BE1022582B1 - ABSORBENT FEMALE HYGIENE ARTICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, preferably a sanitary napkin, comprising an absorbent core with optimized shape and size for an improved fit in underwear and a method of manufacturing such an absorbent article.

Description

ABSORBENT FEMALE HYGIENE ARTICLE TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention belongs to the technical field of absorbent hygiene products. In particular, the present invention relates to an absorbent article for external feminine personal care. More specifically, the present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, formed to collect and retain blood, menstrual secretions, urine, vaginal fluids, and to prevent leakage.

BACKGROUND

Sanitary pads, also called feminine care pads, are designed to be worn by women for absorbing a medium to large amount of body excretions such as menstrual secretions, blood, urine, and other secretions discharged by the body during a menstrual period. Sanitary napkins are external devices designed to be placed close to the pudendum region of the human body and are generally held in position by, for example, being attached to an underwear with an adhesive. Such products differ from tampons that are classified as internal tools and are designed to be physically introduced into the vaginal cavity. Sanitary pads also differ in a number of notable ways from panty liners or slip protection. Sanitary napkins are generally larger in size and have a more defined three-dimensional configuration, i.e., are thicker and bulkier in appearance than panty liners or slip protection. Functionally, sanitary napkins are different in that they are configured to absorb a larger amount of body fluid and are designed so that they can be worn for a longer period of time such as overnight if necessary.

Various configurations of sanitary napkins are known in the prior art, as shown in EP 0 471 114 and in WO 2005/082304.

However, there remains a need in the prior art for sanitary napkins exhibiting an improved fit of the napkin in the wearer's underwear and for an absorbent core whose absorbent capacity can be optimally utilized, thereby leaking the absorbent article to the wearer's underwear. In this way the general wearing comfort and experience of the sanitary napkin can be improved. ......

It is an object of the present invention to solve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

The object of the invention is to provide an absorbent article for this purpose, suitable for use as a sanitary napkin, the absorbent core of which is provided with optimum dimensions and an improved shape to optimize the fit of the absorbent core in the wearer's underwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an absorbent article according to claim 1.

The product of the present invention overcomes the difficulties of the prior art products, since the optimized dimensions of the absorbent core allows an improved fit in the wearer's underwear.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 14, preferably said absorbent article is a product according to claim 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the body-turned side of the absorbent article, i.e., the side of the sanitary napkin that is in contact with the wearer when the sanitary napkin is worn.

Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of an absorbent article of Figure 1, showing the garment-turned side of the absorbent article, i.e., the side of the sanitary napkin that is in contact with the wearer's underwear when the sanitary napkin is worn.

Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the body-turned side of the absorbent article. "

Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of an absorbent article of Figure 3, showing the garment-facing side of the absorbent article.

Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the body-turned side of the absorbent article.

Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of an absorbent article of Figure 3, showing the garment-facing side of the absorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorbent article suitable for use as a sanitary napkin and capable of absorbing body fluids such as blood, menstrual secretions, urine and the like, the absorbent core of which is provided with improved dimensions and an optimum symmetry, which allow an improved symmetry provide the fit of the absorbent core in the wearer's underwear.

The citation of numerical intervals by the end points includes all numbers and fractions that are within that interval, as well as the recited end points.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used to make the invention public, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by someone of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this invention belongs. By way of further guidance, definitions of terms are included to better understand the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

The term "% weight" (weight percent), throughout and throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the composition. "A," "an," and "an" as used herein refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly assumes otherwise. By way of example, a "peel strip" refers to one or more than one peel strip. "Approximately" as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a duration, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less , more preferably +/- 5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less of the specified value, insofar as such variations are indicated to be included in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value at which the "approximately" determination is used is itself specifically disclosed. "Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and retain liquid, and more specifically refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the wearer's body to absorb and retain the various secretions discharged by the body. The absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, sanitary napkins, and the like, as well as surgical dressings and sponges.

The "absorbent medium" or "absorbent core" or "absorbent body" is the absorbent structure positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet of the absorbent article in at least the crotch region of the absorbent article and is capable of absorbing liquid body secretions and to hold on. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of forms (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shape, I-shape, hourglass shape, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. Examples of commonly occurring absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue layers, highly absorbent polymers (so-called super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent non-woven materials or the like. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material. The absorbent core can comprise one or more liquid-absorbing layers. "Acquisition and distribution layer", "ADL" or "flow management section" refers to an underlayer that is preferably a non-woven wicking layer under the topsheet of an absorbent article, which speeds up transport and improves the distribution of liquids over the absorbent core. The flow management portion is typically less hydrophilic than the absorbent core, and has the capacity to rapidly collect and temporarily retain fluid streams, and to transport fluid from its initial entry point to other parts of the absorbent structure, particularly the absorbent core. This configuration can help to prevent the fluid from flowing and collecting on the portion of the absorbent garment positioned against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the wearer's sense of moisture. Preferably, the flow management portion is placed between the topsheet and the retention portion. It is also possible to replace an acquisition and distribution layer with a transfer layer.

The term "adhesive" as used herein refers to any suitable hot melt, water or solvent based adhesive that can be applied to the surface of a film layer in the required pattern or network of adhesive areas around the film nonwoven laminate of the present invention. Accordingly, suitable adhesives include conventional hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, and reactive adhesives (i.e., polyurethane).

As used herein, the term "adhesive bonding" means a bonding process that forms a compound by using an adhesive. Such adhesive can be used by various processes such as groove coating, sprayed coating and other surface applications. Furthermore, such adhesive can be applied to a product component and then exposed to a pressure such that the contact of a second product component with the product component comprising adhesive forms an adhesive bond between the two components.

As used herein, an "air-formed web" refers to a material comprising cellulose fibers such as those from fluff pulp that were separated, such as by a hammer mill process, and then deposited on a porous surface without the presence of a substantial amount of binding fibers. For example, air-shaped materials used as the absorbent core in various diapers are a typical example of an air-shaped material.

As used herein, an "air laid web" is a fibrous structure formed essentially by a process that involves depositing air entrained fibers on a mat, typically in the presence of bonding fibers, and typically followed by a densification and thermal bonding. In addition to traditional thermally bonded air-laid structures (those formed in the presence of non-sticky binder materials and substantially thermally bonded), the scope of the term "air-laid" according to the present invention may also include coforms made by the combination of air-entrained dry, dispersed cellulose fibers with meltblown synthetic polymer fibers while the polymer fibers are still sticky. Furthermore, an air-shaped web to which subsequently a binder material is added may also fall within the scope of the term "air laid" according to the present invention. The binder can be added to an air-formed web in liquid form (e.g., an aqueous solution or a melt) by spray nozzles, directional injection or impregnation, vacuum draw, foam impregnation, and so on. Solid binder particles can also be added by mechanical or pneumatic means. .

As used herein, the term "associated" includes configurations in which the topsheet is connected directly to the backsheet by attaching the topsheet directly to the backsheet, and configurations in which the topsheet is attached to the backsheet by attaching the topsheet to intermediate members who are on in turn are attached to the backsheet. The topsheet and the backsheet can be directly attached to each other by adhesives such as adhesives, sonic bonds, thermal bonds or any other adhesives known in the prior art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed pattern of adhesive or a series of separate lines, swirls or stains of structural adhesive can be used to adhere topsheet to backsheet. It should be clear here that the above-described adhesive means can also be used to interconnect and assemble the various other component parts of the article described herein.

The terms "back region" and "back region" are used herein as synonyms and refer to the region of the absorbent article that is in contact with the back or substantially the back of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

The "screen" or "backsheet" are used herein as synonyms and is preferably liquid impermeable and preferably designed to allow the passage of air or water vapor from the absorbent article and to block the flow of body fluids. A liquid-impermeable backsheet can be made of any material with these properties. The liquid-impermeable backsheet can, if desired, also be made of a material that blocks the passage of both air vapors and liquids. A good material from which the backsheet can be made is a micro-embossed polymer film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Bicomponent films can also be used. A preferred material is a polyethylene film. The topsheet can be associated or associated with the backsheet using any known method that leaves no hard or uncomfortable residues that might irritate the wearer. Those familiar with the prior art are familiar with the methods of joining the different materials and joining other possible materials in the absorbent article of the present invention, including the use of pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, double sided self-adhesive sheets, ultrasonic welding and heat sealing to name a few. Adhesives such as hot melt adhesives can be used uniformly or in the form of a continuous or discontinuous layer.

The terms "abdominal area" and "front area" are used herein as synonyms and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the abdomen or substantially the front of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

The term "bicomponent" refers to fibers formed from at least two polymers extruded from separate extruders but spun together to form one fiber. The configuration of such bicomponent fiber can be a sheath / core arrangement in which one polymer is surrounded by another or can be a side-by-side arrangement.

As used herein, the "body-turned" or "body-side" surface means that surface of the article or component that is intended to be arranged or positioned toward or adjacent to the wearer's body during normal use while "outgoing" , "outward facing", "garment-side" or "garment-facing side" surface is on the opposite side, and is intended to be suitably turned away from the wearer's body during normal use. Such outgoing surface "can be adapted to be fitted to or adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the absorbent article is worn." Connected "refers to the joining, hardening, connecting, attaching, or the like, of at least two elements Two elements will be considered connected when they are directly connected to each other or indirectly to each other, such as when each is directly tied to intermediate elements.

A "carded web" refers to webs made from staple fibers that are controlled by a combing or carding unit, which opens the staple fibers and "aligns" them according to xte machiner + echt to form a generally machine-oriented, fibrous non-woven web The web is then bonded by one or more known bonding methods Linking non-woven webs can be achieved by a number of methods; powder bonding, in which a powdered adhesive or binder is distributed through the web and then activated, usually by heating the web and hot air adhesive; pattern binding, wherein heated calendar rolls or ultrasonic binding equipment is used to bind the fibers together, usually in a localized binding pattern, although the web can be bound over its entire surface if desired; -binding air, in which air that is hot enough to soften at least one component of the web is guided through the web; chemical bonding, using, for example, latex adhesives deposited on the web by, for example, spraying; and consolidation by mechanical methods such as needle felting and water entanglement.

As used herein, the term "cellulose" is intended to include any material that has cellulose as its main constituent, and specifically comprises at least 50 weight percent cellulose or a cellulose derivative. Thus, the term includes cotton, typical wood pulp, non-woody cellulose fibers, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, artificial silk, thermomechanical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, dissolved chemical wood pulp, silk plant, or bacterial cellulose. "Covorm" as used herein is intended to describe a mixture of meltblown fibers and cellulose fibers formed by the air formation of a meltblown polymeric material while simultaneously blowing air-suspended cellulose fibers into the stream of meltblown fibers. The coform material can also include other materials, such as super-absorbent particles. The meltblown fibers containing wooden fibers are collected on a forming surface, provided as a patterned belt. The forming surface may comprise a gas-permeable material, such as spunbonded fabric material, which is placed on the forming surface. "Compression" refers to the process or result of printing by applying force to an object, thereby increasing the density of the object. "Include", "include", and "include", and "include from" as used herein are synonymous with "consist of", "consist of", "consist of", or "contain", "contain", "contain ", and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of what follows, eg component and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known from or described in the state under the technique.

The term "mainly consisting of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials that do not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a particular composition or product. Exemplary materials of this kind may include, without limitation, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, solvents, particles, and materials that are added to increase the processability of the composition. "Conventional hot-melt adhesive" means a composition that generally consists of several components. These components typically include one or more polymers to provide cohesive force (e.g., aliphatic polyolefins such as poly (ethylene-co-propylene) copolymer; ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene isoprene block copolymers; etc.); a resin or an analogous material (sometimes referred to as a tackifier) to provide adhesion power (e.g., hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum distillates; resins and / or resin esters; terpenes derived from, for example, wood or citrus, etc.); optional waxes, plasticizers, or other materials to alter viscosity (i.e., fluidity) (examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, polybutene, paraffin oil, ester oils, and the like); and / or other additives including, but not limited to, antioxidants or other stabilizers. A typical hot melt adhesive composition may comprise from about 15 to about 35 weight percent cohesive force polymer or polymers; from about 50 to about 65 percent by weight of resin or other tackiness promoter or tackiness promoters; from more than zero to about 30 percent by weight of Plasticizer or other WMS change remover; and optionally less than about 1 weight percent stabilizer or other additive. It is to be understood that other adhesive compositions are possible that include different weight percentages of these components.

The "topcoat" or "topsheet" are used herein as synonyms and is the layer that faces the wearer's body when the absorbent article is in use. The topsheet is preferably a liquid permeable material. The topsheet can be made of a material that allows the passage of fluid without substantially pulling the fluid horizontally, in parallel with the topsheet. Moreover, the topsheet should retain little or no liquid in the structure so that a relatively dry surface is provided on the wearer's skin. In general, the topsheet is a single layer of a material with a width that is sufficient to cover the surface of an absorbent layer placed underneath. The sheet can be made from materials known in the state of the art. A liquid-permeable topsheet can be made from both natural and synthetic fibers. Suitable materials include bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, finely-perforated film webs and mesh materials, also work well. A preferred material is a composite of a perforated thermoplastic film positioned above a non-woven fabric. Such composite material can be formed by extrusion of a polymer on a web of spunbonded material to form an integral sheet. An example of this is a perforated, thermoplastic polyethylene film bonded to a spunbond material. Another material suitable as a liquid-permeable topsheet is a spunbond web made of polypropylene. This spunbond web can comprise between about 1 percent to about 6 percent of a whitening agent, such as titanium dioxide (TiO 2) or calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) to provide a pure, white appearance. A uniform thickness of spunbond is desirable because it will have sufficient strength to resist tearing or tearing apart during use after being perforated. It should be noted that the body side can be top-coated, sprayed or treated in some other way with a surface-active component to make them hydrophilic. When the body side topsheet is formed from a hydrophilic material, it will allow the body fluid to pass through quickly. The body side topsheet can also be embossed. The topsheet may comprise a plurality of perforations that are oval, square or circularly shaped or of any other suitable shape to facilitate the uptake of fluid through the topsheet, certainly highly viscous components of such fluid. The topsheet can be fully perforated or can be perforated only in selected areas thereof. The perforations can be arranged randomly or regularly in a pattern. Alternatively, the liquid-permeable topsheet may also comprise a perforated film made of a liquid-impermeable material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The liquid-permeable topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backset work together to enclose and retain the absorbent core between them.

The term "density" or "concentration" when referring to the absorbent material, in particular SAP, of a layer refers to the amount of the absorbent material divided by the surface of the layer over which the absorbent material is spread.

The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are generally not intended to be washed or otherwise repaired or reused as an absorbent article (ie, they are intended to be discarded after single use and, preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

As used herein and in the claims that follow, "embossed" or "embossed" includes areas where a material has been treated by pressure, thermal energy, ultrasonic energy, and / or other treatments including heat forming, to local impressions and / or to provide compressions in the material. Preferably, relief elements are applied and / or printed on the material to form the corresponding relief on the substrate.

The term "fabric" is used to refer to all woven, knitted and non-woven fibrous webs.

The term "feminine care" as used herein is synonymous with sanitary.

The term "finished" or "final", when used in relation to a product, means that the product was suitably manufactured for its intended purpose.

The term "flexible" refers to materials that are compliant and that easily adapt to the general shape and context of the wearer's body.

The absorbent article preferably includes one or more extended strips or areas of "garment adhesion adhesive" attached to the bottom surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet. The garment adhesion adhesive serves to secure the article to the inner crotch portion of the user's underwear. The garment adhesion adhesive allows the absorbent article, especially a sanitary napkin, to be properly aligned and retained relative to the vaginal opening of the user so that maximum fluid protection can be obtained. cover the liquid impervious backsheet or only a portion thereof The garment adhesion adhesive may consist of a swirl pattern of adhesive or may be one or more strips of adhesive. The garment adhesion adhesive may also consist of a plurality of adhesive punctures exist randomly or uniformly on the outer surface of the backsheet. When in strip form, the garment adhesion adhesive can be aligned along the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article. Alternatively, the garment adhesion adhesive may be present as two or more separate longitudinal strips positioned from each other. The garment adhesion adhesive is of such a nature that it allows the user to remove the absorbent article and, if necessary, reposition it on the wearer's underwear.

The term "drawing" includes, but is not limited to, any type of design, image, sign, number, codes, words, patterns, or the like.

The term "high absorption material" refers to materials that are capable of absorbing at least 10 times their own weight in liquid. The high absorption material may comprise absorbent gel-forming materials, such as super-absorbent polymers. Superabsorbent polymers are water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials capable of absorbing at least about 20 times their own weight of an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent of sodium chloride. The absorbent gel-forming materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the absorbent gel-forming materials may be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compositions such as cross-linked polymers. The term "cross-linked" refers to any means to effectively render water-soluble materials insoluble but swellable. Such agents may include, for example, physical confusion, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces. Examples of synthetic absorbent gel-forming material polymers include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ethers), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), poly (vinyl morpholinone) ), poly (vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use in the absorbent structure include 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 of such. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be used. Synthetic absorbent gel-forming materials are typically xerogels that form hydrogels when wetted. However, the term "hydrogel" is also commonly used to refer to both wetted and non-wetted forms of the material. The high-absorption material can have any of a wide variety of geometric shapes. It is generally preferred that the high absorption material is in the form of individual particles. However, the high-absorption material can also be in the form of fibers, flakes, rods, spheres, needles, spiral or semi-spiral, cube, rod-like, polyhedral, or the like. Conglomerates of particles of high absorption material can also be used. The high absorbent material may be present in the absorbent core in an amount of about 5 to about 100 weight percent and desirably from about 30 to about 100 weight percent based on the total weight of the absorbent core. The distribution of the high-absorption material within the various parts of the absorbent core may vary depending on the anticipated end use of the absorbent core. The high absorption material can be arranged in a generally separate layer within the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core may comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and high-absorption material or other suitable means to maintain a high-absorption material in a localized area. "Hot-melt adhesive" means a composition that generally consists of several components. These components typically include one or more polymers for cohesion before, "(e.g., atiphatic polyolefins such as" poly (ethylene-co-propylene) copolymer; ethylene vinyl acetate Copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene-block copolymers; resin esters; terpenes derived from, for example, wood or citrus, etc.); optionally waxes, plasticizers or other materials to alter viscosity (ie, fluidity) (examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, polybutene, paraffin oil, ester oils, and the like) and / or other additives including, but not limited to, antioxidants or other stabilizers. A typical hot melt adhesive composition may comprise from about 15 to about 35 weight percent cohesive force polymer or polymers; from about 50 to about 65 percent by weight of resin or other tackiness promoter or tackiness promoters; from more than zero to about 30 weight percent plasticizer or other viscosity change agent; and optionally less than about 1 weight percent stabilizer or other additive. It is to be understood that other adhesive compositions are possible that include different weight percentages of these components. ..... "Water entanglement process" refers to the production of non-woven webs. The process involves directing a series of water jets to a fibrous web that is worn on a moving porous belt. The jets of water go down through the mass of fibers and when making contact with the surface of the belt, the rays bounce back and break them up: the energy that is released causes entanglement of the mass of fibers.

The term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or the surfaces of fibers that are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can in turn be expressed in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials in question. The term "wettable" is intended to refer to a fiber that makes an air contact angle with a liquid, such as water, synthetic urine, or an aqueous saline solution of 0.9% by weight, of less than 90 °, while "hydrophobic" or "non-wettable" fibers describe fibers that have contact angles equal to or greater than 90 °.

As used herein, the term "impervious" generally refers to articles and / or elements that cannot be substantially permeated by an aqueous liquid throughout their full thickness under a pressure of 1.0 kPa or less. Preferably, the impervious article or element is not permeable to an aqueous liquid under pressures of 3.4 kPa or less. More preferably, the impervious article or element is not permeable to an aqueous liquid under pressures of 6.8 kPa or less. An article or an element that is not impenetrable is permeable. "Integral" is used to refer to various portions of a single unitary element rather than to the individual structures that are bonded or placed close together. "Connecting", "connecting", "connected" or variations thereof, when used to describe the relationship between two or more elements, means that the elements can be connected in any suitable manner, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, by adhesives, stitching, or the like. Furthermore, the elements can be connected directly, or they can comprise one or more elements positioned between them, which are all connected together.

The use of the term "layer" can refer to, but is not limited to, any type of substrate, such as a woven web, non-woven web, films, laminates, composites, elastomeric materials, or the like. One layer can be liquid and air permeable, permeable to air but impenetrable to liquids, impenetrable to both air and liquids, or the like. When used in the singular, it can have the double meaning of a single element or of a majority of elements. "Liquid" means a non-gaseous substance and / or a material that flows and can take the inner form of a container into which it is poured or placed. "Longitudinal" is a direction parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article .

As used herein, the term "machine direction" refers to the direction of formation of the meltblown or spunbond web. Since such webs are generally extrudated on a "moving conveyor belt" or "forming wire", the forming direction of such webs (the machine direction) is the moving direction of the forming wire.

The term "meltblown fibers" means fibers formed by extrusion of a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries into molten wires or filaments in a high-speed gas stream (e.g. air) which causes the filaments of the molten thermoplastic material will decrease in diameter, which can go to a microfiber diameter. Generally, meltblown fibers have an average fiber diameter of up to about 10 microns. After the formation of the fibers, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high speed gas stream and deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly arranged meltblown fibers.

As used herein, the terms "constriction" or "constriction elongation", interchangeably, refer to a method of elongating a non-woven fabric, generally in the machine direction, to reduce its width in a controlled manner to a desired manner value. The controlled stretching can take place under cool, room temperature or higher temperatures and is limited to extending the general dimension according to the direction stretched to the extension needed to break the tissue, which in most cases is about 1.2 to 1.4 times. When relaxed, the web returns to its original dimensions. • The term "non-woven fabric or web" means a sheet of material that has a structure of individual fibers or threads that are inlaid, but not in a regular manner such as occurs with stitching or weaving processes. Non-woven fabrics or webs can be made by many processes, such as meltblown processes, spunbond processes, and bound carded web processes.

The absorbent layer may include other additives to aid in odor control, such as zeolites, baking powder or other conventional "odor control agents". By having the openings and slits in the absorbent layer, the surface area of the odor control agent can be increased, thereby effectively increasing the odor control properties of the absorbent layer. Other layers of the absorbent article may also include odor control agents. When the odor control agents are in a layer below the absorbent layer, the scent effective fat may come into contact with the odor control agent due to the presence of the slits and openings. Furthermore, the slits and openings may also provide a means to improve the air permeability of the absorbent article and the absorbent layer, allowing air to pass more easily through the absorbent layer. ",. ·

The terms "particle", "particles", "particle," particles "and the like mean that the material is generally in the form of individual units. The units may comprise granules, powder, spheres, pulverized materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof The particles may have any desired shape such as, for example, cubic, rod-like, polygonal, spherical or semi-spherical, rounded or semi-rounded, angular, irregular, etc. Shapes that have a large largest dimension / smallest size ratio, such as needles, flakes, and fibers, are also contemplated to be included herein The terms "particle" or "particle" may also include an agglomerate comprising more than one individual particle, particle, or the like. particle or any agglomerate desired therefrom, are composed of more than one type of material.

To protect the garment adhesion adhesive from contamination prior to use, the adhesive can be shielded by a releasable peel strip. The "peel-off strip" can be a white Kraft paper that is coated on one side so that it can be detached from the adhesive. The coating can be a silicone coating, such as a silicone polymer. The peel strip is designed to be removed by the user prior to attaching the absorbent article to the inner crotch portion of her underwear.

The absorbent core can also include a plug. As used herein, a "plug" refers to an absorbent insert within an absorbent core that has at least a width and a length that is less than the respective width and length of the absorbent core. A plug is generally used to provide a deformation or shape in an adjacent layer of an absorbent article, and may be useful in shaping a dressing or creating a medial bump in the dressing for an improved fit against the the wearer's body.

The term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, top polymers, for example, wok, graft, amino and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and mixtures and derivatives thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" will encompass all possible geometric configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

By the term "prepackaged" as used herein, it is meant that one or more absorbent articles are packaged in a single unit before being stacked. "Pulp fluff" or "fluff pulp" refer to a material made up of cellulose fibers. The fibers can be either natural or synthetic, or a combination thereof. The material is typically low in weight and has absorbent properties.

The term "sanitary napkin," as used herein, refers to an article typically worn by women in the vicinity of the pudendum area, which is intended to address the various excretions discharged by the body (e.g., blood, menstrual secretions, and urine) to absorb and hold.

As used herein, the term "sheet" or "sheet material" refers to woven materials, non-woven webs, polymer films, polymeric gauze-like materials, and polymeric foam layers.

An absorbent article can include a "side panel" system that can provide desired "ear" or "wing" portions depending on the desired configuration of the article. The side panels may be formed in one piece from a selected component of the article, such as the topsheet and / or the backsheet, and are integrally connected to designated sections of the side regions along a selected portion of the article. In feminine care products, the side panels may be contiguous to extend laterally from the center portion of the article and may be formed to be effectively packaged and secured around the side edges of a wearer's underwear to help hold the article in place . Alternatively, the side panels or wings may be individually provided members that are subsequently attached or otherwise effectively connected to the provided portion of the article. The side panel portions may have any active construction and may comprise a layer of any effective material. In addition, each side panel can comprise a composite material. For example, the side panels may include a spunbonded fabric material, a bi-component spunbonded material, a constricted spunbonded material, a constricted stretched laminate (NBL) material, a meltblown fabric material, a bonded carded web, a thermally bonded carded web, an air-bound carded web or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In one embodiment, each side panel can be contiguous to its corresponding side area of the article in any effective manner. For example, the side panel can be connected to the topsheet, the backsheet or another item component, as well as any combination of these. In another embodiment, each side panel portion, or any desired combination of the applied side panel portions, may include a panel fastener component cooperatively connected to a designated landing zone or engagement surface of the article. The side panels may include a panel fastener system that incorporates an effective adhesive. The adhesive may be a solvent-based adhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

The term "spunbonded fibers" refers to fibers formed by extrusion of molten thermoplastic polymers in the form of filaments or fibers from a majority of relatively fine, usually circular, capillaries of a spinneret, after which the extruded filaments rapidly pass through an eductive or other known draw mechanism to provide the filaments with molecular orientation and physical strength. The average diameter of spunbond fibers is typically in the range of 15-60 µm or higher. The spinneret can either be a large spinneret that has several thousands of holes per meter width or can be banks of smaller spinnerets comprising, for example, only 40 holes. "Staple fibers" refer to commercially available fibers that include diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm; they come in many different forms such as short fibers ranging from about 10 to 50 mm in length and long fibers with a length greater than 50 mm, preferably up to 100 mm. "Stretch bonded laminate" refers to a composite material that has at least two layers in which one layer is a joining layer and the other layer is an elastic layer. The layers become contiguous together when the elastic layer is in a stretched state so that when the layers are relaxed, the joining layer is brought together.

The use of the term "substrate" includes, but is not limited to, woven or non-woven webs, porous films, ink permeable films, paper, composite structures, or the like.

Superabsorbent materials suitable for use in the present invention are known in the art, and may exist in any workable form, such as in particle form, fibers, and mixtures thereof. Generally speaking, the "superabsorbent material" may be a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material, capable of at least about 15, suitably about 30, and possibly about 60 times or more of its weight in physiological salt solution (e.g. a saline solution with 0.9% weight of NaCl). The superabsorbent material can be biodegradable or bipolar. The hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material may be formed from organic hydrogel-forming polymeric material, which may include natural material such as agar, pectin and guar gum; modified natural materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose; and synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers. Synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride. Copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyridine, and the like. Other suitable hydrogel-forming polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel-forming polymers may be slightly cross-linked to make the material substantially water-insoluble. Cross-linking can, for example, be done by radiation or covalent, ionic, Van der Waalse, or hydrogen bonds. The superabsorbent material may suitably be applied to a designated storage or retention portion of the absorbent system, and may optionally be employed in other components or portions of the absorbent article. The superabsorbent material may be included in the absorbent layer or other liquid storage layer of the absorbent article of the present invention in an amount of up to about 60% by weight. Typically, the superabsorbent material, when present, will be provided in an amount of from about 5% to about "4% in joint based on the total weight of the absorbent layer. "Superabsorbent polymer particles" or "SAPs" refer to water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials that are capable of, in the most favorable conditions, at least about 10 times their weight, or at least about 15 times their weight, or at least about Be able to absorb 25 times their weight in an aqueous solution comprising 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride.

A "surfactant" is a component, such as detergents and wetting agents, that affects the surface tension of liquids.

The term "target area" refers to an area of an absorbent core where it is particularly desirable to have the majority of a fluid fiction, such as urine, menstrual secretions, initially contacted. In particular, a. target area, for an absorbent core with one or more liquids. motion points during use, to the area of the absorbent core that extends over a distance equal to 15% of the total length of the composite from any point of motion in both directions. "Tension" includes a force along one axis that attempts to cause the elongation of a body or the balancing force within that body that attempts to withstand the elongation. . .

A reference to "thermal bonds", "thermal bonding", "thermally bonded", "thermally bonded" and the like refers to bonding using thermal energies, such as heat, ultrasonic energy, infrared energy, and the like, that cause localized heating .

The "retention portion", "absorbent layer" or "liquid-absorbent layer" are used herein as synonyms and form part of the absorbent medium. The liquid-absorbing layer can be made from various natural or synthetic fibers such as wood pulp fibers, virgin cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, peat moss, or a mixture of pulp and other fibers.

The absorbent layer can also be made from a fine pore tissue such as a wet one. laid, air-dried fabric or from a non-crimped air-dried (UCTAD) fabric with a basis weight of about 30 gsm to about 120 gsm. The absorbent layer may also include other well-known matte failure such as: cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, cellulose sponge, hydrophilic synthetic sponge, for example polyurethane, and the like. The absorbent layer may optionally comprise superabsorbent materials and / or odor control additives.

As used herein, the term "thermoplastic" is intended to describe a material that softens when exposed to heat and that substantially returns to its original state when cooled to room temperature.

The absorbent article may comprise additional layers positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article may, for example, further comprise a "transfer layer" for further improving the distribution of liquid in the horizontal direction of the absorbent article. The transfer layer can be, for example, a meltblown material, an air-laid material, a spunbond or carded web material or any other material that has already been used as a transfer layer in absorbent articles. Typically, the transfer layer will have a basis weight of between 20 to 200 g / m2 and generally of between 70 to 110 g / m2.

The transfer layer is optional and can be omitted if desired. The transfer layer, which may comprise a plurality of perforations formed therethrough, is preferably positioned between the body side topsheet and the absorbent core and is aligned along the central longitudinal axis x-x. Preferably, the transfer layer is placed directly under the body side topsheet and is in direct side-by-side contact with it.

The transfer layer can be bonded to the absorbent core with adhesive to facilitate transfer of body fluid between them. The transfer layer can extend over a portion of the length of the absorbent core or it can extend over the full length of the absorbent core . Although the transfer layer is optional, it provides, when present, good fluid movement of separated liquids down from the body side topsheet into the absorbent core. This downward movement of the liquids is parallel to the vertical axis z-z. The z-axis is arranged perpendicularly relative to the x and y-axes. In addition, the transfer layer prevents the backflow of liquids from the absorbent core to the topsheet. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as rewet. It is important that sanitary napkins, incontinence pads and panty liners do not show rewet, because the consumer considers this an unfavorable feature. The transfer layer can be made of a material that will provide good fluid transfer. Typical materials that can be used as a transfer layer are spunbond, coform and carded webs. A useful material is a wettable non-woven that has a basis weight of between about 13 gsm to about 50 gsm. The transfer layer can be treated to make it hydrophilic. The transfer layer can also be colored in a different color than the color of the body side topsheet and / or the absorbent core. A light blue, pink, or peaches color has been found desirable, since these are pleasant colors for the final consumer. Alternatively, the transfer layer can be white in color and yet distinguishable from the body side topsheet that can have a different shade of white. An advantage of making the transfer layer in a different color than the absorbent core is that it indicates a liquid target for the wearer.

As used herein, the terms "transversal" or "lateral" refer to a line, axis, or direction that is within the plane of the absorbent article and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. "Ultrasonic welding" refers to a technology that joins two materials together by melting them with heat generated by ultrasonic oscillation and then laminating them together such that the molten materials flow and the space goes between the two untreated portions of the two respective materials filling up. When cooling and forming, the two materials are connected together.

By the term "packaging material" as used herein is meant a flexible material, preferably a sheet material whose thickness is smaller, preferably much smaller, than its width or length, such as a sheet, a film or a film. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned packaging material can be rolled up. .

An absorbent core, in particular an absorbent core comprising superabsorbent particles, preferably comprises a "cover" or "wrapping sheet" to prevent absorbent material and superabsorbent particles from escaping from the finished product.

Absorbent articles preferably comprise a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the above-mentioned longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is hereby conventionally chosen in the front-to-back direction of the article when reference is made to the article being carried, and the transversal axis is conventionally selected in the direction of itfiks-to-right of the article when being referred to the article being worn. Disposable absorbent articles may include a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet connected to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and held between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is effectively permeable to the liquids intended to be retained or stored by the absorbent article and the backsheet may or may not be substantially impermeable or otherwise effectively impermeable to the intended liquids. .

An absorbent article suitable for female external personal care is preferably designed to be attached to an inner surface of a person's underwear with, for example, an article of clothing adhesive and is designed to liquids separated from the body, e.g., blood, menstruation - secretions and urine. The absorbent article is an elongated product that has a central longitudinal axis x-x, a central transverse axis y-y, and a vertical axis z-z.

The absorbent article, for example a feminine care or sanitary napkin, comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet or cover, a liquid-impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

As used herein, the "body-facing" or "body-facing" surface means that surface of the article or component that is intended to be arranged or placed toward or adjacent to the wearer's body during normal use while "outgoing" "outward facing" or "garment-side" surface is on the opposite side, and is intended to be suitably turned away from the wearer's body during normal use. Such outgoing surface can be adapted to be fitted to or adjacent to the wearer's undergarments when the absorbent article is being worn.

The topsheet is preferably the layer that faces the wearer's body when the absorbent article is in use. The topsheet is preferably a liquid permeable material. The topsheet can be made of a material that allows the passage of fluid without substantially pulling the fluid horizontally, in parallel with the topsheet. In addition, the topsheet should have little or no liquid in the structure so that a clean surface is provided on the skin of the wearer. Preferably, the topsheet is a single layer of a material with a width sufficient to cover the surface of an absorbent layer placed underneath. The topsheet can be made from materials known in the state of the art. It should be noted that the body side can be top-coated, sprayed or treated in some other way with a surface-active component to make them hydrophilic. When the body side topsheet is formed from a hydrophilic material, it will allow the body fluid to pass through quickly. The topsheet can also be embossed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the absorbent article. The topsheet may comprise a plurality of perforations, which may be oval, square or circular in shape or of any other suitable shape to facilitate the uptake of fluid by the topsheet, certainly highly viscous components of such fluid. The topsheet can be fully perforated or can only be used up. selected areas thereof are perforated. The perforations can be arranged randomly or regularly in a pattern. Alternatively, the liquid-permeable topsheet may also comprise a perforated film made of a liquid-impermeable material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The liquid-permeable topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backsheet work together to enclose and retain the absorbent core between them.

The backsheet is preferably liquid impermeable and is preferably designed to allow the passage of air or water vapor from the absorbent article and to block the flow of body fluids. A liquid-impermeable backsheet can be made of any material with these properties. The liquid-impermeable backsheet can, if desired, also be made of a material that blocks the passage of both air vapors and liquids. A good material from which the backsheet can be made is a micro-embossed polymer film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Bicomponent films can also be used. A preferred material is a polyethylene film.

The topsheet can be attached to the backsheet using any known method that leaves no hard or uncomfortable residues that could irritate the wearer. Optionally, the topsheet can also enclose the backsheet. Those familiar with the prior art are familiar with the methods of joining the various materials and joining other possible materials in the absorbent article of the present invention, including the use of pressure-sensitive adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, double-sided self-adhesive sheets, ultrasonic welding and heat sealing to name a few. Adhesives such as hot melt adhesives can be used uniformly or in the form of a continuous or discontinuous layer.

The absorbent article comprises an absorbent core positioned between a topsheet and a liquid-impervious backsheet. The absorbent core can comprise one or more absorbent layers. An absorbent layer can be made from various natural or synthetic fibers such as wood pulp fibers, virgin cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, peat moss, or a mixture of pulp and other fibers. The absorbent layer can also include other well-known materials such as: cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, cellulose sponge, hydrophilic synthetic sponge, for example polyurethane, and the like. The absorbent layer may optionally comprise superabsorbent materials, such as superabsorbent polymer particles, and / or odor control additives.

An absorbent core, in particular an absorbent core comprising superabsorbent particles, preferably comprises a cover or wrapping sheet to prevent absorbent material and superabsorbent particles from escaping from the finished product.

The absorbent layer may include other additives to aid in odor control, such as zeolites, baking powder or other conventional "odor control agents". By having openings and slits in the absorbent layer, the surface area of the odor control agent can be increased, thereby effectively increasing the odor control properties of the absorbent layer. Other layers of the absorbent article may also include odor control agents. When the odor control agents are in a layer below the absorbent layer, the odors may more effectively come into contact with the odor control agent due to the presence of the slits and openings. Furthermore, the slits and openings may also provide a means to improve the air permeability of the absorbent article and the absorbent layer, allowing air to pass more easily through the absorbent layer.

The absorbent article preferably comprises one or more elongated strips or areas of garment adhesion adhesive that is attached to the bottom surface of the fluid coordinator backshet or optionally the top sheet. The garment adhesive adhesive serves to attach the article to the inner crotch portion of the user's underwear. The garment adhesion adhesive allows the absorbent article, in particular a sanitary napkin, panty liner or incontinence garment, to be properly aligned and retained relative to the user's vaginal opening so that maximum fluid protection can be obtained. The garment adhesion adhesive can cover the entire bottom surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet or only a portion thereof. The garment adhesive adhesive may consist of a swirl pattern of adhesive or may be one or more strips of adhesive. The garment adhesion adhesive may also consist of a plurality of adhesive dots that are randomly or uniformly arranged on the outer surface of the backsheet. When in strip form, the garment adhesion adhesive can be aligned along the central longitudinal axis X-X of the absorbent article. Alternatively, the garment adhesion adhesive may be present as two or more separate longitudinal strips positioned from each other. The garment adhesion adhesive is of such a nature that it allows the user to remove the absorbent article and, if necessary, reposition it on the wearer's underwear.

To protect the garment adhesion adhesive from contamination prior to use, the adhesive can be shielded by a releasable peel strip. The peel strip can be a white Kraft paper that is coated on one side so that it can be detached from the adhesive. The coating can be a silicone coating, such as a silicone polymer. The peel strip is designed to be removed by the user prior to attaching the absorbent article to the inner crotch portion of her underwear.

The article can include a system of side panels that can provide desired ear or wing portions depending on the desired configuration of the article. The side panels may be formed in one piece from a selected component of the article, such as the topsheet and / or the backsheet, and are integrally connected to designated sections of the side regions along a selected portion of the article. In feminine care products, the side panels may be contiguous to extend laterally from the center portion of the article and may be formed to be effectively packaged and secured around the side edges of a wearer's underwear to help hold the article in place . Alternatively, the "side panels or wings" may be individually provided members that are subsequently "attached" or otherwise effectively connected to the provided portion of the article. The side panel portions may have any active construction and may comprise a layer of any effective material. In addition, each side panel can comprise a composite material. For example, the side panels may include a spunbonded fabric material, a bi-component spunbonded material, a constricted spunbonded material, a constricted stretched laminate (NBL) material, a meltblown fabric material, a bonded carded web, a thermally bonded carded web, an air-bound carded web or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Each side panel can be connected to its corresponding side area of the article in any effective manner. For example, the side panel can be connected to the topsheet, the backsheet or another item component, as well as any combination thereof. Each side panel portion, or any desired combination of the applied side panel portions, may include a panel fastener component cooperatively connected to a designated landing zone or engagement surface of the article. The side panels may include a panel fastener system that incorporates an effective adhesive. The adhesive may be a solvent-based adhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

The absorbent core may also include a plug, which refers to an absorbent insert within an absorbent core that has at least a width and a length that is less than the respective width and length of the absorbent core. A plug is generally used to provide a deformation or shape in an adjacent layer of an absorbent article, and may be useful in shaping a dressing or creating a medial bump in the dressing for an improved fit against the the wearer's body.

The absorbent article may comprise additional layers positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article may, for example, further comprise a transfer layer for further improving the distribution of liquid in the horizontal direction of the absorbent article and this is preferably positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. It is also possible to substitute an acquisition and distribution layer for the transfer layer.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent article for use as a sanitary napkin comprising a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further comprises a front area , a rear region and a crotch region interconnecting the front region and the rear region, forming a longitudinal axis extending from the front region across the crotch region to the rear region and a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the absorbent core comprises two side edges along the longitudinal axis and a front and a rear edge in the front and rear regions of the absorbent article, respectively. Specifically, the absorbent core has a maximum width to length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core measured in the transverse direction between the two side edges and the maximum length of the absorbent core measured in the longitudinal direction between the front edge and the trailing edge, comprising a value between 0.1 and 0.6, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.5, most preferably between 0.3 and 0.4. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a maximum width-to-length ratio of around 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26 , 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51 , 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59 or 0.60.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length measured along the longitudinal axis between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent core comprises a value of around 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm or 30 cm, while the maximum width measured along the transversal axis measured between the two side edges of the absorbent core preferably comprises a value of about 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm , 14 cm or 15 cm.

Preferably, the width of the absorbent core, being the distance between the two side edges measured along the transversal axis, varies along the longitudinal axis. The maximum width of the absorbent core is herein positioned in the front area and / or the rear area of the absorbent article and a minimum cross-width determined by the minimum width of the absorbent core measured in the crotch area of the absorbent article is smaller than the maximum width of the absorbent article core in the anterior and posterior regions, resulting in an absorbent core with "a major" or "zanaiopercörfigufaition" along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the absorbent core comprises a crotch region width to length ratio determined by the ratio between the minimum width of the absorbent core measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article between the two side edges and the maximum length of the absorbent core measured in the longitudinal direction between the front edge and the rear edge, comprising a value between 0.1 and 0.4, more preferably a value between 0.2 and 0.3. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a crotch area width to length ratio of around 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26 , 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39 or 0.40.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length measured along the longitudinal axis between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent core comprises a value of around 10 cm, 11 "cm, 12 cm; 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm or 30 cm, while the minimum width of the absorbent core measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article between the two side edges preferably comprises a value of about 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm or 15 cm.

A typical arrangement of a dog bone or hourglass configuration consists of two "lobes" formed at the front area and the rear area of the absorbent article, interconnected with a narrow portion represented by the crotch area. The shape of the leading edge and / or trailing edge of the absorbent core, ie the edges of the "lobes", can have any shape such as rounded edges, straight edges, wavy edges, etc. It should be noted that the " dog bone lobes or hourglass configuration of the absorbent core in the front and rear regions need not necessarily be the same size. The maximum width of the absorbent core can, for example, be placed in the rear area of the absorbent article, resulting in a larger "lob" in the rear area. This is often used for absorbent articles, and especially sanitary napkins, which are used during the night when the wearer is often lying on his back, resulting in a greater flow of physical excretions to the rear area of the absorbent article. Providing a larger "lob" in the absorbent core in the rear region hereby helps in preventing unwanted leakage during such a scenario.

In another embodiment, the width of the absorbent core does not vary substantially along the longitudinal axis, resulting in an absorbent core with a substantially rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis.

It was found that by providing an absorbent article with an absorbent core that has a substantial dog bone or hourglass configuration or a substantially rectangular configuration, and is provided with a maximum width to length ratio and optionally a crotch width to length ratio which vary according to the values provided in the present invention, the absorbent article has an optimized fit to provide it in underwear, which makes it more comfortable to wear, especially when the absorbent core comprises a lot of fluff pulp as the absorbent material, which often leads to a thicker absorbent core.

The absorbent article of the present invention may include, in addition to the absorbent core, additional layers positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article may, for example, further comprise a transfer layer for it. further improving the distribution of liquid in the horizontal direction of the absorbent article. In addition to or in place of the transfer layer, the absorbent article may comprise an additional absorbent layer, also referred to as a storage layer, which may be made of cellulose fluff pulp and, optionally, super-absorbent particles or super-absorbent fibers and / or odor controlling additives. The absorbent article of the present invention can finally include other additional layers, such as an acquisition or distribution layer or a plug.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article exhibits substantial bilateral symmetry with respect to the transverse axis and / or substantial bilateral symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. By utilizing an absorbent article with this type of symmetry, it further helps in improving the fit of the article in underwear.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet and / or the backsheet comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article comprises side panels that are extensions of the topsheet and / or backsheet along the transverse axis in the crotch region of the absorbent article. These side panels are preferably provided with garment adhesion adhesive on the garment-turned side, ie the channel of the sanitary napkin that contacts the wearer's underwear when the sanitary napkin is worn, around the side panels, which are usually folded around the side edges of the underwear temporarily adhering to the underwear This increases the stability of the absorbent article positioned in the underwear and prevents blood, menstrual secretions, urine, etc. from leaking along the side edges of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the topsheet and / or the backsheet comprise a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet is embossed, giving the absorbent article a generally better appearance and providing channels where the liquid excretions can collect. Preferably, the relief comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis. This specific form helps in channeling the fluids secreted by the body. The relief aids in directing the liquids to the front and back of the absorbent core, thereby making better use of the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core and preventing leakage of the absorbent article to, for example, the wearer's underwear.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the backsheet or the topsheet is provided with at least one bonding adhesive strip along the longitudinal axis, suitable for attaching the sanitary napkin to a surface, such as underwear. Preferably, this adhesion adhesive is provided on the backsheet or topsheet side facing the wearer's underwear during use.

Preferably, the adhesive adhesive strip is covered with at least one peel strip, thereby protecting the at least one adhesive adhesive strip from use of the absorbent article. The peel strip is preferably provided with drawings, which generally makes the peel strip more attractive and gives a good indication of where the peel strip is situated on the article. The peeling strip is preferably provided with registered drawings. The peel strip is designed to be removed by the user prior to attaching the absorbent article to the inner crotch portion of the wearer's underwear.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of: providing a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core. The "absorbent core" preferably has a maximum width-to-length ratio, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core measured in the transverse direction and the maximum length of the absorbent core measured in the longitudinal direction, with a value between 0.1 and 0.6. The method further includes the step of combining the topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core, whereby the absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, resulting in an absorbent article. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a maximum width-to-length ratio of around 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26 , 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51 , 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59 or 0.60.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length of the absorbent core measured along the longitudinal axis comprises a value of around 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm, 15 cm, 16 cm, 17 cm, 18 cm, 19 cm, 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm, 28 cm, 29 cm or 30 cm, while the maximum width axis of the absorbent core measured along the transversely measured preferably comprises a value of round 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 10 cm, 11 cm, 12 cm, 13 cm, 14 cm or 15 cm.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing at least one bonding adhesive strip on the backsheet or topsheet, and preferably, the method further comprising the step of providing at least one peel-off strip on the at least one bonding adhesive strip.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing relief on the topsheet.

In the following, the invention and the further embodiments are described with reference to the figures. These are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted, to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention, here depicting a sanitary napkin (1), wherein the body-turned kaht is shown (Fig. 1), rather than the side of the sanitary napkin in contact stands with the wearer of the sanitary napkin during use, and a garment-facing side (Fig. 2), ie the side of the sanitary napkin that is in contact with the wearer's underwear during use. The sanitary napkin (1) comprises a front area (7), a rear area (5) and a crotch area (6) that connects the front and rear areas. A longitudinal axis (L) is shown which extends from the front area over the crotch area to the rear area. The transversal axis (T), which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is also shown, going from left to right.

The sanitary napkin (1) further comprises a topsheet (2). In general, the topsheet (2) is a single layer of a material with a width sufficient to cover the surface of an absorbent core (4; indicated by the dotted line) placed underneath: The sanitary napkin (1) shown in FIG. 2 further comprises a backsheet (3) associated with the topsheet (2).

The sanitary napkin (1) according to the present invention has an absorbent core (4; indicated by the dotted line) positioned between the topsheet (2) and the backsheet (3). The absorbent core (4) comprises two side edges (4A) along the longitudinal axis (L) and a front (4B) and a rear edge (4C) in the front (7) and rear area (5) of the sanitary napkin (1), respectively ), wherein the width of the absorbent core, being the distance between the two side edges (4A) measured along the transversal axis (T), varies along the longitudinal axis (L). The maximum width (Y (5) or Y (7)) of the absorbent core (4) is positioned in the front area (7) and / or the back area (5) of the sanitary napkin (1) and a minimum cross width (Y (6)) ), determined by the minimum width of absorbent core (4) measured in the crotch area (6) of the sanitary napkin (1), is smaller than the maximum width in the front area (Y (7)) and the back area (Y (5)) of the absorbent core, resulting in an absorbent core with a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis.

The crotch region (6) width-to-length ratio of the absorbent core, determined by the ratio between the minimum cross-width (Y (6)) and the maximum length of the absorbent core as measured in the longitudinal direction (X), includes in this specific embodiment has a value of around 0.29, while the maximum width-to-length ratio of the absorbent core, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core, (Y (7) or Y (5)) and the maximum length of the absorbent "core values in the longitudinal direction (X), including a value of around 0.32.

In this embodiment, the topsheet (2) and the backsheet (3) comprise a general dog bone or hourglass configuration that substantially follows the edges (4A-C) of the absorbent core (4). The topsheet (2} is further provided with relief (8) In this embodiment the relief comprises discrete points in the form of a general dog bone or hourglass configuration, which substantially follow the edges (4 AC) of the absorbent core (4), hereby forming a channel printed in the topsheet (2) and a part of the absorbent core (3).

The sanitary napkin (1) according to the present invention may further comprise a garment adhesive adhesive (not visible), which may comprise at least one adhesive strip on the surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet (3) facing away from the wearer's body, and a Peel-off strip (9) for covering the at least one garment adhesive strip. The peel strip (9) can, for example, be a releasable tape that can be made of silicone paper. The adhesive can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive. The peel-off strip (9) can, for example, be a release tape that can be made from a silicone paper. The garment adhesion adhesive strip and the peel strip (9) in this embodiment are provided in a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis and are preferably provided on at least a portion of the area of the garment-facing side of the backsheet where the backsheet is covered with the absorbent core on the body-facing side.

FIG. 3 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention, here representing a sanitary napkin (10) showing the body-turned side (Fig. 3) and a garment-turned side (Fig. 4).

Again topsheet (11) and backsheet (12) are visible between which the absorbent core (13; indicated by the dotted line) is positioned. The sanitary napkin (10) also includes a front region (16), a rear region (14) and a crotch region (15) interconnecting the front region and the rear region, as well as a longitudinal (L) and a transverse (T) axis. In this embodiment, the topsheet and the backsheet extend along the transversal axis in the crotch region (15), thereby providing two side panels (17) on the sanitary napkin. Such side panels are commonly used in the tan-der-tethrile for attaching sanitary napkins to the wearer's underwear.

As shown in FIG. 4, a garment adhesion adhesive strip (not visible) is provided on at least a portion of the area of the garment-facing side of the backsheet where the backsheet is covered with the absorbent core on the body-facing side, and is covered with a general rectangular shaped peel strip (19). At least a portion of the surface of the side panels (17) on the garment-facing side of the backsheet is also provided with a garment adhesive strip, at least one on each side panel (not visible) and covered with a smaller, generally rectangular peel-off strip (20). ), one on each side panel.

The absorbent core (13) includes two side edges (13A) along the longitudinal axis (L) and a front (13B) and a rear edge (13C) in the front (15) and rear (14) regions of the sanitary napkin (respectively) 10), wherein the width of the absorbent core, being the distance between the two side edges (13A) measured along the transversal axis (T)> along the longitudinal axis (L) varies. The maximum width (Y (14) or Y (16 ») of the absorbent core (13) is positioned in the front area (16) and / or the rear area (14) of the sanitary napkin (10) and a minimum cross width (Y (15)) ), determined by the minimum width of the absorbent core (13) measured in the case area (15) of the sanitary napkin (10), is smaller than the maximum width in the front area (Y (16)) and the back area (Y (14)) of the absorbent core, resulting in an absorbent core with a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis.

The crotch region (15) width-to-length ratio of the absorbent core, determined by the ratio between the minimum crotch width (Y (15)) and the maximum length of the absorbent core as measured in the longitudinal direction (X), includes in this specific embodiment a value of around 0.29, while the maximum width-to-length ratio of the absorbent core, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core (Y (16) or Y (14)) and the maximum length of the absorbent core core as measured in the longitudinal direction (X) comprises a value of around 0.32.

The topsheet according to this embodiment is further provided with relief (18), preferably discrete points suitable in the form of a general dog bone or "hourglass", substantially following the edges T13 AC) of the absorbent core (13), thereby a channel forming that is printed in the topsheet (2) and a part of absorbent core (3).

FIG. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention, here representing a sanitary napkin (21) showing a body-turned side (Fig. 5) and a garment-turned side (Fig. 6).

Again topsheet (22A-22B) and backsheet (23) are visible, between which the absorbent core (24; indicated by the dotted line) is positioned. In this specific embodiment, the topsheet is completely wrapped around the backsheet and the absorbent core, whereby the body-turned side and the garment-turned side both comprise the topsheet (22A-22B) as an outer layer and whereby the backsheet between the absorbent core and the topsheet on the garment turned side (22B) is positioned. The sanitary napkin (21) includes a front region (27), a rear region (25) and also a crotch region (26) interconnecting the front region and the rear region, as well as a longitudinal (L) and a transverse (T) axis.

As shown in FIG. 5, a garment adhesion adhesive strip (not visible) is provided on at least a portion of the garment-facing side of the topsheet (22B), and is covered with a generally rectangular-shaped peel-off strip (29).

The absorbent core (24) includes two side edges (24A) along the longitudinal axis (L) and a front (24B) and a rear edge (24C) in the front (27) and rear (25) regions of the sanitary napkin (respectively) 21), wherein the width of the absorbent core, being the distance between the two side edges (24A) measured along the transversal axis (T), does not vary substantially along the longitudinal axis (L), resulting in an absorbent core having a substantially rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis.

The maximum width-to-length ratio of the absorbent core determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core (Y) and the maximum length of the absorbent core measured in the longitudinal direction (X) comprises a value of according to this specific embodiment around 0.4.

In this embodiment, the topsheet (22) and the backsheet (23) comprise a general rectangular configuration, substantially following the edges (24A-C) of the absorbent core (24).

It is believed that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that some modifications to the described examples can be added without re-evaluating the appended claims.

Claims (16)

CONCLUSIONS An absorbent article suitable for use as a sanitary napkin comprising a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article providing a front area, a rear area and a crotch area connecting the front and rear regions, a longitudinal axis extending from the front region over the crotch region to the rear region, and a transversal axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the absorbent core comprising two side edges along the longitudinal axis and a front and rear edge in the front and rear regions of the absorbent, respectively. article, wherein a maximum width to length ratio of the absorbent core, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core as measured in the transverse direction between the two side edges and the maximum length of the absorbent core as measured in the longitudinal direction between the front edge and the rear edge, comprising a value between 0.1 and 0.6, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.5, characterized in that the topsheet is at least partially perforated and / or wherein the topsheet comprises a perforated film of liquid-impermeable material. Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the absorbent core, being the distance between the two side edges measured along the transversal axis, varies along the longitudinal axis, the maximum width of the absorbent core being positioned in the front region and / or the back region of the absorbent article and the minimum width of the absorbent core measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article, is smaller than the maximum width of the absorbent core in the front region and the rear region, resulting in an absorbent core having a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis, wherein a crotch region width to length ratio of the absorbent core, determined by the ratio between the minimum width of the absorbent core measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article between the two side edges and the maximum length of the absorbent article core as measured in the longitudinal direction tu between the front edge and the rear edge, a value comprised between 0.1 and 0.4, more preferably a value between 0.2 and 0.3. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the absorbent core does not vary substantially along the longitudinal axis, resulting in an absorbent core with a substantially angular configuration along the longitudinal axis. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the absorbent article exhibits substantial bilateral symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the absorbent article exhibits substantial bilateral symmetry with respect to the transversal axis. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the topsheet and / or the backsheet comprises a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the topsheet and / or the backsheet comprises a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the absorbent article comprises side panels that are extensions of the topsheet and / or backsheet along the transversal axis, in the crotch region of the absorbent article. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the topsheet is embossed. Absorbent article according to claim 9, characterized in that said relief is provided according to a general dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the backsheet or the topsheet is provided with at least one bonding adhesive strip along the longitudinal axis, suitable for attaching the absorbent article to a surface, such as underwear . The absorbent article of claim 11, characterized in that said adhesion adhesive is covered with at least one peel strip, preferably wherein said at least one peel strip comprises a general rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis. ·: Absorbent article according to claim 12, characterized in that said peeling strip is provided with drawings. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1-13, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a topsheet b. Providing a backsheet c. Providing an absorbent core that has a maximum width-to-length ratio, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core measured in the transverse direction and the maximum length of the absorbent core measured in the longitudinal direction, between 0.1 and 0.6 . d. The combination of topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core, with the absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, resulting in an absorbent article e. Perforating the topsheet at least partially and / or providing a perforated film of a liquid-impermeable material on the topsheet. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of providing at least one bonding adhesive strip on the backsheet or the topsheet, preferably combined with the step of "covering the at least one bonding adhesive strip with at least one peel strip." The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of embossing on the topsheet.