Article having a lotioned topsheet

Abstract

A method for depositing a lotion composition onto a topsheet of a feminine hygiene article. The method comprises the steps of: providing a topsheet, wherein the topsheet can be selected from the group consisting of apertured formed thermoplastic films, hydroformed thermoplastic films, porous foams, and nonwoven web of fibers; providing a lotion composition wherein the lotion composition can be solid or semisolid at 20 degrees C.; and printing or spraying or extruding the lotion onto the topsheet in a pattern that can be a non-uniform pattern.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 769,487, filed Jan. 29, 2004, pending, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 908,852, filed Aug. 8, 1997, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,861,571 on Mar. 1, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 884,069, filed Jun. 27, 1997, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,041 on Sep. 12, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 345,159, filed Nov. 28, 1994, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588 on Jul. 1, 1997.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This application relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, adult incontinence devices, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent articles having a lotion coating on the outer surface of the topsheet that is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and wearer motion and / or body heat. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many types of disposa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a method for adding a lotion to a feminine hygiene article. The method involves adding the lotion to a topsheet, which can be made of various materials like thermoplastic films or non-woven fibers. The lotion can be solid or semi-solid at room temperature. The method can involve printing, spraying, or extruding the lotion onto the topsheet in a non-uniform pattern. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a way to add a lotion to a feminine hygiene article in a controlled and precise manner."

Problems solved by technology

This leads not only to increased costs for these lotioned products, but other detrimental effects as well.

One of these detrimental effects is a decrease in the fluid handling properties as high levels of mineral oil tend to block the topsheet openings.

Also, as mineral oil migrates to the interior of the article, it tends to act as a hydrophobic additive, thus decreasing the absorbency of the underlying absorbent core, if one is used.

Even without increasing its level, the tendency of mineral oil to migrate once applied has other detrimental effects.

Articles disclosed by both patents have a serious drawback.

Namely, unless the capsules are ruptured by applying pressure prior to using the diaper or the bandage, the skin-care substance contained in the capsules is either not delivered at all or is delivered non-uniformly leaving some areas of skin uncoated.

A major disadvantage of the article disclosed by the reference is that transfer of a beneficial substance from the absorbent substrate to skin is delayed and is only realized when body fluids are released.

A major disadvantage of the diapers disclosed in the Duncan et al. reference is that the hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheets are slow in promoting transfer of urine to the underlying absorbent cores.

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