlr assigned U.S. Patent 5 037 4I6 issued to Allen et al.

~he longitudinall~ elastically extensible rear trisection 22R
provides for close conformance of the topsheet 22 to the buttocks of the ~;

31~ PC~r/US93/05096 W O 93/25170 ~ 12 wearer. As used herein, a~component ~5 considered to be ~elastlcally extensible ln the longitudinal direct~on,~ and to provide longltudinal elastic extensibility to another component and ~n the longitudinal direction, if such component has a principal axis of elastic elongation oriented within + 45 degrees of the longitudinal ax~s LL.
~his longitudinal elastic extensibility allows the void space 52 to be present in the area of the disposable absorbent article 20 juxtaposed with the rear waist margin 34 in order to advantageously receive fecal material. It is important that the rear trisection 22R not sag or festoon into the void space 52, otherwise transport and migration of fecal material away from the aperture 46 mar be inhibited, causing less fecal material to pass through the aperture 46 and instead remain in contact with the skin of the wearer subjacent or in the region of the central trisection 22C.
lS For the embodiments described herein, the rear trisection 22R ma~
have a longitudinal dimension, taken from the rear waist margin 34 to the border with the central trisection 22C of about 20.3 + 1.9 centimeters (8 + 0.?5 inches). Such a rear trisection 22R may be made in the form of a two-dimensional panel and according to the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. as discussed above and for the reasons noted above.
The central trisection 22C of the topsheet 22 according to the present invention is elastically extensible in the transverse direction.
As used herein a component is considered to be ~elastically extensible in the transverse direction,~ and to provide transverse elastic extensibility to another component and in the transverse direction, if such component has a principal axis of elastic elongation oriented within + 45 degrees of the transverse axis T~.
~his arrangement provides the advantage that contraction of the disposable absorbent article 20 occurs in the crotch portion, intermediate the front waist margin 32 and the rear waist margin ~4.
Such transverse contraction provides for shaping of the disposable absorbent article 20 in the familiar hourglass to more comfortably fit the wearer while the disposable absorbent article 20 is in use.

~'h~ PC~r/US93/05096 However, the transverse contraction may tend to close the aperture 46. ~herefore, care must be taken that too much contraction ls not imparted to the central trisect10n 22C of the topsheet 22. lf too much contraction is imparted and the aperture 46 does not rema)n open, fecal S material may not pass through the aperture 46 into the vo1d space 52. If the fecal material should remain on the topsheet 22, lt will remain 1n contact with the skin of the wearer causing the irritation discussed above and complicating the task of cleaning the wearer.
Such a central trisection 22C may be made in the form of a two dimensional panel and according to the teachings of commonly assigned U.S. Patent 5,037,416, issued to Allen et al. as discussed above and for the reasons noted above. For the embodiments described herein, the central trisection 22C may have a longitudinal dimension, between the border of the rear trisection 22R and the border of the front trisection lS 22F of about 8.1 + l.9 centimeters (3.2 + O.~S inches). Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of the central trisection 22C is sufficient to encompass the entire aperture 46.
The front trisection 22F may be provided without any elasttc extensibility whatsoever. This arrangement provides the advantages of economization of materials, as well as increased perviousness for the acquisition of liquids, such as urine. Additionally, a front trisection 22F which is not elastically extensible will conform less closely to the wearer and more comfortably acco~modate the genitalia, particularly of the male wearer.
For the embodiments described herein, the front trisection 22F may have a longitudinal dimension between the front waist margin 32 and the border of the central trisection 22C of about l6.8 ~ l.9 centimeters (6.6 + 0.75 inches). Alternatively, the front trisection 22F may have a greater longitudinal dimension than the rear trisection 22R.
Referring to Figure 4, in a variant embodiment the elasticity may be applied to the rear trisection 22R and/or the central trisectlon 22C of the topsheet 22 by linear elastic strands 54, rather than by two dimensional panels. ~he elastic strands 54 are oriented longitudinally, in the rear trisection 22R and are preferably longitudinally parallel.
~he elastic strands 54 are longitudinally oriented in the rear trisection 22R, and are preferably parallel the longitudinal axis LL, although, as WO 93/25170 PCr/lJS93/05096 '~ 2 ~ 3 ~

illustrated some derivatlon from the transYerse dlrectlon can be tolerated 'In such an arrangement the re~r trisectlon 22R may have one elastic strand 54 coinc~dent the long1tudin~) axls LL so that the re~r trisection 22R ls pulled into the gluteal groove of the wearer Outboard elastic str~nds 54 preferabl~ symmetrlcal about the longitudinal axls LL ma~ be provided as desired ln the rear trisection 22R If the elastic strands 54 in the rear trisection 22R deviate from the transverse direction. preferabl~ the elastlc strands 54 diverge towards the rear l~ waist margin 34 so that the rear trisection 22R ma~ more accurately fit and conform the buttocks of the ~earer.
The central trisection ~2C 0a~ have elastic strands 54 parallel the transverse T~ and centered on the aperture 46 or ma~ have transversel~
oriented elastic strands S~ on either side of the transverse axis T~ ~nd otherwise not centered on the aperture ~6.
It is not necessary that the longitudinall~ oriented elastic str-nds 5~ in the rear trisection 22R or the tr-nsversel~ oriented elastic strands 54 in the centr~l trisection 22C be disposed 1n ~n~ particular arrangement. It is only important that the re-r trisection 22R have ~
means for longitudinall~ contracting the rear trisection 22R and the central trisection 22C have a ~eans for transversel~ contracting the central trisection 22C.
If it is desired to incorpor-te el-stic strands 54 into a topsheet 22 or disposabl- ~bsorbent article 20 ~ccording to the present tnvention such elastic strands 5~ ma~ be incorporated according to the teachings of the aforementioned and commonl~ assigned U.S. Patent ~ 892 536 issued January 9 l990 to DesMarais et al.

In particularly preferred embodiment the elast1c strands 54 have elast~c extensibility as described in the aforementtoned and commonly assigned U S Patent 5 03~ 416 issued August 6 l99l to Allen et al , ~,, WO 93/25170 ~ PCI'/US93/05096 Referring to Figure 5, in yet another embod~ment the indivldual trisections 22F, 22C and 22R may longitudinally overlap. For example, the central trisection 22C may longitudinally extend into the areas occupied by either or both the front trisection 22F and/or the rear trisection 22R. This arrangement yields a central trisection 22C having a somewhat H-shaped configuration.
Referring to Figure 6, this arrangement provides the advantages that a pocket 46' which will accept fecal material may be formed in the rear trisection 22R. Depending upon the relative sizes of the three trisections 22f, 22C, and 22R, the pocket 46' may encompass both the rear and central trisections 22R and 22C. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for embodiments where it is desired to not incorporate an aperture 46 into the topsheet 22. Thus, a topsheet 22 according to the present invention can be constructed without an aperture 46 and advantageously incorporated into a disposable absorbent article 20. In such an embodiment, the core 26 may be provided with longitudinally oriented curvilinear or rectilinear impression lines to predispose the core 26 to assume the shape illustrated in Figure 6.
Referring to Figure 7, in yet another alternative embodiment, the borders between the trisections 22R, 22C, and 22F need not be either rectilinear or parallel. If desired, the borders may be curvilinear and oriented concave towards the respective waist margins 32 and 34. This arrangement provides the advantage, relative to Figure 1, that the aperture 46 may be formed by a single slit, or otherwise, in the topsheet 22 and reduces the proclivity of the aperture 46 to close in the transverse direction. ln another alternative embodiment (not shown), the borders may be curvilinear and oriented convex toward the respective waist margins 32 and 34, and concave towards the transverse axis T~.
This arrangement provides the advantage, relative to Figure 1, that the rear trisection 22R and central trisection 22C more accurately and comfortably conform to the shape of the wearer.
It will be apparent that there are many other variations and permutations possible within the scope of the claimed invention. For example, either the central trisection 22C or the rear trisection 22R may have elastic strands 54 as the ~eans for providing the elastic extensibility and the other trisection 22R or 22C have elastic panels to WO93~25170 ,~ 3~ 16 provlde the elastlc extenstbl~l~tj. It ~s not lmportant wh~ch partlcular means for providtng the elastic extensibility to the trisectton 22R or 22C is selected, but only that the elastic extensib~llties (lf any) be present in the orientations and positions of the trisectlons 22F, 22C, S and 22R as described above.
If desired, either the central trisection 22C or the rear trisection 22R may have bilateral elastic extensibility. In such an arrangement, the rear trisection 22R has the longitudinally extensibility discussed above and the central trisection 22C has the transverse extensibility ~ discussed above. Additionally, each such trisection 22R and 22C has extensibility in the other principal direction, transverse or longitudinal. It is not necessary that the degree of extensibilities be equal, however, in the longitudinal and transverse directions of a rear or central trisection 22R or 22C having bielastic extensibilities.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the aperture 46 and the central trisection 22C may be sized and arranged so that the aperture 46 is disposed entirely within the central trisection 22C or, alternatively, the aperture ~6 may span the central trisection 22C and enter the areas occupied by either the front trisection 22F or the rear trisection 22R. If desired, the aperture 46 and trisections 22~, 22R, and 22C may be sized and disposed so that the aperture 46 spans the central trisection 22C and enters both outboard trisections 22F and 22R.
It will be further apparent that other sections may be disposed among the three trisections 22F, 22C, and 22R in the topsheet 22. for example, a panel having no elastic extensibility may be interposed between the central trisection 22C and either or both of the front and rear trisections 22F and 22R. Alternatively, a panel having no or differently oriented elastic extensibility may be subsumed within a given trisection 22F, 22C, or 22R.
It will be apparent that there are many other variations and combinations of the aforementioned variations, all of which are in the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR
PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A topsheet for use in a disposable absorbent article having a front waist margin, a rear waist margin, and a longitudinal axis, said topsheet comprising:
a front trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with said front waist margin of said disposable absorbent article, said front trisection being generally inelastic;
a rear trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with said rear waist margin of said disposable absorbent article, said rear waist margin being longitudinally elastically extensible; and a central trisection intermediate said front trisection and said rear trisection, at least a portion of said central trisection being transversely elastically extensible, said central trisection being generally H-shaped whereby said central trisection longitudinally extends into at least one of said front trisection and said rear trisection.

2. A topsheet for use in a disposable absorbent article having a front waist margin, a rear waist margin, and a longitudinal axis, said topsheet comprising:
a front trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with said front waist margin of said disposable absorbent article, said front trisection being generally inelastic;
a rear trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with said rear waist margin of said disposable absorbent article, said rear waist margin being longitudinally elastically extensible; and a central trisection intermediate said front trisection and said rear trisection, said central trisection being transversely elastically extensible, said central trisection longitudinally extending into at least one of said front trisection and said rear trisection, wherein said topsheet is unapertured and creates a pocket in said rear trisection for the receipt of fecal material.

3. A topsheet for use in a disposable absorbent article having a front waist margin, a rear waist margin, and a longitudinal axis, said topsheet comprising:
a front trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with said front waist margin of said disposable absorbent article, said front trisection being generally inelastic;
a rear trisection adapted to be juxtaposed with said rear waist margin of said disposable absorbent article, said rear waist margin being longitudinally elastically extensible; and a central trisection intermediate said front trisection and said rear trisection, said central trisection being transversely elastically extensible, said rear trisection and said central trisection comprising linear elastic strands, said topsheet further comprising curvilinear borders between said trisections.