CZ20004356A3 - An absorbent article with improved control of viscous, liquid body faeces - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article (20) includes a liquid pervious topsheet (24), a liquid impervious backsheet (26) attached to at least a portion of the topsheet (24), an absorbent core (28) disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet (24) and the backsheet (26), and a fecal material control portion (120) disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region (37). The fecal material control portion (120) preferably has a pressure acquisition value of greater than 0.077 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter of the portion per millijoule of energy input. The fecal material control portion (120) also preferably has a pressure retention value of at least 0.108 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter of the portion. The fecal material control portion (120) may also have a reverse pressure cycle immobilization value of greater than 70% of viscous, liquid body feces received by the portion.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to articles for absorbing and/or containing body exudates and those comprising disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to disposable absorbent articles having improved fecal material control properties.

Prior art in U.S. Patent No. Buella dated 14.

An important function of absorbent articles, such as diapers or incontinence briefs, is to prevent body exudates from soiling, wetting, or otherwise contaminating clothing or other articles, such as bedding, that come into contact with the wearer. In recent years, disposable diapers, such as those described in 3,860,003, issued to Kenneth Barclay in January 1975, have become very popular with the public, largely replacing durable, cloth absorbent articles due to their convenience and reliability. However, despite the effectiveness of these disposable absorbent articles, body exudates still often leak or are retained in the diaper in a manner that soiles and/or irritates the wearer's skin.

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The adverse effects of leakage and/or poor containment are particularly evident with respect to fecal material deposited in a diaper. Feces retained in a diaper can damage the wearer's skin over time, and fecal material leaking from a diaper almost always presents an unpleasant and delicate cleaning challenge. Accordingly, several attempts have been made to add features to diapers such as barriers, pockets, spacers, crossbars, perforated topsheets, and the like to limit the movement of fecal material through the topsheet and/or to better contain fecal material in the diaper. However, these attempts have been generally unsuccessful due to their manufacturing cost and complexity, and/or their limited success in reducing the negative effects of fecal material.

Although the present invention can be adapted to provide improved management of any body exudate, the embodiments described below are particularly suitable for managing viscous, liquid body exudates. These viscous, liquid body exudates include soft or liquid feces and the like that are generally more viscous (or viscous) than urine, but less viscous than normal, solid adult feces. Viscous, liquid body exudates are difficult to absorb and/or contain in traditional absorbent structures because the normal capillary forces that receive and transport fluids of exceptionally low viscosity such as urine are insufficient to move such viscous, liquid body exudates. Accordingly, viscous, liquid body exudates often remain on the top layer of the article, where they are generally unrestricted in movement and accessible to and in contact with the skin of the wearer. Furthermore, the fluid characteristics of these feces allow them to flow through the top layer and sometimes leak out of the product. Accordingly, it is necessary to address the special characteristics of viscous, • 0

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0000 0» 00 00» 00 0·0 liquid body feces with structures with unique reception, storage and immobilization during a reverse pressure cycle.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an absorbent structure with improved fecal control properties. It would further be advantageous to provide a cost-effective, disposable absorbent article with the ability to minimize the adverse effects of feces or other viscous, liquid body exudates on the wearer and/or caregiver. It would also be advantageous to provide an absorbent article that is specifically designed to receive viscous, liquid body exudates, such as fecal material, particularly fecal material with a relatively low viscosity, such as liquid or soft feces. It would also be desirable to provide an absorbent article having sufficient effective capacity and retention to keep the feces contained therein safely and cleanly, away from the wearer's skin and/or clothing throughout the expected period of use.

The essence of the invention

To better control viscous, liquid body exudates, the present invention provides an absorbent article having a first waist region, a second waist region opposite the first waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions. The absorbent article preferably includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet attached to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a fecal material control portion disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The fecal material control portion preferably has a pressure acquisition value of greater than about 0.077 grams of viscous, liquid body exudates per square centimeter of the portion per millijoule of energy input. This improved acquisition performance ensures that viscous, liquid body exudates are rapidly and effectively absorbed by the article. The absorbent article also preferably has a retention value under pressure of at least about 0.108 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter of the fecal material control portion to provide a location for retaining feces away from the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the fecal material control portion may have a retention value under reverse pressure cycling of greater than about 70% of the viscous, liquid body feces received by the portion. Such improved retention performance may reduce the likelihood that feces, once absorbed by the article, will move back toward the wearer's skin. Accordingly, the absorbent article of the invention may reduce the likelihood of damage to the wearer's skin and/or caregiver discomfort normally associated with stool, and particularly liquid feces.

Overview of images in drawings

Although the present description is concluded by claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is believed to be the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be more readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used to refer to like parts, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of an absorbent article of the invention, having portions cut away to show the underlying structure, with the body surface facing the viewer.

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Fig. 2 - Schematic front view of a device that can be used to measure the pressure acquisition and pressure retention characteristics of given structures.

Fig. 3 - Schematic front view of a device that can be used to measure the retention and immobilization characteristics of structures under reversed pressure cycling.

Fig. 4 - plan view of a piece of equipment shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 - A plan view of one embodiment of the invention, having portions cut away to show the underlying structure, with the body surface facing the viewer.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper of Fig. 5 taken along line 6-6.

Fig. 6A - cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 - A plan view of one embodiment of the invention, having portions cut away to show the underlying structure, with the body surface facing the viewer.

Fig. 8 - a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 - Three-dimensional graphical representation of the relationship between the pressure uptake, pressure retention, and reverse pressure cycle immobilization values of exemplary structures.

Fig. 10 - Three-dimensional graphical representation of the relationship between the pressure uptake, pressure retention, and retention values of exemplary structures.

Fig. 11 - Two-dimensional graphical representation of the relationship between the pressure uptake and pressure retention values of exemplary structures.

Fig. 12 - Two-dimensional graphical representation of the relationship between retention and immobilization values during reverse pressure cycling of exemplary structures.

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Fig. 13 - Two-dimensional graphical representation of the relationship between the values of immobilization during reverse pressure cycling and pressure retention of exemplary structures.

Fig. 14 - Two-dimensional graphical representation of the relationship between the pressure retention and pressure uptake values of exemplary structures.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

As used herein, the term absorbent article refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates and, more specifically, devices that are placed on or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates secreted by the body. The term disposable is used herein to describe products that are generally not expected to be laundered or otherwise renewed or reused (i.e., are expected to be discarded after their single use and preferably recycled, composted, or otherwise disposed of in a manner compatible with the protection of the external environment). (As used herein, the term assembled means that a portion(s) of a diaper is formed (joined and positioned) in a particular location or position as a unitary structure with other portions of the diaper or as a separate portion attached to another portion of the diaper. As used herein, the term connected includes arrangements in which a portion is directly connected to another portion by attaching that portion directly to the second portion, and arrangements in which a given portion is indirectly connected to the second portion by attaching to an intermediate component(s) that is in turn attached to the second portion.) A unitary absorbent article refers to articles formed from separate portions joined together to form a coordinated entity, such that they do not require separate handling parts, such as a separate holder or cover. A preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention is a unitary disposable absorbent article, a diaper 20, shown in Fig. 1. As used herein, the term diaper refers to an absorbent article generally worn about the lower torso by young children and incontinent individuals. The present invention is also applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinence briefs and undergarments, absorbent pads, diaper holders and covers, feminine hygiene garments, wipes, wipes, bandages, and the like.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a diaper 20 of the present invention in a flattened, unstretched state, with portions of the structure cut away to more clearly illustrate the assembly of the diaper 20a with the wearer-facing portion of the diaper 20 facing the viewer. As shown in Fig. 1, the diaper 20 preferably includes a liquid pervious topsheet 24; a liquid impervious backsheet 26; an absorbent core 28 preferably disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26; side panels 30; elasticized leg cuffs 32; an elasticized waist 34; and a fastening system designated 40. The diaper 20 shown in Fig. 1 has a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposite the first waist region 36, and a crotch region 37 disposed between the first and second waist regions. The perimeter of the diaper 20 is defined by the outer edges of the diaper 20, in which the longitudinal edges 50 extend generally parallel to the longitudinal center axis 100 of the diaper 20 and the end edges 52 extend between the longitudinal edges 50 generally parallel to the lateral center axis 110 of the diaper 20.

The containment assembly (chassis) 22 of the diaper 20 includes the main body of the diaper 20. The containment assembly 22 includes at least a portion of the absorbent core 28 and preferably an outer cover layer comprising the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. When the absorbent article includes a separate holder and cover, the containment assembly 22 generally includes the holder and cover. (For example, the holder may include one or more layers of material to form the outer cover of the article, and the cover may include an absorbent assembly comprising the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core. In such cases, the holder and/or the cover may include a fastener that is used to hold the cover in place throughout the period of use.) For unitary absorbent articles, the containment assembly 22 includes the main structure of the diaper with other modifications added to form a composite diaper structure. Although the topsheet 24, backsheet 26 and absorbent core 25 may be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 (Kenneth B. Buell), entitled Pull-On Side Panels for Disposable Diapers, issued January 14, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 (Kenneth B. Buell), issued September 9, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,221,274 (Kenneth B. Buell), issued June 22, 1993; and U.S. Patent No. 5,554,145 (Roe et al.), issued September 10, 1996, entitled Absorbent Article with Stretch Waistband with Multi-Zone Structural, Elastic Film-Like Structure; in U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234, entitled Disposable Pull-Up Panties, issued to Buell et al. on October 29, 1996; in U.S. Patent No. 5,580,422, entitled Waste-Free Method for Making Side Panels for Absorbent Articles, issued to Nease et al. on December 3, 1996; and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/915,471, entitled Absorbent Article with Multidirectional Stretch Side Panels, filed on August 20, 1997 in the name of Roblese et al.; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 26 is generally that portion of the diaper 20 that is positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface 45 of the absorbent core 28 and prevents exudates absorbed therein from

9 • · · 9 ·· ♦ · · •999 9 · 9 · e · « • · · · · · · · 9 9 9*99 9 » « · « • · » 9 · · · ♦ · · · «9 9 » 999 9* 9 detained did not stain the products in touch with a diaper 20, as for example sheets and components lower underwear.

In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 is liquid (e.g., urine) impervious and comprises a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Suitable films for use as the backsheet 26 include those manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of Terre Haute, Indiana, IN, under the designations X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the diaper 20 while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven or nonwoven structures, composite structures such as film-coated nonwovens, and microporous films, such as those manufactured by Mitsui Taotsu Co., of Japan, under the designation ESPOIR NO, and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, TX, under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materials containing polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH, under the designation HYTREL, blend P18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are described in more detail in PCT Application No. WO 95/16746, published June 22, 1995, in the name of E.I. DuPont, and in copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/744,487, filed November 6, 1996, in the name of Curro. Other breathable backsheets comprising nonwoven structures and apertured formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,571,096, issued to Dobrin et al. on November 5, 1996, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The backsheet 26, or any portion thereof, may be elastically extensible in one or more directions. In one embodiment, the backsheet 26 comprises a structural material, • · • · 9 9 ♦ » · ·

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elastic-like film (SELF). This structural, elastic-like film structure is a stretchable material that exhibits elastic-like behavior in the direction of stretch, without the use of added elastic materials. The SELF structure comprises a stretchable network of at least two associated, distinct and dissimilar regions. One of these regions is preferably arranged to develop resistive forces in response to an applied axial stretch in a direction parallel to a predetermined axis before a substantial portion of the second region begins to develop significant resistive forces to the applied stretch. At least one of these regions has a surface path length that is greater than that of the other region, as measured substantially parallel to the predetermined axis, while the material is in an unstretched state. The region exhibiting the greater surface path length comprises one or more deformations that extend beyond the plane of the second region. The SELF structure exerts at least two, significantly different phases of controlled resistance to stretching along at least one predetermined axis when subjected to an applied stretch in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis. The SELF structure exhibits first resistance forces to the applied stretch until the stretch thereof is sufficient to cause a substantial portion of the region having a greater surface path length to enter the plane of the applied stretch, after which the SELF structure exerts second resistance forces to further stretch. The total resistance forces to stretching are greater than the first resistance forces to stretching provided by the first region. SELF structures suitable for the present invention are more fully described in U.S. Patent No.

518,801, entitled "Structured Materials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior, issued to Chappell et al. on May 21, 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference. In alternative embodiments, the backsheet 26 may include elastomeric • · ··· « · films, foams, strands, or combinations of these or other suitable materials with nonwovens or synthetic films.

The backsheet 26 may be attached to the topsheet 24, the absorbent core 28, or any other portion of the diaper 20 by any suitable fastening means known in the art. For example, the fastening means may comprise a uniform, continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrangement of discrete lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. One preferred fastening means comprises an open pattern of adhesive fibers (filaments), as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986, entitled Disposable Undergarment Component for Containing Body Exudates, issued to Minetolo et al. on March 4, 1986. Another suitable fastening means comprises multiple lines of adhesive fibers coiled into a spiral pattern, as illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173, issued to Sprague Jr. on October 7, 1975; in U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996, issued to Ziecker et al. on November 22, 1978; and in U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Adhesives that have been found satisfactory are manufactured by the H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, and sold as HL-1620 and HL-1358-XZP. Alternatively, such fastening means may include heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable fastening means known in the art.

The topsheet 24 is positioned adjacent the body facing surface 47 of the absorbent core 28 and may be attached thereto and/or to the backsheet 26 by any attachment means with respect to attaching the backsheet 26 to other portions of the diaper 20. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 are attached to each other directly in some locations and are indirectly connected together in other locations by their direct attachment to other elements of the diaper 20.

The topsheet 24 is preferably conformable, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is pervious to fluids, allowing fluids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate its thickness. Suitable topsheet 24 may be made from a wide variety of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated (net-like) foams, apertured plastic films, or woven and nonwoven structures of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. When the absorbent assemblies contain fibers, the fibers may be nonwoven, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed as is known in the art. One preferred topsheet 24, comprising a structure of staple length polypropylene fibers, is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Massachusetts, under the designation P-8.

Suitable formed film topsheets are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on 30.

December 1975, entitled Absorbent Structures Having Narrowed Capillaries; in U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982, entitled Disposable Absorbent Article Having a Spill-Resistant Topsheet; in U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on April 3, 1982, entitled

August 1982, entitled Flexible Plastic Structure Exhibiting Fabric-Like Properties; in U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984, entitled • · 1 ► 9 9

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A macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional plastic structure, exhibiting a non-glossy visible surface and a cloth-like tactile feel; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991, entitled Multiple Polymeric Film. Other suitable topsheets 30 are made in accordance with U.S. Patent Nos.: 4,609,518 and 4,629,643, issued September 2, 1986 and December 16, 1986, to Curro et al. These formed films are available from The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the trade name "DRI-WEAVE;" and from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana, as CLIFF-T.

Preferably, the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic (water-repellent) material or is treated to be hydrophobic to isolate the wearer's skin from fluids contained in the absorbent core 28. If the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material, it is preferred that at least a portion of its upper surface be treated to be hydrophilic so that fluids will pass through the topsheet more readily. This reduces the likelihood that body fluids will run off the topsheet 24 rather than being drawn into and absorbed by the absorbent core 28. The topsheet 24 can be made hydrophilic by treating it with or incorporating a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with a surfactant include spraying the material with the surfactant and dipping the material into the surfactant. This treatment and hydrophilicity are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,988,344, entitled

Absorbent Articles with Multiple Absorbent Layers, issued to Reising et al. on January 29, 1991; and U.S. Patent No.

988,345, entitled Absorbent Products with Rapidly Absorbent Cores, issued to Reising on 29.

A discussion of a suitable method for incorporating a surfactant in the topsheet can be found in U.S. Patent No. H1670, published July 1, 1997, to Aziz et al. Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the topsheet 24 may comprise an apertured structure or film that is hydrophobic. This may be accomplished by eliminating the hydrophilicizing treatment step from the manufacturing process and/or by applying a hydrophobic treatment to the topsheet 24, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene compound such as SCOTCHGUARD or a hydrophobic lotion composition as described below. In such treatments, it is preferred that the apertures be large enough to permit the passage of aqueous fluids, such as urine, without significant resistance.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion (or skin care composition) as is known in the art. Suitable examples thereof include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,607,760, entitled Disposable Article Having a Skin Care Composition Treated Topsheet Containing a Softener and a Polyol Polyester Immobilizer, issued to Roe et al. on March 4, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,609,587, entitled Diaper Having a Lotion Topsheet Containing a Liquid Polyol Polyester Softener and an Immobilizer, issued to Roe on March 11, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,635,191, entitled Diaper Having a Lotion Topsheet Containing a Polysiloxane Softener, issued to Roe et al. on June 3, 1997; and U.S. Patent No. 5,643,588, entitled Diaper with Topsheet Treated with Lotion, issued to Roe et al. on July 1, 1997. The lotion may function alone or in combination with another agent, such as the hydrophobic treatment described above. The topsheet may also contain or be treated with antibacterial agents, some examples of which are described in PCT Publication No. WO • 9 9 * • · · · • 9 • 999 «9

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95/24173, entitled Absorbent Articles Containing Antibacterial Agents in a Topsheet for Odor Control, published on September 14, 1995, in the name of Theresa Johnson. Further, the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, or any portion of the topsheet and backsheet, may be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining fluids such as urine and certain other body exudates. The absorbent core 28 may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetrical, etc.) and from a wide variety of fluid-absorbing materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as comminuted wood pulp, which is generally referred to as airlaid. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including blended forms, chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulose-based fibers, tissue paper including tissue paper webs and laminates thereof, absorbent foams and absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any other known material or combination of materials.

The arrangement and construction of the absorbent core 28 may also vary (for example, the absorbent core(s) or other absorbent structure(s) may have zones of varying tangibility or thickness, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or zones of acquisition with lower average density and lower basis weight; or may include one or more layers or structures). The overall absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 • · • ·

·· ·· φ · · · • · · φ ··· • · • · · φ « · however, it should be compatible with the designed load and intended use of the diaper 20.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as absorbent assemblies are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,610,678, entitled

High Density Absorbent Structures, issued to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986; in U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402, entitled Absorbent Articles with Double Layered Cores, issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; in U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735, entitled High Density Absorbent Components Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones; issued to Alemany et al. on June 30, 1989; in U.S. Patent No. 4,888,231, entitled Absorbent Core with Dust Layer, issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; in U.S. Patent No. 5,137,537, entitled Absorbent Structure Containing Polycarboxylic Acid Crosslinked Cellulosic Wood Pulp Fibers, issued to Herron et al. on August 11, 1992; further described in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345, entitled High Performance Absorbent Products for Incontinence Management, issued to Young et al. on September 15, 1992; U.S. Patent No. 5,342,338, entitled

Disposable absorbent article for low viscosity fecal material, issued to Roe on August 30, 1994; U.S. Patent 5,260,345, entitled Absorbent foam materials for aqueous body fluids and absorbent articles containing the same, issued to DesMarais et al. on November 9, 1993; U.S. Patent 5,387,207, entitled Pre-wetted thin, absorbent foam materials for aqueous body fluids and process for making the same, issued to Dyer et al. on February 7, 1995; and U.S. Patent 5,625,222, entitled Absorbent foam materials for aqueous body fluids made from high internal phase emulsions having very high water to oil ratios, issued to DesMarais et al. on June 22, 1997. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

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The diaper 20 may also further include at least one elastic waist feature 34 that helps provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature 34 is generally intended to elastically expand and contract to dynamically fit the waist of the wearer. The elastic waist feature 34 preferably extends at least longitudinally outwardly from at least one of the waist edges 62 of the absorbent core 28 and generally forms at least a portion of the end edge 52 of the diaper 20. Disposable diapers are often constructed to have two elastic waist features, one located in the first waist region 36 and one located in the second waist region 38. Furthermore, although the elastic waist feature 34 or any of its forming elements may comprise one or more separate elements attached to the diaper 20, the elastic waist feature 34 may be constructed as an extension of other elements of the diaper, such as the backsheet 26, the topsheet 24, preferably both the backsheet 26 and the topsheet 24.

The elastic waist arrangement 34 can be constructed in a variety of configurations and from a variety of materials, including those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,515,595, issued to Kievit et al. on May 7, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 410,189, issued to Lash on December 1, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell et al. on September 9, 1992; and U.S. Patent No. 5,221,274, issued to Buell on June 22, 1993. Other suitable waist arrangements may include waist cover arrangements such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,026,364, issued to Robertson on June 25, 1993.

June 1991, and in U.S. Patent No. 4,816,025, issued to Foreman on March 28, 1989. All of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 may also include a fastening system 40. This fastening system 40 preferably maintains the first waist region 36 and the second waist region 38 in an overlapping arrangement so as to provide lateral tension around the circumference of the diaper 20 to maintain it on the wearer. This fastening system 40 preferably includes tape tabs and/or hook and loop fastening components, although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Some exemplary fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,848,594, entitled Tape Fastening System for a Disposable Diaper, issued to Buell on November 19, 1974; in U.S. Patent No. B1 4,662,875, entitled Absorbent article, issued to Hirotsu et al. on May 5, 1987; in U.S. Patent No. 4,846,815, entitled Disposable diaper having improved fastening device, issued to Scripps on July 11, 1989; in U.S. Patent No. 4,894,060, entitled Disposable diaper with improved hook fastener element, issued to Nestegard on January 16, 1990; in U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527, entitled Self-adhesive adhesive fastener and method of making the same, issued to Battrell on August 7, 1990; and the hereinbefore referenced U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell on September 9, 1992; and U.S. Patent No. 5,221,274, issued to Buell on June 22, 1993. The fastening system may also provide means for maintaining the article in a disposal configuration, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,963,140, issued to Robertson et al. on October 16, 1990. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. In alternative embodiments, the opposing sides may be seamed or welded to form a panty. This allows the article to be used as a pull-on type diaper, such as a training panty.

The diaper 20 may also include side panels 30. These side panels 30 may be elastic or stretchable and provide a more comfortable and body-hugging fit by initially conforming the diaper 20 to the wearer and maintaining this fit throughout the wearer's period, long after the diaper has been removed.

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Φ Φ • Φ · diaper filled with body exudates because the elasticized side panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract. The side panels 30 can further provide for more efficient donning of the diaper 20 because if the diaper wearer pulls one elasticized side panel 30 further than the other (asymmetrically) during donning, the diaper 20 will “self-adjust” during wear.

Although the diaper 20 of the present invention preferably has side panels 30 disposed in the second waist region 38, the diaper 20 may be provided with side panels 30 disposed in the first waist region 36, or in both the first 36 and the second waist region 38. The side panels 30 may be assembled in any suitable arrangement. Examples of diapers with elasticized side panels are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,857,067, entitled "Disposable Diaper Having Gathered Ears," issued to Wood et al. on August 15, 1989; in U.S. Patent No. 4,381,781, issued to Sciaraff

et al. day May 3rd 1983; in US patent No. 4 938,753, awarded Bath The Gompels et al. on July 3 1990; here before referenced US patent No. 5,151 092, granted Buell et al. on the 9th. September 1992; in patent US No. 5,221 274, awarded Buell day June 22, 1993; in US patent No. 5 669,897,

issued to LaVon on September 23, 1997, entitled Absorbent Products Providing Permanent Dynamic Seating; in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/155,048, entitled Absorbent

product with to more directions with expandable side parts, filed on the 19th November 1993, on behalf of Robles et al.; of which everyone is in this material incorporated by reference. Diaper 20 preferably further includes leg cuffs 32, which

provide improved containment of fluids and other body exudates. Leg cuffs may also be referred to as leg bands, side flaps, barrier flaps, or elastic cuffs. U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper that

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provides a leg opening with a side flap and one or more elastic elements to secure an elasticized leg cuff (sealing cuff). U.S. Patents Nos. 4,808,178 and 4,909,803, issued to Aziz et al. on February 28, 1989 and March 20, 1990, respectively, describe a disposable diaper having stand-up elasticized flaps (barrier cuffs) that improve containment in the leg areas. U.S. Patents Nos. 4,695,278 and 4,795,454, issued to Lawson on September 22, 1987, and to Dragoo on January 3, 1989, describe disposable diapers having dual cuffs, including sealing cuffs and barrier cuffs. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to treat all or part of the leg cuffs with a skin care composition (or lotion) as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include pockets for receiving and retaining feces, spacers providing cavities for them, barriers for limiting their movement within the article, compartments or cavities that receive and retain fecal material deposited in the diaper, and the like, or any combination thereof. Examples of pockets and spacers for use in absorbent articles are described in U.S. Patent 5,514,121, issued to Roe et al. on May 7, 1996, entitled Diaper Having an Extrusive Spacer; U.S. Patent 5,171,236, issued to Dreier et al. on December 15, 1992, entitled Disposable Absorbent Article with Core Spacers; U.S. Patent 5,397,318, issued to Dreier on March 14, 1995, entitled Absorbent Article Having a Pocket Cuff; U.S. Patent No. 5,540,671, issued to Dreier on July 30, 1996, entitled Absorbent article having a pocket cuff with a peak; and PCT Application WO 93/25172, published December 3, 1993, entitled Spacer members for use in sanitary absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such a spacer; and U.S. Patent No. 5,540,671, issued to Dreier on July 30, 1996, entitled Spacer members for use in sanitary absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such a spacer; and U.S. Patent No. 5,540,671, issued to Dreier on July 30, 1996, entitled Spacer members for use in sanitary absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such a spacer;

No. 306,266, entitled Elastic spacers for use in disposable absorbent articles, issued to Freeland on April 26, 1994. Examples of compartments or cavities are described in U.S. Patent 4,968,312, entitled Disposable diaper with fecal compartment, issued to Khan on November 6, 1990; U.S. Patent 4,990,147, entitled Absorbent article with elastic cover for containment of fecal material, issued to Freeland on February 5, 1991; U.S. Patent 5,62(?) 840, entitled Disposable diapers, issued to Holt et al. on November 5, 1991; and U.S. Patent 5,269,755, entitled Three-piece topsheets for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles having such topsheets, issued to Freeland et al. on December 14, 1993. Examples of suitable transverse barriers are described in U.S. Patent 5,554,142, entitled Absorbent Article Having Multiple, Effective Height Transverse Divisions, issued September 10, 1996, to Dreier et al.; PCT Patent WO 94/14395, entitled Absorbent Article Having Upwardly Rising Transverse Divisions, published July 7, 1994, to Freeland et al.; and U.S. Patent 5,563,703, entitled Absorbent Article Having Angularly Rising Transverse Divisions, issued to Roe et al. on August 5, 1997. All of the above-cited references are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to or in place of the cavities, pockets, and barriers described above, embodiments of the invention preferably include a fecal control portion 120 capable of effectively and efficiently receiving, storing, and/or immobilizing viscous body fluids, such as flowing feces. The fecal control portion 120 may be located anywhere in the article, including the crotch region or either waist region, or may be associated with or contained in any structure or feature such as the core 28, leg cuff, and the like. In preferred embodiments, the fecal control portion 120 is located in an area of the article that is near the perianal region of the wearer when worn. This helps ensure that any excreted exudate is deposited on or near the fecal control portion 120.

As used herein, the term viscous fluid body fecal material, or VFBW, generally refers to any exudate excreted by the body that has a viscosity greater than about 10 cP (centipoise) and less than about 2 x 10 ⁵ cP at a shear rate of one unit 1/sec (at about 35 °C), more specifically between about 10 ³ cP and 10 ⁵ cP at a shear rate of one unit 1/sec, in a controlled-load rheometry test using parallel plates on a controlled-load rheometer (for comparison, water has a value of 1.0 cP at 20 degrees Celsius and Jif Creamy Hazelnut Butter (available from Procter and Gamble Co., Cincinnati, OH) has approximately 4 x 10 ⁵ cP at 25 °C at this same shear rate). The method for determining viscosity is described in detail in the Test Methods section below.

As used herein, the term uptake refers to the penetration of a structure by materials deposited thereon. Specifically, the term uptake refers to the penetration of a structure by a fluid when subjected to the conditions specified in the pressure uptake test described herein in the Test Methods section. Penetration is defined as the passage of materials through the surface of a structure upon which a material is deposited. Penetration of heterogeneous structures may be defined as the passage of material through a plane defining the surface of the structure upon which the material has been deposited. Pressure uptake is measured as the amount of material that penetrates the surface of a structure per unit area per unit of work performed. Work is an energy term related to the application of force over a distance. Thus, structures or parts that more readily absorb viscous, liquid bodily excrement require less energy to be expended per unit of viscous mass, ·« » • ·

liquid bodily waste received by a given structure. An alternative performance parameter in describing the penetration of a VFBW structure is the absorption rate. As used herein, the term absorption rate refers to the penetration of a structure by fluid per unit area per unit power when subjected to the conditions specified in the pressure absorption test described in the Test Methods section. Pressure absorption, or absorption, is measured as the amount of material that penetrates the surface of the structure per unit area per unit power. Power is a term relating to the amount of work done as a function of time (i.e., the rate at which a given amount of work is performed).

In preferred embodiments, the absorbent article of the invention should include a fecal control portion 120 having a pressure uptake of greater than about 0.077 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter of fecal control portion 120 per mJ (millijoules) of energy input. More preferably, the fecal control portion 120 should have a pressure uptake of greater than about 0.093 grams/ ^cm2 /mJ of viscous, liquid body feces. Even more preferably, the fecal control portion 120 should have a pressure uptake of greater than about 0.124 grams/ ^cm2 /mJ, and most preferably greater than about 0.155 grams/ ^cm2 /mJ of viscous, liquid body feces. Overall, uptake values between at least about 0.093 g/cm ² /mJ and about 1.550 g/cm ² /mJ, and between about 0.124 g/cm ² /mJ and about 1.550 g/cm ² /mJ have been found acceptable under pressure. Alternatively, the fecal control portion 120 should have a uptake under pressure of at least about 0.232 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter per mW (milliwatt) of power, preferably greater than about 0.465 g/cm ² /mW, even more preferably greater than about 0.775 g/cm ² /mW, most preferably greater than about 1.550 g/cm ² /mW. Generally, the compressive absorption is between at least about 0.232 and 7.751 g/cm ² /mW and may be between about 0.775 and about 7.751 g/cm ² /mW. (These preferred • · · · · · · • 9 · · · · · · · 9 • · ·····« parameters of absorption and compressive absorption relate to integrated products that are preferably evaluated when they are intended for use. That is, if the product intended for use includes more than one component or layer, all of the components or layers of that product should be arranged as they would be during normal use when their performance is measured. A more detailed description of the method for determining compressive absorption performance is included in the Test Methods section below.)

If the uptake efficiency at pressure is too low, more work must be done (i.e., more energy input to the system) to cause viscous, liquid body feces to penetrate the fecal control portion 120. This is important because the energy available to push viscous, liquid body feces into the fecal control portion 120 is limited and varies from wearer to wearer and from wear cycle to wear cycle. If the uptake efficiency at pressure is too low, more energy is required (i.e., a given amount of energy input is needed over a longer period of time) to cause viscous, liquid body feces to penetrate the fecal control portion 120. This is important because many energy sources are short-lived under actual use conditions (e.g., wearer movements). Furthermore, the properties of viscous, liquid body feces can vary considerably between different wearers. Therefore, the absolute amount of viscous, liquid body excrement that will penetrate a structure having a high viscous, liquid body excrement penetration per unit of work or power will be greater than the amount that will penetrate a structure having a lower uptake. High uptake or absorption values are also important for the overall performance of the absorbent article because only a portion of the expelled

9 9

9

9 9

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·· »· • « 9 · · 9 • 999

9

9999 99

9

9 3 • 99

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999 β· viscous, liquid body feces that is ingested can be stored and immobilized.

Once viscous, liquid body exudates have penetrated the fecal control portion 120, it is desirable to contain or retain these exudates for the remainder of the wear cycle from the wearer and from the caregiver during the change procedure of the product. As used herein, the term contain refers to the physical separation of the material contained in the diaper from the body-facing surface of the product such that the material contained in the diaper is not in direct contact with or accessible to the wearer's skin. Compressive containment, or containment, is measured as the amount of material retained in a given structure on a unit area basis, as described below in the Test Methods section. If the compressive containment (or storage) capacity is too low, the absolute amount of viscous, liquid body exudates that can be retained away from access to the skin per unit area will be reduced. Adequate storage capacity is essential to reduce the likelihood of leakage and contamination of the skin surface with viscous, liquid body waste, because viscous, liquid body waste that is stored is less likely to reach the body-facing surface of the structure to leak and move within the product.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the absorbent article should include a fecal management portion 120 having a viscous, liquid body waste retention value under pressure of greater than about 0.108 grams per square centimeter of fecal management portion 120. More preferably, the fecal management portion 120 should have a viscous, liquid body waste retention value under pressure of greater than about 0.124 grams per square centimeter of fecal management portion 120. Even more preferably, the fecal management portion 120 should have a viscous, liquid body waste retention value under pressure of greater than about 0.124 grams per square centimeter of fecal management portion 120.

pressure retention value of viscous, liquid body waste greater than about 0.155 grams per square centimeter, and most preferably greater than about 0.186 grams per square centimeter of viscous, liquid body waste. Generally, retention values of between at least about 0.124 g/cm ² and about 1.550 g/cm ² , and between about 0.155 and about 1.550 g/cm ² , have been found to be acceptable under pressure. (These preferred pressure retention parameters relate to integrated products that are preferably evaluated when they are intended for use. Accordingly, all given components or layers of the product should be arranged as they would be during normal use when their performance is measured. A more detailed description of how to determine pressure retention performance is included in the Test Methods section below.)

The pressure retention parameter is different from the uptake or capacity parameter in that it is an absolute measure of the amount of viscous, liquid bodily waste that can be imbibed into a given structure per unit area at a given applied pressure. Uptake or capacity, on the other hand, is a measure of the amount of material imbibed, normalized by the amount of energy that was expended, or current that was input, to force the material through the structure. While each of these numbers has value on its own, it is the combination of these parameters that provides a more accurate picture of the overall performance of a given structure. For example, the storage capacity of a structure cannot be fully utilized if the energy required to fill the capacity is greater than the energy available in a given user situation. As a result, the uptake of a structure may be high (i.e., the energy required to penetrate is low), but the storage capacity may be very low, limiting the overall effectiveness of the structure. Therefore, it is important to provide structures that have both adequate

capacity of viscous, liquid bodily wastes, requiring a minimum input of energy (work) or power to fill the usable capacity. Fig. 11 is a graphical representation of the relationship between the uptake and storage values at pressure of several structures, which are described in the examples below.

Viscous, liquid body exudates that are received by or penetrate the absorbent article are also preferably retained in the diaper away from the wearer. One preferred method of retaining body exudates, particularly viscous, liquid body exudates, is to immobilize the exudates in a location away from the wearer. As used herein, the term immobilize refers to the ability of a material or structure to retain the retained viscous, liquid body exudates under applied pressure and/or gravitational forces. Immobilization under reverse pressure cycling, or immobilization, can be achieved by increasing the viscosity of the exudates (e.g., by drainage), mechanical entrapment (i.e., a surface energy phenomenon driven by increased contact area of viscous, liquid body exudates with the interior regions of the material or structure), or any other means known in the art. Reverse pressure cycling retention, as described further below in the Test Methods section, is measured in terms of the percentage of viscous, liquid body waste, or its analog, that remains in a given structure after the structure is subjected to a reverse pressure cycle, as described below. Reverse pressure cycling retention, or retention, is an absolute measure of how much viscous, liquid body waste remains retained under stressful user conditions.

Preferably, the fecal control portion 120 should have a reverse pressure cycle retention value of greater than about 7.5 grams of viscous, liquid body feces that penetrate the structure. More preferably, the fecal control portion 120 should have a reverse pressure cycle retention value of greater than about 8.0 grams of viscous, liquid body feces, and most preferably greater than about 8.5 grams of viscous, liquid body feces, after being subjected to a reverse pressure cycle retention test as described below. Overall, acceptable reverse pressure cycle retention values of between at least about 7.5 g and about 100.0 g, and between about 8.0 g and about 100.0 g have been found. Under the same conditions, the fecal control portion 120 should have a reverse pressure cycle retention value of at least about 70% of the viscous, liquid body feces received by the fecal management portion 120. More preferably, the fecal control portion 120 should have a reverse pressure cycle retention value of at least about 80%, and most preferably at least about 85% of the viscous, liquid body feces received by the fecal control portion 120. Overall, acceptable reverse pressure cycle retention values of between at least about 70% and about 100%, and between about 80% and about 100% have been found. (These preferred immobilization and pressure retention parameters relate to integrated products that are preferentially evaluated when they are intended for use. Accordingly, when measuring their performance, all given components or layers of that product should be arranged as they would be during normal use. A more detailed description of how immobilization and pressure retention performance is determined is included in the Test Methods section below.)

Without appropriate immobilization and retention performance, the effects of improved acquisition and retention performance may be diminished because viscous, liquid body waste may return to the body-facing surface of the structure, increasing the likelihood of leakage or contamination of the wearer's skin. Furthermore, immobilization is most effective when the structure first acquires the waste and then stores it. Viscous, liquid body waste that is immobilized before being stored away from the wearer's skin may remain on the top layer in contact with the skin. Immobilization of viscous, liquid body waste that is in contact with the skin may increase the effort required of the caregiver during the change/cleaning procedure and increases the likelihood of residual contamination at the microscopic level. This microscopic contamination refers to fecal residue that remains on the skin but is not readily visible to the naked human eye. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 9 and 10, in relation to a given structure, at least three parameters (acquisition, storage and immobilization, or acquisition, storage and retention) could be useful in determining its usefulness for the effective management of viscous, liquid body waste.

Although structures that receive, store, and immobilize viscous, liquid bodily excrement are preferred, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the fecal management portion 120 may only include a receiving portion, a storage portion, and/or an immobilization portion, or may include a combination of two of these portions, but not the third. In some embodiments, a single portion may also perform more than one function (e.g., a storage portion may perform both a storage and immobilization function). For example, an absorbent article of the present invention may include a receiving and storage element for managing viscous, liquid bodily excrement, without a separate immobilization element per se. Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to determine suitable, individual receiving, storage, and immobilization elements (portions) and measure their effectiveness separately from the integral structure of the absorbent article. The following discussion identifies several, but not all, suitable receiving, storage, and immobilizing elements that may be used independently of each other or in some combination and a preferred method for determining their relative effectiveness.

Receiving element

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fecal management portion 120 includes an acquisition means or acquisition element 150. The acquisition element 150 is that portion of the diaper 20 that is intended to acquire bodily waste deposited in the diaper 20, and more particularly is intended to acquire viscous, liquid bodily waste. The acquisition element 150 should preferably have a compression acquisition value of greater than 0.108 g/cm ² /mJ viscous, liquid bodily waste or an equivalent analog. Preferably, the acquisition element 150 should have a compression acquisition value of greater than 0.124 g/cm ² /mJ and most preferably greater than 0.155 g/cm ² /mJ viscous, liquid bodily waste. Overall, uptake values of between at least about 0.930 g/cm ² /mJ and about 1.550 g/cm ² /mJ have been found acceptable under pressure, and between about 0.124 g/cm ² /mJ and about 1.550 g/cm ² /mJ. Alternatively, the fecal control portion 120 should have a uptake of at least about 0.232 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter per mW (milliwatt) of power under pressure, preferably greater than about 0.465 g/cm ² /mW, even more preferably greater than about 0.775 g/cm ² /mW, most preferably greater than about 1.550 g/cm ² /mW. Generally, the compressive strength is between at least about 0.232 and 7.751 g/cm ² /mW and may be between about 0.775 and 7.751 g/cm ² /mW.

If the acquisition efficiency or capacity is too low, more work must be done, or more current must be applied (i.e., more energy input to the system), respectively, to cause the viscous, liquid body excrement to penetrate the excrement control portion 120. As noted above, high acquisition efficiency or pressure capacity is important to the overall performance of the absorbent article because excrement that is not acquired will remain in contact with the wearer's skin. Furthermore, as contemplated by the present invention, only a portion of the viscous, liquid body excrement that is acquired can be stored and immobilized away from the wearer's skin.

The acquisition element 150 may be any material or structure capable of acquiring body exudates, as described above. The acquisition element 150 may comprise a single material or a plurality of materials operably joined together. Furthermore, the acquisition element 150 may be integral with another element of the diaper 20 or may be connected by one or more portions directly or indirectly to one or more elements of the diaper 20. If desired, any portion or all of the acquisition element 150 may be removed from the absorbent article for separate disposal.

The acquisition element 150 is preferably disposed at least partially in the crotch region 37 of the diaper 20, adjacent the surface to the body 47 of the core 28, although in some alternative embodiments, the acquisition element 150 may include at least a portion of a leg cuff, a waistband, a fecal material retention pocket, or the like, or may be operably connected to any such arrangement. Preferably, at least a portion of the acquisition element 150 is disposed in a region of the diaper 20 that is, when worn, close to the wearer's anus, unobstructed by overlapping layers of structures such as the topsheet 24. Accordingly, it may be desirable to cut through a portion of the topsheet 24 in the region of the product that is expected to be located near the wearer's anus and provide the acquisition element 150 as a side cover in that region. Alternatively, any portion or whole of the top layer 24 may be fabricated or processed to function as a receiving element • · φφφ φ φ φ ·

150. In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 , the acquisition element 150 comprises at least a portion of the topsheet 24. In other embodiments, the acquisition element 150 may comprise at least a portion of other parts of the diaper such as the absorbent core 28 or the storage element (described below).

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide the diaper 20 with different acquisition or absorption performance in different parts of the diaper. This may be accomplished by providing different acquisition elements in different regions of the diaper 20 or by providing a single acquisition element 150 that has been manufactured or processed to have regions with different acquisition characteristics. Furthermore, the acquisition element 150 may be elevated above the plane of the body-facing surface of the article to better manage the viscous liquid bodily wastes that are excreted. In some embodiments, it may even be desirable to have the acquisition element 150 in contact with the wearer's skin near the source of such wastes (e.g., the perianal region).

Suitable materials and structures for use as the receiving element 150 may include apertured nonwovens, apertured films, apertured formed films, scrims, woven structures, mesh, macroporous thin foams, and the like. One particularly preferred material is a woven mesh, available as a Toy Tub Bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA. Furthermore, the receiving element 150, or any portion thereof, may be coated with a skin care agent or other known substances to add, enhance, or alter the performance or other characteristics of the portion. For example, the receiving element 150 may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, or treated to be both.

Table 1 shows the acquisition and compression performance of several materials. The acquisition and compression data for the individual acquisition portions shown in Fig. 1 are generated in the same manner as the acquisition and compression data for the integral samples tested below, except that the samples tested for Table 1 contain only the acquisition element 150. Furthermore, the acquisition element 150 is tested in conjunction with a standard reservoir portion 147 rather than with the underlying structure of the absorbent article from which the acquisition element 150 was taken. (A standard supply element 147 comprises an aluminum square plate with an area of 25.8 cm ² and a thickness of 1.6 mm, having a pattern of 153 regularly spaced holes 168 with a diameter of 4.3 millimeters, as shown in Fig. 4. These holes are arranged so that there are approximately 4 holes per square centimeter.)

Table I

Pressure-assisted reception using standard stock

Receiving element

Pressure absorption (g/inch ² /mJ)

Compressive strength (g/inch ² /mW)

Hydroentangled, perforated, 0.45 nonwoven structure GH437 from Chicopee lne.,

North Charleston, SC

Perforated, vacuum formed 0.16 film X-3265 from Tredegar Corp. of Terre Haute, IN

3.54 Woven Mesh (Toy Tub Bag) by Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA

1.65

0.27

4.49

In obtaining suitable acquisition and storage performance, one parameter has been found to be related to the total effective open area of the acquisition element 150. In order to achieve suitable measurements of the total effective open area, the acquisition element 150 may include apertures. If the acquisition element 150 includes apertures, the apertures preferably have an effective aperture size of at least 0.2 square millimeters, more preferably at least 0.5 square millimeters, even more preferably at least 1.0 square millimeters, and most preferably at least 2.0 square millimeters. Generally, preferred effective aperture sizes are between about 0.2 square millimeters and about 50 square millimeters, and preferably between about 1.0 square millimeters and about 25 square millimeters.

The effective hole size and percent open area can be determined by the procedure described in column 10, line 44 through column 12, line 32 of U.S. Patent No. 5,342,338, entitled Disposable Absorbent Product for Low Viscosity Fecal Material, issued to Roe on August 30, 1994, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Storage element

The fecal management portion 120 of the present invention also preferably includes a storage means, or storage element 152, capable of storing viscous, liquid body feces received by the receiving element 150 and/or other overlying layer(s), if any. In preferred embodiments, the storage element 152 should have a storage value under pressure of about 0.1 g/cm ² of viscous, liquid body feces. Preferably, the storage element 152 should be capable of storing more than about 0.12 g/cm ² of viscous, liquid body feces. Even more preferably, the storage element 152 should be capable of storing more than about 0.15 g/cm ² of viscous, liquid body feces, and most preferably, more than about 0.18 g/cm ² of viscous, liquid body feces. Overall, acceptable retention values under pressure were found to be at least about 0.12 g/cm ² and about 1.5 g/cm ² , and between about 0.15 g/cm ² and about 1.5 g/cm ² .

The storage element 152 may be located anywhere in the diaper 20. However, it is preferred that the storage element 152 be operatively connected to the acquisition element 150 and/or the topsheet 24, if any, so that viscous, liquid body waste received by the acquisition element 150 may enter the storage element 152. (Embodiments are contemplated in which the diaper 20 has no topsheet 24 or acquisition element 150. In such cases, the body waste may enter the storage element 152 directly, without passing through any overlying structure.) In any event, it is preferred that the storage element 152 be located in the region of the diaper 20 that is located closest to the wearer's anus when the diaper is worn. Accordingly, it is preferred that at least a portion of the storage element 152 be disposed in the crotch region 37 of the absorbent article. However, in some alternative embodiments, the storage element 152 may include at least a portion of either a waist region, a leg cuff, a waistband, a fecal exudate retention pocket, or the like, or may be operably associated with any such feature. Furthermore, the storage element 152 may be elevated above the plane of the body-facing surface of the article to better control the discharge of viscous, liquid fecal matter. In some embodiments, it may even be desirable to have the storage element 152 in contact with the wearer's skin near the source of such viscous, liquid fecal matter (e.g., in the perianal region).

• ··» · · · ♦*·· · • ♦<·· * · · ···« ·· ·· ·· ·· ···

The pressure storage performance of the storage element 152 may vary within the diaper 20. Such variations may be achieved by using multiple storage elements 152 within the diaper 20 or by providing a single storage element with regions of different pressure storage capacities. Further, if desired, any portion or all of the storage element 152 may be removable from the absorbent article for separate disposal.

The storage element 152 may be any material or structure capable of storing body exudates, as described above. Accordingly, the storage element 152 may comprise a single material or a plurality of materials operably connected to one another. Furthermore, the storage element 152 may be integral with another portion of the diaper 20 or may be one or more separate portions of the diaper 20 connected directly or indirectly to one another. In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, the storage element 152 comprises a structure that is separate from the core 28. However, embodiments are contemplated in which the storage element 152 comprises at least a portion of the core 28.

Suitable materials for use as the reservoir element 152 may include large-cell open-cell foams, macroporous compression-resistant and nonwovens, highly expanded materials, large particle size forms of open and closed cellular foams (macro and/or microporous), highly expanded nonwovens, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyurethane foams or particles, structures comprising a plurality of vertically oriented looped strands of fibers, the absorbent core structures described above having perforated holes or recesses, and the like. (As used herein, the term microporous refers to materials that are capable of transporting fluids by capillary action. The term macroporous refers to materials having pores too large to effect capillary fluid transport, generally having pores greater than about 0.5 mm.

9« 99 ·« • * 9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9

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9999 >> ··

9

9

99

9

9

9»9 99 99 9 in diameter and more particularly, having pores greater than about 1 mm in diameter.) One embodiment includes a looped mechanical fastener element having an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5 millimeters, available as XPL-7124, from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Another embodiment includes a crimped, resin-bonded, 6 denier, highly lightweight nonwoven material having a basis weight of 110 grams per square meter and an uncompressed thickness of 7.9 mm, available from Glit Company of Wrens, Georgia, USA. The reservoir element 152, or any portion thereof, may include or be coated with a skin care agent or other known substances to add, enhance, or alter the performance or other characteristics of the element.

An alternative embodiment of the storage element 152 includes a macroparticle structure 170 comprising a plurality of discrete particles 172, non-limiting examples of which are illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. The macroparticles 172 preferably have a nominal size, preferably between about 1.0 mm and about 25.4 mm, and more preferably between about 2 mm and about 16 mm. However, particles as small as 0.5 mm and smaller, and particles larger than about 25.4 mm are also contemplated. Particles having a nominal size of about 1.0 mm or larger are those that are generally retained on the surface of a standard (U.S.) 18 mesh sieve. Particles having a nominal size of less than about 25.4 mm are those that pass through a standard (U.S.) 25.4 mm mesh sieve. Particles having a nominal size of 16 mm or larger are those that are retained on the surface of a standard (U.S.) 16 mesh (mm) sieve. The nominal particle size is measured before the particles are incorporated into the storage element 152 for testing or use. Particles having a nominal size of 8 mm or • · *· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 9 9 9

99999 9 9 99 9 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

9999 99 99 999 ·· 999 larger ones are those that are retained overall on the surface of a standard (USA) 8 mm mesh sieve.

The macroparticulate structure 170 may include any number of particles 172. Furthermore, the particles 172 may be unconnected and free to move within the structure 170 or may be connected to each other by any known means. Alternatively, the structure 170 may include an external support such as a hot melt adhesive, a web, mesh, scrim or fiber, or other adhesive or non-adhesive interwoven supports. Any particle 172 may also be connected to any other part of the diaper assembly such as a topsheet or core. The particles 172 may also be confined in patterned, three-dimensional regions such as pleats, pads, and pockets.

The individual particles 172 may be made of any material suitable for use in absorbent articles, including those described above with respect to the absorbent core 28 or storage element 152. The materials used in the particles 172 may be absorbent, non-absorbent, microporous, macroporous, flexible, inflexible, etc., or may have any other desirable characteristics. Examples of macroporous absorbent materials suitable for use in the particles 172 include highly expanded nonwovens, open-cell foams, fiber bundles, sponges, and the like. Other absorbent materials include cellulose-based webs, capillary-channeled fibers, osmotic storage materials such as superabsorbent polymers, and the like. Non-absorbent particles 172 may include plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass materials, closed-cell foams, column packing materials, synthetic fibers, gels, encapsulated gas, liquids, and the like. Additionally, any or all of the particles 172 may include odor absorbers, lotions, skin care products, antimicrobial materials, pH buffers, enzyme inhibitors, and the like.

The storage element 152 may comprise a single type of particle 172 (size, shape, material, etc.) or may comprise a mixture of different particles 172. This mixture may be homogeneous; heterogeneous, such as particles 172 having different properties being arranged in certain areas of the storage element 152; layered; or any other arrangement. In some embodiments, more than one type of mixture may be used (e.g., macroporous and non-absorbent particles 172 may be homogeneously mixed in one layer, while another layer contains only absorbent particles.) The different layers of particles may be directly adjacent to each other or may be separated by one or more materials such as mesh, scrim, nonwoven or woven structure, foam, adhesive, and the like.

The macroparticle structure 170 preferably includes a continuous, interstices-like hollow space 174 defined by the space between the particles 172. By varying the size and/or shape of the particles 172, the void space 174 can be controlled. The particles can have any known shape, including spheres, oblate spheroids, rectangular and polygonal solids, and the like. Table II shows the hollow fractions of particles having specific alternative shapes and nominal sizes. Other suitable shapes and hollow fractions are described in Perry's Handbook of Chemical Engineering, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1984, at pages 18-20.

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44 444 444

TABLE II

Type of filling

Nominal size (nm)

Hollow fraction

Sedelky Berlovy 6 0.60 13 0.62 Intalox Seats 6 0.75 13 0.78 Pall Rings 16 0, 87-0.92 Raschig rings 6 0.62 13 0.64 19 0.72 Regardless of assembly of a stock element 152, this

should resist compression so as to maintain a significant level of capacity (volume) when a compressive force is applied thereto. The reservoir element 152 preferably has the ability to maintain at least about 35% of its original thickness when a compressive force of 6.89 kPa (1 psi) is applied to the structure. More preferably, the reservoir element 152 should have the ability to maintain at least about 50%, and most preferably at least about 70%, of its original thickness when a compressive force of about 6.9 kPa (1 psi) is applied to the structure. Overall, in preferred embodiments, the reservoir element 152 has the ability to maintain between at least about 35% and 99% of its original thickness when a compressive force of 6.9 kPa is applied to the structure. More preferably, the reservoir element 152 should have the ability to maintain between about 50% and 95% of its original thickness when a compressive force of 6.9 kPa is applied to the structure. The storage element 152 should also be capable of recovering to substantially its original thickness when the force is removed. The storage element 152 should preferably recover to at least about 80% of its original thickness, and more preferably at least about 99% of its original thickness after the 6.9 kPa compressive force is removed.

In addition to its storage function, the storage element 152 can transport viscous, liquid bodily waste within the absorbent article 20 in directions generally parallel to the plane of the backsheet 26. This transport can be active, such that capillary or other forces result in the movement of the viscous, liquid bodily waste or its components (e.g., free water). In other embodiments, this transport can be passive, such that the viscous, liquid bodily waste or its components move through the structure under the influence of externally applied forces such as gravity, wearer pressure, or wearer movement. In the case of passive transport, the storage element 152 should have relatively large, unconnected channels, or the like, such that the viscous, liquid bodily waste can easily move through the structure with minimal energy input.

Table III contains data on the pressure retention performance of several individual storage element structures. The pressure retention performance of individual storage elements 152 can be measured in the same manner as in the pressure retention test described below with respect to integral structures except that the individual storage elements 152 are tested separately from any other structure and under a standard receiving element 150. The standard receiving element 150 is a stainless steel wire cloth, Type 304 (standard grade), 16 x 16 mesh, available under the designation #9226T45, from McMaster Carr Supply Company of Chicago,

Illinois, USA.

• · · · • · · · • 9 99 9 • · • · · · 99

TABLE III

Pressure storage using standard receiver

Storage element

Storage pressure (g/inch ² )

Pampers Premium diaper receiving layer, 0.45 size 5, from P&G, Cincinnati, OH

Looped attachment element of Comparative 0.52 Example 5, without perforated, vacuum-formed top layer film

Large-cell molded film of Comparative 0.70 Example 3, without hydroentangled, perforated, nonwoven topsheet structure

Particles from the brush of Example 3, without the 1.14 top layer of woven mesh

Mixture of brush particles and foam strips 1.80

Example 5, without woven mesh top layer

Layered assembly of brush particles and foam strips 1.89 of Example 6, without top woven mesh layer

Immobilizing element

Additionally, or in place of either the receiving element 150 or the storage element 152, the fecal material management portion 120 of the present invention preferably includes an immobilizing means or immobilizing element 154. This immobilizing element 154 should be capable of immobilizing and retaining viscous, liquid bodily excrement received and stored by the absorbent article. The immobilizing element 154 should preferably have immobilization values corresponding to at least about 70% of the viscous, liquid body feces received by the feces control portion 120. More preferably, the immobilizing element 154 should have immobilization values corresponding to at least about 80%, and most preferably at least about 85%, of the viscous, liquid body feces received by the feces control portion 120. In general, values between at least about 70% and about 100%, and between about 80% and about 100%, have been found to be acceptable immobilization values during the reverse compression cycle. Furthermore, the immobilizing element 154 should be capable of retaining greater than about 7.5 g of viscous, liquid body feces that penetrate the structure. More preferably, the immobilizing element 154 should be capable of retaining greater than about 8.0 grams of viscous, liquid bodily waste, and most preferably greater than about 8.5 grams of viscous, liquid bodily waste that penetrates the structure. Generally, retention values between at least about 7.5 and about 100.0 grams, and between about 8.0 grams and about 100.0 grams have been found to be acceptable during the reverse compression cycle.

The immobilization element 154 may be any material or structure capable of limiting the tendency of viscous, liquid body excrements that have penetrated the immobilization element 154 to not exit the structure. Accordingly, the immobilization element 154 may comprise a single material or a plurality of materials functionally associated with one another. Furthermore, the immobilization element 154 may be integral with another portion of the diaper 20 or may be one or more elements connected directly or indirectly to one or more portions of the diaper 20. For example, the immobilization element 154 may be a non-bonded layer of material disposed beneath the storage element 152 or may comprise all or a portion of the storage element 152 that is capable of immobilizing and containing viscous, liquid body excrements, as described above.

In any event, it is preferred that the immobilizing element 154 be operatively associated with the storage element 152 and the receiving element 150. This is necessary to ensure that viscous liquid bodily wastes received and/or stored by the product pass into or come into contact with the immobilizing element 154. Accordingly, it may be desirable to position the immobilizing element 154 below the storage element 152 and the receiving element 150, at least in a portion of the crotch region 37 of the product. However, as noted above, if the storage element 152 has transfer capabilities, the immobilization element 154 can be positioned anywhere in the diaper 20 such that viscous, liquid body wastes received and/or stored can be transferred to the immobilization element 154. Further, as in the case of the receiving and storage elements 150 and 152, the diaper 20 can have uniform or non-uniform performance characteristics under a reversed compression cycle. Thus, in an article having regions of varying immobilization and/or retention performance, one or more immobilization elements 154 can be incorporated. Further, if desired, any portion or all of the immobilization element 154 can be removed from the absorbent article for separate disposal.

Suitable materials for the immobilizing element 154 include microporous foams, superabsorbent polymer particles or fibers, cellulose-based fibers, capillary channel fibers, braided synthetic fiber webs, and the like. Some preferred materials include foam absorbent materials such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,260,345; 5,387,207; and 5,625,222. Other preferred materials include absorbent gel materials such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345, entitled High Performance Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Control, issued to Young et al. on September 15, 1992. Each of these patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

• ····· · · · · · · • · · · · · · · · · · * · · · · · · · ·

Data for several individual immobilization elements are provided in Table IV. The reverse pressure cycle immobilization performance test of the individual immobilization element 154 is the same as the reverse pressure cycle immobilization test method described below for structures arranged as intended for use except that it is performed only on the individual reservoir element 152 and does not include overlapping portions such as top layers or receiving portions. Next, the sample is tested with a standard receiving portion 150, described below (the fecal analog, or imitation, B, described below is used for the test).

TABLE IV

Immobilization during reverse pressure cycling using a standard receiver

Storage element

Pampers Premium diaper liner, size 5, from P&G, Cincinnati, OH

Storage pressure (g/inch ² )

0.45

Immobilization during reverse pressure cycle

Looped attachment element of Comparative Example 5, without perforated, vacuum-formed top layer film

0.52

Formed foil with large chambers 0.70

Comparative Example 3, without hydroentangled, perforated, nonwoven topsheet structure

Brush particles from Example 3, 1,14 without top layer of woven mesh • φ φ φ φ φ « φφ φφφφ φφφφ φφφ φφφφφ φ φ «φ φ φφφφ φφ φφ φφφ φφφφφ

Mixture of brush particles and foam strips 1.80 81 of Example 5, without woven mesh top layer

Layered assembly of brush particles and 1.89 78 foam strips of Example 6, without top woven mesh layer

Preferred rendering

As noted above, the present invention is applicable to many types of absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence briefs, incontinence undergarments or pads, absorbent pads, diaper holders and diaper covers, feminine hygiene garments, wipes, disposable mops, bandages, and the like. Accordingly, the following examples of preferred embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention is an absorbent article 20, shown in Fig. 5 and 6. The absorbent article 20 has a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38, and a crotch region 37 disposed between the first 36 and second 38 waist regions. The diaper 20 includes a topsheet 24, a backsheet 26, and an absorbent core 28 disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26. The topsheet 24 is disposed in at least a portion of the first waist region 36 adjacent the body-facing surface 47 of the core 28. The diaper 20 also includes a receiving portion or element 150 connected to the topsheet 24 and extending longitudinally away from the topsheet 24 through at least a portion of the crotch region 37 and at least a portion of the second waist region 38. The receiving element 150 includes a woven mesh fabric available as a Tub Toy Bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA.

» » · · φ · φ φ φ • φφ» φφφφ φφφ φ φφφφφ φ φ «φ φ » φ φφφφ Φ·Φ φφφφ φ» φφ φφφ φφ φφφ

The diaper 20 further includes a storage element 152 disposed between the acquisition element 150 and the backsheet 26. The storage element 152 is disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region 37 and in at least a portion of the second waist region 38. In this embodiment, the storage element 152 includes a macroparticulate structure 170 comprising particles 172. Specifically, the macroparticulate structure 170 comprises about two grams of the brush particles of Example 4, below, mixed with about 0.35 grams of strips of foam absorbent material having a basis weight of 45 grams per square meter, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345. The strips have dimensions of about 19 millimeters in length, 6.4 millimeters in width, and 2 millimeters in thickness. The brush particles are distributed over an area of 6.35 x 16.2 cm (103.2 cm ² ), arranged along the longitudinal axis of an approximately 0.8 mm thick, thin foam absorbent material (described in U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207, which is incorporated herein by reference), with a basis weight of 126 grams per square meter. These particles are relatively uniformly mixed with the absorbent foam strips and unrestricted in movement within the area surrounded by the thin foam absorbent layer. The particles and strips are preferably not attached to the top layer of woven mesh or to any other layer. The acquisition element 150 is attached to the underlying layers outside the perimeter of the thin foam absorbent layer.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the absorbent article of the present invention may be a panty liner 21 or sanitary napkin, which is intended to be placed on the wearer alone or placed within the wearer's undergarment, outer packaging, or the like. Accordingly, the panty liner 21 is generally not intended to be in the form of a panty, but rather is intended to be used in conjunction with a panty or other structure that holds the panty liner 21 in place about the wearer. Absorbent Panty • 9

9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 • 999 9 9 9 Φ « Φ Φ φ • ·Φ·φ φ · φ

The panty liner 21 has a pair of opposed end regions 135 separated by a central region 137 and includes an absorbent assembly 27 that may include an absorbent core 28, an acquisition element 150, a storage element 152, and/or an immobilization element 154. The liner 21 may also include one or more attachment elements 41 that, during use, retain the liner 21 in place in the panty and/or in the outer packaging 29. The attachment element 41 may include adhesive, cohesive, hooks, snaps, buckles, buttons, laces, magnetic, electronic, and/or any other known means of attaching absorbent articles to undergarment components.

TESTING METHODS

Viscosity

Viscosity can be measured with a controlled strain rheometer. A suitable rheometer is available from TA Instruments, Inc. of New Castle, DE, as model number SC ² 100. The instrument uses a stainless steel parallel plate fixture. The rheometer has a rigid horizontal first plate on which the sample is placed and a second plate mounted across the first plate so that the axis of the second plate is perpendicular to the first plate. The second plate has a diameter of 2 or 4 centimeters. The 2 cm diameter parallel plate is used for solid, pasty, or highly viscous samples, while the 4 cm diameter parallel plate is used for very fluid or water-like fecal samples. The first and second plates are spaced within 2000 microns of each other during the measurement procedure. The second plate is connected to a drive shaft for axial rotation. The drive motor and tension sensor are also mounted on the drive shaft.

ΦΦ ·· ·» · φφ • φφφ φ · φ · φφφ φ ΦΦΦΦΦ φ φ φφ φ φφφφ φφ φφ φφφ φφ φφφ

A suitable sample (typically 2 to 3 grams) of the faecal analogue to be tested is centered on the first plate and generally centered under the axis of the second plate. Prior to this test, any large pieces of undigested food material (e.g. seeds) are removed. The first plate is lifted into position. Excess sample that has moved beyond the diameter of the second plate is removed using a lancet. Water is then misted around the edges of the sample to prevent edge effects due to moisture loss during the measurement process. A programmed application of shear stress (or shear stress) from 500~ ^s to 500,000~ ⁵ newtons/ ^cm2 for pasty and solid samples is applied to the sample by the rheometer. A shear stress range of 50" ⁵ to 50,000" ⁵ newtons/ ^cm2 is used instead for flowable and watery samples. The data are fitted to a power law function, where apparent viscosity - kj ^(n_1> , k = consistency (units cP times sec ⁽ⁿ ~ ^lf , j = shear rate (units 1/sec), an = shear index (dimensionless). Thus, when j = one unit 1/sec, viscosity = k. (The plates are maintained at 35° C during the test.)

Acceptance and absorption under pressure

The pressure acceptance is measured by the following test using the apparatus 139 shown in Fig. 2. A hollow Plexiglas cylinder 140 is provided, mounted on a stainless steel plate 142, about 9.5 mm thick. This plate 142 is about 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm square. The cylinder 140 and plate combination is 7.6 cm high, has an inner diameter of 5.08 cm and an outer diameter of 6.3 cm. The bottom of the cylinder 140 extends below the plate 142 by a distance of about 3.5 mm. A nozzle 143 prevents the test fluid 166 from escaping beyond the designated test area. Two 625 gram weights 156 are also provided, each having a diameter of 5.08 cm.

A cylindrically shaped plexiglass weight 144 is provided, weighing 24.6 grams. The weight 144 is 2 inches in diameter, so that it fits snugly inside the cylinder 140, but is free to slide through the opening 141 in the cylinder 140. This arrangement provides a pressure of about 119 Pa and a test area of about ⁸ square inches. If desired, the weight 144 may have a handle 145 so that it can be easily inserted in and out of the cylinder 140. In such cases, the combined weight of the handle 145 and the cylindrical weight 144 should be 24.6 grams.

A sample 146 of the structure is provided for testing the compressive properties. The sample 146 may be cut from an existing diaper or may be assembled from material that has not been formed into a diaper. The sample 146 comprises the entire structure for use in the product or the entire structure of the product, including the topsheet 161, for evaluation. (To measure the compressive performance of individual acquisition elements (parts), as described above in the Acquisition Element section, the compressive acquisition test is conducted using a standard stock element 147, in place of any underlying structure or layers.) The sample 146 should be cut into a square measuring 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm.

Five sheets of high basis weight absorbent paper 149 are provided, measuring 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm. The top sheet 161 of sample 146 is removed and the remaining components, or layers, of sample 146 (if there are multiple components or layers) and the five sheets of absorbent paper 149 are weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram. Thus, if sample 146 is to be taken from a diaper, the layers of that diaper such as topsheets, secondary topsheets, acquisition layers, absorbent cores, etc., should be separated prior to weighing. (In some cases, a single layer may include two or more permanently bonded components.) In doing so, care must be taken to ensure that the specimen 146 is not destroyed or that unintended gross deformation of any portion of the specimen is not caused. The specimen layers 146 may be frozen to aid in their separation from adjacent specimen layers 146. Freezing may be accomplished using a PH100-15 peripheral freezer, available from Philips ECG, Inc. of Waltham, Massachusetts.

The sample 146 should be reassembled as originally arranged on top of five stacked layers of absorbent material 149, with the side of the sample 146 that is intended to face the wearer facing up and away from the absorbent material 149. The absorbent material 149 is preferably filter grade paper, available from Ahlstrom Filtration, Inc. of Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania under the designation #632025, having a basis weight of about 90 grams per square meter.

The combined sample assembly 146 and the suction material 149 are centered on the work surface of a Stevens-Farnell texture analyzer 160, model QTS 7113-5 kg (available from Leonard Farnell Co. of Hatfield, GB), under a probe 162. A suitable probe 162 is a 100 cm, flat-ended, cylindrical, aluminum stretch rod QTSM3100, available from Leonard Farnell Co. of Hatfield, GB. The cylinder 140 is centered on the sample 146. Two 625 gram weights 156 are placed at opposite corners (diagonally) of the plate 142 to stabilize it. A syringe with a bore of about 5-6 mm is used to dispense a dose of approximately 10 cubic centimeters of the imitation, or analog 166 (analog A is described below) of viscous, liquid bodily feces, through an opening in the cylinder 140 onto the top of the sample 146.

An analogue of viscous, liquid body feces, Analog A, is fecal material made by mixing 10 grams of Carbopol 941 available from the B.F. Goodrich Company of Brecksville,

Ohio, USA, or equivalent acrylic polymer, in 900 milliliters of distilled water. Carbopol 941 and distilled water are weighed and measured separately. A three-bladed impeller having a 5.08 cm diameter paddle (available from VWR Scientific Products Corp. of Cincinnati, Ohio, catalog number BR4553-64, attached to a 1 cm diameter mixing shaft, BR4553-52, is used to mix the distilled water. The impeller speed during mixing should be constant at 450 rpm. The mixer should create a vortex without splashing. The Carbopol is slowly sieved into the water by being drawn into the vortex and mixed without forming white lumps or fisheyes. The mixture is mixed until all the Carbopol is added and then for a further two minutes. The sides of the bowl containing the mixture should be scraped and the container should be rotated as necessary to achieve a homogeneous mixture. (The mixture will probably be slightly clouded with air bubbles.) One hundred grams of of 1.0 N NaOH stock solution, available from J.T. Baker Co., Philipsburg, NJ, and the mixture is stirred until homogeneous. The mixture should become thick and clear. After the alkaline solution is added, the mixture should be stirred for 2 minutes. The neutralized mixture should be allowed to equilibrate for at least 12 hours and then, within 96 hours, should be used for the pressure acceptance test. Before use, the Carbopol mixture should be stirred in the container for about 1 minute at low speed (about 50 rpm) to ensure its homogeneity.

Analog A, when properly prepared, should have a hardness value between 55 and 65 grams. This hardness is measured using a Stevens-Farnell Texture Analyzer, QTS-25, Model 7113-5 kg, and associated software on an Intel-based computer having a 486 or higher processor. A 1.27 cm thick, stainless steel spherical probe and a material analog container are provided. A suitable probe is the TA18 probe, available from Leonard Farnell Co. of Hatfield, GB. Analog Container • · • 9 • 9 ·· 99 • ♦ · · · · · · · 9 9 • 9·· 99 9

9 9 9

9999 99 99 material can be made by cutting a 7 milliliter scintillation vial of linear low density polyethylene (having an inside diameter of 13.97 mm +/- 0.127 mm) to a length of 15 millimeters. Suitable vials are available from Kimble Glass Company of Vineland, New Jersey, as vial #58503-7. The test material analog container is filled to within 2 millimeters of the top with this material. The vial is centered under a spherical 1.27 cm stainless steel probe. The probe is lowered to within about 1 millimeter of the surface of the material in the vial. Probe 162 is moved downward 7 millimeters at a rate of 100 mm per minute and then stopped. The hardness is the maximum recorded resistance force encountered by the probe in its 7 mm path. (The room and analogon temperature should be between approximately 18.3 and 23.8 °C during the measurement.)

Once the appropriate amount of viscous, liquid body fecal material 166, Analogon A, has been measured into the cylinder 140, a 24.6 gram weight 144 is slowly inserted into the opening in the cylinder 140 until it rests on the surface of the analogon. The texture analyzer 160 is activated by the probe 162 compressing the cylindrical weight 144 at a rate of 10 mm per minute until a resistance force of about 144.6 grams is reached. The texture analyzer 160 is set to stop its downward pull once a resistance force of 144.6 grams is reached. The recorder is set to trigger at a resistance force of 5 grams (the maximum resistance force of 144.6 grams corresponds to an applied pressure of 700 Pa, or 0.1 pounds per square inch). Once a resistance force of 144.6 grams is reached, the probe 162 is retracted to its starting position.

The weight 144 is removed from the cylinder 140 and the cylinder 140 is then removed from the surface of the sample 146, taking care not to drip any of the analogon A remaining in the cylinder 140 onto the sample 146. The top layer 161 of the sample 146 is then removed from the cylinder 140.

• ··· · ► · » · · · · » · ··· · the backing layer(s) of the sample 146 by pulling the top layer 161 parallel to the surface of the backing layers, if possible. For certain structures where it is difficult to remove the top layer 161 by pulling parallel to the backing layers, the top layer 161 may be peeled or pulled away from the backing layers of the sample 146. If the sample 146 comprises only a single layer, the standard receiving element 151 described below is used as the top layer 161 of the sample 146. The backing layers of the sample 146 and the absorbent material 149 are then weighed. The amount of test analog A absorbed by sample 146 is equal to the increase in the combined weight of the backing layer(s) of sample 146 and the absorbent material 149 caused by the penetration of test analog A through the top surface layer of sample 146 per unit work done (in millijoules) per unit area. The pressure-area curve used in calculating unit work is obtained by integrating the force resisting the probe as it moves downward over the entire distance traveled until a maximum force of 144.6 grams is recorded. Unit work is calculated using the following equation:

distance is calculated

Unit of work (mj) = curve of area under pressure vs. distance (g/mm)(9.81 m/s ² )/(1000 mm/m)

Compressive absorbency is measured in the same manner as pressure uptake as described above, except that the time required to reach a resistance force of 144.6 grams when moving probe 162 downward is measured and recorded. Compressive absorbency is calculated using the following equation:

load acceptance (g/inch ² /mJ)

Resistivity at = ----------------------------------pressure (g/inch ² /mW) Time required to reach a resistive force of 144.6 grams (sec)

ΦΦΦΦ ·· • 9 • * ···

Φφ

ΦΦ

Storage under pressure

The compression retention is measured using the same apparatus 139 described above and shown in Fig. 2. A hollow cylinder 140, a weight 144 and a weight 156 weighing 625 g are provided as described above in the compression acceptance test. A sample 146 of the structure is also provided for testing the compression retention properties. The sample 146 should again be cut from an existing diaper 20 or should be assembled from material that has not been formed into a diaper. The sample 146 should contain the entire structure intended for use in the product or the entire structure of the product to be evaluated. (To measure the pressure retention performance of individual storage elements (parts), as described above in the Storage Element section, the pressure retention test is performed using the standard receiving element 150, instead of any overlapping structure or layers.) Sample 146 should be cut into a square measuring 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm.

Five sheets of high basis weight tissue paper 149 (identical to those described above in the pressure acceptance test) measuring 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm are provided. The top layer 161 of sample 146 is removed and the remaining components, or layers, of sample 146 (if there are multiple components or layers) and the five sheets of tissue paper 149 are weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram. Thus, if sample 146 is being taken from a diaper, the top layer 161 of the diaper, such as top layer 25, should be separated from sample 146 prior to weighing. Care must be taken in doing this so that sample 146 is not destroyed or any unintended gross deformation of any portion of the sample is caused. As described above, sample layers 146 may be frozen to

99 99 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 β 99 99 9 9 9 99 9,999 9 9 9 9 9 9 « 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 · 9 9999 Ί Λ A· 999 99 999

helped to separate them from the adjacent layers of sample 146.

The sample 146 should be reassembled as originally arranged on top of the five stacked layers of absorbent material 149, with the side of the sample 146 that is intended to face the wearer facing up and away from the absorbent material 149. The assembled assembly of the sample 146 and absorbent material 149 is centered on the work surface 164 of the texture analyzer 160, described above, below the probe 162. The cylinder 140 is centered on the sample 146. Two 625 gram weights 156 are placed on diagonally opposite corners of the plate 142 to stabilize it. A 10 cubic centimeter dose of Analogon A (as described above) is dispensed through a syringe with a bore of about 4 to 6 millimeters, through an opening in the cylinder 140 onto the top of the sample 146. A 24.6 gram weight 144 is inserted into the opening 141 in the cylinder 140, and the texture analyzer 160 is activated by a probe 162 compressing the cylindrical weight 144 at a rate of 10 millimeters per minute until a resistive force of 144.6 grams is reached (the maximum resistive force of 144.6 grams corresponds to an applied pressure of 700 Pa, or 0.1 pounds per square inch). Once the resistive force of 144.6 grams is reached, the probe 162 is retracted to its starting position.

The weight 144 is removed from the cylinder 140 and the cylinder 140 and the weight 156 are then removed from the surface of the sample 146, taking care not to drip any of the Analogon A remaining in the cylinder 140 onto the sample. The sample 146 is then removed from the work surface 164 of the texture analyzer 160 by pulling the sample 146 parallel to the work surface, if possible. For certain structures where the top layer 161 is difficult to remove by pulling parallel to the underlying layers, this layer may be peeled or pulled away from the underlying layers of the sample 146. The sample 146 and the absorbent material 149 are then weighed.

The amount of test analog A retained is equal to the increase in combined weight of the underlying (backing) layers of sample 146 and absorbent material 149 caused by the penetration of test analog A into sample 146 on a per unit area basis.

Immobilization and containment during reverse pressure cycling

To measure immobilization and retention during a reverse pressure cycle, a cylinder 140 is mounted on a plate 142. The cylinder 140 is 7.5 cm high, has an inner diameter of 5.08 cm, and an outer diameter of 6.3 cm. The hollow Plexiglas cylinder 140 and plate 142 are the same as those used in the pressure uptake and pressure retention tests described above except that the plate does not have a nozzle 143 on the bottom and that both the cylinder 140 and the plate 142 are made of stainless steel. The stainless steel cylinder 140 and plate 142 have a combined weight of about 1170 grams.

A sample 146 of the structure for testing is provided and the top layer 161, if included in the sample, is removed. The remaining underlying layers of the sample 146 and the five layers of absorbent material 149 are assembled and weighed. The top layer 161 is then placed on top of this assembly. The sample 146 may also be made of materials that have not been assembled into a structure. The combined sample assembly 14 to be tested and the suction material 149 are placed on top of the worktable 165. (To measure the reverse pressure cycle immobilization and retention performance of the individual immobilization and retention elements, as described above in the Immobilization Element section, the reverse pressure cycle immobilization test is performed using the standard receiving element 150 in place of any top layer 161. All backing layers are included in this evaluation. A 10 cubic centimeter dose of test material is dispensed through a syringe with a bore of about 4 to 6 millimeters.

analog through the hole in the cylinder 140 onto the top of the sample 146. The test analog (analog B) used in this measurement is an aqueous solution of polyacrylamide, prepared as follows. 22.5 grams of polyacrylamide, available from Aldrich Chemical Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is mixed with a solution of 20 grams of Dawn brand dishwashing liquid, available from Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, OH, diluted with 1000 ml of distilled water. Mixing is carried out using the same mixer as was used in mixing analog A, except that its constant speed during mixing should be about 650 rpm. Mixing is carried out for 30 minutes in a water bath at a temperature of about 82 °C. The heated water bath is removed and the mixture is mixed for an additional 30 minutes. The mixture is allowed to reach equilibrium for at least 12 hours and is used for a reverse pressure cycle immobilization test within 96 hours. Analog B should have a hardness value (measured as described above for Analog A) between about 7.5 and about 10.5 grams. Analog B is designed to mimic the water suction energy of actual liquid feces from breastfed infants. Analog B is generally more readily ingested (i.e., more mobile) than Analog A, making it more difficult to retain.

The test analog (analog B) is allowed to permeate the sample 146 under gravity for 3 minutes. The cylinder 140 is then removed from the surface of the sample 146 and the entire sample 146 is weighed. The top layer 161 of the sample 146 is then removed from the underlying sample layers by lifting it perpendicularly from the surface of the underlying layers and allowing any excess analog B to drain back into the lower layers. The combination of the remainder of the sample 146 and the absorbent material 149 is then weighed. This provides a measure of the net amount of analog B imbibed by the structure during the filling step of this test. The sample 146 is then reassembled, including the top surface layer 161. They are • Λ

• · · 9 · · 9 ·

9 9 9 9 9

999 9 9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9

9999 99 99 999 Three layers of square, 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm, absorbent material 149 are secured and weighed. A standard supply element (portion) 147 is secured and placed on top of the three layers of absorbent paper 149. The reassembled sample 146 is turned over onto the assembly of the standard supply element 147 and the three layers of absorbent paper 149 (the standard supply portion 147 comprises an aluminum plate 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm square and 1.6 millimeter thick, having a pattern 153 of regularly spaced holes 168 with a diameter of 4.3 millimeters, as shown in Fig. 4. The holes are arranged so that there are approximately 4 holes per square centimeter).

A 7.25 kg weight 158 with an area of 103 cm ² (corresponding to a pressure of 7,000 Pa, i.e. 1 psi) is gently placed on the surface of sample 146 facing away from standard reservoir 147. After three minutes, weight 158 is removed and sample 146 is reoriented so that the side on which analogon B fell is facing up. Top layer 161 is removed and the weight of the remaining layers of sample 146 and the five layers of absorbent material is measured and recorded. The sample retention during the reversed pressure cycle is calculated as the actual net amount of test analogon B present in the underlying layers of the structure after the reversed cycle.

The reverse pressure cycle setback is calculated as the percentage of the test analog B that penetrated the structure (i.e., passed through the surface layer into the underlying layers of the sample) during the loading or filling step that remains in the underlying layers of the structure after the reverse step. The equation for determining the reverse pressure cycle setback is as follows:

Retention at reverse pressure cycle (g)

Immobilization at ------------------------------------ x 100% reverse cycle Net amount of pressure analogon B (g) absorbed during filling • φ φφφφ φφφφ φφφ φφφ φφ φφ φφ φΦΦΦΦ φ φφ φφφ φφφ φφφ φφφ φφφ

EXAMPLES

Comparative Examples 1-5 are comparative examples of structures known in the art. Examples 1-7 are illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Each of these structures was tested as described above to determine its capacity to receive, store, immobilize and retain viscous, liquid body feces. The results are plotted in the graphs shown in Fig. 9-13.

Comparative example 1

A sample cut from a Pampers Premium diaper, size 1, measures 4 inches by 4 inches, and is available from Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The sample includes all layers of the product and is taken from the area containing the rearmost 4 inches of the absorbent core. The nonwoven topsheet is separated from the underlying layers for weighing prior to testing as described above. All layers are included in the actual test.

Comparative example 2

A sample cut from a Pampers Premium diaper, size 1, measuring 4 inches by 4 inches, available from Procter & Gamble Co. Cincinnati, Ohio. The sample includes all layers of the product and is taken from the crotch area containing the absorbent core. The structure is punched with 8-millimeter diameter holes, spaced 5/8 inch apart, in a stacked row on the center (see Fig. 7). The top layer is not removed from the structure before punching the holes. As a top layer for φ φφφφφ φ · · φφφφ φ φ

For testing, a perforated, vacuum-formed film, available under the designation X-3265, from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana, is placed over this structure.

Comparative example 3

A hydroentangled, apertured nonwoven structure, available under the designation GH437 from Chicopee, Inc. of North Charleston, South Carolina, is placed over a vacuum formed, large cell film, available from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation X-5790.

Comparative example 4

Apertured, vacuum-formed film, available under the designation X-3265 from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana, is placed over a 6 denier, 110 grams per square meter, 7.9 millimeter uncompressed thickness, polyester crimped and resin-bonded, lightweight nonwoven material, available from Glit Company of Wrens, Georgia, USA.

Comparative example 5

Apertured, vacuum-formed film, available under the designation X-3265 from Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana, is placed over a looped mechanical fastener having an uncompressed thickness of about 1.5 millimeters, available under the designation XPL-7124 from 3M Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Example 1 • · · · · · · · «· ·

A woven mesh fabric useful as a toy tub bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over a 6 denier polyester crimped and resin bonded, highly lightweight nonwoven fabric. This nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of 110 grams per square meter and an uncompressed thickness of 7.9 millimeters, and is available from Glit Company of Wrens, Georgia. The nonwoven fabric has an effective open area of 60% and the primary apertures have an effective area of 5.0 mm ² (as measured by the method of U.S. Patent No. 5,342,338 incorporated herein by reference).

Example 2

A sample cut from a Pampers Premium diaper, size 1, measuring 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm, available from Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The sample includes all layers of the product and is taken from the crotch area containing the absorbent core. The structure is punched with eight millimeter diameter holes, spaced 13 mm apart, on the center in stacked rows (see Fig. 7). The top layer is not removed from the structure before punching the holes. The woven mesh described in Example 1, usable as a toy tub bag (or tub) from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over this structure for testing as the top layer.

Example 3

Separated from the sponge layer is the abrasive non-woven, lightweight side (hereinafter referred to as the brush layer) of the scrubbing pad, available under the designation Light Duty • · tt · · · 9

9 9 9 999 9 999

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

99999 · · 99 9 9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

99 9 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 9 9 99 9

Scrubber #00065 from Libman Company of Arcola, Illinois. This scrubbing layer is approximately 7 millimeters thick. The layer is cut into particles measuring approximately 8 mm x 7 mm x 5 mm and loosely dispersed onto the absorbent material 149 in an approximate monolayer covering an area of approximately 103 cm ² with 1.65 grams of the particles. A woven mesh fabric as described in Example 1, usable as a Toy Tub Bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over the particles from the scrubbing layer to form a structure for testing.

Example 4

Two grams of brush layer particles as described in Example 3 are mixed with 0.35 grams of foam absorbent strips having a basis weight of about 45 grams per square meter (as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345, which is incorporated herein by reference). These strips are about 19 millimeters long, 6.4 millimeters wide, and 2 millimeters thick. The brush layer particles are distributed over an area of 103 cm ² of approximately 0.8 millimeter thick, wettable foam absorbent material (as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207, which is incorporated herein by reference) having a basis weight of 126 grams per square meter. A woven mesh fabric, as described in Example 1, usable as a toy tub bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over this mixture to create a structure for testing.

Example 5

1.65 grams of brush layer particles as described in Example 3 are mixed with 0.25 grams of foam strips • 9 · • 9

of absorbent material described in Example 4. The brush layer particles and strips are distributed over an area of 103 ^cm2 of absorbent material 149. A woven mesh fabric, described in Example 1, usable as a Toy Tub Bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over this mixture to form a structure for testing.

Example 6

1.65 grams of brush layer particles, as described in Example 3, are layered over 0.25 grams of foam absorbent strips, as described in Example 4, on a 103 cm2 ^area of absorbent material 149. A woven mesh, as described in Example 1, usable as a Toy Tub Bag, available from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over this mixture to form the structure for testing.

Example 7

36.35 grams (about 127 in number) of soda lime silicate glass beads, 6 millimeters in diameter, under the designation #3000, available from VWR Scientific Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, as catalog number 26396-621, are mixed with 0.23 grams of strips of the foam absorbent material described in Example 4, each strip having dimensions of length and width of about 4.5 millimeters. A 4" x 4" (10.16 cm x 10.16 cm) portion of the mat insert, available from Homemaker, 295 Fifth Street, New York, NY 10016, is modified by placing a 3" x 3" (7.62 cm x 7.62 cm), 1/4" (6.3 mm) high edge, made from 1" (25.4 mm) wide 3M Scotch Masking Tape, on the insert to stabilize the glass beads for testing. This is again • · ·· ·· · · · · • ♦ · * · ·♦· · · · · ····· ···· ··· • ·«· · » * · a · · » • · * · · ····< ·· ·· a·· ·· ···· placed over the absorbent material 149. A mixture of glass beads and foam absorbent material is distributed within a 50.8 cm ² area bounded by masking tape so that a single layer of glass beads is formed. A woven mesh fabric, described in Example 1, usable as a Toy Tub Bag from Dollar Tree Dist., of Norfolk, VA, is placed over this mixture to form the structure for testing.

The following table shows the pressure acquisition, pressure retention, and reverse pressure cycle immobilization and retention performance of the structures described in the examples. Various combinations of data from Table V are plotted in Fig. 9-14.

TABLE V

Reception Receptiveness Storage Immobilization Detained at at at at at pressure pressure pressure reverse reverse g/inch ² /mJ g/inch ² /mW g/inch ² cycle cycle pressure pressure Compare. (%) (g)

examples

Cl 0.12 0.25 0.03 61 6, C2 0.13 0.32 0.05 79 7, C3 0.24 1.03 0.49 54 5, C4 0.01 0.10 0.003 73 7, C5 0.40 0.52 0.10 59 5,

Examples

1 0.92 5.43 0.77 78 7.7 2 0.84 9.77 1.22 90 9.4 3 1.27 20.72 1.93 73 7.5 4 1.21 7.93 1.08 91 13.1 5 0.82 11.73 1.37 83 8.5 6 0.71 11, 99 1.33 82 8.0 7 1.18 10.19 1.34 87 8.4

The importance of the combined performance of pressure acquisition, pressure retention, reverse pressure cycle immobilization and reverse pressure cycle retention, for structures (or assemblies) intended to control viscous, liquid body waste, is readily apparent from the graphs shown in • 9

Fig. 9-13. In Figs. 9-13, the exemplary prior art structures (Comparative Samples C1-C5) clearly occupy a different region in the three-dimensional space of acquisition, storage, and immobilization depicted in Fig. 9 compared to the exemplary structures of the present invention (Examples 1-7). Fig. 9 illustrates the difference in the acquisition, storage, and immobilization efficiency of the inventive structures (Examples 1-7) when handling viscous, liquid body feces (e.g., as is commonly excreted by 100% of breastfed infants) compared to the prior art structures. This same advantage is also evident in the three-dimensional representation of acquisition, storage, and immobilization provided in Fig. 10. The relationship of the viscous, liquid body feces acquisition and storage performance of the examples (C1-C5 and 1-7) is plotted in the graph of Fig. 11. Fig. 12 shows the immobilization and retention performance of the examples and Fig. 13 shows the relationship of retention and immobilization of viscous, liquid body feces. Fig. 14 shows the relationship of retention under pressure and reception under pressure of viscous, liquid body feces.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

PATENT CLAIMS An absorbent article (20) having a first waist region (36), a second waist region (38) opposed to a first waist region, a crotch region (37) disposed between the first and second waist regions, a longitudinal central axis (100), a lateral central axis. 110), a pair of longitudinal edges (50) and a pair of end edges (52); The absorbent article comprises: a liquid pervious topsheet (24), a liquid impervious backsheet (26) attached to at least a portion of the topsheet (24), an absorbent core (28) disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet (24) and the backsheet (26), and a portion (120) controlling the fecal material having a pressure acquisition value greater than about 0.077 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per centimeter of this portion per milliliter of energy input, and a pressure storage value greater than about 0.108 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per centimeter of this portion of fecal control material. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the fecal material control portion (120) has a pressure acquisition value greater than about 0.155 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter of said portion per milliliter of energy input. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the faecal material control portion (120) has a pressure storage value greater than or equal to φφφ · φφ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ asi · než než než než než než než než Φ Φ než než než než než než φ φ φ než φ než φ φ než φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the fecal material control portion (120) has a reverse pressure cycle containment value greater than about 7.5 grams of viscous, liquid body feces. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the fecal material control portion (120) has a reverse pressure cycle immobilization value greater than about 70% of the viscous, liquid body feces received by the portion. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the fecal material control portion (120) has an original thickness and maintains at least about 50% of its original thickness when a compressive force of about 7,000 Pa is applied thereto. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims wherein the fecal material control portion (120) has a collection value at a pressure greater than about 0.465 grams of viscous, liquid body feces per square centimeter of that portion per milliwatt of power. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the faecal material control portion (120) is disposed in the crotch region (37), the second waist region (38), or adjacent the absorbent core (28). fl · fl * flfl fl flfl ·································································································· An absorbent article according to any preceding claim, further comprising a leg cuff extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the crotch region along each of the longitudinal edges, each leg cuff comprising at least a portion of the faecal material control portion (120). . An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one faeces pocket, the faecal material control portion (120) being disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the pocket. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the faecal material control portion (120) comprises a receiving member (150) and a storage member (152). An absorbent article according to claim 11, wherein the receiving element (150) has an effective open area of greater than 40%. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage member (152) comprises a microparticle structure comprising discrete particles having a nominal size between about 1 mm and about 25.4 mm. 14. An absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein the discrete particles comprise materials selected from the group consisting of: nonwoven, highly expanded materials, foams, and cellular foams. 9 9,999 9 9 9 9 9999 99 99 with open cellular structure, structure, sponge or cellulose. foam with closed 15. An absorbent article according to claim 13 wherein the shape of said particles is selected from the group consisting of: Crutch, Intalox, Raschig, or Pall. 16. The absorbent article of Claim 13 wherein said particles have an empty fill fraction greater than 0.5. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage element (152) further comprises a skin care composition, an odor absorber, an antimicrobial agent, an enzyme inhibitor, or a pH buffer. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article is an insert for insertion into a wearer's undergarment or outer wrapper. 19. The absorbent article of claim 18, further comprising a fastener for securing the pad to the wearer's undergarment.