Absorbent article which maintains or improves skin health

US6482422B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Susan Carol Paul · Alpharetta, US
• Frank Jerrel Akin · Marietta, US
• Robert C. Di Luccio · Wilmington, US
• Dennis S. Everhart · Alpharetta, US
• Elizabeth Deibler Gadsby · Riverdale, US
• Pamela Jean Mayberry · Roswell, US
• Audra Wright · Woodstock, US
• Ali Yahiaoui · Roswell, US
• Michael John Faulks · Neenah, US
• Duane Krzysik · Appleton, US
• Karen Marie Menard · Neenah, US
• David Charles Musil · Appleton, US
• Frank Andrew Rosch, III · Harrison, US
• Gordon Allen Shaw · Greenville, US
• David John Tyrrell · Milwaukee, US
• Diane Michele Underhill · Neenah, US
• Jeffrey Michael Hockersmith · Mill Creek, US
• Gunilla E. Gillberg-LaForce · Summit, US
• Wade Bolton May · Alexandria, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 27, 2000
• Grant date: Nov 19, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 31, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L2300/412
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article maintains the temperature and exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms. The absorbent article may further include lotion formulations and/or treatment compositions thereon for maintaining or improving skin health.