BE1022995A1 - RATIO IMPROVED FIT - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, suitable for use as a panty liner, with an optimized shape and dimensions for an improved fit in a underwear and a method of manufacturing such an absorbent article.

FIG. 1

Description

RATIO IMPROVED FIT

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 panty liners, formed to collect and retain blood, menstrual secretions, urine, vaginal fluids, and to prevent leakage.

BACKGROUND

Protective absorbent liners for underwear and, in particular, thin absorbent panty liners, are intended to fit into the crotch portion of a wearer's underwear and to protect the garment from body secretions. Such products are, for example, designed to provide protection for women between menstrual periods as well as during light menstrual days and can be worn during the menstrual period together with internal hygiene protection products, such as internal tampons. Various configurations of such pantyliners are known in the art.

However, there remains a need in the prior art for panty liners that have a better fit in the wearer's underwear and an absorbent core whose absorption capacity can be optimally utilized, thereby preventing leakage of the absorbent article to the wearer's underwear is becoming. In this way the general wearing comfort and the wearing experience of the panty liner can be improved.

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

The invention has for its object to provide an absorbent article, suitable for use as a panty liner, which is provided with optimum dimensions and an improved shape to optimize the fit of the absorbent article in the wearer's underwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an absorbent article suitable for use as a panty liner as claimed in claim 1.

The product of the present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art products, since the optimized dimensions of the absorbent article allows a better fit in the wearer's underwear.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 16, 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 article in contact with the wearer when it is worn.

Figure 2 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 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, suitable for use as a panty liner and capable of absorbing bodily fluids such as blood, menstrual secretions, urine and the like, which is provided with improved dimensions and optimum symmetry, thereby an improved fit of the absorbent allowing article 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 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, two-sided 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 being worn. "Connected" refers to the joining, attachment, connection, attachment, 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 linked to intermediate elements. "Carded web" refers to webs made from staple fibers controlled by a combing or carding unit, which opens the staple fibers and directs them according to the machine direction to form a general machine direction-oriented fibrous non-woven web. The web is then bound by one or more known binding methods. Connecting non-woven webs can be achieved by a number of methods; powder binding, wherein a powdered adhesive or binder is distributed through the web and then activated, usually by heating the web and the adhesive with hot air; pattern binding, in which 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; air-binding, wherein air that is hot enough to soften at least one component of the web is passed 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, as provided by a perforated 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, current 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 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.

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 topsheet 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 (TiO2) or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) 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, 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 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 backsheet 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 is 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 readily adapt to the general shape and contours of the wearer's body.

The absorbent article preferably comprises one or more extended strips or areas of "garment adhesion adhesive" that is attached to the bottom surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet. 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 or panty liner, to be properly aligned and retained relative to the vaginal opening of the user 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 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 can 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 make water-soluble materials substantially water-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 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 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. A layer can be liquid and air permeable, permeable to air but impermeable to liquids, impermeable 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 that runs 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 extruded on a moving conveyor belt or "forming wire", the forming direction of such webs (the machine direction) is the direction of movement 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 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 term "panty liner" as used herein refers to protective absorbent articles for underwear and in particular, thin absorbent articles, which are intended to fit within the crotch region of a wearer's underwear and to protect the garment from body secretions such as blood, menstruation secretions, urine and the like. By "thin" it is meant that the absorbent article has a thickness of less than about 5 millimeters. The absorbent article preferably has a fluid retention capacity capable of absorbing from between about 20 grams to about 100 grams of blood, urine, menstrual secretions, etc. Such products are, for example, designed to provide protection for women between menstrual periods as well as during light menstrual days and can be worn during the menstrual period together with internal hygiene protection products, such as internal tampons.

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, copolymers, for example, block, graft, random 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.

A garment adhesive adhesive of an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin or panty liner, can be covered and protected by the inner surface of a pouch. A "pouch" typically has larger dimensions than the absorbent article so that it can extend around the edges of the absorbent article around its entire periphery. When a pouch is used, the absorbent article is typically folded into three overlapping sections along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article ("three-folded") and such three-folded absorbent article can be arranged in the pouch to hygienically absorb the article there. to keep for use. When ready for use, a user removes the absorbent article from the pouch, unfolds the absorbent article, optionally removes an additional peel-off strip, if any, and attaches the absorbent article to the underwear. The pouch can be a sheet of, for example, paper, plastic or other flexible material and can optionally be treated with release agents on the surface facing the absorbent article to obtain the desired removable attachment to the garment adhesive adhesive from the absorbent article. Such release agent treatment usually consists of a silicone coating. The release agent treatment can be applied over the entire surface of the pouch facing the absorbent article, or can only be applied selectively to the areas in contact with the adhesive adhesive of the absorbent article.

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 are joined 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. saline solution with 0.9% NaCl weight). 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 40% by weight 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 target area, for an absorbent core with one or more fluid target points during use, refers to the area of the absorbent core that extends over a distance equal to 15% of the total length of the composite from each target point 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 fabric such as a wet-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 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 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.

An 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, panty liners, and the like, as well as surgical dressings and sponges.

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 left-to-right direction of the article when reference is made to the item 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. Preferably, the absorbent article is relatively thin. By "thin" it is meant that the absorbent article has a thickness of less than about 5 millimeters. The absorbent article preferably has a fluid retention capacity capable of absorbing from between about 20 grams to about 100 grams of blood, urine, menstrual secretions, etc.

The absorbent article, such as a panty liner, comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet or cover layer, a liquid-impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

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" 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 designed to be in contact with the wearer's body. The topsheet can be constructed from a woven or non-woven material that is easily permeable to body fluids such as blood, urine and the like. The topsheet can also be formed from both natural and synthetic fibers.

Suitable materials include bonded-carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bonded fibers. Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, fine perforated film webs and mesh materials, also work well. A suitable material is a soft, wettable homopolymer spunbond that has a basis weight of between about 13 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 27 gsm. Another suitable material is a perforated thermoplastic film. Another preferred material for the topsheet is a spunbond web made of polypropylene. The spunbond web can comprise from about one percent (1%) to about six percent (6%) of the titanium dioxide pigment to give it a clean, white appearance. When the topsheet of a spunbond web is constructed, it is desirable to use a uniform thickness of spunbond so that it will provide sufficient strength to withstand pulling and tearing during use.

It should be noted that the topsheet can be coated, sprayed or otherwise treated with a surface-active component to make it hydrophilic. By "hydrophilic" is meant that the topsheet has a strong affinity for water and has a contact angle of less than 180 degrees. When the topsheet is made of a hydrophilic material, it will allow the body fluids to pass through quickly. The topsheet can also be embossed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the absorbent article.

The liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impervious backsheet work together to enclose and hold the absorbent core. The topsheet and the backsheet can be cut, dimensioned and shaped to have a parallel outer edge. When this is done, the topsheet and the backsheet can be bound in a face-to-face contact to form an absorbent article that has a peripheral seal or edge. The peripheral edge can be formed to have a width of about 5 millimeters. The topsheet and the backsheet can be joined together or sealed to their periphery by a structural adhesive to form a unitary absorbent article. Alternatively, the topsheet and the backsheet can be bonded together by heat, pressure, by a combination of heat and pressure, by ultrasonic means, etc. to form a firm bond.

The liquid impermeable backsheet can be designed to allow the passage of air or water vapor from the absorbent article while blocking the passage of body fluids, such as blood or urine. The backsheet can be made of any material with these characteristics. The backsheet can also be made of a material that will block the passage of both vapors and liquids, if desired. A good material for the backsheet is a microembossed polymer film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Bicomponent films can also be used. A preferred material is a polypropylene film.

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 extended strips or areas of garment adhesion adhesive that is attached to the bottom surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet or optionally the topsheet. 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 panty liner, to be correctly 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 garment adhesion adhesive can also be covered and protected by the inner surface of a pouch. Such a pouch is typically larger in size than the absorbent article so that it can extend around the edges of the absorbent article around its entire periphery. When a pouch is used, the absorbent article is typically folded into three overlapping sections along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article ("three-folded") and such three-folded absorbent article can be arranged in the pouch to hygienically absorb the article there. to keep for use. When ready for use, a user removes the absorbent article from the pouch, unfolds the bandage, optionally removes an additional peel-off strip, if any, and attaches the absorbent article to the underwear. The pouch can be a sheet of, for example, paper, plastic or other flexible material and can optionally be treated with release agents on the surface facing the absorbent article to obtain the desired removable attachment to the garment adhesive adhesive from the absorbent article. Such release agent treatment usually consists of a silicone coating. The release agent treatment can be applied over the entire surface of the pouch facing the absorbent article, or can only be applied selectively to the areas in contact with the adhesive adhesive of the absorbent article.

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 replace an acquisition and distribution layer with the transfer layer.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an absorbent article suitable for use as a panty liner, comprising a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-permeable topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article further comprises a front region, a rear region, and an intermediate crotch region interconnecting the front region and the rear region, thereby forming a longitudinal axis extending from the front region across the crotch region to the rear region, and a transverse axis generally is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The absorbent article of the present invention may comprise additional layers positioned adjacent the absorbent core 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. In addition or instead of the transfer layer, the absorbent article may comprise an additional absorbent layer, also referred to as a storage layer, which may be made from cellulose fluff pulp and, optionally, super-absorbent particles or super-absorbent fibers and / or odor controlling additives. Additionally or instead of a transfer layer, the absorbent article of the present invention may also comprise an acquisition or distribution layer.

Preferably, the absorbent article comprises two side edges along the longitudinal axis and a front and rear edge, respectively, at the front and rear regions of the absorbent article, the width of the absorbent article being the distance between the two side edges measured along the transverse axis, varies along the longitudinal axis. Specifically, the absorbent article comprises a maximum width-to-length ratio, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent article as measured along the transverse axis between the two side edges of the absorbent article and the maximum length of the absorbent article as measured in the longitudinal direction between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article, having a value between 0.2 and 0.7, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a maximum width-to-length ratio of around 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, 0.60, 0.61 , 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69 or 0.70. It was found that by providing an absorbent article with a maximum width-to-length ratio that varies according to the values provided in the present invention, the absorbent article has an optimized fit to provide it with underwear, making it more comfortable to wear.

Preferably, the topsheet and backsheet comprise substantially the same shape and determine the dimensions, i.e., width and length dimensions of the absorbent article, as well as the shape of the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the side edges of the absorbent article. Preferably, the absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet has smaller dimensions, i.e. width and length dimensions, than the topsheet and the backsheet.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length measured along the longitudinal axis between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article comprises a value of around 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 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 between the two side edges of the absorbent article preferably comprises a value of around 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent core comprises a width to length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core as measured along the transverse axis and the maximum length of the absorbent core as measured in the longitudinal direction, a value between 0.1 and 0.5, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.4. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a 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 or 0.50. By providing an absorbent article with an absorbent core with a width-to-length ratio that varies according to the values provided in the present invention, an absorbent core is optimally adapted to fit into underwear and to absorb bodily fluids from the body. body, such as urine, blood, menstrual secretions, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length of the absorbent core measured along the longitudinal axis comprises a value of around 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 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 of the absorbent core measured along the transverse axis 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.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article exhibits substantial bilateral symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. The use of an absorbent article with this type of symmetry further helps in improving the fit of the article in underwear.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the absorbent article is positioned in the front region and / or the rear region of the absorbent article and the minimum width of the absorbent article measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article is smaller than the maximum width of the absorbent article front and back region absorbent article, resulting in an absorbent article with a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the absorbent article has a crotch width-to-length ratio determined by the ratio between the minimum width of the absorbent article as measured along the transverse axis in the crotch region between the two side edges and the maximum length of the absorbent body as measured in the longitudinal direction between the front edge and the rear edge, comprising a value between 0.2 and 0.5, more preferably a value between 0.3 and 0.4. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a crotch width-to-length ratio of around 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 or 0.50.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length measured along the longitudinal axis between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article comprises a value of around 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 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 measured along the transversal axis in the crotch region of the absorbent article between the two side edges preferably comprises a value of around 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm or 10 cm.

A typical arrangement of a dog bone or hourglass configuration includes two "lobes" formed in the front region and the rear region of the absorbent article, interconnected with a narrow portion represented by the crotch region. 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, serrated edges, wavy edges, etc. An absorbent article with an in Mainly dog bone or hourglass configuration is usually more comfortable to wear than an absorbent article with a substantial rectangular configuration.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the absorbent article measured along the transverse axis between the two side edges of the absorbent article, as measured in the front region of the absorbent article, is smaller than the maximum width as measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article article, which maximum width in the crotch region is smaller than the maximum width as measured in the rear region of the absorbent article, resulting in an absorbent article with a substantial trapezoidal shape that is stretched along the longitudinal axis. This type of configuration is particularly suitable for using the absorbent article in specific types of underwear such as tangas or G-strings.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent core has a substantial rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the absorbent core has a substantial trapezoidal shape elongated along the longitudinal axis or a substantial triangular shape elongated along the longitudinal axis, with the narrow portion of the trapezoidal shape or triangular shape located in the front area of the absorbent article.

When an absorbent article comprises a substantial trapezoidal shape extending along the longitudinal axis, the absorbent core preferably also comprises a substantial trapezoidal shape stretched along the longitudinal axis, substantially following the side edges, front and rear edges of the absorbent article, the fit of the absorbent article article in underwear such as thong or G-strings is further improved. When the absorbent article comprises a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis, the absorbent core preferably comprises a substantial triangular shape elongated along the longitudinal axis or a substantial rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis. The combination of an absorbent core with a substantial rectangular configuration and an absorbent article with a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration combines a good fit of the absorbent article in a user's underwear, but still allows a simple and economically advantageous production of the absorbent core. The combination of an absorbent core with a substantial triangular shape and an absorbent article with a predominantly dog bone or hourglass configuration helps, on the other hand, in improving the fit of the absorbent article in specific types of underwear such as tangas or G- strings.

In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet is provided with a relief that gives the absorbent article a generally better appearance and provides channels where liquid secretions can collect. This helps in spreading the secreted fluids from the body over the topsheet and allows a more optimal use of the absorbent core positioned under the topsheet. The relief can include any type of shape, such as dots, spheres, swirls, lines, leaves, flowers, etc.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the topsheet is provided with drawings on the side of the topsheet opposite on the side of the topsheet facing the absorbent core. These drawings give the absorbent article a general better appearance and help in hiding urine, blood or menstrual secretions absorbed by the absorbent core positioned under the topsheet. The drawings can be provided in any kind of color or in any kind of combination of colors. In one embodiment of the present invention, the drawings are provided in a green color. In another embodiment of the present invention, the drawing is provided in a purple or pinkish color. The shape of the drawings can have any possible shape, such as lines, spheres, dots, swirls, curls, oval shapes, round shapes, rectangular shapes, etc. The drawings can also be in the form of flowers, leaves, etc. be provided.

In an embodiment of the present invention, two laterally opposite side zones are provided with non-woven fabrics on the top sheet side opposite the top sheet side facing the absorbent core, which two laterally opposite side zones run substantially along the longitudinal axis or close to the side edges of the absorbent article. Preferably, the laterally opposite side zones comprise a different color than the topsheet, more preferably wherein the topsheet is white. The color can be any type of color. In a preferred embodiment, the two laterally opposite side zones are purple or pinkish. These two laterally opposite side zones provide two barriers on the lateral side edges of the absorbent article to prevent leakage of liquids along these edges. The two laterally opposite side zones can also be more hydrophobic compared to the topsheet to enhance this effect.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the backsheet is provided with at least one bonding adhesive strip along the longitudinal axis on the side of the backsheet opposite to the side of the backsheet facing the absorbent core, suitable for mounting the absorbent article on a surface such as to attach an underwear.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive tape is covered with a peel-off strip, thereby protecting the at least one adhesive tape before the use of the absorbent article. Preferably, the peel strip is provided with drawings on the side of the peel strip opposite to the side of the peel strip facing the at least one adhesive adhesive strip, which generally makes the peel strip more attractive and provides a good indication of where the peel strip is located 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 another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article comprises a pouch for covering the at least one adhesive tape. Such a pouch is known by a person skilled in the art and typically has larger dimensions than the absorbent article so that it can extend around the edges, i.e., leading edge, trailing edge and side edges, of the absorbent article around its entire periphery. When a pouch is used, the absorbent article is typically folded into three overlapping sections along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article ("three-folded"), and such three-folded absorbent article can be arranged in the pouch to hygienically absorb the article there. to keep for use. The pouch can be a sheet of, for example, paper, plastic or other flexible material and can optionally be treated with release agents on the surface facing the absorbent article to obtain the desired removable attachment to the garment adhesive adhesive from the absorbent article.

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 method further comprises the step of combining the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core, the absorbent core being positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, resulting in an absorbent article with a maximum width-to-length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent article as measured along the transverse axis and the maximum length of the absorbent article as measured as the longitudinal direction, comprising a value between 0.2 and 0.7, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6. In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a maximum width-to-length ratio of around 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, 0.55, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69 or 0.70.

In a preferred embodiment, the maximum length of the absorbent article measured along the longitudinal axis comprises a value of around 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, 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 of the absorbent article measured along the transverse axis 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.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing a relief, drawings, and / or laterally opposite side zones of non-woven fabrics on the side of the topsheet opposite on the side of the topsheet facing the absorbent core.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing at least one bonding adhesive strip along the longitudinal axis on the backsheet side opposite to the backsheet side facing the absorbent core, and preferably, the method further comprising the step of providing a peel strip or pouch on the at least one adhesive tape.

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 illustrates an embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention, here representing a panty liner (1) showing a body-turned side, i.e., the side of the panty liner in contact with the wearer of the panty liner during use. The panty liner (1) comprises a front area (7), a rear area (5) and a crotch area (6) connecting 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 panty liner (1) further comprises a topsheet (2), a backsheet (3) associated with the topsheet (2), and an absorbent core (4; indicated by the dotted line) positioned between the topsheet (2) and the backsheet ( 3).

The topsheet (2) and backsheet (3) according to this embodiment have the same shape and determine the dimensions, ie the width and length of the panty liner (1), which panty liner (1) comprises two side edges (1A) and a leading edge (1B) ) and a trailing edge (1C) at the front (7) and trailing area (5) of the panty liner (1), respectively.

The width of the pantyliner (1), being the distance between the two side edges (1A) of the pantyliner measured along the transversal axis (T), varies along the longitudinal axis (L). The maximum width (Y1, max) of the panty liner (1) is positioned in the front area (7) and the rear area (5) of the panty liner (1) and a minimum cross width (Yi, MIN), determined by the minimum width of the panty liner ( 1) measured in the crotch region (6) of the panty liner (i), is smaller than the maximum width (Yi, MAX) in the front region and the rear region of the panty liner (i), resulting in a panty liner (i) with a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis.

In this embodiment, the maximum width-to-length ratio of the panty liner (i) determined by the ratio between the maximum width (Yi, max) of the panty liner (i) as measured along the transversal axis (T) between the two side edges (IA) of the panty liner (i) and the maximum length (X1) of the panty liner (i) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) between the leading edge (iB) and the trailing edge (iC) of the panty liner (i), a value of around 0.45, and the crotch width-to-length ratio of the panty liner (i), determined by the ratio between the minimum width (Y1jMIN) of the panty liner (i) measured in the crotch area (6) along the transversal axis (T ) between the two side edges (iA) and the maximum length (X1) of the panty liner (i) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) between the leading edge (iB) and the trailing edge (iC), comprises a value of around 0.36.

In this specific embodiment, the absorbent core (4) has a substantial rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis (L). The absorbent core (4) comprises a width to length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width (Y4, max) of the absorbent core (4) as measured along the transversal axis (T) and the maximum length (X4) of the absorbent core (4) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) comprises a value of around 0.33.

The topsheet (2) according to this embodiment is provided with a relief (8) in the form of points and broken curled lines.

The panty liner (1) according to this embodiment further comprises four suture adhesive strips (not visible) on the surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet (3) that faces away from the wearer's body, substantially along the entire longitudinal length of the panty liner ( 1) running, which are positioned at equal distances from each other along the transverse axis (T). A peel strip (not visible) is also provided for covering the four adhesion adhesive strips.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention, here representing a panty liner (9) showing a body-turned side of the panty liner.

The panty liner (9) comprises a front region (10), a rear region (12) and a crotch region (11) which connects the front and rear regions. A longitudinal axis (L) is shown which extends from the front area over the crotch area to the rear area. The transverse axis (T), which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is also shown, going from left to right.

The panty liner (9) further comprises a topsheet (13), a backsheet (14) associated with the topsheet (13), and an absorbent core (15; indicated by the dotted line) positioned between the topsheet (13) and the backsheet ( 14).

The topsheet (13) and the backsheet (14) according to this embodiment have the same shape and determine the dimensions, ie the width and length of the panty liner (9), which panty liner (9) comprises two side edges (9A) and a leading edge (9). 9B) and a trailing edge (9C) at the front (10) and rear region (12) of the panty liner (9), respectively. In this embodiment, the leading edge (9B) and trailing edge (9C) of the panty liner (9) are corrugated to provide a better grip when placing or removing the panty liner (9) in / from a underwear.

The width of the pantyliner (9), being the distance between the two side edges (9A) of the pantyliner (9) measured along the transversal axis (T), varies along the longitudinal axis (L). The maximum width (Yg, max) of the panty liner (9) is positioned in the front region (10) and the rear region (12) of the panty liner (9) and a minimum cross width (Y9, MIN), determined by the minimum width of the panty liner ( 9) measured in the crotch region (11) of the panty liner (9), is smaller than the maximum width (Y9, MAX) in the front region and the rear region of the panty liner (9), resulting in a panty liner (9) with a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis.

In this embodiment, the maximum width-to-length ratio of the panty liner (9) is determined by the ratio between the maximum width (Y9, max) of the panty liner (9) as measured along the transversal axis (T) between the two side edges (9A) of the panty liner (9) and the maximum length (X9) of the panty liner (9) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) between the leading edge (9B) and the trailing edge (9C) of the panty liner (9), a value of around 0.41, and the crotch width-to-length ratio of the panty liner (9), determined by the ratio between the minimum width (Y9, MIN) of the panty liner (9) measured in the crotch area (11) along the transversal axis (T) between the two side edges (9A) and the maximum length (X9) of panty liner (9) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) between the front edge (9B) and the rear edge (9C) comprises a value of around 0.31.

In this specific embodiment, the absorbent core (15) exhibits a substantial triangular configuration elongated along the longitudinal axis (L), with the narrow portion of the triangular shape located in the front region (10) of the panty liner (9). The absorbent core (15) comprises a width to length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width (Y15, max) of the absorbent core (15) as measured along the transversal axis (T) and the maximum length (Xi5) of the absorbent core (15) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L), with a value of around 0.33.

Due to the shape of the absorbent core (15) in this specific embodiment, which absorbent core (15) is positioned between the topsheet (13) and the backsheet (14), two zones (17) are formed in the front area (10) of the panty liner (9) that is only covered by the topsheet and the backsheet. These two zones (17) can be used as side panels to improve the stability of the panty liner in a underwear, especially when the underwear is a thong or a G-string. These two zones (17) are preferably provided on the backsheet with garment adhesion adhesive on the garment-facing side (not visible), ie the side of the panty liner in contact with the wearer's underwear when the panty liner is worn, temporarily attach the two zones, which are usually folded around the side edges of the underwear (e.g. along fold lines 18 in Fig. 2) to the underwear. This increases the stability of the absorbent article positioned in the underwear and prevents blood, menstrual secretions, urine, and the like from leaking along the side edges of the absorbent article.

According to this embodiment, the topsheet (13) is provided with a relief (16) in the form of flowers and curled lines.

The panty liner (9) according to this embodiment further comprises one wide bonding adhesive strip (not visible) on the surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet (14) away from the wearer's body, substantially the entire backsheet (14) of the panty liner (9) covering, whereby also the two zones (17) on the backsheet (14) are provided with adhesive tape (not visible). A peel strip (not visible) is also provided for covering the adhesion adhesive strip and is preferably provided with registered drawings (not visible) on the surface of the peel strip facing away from the wearer's body. The peel strip preferably comprises a shape similar to the shape of the panty liner (9), substantially following the edges (9 A-C) of the panty liner (9).

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention, here representing a panty liner (19) showing the body-turned side of the panty liner.

The panty liner (19) comprises a front region (20), a rear region (22) and a crotch region (21) which connects the front and rear regions. 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 panty liner (19) comprises a topsheet (23), a backsheet (24) associated with the topsheet (23), and an absorbent core (25; indicated by the dotted line) positioned between the topsheet (23) and the backsheet (24) ).

The topsheet (23) and the backsheet (24) according to this embodiment have the same shape and determine the dimensions, ie the width and length of the panty liner (19), which panty liner (19) has two side edges (19A) and a front edge (19B) ) and a trailing edge (19C) on the front area (20) and the rear area (22) of the panty liner (19), respectively.

The width of the panty liner (19), being the distance between the two side edges (19A) of the panty liner (19) as measured along the transversal axis (T), varies along the longitudinal axis (L). The maximum width of the panty liner (19) measured along the transverse axis (T) between the two side edges (19A) of the panty liner (19), as measured in the front area (20) of the panty liner (19) is smaller than the maximum width such as measured in the crotch region (21) of the panty liner (19), which maximum width in the crotch region (21) is smaller than the maximum width (Y 19, max) as measured in the rear region (22) of the panty liner (19), resulting in a pantyliner (19) with a substantial trapezoidal shape stretched along the longitudinal axis (L).

In this embodiment, the maximum width-to-length ratio of the panty liner (19) determined by the ratio between the maximum width (Yi9, max) of the panty liner (19) as measured along the transversal axis (T) between the two side edges (19A) of the panty liner (19) and the maximum length (Xi9) of the panty liner (19) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L) between the leading edge (19B) and the trailing edge (19C) of the panty liner (19), a value of around 0.40.

In this specific embodiment, the absorbent core (25) also has a substantial trapezoidal shape along the longitudinal axis (L), substantially following the edges (19 A-C) of the panty liner (19). The absorbent core (25) comprises a width to length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width (Y25, max) of the absorbent core (25) as measured along the transversal axis (T) and the maximum length (X25) of the absorbent core (25) as measured in the longitudinal direction (L), comprising a value of around 0.39.

The topsheet (23) according to this embodiment is provided with a relief (26) in the form of points.

The panty liner (19) according to this embodiment further comprises one wide adhesive tape (not visible) on the surface of the liquid-impervious backsheet (24) facing away from the wearer's body, substantially the entire backsheet (24) of the panty liner (19) ) covering. A peel strip (not visible) is also provided for covering the adhesive strip. The peel strip preferably also includes a substantial trapezoidal shape with the narrow portion of the trapezoidal shape located in the front area (20) of the panty liner (19), substantially following the edges (19 A-C) of the panty liner (19).

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 (15)

CONCLUSIONS An absorbent article, suitable for use as a panty liner, comprising a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article has a front area, a back area and a crotch area that the front area and interconnecting the rear region, a longitudinal axis extending from the front region across the crotch region to the rear region, and a transverse axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the absorbent article comprising two side edges along the longitudinal axis and a front and a trailing edge at the front and trailing regions, respectively, wherein the width of the absorbent article, being the distance between the two side edges measured along the transverse axis, varies along the longitudinal axis, characterized in that a maximum width to length ratio of the absorbent article, determined by the ratio between the max imum width of the absorbent article as measured along the transversal axis between the two side edges of the absorbent article and the maximum length of the absorbent article as measured along the longitudinal direction between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article, comprising a value between 0.2 and 0.7 , preferably between 0.3 and 0.6. Absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent core comprises a width-to-length ratio determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent core as measured along the transverse axis and the maximum length of the absorbent core such as measured in the longitudinal direction, has a value between 0.1 and 0.5, preferably between 0.2 and 0.4. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the absorbent article exhibits substantial bilateral symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum width of the absorbent article is positioned in the front region and / or the rear region of the absorbent article and in that the minimum width of the absorbent article measured in the crotch area of the absorbent article, is smaller than the maximum width of the absorbent article in the front and back regions, resulting in an absorbent article having a substantially dog bone or hourglass configuration along the longitudinal axis, with a crotch area width to length ratio of the absorbent article, determined by the ratio between the minimum width of the absorbent article as measured along the transverse axis in the crotch region between the two side edges and the maximum length of the absorbent article as measured in the longitudinal direction between the leading edge and the trailing edge, a value comprises between 0.2 and 0.5, preferably a w earth between 0.3 and 0.4. The absorbent article according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the maximum width of the absorbent article measured along the transverse axis between the two side edges of the absorbent article, as measured in the front area of the absorbent article, is smaller then the maximum width as measured in the crotch region of the absorbent article, which maximum width in the crotch region is smaller than the maximum width as measured in the rear region of the absorbent article, resulting in an absorbent article with a substantial trapezoidal shape stretched along the longitudinal axis. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent core has a substantial rectangular configuration along the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent core has a substantial trapezoidal shape elongated along the longitudinal axis or a substantial triangular shape elongated along the longitudinal axis, with the narrow portion of the trapezoidal shape or triangular shape located in the front area of the absorbent article. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the topsheet is embossed. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the topsheet is provided with drawings on the side of the topsheet opposite on the side of the topsheet facing the absorbent core. Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorbent article comprises two laterally opposite side zones of non-woven fabric provided on the side of the topsheet opposite on the side of the topsheet facing the absorbent core which two laterally opposite side zones run substantially along the longitudinal axis at or near the side edges of the absorbent article. Absorbent article according to claim 10, characterized in that the laterally opposite side zones comprise a different color than the topsheet, preferably wherein the topsheet is white. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backsheet is provided with at least one bonding adhesive strip along the longitudinal axis on the backsheet side opposite to the backsheet side facing absorbent core, suitable to adhere the absorbent article to a surface, such as an undergarment, preferably in which the above-mentioned at least one suture adhesive strip is covered with a peel-off strip, said peel-off strip is preferably provided with drawings on the side of the peel-off strip opposite to the side of the peel-off strip facing towards the at least one adhesive tape is turned, and / or wherein said at least one adhesive tape is covered with a pouch. A method for synthesizing an absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a topsheet; b. Providing a backsheet; c. Providing an absorbent core; d. Combining a topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core, with the absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, resulting in an absorbent article with a maximum width-to-length ratio, determined by the ratio between the maximum width of the absorbent article as measured along the transverse axis and the maximum length of the absorbent article as measured in the longitudinal direction, comprising a value between 0.2 and 0.7, preferably between 0.3 and 0.6. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a relief, drawings, and / or laterally opposed side zones of non-woven fabrics on the side of the topsheet opposite on the side of the topsheet facing the absorbent core. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of providing at least one bonding adhesive strip along the longitudinal axis on the backsheet side opposite the backsheet side facing the absorbent core, preferably combined with the step of covering the at least one adhesive tape with a peel strip or pouch.