CZ479299A3 - Three-dimensional disposable absorption article with longitudinal slit in rear region - Google Patents

Abstract

The three-dimensional disposable absorbent article has prior art using a three-dimensional shape with a generally upward convex back area (72) and has a body surface (20a) and a garment facing the rotated surface (20b), the longitudinal plane (S) of symmetry, a front end edge (32a) and a rear end edge (32b). Further comprising a liquid pervious topsheet (22) fluid an impermeable backsheet (23) attached to the topsheet (22), and an absorbent core (24) lying between said backsheet (23) and the topsheet (22). The absorbent article includes in its a rear section (72) of a cut or longitudinal slot (74) to permit moving the cut edges (76) of the sanitary napkin (20) during use separately from each other to ensure better adaptability to the anatomy of the wearer, particularly in the posterior region (72) of the article.

Description

A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article with a longitudinal slit in the back region

Technical field

The invention relates to disposable absorbent articles. Disposable absorbent articles are considered to be absorbent devices which are designed to be worn externally on the body by a user and for receiving body-secreted fluids. In particular, the invention relates to disposable absorbent sanitary napkins, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and panty liners that are capable of providing improved fit to the body and reduced leakage through a three-dimensional shape that adapts to non-planar surfaces and non-linear grooves of the human body. The three-dimensional disposable absorbent articles include a cut or longitudinal slit in their rear region that allows the cut portions of the article to move apart sideways during use, thereby providing greater comfort and increased fit for body anatomy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In their basic form, disposable absorbent articles include an absorbent core disposed between a permeable, body contacting portion (alternatively referred to as a topsheet) and an impermeable barrier (alternatively referred to as a backsheet). Of course, the absorbent portion is intended to receive and retain fluids secreted from the body. The body contacting portion is contemplated to provide a comfortable and dry sensed contact with the body surfaces while allowing free passage of fluids into the absorbent portion. The protective barrier is intended to prevent liquids that are repelled or leaked from the absorbent portion from contaminating the wearer's laundry.

The main drawbacks of known disposable absorbent articles intended to be worn externally, for example, leakage, wet / dirt, discomfort, relate to poor body conformation achieved by these articles which are either substantially flat before use and must then be compressed or folded to the proper shape following the body surface or, alternatively, are shaped prior to use, but still need improvements to achieve better fit with complex shapes of the user's anatomy. In addition, most known disposable absorbent articles are intended to be used in panties and typically adhered to them prior to wearing the panties with the absorbent article in place, and this does not facilitate good fit with body anatomy also due to differences in wear habits and styles panties.

With regard to, for example, sanitary napkins, various attempts have been made to provide these articles with the ability to conform to body anatomy. Body-conforming absorbent articles are well known in the art, such as those which are flat prior to use and are intended to be shaped or folded when worn to form an absorbent article. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · those which are shaped before wearing.

Disposable absorbent articles must be generally flexible and capable of flexing in both the transverse and longitudinal directions in order to adapt effectively to the body anatomy with its various shapes and curves, and in addition to adapt to different wear situations.

Various attempts have been made in the art to provide disposable absorbent articles with the ability to conform to the body anatomy in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

European Patent Application EP-A-605 017 discloses a flat absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is provided with two axes of flexible transverse bending between the front, center and back of the article. The bending axes are formed by notches or elongate slits formed in the longitudinal sides of the article to facilitate bending of the article in the longitudinal direction, even in the presence of transverse bending of the inverted V-shaped central part due to lateral (lateral) forces applied to the article during use. This solution only facilitates the bending of the article in the longitudinal direction about the fixed, predetermined axes and, moreover, creates discontinuities in the absorbent core that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and thus hinders the diffusion (dispersion) of fluid within the absorbent core along the preferred longitudinal distribution path. .

U.S. Patent No. 5,514,104 discloses a different approach to the problem of obtaining a flat disposable absorbent article that is more adaptable to the wearer ' s body while still providing good fluid absorption. The flat absorbent article is provided with at least one longitudinal slit or slot in either the front or rear region of the core, thereby forming at least two separate core parts capable of relative movement in order to ensure

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000 00 0 «0 · ·· better fit to the body of the wearer, eg in the area between the buttocks. However, the flat article is unable to achieve very good fit with the body of the wearer and thus poor placement of the article and / or poor displacement during use, for example as a result of movements and / or interaction with the undergarment, is possible. This can lead to a product that is less comfortable, with the additional risk of ineffective body fluid control, or even leakage if the product assumes a position with respect to body anatomy during use, due to possible misalignment or even deformation in use such that fluid is received in the core surface with a notch or slot.

It has been found that a three-dimensional disposable absorbent article having a three-dimensional shape prior to use and comprising an upwardly convex (convex) back region preferably having an inverted V-shaped longitudinal ridge may benefit from joining a slit or slice in the back region extending from the rear end edge and is oriented substantially longitudinally. Preferably, the posterior incision or aperture provides the inverted, shaped backsheet of the absorbent article with the ability to bend about an axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the article to better accommodate a variety of body shapes, particularly in the gluteal trough area. to provide better protection.

In fact, the three-dimensional absorbent article of the present invention has the ability to better adjust its upward convex region to different anatomies, taking into account possible interactions with the undergarments and any variation that occurs during wear, due to, for example, wearer's movements, the position and position of the rear region with the back slit or section • φ • φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ • φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ preferred receiving areas of the absorbent article.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensionally shaped disposable absorbent article that can provide improved fit to body anatomy and greater comfort and adaptability also in its hind region due to superior flexibility, preferably upwardly convex hind region about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of symmetry to avoid the risks of product misalignment and deformation and / or misalignment in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a three-dimensional disposable absorbent article that includes means for avoiding the risk of leakage of body fluid, particularly in its posterior region.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional disposable absorbent article that can be worn directly to the wearer ' s body, preferably without the need for fastening means for attaching the absorbent article to the undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a three-dimensional disposable absorbent article having a three-dimensional shape and having a body-facing and garment facing surface, a longitudinal plane of symmetry, an anterior region and a posterior region, a front end edge and a back end edge, and comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious a backsheet attached to the topsheet and an absorbent core lying between the topsheet and the backsheet. The three-dimensional disposable absorbent article further comprises at least one of three titites in the rear region of the three regions. ti titititi «··· cut or longitudinal slot defining the corresponding edges of the cut. The at least one slice extends from the rear end edge in the direction of a point located on the longitudinal plane of symmetry in which the edges of the slice are allowed to move apart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although this description is completed by the claims that specifically define and clearly claim the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Giant. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sanitary napkin according to the present invention as seen from the side facing the wearer in use.

Giant. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1, taken on line 2-2.

Giant. 3 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1.

Giant. 4 is a curve taken from the anatomical portion of the wearer ' s body which illustrates the central, non-linear groove of the female anatomy as seen in the lateral direction.

Giant. 5a, 5b, and 5c are cross-sectional views of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1, on lines 5a-5a, 5b-5b and 5c-5c.

Giant. 6 is a perspective view of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1, from the side lying in use away from the wearer.

Giant. 7a and 7b are perspective views of a sanitary napkin according to the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 1 to 6 showing two user positions of a different embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a three-dimensional disposable absorbent article having preferably a three-dimensional shape prior to use and having an upwardly convex (convex), more preferably transverse-facing, V-shaped back region that exhibits body fluid absorbency, dirt protection and increased physical comfort for the wearer. and easy to manufacture and pack. These articles are provided in said upwardly convex rear region with at least one cut or longitudinal slit extending from the rear end edge substantially in the longitudinal direction. The at least one speech or longitudinal slit defines cutting edges in the rear region of the article which can move apart (separately) sideways for increased fit to the body and better fit to the wearer's anatomy, especially in the posterior area where the article typically extends through the posterior (rearwardly directed) perineal area towards the groove between buttocks. Such three-dimensional disposable absorbent articles are preferably also provided with a three-dimensional structure capable of conforming to non-linear grooves and non-planar surfaces of the female body. Three dimensional disposable absorbent articles are described below with reference to a sanitary napkin.

The term sanitary napkin as used herein refers to a product worn by women on the body and adjacent to the pubic region, and is intended to absorb and retain various body fluids that are secreted by the body (e.g., vaginal discharge, menses and / or urine) ), which is expected to be discarded after its only use. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other sanitary napkins or sanitary napkins such as panty liners.

or other absorbent articles such as incontinence pads and the like.

The term use, as used herein, refers to a period of time beginning when the absorbent article is actually brought into contact with the anatomy of the wearer.

The term "joined" as used herein includes arrangements by which a first part is directly attached to the second part and those arrangements by which the first part is attached to the second part indirectly by attaching the first part to the intermediate parts which are again in turn attached to the second part.

As used herein, the term pudendal refers to the externally visible female genitalia and is limited to large labia, small labia, clicktoris, and an entrance vestibule.

According to the present invention, at least one incision or longitudinal slit may be incorporated in any known type of three-dimensional absorbent articles having preferably upwardly convex, more preferably transversely facing, V-shaped back region prior to use. Thus, the composition may be comprised in disposable absorbent articles that are, for example, thin or thick, rectangular or anatomically shaped in plan view, provided that they are three-dimensionally shaped prior to use. The three-dimensional shape is preferably intrinsic to the disposable absorbent article of the present invention, i.e., its own given structure rather than obtained by folding or plucking the originally flat article or, alternatively, may be obtained, for example, by manipulating the article before use.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will be described hereinafter, at least one of the back regions of the three-dimensional disposable absorbent article is comprised.

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9 9 9 9 9 9 9 · · · · · 999 99 99 9 · 99 cut or longitudinal slit, more specifically in a sanitary napkin which is intended to be attached directly to the user's body and which has a preferred three-dimensional structure capable of conforming to use various complex body shapes of female anatomy including non-linear grooves and non-planar surfaces to provide increased fit and comfort, improved fluid management, and limited leakage.

Giant. 1 is a perspective view of a sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, with its preferred three-dimensional structure prior to use, with most of the portion of the sanitary napkin 20 facing or facing the wearer facing the viewer. By using the saying before use it is meant that the preferred sanitary napkin 20 of the invention is provided with a three-dimensional structure before it is actually worn. The sanitary napkin may, however, be packaged in a folded flat configuration which is unpacked just prior to wearing to obtain a three-dimensional shape. As is better seen in FIG. 2, the sanitary napkin 20 includes a liquid pervious topsheet 22, a liquid impervious backsheet 23 bonded to the topsheet 22, and an absorbent core 24 positioned between the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 23.

The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a surface facing or contacting the body 20a and a surface facing or contacting the laundry 20b. The body contacting surface 20a is intended to be worn adjacent the body of the wearer while the garment surface 20b is on the opposite side and is intended to be oriented towards the undergarment components when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn, e.g. against him. Corresponding body-facing and garment-facing surfaces can also be identified in each individual layer that constitutes the sanitary napkin 20, for example, in the absorbent core 24. The sanitary napkin 20 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry S. The term "· φ φ φ φφφφ · · φ · · · "Longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line, axis, or direction in one sanitary napkin. axis with (for example, approximately parallel to) the vertical plane of the halving standing wearer on the left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The plane of symmetry S of the sanitary napkin 20 substantially corresponds to this vertical plane, which halves the standing wearer. Although it is preferred that the sanitary napkin 20 be accurately divided by the longitudinal plane of symmetry S into two symmetrically equal halves, it is not excluded that both halves be mirror-image. The term transverse, as used herein, is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of symmetry S. The term longitudinally oriented refers to the direction as seen in the plan view contained within + 45 degrees of the longitudinal plane of symmetry S; likewise, the term transversely oriented refers to any other direction as seen in plan view.

The terms front and back as used herein refer to parts or edges in the sanitary napkin 20 that are oriented towards the respective front and back of the wearer's body when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn.

The sanitary napkin 20 has a perimeter 30 that is delimited by the outer edges of the sanitary napkin 20. The longitudinal edges 31 of the sanitary napkin 20 are aligned with the longitudinal plane of symmetry S, and the end edges of the sanitary napkin 20 include a front end edge 32a and a rear end edge 32b. The absorbent core 24 of the sanitary napkin has a front panel 40, a central panel 42, and a rear panel 44, which preferably each corresponds to approximately one third of the total length of the absorbent core 24. The sanitary napkin 20 designates a front region 70 and a back region 72, respectively a portion 40 and at least a back portion 44 of the absorbent core 24.

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In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 is provided with a three-dimensional fit prior to use of the three-dimensional structure, the complex structure is intended to accommodate the female anatomy body, preferably structurally be completely smoothed into a flat surface while retaining its integrity, i.e. without being torn, crushed or compressed in any case, for example. In other words, the three-dimensional structure cannot be achieved simply by folding or plucking the originally flat product, but is inherently part of the absorbent article of the present invention. The three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention preferably has a substantially constant thickness, more preferably less than 5 mm; this sanitary napkin can therefore be considered a thin type.

Although the topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent core may be assembled in a variety of well known arrangements (including so-called tubular or side flap products), FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a sanitary napkin 20 in which the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 23 have length and width dimensions that are generally larger than those of the absorbent core 24. The topsheet 22 and the backsheet 23 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 24. thereby forming the perimeter 30 of the sanitary napkin 20.

The topsheet 22 is conformable, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 22 is liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g., menses and / or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 22 may be made of a wide variety of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials, polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic. * Foils and hydroformed thermoplastic films, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films and thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

A preferred topsheet comprises an apertured formed film. The apertured formed films are preferred for this topsheet because they are permeable to body fluids and still non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body contamination and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer.

Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; in U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246, to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; in U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 to Radel et al. on Aug. 3, 1982; in U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991. A preferred topsheet for the absorbent article of the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and sold on sanitary napkins as a DRI-WEAVE topsheet by The Procter and Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface k facing the body of the topsheet of the formed film is hydrophilic to assist in transferring fluids through the topsheet.

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faster than if this surface was not hydrophilic, thereby reducing the likelihood that the menstrual fluid would flow from the topsheet rather than flowing into it and being absorbed by the absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, an active surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet, as described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 07 / 794,745, Aziz et al., filed Nov. 19, 1991. Alternatively, the surface to the topsheet body may be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with an active surfactant, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,254.

The absorbent core 24 may be any absorbent means that is capable of absorbing or retaining fluids (e.g., menses, and / or urine). The absorbent core 24 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, oval, hourglass, asymmetric, etc.) and a wide variety of liquid-absorbing materials commonly used in sanitary napkins and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, commonly referred to as airborne pulp. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include crepe cellulose wadding; treated cross-linked cellulose fibers (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,217,445, issued to Young et al. on June 8, 1993); capillary channel fibers (i.e., fibers having inter-fiber capillary channels such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,200,248, issued to Thompson et al. on April 6, 1993); absorbent foams (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,345 issued to DesMarais et al. on November 9, 1993, and U.S. Patent No. 5,268,244 issued to DesMarais et al. on December 7, 1993); thermally bonded airlaid materials (such as those described in patent application Ser. No. 08 / 141,156, entitled Menstrual Absorbent Structures having thermally bonded layers for improved control of menstrual fluids and their use in sanitary napkins having improved fit and comfort, filed on behalf of Richards et al. on October 21, 1993); absorbent sponges; synthetic staple fibers, polymeric fibers, hydrogel-forming polymer gelling agents; peat moss, tissue containing tissue paper webs and laminates, or any equivalent materials or combinations thereof. Suitable absorbent cores comprising foams are described in European Patent Applications Nos. 0 598 833, 0 598 823 and 0 598 834. Suitable absorbent cores comprising tissue paper laminates, with hydrogel-forming polymer particles of gelling agents therebetween, are described in International Patent Applications WO 94/01069 and WO 95/17868.

The arrangement and assembly of the absorbent core may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core may have varying tactile zones, e.g., profiled to be thicker in the center), hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or lower density and lower basis weight acquisition zones, or contain one or more layers and / or structures. However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core should be compatible with the intended loading and intended use of the sanitary napkin. Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to accommodate the different uses of incontinence pads, panty liners, normal sanitary napkins and night sanitary napkins. Preferably, the absorbent articles of the present invention are sanitary napkins having a uniform thickness.

The backsheet 23 and the topsheet 22 are disposed adjacent the garment facing surface 20b and the body facing surface

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20a, respectively, of the absorbent core 24, and are preferably attached thereto and to each other by attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 23 and / or the topsheet 22 may be attached to the absorbent core 24 or to each other by a uniform, continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or by grouping the adhesive into separate lines, spirals or dots. Adhesives manufactured by H.B. have been found to be satisfactory. Fuller Company Paul, Minnesota, under the designation HL-1258 or H-2031. Preferably, the attachment means comprises an open pattern adhesive web of fibers, as described in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 entitled Disposable Exudate Retaining Garment, issued to Minetol et al. on March 4, 1986. An exemplary open-mesh fiber fastener comprises a plurality of lines of adhesive fibers twisted in a spiral pattern as disclosed by the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 issued to Zieker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666, issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the attachment means may include thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means, or combinations thereof, which are known in the art.

The backsheet 23 is liquid impervious (for example, menses and / or urine) and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. In use, the backsheet 23 is positioned between the absorbent core 24 and the wearer's garment. The function of the backsheet 23 is that it prevents the exudates from being · 9 * 9 • • 94 * 9 9 9999

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999 * 9 99 99 99 which can be repelled from or inevitably bypass the absorbent core 24, contacting and soiling the wearer's undergarments. The backsheet 23 may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. A preferred backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm to about 0.015 mm. Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation P18-04O1, and Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet 23 is preferably embossed and / or matte finished to provide a more fabric appearance. Further, the backsheet 23 may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core 24 (i.e., may be breathable) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet 23.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the sanitary napkin 20 in its preferred embodiment has a three-dimensional structure with longitudinally oriented ridge 50 in the center and rear panels 42, 44 of the absorbent core 24, so that the intersection line 46 of the longitudinal plane of symmetry (slope) decreasing rearwardly, ie towards the rear end edge 32b, in the central section 42 and in the rear section 44 of the absorbent core 24. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, wherein a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 20 shows the intersection line 46 with its decreasing slope in the central and rear panels 42, 44.

According to the present invention, the sanitary napkin 20 further comprises in its rear region 72 a cut or longitudinal slot 74 extending at the rear end edge 32b and, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to 3, and aligned with the longitudinal plane of symmetry S. This slice or slot 74 affects φΦ φφφφφφφ ΦφΦΦΦ

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The entire structure of the sanitary napkin 20, i.e., in the embodiment shown, the topsheet 22, the absorbent core 24, and the backsheet 23, thus defining the corresponding cut edges 72. It is preferred that the structure of the sanitary napkin 20 be closed along the edges 76 of the cut, e.g. by joining together the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 23 by adhesive or heat or any other known means so that the cut absorbent core 24 is not exposed along the cut edges 76. The cut 74 allows the cutting edges 76 of the sanitary napkin 20 to move away from each other along the cut 74 so that the longitudinally oriented, preferably inverted V-shaped structure of the comb 50 can bend at any point along the cut 74 about the axis which is perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S, as better illustrated in FIG. 7a and 7b, showing a slightly different embodiment of the present invention, to better conform to the body anatomy typical of the gluteal groove region, wherein the rear region 72 of the three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 preferably extends to provide better backward protection.

More particularly, FIG. 7a and 7b illustrate the same sanitary napkin 20 in two different embodiments of the rear region 72, corresponding to two different wear situations, wherein the longitudinally oriented, V-shaped crest structure 50 bends at two different points about an axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S. adapting the article to different anatomies, ie, wearers having different body shapes in the gluteal groove region, for example FIG. 7b could illustrate the configuration of the sanitary napkin 20 when worn by a smaller wearer. Or, alternatively, this may be due, for example, to the different forces exerted on the sanitary napkin during wear.

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Thus, the incision 74 provides a structure in an inverted V-shaped comb 50 that as such would be less capable of bending about an axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S without wrinkling and / or bending from the body, and / or exerting force on the remaining portions of the sanitary napkin. extending to said rear region 72, with the ability to adapt to different body shapes, particularly in the gluteal trough region, thereby adapting to different groove lengths and radii of curvature, as well as changes typically occurring over time in the same wearer, for example by movement.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 to 7, the intersection line 46 has a preferred rearward-facing profile with decreasing inclination as seen in cross-sectional view, as will be explained in more detail below.

The decreasing slope of said intersection line 46 can be expressed mathematically if the intersection line 46 is considered in a Cartesian (xy) system xy lying in the symmetry plane S, where the x-axis is defined by two intersection points of the longitudinal symmetry plane S with front end edge 32a and rear an end edge 32b of the sanitary napkin 20 substantially corresponding to the points indicated by the numbers 32a and 32b in cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 2, and wherein the body-facing surface 20a is rotated toward positive values of γ.

With respect to this axis system (form) the first derivative (derivative)

According to the present invention, the first derivative of this line 46 in the longitudinal direction has at least one value that is greater in the central portion 42 of the absorbent core 24 than at least one value in the rear portion 44 of the absorbent core 24. This includes the preferred case shown in FIG. 1 and 2, wherein the lines can be formed by intersecting lines 46.

the intersection 46 is always slanted upward toward the rear

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The end edge 32b has two different inclinations in the central part 42 and the rear part 44, as well as alternative embodiments in which, for example, the intersection line 46 is angled upwardly in the central part 42 and downwardly in the rear part 44.

The successive values of the first derivative of the intersection line 46 may decrease continuously toward the rear end edge 32b, suggesting that the intersection line 46 has a curved profile with a continuously decreasing slope or, alternatively, the first derivative may take different individually along the length of the intersection line 46. different values. For example, it may be constant in either the central panel 42 or the rear panel 44, or both, the latter being the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and 2, wherein the intersection line 46 is formed by two substantially rectilinear pieces having a constant inclination, with a change in inclination at point 48 of the intersection line 46 located where the center portion 42 of the absorbent core 24 converges with the rear portion 44.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-3, the incision or longitudinal slot 74 extends from the rear end edge 32b substantially along the plane of symmetry S. Therefore, where the incision edges 76 are offset from each other, no true intersection line 46 can be identified, but only where there is no cut or slit, or also where the cut edges 76 are held close together and are not displaced. This is typically the case of the three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention since the bending axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S can move along the incision or slit 74 according to different anatomies and / or changes occurring during the wearing time.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention described herein, the sanitary napkin 20 has a preferred intersection line 46

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99 99 99 · a profile that is maintained in any bent rear region 72 configuration because the cut 74 does not extend to point 48 where there is a change in inclination in the intersection line 46. In other words, although the cut edges 76 the rear regions 72 of the sanitary napkin 20 will be induced to move apart along the entire length of the incision 74, the longitudinally oriented comb 50 still includes an intersection line 46 with a preferential slope decreasing rearwardly. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 maintains its preferred structural three-dimensionality wherever the bending axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S is located along the incision or slot 74 in the rear region 72.

The intersection line 46 with the profile described above in conjunction with the incision or longitudinal slot 74 in the rear region 72 provides the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention with a longitudinally oriented comb 50 in the central and rear panels 42, 44 of the absorbent core 24. This comb 50 has a longitudinal nonlinear profile , which is intended to be in use to sit with moderate non-linear groove of the female anatomy extending from the labia majora to the perineum and into the gluteal groove, and having approximately the shape schematically indicated in the corresponding central and rear portions 42 ^1, 44 ^1, curve G, together with the corresponding front panel 40 ¹ shown in FIG. 4, where the corresponding profile of the intersection line 46 in the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 1 to 3. The incision 74 in the rear region 72 also provides a longitudinally oriented ridge 50 capable of bending about an axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S and positioned at any position along the incision 74 itself to better accommodate different body anatomies and changing user conditions in the gluteal trough.

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The dotted line following the intersection 46 in FIG. 4 corresponds to a rear section or longitudinal slot 74, wherein the cutting edges 76, 6 are spaced from each other during use of the present invention.

This dotted line does not correspond to the line of the sanitary napkin line.

intersection because, as already explained, the intersection between the plane of symmetry S and the body-facing surface 20a, where the edges of the cut edges are moved apart, cannot be intersected. Rather, it indicates the actual profile described by one of the cut edges 76 in the rear region 72 of the sanitary napkin, as seen in a cross-sectional view where convex (concave) into the inverted V shaped rear region of the sanitary napkin allowed to bend along the plane of symmetry S in order to better accommodate the anatomy of the body in the area of the gluteal groove, corresponding to the rearmost part of the rear portion 44 ¹ of the curve G. the profile shown in Fig. 4 can be considered substantially corresponding to a sanitary napkin having the configuration shown in FIG. 7a, with the bending axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S located closer to the rear end edge 32b.

The profile of the longitudinally extending comb 50 as defined by the intersection line 46, with its slope decreasing rearwardly and in connection with the incision or longitudinal slit 74 in the rear region 72, may provide the sanitary napkin 20 with improved fit to the wearer's body. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as we go forward to back, the forward portion of the ridge 50 with a substantially constant slope is expected to fall into the groove between the large labia. The successive ridge member 50, which connects the central and rear panels 42, 44 of the absorbent core 24 with its variation in inclination, has a profile that, in use, is able to conform downwardly to the concave portion of the female central non-linear groove

• · 9 9 9 9

9 »9 99 99 anatomy in the area extending from the back of the large labia to the perineum to achieve continuous contact with the body. This ensures better comfort and more effective fluid handling when released from the body. Finally, with the rear portion of the longitudinally oriented ridge 50, still belonging to the rear portion 44 of the absorbent core 24, and having a constant inclination in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is envisaged that it will stretch between the buttocks in the gluteal trough. Because of its slight tendency compared to the forward portion of the comb, it is able to contact the body without causing any tension between the anatomy and this portion of the sanitary napkin, which in turn could cause discomfort and / or prevent desirable, substantially continuous contact between the comb 50 and the length of the non-linear groove extending from the large labia to the gluteal groove. Finally, the rearmost portion of the ridge 50, characterized by the presence of the incision or slit 74, may bend, typically upwardly, about an axis perpendicular to the plane of symmetry S to better accommodate body shape in the gluteal groove area where the rear region 72 of the sanitary napkin. 20 preferably extends to provide increased protection, e.g., against back leakage that may occur during movement or sleep or when the wearer lies on his back. This ensures an improved fit of the sanitary napkin 20 in the gluteal groove area, also avoiding any negative interaction with the undergarment, which could otherwise exert a force on the upwardly convex (convex) rear region of the sanitary napkin 20 extending rearward, thereby causing this upward convex region wrinkles or moves away from the body.

The ridge 50 with a profile having a slope decreasing rearwardly may reach further into the non-linear groove of the female anatomy, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The ridge 50, with the profile indicated by line 46, is in fact capable of following the profile of the groove indicated by curve G by extending beyond the line indicated in FIG. 4 is a dashed line that connects two points along the central groove of the surface to the body where the sanitary napkin contacts the body, e.g. those two points where the forward sanitary napkin contacts the body in concert with the back of the comb. In fact, the rear end of the dashed line extends to the rearmost portion of the ridge 50 where the cut edges 76 are offset from each other; thus, it corresponds to the beginning of the dashed line, as explained hereinabove, following the profile of the intersection line 46. A comb shaped with a linear profile as known in the art cannot extend beyond that line, since such a ridge substantially corresponds to this line and thus cannot provide uninterrupted body contact along the entire length of the comb.

Of course, the presently described situation of the preferred three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 and its interaction with the anatomy of the wearer is merely a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention envisaged to indicate the overall capability of the comb 50 with a preferred longitudinal nonlinear profile. to conform to the central non-linear groove of the female anatomy when used along its entire length, thereby providing better body contact and increased comfort.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 preferably has a small constant thickness that is less than 5 mm in which the three-dimensional structure is provided without the use of humps or regions of varying thickness, and this is a feature of the sanitary napkin 20 rather than · Ti · ti ti ···· ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · ti · An added feature, achieved, for example, by bending, folding, or joining together originally planar structures.

As shown in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the front panel 40 of the absorbent core 24 is preferably concave upwardly to better conform to the wearer's anatomy in the mons pubis region.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1 and 2 show a particularly preferred arrangement for the front, center, and rear portions of the absorbent core 24. As seen in cross section, the front, center, and back portions of the absorbent core 24 are respectively V, W and inverted V-shaped. as is better seen in FIG. 5a, 5b and 5c, showing the cross-sections (cuts) of the sanitary napkin 20 taken on lines 5a-5a, 5b-5b, and 5c-5c in Figs. 1.

These different shapes provide the sanitary napkin 20 with an additional ability to conform to the wearer's anatomy in a direction substantially perpendicular to an already defined plane of symmetry S. The shape of the front panel 40 and the shape of the inverted rear panel 44 converge gradually in the central panel 42 where the W is pre-disposed to fit into the area of the large labia and perineum. In use, the longitudinally-oriented ridge 50 is intended to fit (fit) the longitudinal central groove as described above, while the upwardly curved side portions 52 may conform to the wrinkling of the pubic region, i.e. two grooves that are formed between the body and legs, typically in an area where the underwear elastics contacts the body.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the sanitary napkin 20 is provided with an increased ability to conform to the wearer's anatomy than:

Simply provided by known, different transverse shaping of the various parts of the absorbent core 24.

The three-dimensional structure of the sanitary napkin 20 prior to use is such that the angle g of the inverted V shaped portion increases towards the rear end edge 32b of the sanitary napkin 20 starting from the minimum preferred value in a position corresponding to the convergence of the rear portion 44 with the central portion 42 of the absorbent core 24. where it substantially corresponds to the angle b of the central part facing V from the W to the W-shaped central part 42, which in turn is substantially constant along the entire length of the part 42. Thus, the rear part of the ridge 50, typically worn between the buttocks, can more easily expand. its inverted V shape while wearing the article without being limited, thus providing the sanitary napkin with better adaptability to the anatomical configuration of the wearer. Of course, a further cut or slit treatment 74 in the rear region 72 of the sanitary napkin 20, not shown in FIG. 5c, a cut made in a position where the cut 72 is not present, allows the cutting edges 76 at the rearmost portion of the ridge 50 to move away from each other to even better accommodate the gluteal groove region, thereby adapting to different lengths and radii of curvature of said groove.

A similar modification to that described for the backsheet 44 is preferably provided in the V-shaped frontsheet 40 of the absorbent core 24, wherein the angle α of this V increases its width toward the front end edge 32a of the sanitary napkin 20 from the minimum preferred value at the This allows the sanitary napkin 20 closer to the front end edge 32a to more easily flatten when worn in the transverse direction to accommodate the relatively flat front portion of the sanitary napkin 20. • · ·

pubis, while ensuring that the overall concave shape effectively follows the surface of the pubic region.

Thus, the angles to the V-shaped front panel 40 and / or the inverted V-shaped rear panel 44 of the absorbent core 24 and consequently the entire sanitary napkin 20 may increase towards the respective end edges 32a and / or 32b up to about 180 ° to better conforming to the wearer ' s anatomy, without introducing any substantial tension in the structure, thereby providing better fit and comfort.

The preferred adjustment of angles increasing towards respective end edges in the V-shaped and inverted V-shaped parts is achieved by providing the front panel 40 and / or the rear panel 44 of the absorbent core 24 with a cup-shaped structure by any means known to the person skilled in the art. For example, in the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and 2, this is accomplished by cutting a narrow, V-shaped portion of the material centered along the longitudinal centerline of the initially flat front panel 40 and back panel 44 of the absorbent core 24, and the topsheet 22 and backsheet 23 also, and having substantially the same front panel length. 40 and rear panel 44, and then joining together the edges of the cut by known means, for example, by heat sealing, along the contact lines indicated in FIG. 3 as 52 and .54. However, the line of contact 54 does not extend all the way to the rear end edge 32b to form a cut or slot 74. The final three-dimensional structures shown in FIG. 1 and 2 is then achieved by suitable folding of the non-planar sanitary napkin 20, e.g. along the preferred bending lines formed in the absorbent core 24 by, for example, embossing or partial cuts, such as embossing 56 in FIG. 3, as can be readily determined by a person skilled in the art. In this preferred

• · • · • • 9 • · · · · · • · · with·· »· • • · · 9 9 · • · • · · • 9 9 «·

* the embodiment of the cup-shaped end piece 42, the shaped structure of the center or 44 of the absorbent core 24 and hence the corresponding end region 72 of the sanitary napkin 20, is internally stable, i.e. has already defined structural three-dimensionality not limited by the rear cut or slit 74 because the rear panel 44 of the absorbent core 24 to the apex 48.

The presence of this preferred treatment in the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and 2, can easily be secured when the sanitary napkin 20 is folded transversely to fold the front panel 40 or back panel 44 of the absorbent core over the central panel 42 along a fold line which approximately corresponds to a line correspondingly separating the front panel 40 or back a part 44 from a central part 42; in both cases, the fold line will have an angle rather than being straight.

Combining the three-dimensional structure of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention, comprising a longitudinally oriented comb 50 with a preferred intersection line profile 46, with a rear cut or longitudinal slit 74 in the rear region 72 provides the sanitary napkin 20 with increased ability to conform to non-planar surfaces and non-linear female anatomy grooves the entire length of the sanitary napkin. The improved fit achieved by the three-dimensional sanitary napkin, especially the three-dimensional sanitary napkin in the preferred embodiment described so far, is capable of providing adequate and stable adjustment of the sanitary napkin during wear. Thus, there is no danger of the sanitary napkin being misaligned with respect to a particular anatomy or displaced from its preferred location when in use. This ensures that, in use, the fluid is appropriately received and acquired in the acquisition zone, preferably located in the central portion 42 of the absorbent core, and a < 000000 and < 00 > «* 0 000« 000 000 00 0 0000 * 000 and «at ·· t · a · 00

24, typically forward of the apex 48 of the comb 50, while the posterior region of the sanitary napkin having a cut or slot is located rearward of the receiving zone. The slit 74, in turn, substantially longitudinally oriented, does not create any barrier to the dispersion of fluid within the absorbent core 24, which itself occurs in a preferred longitudinally oriented path.

Thus, the posterior incision 74 may be left completely open, without the need for additional material connecting the edges 76 of the incision.

However, in an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, the sanitary napkin 20 may comprise a material 78 that joins the edges 77 of the back cut or slots 74, and this allows the cutting edges 76 to move apart (respectively). The material 78 is preferably liquid impermeable, thus providing additional protection to the article in the rear region 72 with the cut or slot 74. The material 78 will be provided with any known means allowing the cutting edges 76 to move apart, e.g., it may be extensible, elastic, or pleated, as shown in FIG. 7a and 7b, wherein a liquid-impermeable plastic film 78 is provided with folds 80 and connecting cutting edges 76 along its entire length. The material 78 may be a separate element added to, or integral with, the structure of the sanitary napkin 20, e.g., attached to the backsheet 24, and be, for example, a portion of the backsheet 24 made extensible by known means.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 to 7, the sanitary napkin 20 always includes, in its rear region 72, a single rear cut or slot 74 extending from the rear end edge 32b substantially along the longitudinal plane of symmetry S. 0 0 0 00 0 · 0 0 00 0 0 0 ♦ 0 00 · 00 0 0 0 0 #

More than one incision or slit may be provided in the rear region of the three-dimensional absorbent article in the rear region of the three-dimensional absorbent article. In other alternative embodiments, the at least one incision does not necessarily extend along the longitudinal plane of symmetry S of the three-dimensional absorbent article, provided that the at least one incision extends from the trailing end edge toward a point located on the longitudinal plane of symmetry S.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional shape may be similar to that shown in FIG. 1 to 5c, also achieved by including in the disposable absorbent article a flexible insert having the desired shape, for example between the backsheet and the absorbent core. For example, the pad may be included only in the middle and back portions of the absorbent article, where a comb with the desired profile is to be provided, or may extend along the entire length of the absorbent article to provide its full shape. The flexible insert can be made of any suitable material, for example an absorbent or non-absorbent material, and can be made, for example, by thermoforming, preferably of constant thickness, to achieve the desired three-dimensional shape. The pad may completely provide a three-dimensional structure or alternatively may contribute to the formation and maintenance of said structure in an already shaped absorbent article. The insert may also include a cut or slit.

With the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention having the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to 5c, and previously described herein, is intended to be worn directly by the user onto the body, and preferably also includes means 58 for holding and deploying it (use) positioned on the garment facing surface 20b and oriented transversely as those described in European patent application EP 97110734.7. How it is · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · FIG. 6, which is a perspective view of the sanitary napkin 20 of FIG. 1, seen from the side which, in use, lies further away from the wearer, i.e., with the garment facing surface 20b facing the viewer. The means 58 for holding and applying the sanitary napkin 20 are also referred to herein below as handling means.

However, the means 58 for holding and putting on the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is also contemplated for use by a person caring for the user, eg, a nurse, who manipulates the sanitary napkin and puts it on the body of the user.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, the means 58 for holding and inserting the sanitary napkin 20 includes an elongate strip of elastic film material 58 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of symmetry S and positioned on the garment facing surface 20b of the sanitary napkin 20, in accordance with the central portion 42 of the absorbent core 24. longitudinally intermediate between the front end edge 32a and the rear end edge 32b of the sanitary napkin 20. The strip 58 is secured to the backsheet 23 at its two spaced apart ends 60, disposed on opposite sides of the symmetry plane S, with the intermediate piece 62 not attached to the garment facing surface. 20b and defining a space 64 intended to insert at least one finger of the user to hold and fit the sanitary napkin 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, where the sanitary napkin 20 has a preferred three-dimensional shape over use, space 64 is actually comprised between the intermediate portion 62 of the strip 58 and the garment facing surface 32b of the central sanitary napkin portion which is concave on its garment facing surface 20b. on the body-facing surface 32a. Typically, the spaced ends 60 of the strip 58 are secured by known means, e.g., by means of an adhesive

9 9 9 9 9999 99 99 • 999 99 9 9 9. 9

99 99 999 9 9 9 9

999 9 999 99 9 or by thermal bonding, the garment facing surface 20b of the backsheet 23 at intermediate locations between each fold line corresponding to the embossment 56 and the respective longitudinal edge 31.

The user may place the sanitary napkin 20 on the palm of his hand with the garment facing surface 20b and the front end edge 32a facing the wrist, at the same time inserting typically one of his fingers, e.g., a semicolon, into the space between the intermediate panel 62 and the lower Thus, the user can hold the sanitary napkin 20 in his open hand without exerting any force, also due to the elasticity of the preferred material that forms the strip 58, with the substantially front portion of the sanitary napkin 20 lying on its palm. Attachment to the body can then be easily performed by the user with a single movement of her open hand, which is as simple as placing an empty hand on the body.

In addition, hand and finger movements allow the user to completely control the handling of the sanitary napkin 20 during its fit to the body, using the tactile sensitivity of the fingers to locate the correct position for the sanitary napkin 20. Particularly in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the finger inserted into space 64 is substantially aligned with the ridge 50 on the body surface 20b of the sanitary napkin 20 and thus can provide guidance to control the proper placement of the sanitary napkin 20 on the body anatomy, i.e. the ridge 50 suitably aligned with the longitudinal non-linear female anatomy groove extending from the large labia to the gluteal groove. For example, the forward portion of the comb may be readily identified by the user by its finger inserted into the space 64, and used as a guide to direct the sanitary napkin to the optimal position on the body. The strip-like handling aid 58 also allows for easy removal of the hand once the sanitary napkin 20 is in place, without disturbing or altering the position of the sanitary napkin 20.

Since, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention described so far the three-dimensional sanitary napkin 20 does not comprise a panty fastening system, the handling means of the invention shown in FIG. 5b and 6 preferably also allows for easy removal and, optionally, subsequent reinsertion of the sanitary napkin 20 from the body for use of the toilet, or inspection of the product or, in any case, for the final deterioration of the product. In fact, the user can easily grasp the sanitary napkin 20 while being worn by placing his hand in substantially the same manner as for insertion, with one of his fingers inserted in the space 64 between the unbonded panel 62 of the strip 58 and the backsheet 23. The sanitary napkin 20 can thus be taken with the body and securely held by the user; the handling means may also be used to temporarily store the sanitary napkin, for example when using a toilet, on the user's hand, without the need to hold it with any fingers or exert any force on it.

The strip handling means 58 in any case allows the user to handle / manipulate the sanitary napkin 20 by contacting only its garment facing surface 20b, thereby protecting its hand from a possible dirty to body-facing surface 20a.

In preferred absorbent articles having a three-dimensional shape prior to use, such as a sanitary napkin 20 in a preferred embodiment described herein, the handling means preferably also contributes to maintaining the three-dimensional shape of the article during use, e.g. in body movements that may interfere with proper product placement or overall there is a danger of collapsing three-dimensional shape falling to the body. Otherwise handling aid, • 4 4 444444 44 ·· • 444 4 · 4 · · · 4 * 4 4 49 * 944 «

4 994 4 944 99 9 eg 9 formed by the strip 51 shown in FIG. 6, it remains aligned or collapsed on the garment facing surface 20b of the article and does not interfere with the performance of the article.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the handling means may consist of more than one strip of material or one or more threads, although the material may also be inelastic. The handling means may also be formed as a loop arranged as a loop and applied to the garment facing surface 20b of the article or a series of loops intended to allow insertion of at least one finger of the user.

The handling means may also be activated by the user, eg by applying to the garment facing surface of the absorbent article just prior to use; alternatively, the handling means, such as formed by the strip 58, may be separated, for example, at one end thereof from the garment facing surface of the absorbent article and then repositioned at a different location for, e.g., partially controlling or adapting the three-dimensional shape already provided in the absorbent article; to provide a space 64 usable for inserting at least one finger of the user. Thus, preferably the handling means formed by the band 58 could be releasably attached to the garment-facing surface 20b of the absorbent article, at one or both ends 62, for example by releasable adhesive or hook and loop type mechanical fasteners such as those marketed by VELCRO . The loop manipulation means could be adapted by the user to change the diameter of the loop and thus the space usable for inserting the finger (s).

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the disposable absorbent article may comprise a release cover releasably secured to the garment facing surface of the absorbent article.

4 4 4

4 4

4 4 4

4 4 4

4 «44

an article in which the handling means is disposed on said release cover. In use, after the absorbent article has been applied to the body by the handling means, the release cover can be separated from the garment-facing surface of the article leaving the adhesive exposed, thus acting as a panty fastening adhesive as is known in the art. Subsequent removal of the absorbent article would be accomplished, for example, in a known manner by using panties, with the absorbent article now fastened as a handling means.

The manipulation means does not necessarily extend across the entire width of the absorbent article to define a suitable space for insertion of at least one finger of the user that is able to achieve a sufficiently firm fit with the at least one finger.

shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, the device does not extend longitudinally over the lengths of the disposable absorbent article;

As the handling larger portion preferably extends over less than 10% of this length and more preferably is a narrow strip with a width extending in said longitudinal direction of about 1 cm.

The absorbent article of the present invention may also be provided with a panty fastening means providing a means for attaching the article to the undergarment after being worn to the body. This would then allow removal of the article from the body in a fairly traditional manner, i.e., through the panties to which the article is adhered. The panty fasteners could be placed on a limited portion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article, in order to avoid the risk of adhering to the wearer's hand when handling and disposing of the absorbent article or, alternatively, they could be activated by the wearer.

Μ ► ♦ * <

»» · 4 • · Φ 1

The absorbent article has actually been used by the body, for example, by removing release paper. In any case, the panty fasteners may include a mechanical fastener such as a hook and loop fastener such as those sold under the trade name VELCRO, snap fasteners, which have the advantage of not sticking to the user's hand. Alternatively, the absorbent article could be affixed to the undergarment by means of a panty fastening adhesive on the backsheet 23. The panty fastening adhesive provides a means for attaching the absorbent article to the panties, and preferably means for fastening the absorbent article when soiled into a folded and packaged package for its convenient depreciation. Any adhesive or glue used in the art for such purposes may be used as a panty adhesive. Most preferred are self-adhesive adhesives. Suitable adhesives include Century A-305-IV, manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation of Columbus, Ohio; and instant LOK 34-2823, manufactured by National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, New Jersey; 3 Sigma 3153 manufactured by 3 Sigma; and Fuller H-2238ZP, manufactured by H.B. Fuller Co.

The pantie fastening adhesive is typically applied to the backsheet by slitting or spraying in various distribution patterns such as continuous and discontinuous stripes, dashed points, or spirals of random patterns.

The panty fastening adhesive should typically be covered with a removable release paper or foil to prevent the adhesive from being used before it dries or adheres to a surface other than the panty. Any commercially available release paper and / or film can be used. Suitable examples include BL 30 MG-A SILOX EI / O and BL 30 MG-A SILOX 4 P / O, available from Akrosil Corporation.

• »

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional disposable absorbent article may comprise a body adhesive on its body facing surface, for direct adherence to the wearer's body, preferably without the need for a panty fastening adhesive.

The three-dimensional absorbent articles of the present invention, in particular the sanitary napkin 20, have a length that preferably ranges between typical values commonly used for the various sizes of sanitary articles envisaged for a substantially external configuration adjacent the wearer's body. In particular, the center and back portions 42 and 44 of the absorbent core 24 preferably do not have a length that is less than the total maximum length of the large labia of the average user.

The three-dimensional absorbent article of the invention may further comprise a odor control material to control the unpleasant odors associated with absorbed body fluids.

As the odor control material, any odor control agent or any combination thereof may suitably be contained in the disposable absorbent article of the present invention containing other materials such as binders and / or underlying materials.

The odor control material may be incorporated into the absorbent article in any manner known in the art, for example in layers on or within the absorbent core or mixed within the absorbent core.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article may have two flaps (not shown) each adjacent to and extending laterally from the respective side edge of the absorbent core. The flaps are arranged to fold over the edges of the wearer's panties in the crotch region such that the flaps are arranged between the edges of the wearer's panties and the wearer's thighs. The flaps help to prevent the soiling of the wearer's body and the lower menstrual fluid, preferably by forming a double wall along the edges of the panties. The flaps may also be provided with fastening means on their garment facing surface so that the flaps may be folded back under the panties and attached to the garment facing side of the panties.

The flaps may be composed of a variety of materials, including materials applied to the topsheet 22, backsheet 23, combinations thereof, and may be a laminate having a tissue web in the center. Furthermore, the flaps may be a separate member attached to the main body of the three-dimensional absorbent article, or may include extending the topsheet 22 and / or backsheet 23. However, it is recommended that these flaps have a liquid impermeable backsheet to prevent body fluids reaching the flaps. do not pollute the edges of the wearer's panties.

Preferred flaps that are suitable or adaptable to the three-dimensional absorbent article of the invention are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,687,487, issued to Van Tilburg on May 18, 2002.

August 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,589,876, issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Patent No. 4,608,047, issued to Mattingly on April 26, 1986.

Optionally, but preferably over the aforementioned flaps, the three-dimensional absorbent article may comprise components that naturally wrap (wrap) the sides of the wearer's panties. Sanitary napkins having components naturally wrapping the sides of a wearer's panties suitable for use with the three-dimensional absorbent article of the present invention are described in US patent application. No. 08/096 121, entitled

An absorbent article having panties covering the components of the naturally wrapping side of the panties, administered 22.

• 4 • 4

4 9 ► 44 • 9 4

July 4, 1993, on behalf of Lavashe et al., And in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 08/277733, entitled Absorbent Articles Having Underwear Covering Extensible Zone Components, filed July 20, 1994, by Weinberger et al.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the absorbent article may also include additional portions, such as a acquisition layer and / or a secondary topsheet, positioned between the topsheet 22 and the absorbent core 24 or, alternatively, in any other suitable location.

Although the disposable absorbent article of the present invention has been described by reference to a sanitary napkin, it can be usefully used in the context of other disposable absorbent articles such as panty liners and incontinence articles. Thus, an absorbent article may also have characteristics and parts that are typical of articles in the context of their intended use.

Claims (11)

PATENT CLAIMS A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article having a three dimensional shape prior to use and having a body-facing and garment facing surface, a longitudinal plane of symmetry, an anterior region and a posterior region, a front end edge and a back end edge, and comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet. a layer attached to the topsheet, and an absorbent core lying between the topsheet and the backsheet; said three-dimensional disposable absorbent article further comprising at least one incision or longitudinal slit in its rear region defining corresponding incision edges, said at least one incision or longitudinal slit extending from the rear end edge toward a point located on said longitudinal symmetry plane in which the edges of the cut are allowed to move apart from each other. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said article cannot be wholly integrity 2. A three-dimensional disposable 1, characterized by structural three-dimensionality, while maintaining its flattened surface. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to any preceding claim, comprising a material joining said cut edges along at least one cut or slot, wherein the material allows the cut edges to move apart from each other. • ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti 4. The disposable absorbent article of Claim 3 wherein the material is a liquid impermeable material. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the material is an extensible material. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the material is a pleated material comprising at least one fold. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to any preceding claim, comprising one section or slot aligned with the longitudinal plane of symmetry. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has a convex shape in the upstream region, preferably in an inverted V. 9. The three-dimensional disposable absorbent article of claim 8 wherein the absorbent core has a front portion, a center portion, and a back portion, the front region comprising at least said front portion and the back portion including at least said back portion. by intersecting this body-facing surface with the plane of symmetry, this line is present in the Cartesian (xy) system xy lying within said plane of symmetry, with the x-axis defined by two points of intersection of the longitudinal plane of symmetry • 0 0 0 0 0 0 » 00 00 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 β 000 000 000 000 0 0000 0000 000 00 ·· 00 00 with a front end edge and a rear end edge, and with said body surface facing towards positive y values, this line has a first derivative with respect to said Cartesian system xy, wherein at least one value of this first derivative of the line in the central portion of the absorbent core is greater than at least one value of the first line derivative in the back portion of the absorbent core. 10. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said at least one incision extends from the rear end edge along a portion of the backsheet of the absorbent core. A three-dimensional disposable absorbent article according to any preceding claim, wherein the article is adapted to be directly attached to a user's body.