DE202017005956U1 - Absorbent article with channels - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article (10) comprising: a longitudinal axis (100) and a transverse axis (110); a topsheet (24), a backsheet (26) and an absorbent core (28) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the absorbent core comprises a core sheath (32) enclosing an absorbent material (30) and at least one channel (34); wherein the absorbent material comprises cellulose (306) and superabsorbent polymer material (302), and wherein the article comprises a flexural stiffness of at least 250 N / m according to the flexural stiffness test method herein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to personal care absorbent articles such as baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products and / or sanitary napkins. The absorbent articles may each comprise channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal care absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers for babies, infant training pants, adult incontinence garments, and / or sanitary napkins, are designed to absorb and absorb body exudates, particularly large quantities of urine or menses. These absorbent articles comprise multiple layers providing different functions, for example, among other layers, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.

The function of the absorbent core is to absorb and retain the waste for an extended period of time, such as in a diaper overnight, to minimize wetbacks to keep the wearer dry, and to avoid soiling of clothing or bedding. Absorbent cores usually include an absorbent material that includes fibers, such as particulate wood pulp, and particulate superabsorbent polymers (SAP), also called absorbent gelling materials (AGM).

Many absorbent articles also include leg cuffs that include elasticized elements and conform to the body of the wearer to help hold fluids in the leg and trunk joint region. Absorbent articles generally have a high absorbent capacity and the absorbent core can expand to a multiple of its weight and volume. These enlargements can cause the absorbent articles to sag in the crotch area when saturated with liquid, which can cause the leg cuffs to partially lose contact with the skin of the wearer. This can lead to a loss of functionality of the leg cuffs with the increased possibility of leaks.

In addition, due to the commonly used, highly absorbent materials, fluid may collect in portions of the absorbent core closest to where the fluid was precipitated. As a result, there is inefficient use of the absorbent material and the wearer may feel discomfort due to the uneven swelling of the core.

It has been proposed to remove absorbent material in one or more areas of the core, thereby forming one or more channels to improve the distribution of the fluids in the core and to increase protection against leaks. However, the field may continue to benefit from additional channel configurations and enhancements. In particular, there remains a need for channel configurations that provide a balance between fit and / or comfort with superior product performance. In fact, there is a continuing need to develop channels and / or absorbent cores to ensure that even highly saturated articles remain conveniently secured around the wearer. Further, there is also a continuing need for consumer recognizable channels that both display the functionality of the channels and the absorbent core, as well as provide enhanced fit and / or leakage protection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An absorbent article ( 10 ) has a longitudinal axis ( 100 ) and a transverse axis ( 110 ) and an upper class ( 24 ), an underclass ( 26 ) and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet ( 28 ) on. The absorbent core closes a nuclear envelope ( 32 ), which is an absorption material ( 30 ) and at least one channel ( 34 ) one; and the absorbent material includes cellulose ( 306 ) and superabsorbent polymer material ( 302 ) one. The article may have a flexural stiffness of at least 250 N / m according to the flexural stiffness test method herein and / or a step rise value of at least 10 mm according to the wet step rise test method herein. The article may include various other elements described herein, alone or in combination with the aforementioned flexural rigidity and / or step increase value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 FIG. 10 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The article is shown in its flat, uncontracted state.

2 Figure 11 is a plan view of an absorbent core in insulation according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view of an exemplary Absorbent material deposition area according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

4 Figure 11 is a plan view of an absorbent core in insulation according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

5 Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a channel according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of 1 along the transverse axis.

7 FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent core according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

8th Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary absorbent pant according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

9 Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary absorbent pant precursor structure prior to joining the front and back portions of the belt.

10 is a schematic perspective view of a package according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of channels according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

12a FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of an exemplary piston blade for use in the bending force and flexural stiffness testing method herein. FIG.

12b is a schematic front view of the piston blade in 12a ,

13 FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary base support platform for use in the bending force and flexural stiffness testing method herein. FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

definitions

"Disposable" with respect to absorbent articles means that the absorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered or otherwise recovered as absorbent articles or reused (ie, otherwise disposable for disposal after single use, and preferably for recycling, composting, or otherwise environmentally friendly manner to be disposed of).

"Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and entrap body exudates, and more specifically, devices that are placed on or near the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various body excreted substances. Exemplary absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pant-like pull-on diapers (ie, a pre-formed hip opening diaper and leg openings as illustrated in Figs U.S. Patent No. 6,120,487 ), resealable diapers or panty-type diapers, incontinence briefs and underwear, diaper holders and insoles, feminine hygiene articles such as footwear; B. panty liners, absorbent inserts and the like.

"Pointing to the body" and "pointing to clothing" each indicates the relative position of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. "Pointing to the body" implies that the element or surface is closer to the wearer than any other element or surface during wear. "To show clothing" implies that the element or surface is further away from the wearer during wear than any other element or surface (ie, element or surface lies close to the wearer's clothing that can be worn over the disposable absorbent article ).

"In-order" refers to an item that is placed in a specific location or location.

"Joined" or "bonded" refers to configurations in which one element is attached directly to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element, as well as configurations in which one element is indirectly attached to another element by attaching the element Element is attached to one or more intermediate elements, which in turn are attached to the other element.

"Lengthwise" refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to an opposite waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered "longitudinal."

"Transverse" or "transverse" refers to a direction that extends from one longitudinal edge to an opposite longitudinal edge of the article and generally at right angles to the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of the transverse direction are considered "lateral."

"Nonwoven" refers to a porous, fibrous material consisting of continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as melt spinning, meltblowing, air laying, carding, coforming, water jet needling, and the like will be produced. Nonwovens are fibrous substrates that do not have a woven or knitted thread pattern. Nonwovens may be liquid permeable or impermeable.

"Panties" refers to disposable absorbent articles having a preformed waist and leg openings. A panty may be put on by inserting the legs of the wearer into the leg openings and bringing the panty over the abdomen of the wearer into the correct position. Panties are often referred to as "closed diapers", "pre-closed diapers", "pull-on diapers", "training pants" and "diaper panties".

"Visible" as used herein means capable of a person having 20/20 eyesight, from a distance of at least 30 centimeters (12 inches), with unobstructed light, of a standard 60 watt incandescent lamp placed in a device such as a table lamp is inserted to be seen. "Invisible" as used here means not visible.

Overview

The present invention is directed to an absorbent article 10 with features that improve fluid distribution, absorbency, fit, appearance and / or comfort. As in 1 As shown, the absorbent article includes a longitudinal axis 100 and a transverse axis 110 , a first waist edge 13 and a second waist edge 19 and two longitudinal edges 12 one connecting the first waist edge to the second waist edge. The article may further include a first waist region 14 , a second waist area 18 opposite the first waist area 14 and a crotch area 16 include that between the first waist area 14 and the second waist area 18 is arranged. The article may further comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 24 , an underclass 26 and an absorbent core 28 between the upper class 24 and the lower class 26 include. The absorbent core comprises absorbent material 30 that at least partially in a nuclear envelope 32 is enclosed, such as in 2 shown. In embodiments, the absorbent core comprises one or more channels 34 which may be at least partially surrounded by the absorbent material. The channels may be configured to provide visibility of the channels when wet and / or dry. The channels, along with the remainder of the core, may also be configured to provide an improved fit of the absorbent article.

These and other features will be described in more detail below.

absorbent core

The absorbent core 28 is usually the component of the article that has the highest absorbency. As in 2 shown comprises the absorbent core 28 a longitudinal axis 120 with the longitudinal axis 100 of the absorbent article may coincide. Similarly, the core includes 28 a transverse axis 140 that with the transverse axis 110 of the article may coincide. The absorbent core also includes an average length, L, and an average width, W. In addition, the absorbent core 28 a nuclear envelope 32 , an absorbent material 30 and optionally contain an adhesive enclosed in the core shell. By "absorption material" is meant a material that has some absorption or fluid absorption properties, such as superabsorbent polymers ("SAP"). 302 as well as fibers 304 (eg cellulose fibers 306 as well as synthetic fibers). Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminuted wood pulp, commonly referred to as airfelt creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers including coform, chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; Tissue including tissue sheaths and tissue laminates; Absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; Superabsorbent polymers; Absorbent gelling agents or any other known absorption material or combinations of materials. Usually, adhesives used in making absorbent cores have no absorption properties and are not considered absorbent material.

The absorbent material may be from at least about 25 weight percent or at least about 35 weight percent or at least about 40 weight percent, or from about 25 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, or from about 30 weight percent. to about 60% by weight of cellulose fibers. Synthetic fibers may also be included in the absorbent core. The absorbent material may further comprise from about 30% to about 75% by weight of SAP particles, more preferably from about 40% to about 70% by weight SAP particles or from about 45% to about about 65% by weight of SAP particles relative to the total weight of the absorbent material. The absorption material can also Higher amounts of SAP comprise up to about 75% or about 80% by weight of the absorbent material or more, along with cellulosic or other fibers. In some embodiments, the absorbent cores may consist primarily of SAP without cellulose fibers as the absorbent material (so-called "air felt-free" cores) of the prior art. WO2008 / 155699 (Hundorf), for example, discloses absorbent cores having a patterned layer SAP immobilized by a mesh of fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material applied over the layer SAP.

Suitable SAPs may be any water-insoluble, water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of fluids, as known in the art. As used herein, the term "superabsorbent polymer" refers to absorbent materials, usually crosslinked polymeric materials, that can absorb at least 10 times their weight of 0.9% aqueous saline solution, as measured using the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) test (EDANA). Method WSP 241.2.R3 (12)). In particular, the SAP may have a CRC of greater than 20 g / g or greater than 24 g / g, or from 20 to 50 g / g or from 20 to 40 g / g, or from 24 to 30 g / g.

The absorbent material may be a continuous layer within the core sheath that may be obtained, for example, by applying a single continuous layer of absorbent material. The absorbent material may also consist of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material trapped in the nuclear envelope. The continuous layer of absorbent material, in particular SAP, can also be obtained by combining two absorbent layers with discontinuous absorbent material application pattern, the resulting layer, for example, as in FIG US2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf) taught to be substantially continuous throughout the absorbent particle-polymeric material region.

The absorbent material is placed in an absorbent material deposition area 38 provided as in 2 illustrated. In other words, the absorbent material deposition area 38 be defined by the extent of the layer passing through the absorbent material 30 is formed within the nuclear envelope as viewed from the top of the absorbent core. The Absorbent Material Deposition Area 38 may be generally rectangular, such as in 2 but other shapes may also be used, such as a "T" or "Y" or "egg timer" or "bone" shape. In particular, the deposition area may show a taper along its width to the central or crotch area of the core, as in FIG 3 shown. In this way, the absorbent material deposition region in a region of the core may have a relatively narrow width, which is intended to be placed in the crotch region of the absorbent article. This can for example provide better comfort. The Absorbent Material Deposition Area 38 Thus, it may have a width (as measured in the transverse direction) at its narrowest point that is less than about 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, or even less than about 50 mm. This narrowest width may also be, for example, at least about 5 mm or at least about 10 mm smaller than the width of the deposition region at its widest point in the front and / or rear regions of the deposition region 38 be.

The basis weight (amount deposited per unit surface area) of the absorbent material may also be along the deposition area 38 be varied to provide a profiled distribution of the absorbent material, in particular SAP, in the longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction or both directions of the core. Therefore, along the longitudinal axis of the core, the basis weight of the absorbent material can vary as well as along the transverse axis or any axis parallel to one of these axes. Thus, the basis weight of SAP in the range of relatively high basis weight may be, for example, at least 10% or 20% or 30% or 40% or 50% higher than in a range of relatively low basis weight. In particular, the SAP present in the absorbent material deposition region at the longitudinal position of the crotch point C may be compared with another region of the absorbent material deposition region 38 have deposited more SAP per UI. The crotch point C is here defined as the point placed on the longitudinal axis at a distance of two-fifths (2/5) of the length of the article, starting from the front edge 13 of the article 10 ,

The absorbent core usually includes a front side 280 , a back 282 and two the front 280 and the back 282 connecting longitudinal sides 284 . 286 , The absorbent core also includes a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface formed by the core sheath. The front 280 the core is the side of the core leading to the front edge 13 of the absorbent article is placed. The absorption material can advantageously be distributed in a higher amount to the front than to the back, since more absorption capacity is needed at the front. Usually, the front and back sides of the core are shorter than the long sides of the core.

channels

The Absorbent Material Deposition Area 38 can have at least one channel 34 and at least one absorption area 40 lock in. The channel may be substantially free of or free of absorbent material. By "substantially free" is meant that in the channel regions the basis weight of the absorbent material is at least less than about 25%, at least less than about 20% or less than about 10% of the average basis weight of the absorbent material in the remainder of the absorbent material deposition region. In particular, no absorption material can be present in the channels. Minimal amounts, such as involuntary contamination with absorbent material that may occur during the manufacturing process, are not considered absorbent material. As used herein, the channel does not include embossed channels or compressed areas of absorbent material. In some embodiments, the deposition region may 38 include two channels. The absorbent core 28 may also comprise more than two channels, for example at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 or at least 6 or more. The channels may include one or more channels that are relative to the longitudinal axis 100 and / or relative to the transverse axis 110 are arranged symmetrically or otherwise arranged.

In the following, the plural form "channels" is used to mean "at least one channel".

In some embodiments, the channels may be at least at the transverse axis 110 in the absorbent article and / or at least at the transverse axis 140 of the core, as in 2 represented, with the two longitudinal channels 34 available. The channels can also differ from the crotch area 16 extend or may be in the front waist area 14 and / or in the back waist area 18 of the article.

The channels 34 are advantageously surrounded by the absorbent material when viewed in the plane of the core, as in FIG 2 - 3 illustrated. In such cases, the channels do not extend to an edge of the deposition area 38 of the absorbent material. In various embodiments, the channels do not extend to one of the transverse or longitudinal edges of the absorbent core. Usually, the smallest distance between a channel corresponds 34 and the next longitudinal edge 284 or 286 at least about 5% of W or, for example, at least about 10% of W. In some embodiments, for example, the spacing is at least about 10 mm. In some non-limiting examples, the smallest distance between a channel 34 and the next transverse edge 280 or 282 for example, at least about 5% of the average length L of the core.

The channels can be one on the longitudinal axis 100 of the article projected length L 'which is at least 10% of the length L of the core. By way of non-limiting example, the channels may have an average channel length of at least about 50 mm or at least about 75 mm or at least about 100 mm or at least about 115 or from about 50 mm to about 400 mm, from about 75 to about 350 mm or from about 100 mm to about 300 mm, or about 300 mm or less, or about 275 mm or less, with each 10 mm increment indicated therein for each region according to the channel profile test method herein. In various embodiments, the average channel length may be at least about 25% of the length L of the core, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or from about 25% to about 75%, or from about 30% to about 65%, or from about 35% about 55% of the length of the core, with each 5% increment being reported for each area. Shorter channels may also be present, for example in the rear waist region 18 or the front waist area 14 of the core, as through the pair of channels 35 in 3 shown to the front of the article.

The channels may have a width, Wc, of at least about 4% of the width of the absorbent core. By way of non-limiting example, the channels include an average characteristic channel width along at least a portion of their length that is at least about 3 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 8 mm, up to, for example, about 20 mm, about 16 mm, or is about 12 mm. By way of non-limiting examples, the average characteristic channel width may be from about 8 mm to about 15 mm, or from about 8.5 mm to about 12 mm. The average characteristic channel width may be at least about 4% of the absorbent core width, or at least about 7%, or up to about 15%, or about 20%, or about 25%. The width of a channel may be constant over substantially the entire length of the channel, or it may vary along its length. The width of a channel is considered the width of the material-free zone, regardless of the possible presence of the nuclear envelope within the channel. In some embodiments, a channel may include a varying width for at least a portion of the channel length. By way of non-limiting example, a channel may comprise a varying width for at least about 20 mm of the channel length, or at least about 50 mm of the channel length, or from about 20 mm to about 60 mm of the channel length, with the range for each 10 mm increment being indicated therein , In In some embodiments, a channel may include varying widths at the ends of the channel such that the channel is tapered. Additionally or alternatively, a channel may comprise a constant width for at least a portion of the channel length. By way of non-limiting example, a channel may comprise a constant width for at least about 20 mm of the channel length or at least about 50 mm of the channel length, or from about 20 mm to about 60 mm of the channel length, with the range for each 10 mm increment being indicated therein , In some embodiments, a channel has a constant width, with the channel overlapping the transverse axis.

The channels may be substantially longitudinal, meaning that each channel extends more in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction, or at least twice as long in the longitudinal direction as in the transverse direction (as measured after projection on the respective axis). In other embodiments, the channels may be substantially transverse, meaning that each channel extends more in the transverse direction than in the longitudinal direction or at least twice as far in the transverse direction as in the longitudinal direction (as measured after projection on the respective axis). Longitudinal channels can help improve fluid transport and distribution along the length of the absorbent material deposition area, and thereby can help accelerate fluid absorption.

The channels can be substantially straight. The channels may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 100 the absorption layer (as shown schematically in FIG 4 shown) extend over at least about 50% of the channel length. Some channels may be substantially straight and may be substantially parallel to the transverse axis 110 over at least 50% of the channel length, as through the secondary channels 35 represented in 4 are shown. Straight channels may serve as hinge structures in the absorbent structure that may help to allow the absorbent core to flex and thereby better conform to the anatomy of the wearer along the transverse direction across the crotch region, and may also help prevent it To allow absorption structure to form a receptacle that is better suited for receiving and capturing liquid precipitate before it is completely absorbed when the article is worn on the body.

Alternatively, the channels may be curved and / or arcuate, as in FIG 2 - 3 proposed. Longitudinal but curved channels may also serve as hinge structures in the absorbent core that may help to allow the absorbent core to bend longitudinally and thereby conform to the anatomy of the wearer along the transverse direction in the crotch region. Thus, the channels may help to provide a convenient and superior fit in addition to permitting improved fluid transport and improved fluid distribution.

In various embodiments, some or all of the channels, especially those in the crotch area, may be 16 existing channels, to the longitudinal axis 100 be concave, such as in 1 for the couple channels 34 shown. The radius of curvature may ordinarily be at least equal to (and may be at least 1.5 or at least 2.0 times that average transverse dimension) to the average transverse dimension of the absorption layer and also straight, but at an angle of (e.g. °) to 30 °, to 20 °, to 10 ° with a line parallel to the longitudinal axis. The radius of curvature may be constant for a channel, or it may vary along its length. This may also include channels with an angle therein; provided that the angle between two parts of a channel is at least 120 °, at least 150 ° and in any of these cases, provided that the longitudinal extent of the channel is more than the transverse dimension. The channels can also be branched. For example, a central channel, the longitudinal axis in the crotch area 16 superimposed and to the rear waist edge 19 and / or to the front waist edge 13 of the article branches.

In some embodiments, there is no channel that is aligned with the longitudinal axis 100 of the article or the core covers. If the channels as symmetrical pairs relative to the longitudinal axis 100 present, they may be spaced apart from each other over their entire longitudinal dimension. The smallest distance, S, may be for example at least about 5 mm, at least about 10 mm or at least about 16 mm. Additionally or alternatively, where channels in a pair are spaced by the shortest distance, S, one or both of the channels in the pair may have a width at the longitudinal position of at least about 10 mm, or at least about 12 mm, or at least about 12.5 mm or from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 12 mm to about 16 mm, wherein for each area, each 1 mm increment is indicated therein.

A channel is adjacent to one or more absorption areas 40 or, where the absorption area is continuous, the channel is adjacent to one or more portions of the absorption area 40 at. In some embodiments, two channels are through an absorption region 40 or a section of the absorption area 40 separated, such as in 2 - 4 illustrated. The absorption region is a portion of the core that is not substantially free of absorbent material. In other words, the absorption area at least about 75% or at least about 80% or at least about 90% more absorbent material than the channel.

Referring to 5 For example, the channels may have an average maximum depth of at least about 1 mm, or at least about 2 mm, or at least about 4 mm, or at least about 5 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 12 mm, or from about 2 mm to about 11 mm, or about 4 mm to about 10 mm, with each 1 mm increment indicated therein for each region as measured by the channel profile test method herein. 5 schematically illustrates a channel and adjacent absorption regions, as well as demarcation of the lower channel boundary (LC) and upper channel boundary (UC) and maximum channel depth (Dmax), each further defined in the channel profile test method herein. The channel can be a base 42 which is the area of the channel that extends to the lower channel boundary, which is 20% of the depth of the channel, as measured from the minimum depth, Zmin, to the lower channel boundary. In non-limiting examples, a channel may have a varying depth where the depth is along the base 42 of the canal varies.

The core may further comprise a transition zone, TZ, as also in FIG 5 shown. The transition zone is between the base 42 and an adjacent absorption area 40 arranged. The channels may include a transition zone width, W _TZ , as determined by the channel profile test method herein. In certain embodiments, the channels may have an average transition zone width of at least about 1 mm, or at least about 3 mm, or at least about 6 mm, or from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 6 for each range, each 1 mm increment is indicated therein according to the channel profile test method herein. The channels may have an average transition slope of at least about 0.2 or at least about 0.3 or at least about 0.4, from about 0.2 to about 0.95, or from about 0.3 to about 0.9, or from about zero , 4 to about 0.8, with each 0.05 increment indicated therein for each region, according to the channel profile test method herein.

In some embodiments, the channels may have an average channel area of at least about 500 mm ² or at least about 700 mm ² or at least about 900 mm ² or at least about 1000 mm ² or at least about 1100 mm ² or from about 500 mm ² to about 1500 mm ² or from about 700 mm ² to about 1400 mm ² or from about 900 mm ² to about 1350 mm ² , with each 100 mm ² increment being indicated therein for each region according to the channel profile test method herein.

The channels may advantageously remain visible or at least through the topsheet and / or backsheet when the absorbent article or core is completely immersed in a large amount (e.g., 5 liters) of synthetic urine (saline) at a concentration of 9.00 g NaCl immersed in 1000 ml of solution prepared by dissolving the appropriate amount of sodium chloride in distilled water. The temperature of the solution can be 20 +/- 5 ° C. The channels can remain in the solution after at least 5 minutes immersion or even after at least 10 minutes immersion in the solution. By way of non-limiting examples, the article may include one or more visible channels and one or more channels that are invisible before or after saturation.

In multiple channel embodiments, two or more channels may have similar dimensions. By way of non-limiting example, two channels may include a channel length difference of 30% or less or 20% or less or 10% or less according to the following formula. That is, a first channel may have a greater length than a second channel, but the second channel may include a length that is within 30% of the first channel according to the following formula. In other, non-limiting examples, two channels may include a channel width difference of 30% or less or 20% or less or 10% or less according to the following formula. Additionally or alternatively, two channels may include a maximum depth difference of 50% or less or 30% or less or 20% or less or 10% or less according to the following formula. For each of the above, non-limiting, measure differences, consider the larger size channel (ie, the longer length, width, or depth) as the first channel in the following equation, and thereby use it to determine the percentage difference. % Difference measure = (measure the first channel - measure the second channel) / measure the first channel · 100.

The channels can be connected by continuous or non-continuous connection of a top 32a the nuclear envelope 32 with the bottom 32b the core shell over the absorbent material deposition area 38 be formed. In such cases, the channel comprises one or more channel connections 37 that connect the top to the bottom, as in 5 shown. The channel connections may be formed by adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical bonding, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the channel connection 37 be permanent, so that the compound is essentially water resistant, water insoluble and essentially in the It is capable of withstanding mechanical stresses in the materials caused by swelling of the absorbent materials, resulting pressure within the core, and body movements of the wearer.

The nuclear envelope can be wavy in the channels, as in 6 - 7 shown. In non-limiting examples, the top and bottom of the core sheath are each wavy in the channel. In other, nonlimiting examples, such as in 7 As shown, one of the top and bottom of the core sheath is substantially planar, while the other of the top and bottom corrugates in the channel (s). The channels may be continuous, but it is also considered that the channels may be broken. The recording distribution system or the recording distribution layer 50 or another layer of the article may also include channels that may or may not correspond to the channels of the absorbent core.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the provision of one or more channels having one or more of the features described herein may impart rigidity or greater integrity to certain portions of the article when the article is wetted. This effect results in reduced sagging and keeps the article close to the wearer during use, especially after multiple effusions of fluid and exudates.

In some embodiments, the article may have a flexural stiffness of at least about 250 N / m or at least about 300 N / m or at least about 315 N / m or up to about 900 N / m or up to about 850 N / m, about 250 N from about 300 N / m to about 850 N / m, or from about 315 N / m to about 800 N / m, with each 15 N / m increment indicated therein for each region according to the flexural rigidity testing method herein. In further embodiments, the article may have a peak bending force of at least about 4 N or at least about 5 N or up to about 20 N or up to about 15 N, or from about 4 N to about 20 N, or from about 4.5 N to about 15 N or from about 5 to about 12 N, with each 0.5 N increment indicated therein for each region according to the flexural stiffness testing method herein.

The bending stiffness and the peak bending force may be affected by the type and amount of bonding material, the type and amount of absorbent material, the dimensions of the channels, channel bonding strength, the number and positioning of channels, and the core sheath materials.

Additionally or alternatively, the article may have a step increase of at least about 10 mm, or at least about 15 mm, or at least about 20 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 15 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 20 mm to about 30 mm for each range, each 0.5 mm increment is reported therein according to the test method of increasing the wet step herein. The increase in increment may be affected by the type and amount of bonding material, the type and amount of absorbent material, the dimensions of the channels, the number and positioning of channels, channel bonding strength, and the core sheath materials.

It is believed that the values of flexural stiffness, peak bending force and / or step increase as disclosed herein result in a superior fit. It is also believed that the values of flexural stiffness, peak bending force and / or step increase will allow for well fitting articles while still providing adequate absorbency, leakage protection and comfort.

nuclear envelope

The nuclear envelope 32 may be made from a single substrate folded around the absorbent material, or it may advantageously comprise two (or more) substrates attached to each other. Typical fasteners are the so-called C-shell and / or a sandwich sleeve. In a C-shell, as exemplified in 6 As shown, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of one of the substrates are folded over the other substrate to form envelopes. These envelopes are then stapled to the outer surface of the other substrate, usually by gluing. This so-called C-hull construction can provide advantages such as improved wet-packed resistance to bursting when compared to a sandwich hull. In the so-called sandwich construction, the first and second substrates may extend outwardly on all sides of the core and be sealed flat all or part of the perimeter of the core, usually by gluing and / or thermal bonding / pressure bonding. In both configurations, the front and rear transverse edges may also be sealed. The term "caulking" is to be understood in a broad sense. The seal need not continue along the entire peripheral edge of the core sheath, but may be discontinuous along a part or over its entirety, for example formed as a series of sealing points spaced from each other in a line. Typically, a seal may be formed by gluing and / or thermal bonding. The nuclear envelope can also be from a single substrate, which may include the absorbent material as in a package wrap, and which may be sealed, for example, along the front and back of the core and a longitudinal seal.

The nuclear envelope can be made of two substrates 320 . 320 ' are formed, which may be at least partially sealed along the sides of the absorbent core. The first substrate may be substantially the entirety of the top 32a the core cover and the second nonwoven substantially the entirety of the bottom 32b the nuclear envelope. The core sheath may be sealed at least in part along its front, back and / or two longitudinal sides to enhance adherence of the absorbent core material during use.

The core shell may be formed of any materials that are suitable for receiving and grasping the absorbent material. Typical substrate materials used in the manufacture of conventional cores, in particular paper, tissue paper, films, woven or nonwoven fabrics, or a laminate of any of these, may be used. The core sheath may in particular be formed from a nonwoven web, for example a carded nonwoven, a spunbond ("S") or a meltblown nonwoven ("M") and laminates thereof. For example, spunmelt polypropylene webs, especially those having an SMS or SMMS or SSMMS layered web structure having a basis weight range of about 5 g / m ² to 15 g / m ^2, are suitable. Suitable materials are, for example, in US 7,744,576 . US2011 / 0268932A1 . US2011 / 0319848A1 or US2011 / 0250413A1 disclosed. Nonwoven materials made from synthetic fibers such as PE, PET and especially PP can be used.

If the nuclear envelope is a first substrate 320 and a second substrate 320 ' These may be made of the same type of material, or may be made of different materials, or one of the substrates may be treated differently than the other to impart other properties. Because the polymers used for nonwoven production are inherently hydrophobic, they are preferably coated with hydrophilic coatings when positioned on the fluid receiving side of the absorbent core. It is advantageous that the upper side of the core sheath, ie the side which is positioned closer to the support in the absorbent article, is more hydrophilic than the underside of the core sheath. One way to produce nonwovens with permanently hydrophilic coatings is to apply a hydrophilic monomer and a free radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven fabric and to perform UV light activated polymerization resulting in monomer chemically bound to the surface of the nonwoven web. An alternative option for the production of nonwovens with permanently hydrophilic coatings is to coat the nonwoven with hydrophilic nanoparticles, for. B. as in WO 02/064877 described.

adhesive

The absorbent core of the invention may further comprise at least one adhesive 36 include, in particular, to help immobilize the absorbent material in the core wrap, to ensure the integrity of the core wrap, and / or to secure the underside of the core wrap to the top of the core wrap over the one or more regions that are substantially free of absorbent material , Adhesive may be applied to the top and / or bottom of the core shell to secure the absorbent material thereto. The adhesive may be applied to the inside surface of the top surface and / or the inside surface of the underside of the core shell such that the coverage is at least 50% and up to 100% of the area of the absorbent material deposition area. The adhesive may be applied using any known technique, including, for example, slot bonding and spiral adhesive applicators. The adhesive may be evenly applied or interrupted, particularly as a series of evenly spaced and longitudinally aligned strips, for example a series of strips of adhesive 1 mm wide, spaced apart by a distance in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. The deposition area of the adhesive on the inside surface of the top and / or bottom of the core shell may cover the entire deposition area 38 of the absorbent material. The adhesive can help form the channel bond if there is sufficient pressure within the channel 34 is applied to secure both sides of the nuclear envelope.

Additionally or alternatively, an adhesive may be applied over the absorbent material so as to undulate over and between the absorbent material, such as in FIG 7 you can see. By way of non-limiting examples, the undulating adhesive may comprise a fiber network, as in FIG US2008 / 312617 disclosed to Hundorf.

Non-limiting exemplary adhesives include hot melt and / or adhesive polymers such as SIS (styrene-isoprene block copolymer), SBS (styrene-butadiene block copolymer), and mPO (metallocene polyolefin). The adhesive may also include a tackifier such as a cured hydrocarbon resin, as well as an oil and an antioxidant. Hardened hydrocarbon resins are made blended aromatic / aliphatic resins, which are then selectively cured to produce a wide variety of low color, high stability and wide compatibility materials. Examples of commercially available adhesives are available as HL1358LO and NW1286 (both from HB Fuller) and DM 526 (from Heckel).

In certain embodiments, the adhesive forms 36 the canal binding 37 , In non-limiting examples, the channel, a channel adhesive basis weight of at least about 1 g / m ² or at least about 2 g / m ² or at least about 5 g / m ² or at least about 10 g / m ² or at least about 12 g / m ² or at least about 15 g / m ² or up to about 60 g / m ² or from about 2 g / m ² to about 50 g / m ² or from about 5 g / m ² to about 40 g / m ² or from from about 10 g / m ² to about 30 g / m ² , wherein for each range, each 2 g / m ² increment is reported therein according to the channel adhesive basis weight test method herein.

In multi-channel embodiments, two channels may include similar channel adhesive basis weight ("ABW") values. By way of non-limiting example, the two channels may include an adhesive basis weight differential of about 30% or less, or about 20% or less, or about 15% or less, or about 10% or less, according to the following formula where the channel with the higher adhesive Basis weight is considered as the first channel in the following equation: % Difference DOWN = (ABW of the first channel - ABW of the second channel) / ABW of the first channel · 100

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that one or more channels comprising the aforementioned channel adhesive basis weight values contribute to the flexural properties and / or increment of the article when wet.

Channel bonding strength

As described above and in 5 the channel may show a channel connection 37 between the top 32a and the bottom 32b the core shell include. The channel connection may be formed by adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical bonding, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the channel joint comprises a peel strength of at least about 0.06 N / mm or at least about 0.08 N / mm or at least about 0.10 N / mm or up to about 0.2 N / mm or about 0, From about 0.010 N / mm to about 0.18 N / mm, or from about 0.10 N / mm to about 0.16 N / mm, wherein for each Range of 0.01 N / mm increments therein according to the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. In certain, non-limiting examples, the core shell may rupture before the channel peels off. In other words, the top and / or bottom may include a material failure force that is less than the peel strength of the channel as determined by the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. In other, non-limiting examples, the material failure force is at least 0.15 N / mm or at least 0.2 N / mm or at least 0.3 N / mm according to the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein.

In multi-channel embodiments, at least two channels may have similar peel strength values ("PS"). By way of non-limiting example, the two channels may include a peel strength difference of about 30% or less or about 20% or less or about 15% or less or about 10% or less according to the following formula where the higher adhesive basis weight channel is the first channel is considered in the following equation: % Difference PS = (PS of the first channel - PS of the second channel) / PS of the first channel · 100

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that one or more channels comprising the aforementioned peel strength and / or material failure force values contribute to the flexural properties and / or increment of the article when wet.

The core of comprehensive absorbent article

To 1 returning, can be an absorbent article 10 an upper class 24 , an underclass 26 and an absorbent core 28 which is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core comprises any of the features described above. The absorbent article may be a disposable article. The article may include a diaper (with a strap closure or panty style) or an adult incontinence article.

1 FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent article. FIG 10 of the present invention in a flat, uncontracted state. The body-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 shows to the viewer. The absorbent article 10 includes a longitudinal axis 100 and a transverse axis 110 one.

The absorbent article 10 includes a basic unit 20 , The absorbent article 10 and the basic unit 20 be considered a first waist area 14 , a second waist area 18 across from the first waist area 14 and a step area 16 that is between the first waist area 14 and the second waist area 18 is arranged, having shown. The waist areas 14 and 18 generally include the sections of the absorbent article 10 that encircle the waist of the wearer when worn on the body. The waist areas 14 and 18 can elastic elements 55 such that they are gathered around the waist of the wearer to provide better fit and containment. The crotch area 16 is the section of the absorbent article 10 while wearing the absorbent article 10 generally arranged between the legs of the wearer.

The outer circumference of the basic unit 20 is by longitudinal edges 12 and waist edges defined (first waist edge 13 in the first waist area 14 and second waist edge 19 in the second waist area 18 ). The basic unit 20 can have opposite longitudinal edges 12 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 100 are aligned. For a better fit, the longitudinal edges 12 however, be curved or angled to make, for example, an article in "hourglass shape" when viewed in a plan view, as in FIG 1 shown. The basic unit 20 can have opposite transverse edges 13 . 19 (ie the first waist edge 13 and the second waist edge 19 ), which are generally parallel to the transverse axis 110 are aligned.

The basic unit 20 can be a liquid-permeable top layer 24 , an underclass 26 and an absorbent core 28 between the upper class 24 and the lower class 26 include. The upper class 24 can with the core 28 and / or the lower class 26 be connected. The lower class 26 can with the core 28 and / or the upper class 24 be connected. It is understood that other structures, elements or substrates between the core 28 and the upper class 24 and / or the lower class 26 can be positioned. In some embodiments, a recording distribution system is 50 between the upper class 26 and the absorbent core 28 arranged.

In certain embodiments, the basic unit comprises 20 the main structure of the absorbent article 10 with other features added to form the absorbent article composite structure. While the upper class 24 , the lower class 26 and the absorbent core 28 can be put together in a variety of well-known configurations, configurations of absorbent articles are generally in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,917,355 U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003 ; 5,151,092 ; 5,221,274 ; 5,554,145 ; 5,569,234 ; 5,580,411 and 6,004,306 described.

Upper Class:

The upper class 24 is generally a section of the absorbent article 10 which is positioned at least in partial contact or very close to a support. Suitable upper layers 24 can be made from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plastic films or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The upper class 24 It is generally supple, soft, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. In general, at least part of the upper class is 24 permeable to liquid, thereby allowing liquids readily through the thickness of the topsheet 24 to penetrate.

The upper class 24 can be provided with openings. The topsheet may be apertured, may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and / or may have a plurality of embossments (eg, a bonding pattern). The topsheet may be apertured by overmolding a material and then breaking the overmoldings with ring rolls, as in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,097 , to Benson et al., issued May 13, 1997, and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication no. US 2016/0136014 to Arora et al. disclosed.

Any portion of the topsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant and / or other beneficial agents. The topsheet may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, openings are usually present so that body exudates can pass through the topsheet.

The upper class 24 may be wholly or partially elasticized or may be shortened to leave a void between the topsheet 24 and the core 28 provide. Exemplary structures, including elasticized or shortened topsheets, are more fully described in US Pat U.S. Patent Nos. 4,892,536 ; 4,990,147 ; 5,037,416 and 5,269,775 described. By way of non-limiting example, the topsheet may comprise a color such as blue, pink, and / or green.

Underclass:

The lower class 26 is generally positioned to have at least one section the garment facing surface of the absorbent article 10 is. underclass 26 Can be designed to prevent from the absorbent article 10 Absorbed and absorbed in it excrements pollute articles containing the absorbent article 10 may touch, such as sheets and underwear. In certain embodiments, the underlayer is 26 essentially impermeable to water. Other suitable materials of the underlayer 26 may include breathable materials that allow leakage of fumes from the absorbent article 10 while still allowing excretions to prevent the underclass 26 happen. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as webs of fabric, nonwoven webs, composites such as film-coated nonwoven webs and microporous films, and / or apertured formed films. Other suitable materials and / or manufacturing techniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26 including, but not limited to, surface treatments, particular film selection and processing, particular thread selection and processing, etc. In some embodiments, the backsheet may comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm ,

underclass 26 can also consist of more than one layer. The lower class 26 may include an outer sheath and an inner layer. The outer jacket may be made of a soft nonwoven material. The outer jacket material forms at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the absorbent article 10 and "covers" the lower class 26 effectively such that there is no film on the garment-facing surface. The outer jacket material may include a connection pattern, apertures, and / or three-dimensional features. The inner layer may be made from a substantially liquid-impermeable film, such as a polymeric film. The outer sheath and an inner layer may be bonded together by adhesive or any other suitable material or process. Although a variety of lower layer configurations are contemplated herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Recording Distribution System (ADS)

The absorbent article may be an ADS 50 include. One function of the ADS is to quickly pick up one or more of the fluids and efficiently distribute them to the absorbent core. The ADS may comprise one, two or more layers that may form a unitary layer or may remain separate layers that may be secured together. One or more layers can be white. One or more layers may include a color. By way of non-limiting example, a layer of the acquisition distribution system comprises blue, pink, and / or green. In other, non-limiting examples, two or more layers may each comprise one color, which may be the same or different colors, or which may be the same color with different shades or shades.

In certain embodiments, the ADS may be substantially free (eg, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% free of) or completely free of SAP. In non-limiting examples, the ADS may be a distribution layer 54 and / or a recording layer 52 include. In various embodiments, the receiving layer 52 Absorb body exudates and the distribution layer 54 can disperse body exudates, or both layers can disperse and / or absorb body exudates. An ADS disclosed herein may be positioned in an absorbent article: (1) between a liquid pervious material or a topsheet and an absorbent core; (2) between an absorbent core and a liquid impermeable material or underlayer, or it may be otherwise positioned in the absorbent article. In one embodiment, more than one ADS may be provided in an absorbent article.

In a particular embodiment, the ADS may comprise chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers. In non-limiting examples, the distribution layer 54 at least 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% or even up to 100% by weight of cross-linked cellulose fibers (including cross-linking agents). The crosslinked cellulosic fibers may be pressed, twisted or curled, or a combination thereof that includes compressed, twisted and curled. Exemplary chemically crosslinked cellulose fibers are in U.S. Patent No. 5,137,537 disclosed. The distribution layer 54 may usually have an average basis weight of from 30 to 400 g / m ² or from 100 to 300 g / m ² , specifically indicating all 1.0 g / m ² increments within the ranges given above and any ranges formed therein or therethrough , The density of the spreading layer may vary depending on the compression of the absorbent article, but may be between 0.03 to 0.15 g / cm ³ or 0.08 to 0.10 g / cm ³ , specifically, every 1.0 g / cm ³ increments in the ranges given above and any in it or by it ranges measured at 2.07 kPa (0.30 psi).

Additionally or alternatively, the ADS 50 a recording layer 52 include. In one embodiment, the acquisition layer 52 for example, between the distribution layer 54 and the upper class 24 be arranged. The recording layer 52 may comprise a nonwoven material, for example an SMS or SMMS material comprising a spunbond, a meltblown and another spunbond layer, or alternatively a carded, chemically bonded web. In some embodiments, the acquisition layer 52 air or wet laid cellulose, crosslinked cellulose or synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving layer 52 a roll web of synthetic fibers (which can be processed to increase head space, as in solid state formation) or a combination of synthetic and cellulosic fibers joined together to form a highloft material. Alternatively, the recording layer 52 absorbent, open-celled foam. The nonwoven material may be latex bonded. Exemplary recording layers are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,786,341 disclosed. Carded resin bonded nonwovens may be used, particularly if the fibers used are solid round or round hollow PET staple fibers (50/50 or 40/60 blend of 6 denier or 9 denier fibers). The recording layer 52 can be stabilized by a latex binder, for example a styrene-butadiene latex binder (SB latex).

Another recording layer may be used in addition to the first recording layer described above. For example, a fabric, nonwoven, or other layer may be disposed between the first acquisition layer and the distribution layer. The fabric may include improved capillary distribution properties as compared to the receiving layer described above. The fabric, nonwoven or other layer and the first acquisition layer may be the same size or a different size. For example, the fabric, nonwoven, or other layer may continue to extend in the back of the absorbent article than the first acquisition layer. An example of a hydrophilic fabric is a 13-15 g / m ² high wet-strength tissue composed of cellulosic fibers by the manufacturer Havix.

In some embodiments, one or more layers of the ADS may include channels. One or more of the channels may be configured to communicate with one or more channels 34 in the absorbent core 28 to cooperate, as discussed above. Furthermore, channels may also provide increased cavity to hold and distribute urine, faeces, or other body wastes within the absorbent article, resulting in reduced leaks and less body contact.

Side tabs / fastening means:

The absorbent article 10 may have anterior lobes and / or posterior lobes 60 include, as in 1 shown. The side lobes may be an integral part of the base unit, such as the topsheet 24 and / or the lower class 26 formed as page elements. Alternatively, the side flaps may be separate elements that are attached by gluing, hot stamping and / or pressure bonding. Each side lobe may be stretchable or non-extensible. The side lobes 60 can be formed from nonwoven webs, fabric webs, knit webs, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges, foams, scrims and combinations and laminates thereof. In some embodiments, the side flaps may elastomers (z. B. elastic threads, LYCRA ^® fibers) include, so that the side flaps is stretchable.

The absorbent article 100 can also be a fastening system 62 lock in. When attached, the fastening system connects 62 the first waist area 14 and the back waist area 18 resulting in a waist circumference that supports the wearer while wearing on the body of the absorbent article 10 embraces. The fastening system 62 can be a fixture 64 include, such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastener components, interlacing fasteners such as side flaps and slits, buckles, buttons, snaps, and / or hermaphroditic fasteners, although any other known fastener is generally acceptable. Some exemplary surface mount systems are in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594 ; 4,662,875 ; 4,846,815 ; 4,894,060 ; 4,946,527 ; 5,151,092 and 5,221,274 disclosed. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is shown in FIG U.S. Patent No. 6,432,098 disclosed. The fastening system 62 may also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration, as in FIG U.S. Patent No. 4,963,140 disclosed. The fastening system 62 may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,622 disclosed. The fastening system 62 can be designed to reduce shifting of overlapped sections or to improve the fit, as in the U.S. Patent No. 5,242,436 ; 5,499,978 ; 5,507,736 and 5,591,152 disclosed. In some embodiments, the attachment system is 62 and / or the attachment 64 foldable.

Stretchable side flaps and / or fasteners may be used to attach the Facilitate fasteners at an impact zone and / or hold the tape backed diapers in place around the waist of the wearer. The impact zone can be a section of the lower layer 26 or a separate substrate such as a nonwoven substrate bonded to the underlayer.

Stretchable side flaps and / or fasteners may provide a more comfortable and contoured fit by first conveniently fitting the absorbent article to the wearer and maintaining that fit during the wearing period after the absorbent article has been loaded with fluids or other body wastes elasticized side lobes allow the sides of the absorbent article to expand and contract. Some exemplary side flaps and / or fastening systems are in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,863,666 ; 6,132,411 ; 7,870,652 ; 8,992,499 ; 8,690,852 and 8,382,736 disclosed.

Leg sealing system

Like in 6 seen, the absorbent article 10 a leg sealing system 70 include that at the basic unit 20 attached and may include one or more cuffs. The leg sealing system may include a pair of barrier leg cuffs 72 include. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a piece of material bonded to the absorbent article so that it may extend upwardly from a wearer facing surface of the absorbent article and improved containment of fluids and other body exudates approximately at the junction of the torso and legs of the absorbent article Can provide support. The barrier leg cuffs are bounded by a near edge that is directly or indirectly with the topsheet 24 and / or the lower class 26 is connected, and from a free end edge 75 who is to touch the skin of the wearer and form a seal with it. In some embodiments, the free end edge includes 75 a folded edge. The barrier leg cuffs 72 run at least partially between the front waist edge 13 and the back waist edge 19 of the absorbent article on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 100 and are present at least in the crotch area. The barrier leg cuffs may be bonded at the proximal edge to the base unit of the article by a bond which may be made by adhesive bonding, fusion bonding, or a combination of other suitable bonding techniques.

The barrier leg cuffs can be in the upper class 24 or the lower class 26 integrated or may be a separate material that is connected to the basic unit of the article. Each barrier leg cuff 72 can have one, two or more elastic elements 55 near the freestanding edge 75 includes to provide a better seal.

In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 72 the article can seal cuffs 76 comprise, which are connected to the basic unit of the absorbent article, in particular with the upper layer 24 and / or the lower class 26 and externally relative to the barrier leg cuffs 72 are placed. The sealing cuffs 76 can provide a better closure around the thighs of the wearer. A sealing cuff may have a proximal edge and a freestanding end edge 77 include. The freestanding end edge 77 may include a folded edge. Each sealing cuff can have one or more elastic elements 55 in the basic unit of the absorbent article between the topsheet 24 and lower class 26 in the area of leg openings. All or part of the barrier leg cuffs and / or garment cuffs may be treated with a lotion or other skin care composition.

In further embodiments, the leg sealing system includes barrier leg cuffs integrated into sealing cuffs.

Suitable leg sealing systems which may be part of the absorbent article are disclosed in US Patent Application Nos. 62 / 134,622, 14 / 077,708; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,939,957 . 3,860,003 ; 7,435,243 ; 8,062,279 disclosed.

Elastic waist element

The absorbent article 10 can have at least one elastic waist element 80 which helps to provide a better fit and containment, as in 1 shown. The elastic waist element 80 is generally designed to expand and contract to dynamically conform to the wearer's waist. Elasticated waist features include waistbands, waistbands with pockets, which form a portion of the waist feature 80 are not formed on the basic unit 20 attached, and waist panels, which are designed to fit securely around the wearer's stomach. Non-limiting examples of elasticized waist features are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13 / 490,543; 14 / 533,472 and 62 / 134,622. waist features 80 can in the first waist area 14 and / or in the second waist area 18 with the basic unit 20 be connected. The waist feature can be used together with the side flap 60 can be used to provide desirable stretch and flexibility for proper fit of the article to the wearer.

Panties for adults or babies

In some embodiments, the article may 10 an absorbent panties 200 , as in 8th - 9 shown include. The absorbent panty may be a basic unit 20 , a belt 220 which is to be positioned around the waist of the wearer, and optionally a containment system 70 include. 9 provides an exemplary precursor structure of the panty 8th in an open configuration that is spread flat and stretched transversely to rubber band contraction. In the final assembly of the panty, the front belt portion becomes 222 with the rear belt section 223 at seams 224 connected, which can be permanent or resealable. To the panties 200 To form, the precursor structure can be at or around the transverse axis 110 be folded, the upper class 24 pointing inwards, and the longitudinal edges of the front 222 and rear 223 Belt sections can be at seams 224 be associated with forming a panty structure with leg openings, front waist edge and rear waist edge. That way the panties can 200 a pre-formed, continuous waist opening and preformed, through-leg openings for the wearer at the time of putting on the panty 200 include.

The front and rear belt sections 222 . 223 can be the outermost structures that cover the front and back areas of a panty 200 form. The panties can be an outer shell 226 which envelops the entirety of the front, crotch and back areas and forms an outermost panty-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the outer shell of the backsheet forms the outer shell. Additional layers) and elastic elements 55 to front and rear belt sections 222 . 223 can form on the inside of the outer shell 226 and suitably secured thereto by adhesive lamination, bonding, or by any other suitable mechanism. An outer shell 226 may be formed from one or more sections of nonwoven web and may be cut to a profile that suitably provides tailored leg opening edge profiles, as desired.

Any waist element 80 including one or both of the front and rear belt sections 222 . 223 may be formed of layers of nonwoven substrate forming inner and outer layers, respectively. Suitable nonwoven substrates include, but are not limited to spunbonded, spunlaid, meltblown, spunmelt, solvent spun, electrospun, carded, film fibrillated, meltfoil fibrillated, air laid, drained, wet laid staple fibers and other nonwoven web materials well known in the art partially formed of polymer fibers. The nonwoven web may be formed predominantly of polymer fibers. In some examples, suitable nonwoven fibrous materials may include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, or specifically polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and / or mixtures thereof. In some examples, the fibers may be made from blends of PP and PE, as in US Pat U.S. Patent No. 5,266,392 described. Nonwoven fibers may be formed from or contain ingredients such as aliphatic polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides or other biopolymers as additives or modifiers. Further suitable nonwovens, fiber compositions, fiber formations and nonwovens and related processes are in the U.S. Patent No. 6,645,569 ; 6,863,933 and 7,112,621 and in US patent applications serial no. No. 10 / 338,603; 10 / 338,610 and 13 / 005,237. The individual fibers of a nonwoven layer may consist of one or more constituents (including two constituents). The multicomponent fibers may be bicomponent fibers having different polymeric constituents, e.g. B. in a core-and-shell design or a juxtaposed arrangement. The individual components may include polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene or their copolymers or polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides or other biopolymers.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the nonwoven fabric used for a belt portion may include a material that provides good recovery upon application and release of external pressure. Further, the nonwoven fabric may include a mixture of different fibers, for example selected from the types of polymer fibers described above. In some examples, at least a portion of the fibers may have a spiral crimp that has a helical shape. According to one example, the fibers may include bicomponent fibers that are individual, respectively different materials, typically a first and a second polymeric material, including fibers. It is believed that the use of fibers of two juxtaposed components is beneficial in imparting spiral crimp to the fibers. Examples of possibly suitable crimped or "crimped" bicomponent fibers and nonwovens formed from them are disclosed in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 ; 5,418,045 ; 5,707,468 ; 6,454,989 ; 6,632,386 ; 5,622,772 and 7,291,239 described. For purposes herein, the use of a nonwoven fabric formed from crimped bicomponent or multicomponent fibers, such as in U.S. Pat in the patents and / or patent applications referred to directly above, are desirably one or both of the layers used to form the belt sections, since they are particularly soft to the touch (for interior support comfort and an aesthetically pleasing outside feel) and generally malleable.

Waist elements, such as belt sections, may also include one or more elastic elements 55 include. The elastic elements 55 may be elastomeric fibers such as LYCRA ^® fibers, available from INVISTA of Wichita, KS, in various grades decitex. The elastic elements 55 may also comprise any heat shrinkable elastic material well known in the art. Other suitable elastics may be made of various other materials, including but not limited to: gums, styrene-ethyl-butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprenstyrene, polyolefin elastomers, elastomeric polyurethanes, and other prior art elastomeric materials, and combinations thereof. In some non-limiting examples, the elastic members may be extruded strand elastics having any number of strands (or threads). In some embodiments, the elastomeric elements may have a decitex in the range of 50 to 2000 or any integer value for a decitex value in that range. However, those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate decitex based on the desired contraction and other principles discussed herein. In further embodiments, the elastic members may be in a sheet form. Examples of films have been described in previous patent applications (see, for example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0040826). The film may be formed with a variety of resins combined in at least one of several sublayers, the latter providing various advantages.

In addition, elastic elements can 55 take a variety of configurations. For example, the width may vary; a single strand or multiple parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material may be used or a variety of shapes may be used, including rectilinear or curved, or a variety of cross-sectional shapes may be used (circular, rectangular, square, etc.).

Layers of a waist element (eg, belt portion) and / or a base unit 20 can be elastic strands 55 by adhesive applied between the layers by thermal bonding, by pressure bonding or by a combination thereof. In other examples, the one or more elastic members may be strips or a portion of a sheet formed from elastomeric material. Where the elastic element is elongated, it is desirable that the larger dimension be transversely oriented or even substantially aligned with the transverse direction, such as strands 55 in 9 are shown.

A belt portion or other form of waist feature may include at least 3 elastic waist members, at least 5 elastic members, at least 10 elastic waist members or at least 15 elastic waist members, or from about 2 to about 35 elastic waist members or from about 5 to about 25 elastic waist members Area of each one-increment is called in it.

In one embodiment, adjacent elastic elements 55 spaced by a longitudinal distance of at least 3.5 mm from one edge of the element to the other edge of the element, optionally at least 4 mm; optionally at least 4.5 mm; optionally at least 5 mm; optionally at least 5.5 mm; optionally at least 6 mm; optionally at least 6.5 mm; optionally at least 7 mm; optionally at least 7.5 mm; optionally at least 8 mm; optionally at least 8.5 mm; optionally at least 9 mm; optionally at least 9.5 mm; optionally at least 10 mm; optionally at least 10.5 mm; optionally at least 11 mm; optionally at least 11.5 mm; optionally at least 12 mm. The distance between elastic members may be the same or different over the length of the waist member in the longitudinal direction. For example, the spacing between adjacent elastic members could be uniformly 7mm or variable distances (ie, two adjacent elastic members are separated by 3mm, another two are separated by 6.5mm, etc.).

During the manufacture of the waist element, the elastic elements can 55 be pre-stretched by a desired amount when integrated into the waist feature. Upon subsequent relaxation of the waist member, the elastic members contract transversely to their unstretched lengths. This may cause layers of the waist member to contract and form creases or rugosities, the ridges and valleys generally transverse to the lengths of the elastic members 55 and run in the z-direction.

In other embodiments, the elastic members may be used to secure the components of the Waist element laminate prior to integration into the waist laminate individually with adhesive ("strand coated"). Various coating methods and techniques, including strand coating methods and techniques, are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent Nos. 5,340,648 ; 5,501,756 ; 5,507,909 ; 6,077,375 ; 6,200,635 ; 6,235,137 ; 6,361,634 ; 6,561,430 ; 6,520,237 ; 6,582,518 ; 6,610,161 ; 6,613,146 . 6,652,693 . 6,719,846 and 6,737,102 shown. The adhesive used can be a hot melt adhesive with resiliency and flexibility, making it suitable for attachment of pre-stretched elastic materials to substrates, such as OMNIMELT BLOCKS 22 H2401F or ZEROCREEP marks, such as AVANCÉ, available from Bostik, Inc., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

In certain embodiments, corners of the front and / or rear belt portions may be cut off, as in FIG 9 proposed. The corners may be cut along straight lines or they may be cut along cut lines that are curved and concave or convex with respect to the remaining portion of the belt portion (see FIG 9 ), as may be desired, to give a particular curved leg edge profile. Along with such cutting and the configuration of elastic strands described above, it may be desirable to provide a bond between layers along the edges of the respective belt portion 222 . 223 to rent. Such bonding may serve to prevent any separation of the layers along the edges, which may help to create a torn appearance, and may also help the rear belt portion to seam under the contraction force of the elastic strands 224 more effective across the central unit 20 pulls inwards. Joining can be achieved by mechanical / compression bonds, such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,316,355 U.S. Patent Nos. 4,854,984 and 4,919,738 , by thermal bonding or welds or by deposits of adhesive between layers. In non-limiting examples, such bonding may form a pattern along the edges. Such bonding can be done in addition to any bonding between layers, generally the corresponding belt portion 222 . 223 as a laminate structure.

side seams 224 can be permanent or refastenable. Durable sutures may be formed between the front belt portion and the rear belt portion by any connection mechanism, wherein the front and rear belt portions can not be separated forcibly without significant damage to either or both of the front and rear belt portions or without an enclosed mechanism by which substantially Reattach or reclosure can be effected. Bonding to form permanent seams may include pressure bonding, thermal bonding / welding, ultrasonic bonding or adhesive bonding. Refastenable sutures may be formed between the front belt portion and the rear belt portion by any mechanism configured to allow substantially non-destructive forcible separation of the front and rear belt portions and then substantial re-attachment or reclosure at the same locations. An example of such a mechanism is a hook-and-loop fastening system, such as a VELCRO fastening system. A hook component of suitable size and shape may be connected to one of the front or rear belt sections along the longitudinal edges thereof and a loop component of suitable size and shape may be connected to the other of the front or rear belt sections along the longitudinal edges thereof in positions where they are brought together and can be hooked to seams 224 to build. Examples are given in US patent application Ser. 61 / 787.416; 61 / 787.332; 61 / 666,065. Exemplary belt and absorbent panty constructions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 14 / 598,783 and 14 / 032,595.

packaging

The absorbent article 10 The present disclosure may be placed in packaging. The packages may include polymeric films and / or other materials. Graphics and / or marks relating to the properties of the absorbent articles may be molded, printed, positioned and / or placed on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packaged under compression to reduce the size of the packages while still providing an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings to manufacturers due to the size of the packages.

Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a bag stack height of less than about 110 mm, less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm, less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm, specifically specifying all 0.1 mm increments within the stated ranges and all ranges formed therein or therethrough, according to the stack height test described herein Bag. Alternatively, the packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a bag stack height of from about 70 mm to about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to about 100 mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm from about 70 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, or from about 74 mm to about 78 mm, wherein specifically all 0.1 mm increments are within the stated ranges and all of the areas formed therein or therethrough, according to the stack height test described herein in the bag.

10 illustrates a sample packaging 900 containing a variety of absorbent articles 904 includes. The packaging 900 defines an interior 902 in which are the variety of absorbent articles 904 located. The variety of absorbent articles 904 is in one or more stacks 906 arranged.

test methods

Flexural strength test method

Specimen preparation

To test the absorbent articles, remove the existing elastic components from the absorbent article, including: elastics of the inner and outer cuffs, side elastic / belt elements, elastic side flaps, and waist elastics so that the article can lie flat on a horizontal bench. In addition, the core, sublayer, and acquisition layers are also removed for core testing. For test purposes, the core includes the core and absorbent material and any adhesive contained within the sleeve. It is essential that channel integrity is not compromised when removing the components. Unless otherwise specified, all tests described herein, including those described in the detailed description, were performed on samples stored in a conditioned room at a temperature of 23 ° C ± 1 ° C and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2%. had been conditioned for 2 hours prior to testing. All tests are carried out under the same environmental conditions.

method

Peak bending force and flexural rigidity are measured with a computer-aided constant-extension rate tester (a suitable instrument is an MTS Alliance with TestWorks 4 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp. of Eden Prairie, Minnesota) using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 10% and 90% of the cell boundary. A piston leaf 2000 , as in 12a (Side view) and 12b (Front view) is used as the upper movable test device. Base support platforms 3000 , as in 13 are used as the lower solid test device. The shaft of the upper device 2001 and the lower device 3001 are designed to fit into the brackets of the tensile testing machine. The test fluid is a 0.9% w / v sodium chloride solution (ACS grade, available from VWR). A 315 g stainless steel ring, 40 mm high, with an inside diameter of 60 mm, is used for dosing.

Components of the piston 2000 are made of a lightweight material, such as aluminum, to maximize available load cell capacity. The shaft 2001 is machined to fit into the tensile testing machine and has a locking collar 2002 to stabilize the piston and an orientation perpendicular to the base support platform 3004 maintain. The leaf 2003 is 155 mm long by 65 mm high by 3.25 mm wide 2009 and has a material contact edge with a continuous radius 2100 of 1.625 mm. The clip 2004 is with adjusting screws 2005 , which are used to level the blade, and with a main adjustment screw 2006 equipped to hold it in place after adjustment.

The lower device 3000 is with the shaft 3001 and the locking sleeve 3002 attached to the tensile testing machine. Two horizontally movable support platforms 3004 are on a rail 3003 assembled. Every test surface 3005 is 85 mm wide by 155 mm long (in the plane of the drawing) and made of polished stainless steel to have a minimum coefficient of friction. Each platform has adjustment screws 3007 to lock their position after adjustment. The two platforms 3004 are perpendicular to the gap edge and the plate edges should be parallel from front to back. The two platforms form a gap 3009 with an adjustable gap width 3010 ,

The piston blade 2003 Align exactly (± 0.02 mm) so that it is perpendicular to the top surface of the support platforms 3004 lies and shows no skew relative to their void margins. The gap 3010 exactly to 40.00 ± 0.02 mm between the two gap edges of the support platforms 3004 adjust, with the piston plate 2003 exactly (± 0.02 mm) between the support platforms 3004 is centered. The gauge length from the bottom of the piston sheet 2003 to the upper surface of the support platform 3004 to 20.0 mm. Program the tensile tester to perform a compression test, detecting force and strain data at a detection rate of 100 Hz, while the head portion descends at a rate of 0.5 mm / s over a total distance of 20 mm.

Measure the mass of the item to the nearest 0.01 g and record. Calculate the dose volume as 5 times the weight of the article divided into 4 doses (eg if the mass is 20 g, then 4 doses of 25 ml would be used). Place an article flat on a lab bench. Place the steel ring at the longitudinal and transverse center of the article on the surface of the article. Using a graduated cylinder, pour the first dose of test fluid into the ring and wait 5.0 minutes. Add the remaining doses in the same way with a 5-minute waiting period after each dose.

After the waiting period of at least 5 minutes, the article with the top layer side on top of the test surface 3005 place with the longitudinal and transverse axes of the article centered under the sheet. The transverse axis of the article is parallel to the sheet. Zero the load cell; start the tensile testing machine and the data acquisition.

From the force (N) vs. strain curve (m), read the maximum peak force and record as the peak bending force to 0.1 N. Calculate the flexural stiffness (N / m) as the greatest slope of the curve, using a minimum line segment of at least 25% of the total peak bending force and recording to 0.01 N / m accurately.

The measurement is repeated for a total of 5 replicate article samples. Calculate the mean value of the peak bending force (N) and specify it to 0.1 N. Calculate the mean stiffness (N / m) and specify it to 0.01 N / m.

Channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees

Specimen preparation

Prepare the specimens in the same way as detailed in the previous flexural stiffness test procedure.

method

Channel peel strength at 180 degrees is measured with a computer-aided constant-extension rate tester (a suitable instrument is an MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 software as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell. for which the measured forces are within 10% to 90% of the cell boundary. The test frame is configured such that a temperature controlled chamber is large enough to accommodate the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) compressed air jaws together with the sample with adequate clearance to perform the peel test. The chamber is controlled to a temperature of 38.0 ° C ± 1 ° C during the test and must be able to restore these conditions within 2 minutes of loading the sample. Both jaws are equipped with smooth rubber-coated stainless steel grippers that are wider than the width of the sample.

Measure the length of a channel longitudinally on a core sample and identify the center of the channel longitudinally. Make two parallel cuts across the entire core perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, one 25.4 mm above and one 25.4 mm below the center of the channel to obtain a 50.8 mm sample.

Cut along the side seam of the core sample closest to the channel so that the top (top) and bottom (bottom) substrates are separated from the outside of the channel. Cut the sample along the side of the channel opposite the straight cut side seam. Cut approximately 2 mm away from the adhesive edge of the channel parallel to the channel. Remove any absorbent material.

Program the tensile tester to perform a strain test, detecting force and strain data at a detection rate of 100 Hz while the head lifts at a rate of 20 mm / min until the sample breaks (ie, measured force drops to ≤ 2%). the maximum peak force), after which the head part is returned to its original position.

Set the gauge length to 20.0 mm with a calibrated distance block and zero the header position. Set the chamber temperature to the test conditions and let it come to the area. Zero the load cell. Open the heated cell and load the sample. Insert the upper substrate layer (top) into the upper grippers so that the channel is centered inside the gauge, and close. Insert the lower substrate layer (underside) into the lower grippers and close. Close the flap of the heated cell and condition the sample for 5.0 min. Start the tensile testing machine and data acquisition.

From the Force (N) vs Strain (mm) curve, read the maximum peak force and calculate the peel strength as the maximum peak force by sample width and record exactly to 0.001 N / mm. The sample from the right side of the Kerns measure in the same way. Note if one of the substrates breaks before the channel peels off. Record as "Sample Failed" and accurately calculate the maximum peak force by sample width as the material failure force to 0.001 N / mm.

The measurements are repeated for a total of 5 repeat core samples. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the peel strength for all samples where the sample has peeled off and specify to 0.001 N / mm. Calculate separately the arithmetic mean of the material failure force of all failed specimens and specify them at 0.001 N / mm.

Test method for increase of the wet step

Specimen preparation

Prepare the specimens in the same way as detailed in the previous flexural stiffness test procedure.

method

The step increase of an absorbent article is the difference between the step height of a wet suspended absorbent article compared to the step height of the dry article. A Plexiglas oval (13.0 cm long by 11.0 cm wide by 4.5 mm high) is hung from a ring stand. The width axis points to the analyst. The circumference of the oval is covered with hook-and-loop hooks which are used to secure the absorbent article. The test fluid is a 0.9% w / v sodium chloride solution (ACS grade, available from VWR). A 315 g stainless steel ring, 40 mm high, with an inside diameter of 60 mm, is used for dosing.

Attach the front waist of a specimen to the right long arch of the oval. The longitudinal axis of the article is centered along the arch, and the upper edge of the waist is flush with the top of the oval. Attach the back waist of the sample to the left long arch of the oval. The longitudinal axis of the article is again centered along the arch, and the upper edge of the waist is flush with the top of the oval.

Using a calibrated ruler (certified by MIST or equivalent organization), measure and record the vertical distance between the top of the oval and the bottom outer point of the suspended step and record to 1 mm. Remove the article from the oval. Measure the mass of the item to the nearest 0.01 g and record. Calculate the dose volume as 5 times the weight of the article divided into 4 doses (eg if the mass is 20 g, then 4 doses of 25 ml would be used). Place an article flat on a lab bench. Place the steel ring at the longitudinal and transverse center of the article on the surface of the article. Using a graduated cylinder, pour the first dose of test fluid into the ring and wait 5.0 minutes. Add the remaining doses in the same way with a 5-minute waiting period after each dose.

Hang the loaded article again, aligning it with the same position it was in when it was dry. Measure and record the vertical distance between the top of the oval and the lowest outer point of the suspended step and record to 1 mm. Calculate the step increase (mm) as the difference in the vertical height of the article in the wet state minus the dry state and record it to 1 mm. A positive value indicates that the step was "raised" in the wet state.

The measurement is repeated for a total of 5 replicate article samples. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the step increase and specify it to 1 mm.

Channel adhesive basis weight

Specimen preparation

Prepare the specimens in the same way as detailed in the previous flexural stiffness test procedure.

method

The basis weight of the channel adhesive is measured by cutting the channel out of the core with a scalpel or other suitable means. Measure the mass of the sample and record to 0.0001 g. Accurately measure the surface area of the excised sample to within 0.01 mm ² (for example, image analysis with a calibrated image). Extract the sample with a solvent suitable for dissolving the adhesive, but not the core-shell substrates. Dry the substrates and measure their mass to the nearest 0.0001 g. Calculate the adhesive mass from the bulk of the original sample and the mass of remaining substrates and record to 0.0001 g. Calculate the basis weight of the adhesive mass and the surface of the sample and specify to 0.1 g / m ² (gsm). Repeat in the same way for 5 replicate sample cores. Calculate the arithmetic mean and specify to 0.1 g / m ² .

Channel profile test method

In the channel profile process, the absorbent core (including the core sheath) of the absorbent article is removed from an absorbent article and the surface topology of the region from one side of the core / core sheath assembly is measured using optical profilometry. The 3D surface data is then queried and thresholds are applied to extract multiple parameters describing the shape, depth and size of the channels. All specimen preparation and testing shall be carried out in an air-conditioned room maintained at approximately 23 ± 2 ° C and approximately 50 ± 2% relative humidity and samples shall be equilibrated in this environment for at least 24 hours prior to testing.

Specimen preparation

Five absorbent cores along with associated core sheaths are removed from five equivalent absorbent articles. If assembly adhesive can not be separated at ambient temperature without damaging the core and core sheath, a cryogenic spray (such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company, Houston TX, or equivalent) can be used to remove the core / core sheath assembly from the article. When such a cryogenic spray is used, it is used sparingly so that any adhesive bonds in the channel-forming regions are not altered and so there is no appreciable uptake of water in the core as a result of extremely widespread cooling and resulting moisture condensation.

Both sides of each core / core shell assembly are first inspected. If one side of the core / core sheath assembly is noticeably more pliant in the channel forming regions and the other more conforms to changes in core / core assembly gauge in the channel forming regions, the more conformant side will be directed upwards during the profilometry analysis and the more planar side down (and not analyzed). Otherwise, the core / core shell assembly will be randomized when prepared for profilometry analysis. The core / core sheath assembly is adhered to a flat plate using a uniform layer of double-sided adhesive tape. The core / core sheath assembly is kept flat while being attached to the tape such that it does not straighten or curl in the plane. Pressure is applied lightly to the channel-forming areas with fingers to ensure that these areas are held against the tape-backed back panel.

Capture 3D surface images

Three-dimensional (3D) images of the surface topography of the up-facing side of the five prepared core / core shell assemblies attached to the adhesive backplate are separately recorded using a 3D optical surface topography measurement system (a suitable 3D optical surface topography system). The measuring system is the MikroCAD Premium instrument, commercially available from LMI Technologies Inc., Vancouver, Canada, or equivalent). The system includes the following main components: a) a digital light processing (DLP) projector with directly controlled digital micromirrors; b) a CCD camera with a resolution of at least 1600 × 1200 pixels; c) projection optics adapted to a measuring range of at least 140 mm × 105 mm; d) recording optics adapted to a measuring range of at least 140 mm × 105 mm; e) a table stand, standing on a small hard stone slab; f) a source of blue LED light; g) a measurement, control and evaluation computer running surface structure analysis software (suitable software is MicroCAD software with MountainsMap technology or equivalent); and h) lateral (xy) and vertical (z) calibration plates, available from the seller.

The 3D optical surface topography measuring system measures the surface height of a sample using the digital micromirror pattern edge region projection technique. The result of the measurement is a 3D image of the surface height (defined as the z-axis) relative to the displacement in the horizontal (xy) plane. The system has a field of view of 140 x 105 mm with an xy pixel resolution of approximately 85 microns. The height resolution is at least 0.5 microns and the height range is sufficient to capture the total thickness of the core and core sheath being analyzed.

The instrument is calibrated to the lateral (xy plane) and vertical (z axis) calibration plates available from the seller according to the manufacturer's specifications.

The sample attached to the tape-backed backplate is placed on the table under the camera. A 3D image of the surface topography of the device under test is acquired by following the instrumentation recommended by the instrument manufacturer, which may include focusing the measurement system and performing a brightness adjustment. In this method, the x-axis of the core / core sheath assembly is defined as the axis that coincides with the transverse axis of the absorbent article, and the y- The core / core shell assembly axis is the axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article. No pre-filtering options are used. The acquired height image file is stored on the evaluation computer running the surface texture analysis software.

If the field of view of the 3D surface topography measurement system is insufficient to detect the entire area containing the channel forming areas, multiple surface scans that overlap at least 20 area% are detected (maintaining xy resolution) ) and digitally combined to produce a single 3D surface topography image for subsequent analysis.

Analysis of 3D surface images

The 3D surface topography image is opened in the surface structure analysis software. Then, the following filtering procedure is performed with each image: 1) remove invalid points; 2) a 3x3 pixel median filter to remove noise; and 3) a 3x3 pixel averaging filter to smooth the surface.

For each of the 3D surface topography images of the five replica samples, the following analysis is performed. A two-dimensional (2D) line profile (a subsample of the 3D surface image) is extracted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core and the core sheath at the point where the channels are closest to the longitudinal axis of the core and core sheath lie. This line profile extends the full width of the 3D surface dataset and is represented as depth (z axis) as the vertical axis and horizontal distance (x axis) as the horizontal axis. One skilled in the art will appreciate that if the resulting line profile is not generally representative of the general contour of the core and core sheath, due to, for example, a measurement disturbance or localized wrinkling of the core sheath, then another specimen should be prepared and measured such that none is present Artifacts are present. With reference to 11 It is obvious to a person skilled in the field 1000 of the line profile 1002 corresponding to the channels and the core lying between the channels. The peak along the z-axis of the absorption area lying between the channels is defined as Zmax, as by line 1004 displayed. The minimum value along the Z-axis in one of the channels is defined as Zmin, as by line 1006 displayed. The maximum sample channel depth (Dmax), indicated by line 1008 , is defined as Zmax - Zmin and is recorded in units of millimeters (mm) to the nearest 0.1 mm.

The lower channel boundary is by line 1010 in 11 and is defined as Zmin + [0.2 × (Zmax - Zmin)]. The upper channel boundary is by line 1012 and is defined as Zmax ± [0.2 × (Zmax - Zmin)]. For each channel, the width of the channel at the lower channel boundary is measured and the arithmetic mean of the channel widths is defined as the sample channel width, which is recorded in millimeters (mm) to the nearest 0.1 mm. For each channel, the intersection nearest the longitudinal axis of the article in the 2D line profile is the lower channel boundary as the point of lower intersection 1014 Are defined. For each channel, the intersection nearest the longitudinal axis of the article in the 2D line profile will be at the upper channel boundary as the point of the upper intersection 1016 Are defined. For each channel, the distance becomes parallel to the transverse axis (x-axis) of the article in the 2D profile between the point of the lower intersection and the point of the upper intersection than the transition zone width 1018 is defined and measured in millimeters (mm) to the nearest 0.1 mm. The arithmetic mean of the measured transition zone widths is defined as the sample transition zone width and is measured to the nearest 0.1 mm. For each channel, the absolute value of the slope (difference in z divided by the difference in x) between the point of the upper intersection and the point of the lower intersection is defined as the channel transition slope, calculated as a dimensionless ratio to the nearest 0.01 , The arithmetic mean of the measured channel transition slopes is defined as the sample channel transition slope, accurately recorded to the nearest 0.01.

A global boundary is determined and then applied to the 3D surface image to produce a binary 2D image for further image analysis. To determine the global boundary, two-dimensional line profiles at approximately 25%, 50%, and 75% positions (as a fraction of the total length of the channel-forming regions in the longitudinal direction) are extracted from one end of the channel-forming regions. For each line profile, Zmin, Zmax and the lower channel limit (as defined above) are determined. These three lower channel limit values are compared with each other and with the lower channel limit determined above, and the largest (or least negative) of these four values is defined as the global limit. The global boundary is then applied to the entire 3D surface image to produce a binary image by applying the rule that points having values of z greater than the lower channel boundary are assigned the value 0 and points of surface, the values of z are equal to or less than the lower channel limit, values of 1 are assigned. The ranges with values of 1, the correspond to the channels are then measured further. For each of the ranges, the Cartesian distance between the most distal points of the range is defined as the channel length and is determined in millimeters (mm) to the nearest 0.1 mm. The sample channel length is defined as the arithmetic mean of the measured channel lengths and is recorded accurately to the nearest 0.1 mm. For each of the ranges, the range in square millimeters (mm ² ) is accurately measured to the nearest 0.1 mm ² and this value becomes defined as the channel area. The sample channel area is defined as the arithmetic mean of the measured channel areas and is accurately measured to the nearest 0.1 mm ² . The characteristic sample channel width is defined as the sample channel area (mm ² ) divided by the sample channel length (mm) and is recorded to the nearest 0.1 mm accurately.

Specifying the process parameters

After performing the analysis described above in the 3D Surface Area Analysis section on 3D surface topology images of all five sample repeats, the following output parameters are defined and reported. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the maximum sample channel depth is defined as the average maximum channel depth and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.1 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five sample channel width measurements is defined as the average channel width and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.1 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five sample transition zone width measurements is defined as the average transition zone width and is reported in units of mm to the nearest 0.1 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five samples of the sample channel transition slope is defined as the average transient slope and is specified as a dimensionless ratio to the nearest 0.01. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the sample channel length is defined as the average channel length and is given in units of mm to the nearest 0.1 mm. The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the sample channel area is defined as the average channel area and is given in units of mm ² to the nearest 0.1 mm ² . The arithmetic mean of all five measurements of the characteristic sample channel width is defined as the average characteristic channel width and is specified in units of mm to the nearest 0.1 mm.

Although the above method is written for embodiments having two channels separated by an absorption region, those skilled in the art will recognize that the test can be modified to profile a single channel where the Zmax continues to be the maximum value along the z-axis in the absorption region adjacent to the channel and the Zmin is the minimum value along the z-axis in the single channel. In cases of a single channel, the profile is extracted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core and the core sheath at the point or region in which the channel has the greatest width in the transverse direction. Where two or more discrete absorption regions (or portions of absorption regions) adjoin the single channel, the absorption region with the highest height along the z-axis is further selected for the determination of Zmax. For this channel, the point of the upper intersection and the point of the lower intersection are defined as on the side of the channel where Zmax occurs. In addition, sample dimensions (eg, sample channel length) are further determined by the extent of the single channel rather than the average of the dimensions of multiple channels.

In bag stack height test

The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determined as follows:

equipment

A thickness gauge with a flat, stiff, horizontal slide plate is used. The thickness gauge is configured so that the horizontal slide plate moves freely in a vertical direction with the horizontal slide plate always held in a horizontal orientation, directly above a flat, rigid, horizontal base plate. The thickness gauge includes a suitable device for measuring the gaps between the horizontal slide plate and the horizontal base plate within ± 0.5 mm. The horizontal slide plate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of the absorbent article package which is in contact with each plate, i. H. each plate extends beyond the contact surface of the absorbent article package in all directions. The horizontal skid plate applies a downward force of 8.34 N (850 ± 1 pound) to the absorbent article package, which can be achieved by placing an appropriate weight on the center of the top surface of the horizontal skid plate which does not contact the package so that the total mass of the skid plate plus additional weight is 8.34 N (850 ± 1 gram).

test methods

Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at 23 ± 2 ° C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity prior to measurement.

The horizontal slide plate is lifted and an absorbent article package is placed centrally under the horizontal slide plate in a manner that the absorbent articles within the package are in a horizontal orientation (see 10 ). Each handle or other packaging feature on the surfaces of the package that would come into contact with one of the plates is folded flat against the surface of the package to minimize its effect on the measurement. The horizontal slide plate is slowly lowered until it comes in contact with the top of the package and then released. The gap between the horizontal plates is measured to ± 0.5 mm ten seconds after the horizontal slide plate is released. Five identical packages (packages of the same size and same absorbent article counts) are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the package width. The "in-bag stack height" = (packing width / absorbent article count per stack) × 10 is calculated and reported to be ± 0.5 mm.

The measures and values disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the precise numerical values given. Instead, if nothing else _. each of these dimensions has the meaning of the specified value and a functionally appropriate range surrounding this value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Any document referred to herein, including any and all references or related patents or applications, and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited is. Citation of a document does not imply that it is acknowledged as prior art to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein, or that alone or in combination with other references cited, suggests, or suggests such embodiment. Further, if any meanings or definitions of a term in this document, with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, are in conflict, the meaning or definition that has been assigned to the term in this document applies.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications which fall within the scope of the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Claims (52)

Absorbent article ( 10 ) comprising: a longitudinal axis ( 100 ) and a transverse axis ( 110 ); an upper class ( 24 ), an underclass ( 26 ) and an absorbent core ( 28 ) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the absorbent core is a nuclear envelope ( 32 ), which is an absorption material ( 30 ) and at least one channel ( 34 ); wherein the absorbent material is cellulose ( 306 ) and superabsorbent polymer material ( 302 ), and wherein the article has a flexural rigidity of at least 250 N / m according to the flexural stiffness test method herein. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the flexural rigidity is at least 300 N / m. An absorbent article according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the flexural rigidity is 850 N / m or less. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, further comprising a peak bending force of at least 4 N according to the flexural stiffness testing method herein. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the peak bending force is at least 5N. An absorbent article according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the peak bending force is 15 N or less. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pair of longitudinal channels, the channels not overlapping the longitudinal axis. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the absorbent material comprises at least 35% cellulosic fibers. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core sheath comprises a top ( 32a ) and a bottom ( 32b ), wherein the upper side in the at least one channel by a channel connection ( 37 ) is tied to the bottom. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the channel compound has a peel strength of at least 0.06 N / mm according to the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the peel strength is at least 0.10 N / mm. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the peel strength is 0.20 N / mm or less as determined by the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the top and / or bottom exhibits a material failure force according to the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the material failure force is at least about 0.15 N / mm. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the core wrap comprises a nonwoven web. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel further comprises an average channel length of at least 50 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. The absorbent article of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel further comprises an average channel length of 50 mm to 400 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel has an average characteristic channel width of at least 5 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. Absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has an average characteristic channel width of 5 mm to 15 mm. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has an average channel length that is at least 25% of the length (L) of the core. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel has an average characteristic channel width that is at least 7% of the width (W) of the core. The absorbent article of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has an average maximum channel depth of at least 1 mm. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has an average maximum channel depth of at least 2 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. The absorbent core of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel comprises a varying channel depth. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel is substantially straight and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis for at least 50% of the length of the channel. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the at least one channel is substantially curved. Absorbent article comprising: a longitudinal axis ( 100 ) and a transverse axis ( 110 ); an upper class ( 24 ), an underclass ( 26 ) and an absorbent core ( 28 ) disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the absorbent core is absorbent material ( 30 ) and at least one channel ( 34 ); wherein the absorbent material is cellulose ( 306 ) and superabsorbent polymer material ( 302 ) and a step increase of at least 10 mm according to the test method of increasing the wet step herein. Absorbent article according to claim 27, wherein the step increase is at least 15 mm. Absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the step increase is at least 20 mm. The absorbent article of claims 27 to 29, further comprising a pair of longitudinal channels, wherein the channels do not overlap with the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the absorbent material comprises at least 35% cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the absorbent core further comprises a core wrap surrounding the absorbent material, the core wrap comprising a top and a bottom, wherein the top in the at least one channel is bonded to the bottom by a channel connection. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the channel compound has a peel strength of at least 0.06 N / mm according to the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the peel strength is at least 0.10 N / mm. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the peel strength is 0.20 N / mm or less. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the top and / or bottom exhibits a material failure force according to the channel peel strength test method at 180 degrees herein. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the material failure force is at least about 0.15 N / mm. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 27 to 37, wherein the core sheath comprises a nonwoven fabric. The absorbent article of any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the at least one channel further comprises an average channel length of at least 50 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. The absorbent article of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel further comprises an average channel length of 50 mm to 400 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. The absorbent article of any of claims 27 to 40, wherein the at least one channel has an average characteristic channel width of at least 5 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. Absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has an average characteristic channel width of 5 mm to 15 mm. The absorbent article of any one of claims 27 to 42, wherein the at least one channel has an average channel length that is at least 25% of the length of the core. The absorbent article of any one of claims 27 to 43, wherein the at least one channel has an average characteristic channel width that is at least 7% of the width of the core. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel has an average maximum channel depth of at least 1 mm. An absorbent article according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has an average maximum channel depth of at least 2 mm according to the channel profile test method herein. The absorbent core of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel comprises a varying channel depth. The absorbent article of any of claims 27 to 47, wherein the at least one channel is substantially straight and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis for at least 50% of the length of the channel. The absorbent article of any one of claims 27 to 47, wherein the at least one channel is substantially curved. Absorbent article comprising: a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the absorbent core comprises absorbent material and at least one channel; wherein the absorbent material comprises cellulose and superabsorbent polymer material, and a flexural rigidity of at least 250 N / m according to the flexural rigidity test method herein and a step increase value of at least 10 mm according to the wet step rise test method herein. A package comprising a plurality of absorbent articles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package has an in-bag stack height of less than 110 mm. A package comprising a plurality of absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the in-bag stack height is from 70 mm to 110 mm.

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