MXPA01009991A - Absorbent article having a hydrophilic lotionized bodyside liner - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article having a bodyside liner includes a hydrophilic lotion formulation on the outer bodyfacing surface thereof. The hydrophilic lotion formulation comprises from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 90 weight percent of a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, and from about 0 to about 60 weight percent of a fatty alcohol. The hydrophilic lotion formulation has a reduced adverse effect on the absorbent and liquid uptake properties of the liner and the absorbent body when compared to conventional lipophilic or hydrophobic lotion formulations. The hydrophilic lotion formulation acts as a lubricant to reduce the abrasion of the skin caused by the liner and also transfers to the skin to provide improved skin health.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE THAT HAS A LINING OF SIDE TO THE BODY WITH HYDROFLY LOTION Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to absorbent articles for absorbing body fluids and exudates, such as urine and faecal material. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent garments, such as disposable diapers and adult incontinence garments, which include a body-side lining with hydrophilic lotion for improved health benefits of the skin.

Description of Related Art Conventional absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, employ absorbent materials located between a liquid-permeable body-side liner and an outer liquid-impervious cover for absorbing body exudates. Such conventional absorbent articles typically have included elasticated waistbands and leg cuffs to help reduce the runoff of body exudates. Some conventional absorbent articles have included elasticized barrier or containment fins in the waist leg sections of the article to further reduce drainage.

Typically, the liquid-permeable body-side liners have been constructed of non-woven materials such as polyolefin materials linked with spinning. Unfortunately, such materials do not always provide a soft and non-abrasive contact with the skin. In particular, during the continuous use of the absorbent articles containing such liners, the wearer's skin can become very irritated and can become particularly red in the presence of urine and feces. The abrasion that results from such linings and the presence of urine and feces can undesirably lead to the onset of a diaper rash (diaper rash). Diaper rash can affect almost all infants at some point during the years of diaper use. Although other factors have an influence on the onset of diaper rash, critical factors include the abrasive lining from the side to the body and the level of hydration of the user's skin.

To prevent body exudates from making contact with the user's skin, the caregiver must frequently apply skin protective products directly to the user's skin before placing the article on the user. Such products have included petrolatum, mineral oil, talc, corn starch, or various other hydrophilic lotions or commercially available anti-rash creams. This procedure typically involves the caregiver applying the products to his own hand and then transferring them to the user's skin.

To eliminate that the caregiver makes contact with the products and to reduce the abrasion of the skin and improve the health of the skin, hydrophilic lotion formulas can be applied to the linings of the body so that, in use, the lotion formula hydrophilic whether it is transferred to the skin or provides a lubricity thereby reducing the friction between the liner and the skin. However, conventional lotion formulas have typically been hydrophobic, hydrophobic semisolid liquids, or hydrophobic solids-based formulas at room temperature. However, since these lotion formulations are hydrophobic, these sometimes adversely affect the ability of the absorbent article to absorb exudates from the body and, in particular, the user's urine discharges. As a result, the aggregate amount and the total surface area covered by such hydrophilic and hydrophobic lotions have been limited. In addition, the hydrophobic nature of these formulas has made it difficult to incorporate hydrophilic active and cosmetic ingredients into the formula.

Furthermore, such formulas have been unstable and tend to migrate out from the surface of the liner to the liner and absorbent core of the absorbent articles leaving less on the surface to transfer to the skin or provide reduced abrasion. This problem of migration is particularly evident at higher temperatures such as those on the surface of the skin in use by those in typical storage conditions in warm climates.

Therefore, conventional absorbent articles, such as those described above, have not been completely satisfactory. For example, hydrophobic lotions which have been incorporated into the liners of such articles have adversely affected the absorbency of the articles and have migrated so that a less effective amount has been applied to the user's skin or it has been located between the skin and lining in use. As a result of this, the user's skin has remained susceptible to rashes, abrasion and irritation. Therefore, there is still a need for absorbent articles which provide improved skin health. In particular, there is a need for absorbent articles which include a hydrophilic lotion on the body side liner which does not adversely affect the absorbency, which exhibits reduced migration and in which other ingredients are easily incorporated.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new disposable absorbent article has been discovered which has a body-side lining with improved hydrophilic lotion. In particular, it has been found that the body-side liner treated with a superior hydrophilic lotion for an absorbent article can be made by (1) applying a moisturizing hydrophilic lotion formula to the exterior surface of the body side liner, protective and fused sanitizer comprising a hydrophilic solvent, a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least about 720 and a fatty alcohol; and (2) resolidifying the formula to form a distribution, preferably a uniform distribution, of solid deposits on the surface facing the body of the liner. Because the formula is a solid at room temperature and solidifies rapidly after deposit, it has less tendency to penetrate and migrate to the liner and absorbent body of the article during processing and at high storage temperatures. Compared to liners treated with liquid or semi-solid hydrophobic formulas, the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention have a reduced adverse effect on absorbency and leave a greater percentage of the formula added on the face surface of the liner body where it makes contact and is transferred to the user's skin to provide a benefit.

When used in the present description, the terms "comprise", "comprising" and other derivatives of the root of the term "comprise" are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of any characteristics, elements, integers, steps, or components declared but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more characteristics, elements, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term "viscosity" refers to the viscosity in centipoises determined according to ASTM D 3236, entitled "Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Thermofused Adhesives and Coating Materials".

As used herein, the phrase "melting point" refers to the temperature at which the majority of the melt occurs, recognizing that the melt actually occurs over a range of temperatures.

As used herein, the phrase "melt viscosity" refers to the viscosity of the formula at the temperature at which the majority of the melt occurs. It has been recognized that fusion currently occurs over a range of temperatures.

As used herein, the phrase "penetration hardness" refers to needle penetration in millimeters according to ASTM D 1321"Penetration of Polyethylene Needle Higher Molecular Weight of Oil Glycols". The lower needle penetration hardness values correspond to the hardest materials.

As used herein, the term "loss of migration in the z-direction" refers to the value obtained when an absorbent article having a hydrophilic lotion formula is subjected to the lotion migration test on the surface of the body thereof. in the Z-direction as stated below.

As used herein, the term "loss of emigration in the cd direction" refers to the value obtained when an absorbent article having a lotion formula is subjected to the lotion migration test on the body surface thereof. the CD-address established below.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a body-side liner which includes a hydrophilic lotion formula on the surface facing the outer body thereof. The hydrophilic lotion formula comprises from about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a molecular weight polyethylene glycol above, and from about 0 percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight of a fatty alcohol.

In a particular embodiment, the hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to the lining from side to body at a temperature of no more than about 10 degrees centigrade above a melting point of the hydrophilic lotion formula to reduce the migration of the formula hydrophilic lotion on the lining from side to body.

In another aspect, the invention resides in an absorbent article which includes an outer cover, a liquid-permeable body-side liner which defines a surface facing the body and which is connected in a superimposed relationship to the outer cover, and an absorbent body which is located between the side-to-body liner and said outer cover. The absorbent article also includes a hydrophilic lotion formula on at least a part of the face-to-body surface of the liner from body to body. The hydrophilic lotion formula includes a hydrophilic solvent and the article defines a loss of migration in the Z direction of no more than about 55 percent when subjected to the lotion migration test in the Z direction as set forth below. .

In some embodiments, the hydrophilic solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of less than 720, glycerin, solutions of sorbitol, methoxyisopropanol, propyl ether PPG-2, butyl ether PPG-2, methyl ether PPG -3, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol, methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, water soluble / dispersible polypropylene glycols, ethoxylated polypropylene glycol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, silicone glycols, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

In addition, in some embodiments, polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol PEG 6000, polyethylene glycol PEG 8,000, polyethylene glycol PEG 10,000 and mixtures thereof. In addition, in some embodiments, the fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of C14 to C30 fatty alcohols or greater.

For example, in a particular aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent article which includes an outer cover; a liquid-permeable body side liner which defines a face-to-body surface and which is connected in a superimposed relation to the outer shell, and an absorbent body which is located between the body-side shell and the shell Exterior. The absorbent article also includes a hydrophilic lotion formula on at least a portion of the face-to-body surface of the body-side liner which includes from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight of a solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof, of from about 15 to about 25 weight percent polyethylene glycol selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol PEG 6000, polyethylene glycol PEG 8,000, polyethylene glycol PEG 10,000 and mixtures thereof, and from about 15 to about 25 weight percent of a fatty alcohol selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof based on the total weight of the lotion formula hydrophilic The various aspects of the present invention advantageously provide an absorbent article with improved skin health benefits. In particular, the lining with hydrophilic lotion provides a smooth and smooth contact with the user's skin and reduces the levels of skin irritation. In addition, because the hydrophilic lotion formulations applied to the liner are more stable and have a higher viscosity than conventional hydrophilic lotion formulas, particularly at higher temperatures, a higher percentage of added hydrophilic lotion remains on the surface of the liner at where it can easily make contact and transfer to the user's skin to provide the benefit. In addition, if desired, a lower amount of the hydrophilic lotion formula can be added to the liner to provide the same benefit at a lower cost due to the location of the hydrophilic lotion on the liner surface.

In addition, since the hydrophilic lotion formulations applied to the liner of the absorbent articles of the present invention are hydrophilic, the absorbent articles have maintained superior levels of absorbency and rapid absorption of liquid. As such, hydrophilic lotions can be applied in larger amounts and over larger percentages of the overall surface area on the liner from side to body for improved transfer to the skin and resulting skin health. As a result of this, the skin of the users of such absorbent articles must remain less susceptible to rashes, abrasion and irritation.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 representatively shows a top plan view, partially in section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention in a stretched condition and placed flat with the surface of the article making contact with the user's skin for which observe Figure 2 representatively shows a sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2.

Figure 3 representatively shows a top plane view of the side-to-body liner of the absorbent article of Figure 1 with the surface which makes contact with the wearer facing him; Y Figure 4 representatively shows the test apparatus for the lotion migration test set forth herein.

Detailed description of the invention The following detailed description will be made in the context of a disposable diaper article which is adapted for use by infants around the lower torso. However, it will be readily apparent that the absorbent article of the present invention may also be suitable for use as other types of absorbent articles, such as pads for women's care, incontinence garments, training underpants, and the like. In addition, the invention will be described in the context of various configurations. It will be appreciated that the alternate arrangements of the invention may comprise any combination of such configurations.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an integral absorbent garment article such as disposable diaper 20, generally defines a front waist section 22, a rear waist section 24, an intermediate section 26 which interconnects the front waist sections and posterior, a pair of laterally opposite side edges 28 and a pair of longitudinally opposite end edges 30. The front and rear waist sections include the general parts of the article which are constructed to extend essentially over the front and back abdominal regions. of the user, respectively, during use. The middle section of the article includes the general part of the article which is constructed to extend through the user's crotch region between the legs. The opposite side edges 28 define the leg openings for the diaper and are generally curvilinear or contoured to more closely fit the user's legs. The opposite end edges 30 define a waist opening for the diaper 20 and are typically straight but may also be curvilinear.

Figure 1 is a representative plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in a non-contracted and planar state. The parts of the structure are partially cut to show more clearly the inner construction of the diaper 20, and the surface of the diaper which makes contact with the wearer faces the observer. The diaper 20 includes an outer cover essentially impermeable to liquid 32, a porous liquid-permeable body side liner 34 placed in a face-to-face relationship with the outer cover 32, and an absorbent body 36, such as the absorbent pad, the which is located between the outer cover and the lining from side to body. The diaper 20 also defines a lateral direction 38 and a longitudinal direction 40. The marginal portions of the diaper 20, such as the marginal sections of the outer cover 32, may extend beyond the end edges of the absorbent body 36. In the illustrated embodiment , for example the outer cover 32 extends outwardly beyond the terminal margin edges of the absorbent body 36 to form the side margins 42 and the end margins 44 of the diaper 20. The side-to-body liner 34 is generally coextensive with the outer cover 32 but may optionally cover an area which is larger or smaller than the area of the outer cover 32, as desired.

To provide an improved notch and to help reduce runoff of body exudates from diaper 20, side margins 42 and end margins 44 of the diaper can be elasticated with suitable elastic members, such as elastic leg members 46. and the elastic waist members 48. For example, the elastic leg members 46 may include single or multiple threads of elastic or elastomeric compounds which are constructed to functionally fold and shrink the side margins 42 of the diaper 20 to provide the bands of elasticated leg which can closely fit around the user's legs and to reduce runoff and provide improved appearance and comfort. Similarly, the elastic waist members 48 can be employed to elasticize the end margins 44 of the diaper 20 to provide the elasticated waistbands. The waist elastics are configured to foldably fold and fold the waistband sections to provide a comfortably close and elastic fit around the wearer's waist.

The elastic members 46 and 48 are secured to the diaper 20 in an elastically contractible condition such that in a normal configuration under tension, the elastic members contract effectively against the diaper 20. For example, the elastic members 46 and 48 may be elongated and secured to the diaper 20 while the diaper 20 is in a non-contracted condition. In Figures 1 and 2, the elastic members 46 and 48 are illustrated in their stretched and non-contracted condition for the purpose of clarity. The diaper 20 may also include a pair of longitudinally extending and elasticized containment flaps (not shown) which are configured to maintain a perpendicular and vertical arrangement in at least the middle section 26 of the diaper 20 to serve as an additional barrier to the lateral flow of exudates from the body. The arrangements and proper constructions of the containment fins are well known to those with skill in the art.

Alternatively, the diaper 20 may include a pair of elastified and collected and separated leg scutes (not shown) or a combination of leg restraints / gussets (not shown) which are attached to the diaper along the lateral margins 42 in at least the intermediate section 26 of the diaper 20 to provide the elasticated leg cuffs. Such gussets or the combination of gussets / fins can be configured to extend further and bridge through the respective concave portion of the lateral margins 42.

The diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, may further include a pair of fasteners 50 employed to secure the diaper 20 around the waist of a wearer. Suitable fasteners 50 include hook-and-loop type fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners, buttons, pins, automafasteners, mushroom and curl fasteners and the like. A cooperating side panel member may be associated with each fastener and may be constructed to be non-elasor elaslly stretchable at least along the lateral direction 38 of the diaper 20.

The diaper 20 may further include an emergence management layer (not shown) positioned between the side-to-body liner 34 and the absorbent body 36 which is configured to efficiently retain and distribute the liquid exudates to the absorbent body 36. The layer emergence management can prevent liquid exudates from stagnating and collecting on the part of the diaper placed against the wearer's skin, thus reducing the level of skin hydration. The proper arrangements and constructions of emergence management layers are well known to those with skill in the art. Other suitable diaper components may also be incorporated into the absorbent ares of the present invention.

The diaper 20 can be of various suitable shapes. For example, the diaper can have a global rectangular shape, a T-shape or an approximately hourglass shape. In the embodiment shown, diaper 20 has a generally I-form. Examples of diaper configurations suitable for use in connection with the present application and other diaper components suitable for use on diapers are described in the patents of the United States of America numbers 4,798,603 granted on January 17, 1989 to Meyer and others; 5,176,668 granted on January 5, 1993 to Bernardin; 5,176,672 granted on January 5, 1993 to Bruemer and others; 5,192,606 granted on March 9, 1993 to Proxmire et al .; and 5,509,915 issued April 23, 1996 to Hanson et al., whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. The various aspects and configurations of the invention can provide distinctive combinations of softness, body shaping, reduced red marking of the wearer's skin, reduced skin hydration and improved containment of body exudates.

The various components of the diaper 20 are integrally assembled together using various types of suitable attachment means, such as adhesive joints, sonic joints, thermal bonds or combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown, for example, the side-to-body liner 34 and the cover 32 are assembled with each other and with the absorbent body 36 with adhesive, such as a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive can be applied with a continuous and uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned adhesive layer, an adhesive spray pattern, or an array of separate lines, swirls or spots of adhesive. Similarly, other diaper components, such as the elasmembers 46 and 48 and the fasteners 50, can be assembled in the diaper are 20 using the above identified fastening mechanisms.

The outer cover 32 of the diaper 20, as illustrated representatively in Figures 1 and 2, may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impervious. It is generally preferred that the outer cover 32 be formed of a material which is essentially impermeable to liquids. For example, a typical outer cover can be made of a thin plasfilm or other material impermeable to the flexible liquid. For example, the outer cover 32 may be formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 millimeter (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeter (2.0 mil). If you want to present to the outer cover with a more cloth-type feel, the outer cover 32 may comprise a polyolefin film having a nonwoven fabric laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as a fabric bonded with spinning polyolefin fibers. For example, a stretched and thinned polypropylene film having a thickness of about 0.015 millimeters (0.6 mils) may have thermally laminated thereto a woven fabric bonded with polypropylene fiber yarn, whose fibers have a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 denier per filament, whose nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of about 17 grams per square meter (0.5 ounces per square yard). Methods for forming such cloth-type outer covers are known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the outer cover 32 can be formed of a woven or non-woven fibrous fabric layer which has been constructed or treated in whole or in part to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to the selected regions that are adjacent to or close to the surface. absorbent body 36.

Desirably, the outer cover 32 may be composed of a "breathable" material which allows the vapors to escape from the absorbent body 36 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the outer cover 32. For example, the outer cover 20 is desirably constructed to be at least permeable to water vapor and has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 1,000 grams / square meter / 24 hours, desirably from at least about of 1,500 g / square meter / 24 hours, more desirably of at least about 2,000 g / square meter / 24 hours and even more desirably of at least about 3,000 g / square meter / 24 hours. Materials which have a lower water vapor transmission rate than those mentioned above do not allow a sufficient amount of air exchange and undesirably result in increased levels of skin hydration. As used here, the phrase "water vapor transmission rate" (WVTR) refers to the value of water vapor transmission rate according to the water vapor transmission rate test which is described in greater detail. detail here below.

In a particular embodiment, the outer cover 20 is provided by a laminated microporous / non-woven film material comprising a non-woven material bonded with laminated yarn to a microporous film. For example, the laminate may include a polypropylene spunbond material of 0.6 oz per square yard (20.4 grams per square meter) thermally bonded to a microporous stretch film of 18.7 grams per square meter. The film can include from about 20 percent to about 75 percent by weight of calcium carbonate particles and the remainder of primarily linear low density polyethylene. The film is then stretched which causes the polyethylene component to stretch while the particles remain unstretched. This causes gaps to develop around the calcium carbonate particles in the film. The resulting laminate can define a water vapor transmission rate of from about 1,000 to about 5,000 g / square meter / 24 hours.

Examples of suitable breathable materials for outer cover 20 are also described in U.S. Patent No. 5,879,341 issued March 9, 1999 in the name of Odorzynski et al. Entitled "ABSORBENT ARTICLE WHICH HAS A GRADIENT OF CAPACITY TO BREATHE "; U.S. Patent No. 5,843,056 issued December 1, 1998, in the name of Good et al. and entitled "ABSORBENT ARTICLE WHICH HAS AN OUTER COVER WITH A CAPACITY TO BREATH COMPOUND"; and U.S. Patent No. 5,855,999 issued January 5, 1999, in the name of McCormack et al. and entitled "FABRIC TYPE FILM COMPOUND / NON-TISSUE WITH BREATHING CAPACITY", the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference .

The absorbent body 36 of the diaper 20, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, may suitably comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a cellulose fluff fabric, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material commonly known as a material. superabsorbent In a particular embodiment, the absorbent body 36 comprises a cellulose fluff matrix, such as wood pulp fluff, and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. The wood pulp fluff can be interchanged with meltblown, polymeric and synthetic fibers or with a combination of melt blown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles may be an essentially homogeneous mixture with the hydrophilic fibers or they may not be uniformly mixed. The fluff and the superabsorbent particles can also be selectively placed in desired areas of the absorbent body 36 to better contain and better absorb exudates from the body. The concentration of the superabsorbent particles can also vary through the thickness of the absorbent body 36. Alternatively, the absorbent body 36 may comprise a laminate of fibrous fabrics and superabsorbent material or other suitable means for maintaining the superabsorbent material in a localized area.

The absorbent body 36 can have any of a number of shapes. For example, the absorbent body may be rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped. It is generally preferred that the absorbent body 36 be narrower in the crotch area than in the front or back portions of the diaper 20. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent body 36 must be compatible with the size of the intended user and the liquid load imparted by the intended use of the absorbent articles.

The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural materials and polymers. The high-absorbency materials may be inorganic materials, such as silica gels or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term "crosslinked" refers to any means for effectively making the materials normally water-soluble essentially insoluble but swellable in water. Such means may include, for example, physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, complexes and ionic associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces.

Examples of high-absorbency, polymeric and synthetic materials include alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ethers), copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl ethers and alpha olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Additional polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include the natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and natural gums such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and fully or partially synthetic absorbent polymers may also be useful in the present invention. Such high-absorbency materials are well known to those of skill in the art and are widely available commercially. Examples of the superabsorbent polymers suitable for use in the present invention are the SANWET IM 3900 polymer available from Hoechst Celanese located in Portsmouth, Virginia and DOW DRYTECH 2035LD polymer available from the Dow Chemical Company located in Midland, Michigan.

The high-absorbency material can also be in a wide variety of geometric shapes. As a general rule, it is preferred that the high-absorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However, the high absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, flakes, rods, spheres, needles or the like. As a general rule, the high-absorbency material is present in the absorbent body in an amount of from about 5 to about 90 percent by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent body 36.

Optionally, an essentially hydrophilic tissue wrapping sheet (not illustrated) can be employed to help maintain the integrity of the fibrous structure placed by air of the absorbent body 36. The tissue wrapping sheet is typically placed around the absorbent body over the at least the two main face surfaces thereof and composed of an absorbent cellulosic material, such as high strength wet or creped huata tissue. . In one aspect of the invention, the tissue wrapping sheet can be configured to provide a transmission layer which helps to rapidly distribute the liquid over the mass of the absorbent fibers comprising the absorbent body. In another aspect of the invention, the wrapping sheet material on one side of the absorbent fibrous mass may be attached to the wrapping sheet located on the opposite side of the fibrous mass.

The body side liner 34, as representatively illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, suitably presents a face surface to the body which is docile, gentle in feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the body side liner 34 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 36, to present a relatively dry surface to the wearer, and may be sufficiently porous to be permeable to the liquid, allowing the liquid to easily penetrate through its thickness . A suitable side-to-body liner 34 can be manufactured from a wide selection of woven materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, perforated plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., cotton or wood fibers), synthetic fibers (for example polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The body side liner 34 is suitably employed to help isolate the user's skin from liquids maintained in the absorbent body 36.

Various woven and non-woven fabrics may be used for the side-to-body lining 34. For example, the body-side liner may be composed of a fabric bonded with spinning or blowing with polyolefin fiber melting. The body side liner can also be a bonded and carded fabric composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body side liner may be composed of an essentially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the side-to-body liner 34 comprises a woven, non-woven, polypropylene fabric composed of 2.8 denier-3.2 denier fibers formed into a fabric having a basis weight of about 20 deniers. grams per square meter and a density of around 0.13 grams per cubic centimeter. The fabric can be treated on the surface with about 0.3 percent by weight of a mixture of surfactant which contains a mixture of surfactants AHCOVEL Base N-62 and GLUCOPAN 220UP in a ratio of 3: 1 based on the total weight of the surfactant mixture. AHCOVEL Base N-62 surfactant is purchased from Hodgson Textile Chemical, Inc., a business that has offices in Mount Holly, North Carolina, and includes a blend of ethoxylated and hydrogenated risino oil and sorbitan monooleate at a ratio of weight of 55:45. The GLUCOPAN 220UP surfactant is purchased from Henkel Corporation and includes the alkyl polyglycoside. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant may be applied to the side liner to the full body 34 or may be applied selectively to particular sections of the side-to-body liner 34, such as the mid-section along the longitudinal center line of the diaper to provide for greater wetting of such sections.

The body side liner 34 of the absorbent article of the present invention may further include a hydrophilic lotion formula on the other body facing surface 52 thereof, the hydrophilic lotion formula generally includes a hydrophilic solvent or a hydrophilic solvent, a polyethylene glycol of high molecular weight and a fatty alcohol. For example, the hydrophilic lotion formula can include from about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least about 720, and from about 0 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of a fatty alcohol based on a total weight of the hydrophilic lotion formula. The hydrophilic lotion formula can include other ingredients as well.

The hydrophilic solvent acts as a lubricant to reduce the abrasiveness of the lining from the body to the skin and, when transferred to the skin, helps to maintain softness, smoothness and the docile appearance of the skin. Suitable hydrophilic solvents which can be incorporated into the hydrophilic lotion formula include, but are not limited to, water, propylene glycol, lower molecular weight polyethylene glycols (molecular weights less than 720 and liquids at room temperature), to methoxyisopropanol, to propyl ether PPG-2, to butyl ether PPG-2, to methyl ether PPG-2, to methyl ether PPG-3, to dipropylene glycol propyl ether, to dipropylene glycol butyl ether, to dipropylene glycol, to methyl propanediol, to carbonate of propylene, to water soluble / dispersible polypropylene glycols, to ethoxylated polypropylene glycol, to glycerin, to sorbitol, to hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate, to silicone glycols, and the like. For example, a very particularly suitable hydrophilic solvent is propylene glycol. Other hydrophilic solvents may also be added in a manner which maintains the desired properties of the hydrophilic lotion formulas as set forth herein. The solvent may also function as an emollient, an occlusive agent, a humidifier, a barrier enhancer and combinations thereof.

To provide improved stability and transfer to the wearer's skin, the hydrophilic lotion formula can include from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight, desirably from about 25 to about 75 percent by weight, and more desirably from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight of the hydrophilic solvent. Hydrophilic lotion formulas which include a greater amount of hydrophilic solvent than the recited amounts tend to have lower melt point viscosities and higher penetration values which undesirably lead to the migration of the hydrophilic lotion.

In view of the above, hydrophilic lotion formulas which include a lower amount of hydrophilic solvent than the recited amounts tend to have low penetration values to provide less transfer to the wearer's skin.

The higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol in the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention primarily functions as an immobilizing agent and a melt point viscosity modifier for the hydrophilic solvent and any active ingredient. In addition to immobilizing the solvent, modifying its viscosity and reducing its tendency to migrate, the higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol in the hydrophilic lotion formula provides a tackiness to the hydrophilic lotion formula which improves the transfer to the user's skin. As used herein, polyethylene glycols of higher molecular weight with polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight of 720 or greater. These materials are not liquid at room temperature. Particularly suitable higher molecular weight polyethylene glycols can have an average molecular weight of from about 720 to about 1,840,000, more specifically from about 1,400 to about 440,000, and even more specifically from about 1,760 to about 10,570.

To provide improved transfer to the user's skin and stability of migration, the hydrophilic lotion formula can include from about 5 weight percent to about 90 weight percent, desirably from about 10 weight percent. by weight to about 50 weight percent, and more desirably from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent of the higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol. Hydrophilic lotion formulas which include an amount of the higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol lower than the recited amounts tend to have lower viscosities and higher penetration values which undesirably lead to the migration of the hydrophilic lotion. In view of the above, the hydrophilic lotion formulas which include an amount of higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol greater than the recited amounts tend to provide less transfer to the wearer's skin.

The fatty alcohol in the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention functions as a coinmobilizing agent, as a sensation enhancer, as an emollient, as a lubricant and as a transfer enhancer. Suitable fatty alcohols include, but are not limited to, alcohols having a carbon chain length of C 14 -C 30 including cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol and the like and mixtures thereof. The hydrophilic lotion formula can include from about 0 percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight, desirably from about 10 to about 30 percent by weight, and more desirably from about 15 percent. by weight to about 25 percent by weight of fatty alcohol for improved performance.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic lotion formula can include from about 30 to about 70 percent by weight of a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof, from about 15 to about 25 weight percent polyethylene glycol selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol PEG 6000, polyethylene glycol PEG 8,000, polyethylene glycol PEG 10,000 and mixtures thereof, and from about 15 to about 25 percent by weight of a fatty alcohol selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof based on the total weight of the hydrophilic lotion formula.

Optionally, an additional viscosity increaser can also be added to the hydrophilic lotion formula to increase the viscosity to help stabilize the formula on the body facing surface 52 of the side-to-body liner 34 and thereby reduce the migration and improve the transfer to the skin. Desirably, the viscosity improver increases the viscosity of the hydrophilic lotion formula to at least about 50 percent, more desirably at least about 500 percent and even more desirably at least about 1,000 percent. hundred. Suitable viscosity builders which can be incorporated in the hydrophilic lotion formula include natural hydrophilic gums, resins, starches, and flours, modified natural gums and resins, and synthetic polymers, gums and resins, the soaps or mixtures thereof. For example, suitable viscosity builders include, but are not limited to, acacia, acrylamide copolymer, agar, algin, carrageenan, carbomer, carboxymethyl chitin. carboxymethyl chitin, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, cellulose gum, cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, corn starch, corn syrup, dextrin, sodium acrylate / ethylene copolymer, gelatin, gelan gum, glyceryl alginate, guar gum, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, karaya gum, kelp, microcrystalline cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, born gum, oatmeal, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, potassium alginate , potassium aluminum polyacrylate, potassium carrageenan, potassium polyacrylate, potato starch, propylene glycol alginate, gum scleroty, vinyl alcohol / sodium acrylate copolymer, sodium carboxymethyl chitin, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, MA / isooctylene sodium copolymer, sodium starch sodium polyacrylate, sodium polymethacrylate ico, sodium stearate, acrylamide / acrylate / starch copolymer, tragacanth gum, acrylonitrile / acrylate tromethamine copolymer, wheat flour, wheat starch, xanthan gum, and the like and mixtures thereof.

The hydrophilic lotion formula can include from about 0 to about 25 percent by weight, desirably from about 0 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight, and more desirably from about 0 percent. by weight to about 5 percent by weight of the viscosity increaser for reduced migration, process control and / or improved transfer to the wearer's skin.

If it is desired that the hydrophilic lotion formula treat the skin, it may also include an active ingredient such as a diaper rash skin protector. Skin protectors include drug products which protect exposed or injured skin or the mucous membrane surface from annoying or harmful stimuli. The surfactant ingredients which can be incorporated in the hydrophilic lotion formula include allantoin and its derivatives, aluminum hydroxide gel, calamine, cocoa butter, dimethicone, bacalado liver oil, glycerin, caolin and its derivatives, lanolin and its derivatives, mineral oil, shark liver oil, talc, topical starch, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate and zinc oxide and the like, and mixtures thereof same. The lotion formula can include from about 0.10 to about 95 percent by weight of the active ingredient depending on the skin protector and the desired amount that is to be transferred to the skin.

In order to better enhance user benefits, additional ingredients may be included in the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention. For example, the kinds of ingredients that can be used and their corresponding benefits include, without limitation, antifoaming agents (reduce the tendency of foaming during processing); the antimicrobial assets; antifungal assets; antiseptic assets; antioxidants (product integrity); astringent-cosmetics (induce a tightening or scorching sensation on the skin); astringent-drug (a drug product which verifies runoff, discharge or bleeding when applied to the skin or mucous membrane and works by a coagulating protein); biological additives (increase the operation or attraction of the consumer to the product); dyes (impart color to the product); deodorants (reduce or eliminate unpleasant odor and protect against the formation of bad odor on the surface of the body); emollients (help maintain the smooth, smooth and supple appearance of the skin through its ability to remain on the surface of the skin or in the stratum corneum to act as lubricants, to reduce flaking, and to improve the appearance of the skin); external analgesics (a topically applied drug that has an analgesic, anesthetic or antipolitic effect by depressing the cutaneous sensory receptors, that has a topical counter-irritant effect by stimulating the cutaneous sensory receptors); film formers (to hold the active ingredients on the skin by producing a continuous film on the skin on drying); fragrances (attraction to the consumer); humectants (increased water content of the upper layers of the skin); natural moisturizing agents (NMF) and other skin moisturizing ingredients known in the art; opacifiers (reduce the clarity or transparent appearance of the product); skin conditioning agents; other solvents (liquids used to dissolve the components found useful in cosmetics or drugs); and surfactants (as cleaning agents, emulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, and suspending agents).

An important property of the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the various aspects of the present invention is their ability to remain on the surface of the liner from side to body and its resistance to migrating inside the article so that they can be easily transferred to the skin. of the user. In this aspect, articles having hydrophilic lotion formulations of the present invention applied to their side-to-body liner define a loss of migration in the z-direction of no more than about 55 percent, desirably no more than about 50 percent, more desirably of no more than about 45 percent, even more desirably of no more than about 40 percent, and even more desirably no more than about 35 percent when subjected to the lotion migration test in the Z address set below. In articles which have a loss of emigration in the greater Z-direction, the hydrophilic lotion formula undesirably migrates to the interior and along the surface of the lining from side to body and sometimes through the lining from side to body to the body absorbent of the article which results in a lower reduction in abrasion and less transfer to the wearer's skin.

Another important measure of the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the various aspects of the present invention is their ability to resist migration laterally along the surface of the liner from side to body. In this aspect, the articles having hydrophilic lotion formulations of the present invention applied to the side-to-body liner thereof define a loss of migration in the cd direction of no more than about 40 percent, desirably no more than about 35 percent, more desirably than no more than about 30 percent, even more desirably no more than about 25 percent, and even more desirably no more than about 20 percent when they are tested of lotion emigration in the CD address stated below. In articles which have a loss of emigration in the CD major direction, the lotion formula undesirably migrates along the surface of the liner from side to body and sometimes through the liner from side to body inside the absorbent body of the article which results in a lower reduction in abrasion and a lower transfer to the user's skin.

In addition, to provide improved stability and transfer to the user's skin, the hydrophilic lotion formula of the present invention can define a melting point of from about 30 degrees centigrade to about 100 degrees centigrade, desirably from about 40 degrees centigrade at about 80 degrees centigrade, and more desirably from about 50 degrees centigrade to about 60 degrees centigrade. Hydrophilic lotion formulas which have lower melting points exhibit migration of the hydrophilic lotion during use and at elevated storage temperatures which may undesirably result in reduced transfer to the skin.

Whereas, hydrophilic lotion formulas which have higher melting points may require that the hydrophilic lotion be at a temperature above the scintillation point of the lining material from side to body which undesirably can lead to fires.

The hydrophilic lotion formula of the present invention can further define a melt point viscosity of from about 20 to about 1,000,000 centipoise, desirably from about 50 to about 10,000 centipoise, and more desirably from about from 100 to around 500 centipoises for a reduced migration and an improved transfer to the user's skin. Hydrophilic lotion formulas which have lower melt point viscosities exhibit migration of the hydrophilic lotion through the liner from side to body to the absorbent body of the article which may undesirably result in reduced transfer to the skin. As such, hydrophilic lotion formulas which have higher melt point viscosities can be so solid as to also exhibit reduced transfer to the skin.

In addition, to provide improved stability and transfer to the user's skin, the hydrophilic lotion formula of the present invention can also define a viscosity of from about 10 to about 10,000 centipoise, desirably from about 50 to about 500 centipoises and more desirably from about 75 to about 250 centipoises at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade. Hydrophilic lotion formulas which have viscosities of less than 60 degrees centigrade exhibit migration of the hydrophilic lotion through the liner from side to body into the absorbent body of the article which may undesirably result in reduced transfer to the skin. Whereas, hydrophilic lotion formulas which have viscosities above 60 degrees centigrade can be so solid as to also exhibit reduced transfer to the skin.

The penetration hardness of the hydrophilic lotion formulas of this invention can be from about 5 to about 360 millimeters, more desirably from about 5 to about 200 millimeters, more desirably from about 5 to about 150 millimeters. millimeters, and even more desirably from about 5 to about 100 millimeters. (Hydrophilic lotion formulas have a needle penetration hardness greater than 360 millimeters and can not be measured using an ASTM D 1321 method). The hardness of the hydrophilic lotion formulas of this invention is important for two reasons. First, the softer the formula, the more mobile the formula will be, making the formula more likely to migrate to the inner layers of the tissue, which is undesirable. Second, softer formulas tend to be more greasy / oily to the touch which is also less desirable. In general, formulas that have a needle penetration hardness of from about 200 to about 360 millimeters feel creamy to slightly greasy with less softness (depending on the additives). Formulas that have needle penetration hardness values of from about 5 to about 200 millimeters feel silky to creamy and very soft (depending on the additives).

The hydrophilic lotion formula can be applied to the entire body face surface 52 of the side-to-body liner 34 or can be applied selectively to particular sections of the body facing surface 52, such as the mid-section along the body. the longitudinal center line of the diaper, to provide greater lubricity of such sections and to transfer such hydrophilic lotion to the wearer's skin. Alternatively, as representatively illustrated in Figure 3, the body facing surface 52 of the side-to-body liner 34 may include multiple strips 54 of the hydrophilic lotion formula applied thereto. For example, the body facing surface 52 of the side-to-body liner 34 may include from 1 to 10 strips 54 of hydrophilic lotion formula that extends along the longitudinal direction 40 of the diaper 20. The strips 54 may extending to the full length of the liner from side to body 34 or to only a part thereof. The strips 54 can also define a width of from about 0.20 centimeters to about 1 centimeter.

The hydrophilic lotion formula should cover a sufficient amount of the surface area of the liner from side to body 34 to ensure adequate transfer to the skin and reduced abrasion between liner 34 and the wearer's skin. Desirably, the hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to at least about 5 percent and more desirably to at least about 25 percent of the side-to-body liner 34 for improved transfer.

The hydrophilic lotion formula can be applied to the lining from side to body at an aggregate level which provides the desired transfer benefit. For example, the total aggregate level of the lotion formula can be from about 0.05 to about 100 mg / square centimeter, desirably from about 1 to about 50 mg / square centimeter and more desirably from about to about 40 mg / square centimeter for improved performance. The amount added will depend on the desired effect of the hydrophilic lotion on the attributes of the product and the specific hydrophilic lotion formula. As discussed above, the improved stability and reduced tendency to migrate from the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention allows a smaller amount of hydrophilic lotion to be applied to liner 34 to achieve the same benefit when compared to lotion formulas. hydrophilic. In addition, the hydrophilic nature of the lotion formula can allow a higher aggregate level over a larger surface area since it has a reduced adverse impact on the absorbency and liquid intake properties of the side-to-body liner '34 and the absorbent body 36. The larger and larger surface area can result in a greater transfer to the skin for improved skin health.

The hydrophilic lotion formula can be applied to the side-to-body liner 34 in any of many known ways. A preferred method for uniformly applying the hydrophilic lotion formula to the surface of the side-to-body liner 34 is by slot coating or by spraying which offers maximum control of the distribution of the formula and the transfer rate. However, other methods may be used, such as flexographic printing, rotogravure printing or extrusion.

For example, the hydrophilic lotion formula can be applied to the side-to-body liner 34 by (a) heating the hydrophilic lotion formula to a temperature above the melting point of the formula, causing the formula to melt, ( b) by uniformly applying the fused formula to the surface facing the body of the liner from side to body; and (c) by resolidifying the deposits of the molten formula. Desirably, the resolidification of the deposits occurs almost instantaneously, without the need for external cooling means such as chill rolls. This can occur if the formula is heated to a temperature only slightly above or at the melting point of the formula. However, external media such as chill rolls, either before or after the application of the melt can be used if desired to accelerate the resolidification.

The increased viscosity of the lotion at the process temperature and instantaneous resolidification tends to impede the penetration of the formula into the liner side to body and the absorbent body of the article and retain it on the face facing surface 52 of the side liner to the body 34, which is advantageous. For example, the temperature of the melted formula may advantageously be less than about 10 degrees centigrade, more desirably less than about 5 degrees centigrade, and even more desirably less than about 2 degrees centigrade above the melting point of the formula before applying it to the side-to-body lining for reduced migration. When approaching the temperature of the molten formula at the melting point of the formula, the viscosity of the molten formula increases, which further increases the tendency of the molten formula to be retained on the surface.

Thus, the present invention provides absorbent articles having body side liners which incorporate a hydrophilic lotion formula on the body facing surface thereof. Since the hydrophilic lotion formulations applied to the liner of the absorbent articles of the present invention are hydrophilic, the absorbent articles have maintained high levels of absorbency and fast liquid absorption. As such, hydrophilic lotions can be applied in larger amounts and on higher percentages of the overall surface area of the lining from side to body to improve the transfer to the skin and the resulting skin health. As a result of this, the skin of the users of such absorbent articles must remain less susceptible to rashes, abrasion and to irritation.

In addition, because the hydrophilic lotion formula is a solid at room temperature, it has an increased viscosity at the process temperature and solidifies rapidly after deposit, it has less tendency to penetrate and migrate into the liner and body absorbent of the article during processing and elevated storage temperatures. Compared to liners treated with liquid or semi-solid formulas, the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention have a higher percentage of the formula added to the surface facing the body of the liner where it can make contact and transfer to the wearer's skin for provide a benefit The high melt point viscosity of the hydrophilic lotion formulas of the present invention can also help reduce the migration of the hydrophilic lotion into the article. Thus, absorbent articles having the body-side liners with hydrophilic lotion of the present invention are capable of providing an improved skin health benefit to the user on an effective cost basis.

Test Methods Lotion Emulation Test in Z Direction This test determines the amount of lotion which remains on the target area of the surface facing the body of an absorbent article after a given period of time at a given temperature. Specifically, the purpose of the test is to compare the amount of lotion present in the target zone on the articles stored at a lower temperature with that present on the items stored at a higher temperature. The test simulates storage at high temperature conditions which may exist for such items. For example, such items may be stored in the trunk of a vehicle or in a warehouse in a warm climate such as in a warehouse in Arizona in the months of July or August. The loss of migration in the z-direction is a measure of the migration of the lotion after storage at 130 degrees F when compared to the migration of the lotion to 73 degrees F after a fixed period of time. Therefore, this test predicts the amount of lotion which will be available on the surface facing the body of the article for transfer to the skin when the article is used as well as how fast it will undesirably migrate outward or along the surface. from the face to the body of the article in use.

Specifically, the test was carried out as follows: 1. Ten (10) products are obtained that have a lotion formula applied to the lining from side to body. 2. Five (5) products are placed in a controlled environment at a temperature of 73 degrees F and at a relative humidity of 50% for a fixed period of time such as, for example, 28 days. The other five (5) products are placed in a controlled environment at a temperature of 130 degrees F and at an ambient humidity for the same period of time. 3. The products are removed from the controlled environment and a sample of the side-to-body liner that has a width of 3.75 inches and a length of 13 inches is removed from the center of each product. 4. The samples are then subjected to a Soxhlet extraction with gravimetric analysis (SEGA) as follows. A Soxhlet extraction test apparatus with gravimetric analysis such as that representatively illustrated in Figure 4 is used. The test apparatus 60 includes a reboiler 62, a chloroform 64 vapor duct, a cold water condenser 66, a water tank containment 68 where the samples are placed and a chloroform 70 recycle duct. The components of the test apparatus are conventional glassware well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the reboiler may include a 250 milliliter round bottom bottle and the steam duct may include an 85 ml Soxhlet. A sample was placed in containment tank 68 and subjected to wash cycles with chloroform for 2 and half hours. 125 milliliters of liquid chloroform was placed in the reboiler. The chloroform vaporizes and rises upwardly through the vapor duct 64 to the condenser 66 which has tap water there which, in turn, causes the chloroform to liquify and fall into the containment tank 68 with the sample. Chloroform dissolves the lotion sample from the liner. When the liquid chloroform reaches a sufficiently high level, the recycling duct returns the chloroform / lotion mixture to the reboiler. The temperature in the reboiler is controlled so that it is above the boiling point of the chloroform but below that of the lotion so that only the chloroform vaporizes to start the process again. A complete wash cycle takes approximately 15 minutes with about 75 millimeters of chloroform circulating through the liner sample in each cycle. Upon completion, the chloroform in the evaporator is evaporated using a conventional vacuum evaporator such as a rotovap commercially available under model number Buchi 011 RE 121 for a period of 4 minutes followed by placement of the lotion in an aluminum tray and by heating on a hot forced air circulation plate for an additional 30 minutes.

. The remaining residue (lotion) for each sample was then weighed. The amount of lotion recovered from the products stored at 73 degrees F is then compared to the amount of lotion recovered from the products stored at 130 degrees F to determine the stability of the lotion formula at high temperature.

The loss of emigration in the z direction of the absorbent article is then determined as follows: Emigration loss direction Z (%) = [(L73-L130) / L73] x 100 where, L73 = average weight (g) of lotion recovered per sample stored at 73 degrees F.

Li3o = average weight (g) of lotion recovered per sample stored at 130 degrees F.

Lotion Emigration Test at the CD Address This test determines the amount of lotion which remains on a specific place where it is applied on the surface facing the body of an absorbent article after a given period of time at a given temperature. Specifically, the purpose of the test is to compare the amount of lotion present at the application site on the side-to-body liner with that present on the remaining parts of the liner from side to body of the articles after having been stored at a time. High temperature. This test simulates storage at high temperature conditions which can occur for such items. For example, such items may be stored in the trunk of a vehicle or in a warehouse in a hot climate such as in a warehouse in Arizona in the months of July or August. The loss of emigration in the cd direction is a measure of the migration of lateral lotion along the surface facing the body of the article after storage at 130 degrees F after a fixed period of time. Therefore, this test predicts the amount of lotion which will be available at a desired location on the surface facing the body of the article to be transferred to the skin when the article is used as well as how quickly it will migrate undesirably out of or into the body. length of the surface facing the body of the article in use.

Specifically, this test was conducted as follows: 1. Five (5) products are obtained that have a lotion formula applied to the lining from side to body in a specific pattern. 2. The products are placed in a controlled environment at a temperature of 130 degrees F and at a humidity of the environment for a fixed period of time such as, for example, 28 days. 3. The products are removed from the controlled environment and the lining from the side to the body on each product is removed and dissected to remove the part of the lining to which the lotion was actually applied. For example, if the lotion was applied as four continuous lines that have a width of 0.25 inches with spaces of 0.75 inches between them, the 4 liner strips would be removed. 4. The samples which include the parts of the lining to which the lotion was applied are then grouped together and subjected to the Soxhlet extraction with gravimetric analysis (SEGA) described above. The remaining parts of the lining from side to body are also grouped together and subjected to a Soxhlet extraction with separate gravimetric analysis.

. The remaining residue (lotion) for each group is then weighed. The amount of the lotion recovered from the sides of the liner to the body to which the lotion was applied is then compared to the amount of lotion recovered from the remaining parts of the liner from side to body to determine the stability of the lotion formula. at high temperature.

The loss of emigration in the cd direction of the absorbent article was then determined as follows: Loss of emigration in the CD direction (%) = [(Lsp-La) / Lsp] x 100 where, Lsp = average weight (g) of lotion recovered from the parts of the lining from side to body to which the lotion was not applied by diaper.

The = average weight (g) of lotion recovered by the parts of the lining from side to body to which the lotion was applied by diaper.

Water Vapor Transmission Rate A suitable technique for determining the value of WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) of a material is as follows. For the purposes of the present invention, 3-inch diameter (76 millimeters) circular samples of test material and control material, Celguar® 2500 Hoechst Celanese Corporation) are cut. Two or three samples are prepared for each material. The test cups used to test are cast aluminum, flanged, 2 inches deep and come with a mechanical seal and a neoprene gasket. The cups are distributed by Thwing-Albert Instrument Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the designation Vapometer cup number 681. One hundred milliliters of distilled water are poured into each Vapometer cup and each of the individual samples of the test materials and the material of control are placed through the open top area of an individual cup. The bolted flanges are tightened to form a seal along the edges of the cups, leaving the associated test material or control material exposed to the ambient atmosphere over a circular area of 62 millimeters in diameter (an exposed and open area). of around 30 square centimeters). The cups are then weighed and placed on a tray, and placed in a forced air oven set at 100 ° F (38 ° C). The oven is a constant-temperature oven with an external air circulating through it to prevent the accumulation of water vapor inside. A suitable forced air furnace is, for example, a Power-0-Matic 60 Blue M furnace distributed by Blue M. Electric Company of Blue Island, Illinois. After 24 hours, the cups were removed from the oven and weighed. The water vapor transmission rate value of preliminary test is calculated as follows: Test WVTR = [(weight loss grams over 24 hours) X 7571] (g / m2 / 24 hours) 24 The relative humidity inside the oven is not specifically controlled. Under established and predetermined conditions of 100 ° F and a relative ambient humidity, the water vapor transmission rate for the Celguar 2500 material has been determined to be 5,000 g / square meter / 24 hours. Therefore, the Celguard 2500 is run as a control sample with each test. The Celguard 2500 is a 0.0025 centimeter thick film composed of a microporous polypropylene.

Having thus described the invention in considerable detail, it will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All those changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the adjacent clauses.

Claims (34)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An absorbent article comprising: a) an outer cover; b) a fluid-permeable body side liner which defines a surface facing the body and which is connected in a superimposed relation to said outer cover; c) an absorbent body which is located between said liner side to body and said outer cover; Y d) a hydrophilic lotion formula on at least a portion of said face-to-body surface of the body-side liner includes from about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol, and from about 0 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of a fatty alcohol based on weight total of said hydrophilic lotion formula.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, propylene glycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols (molecular weights of less than 720 and liquids at room temperature), methoxyisopropanol, PPG-2 propyl ether, PPG-2 butyl ether, PPG-2 methyl ether, PPG-3 methyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol, methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, water soluble / dispersible polypropylene glycols, ethoxylated polypropylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate, silicone glycols, and mixtures thereof.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

4. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said high molecular weight polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol PEG 6000, polyethylene glycol PEG 8,000, polyethylene glycol PEG 10,000 and mixtures thereof.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of alcohols having a carbon chain length of C14-C30 and mixtures thereof.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula further comprises from about 0 percent by weight to about 25 percent by weight of a viscosity increaser.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 7 characterized in that said viscosity enhancer increases the viscosity of said lotion formula by at least about 50 percent at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a viscosity of from about 10 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade.

10. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a melting point viscosity of from about 20 centipoise to about 1,000,000 centipoise.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a melting point of from about 30 to about 100 degrees centigrade.

12. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to said liner from side to body at a temperature of no more than about 10 degrees centigrade above the melting point of said lotion formula hydrophilic to reduce the migration of said hydrophilic lotion formula.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to said liner from side to body at a temperature of no more than about 5 degrees centigrade above the melting point of said lotion formula hydrophilic to reduce the migration of the hydrophilic lotion formula.

14. An absorbent article comprising: a) an outer cover; b) a fluid-permeable body side liner which defines a surface facing the body and which is connected in a superimposed relation to said outer cover; c) an absorbent body which is located between the side-to-body liner and said outer cover; Y d) a hydrophilic lotion formula on at least a portion of said body facing surface of said body side liner which includes a hydrophilic solvent and a higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol, wherein said article defines a loss of migration in the z direction of no more than about 55 percent.

15. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols of lower molecular weight (molecular weights of less than 720 and a liquid at room temperature) , methoxyisopropanol, PPG-2 propyl ether, PPG-2 butyl ether, PPG-2 methyl ether, PPG-3 methyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol, methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, water soluble / dispersible polypropylene glycols, ethoxylated polypropylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate, silicone glycols, and mixtures thereof.

16. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol of lower molecular weight and mixtures thereof.

17. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said high molecular weight polyethylene glycol is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol PEG 6000, polyethylene glycol PEG 8,000, polyethylene glycol PEG 10,000 and mixtures thereof.

18. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said lotion further includes a fatty alcohol selected from the group consisting of alcohols having a carbon chain length of C14-C30 and mixtures thereof.

19. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof.

20. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a viscosity of from about 10 to about 10,000 centipoise at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade.

21. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a melting point viscosity of from about 20 to about 1,000,000 centipoise.

22. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a melting point of from about 30 to about 100 degrees centigrade.

23. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said loss of migration in the z-direction of said absorbent article is not more than about 50%.

24. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said absorbent article defines a loss of emigration in the cd direction of no more than about 40%.

25. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to said liner from side to body at a temperature of no more than about 10 degrees centigrade above a melting point of said formula. hydrophilic lotion to reduce the migration of said hydrophilic lotion formula.

26. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula further comprises a viscosity improver.

27. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 26 characterized in that said viscosity improver increases a viscosity of said lotion formula by at least about 50 percent at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade.

28. An absorbent article comprising: a) an outer cover; b) a liquid-permeable body side liner which defines a surface facing the body and which is connected in a superimposed relation to said outer cover; c) an absorbent body which is located between said liner side to body and said outer cover; Y d) a hydrophilic lotion formula on at least a part of said surface facing the body of said lining from side to body which includes: i) from about 30 weight percent to about 70 weight percent of a solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol and mixtures thereof based on the total weight of said formula hydrophilic lotion; ii) from about 15 to about 25 weight percent of a polyethylene glycol selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol PEG 6000, polyethylene glycol PEG 8,000, polyethylene glycol PEG 10,000 and mixtures thereof based on said total weight of said formula hydrophilic lotion; Y iii) from about 15 to about 25 weight percent of a fatty alcohol selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol and mixtures thereof based on said total weight of said hydrophilic lotion formula.

29. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a viscosity of from about 10 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade.

30. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a melting point viscosity of from about 20 centipoise to about 1,000,000 centipoise.

31. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula defines a melting point of from about 30 degrees centigrade to about 100 degrees centigrade.

32. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said absorbent article defines a loss of migration in the z-direction of not more than about 55%.

33. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to the body side liner at a temperature of no more than about 10 degrees centigrade above a melting point of said lotion formula hydrophilic to reduce the migration of said hydrophilic lotion formula.

34. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 28 characterized in that said hydrophilic lotion formula is applied to said liner from side to body at a temperature of no more than about 5 degrees centigrade above a melting point of said formula. hydrophilic lotion to reduce the migration of said hydrophilic lotion formula. SUMMARY An absorbent article having a body side liner that includes a hydrophilic lotion formula on the surface facing the body exterior thereof. The hydrophilic lotion formula comprises from about 10 to about 90 percent by weight of a hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 90 percent by weight of a higher molecular weight polyethylene glycol, and from about 0 to about 60 percent by weight of a fatty alcohol. The hydrophilic lotion formula has a reduced adverse effect on the liquid absorption and absorbent properties of the liner and absorbent body when compared to conventional lipophilic or hydrophobic lotion formulas. The hydrophilic lotion formula acts as a lubricant to reduce the abrasion of the skin caused by the lining and is also transferred to the skin to provide improved skin health.