DE202020102458U1 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent article (10, 20, 300, 500, 600) comprising an absorbent core (101, 501, 601) disposed between a liquid-permeable topsheet (520, 620) and a liquid-impervious backsheet (521, 621), the absorbent core (101, 501, 601) comprises an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, superabsorbent polymers, and combinations thereof, the absorbent material being contained in at least one core cladding substrate surrounding the absorbent material, and wherein an upper layer of the core wrap is bonded to a lower layer of the core wrap to form one or more channels (106) that are substantially free of the absorbent material, the channels (106) having a length that extends along a longitudinal axis (48), and the absorption core (101, 501, 601) has a length that extends along the longitudinal axis (48), un d wherein the length of the channels (106) is from 10% to 95% of the length of the absorption core (101, 501, 601) so that each of the channels (106) is delimited by absorbent material, characterized in that the upper layer of the The core covering is in direct contact with the top layer and that the upper layer of the core covering comprises a spunbonded nonwoven.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The disclosure relates to the technical field of absorbent hygiene products. In particular, the present disclosure relates to absorption systems that include an absorption core and another distribution system (such as specially selected core cladding layers described herein, which typically have additional functional properties) and in an article for absorption of body fluids and exudates, such as urine and faeces, or blood , Menstrual fluid and vaginal fluids can be used. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to absorbent garments (or articles) such as disposable diapers or panties, disposable incontinence diapers or pants designed to collect and retain faeces and prevent leakage, or sanitary napkins or panty liners designed to Collect and retain blood, menstrual fluid, urine and vaginal fluids and prevent leakage.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an absorbent core for an absorbent article, in particular for hygiene articles, absorbent articles comprising the absorbent core, and methods for providing the absorbent core. In particular cores with one or more channels passing through them.

Absorbent cores have undergone significant improvements and innovations over time to meet needs such as improved fluid absorption and distribution, and comfort, and there is a need for continued improvements. Such needs are pervasive in today's demanding consumer environment. The following paragraphs explain some of the relevant revelations on the subject.

EP 1077052 A1 and EP 1078617 A2 disclose a sanitary napkin that allows controlled deformation in response to lateral compression in use. The sanitary napkin has preferred bending zones which extend along a longitudinal axis and are formed by a perforation, slitting, cutting or embossing process.

EP 1959903 B1 discloses an incontinence pad with a pair of fold lines that divide the absorbent core material into a central portion and a pair of longitudinally extending side portions to better conform to the user's body. The fold lines are formed by compressing the absorbent material.

EP 2211808 B1 discloses an absorbent core with an upper absorbent core and a lower absorbent core. The upper absorption core has fold markings through which the absorption core can assume a predetermined three-dimensional shape under the action of pressure in the width direction. The fold marks are cuts or compression lines that may or may not extend completely through the top core.

EP 1349524 B1 discloses a panty liner with at least one fold line defining a central area and two side areas, which allows the size of the panty liner to be adjusted by folding the panty liner along the fold line. The fold lines are embossed lines.

EP 1267775 B1 discloses a sanitary napkin that adapts to the physical conditions. The sanitary napkin includes a front wide section and a rear narrow section and at least two fold lines pre-formed on the upper or lower surface of the narrow section. The fold lines can be selected from mechanically pressed lines, chemically connected components that form the lines, lines generated by means of heat, lines generated by laser, lines generated by adhesive and / or lines generated by mechanical vibration.

EP1088536 A2 discloses a sanitary napkin which is provided with a shaft arrangement which makes it possible to adapt the sanitary napkin to the wearer's panties.

US 5,756,039 A discloses an absorption core with different segments that can be moved independently by a lifting element. The lifting element ensures that the top layer adapts to the wearer's body.

US 2006/0184150 A1 discloses an absorbent core with varying flexibility that acts as a shaping element for an improved body fit. The absorbent core may have lines of reduced flexural strength formed by removing material (e.g., in the form of openings or slots).

US 6,503,233 B1 discloses an absorbent article having a combination of downward deflecting fold lines and an upward deflecting shaping line to achieve geometry for an improved body fit. The fold lines are formed by embossing the absorbent material. The formation line is formed by perforation or notching.

US 2015/0088084 A1 discloses a method for producing an absorption structure with a three-dimensional topography, in which at least a part of the absorption structure is arranged between opposing mold surfaces. At least one of the mold surfaces has a three-dimensional topography. The three-dimensional topography of the mold surface is transferred to the absorption structure, so that the absorption structure has a three-dimensional topography that corresponds to the three-dimensional topography of the mold surface.

EP3342386A1 discloses an absorbent core having substantially continuous zones of one or more high fluid distribution structures and discontinuous zones of fluid absorption structures surrounding the one or more high fluid distribution structures, the one or more high fluid distribution structures being arranged to be Distribute fluid across the absorbent core at a rate faster than the rate of fluid distribution across the absorbent core through the discontinuous fluid absorbent structures, and wherein the continuous zones extend along a path that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of the core. wherein the portion of the perimeter of the core comprises at least a portion of the sides of the core and at least one of the ends of the core.

Although as in EP3342386A1 described channels are advantageous in terms of fluid handling, there is still a need for a further improvement in dryness while maintaining the acquisition speed.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a new low cost absorbent article with exceptionally low rewet which provides even greater dryness felt by the user.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core disposed between a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet, the absorbent core comprising an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, superabsorbent polymers, and combinations thereof wherein the absorbent material is contained in at least one core cladding substrate surrounding the absorbent material, and wherein an upper layer of the core cladding is bonded to a lower layer of the core cladding to form one or more channels substantially free of the absorbent material, the channels having a length extending along a longitudinal axis and the absorbent core having a length extending along the longitudinal axis, and the length of the channels being from 10% to 95% of the length of the absorbent core, so that each of the channels is surrounded or bounded by absorbent material, the top layer of the core cladding generally being in direct contact with the top layer such that there is no further layer between the top layer and the core cladding, and the top layer the core covering comprises a spunbonded nonwoven.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of making an absorbent article having one or more channels, the method comprising the steps of: i. Providing a mold having a non-porous insert therein, the insert having the inverse shape of the channel or channels, the shape except the insert being in fluid communication with a vacuum source; ii. Applying a first nonwoven web to the mold; iii. Applying an absorbent material comprising cellulose fibers and / or superabsorbent polymer particles over at least part of the nonwoven web; iv. Removing the absorbent material from areas of the nonwoven web that correspond to the use; v. Applying a second nonwoven web directly or indirectly over the absorbent material or folding the first nonwoven web so that the absorbent material between one upper and a lower core cladding layer of the nonwoven web (s) is arranged; vi. Joining the top and bottom core cladding layers at least in the areas of the nonwoven web that correspond to the insert to form an absorbent core having one or more channels that are substantially free of absorbent material and have the inverse shape of the insert; vii. Laminating the absorbent core between a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet; where step vii. includes the step of directly connecting the liquid-permeable topsheet to a body-facing (or skin-facing) surface of the top core cladding layers, and wherein the top layer of the core cladding comprises a spunbonded web.

Figure list

• 1 shows a schematic top view of an absorption core according to an embodiment herein.
• 2nd shows a schematic top view of an absorption core according to an embodiment herein.
• 3rd shows a schematic top view of an absorption core according to an embodiment herein.
• 4th shows a schematic top view of absorption cores according to an embodiment herein and with different geometric shapes, formed by interconnected channels.
• 5 Figure 3 shows a perspective overview of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 6 shows a perspective overview of a product according to an embodiment herein.
• 7 Figure 12 shows a top view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 8th Figure 12 shows a top view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 9 Figure 3 shows a perspective overview of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 10th shows a perspective overview of a product according to an embodiment herein.
• 11 Figure 12 shows a top view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 12th Figure 12 shows a top view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 13 Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 14 Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment herein.
• 15A and 15B FIG. 3 shows images of shapes with a 3D insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• 16 FIG. 12 illustrates interconnected channels, with the width varying along the channels according to an embodiment herein.
• 17A-G illustrate embodiments that are not in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein the absorbent core is combined with an acquisition and distribution layer.
• 18A-B illustrate the visual appearance of a channel when dry ( 18A) or wet condition ( 18B) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
• 19A-B show images of samples and a test bench for the hanging shear test method.
• 20A FIG. 14 illustrates a cross section of a core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that of FIG 1 .
• 20B 11 illustrates a cross section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the core of FIG 20A .
• 21A FIG. 14 illustrates a cross section of a core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as that of FIG 3rd .
• 21B 11 illustrates a cross section of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the core of FIG 21A .
• 22 FIG. 4 illustrates an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure having protruding channels (ie, when wet).
• 23A and B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the channels described herein that are formed by connection areas in the form of a pattern consisting of elongated oblique elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure of features of the disclosure, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. As a further orientation aid, definitions of terms are given to better appreciate the teaching of the present disclosure.

• Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung bezieht sich „ein“, eine“, „der“, „die“ und „das“ sowohl auf Singular- als auch auf Pluralformen, sofern nicht aus dem Zusammenhang eindeutig etwas anderes hervorgeht. Beispielsweise bezieht sich „ein Kompartiment“ auf ein oder mehr als ein Kompartiment.

In the context of the present invention, the following terms have the following meanings:

• In the context of the present invention, "a", a "," the "," the "and" that "refer to both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "a compartment" refers to one or more compartments.

In the context of the present invention, “about” when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a duration and the like, variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less, more preferably + / 5% or less, more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less of the indicated value, as far as such variations are appropriate in the disclosure disclosed. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the attribute “about” refers is itself also expressly disclosed.

In the context of the present invention, “comprise”, “comprising” and “comprises” and “consisting of” synonymously with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “contain”, “contain” and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the existence of the following, e.g. A component, and do not exclude the presence of additional components, features, elements, members, and steps not listed that are known in the art or disclosed herein.

The term "% by weight" (percent by weight) refers here and throughout the description, unless otherwise defined, to the relative weight of the respective component, based on the total weight of the formulation.

The specification of ranges of numbers by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions falling in this range as well as the specified endpoints.

“Absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and retain fluid, and more particularly, refers to devices that are positioned against or near the wearer's body to absorb and retain the various exudates excreted by the body . Absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper holders and pads, sanitary napkins, and the like, and surgical bandages and sponges. Absorbent articles preferably include a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is usually chosen in the direction from front to back with reference to the article being carried, and the transverse axis is usually chosen in the direction from left to right with reference to the article being carried. Disposable absorbent articles may include a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet connected to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and held between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is practically permeable to liquids to be retained or stored by the absorbent article, and the backsheet may or may not be substantially impermeable or otherwise practically impermeable to the liquids provided. The absorbent article can also include other components such as liquid wicking layers, liquid receiving layers, liquid distribution layers, transfer layers, barrier layers, wrap layers, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Disposable absorbent articles and their components can provide a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface.

An absorbent article, such as a diaper, includes a front waistband region, a rear waistband region, and an intermediate crotch region that connects the front waistband region and the rear waistband region. In the context of the present invention, reference to a "front" section refers to the portion of the absorbent article that, in use, is generally on the front of an individual, such as a child or adult. A reference to the "back" section refers to the section of the absorbent article that is generally in use on the back of the individual, such as a child or adult, and a reference to the "crotch" section refers to that Section that, in use, is generally between the legs of the individual, such as a child or an adult. The crotch area is an area in which a repeated liquid surge typically occurs within the array of the absorbent article.

"Front" sections, "back or rear" sections and "crotch" sections typically refer to sections of the absorbent core that are proximal to respective sections of the absorbent article within the scope of the present invention.

For example, the "front" section of the core is the one that is most proximal when worn to the front of the individual, the "back or back" section is the one that is most proximal when worn to the back or back, and the "crotch" section of the core is the middle section of the absorbent core between the "front" section and the "back or rear" section.

A diaper preferably comprises a liquid-permeable “top layer”, a liquid-impermeable “back layer” and an “absorption medium” arranged between the top layer and the back layer. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent medium can be made of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art. The topsheet is generally on or near the body surface of the article, while the backsheet is generally on or near the garment surface of the article. Optionally, in addition to the backsheet, the article can comprise one or more separate layers that are arranged between the backsheet and the absorption medium. The top layer and the back layer are connected or otherwise associated with one another in a practical manner.

The “absorbent medium or the“ absorbent core ”or the“ absorbent body ”is the absorbent structure which is arranged between the top layer and the back layer of the absorbent article, at least in the crotch area of the absorbent article, and is capable of absorbing and retaining liquid body exudates. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent medium should be compatible with the size of the support provided and the liquid loading caused by the intended use of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the size and the absorption capacity of the absorption medium can be varied in order to supply carriers in the range from small children to adults. It can be made in a wide variety of shapes (for example, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass-shaped, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. Examples of common absorbent materials are cellulose-containing fluff pulp, tissue layers, superabsorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP)), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwovens or the like. It is common to combine flake pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material.

"Mechanical connection" is a fastening between two or more elements, components, areas or webs and can include thermal connections, pressure connections, ultrasonic connections, dynamic mechanical connections or any other suitable non-adhesive fastening means or combinations of these fastening means, as are known in the art, include.

"Acquisition and distribution layer", "AVS" or "surge management section" refers to an underlayer, which is preferably a nonwoven absorbent layer under the top layer of an absorbent product, which speeds up transportation and improves the distribution of Provides fluids through the absorbent core. The gush management section is typically less hydrophilic than the containment section and has the ability to quickly absorb and temporarily hold gushes of liquid and to transport the liquid from its original entry point to other parts of the absorbent structure, particularly the containment section. This configuration can help prevent the liquid from pooling and collecting on the portion of the absorbent garment that is positioned against the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the wearer's feeling of wetness. The surge management section is preferably arranged between the top layer and the retention section.

In the context of the present invention, the term “bulk density” refers to the weight of a material per unit volume. The bulk density is generally expressed in units of weight / volume (e.g. grams per cubic centimeter). The bulk density of flat, generally flat materials such as fiber nonwoven webs can be determined from measurements of the thickness and basis weight of a sample. The basis weight of the sample is determined essentially according to ASTM D-3776-9, but with the following changes: 1) The sample size is cut into a square measuring 10.16 cm X 10.16 cm (4 inches X 4 inches) , and 2) a total of 9 samples are weighed.

The "thickness" of substrates, layers or other components referred to here is modeled (unless expressly stated otherwise) using a thickness tester 49-70 by TMI (Testing Machines Incorporated), Amityville, New York, USA (alternatively, a portable thickness gauge J 100 / A can be used). Thickness is measured using a 6.45 cm (2 inch) diameter circular foot at an applied pressure of about 1.38 x 10 ³ Pa (about 0.2 pounds per square inch (psi)).

In the context of the present invention, the term “specific volume” refers to the inverse bulk density of a material, which is measured in volume per unit weight, and can be expressed in units of cubic centimeters per gram.

wobei τ = Oberflächenspannung des Fluids, ausgedrückt in Einheiten von mN/M; der Druck ist der ausgeübte Druck, ausgedrückt in Millibar (mbar); und wegen der sehr geringen Oberflächenspannung der zur Benetzung der Probe verwendeten Flüssigkeit kann angenommen werden, dass der Kontaktwinkel der Flüssigkeit auf der Probe etwa null ist.The term "mean flow pore size" in the context of the present invention refers to a measure of the average pore diameter as determined by liquid displacement techniques using a Coulter porometer and Coulter POROFIL® test liquid from Coulter Electronics Limited, Luton, England. The mean flow pore size is determined by wetting a test sample with a liquid with a very low surface tension (ie Coulter POROFIL®). Air pressure is applied to one side of the sample. As the air pressure increases, the capillary attraction of the fluid in the largest pores is finally overcome, expelling the liquid and allowing air to pass through the sample. With further increases in air pressure, smaller and smaller holes are emptied. A flow versus pressure relationship can be established for the wet sample and compared to the results for the dry sample. The mean flow pore size is measured at the point where the curve representing 50% of the flow of the dry sample against pressure intersects the curve representing the flow of wet sample against pressure. The diameter of the pores that open at a particular pressure (ie the mean flow pore size) can be determined using the following expression: $$\text{Pore diameter}\left(\mathrm{\mu }\text{m}\right)=\left(40\mathrm{\tau }\right)/\text{pressure}$$

where τ = surface tension of the fluid, expressed in units of mN / M; pressure is the pressure applied, expressed in millibars (mbar); and because of the very low surface tension of the liquid used to wet the sample, it can be assumed that the contact angle of the liquid on the sample is approximately zero.

In the context of the present invention, the term “adhesive” is intended to refer to any suitable hot-melt adhesive, aqueous or solvent-containing adhesive, which can be applied in the desired pattern or network of adhesive areas on a surface of a film layer to form the film-nonwoven laminate of the present To form revelation. Accordingly, u. a. conventional hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives and reactive adhesives (i.e., polyurethane).

In the context of the present invention, the term “adhesive bonding” means a connection method in which a connection is formed by applying an adhesive. Such application of adhesive can be done by various methods, such as slot coating, spray coating and other current application methods. Furthermore, such an adhesive can be applied in a product component and then subjected to pressure, so that the contact of a second product component with the adhesive-containing product component forms an adhesive bond between the two components.

In the context of the present invention, an "air-laid web" is a fibrous structure that is mainly produced by a process that involves the deposition of air entrained fibers on a mat, typically in the presence of binder fibers, and typically afterwards a compression and thermal bonding. In addition to conventional thermally bonded airlaid structures (those formed in the presence of non-tacky binder material and essentially thermally bonded), the scope of the term "airlaid" according to the present disclosure may also include coform include that is made by combining airborne dry, dispersed cellulosic fibers with meltblown synthetic polymer fibers while the polymer fibers are still sticky. Furthermore, an air-laid web to which binder material is subsequently added can be considered to lie within the scope of the term “air-laid” according to the present disclosure. Binder can be added to an air-laid web in liquid form (e.g. an aqueous solution or a melt) via spray nozzles, directional injection or impregnation, vacuum drawing, foam impregnation, etc. Solid binder particles can also be added by mechanical or pneumatic means.

In the context of the present invention, a “draft-connected” nonwoven is a nonwoven structure which is mainly formed by a process which comprises the application of heated air to the surface of the nonwoven. In the draft connection method, heated air flows through holes in a plenum above the nonwoven fabric. Unlike hot ovens that push air through the material, the draft method uses suction vacuum to pull the air through an open conveyor apron that holds nonwoven fabric as it is pulled through the oven. By drawing air through the material, heat can be transferred quickly and evenly to minimize distortion of the nonwoven fabric. The binders used in the draft connection process include crystalline binder fibers and powders that melt to form molten droplets across the entire cross-section of the nonwoven. As the material cools, connection occurs at these droplet points.

In the context of the present invention, the term “associated” includes configurations in which the top layer is directly connected to the back layer by fastening the top layer directly to the back layer, and configurations in which the top layer is connected to the back layer by the top layer is attached to intermediate elements, which in turn are attached to the back layer. The topsheet and backsheet may be directly attached to one another by fasteners such as an adhesive, ultrasound bonds, thermal bonds, or any other fastener known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed-on pattern of adhesive, or an arrangement of separate lines, spirals, or dots of structural adhesive may be used to secure the topsheet to the backsheet. It goes without saying that the fastening means described above can also be used to connect and assemble the various other structural parts of the article described here.

The terms "backside section" and "rear backside section" are used synonymously here and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the back of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn.

The term "backsheet" refers to a material that forms the outer cover of the absorbent article. The backsheet prevents the exudates contained in the absorbent structure from soaking articles such as sheets and outerwear that come into contact with the disposable absorbent article. The back layer can be a uniform layer of material or a composite layer composed of several components arranged side by side or laminated. The backsheet may be the same or different in different parts of the absorbent article. At least in the area of the absorption medium, the back layer comprises a liquid-impermeable material in the form of a thin plastic film, e.g. B. a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic non-woven material into which no liquid can penetrate, or a laminate of a plastic film and a non-woven material. The backsheet material can be breathable so that water vapor can escape from the absorbent material but liquids are still prevented from passing through. Examples of breathable backing sheet materials are porous polymer films, nonwoven laminates made of spunbonded nonwoven layers and meltblown nonwoven layers and laminates of porous polymer films and nonwovens.

The terms "abdominal section" and "anterior abdominal section" are used synonymously here and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the wearer's stomach when the absorbent article is worn.

The term "blend" means a blend of two or more polymers, while the term "alloy" means a subclass of blends in which the components are immiscible but have been made compatible.

In the context of the present invention, the “skin-facing”, “body-facing” or “body-side” surface is to be understood as the surface of the article or component which, during normal use, is to be arranged towards or adjacent to the body of the wearer, while the "outward", "outward" or "garment side" or "garment facing" surface is on the opposite side and should be arranged away from the body of the wearer during normal use. Such an outwardly facing surface may be arranged so that when the absorbent article is worn, it is positioned toward or adjacent to the wearer's undergarment.

“Connected” refers to the joining, connecting, connecting, fastening or the like of at least two elements. Two elements are considered to be connected if they are directly or indirectly connected to each other, such as if they are each directly connected to intermediate elements.

The term "breathable" refers to films with a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of at least 300 grams / m ² - 24 hours.

"Carded web (or carded layer (s) or carded nonwoven)" refers to webs made from staple fibers that are passed through a combing and carding unit that opens the staple fibers and aligns them in the machine direction to generally in To form machine-oriented fiber nonwoven web. The web is then connected by one or more known connection methods. The joining of nonwoven webs can be accomplished by a number of methods; Powder bonding, wherein a powdered adhesive or binder is distributed through the web and then activated, usually by heating the web and adhesive with hot air; Pattern bonding, where the fibers are bonded together with heated calender rolls or ultrasonic bonding devices, usually in a localized bonding pattern, although the web can be bonded over its entire surface if desired; Connecting drafts, passing air hot enough to soften at least one component of the web through the web; chemical bonding, for example using latex adhesives, which are applied to the web for example by spraying; and consolidation through mechanical processes such as needling and water jet swirling. Carded thermally bonded fleece thus refers to a carded fleece, the connection being achieved with heat.

In the context of the present invention, the term “cellulose-containing” is intended to include any material which has cellulose as its main constituent and in particular comprises at least 50% by weight of cellulose or cellulose derivative. Thus, the term cotton includes typical wood pulps, non-wood based cellulosic fibers, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, rayon, thermomechanical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, released chemical wood pulp, silk plant or bacterial cellulose.

"Chassis" refers to a basic component of an absorbent article on which the rest of the structure of the article is built or laid out, e.g. B. in a diaper, the structural elements that give the diaper, when configured to be worn, the shape of panties or pants, such as a backsheet, a topsheet, or a combination of a topsheet and a backsheet.

In the context of the present invention, “coform” is intended to describe a blend of meltblown fibers and cellulose fibers, which is formed by air-shaping a meltblown polymer material while simultaneously blowing cellulose fibers suspended in air into the stream of meltblown fibers. The coform material can also contain other materials, such as superabsorbent particles. The meltblown fibers containing wood fibers are collected on a shaping surface as provided by a porous belt. The molding surface may include a gas permeable material, such as spunbond fiber material, that has been placed on the molding surface.

"Compression" refers to the process or result of pressing by exerting force on an object, which increases the density of the object.

The term "consisting essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials that do not significantly affect the desired properties of a given composition or product. Examples of materials of this type would be without limitation pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow improvers, solvents, particulate materials and materials to improve the processability of the composition.

The diaper can have "retention flaps" or "barrier cuffs". It is generally believed that the retention flaps are particularly well suited to contain faeces and prevent liquid exudates from flowing laterally until the liquid exudates can be absorbed by the absorbent article. Numerous designs of retaining flaps are known. Such retention flaps generally include a proximal edge that is intended for attachment to the absorbent article and an opposite distal edge that is generally not attached to the absorbent article along at least a portion of its length. Generally, an elastic member is located adjacent to the distal edge, which helps to maintain the retention flap in an upright condition and maintain a seal between the distal edge of the retention flap and a wearer's body in use. The elastic element is generally located between two layers of material so that it does not come into contact with the body of a wearer. The retention flaps can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, polyamide, foams, plastic films, molded films and elastic foams. A number of manufacturing techniques can be used to manufacture the retention flaps. For example, the retention flaps can be woven, non-woven, spunbonded, carded, cast, blown, or the like.

The diaper can have leg restraint seals. Leg "retention seals" help prevent body exudates from leaking when the wearer exerts compressive forces on the absorbent article. In particular, the stiffness of the leg retention seals prevents twisting and bulging of the leg openings of the absorbent article, which can lead to leaks. In addition, the elasticity and conformability of the leg restraint seals ensure that the body-facing surface of the leg restraint seals provides an adequate seal against the body of the wearer. The physical properties of the leg restraint seals, such as thickness and stiffness, also keep the body panel, outer cover and absorbent core spaced from the wearer's body in use. Therefore, a void volume is created between the wearer's body and the body-side insert and the absorbent core of the absorbent article to help retain body exudates.

A "continuous bundle" can be an elastomeric, cloth-like nonwoven material, such as an elastomeric stretch-bonded laminate web or an elastomeric meltblown web. With the right choice of materials, the continuous collar can be made temporarily elastically inhibited, such as by compression. After the temporary elastic inhibition, the elastic material making up the waistband can be activated, such as by treatment with heat, to restore a state of elasticity.

A “conventional hot melt adhesive” is to be understood as a formulation that generally comprises several components. These components typically include one or more polymers to provide cohesive strength (e.g. aliphatic polyolefins such as poly (ethylene-co-propylene) copolymer; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymers, etc.); a resin or an analog material (sometimes referred to as a tackifier) to provide adhesive strength (e.g. hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum distillates; rosins and rosin esters; terpenes derived from, for example, wood or citrus, etc.); perhaps waxes, plasticizers, or other viscosity modifying (i.e., flowability) materials (examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, polybutene, paraffin oils, ester oils, and the like) and / or other additives, including and others. a. Antioxidants or other stabilizers. A typical hot melt adhesive formulation may contain from about 15 to about 35 weight percent polymer or polymers for cohesive strength; about 50 to about 65 weight percent resin or one or more other tackifiers; contain more than zero to about 30 weight percent plasticizer or other viscosity modifier and optionally less than about 1 weight percent stabilizer or other additive. It is understood that other adhesive formulations with different weight percentages of these components are possible.

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

In the context of the present invention, the term “diaper” refers to an absorbent article that is generally worn around the lower body by small children.

The term "disposable" is used here to describe absorbent articles that are generally not for washing or otherwise restoring or reusing as absorbent articles Articles are provided (ie they are intended to be thrown away after a single connection and preferably recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner).

In the context of the present invention, the term “elastic resistance” describes an elastic force which usually resists an applied tensile force, as a result of which the material provided with it generally contracts into an untensioned configuration in response to a stretching force.

In the context of the present invention, the terms “elastic”, “elastomeric”, “elasticity” or derivatives thereof are used to describe the ability of different materials and objects consisting thereof to reversibly move under load when the force is exerted on the material in at least one direction deform, d. H. to stretch or expand, and when relaxed, d. H. when the force is removed, essentially returning to their original dimensions without tearing or breaking. Preferably, it refers to a material or composite that can be stretched in at least one direction by at least 50% of its relaxed length, i.e. H. can be stretched to at least 150% of its relaxed length, and resets at least 40% of its stretch after releasing the applied tension. Accordingly, the material or composite contracts after releasing the applied tension at 50% elongation to a relaxed length of no more than 130% of its original length. Examples of suitable elastomer materials are polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, synthetic linear ABA and AB block copolymers, blends made of chlorinated rubber and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) rubbers, EPM (ethylene -Propylene monomer) rubber, blends of EPDM / EPM / EVA and the like.

The term “elasticized” refers to a material, a layer or a substrate that is of course not elastic, but has been made elastic, for example, by suitable connection with an elastic material, an elastic layer or an elastic substrate.

"Elongation" means the ratio of the expansion of a material to the length of the material before expansion (expressed as a percentage), as represented by the following: "Elongation" means the change in length of a material due to stretches (expressed in units of length).

In the context of the present invention, the term “stretchable” means elongatable in at least one direction, but not necessarily resettable.

The term "textile" or "fabric" here refers to all woven and knitted webs and nonwoven fiber webs.

"Fasteners," such as ribbon tabs, are typically attached to the rear waistband area of the diaper to provide a mechanism to hold the diaper on the wearer. Fasteners such as tape fasteners, snap fasteners, needles, belts, hooks, buckles, Velcro fasteners (e.g., VELCRO® type fasteners) and the like can be used, typically attached to the lateral, lateral ends of the rear waistband area of the diaper to provide a mechanism to hold the diaper around the wearer's waist in a conventional manner. Tape tabs can be any of those well known in the art and are typically attached to the corners of the diaper. For example, adhesive closures, mechanical closures, Velcro closures, snap fasteners, needles or buckles can be used alone or in combination. For example, the closures can be adhesive closures that are designed so that they detachably adhere to a web zone piece attached to the front collar area of the diaper in order to provide a re-attachable adhesive fastening system.

When used with reference to a product, the term "finished" or "final" means that the product has been manufactured for its intended purpose.

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

In the context of the present invention, the term “garment” means any type of clothing that can be worn. These include diapers, training pants, incontinence products, surgical gowns, industrial work clothes and overalls, underwear, pants, shirts, jackets and the like.

Many of the known superabsorbent polymer particles show gel blocking. Gel blocking occurs when superabsorbent polymer particles are moistened and the particles swell, so that fluid transfer to other areas of the absorption structure is inhibited. These other areas of the absorption element are therefore moistened by means of a very slow diffusion process. In practice, this means that the acquisition of fluids through the absorption structure is much slower than the rate at which fluids are excreted, especially in surge situations. Escapes from the absorbent article can occur long before the SAP particles in the absorbent element even come close to full saturation or before the fluid can diffuse past the "blocking" particles into the rest of the absorbent element or be sucked. Gel blocking can be a particularly acute problem if the superabsorbent polymer particles do not have sufficient gel strength and deform under stress after the particles have swollen with absorbed fluid.

The term “graphic” includes, but is not limited to, any type of design, image, marker, figure, code, word, pattern, or the like. For a product such as training pants, graphics generally include objects associated with little boys and little girls, such as colorful trucks, planes, balls, dolls, bows, or the like.

"Water jet swirling process" refers to the production of nonwoven webs. The process involves directing a series of water jets onto a fibrous web supported on a porous belt. The water jets go down through the fiber mass and bounce back when they come into contact with the surface of the belt and break open: the energy released causes the fiber mass to swirl.

The term "highly absorbent material" refers to materials that can absorb at least 10 times their own weight in liquid. The superabsorbent material can comprise absorbent gelling materials such as superabsorbent polymers. Superabsorbent polymers are water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials that can absorb up to about 20 times their own weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 percent by weight sodium chloride. Absorbent gelling materials can be natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the absorbent gelling materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term "cross-linked" refers to any means by which normally water-soluble materials can be made substantially water-insoluble but swellable. Examples of such agents are physical turbulence, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ionic complexes and associations, such as hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic associations or van der Waals forces. Examples of polymers as synthetic absorbent gelling material are the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly (acrylic acid) and poly (methacrylic acid), poly (acrylamides), poly (vinyl ether), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone), Poly (vinyl morpholinone), poly (vinyl alcohol) and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Other polymers that are suitable for use in the absorption structure include. a. natural and modified natural polymers such as hydrolyzed starch grafted with acrylonitrile, starch grafted with acrylic acid, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and the natural gums such as alginates, xanthan gum, locust bean gum and the like. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partly synthetic absorbent polymers can also be used. Synthetic absorbent gelling materials are typically xerogels that form hydrogels when moistened. However, the term "hydrogel" has also been commonly used to refer to both the moistened and non-moistened forms of the material. The highly absorbent material can be in a wide variety of geometric shapes. As a rule, it is preferred that the highly absorbent material is in the form of discrete particles. However, the highly absorbent material can also be in the form of fibers, platelets, rods, spheres, needles, spirals or semi-spirals, cubes, rod-like shapes, polyhedra and the like. Conglomerates of particles made of highly absorbent material can also be used. The superabsorbent material may be present in the absorbent core in an amount from about 5 to about 100 percent by weight, and desirably from about 30 to about 100 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the absorbent core. The distribution of the highly absorbent material in the different sections of the absorbent core can vary depending on the intended end use of the absorbent core. The highly absorbent material can be arranged in a generally discrete layer in the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core may comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and highly absorbent material or other suitable means for holding a highly absorbent material in a localized area.

A "Velcro fastener" (hook-and-loop fastener) refers to complementary fasteners with a hook part and a loop part that are re-attachable. In the context of the present invention, the term “hook” refers to any element that can engage another element, the so-called loop part. The term "hook" is not only limited to "hook" in the normal sense, but rather encompasses all forms of engagement elements, whether unidirectional or bidirectional. The term “loop” is also not limited to “loops” in the normal sense, but also includes all structures that can be engaged with a “hook” fastener. Examples of “loop” materials are fiber structures, such as nonwovens.

The term “hydrophilic” describes fibers or the surfaces of fibers that are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of use of the materials can in turn be described on the basis of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. The term "wettable" is intended to refer to a fiber with a liquid, such as water, synthetic urine or 0.9% by weight aqueous saline solution, in an air contact angle of less than 90 °, whereas "hydrophobic" or "non-wettable" fibers Describes contact angle equal to or greater than 90 °.

In the context of the present invention, the term “impermeable” generally refers to articles and / or elements which are essentially not penetrated by aqueous fluid under a pressure of 1.0 kPa or less over their entire thickness. Preferably, the impervious article or member is not penetrated by aqueous fluid at pressures of 3.4 kPa or less. An article or item that is not impermeable is permeable.

"Integral" is used to refer to different portions of an integral element and not of separate structures that are joined together or placed together or close to each other.

"Joining", "joining", "joined" or variations thereof, when used in describing the relationship between two or more members, means that the members may be joined together in any suitable manner, such as by heat sealing, ultrasonic joining, thermal joining, by adhesives, sewing or the like. Furthermore, the elements can be directly connected or have one or more elements arranged between them, all of which are connected to one another.

The term "lay flat" is intended to refer to the article being flattened or substantially flattened to one level and is used in contrast to other positioning of the article, such as when the article is folded or shaped in or for use by a carrier becomes.

“Laminate” refers to elements that are attached to one another in a layered arrangement.

The use of the term "shift" may change. a. refer to any type of substrate, such as a woven web, nonwoven web, films, laminates, composites, elastomeric materials, or the like. A layer may be liquid and air permeable, air permeable, but impermeable to liquids, both air and liquid impermeable, or the like. When used in the singular, it can have the double meaning of a single element or several elements.

The crotch portion of the absorbent article preferably includes opposed longitudinal side portions which comprise a pair of elasticized, longitudinally extending "leg cuffs". The leg cuffs are generally designed to fit around a wearer's legs in use and serve as a mechanical barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. Leg cuffs are elasticized with leg elastic bands. The diaper can further include a front bundle elastic and a rear bundle elastic. Materials which are suitable for the formation of leg elasticity are known to the person skilled in the art. Examples of such materials are strands or ribbons made of a polymeric, elastomeric material, which are attached to the leg cuff in an extended position on the diaper or are attached to the diaper when the diaper is pleated, so that elastic constriction forces are imparted to the leg cuff. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials that can be used are polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, synthetic linear ABA and AB block copolymers, blends of chlorinated rubber and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer). Rubbers, EPM (ethylene propylene monomer) rubbers, blends of EPDM / EPM / EVA and the like.

“Liquid” means a non-gaseous substance and / or a non-gaseous material that flows and can assume the internal shape of a container into which it is poured or placed.

"Longitudinal" is a direction that runs parallel to the largest linear dimension of the article.

The term “meltblown fibers” is understood to mean fibers which, by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a large number of fine, usually circular, nozzle capillaries as molten filaments or filaments into a high-speed gas stream (eg air) which separates the filaments from the molten liquid thermoplastic material weakens to reduce their diameter, for example to a microfiber diameter. Generally, meltblown fibers have an average fiber diameter of up to about 10 microns. After formation of the fibers, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high speed gas stream and deposited on a collection surface to form a web of randomly distributed meltblown fibers.

The term “non-elastic” refers to all materials that do not fall under the above definition of “elastic”.

The term “nonwoven fabric or web” means a surface material with a structure of individual fibers or threads that are interlinked with one another, but not in a regular manner, as in knitting or weaving processes. Nonwoven fabrics or webs have been formed by numerous processes such as meltblowing, spunbonding, and processes for making a bonded carded web.

"Panties body" refers to a garment with an air vent and a pair of leg openings, similar to shorts, swimwear, or the like. The garment described can optionally have a manually tearable side seam.

The terms “particles”, “particulate material”, “particulate materials” and the like mean that the material is generally in the form of discrete units. The units can include granules, powders, spheres, powdered materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The particles can have any desired shape, such as, for example, cubic, rod-like, polyhedral, spherical or hemispherical, rounded or semi-rounded, angular, irregular, etc. This also includes shapes with a large ratio of the largest dimension to the smallest dimension, such as needles, for example. Platelets and fibers. The terms “particle” or “particulate material” may also include an agglomeration that includes more than an individual particle, particulate material, or the like. In addition, a particle, a particulate material, or any desired agglomeration thereof may consist of more than one type of material.

The term “polymer” generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block copolymers, graft copolymers, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, the term “polymer” is intended to encompass all possible geometrical configurations of the material, unless otherwise particularly limited. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and statistical symmetries.

In the context of the present invention, the term “packaged” means that one or more absorbent articles are packaged in a single unit before stacking.

"Pulp flakes" or "flake pulp" refers to a material made from cellulose fibers. The fibers can be either natural or synthetic, or a combination thereof. The material is typically light and has absorption properties.

"Reattachable" refers to the property of two elements, without being able to be detachably attached, separated and then releasably attached without substantial permanent deformation or tearing.

The "retention section" or the "liquid absorption layer" is part of the absorption medium. This section can contain a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosic flakes Mix with particles of highly absorbent material. In particular arrangements, the retention portion may comprise a blend of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and meltblown fibers made of synthetic polymer, or a blend of superabsorbent particles with a fibrous coform material comprising a blend of natural fibers and / or fibers of synthetic polymer. The superabsorbent particles can be mixed with the hydrophilic fibers essentially homogeneously or not uniformly. For example, the concentrations of superabsorbent particles can be arranged in a non-stepwise gradient over a substantial portion of the thickness of the absorption structure, smaller concentrations being present towards the body side of the absorption structure and comparatively higher concentrations towards the outside of the absorption structure. The superabsorbent particles can also be arranged in a generally discrete layer in the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. In addition, two or more different types of superabsorbents can be selectively positioned at different locations in or along the fiber matrix.

In the context of the present invention, the term “layer” or “layer material” refers to woven fabrics, nonwoven webs, polymer films, polymeric lattice-like materials and polymeric foam fabrics.

The absorbent article can also contain side pieces. The "side pieces" can have any shape, such as u. a. square, rectangular, triangular, circular and trapezoidal. They can be connected to the respective opposite side sections of the rear side section by a known method, such as, for example, heat sealing or adhesive bonding. The side pieces can also be integrally formed by protruding and connecting the respective top layer and / or the respective back layer and / or the respective absorption medium in tabs with the shape of the side pieces to the back portion. The side pieces are preferably formed by laminating a nonwoven layer, a layer of thermoplastic film and a layer of elastic material. The layer of elastic material can be arranged by adhesive layers between the nonwoven layer and the thermoplastic film. The nonwoven layer can consist of natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a mixture of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The layer of thermoplastic film can consist of polyethylene or polypropylene.

The term "spunbond nonwoven fibers (or spunbonded layer (s) or spunbonded nonwovens)" refers to fibers made by extruding molten thermoplastic polymers as filaments or fibers from a variety of relatively fine, usually circular, capillaries in a spinneret and then quickly pulling the extruded filaments by an educative or other well-known drawing mechanism to impart molecular orientation and physical strength to the filaments. The average diameter of spunbond nonwoven fibers is typically in the range of 15-60 µm or more. The spinneret can either be a large spinneret with several thousand holes per meter width or rows of smaller spinnerets that contain only 40 holes, for example.

In the context of the present invention, the term “spunbonded, melt-blown nonwoven spunbonded fleece” (SMS) refers to a multilayer composite layer which comprises a web of meltblown fibers which is arranged between two spunbonded layers and is connected thereto. An SMS nonwoven fabric can be formed in-line by sequentially depositing a first layer of spunbond fibers, a layer of meltblown fibers, and a second layer of spunbond fibers on a moving porous collection surface. The matched layers can be bonded by passing them through a nip between two rollers, which may or may not be heated and smooth or patterned. Alternatively, the individual spunbonded nonwoven layers and meltblown nonwoven layers can be pre-formed and, if necessary, individually connected and collected, such as by winding the nonwovens on winding rolls. The individual layers can be brought together by later layering and bonded together to form an SMS nonwoven. Additional spunbonded layers and / or meltblown nonwoven layers can be incorporated to form laminate layers, for example spunbonded nonwoven - meltblown nonwoven - meltblown nonwoven - spunbonded (SMMS) or spunbonded - meltblown nonwoven (SM) etc.

"Staple fibers" refers to commercially available fibers with diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to more than about 0.2 mm; they come in several different forms such as short fibers with a length in the range of about 10 to 50 mm and long fibers with a length of more than 50 mm, preferably up to 100 mm.

By "stretching" it is meant that the material can expand in at least one dimension beyond its original size if it is subjected to a tensile force (ie tension) applied in the direction of that dimension without the material breaking. An expansion of 50%, for example, means that the material with an initial length of 100 mm has reached a length of 150 mm. The stretching can be unidirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional. The specific stretch properties of a material can vary along any of the stretch vectors. The term may include elastic materials as well as nonwovens that may be inherently stretchable, but not necessarily elastic. Such nonwovens can be given an elastic behavior by bonding with elastic films.

By "channels" it is meant that the structure in question (e.g., the absorbent core) includes recessed areas that form visible conduits or passages that typically extend along the longitudinal axis of the core and have a depth in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis . “Visible” here means that the channels are clearly visible to the naked eye, and typically that the channels have a width that is generally greater than 1 mm and preferably 5 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 8 mm to 40 mm, more preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm and even more preferably from more than 10 mm to less than 25 mm.

By "interconnected" is meant that the structure in question (e.g., the channels) form a substantially continuous path, such as from a first end of a channel to a second end of the same channel.

“Essentially” means at least the majority of the structure in question. For example, "substantially interconnected" when referring to interconnected channels means that the majority of the channel is interconnected, and generally where starting from one end of the channel to another end of the channel allows a direct and continuous path to be followed Ends (also referred to here as terminal positions) in a width direction of the core distal to one another and proximal to a portion of the perimeter of the core, preferably the sides thereof.

By "directly above" it is meant that the feature in question is arranged above the structure in question, so that the feature and the structure are in direct contact with one another at least over a substantial portion of the structure.

By "indirectly above" it is meant that the feature in question is located above the structure in question, but in such a way that the feature and structure are not in direct contact with one another over at least a substantial portion of the structure. For example, a nonwoven web indirectly applied over a three-dimensional absorbent material comprises a further layer of material between the nonwoven web and the three-dimensional absorbent material.

The use of the term “substrate” includes, but is not limited to, woven or nonwoven webs, porous foils, ink-permeable foils, paper, composite structures or the like.

Superabsorbent materials suitable for use in the present disclosure are known to those skilled in the art and can be in any functional form, such as particulate form, fibers, and mixtures thereof. Generally, the "superabsorbent material" can be a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material that is at least about 15 times, suitably about 30 times, and possibly about 60 times or more its physiological weight Saline (e.g. saline with 0.9 wt .-% NaCl) can absorb. The superabsorbent material can be biodegradable or bipolar. The hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material can be made from organic hydrogel-forming polymeric material, which can include natural materials such as agar, pectin and guar gum; modified natural materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose and synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers can be formed. Synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers are, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulfonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyridine and the like. Other suitable hydrogel-forming polymers include hydrolyzed starch grafted with acrylonitrile, starch grafted with acrylic acid, and isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel-forming polymers can be slightly cross-linked to make the material substantially water-insoluble. The crosslinking can be carried out, for example, by irradiation or by the formation of covalent, ionic, van der Waals or hydrogen bonds respectively. The superabsorbent material may suitably be contained in a fixed storage or retention section of the absorption system and optionally used in other components or sections of the absorbent article. The superabsorbent material can be included in the absorption layer or other fluid storage layer of the absorbent article of the present disclosure in an amount of up to about 60% by weight. Typically, the superabsorbent material, if present, is present in an amount from about 5 to about 40 percent by weight based on the total weight of the absorption layer.

“Superabsorbent polymer particles” or “SAP” refer to water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials that, under the most favorable conditions, are at least about 10 times their weight or at least about 15 times their weight or at least about 25 times their weight can absorb in an aqueous solution with 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. In absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence diapers, etc., the particle size is typically in the range between 100 to 800 μm, preferably between 300 to 600 μm, more preferably between 400 to 500 μm.

The term "target zone" refers to an area of an absorbent core where initial contact with most of a fluid load, such as urine, menstrual fluid or stool, is particularly desirable. In particular, for an absorption core with one or more fluid loading points in use, the loading target zone refers to the area of the absorption core that extends in both directions from each loading point by a distance corresponding to 15% of the total length of the composite.

“Tension” includes a uniaxial force that usually causes a body to expand, or the balancing force in that body that resists expansion.

In the context of the present invention, the term “thermoplastic” is intended to describe a material that softens when exposed to heat and essentially returns to its original state when cooled to room temperature.

The term "topsheet" refers to a layer of liquid permeable material that forms the inner cover of the absorbent article and is placed in use in direct contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet is typically used to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids retained in the absorbent structure. The topsheet can be a nonwoven, e.g. B. a spunbonded fabric, a meltblown nonwoven, a carded nonwoven, a water jet entangled nonwoven, a wet-laid nonwoven, etc., include. Suitable nonwovens can consist of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, rayon, etc., or natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. The top layer material may further consist of two fibers which can be connected to one another in a connection pattern. Other examples of topsheet materials are porous foams, apertured plastic films, laminates of nonwovens and apertured plastic films, etc. The materials suitable for topsheet materials should be soft, not irritating to the skin, and easily exposed to body fluids, e.g. B. urine or menstrual fluid to be penetrated. The inner cover sheet may also be different in different parts of the absorbent article. The top face fabric may be made of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

“Training pants” are available for use by children in the dry stage and are popular with mothers and caregivers. Training pants typically include a top layer, a back layer, an absorbent medium between the top layer and the back layer, and side seams that connect portions of the side edges of the pants together to form waist and leg openings.

In the context of the present invention, the term “transverse” or “lateral” refers to a line, axis or direction which lies in the plane of the absorbent article and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

"Ultrasonic welding or joining" refers to a technique in which two materials are joined by melting them with heat generated by ultrasonic oscillation and then laminating them together so that the molten materials flow and the gap between the two does not Fill affected sections of the two materials. After cooling and molding, the two materials are combined.

“Dry state” refers to the state in which an absorbent article is not yet saturated with exudates and / or liquid.

"Wet state" refers to the state in which an absorbent article is saturated with exudates and / or liquid. Typically, at least 30 ml, preferably at least 40 ml, even more preferably at least 50 ml, very particularly preferably 60 ml to 800 ml, of exudate and / or liquid are contained in the absorbent article.

In the context of the present invention, the term “water-swellable, water-insoluble” is intended to refer to a material which swells to its equilibrium volume when exposed to an excess of water, but does not dissolve in the solution. Therefore, a water-swellable, water-insoluble material generally retains its original identity or physical structure, but in a highly expanded state, during absorption of the water, and thus must have sufficient physical integrity to resist flow and fusion with adjacent particles.

In the context of the present invention, the term “concentration” (for example a superabsorbent polymer) is the amount of the material in question divided by the surface of the layer in question (typically the area which lies in the plane of the length and width of the core) , about or in which the material in question is to be understood. This can be determined by standard weighing methods and methods for measuring dimensions, which are known in the prior art, and expressed in g / mm ² .

In the context of the present invention, the term “essentially U-shaped” means any shape that visually has approximately the shape of a “U”, such as a “V shape”, a semicircle and the like.

In the context of the present invention, the term “separate cellulose-containing fibers” means cellulose-containing fibers which are not part of a substrate (for example a fleece layer) and much more different therefrom and / or are physically separated and typically in the form of cellulose-containing fibers Fibers are present that are kept separate from the substrate, but are enclosed. For the sake of clarity, cellulose-containing fibers which are present in a substrate (e.g. a nonwoven layer) do not fall under this meaning.

In the context of the present invention, the term “essentially follows the shape of the channel or channels” means that the feature in question has an overlapping shape that visually corresponds to the channel or channels.

In the context of the present invention, the term “superabsorbent polymer fibers” means fibers made of superabsorbent polymers (in contrast to particles made from them). Examples of suitable fibers for use herein are from those of Example 1, Example 2, Example 3 and / or Example 4 (page 5 , Lines 1-46 ) from EP 3190216 A1 selected, to which express reference is hereby made. The fibers are typically used to form nonwoven webs or substrates according to the application in question.

Embodiments of the articles and methods according to the disclosure will now be described. It is understood that technical features described in one or more embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments without being able to be combined from the spirit of the disclosure and without generalization thereof.

ABSORPTION CORE

Absorbent cores according to the present disclosure comprise absorbent material from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, superabsorbent polymers and combinations thereof, wherein the absorbent core ( 101 , 501 , 601 ) can comprise at least one core cladding substrate, which surrounds the absorbent material, and wherein an upper layer (also referred to here as an upper layer) of the core cladding is bonded to a lower layer of the core cladding, around one or more channels ( 106 ) which are substantially free of the absorbent material, the channels ( 106 ) have a length that extends along a longitudinal axis ( 48 ) extends, and the absorption core ( 101 , 501 , 601 ) has a length that extends along the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) and the length of the channels is 10% to 95 % of the length of the absorption core, and preferably the length of at least one of the channels ( 106 ), preferably each of the channels, 10% to 95%, preferably 15% to 93%, more preferably 20% to 90%, more preferably 30% to 90%, still more preferably 35% to 85%, the length of the absorption core ( 101 , 501 , 601 ) is such that each of the channels ( 106 ) is surrounded or limited by absorbent material (ie the circumference of the channel is bordered by absorbent material). Typically, the channels each follow a substantially continuous path, such as from a first end ( 110 , 111 ) of a channel to a second end ( 110 ' , 111 ' ) of the same channel.

In each of the embodiments herein, the length of at least one of the channels ( 106 ), preferably each of the channels, in the cores described here 20% to 95%, preferably 25% to 90%, more preferably 30% to 90%, even more preferably 35% to 85%, even more preferably 40% to 80%, even more preferably 50% to 75%, the length of the absorption core ( 101 , 501 , 601 ).

In one embodiment, such as in the 4F shown is the second end ( 110 ' , 111 ' ) at least one channel at a distance along the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) from the first end ( 110 , 111 ) at least one other channel, so that at least two spaced channels along the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) are formed by a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) running transverse line are offset, and the distance taken along the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) is less than 18 mm, preferably 6 mm to 15 mm, more preferably 10 to 15 mm, preferably with the core at least four channels ( 106 ) and wherein the distance between the second and the first end ( 110 , 111 , 110 ' , 111 ' ) a first pair of longitudinally offset channels from the distance between the second and the first end ( 110 , 111 , 110 ' , 111 ' ) of a second pair of longitudinally offset channels, the first pair of channels being substantially parallel to the second pair of channels. Such a channel geometry with a spacing of absorbent material that is kept within a very limited and specific range has the advantage of providing an additional suction of the liquid which is prevented from flowing immediately to the rear end of the core and thus synergistically with the to work the upper core wrap layer to distribute the liquid over the core, thereby reducing the rewetting sensation after applying force to a soiled diaper, but still allowing liquid to flow through the rear of the diaper and not acting like a dam that would otherwise become one stronger rewetting sensation would lead to the front of the diaper.

As in 23A-B illustrated, the upper layer of the core cladding is preferably on a lower layer of the core cladding along the channels ( 106 ) connected to a plurality of discrete connection areas, the connection areas forming a pattern which consists of elongated, oblique elements ( 1061 ) which are at an angle α to the longitudinal axis ( 48 ), the angle α being greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °, preferably from 15 ° to 75 °, more preferably from 20 ° to 70 °, and preferably at least one, preferably at least 10%, further preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50%, very particularly preferably essentially all, of the elongated, oblique elements ( 1061 ) have an overall length (Lo) which is at least substantially the same, preferably greater than the width (wc) of the channel along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ( 48 ), and preferably wherein the discrete connection areas are free of adhesive and typically have mechanical connections. This advantageously allows the upper and lower layers of the core cladding to be permanently bonded, which limits the presence of additional hydrophobic substances such as adhesives therebetween, thereby maximizing the unconnected spaces therebetween to improve fluid flow through the channel.

Absorption cores 101 , 501 , 601 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, may include: a front portion 122 ; a rear section 124 ; a middle section 126 between the front section 122 and the rear section 124 is positioned; and a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the core 101 , 501 , 601 extends and the front, middle and rear section 122 , 126 , 124 crosses, with the absorption core 101 , 501 , 601 a width perpendicular to the length and a perimeter having at least two opposite ends 102 , 103 and at least two between the ends 102 , 103 positioned opposite sides 104 , 105 comprises, wherein the core 101 , 501 , 601 optionally a multi-layer core which has at least two different core layers 502 , 503 , 602 , 603 comprises, wherein a first core layer 502 , 602 a first concentration of superabsorbent polymer 504 , 604 can include and a second core layer 503 , 603 a second concentration of superabsorbent polymer 504 , 604 may include therein, wherein the first concentration and the second concentration may be different, with at least the first core layer 502 , 602 one or more channels 106 comprises, the channel or channels 106 continuously and at least along the length and width of the core 101 , 501 , 601 can be connected, so that at least two channel sections 107 , 108 which extend along the length, via a connecting channel section 109 that is proximal to the posterior section 124 positioned, are in fluid communication. It is advantageous with this arrangement that a synergistic and efficient fluid distribution and absorption in the core is achieved, the channel shape ensuring immediate fluid redistribution along the core length and width, in particular from the front to the rear of the article, and the multilayer core arrangement with different Concentration of superabsorbent polymer enables more efficient absorption of the fluids in multiple ways and reduces the risk of gel blocking.

The channel or channels preferably extend 106 not up to one of the edges that make up the perimeter of the absorbent core 101 , 501 , 601 form, and can front terminal ends 110 , 111 that are typically proximal to the anterior section 122 of the core, and corresponding behind terminal ends 110 ' , 111 ' that are typically proximal to the posterior section 124 and distal from the anterior section 122 are include. Each of the channels is preferably substantially between the front terminal end 110 , 111 and the corresponding rear terminal end 110 ' , 111 ' connected with each other.

In one embodiment, the connecting channel section forms 109 a substantially U-shaped arch, preferably with the first core layer 502 , 602 a single channel 106 includes. Such a shape optimizes the fluid distribution properties of the core.

In one embodiment, the channel or channels comprise 106 a single connecting channel section 109 , so that a continuous region of superabsorbent polymer (typically in the length / width plane of the core) is formed around the channel or channels and essentially no region of superabsorbent polymer completely through sections of the channel or channels 106 is surrounded. This arrangement allows an optimal fluid distribution with a limited risk of the formation of oversaturated and undersaturated areas in the core as well as reducing the risk of delamination of connected layers that form the channel or channels.

In one embodiment, at least one of the interconnected channels forms 106 , preferably each of the channels 106 , a shape with an open end in the form of two diverging ends or a funnel shape and an opposite closed end through the connecting channel section 109 is formed, preferably with the open end proximal to the front portion 122 of the absorption core 101 and positioned distally from the closed end. It is advantageous here, among other things, to promote fluid distribution from the front to the back of the article.

In one embodiment, the first core layer comprises 502 , 602 at least one core cladding substrate 505 , 506 , 605 , 606 that surrounds the superabsorbent polymer therebetween and having an upper layer 505 , 605 the core cladding to a lower layer 506 , 606 the core cladding in areas of the core that define the channel or channels 106 comprise, is connected, preferably such that in the channel or channels 106 essentially none (ie less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.5 wt%, more preferably less than 0.1 wt%, still more preferably less than 0.05 wt%) entirely more preferably about 0% by weight based on the weight of the core cladding substrate) superabsorbent polymer 504 , 604 is present. This ensures that fluids can flow quickly along the channel direction without their path being slowed down by swelling / absorption.

In one embodiment, the first core layer comprises 502 , 602 also separate cellulosic fibers 507 , 607 that with the superabsorbent polymer 504 , 604 are mixed, and being the second core layer 503 , 603 free from the separate cellulose-containing fibers 507 , 607 is. This arrangement allows an additional "localized" fluid distribution, which is provided by the separate cellulose-containing fibers, which conduct fluid to the superabsorbent polymer distributed thereby and are then absorbed and fixed by the latter.

In one embodiment, the second core layer is 503 , 603 typically flake-free and includes a non-woven backing with an upper backing layer 508 , 608 and a lower backing layer 509 , 609 and superabsorbent polymer therebetween, the superabsorbent polymer being in the form of particles immobilized in the carrier and the top carrier layer 508 , 608 is a carded nonwoven made of staple fibers or spunbonded meltblown nonwoven spunbonded and where the lower backing layer 509 , 609 a carded nonwoven made of staple fibers or spunbonded nonwoven melt-blown nonwoven is spunbonded (preferably with the upper and lower support layers being different), preferably with the upper and lower support layers being mechanically connected to one another, preferably by water jet swirling, preferably with the upper support layer 508 , 608 consists of staple fibers that can be penetrated by the superabsorbent polymer particles and the lower carrier layer 509 , 609 consists of a fleece that with the upper backing layer 508 , 608 is swirled by water jet. This arrangement allows a flake-free core layer to be formed with immobilized superabsorbent particles that maintain their position, thereby restricting the bulk of the product and maximizing the layer's absorption and fluid fixation properties.

In one embodiment, the second core layer is 503 , 603 core cladding-free and comprises a single fleece backing layer with immobilized superabsorbent polymer thereon or therein, the fleece backing layer being porous and the superabsorbent polymer being in the form of particles and being immobilized by means of mechanical measures such as ultrasound, one or more adhesives and combinations thereof. This arrangement has been found to be advantageous for reducing further bulk and core materials. In particular by fixing particles in the substrate, e.g. B. by ultrasound, such immobilization can be achieved without chemical adhesive treatments and thus the risk of chemical contamination and / or the need for several / additional layers to coat the particles can be reduced.

The second concentration of superabsorbent polymer 504 , 604 can be greater than the first concentration of superabsorbent polymer 504 , 604 , preferably wherein the second concentration is at least 1.5 times, preferably 2 times as large as the first concentration. This has advantages such as a reduced risk of gel blocking.

In one embodiment, the second core layer is 503 , 603 below the first core layer 502 , 602 positioned, and being the second core layer 503 , 603 a first area of superabsorbent polymer particles 504 on a surface of it, that of the first core layer 502 , 602 opposite, comprises, wherein the first region is arranged in a pattern that at least along a plane formed by the core length and width essentially the shape of the channel or channels 106 follows, so that the shape of the channel or channels 106 essentially corresponds to that of the pattern. Typically, the first area of superabsorbent polymer particles is the only area of the second core layer 503 , 603 comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, preferably wherein the second core layer 503 , 603 superabsorbent polymer fibers except in the first region, the first region being free of superabsorbent polymer fibers. This arrangement enables the dual property of maximizing absorption effects across the core surface as well as providing a multi-sensory (e.g., visual and active) signal that the core is saturated.

Typically the second core layer 503 , 603 free of cellulosic fibers and comprises and preferably consists of superabsorbent fibers or a mixture of superabsorbent fibers (as described herein) and synthetic fibers.

In one embodiment, the second core layer is 503 , 603 dimensioned smaller than the first core layer in a level corresponding to the core length and width 502 , 602 . This enables an optimization between performance requirements and raw material usage and costs.

Absorption cores 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, may include: a front portion 122 ; a rear section 124 ; a middle section 126 between the front section 122 and the rear section 124 is positioned; and a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the core 101 extends and the front section, crotch section and rear section 122 , 126 , 124 crosses, with the absorption core 101 a width perpendicular to the length and a perimeter having at least two opposite ends 102 , 103 and at least two between the ends 102 , 103 positioned opposite sides 104 , 105 comprises, comprises, wherein the absorbent core 101 one or more, possibly essentially interconnected, channels 106 with a first shape when the absorbent core 101 is in the dry state, and a second form when the absorbent core is in the wet state, and wherein the first and second forms are different. In the course of the invention it was found that this arrangement makes it possible to provide a more effective alternative to standard visual wetness indicators, in which a simple color change is used to provide such an indication. Indeed, the change in channel shape under dry / wet conditions provides not only an immediate visual indication but also a tactile indication, so the two senses are committed to providing the caregiver with a unique warning that the absorbent article should be replaced, combine.

In one embodiment, the first form and the second form are visually distinguishable and arranged to provide a visual and / or tactile indication that the core is saturated with exudates.

The absorption core preferably comprises a single channel which is essentially connected to one another 106 in the dry state and more preferably a plurality (typically two) separate channels 206 in wet condition.

In one embodiment, the interconnected channel comprises 106 a U-bend proximal to the back end of the absorbent article and a first / second terminal end 110 , 111 proximal to the front of the absorbent article, generally in the dry state and in the wet state (ie when saturated with exudates and / or liquid), the channel is in a plurality (preferably two) separate channels 206 separated, with the separate channels 206 are typically free of the U-bend.

In a preferred embodiment, as in 18A shown, includes the interconnected channel 106 the first / second terminal end when dry 110 , 111 which are arranged to diverge to form an open and / or funnel-shaped end which is arranged opposite a closed end formed by the U-bend. An advantage of this form is the increase in speed, in particular the distribution of fluids and the early stages of excretion.

When wet, the channel described above is arranged to change its shape as shown in 18B shown, wherein the single interconnected channel becomes a plurality (preferably two) interrupted channels that are substantially free of the U-bend. Preferably, the shape of the channels in the wet state is the same as the shape in the dry state, except that the U-bend is missing, so that one channel (in the dry state) becomes two channels (in the wet state). This is typically done by breaking the connection forming the U-bend channel part when the absorbent material expands as liquid is absorbed.

Such change in shape can be accomplished in a number of ways, which are described below as preferred but non-limiting embodiments.

In one embodiment, the core comprises at least one core cladding substrate that surrounds one or more absorbent materials therein, the absorbent material preferably being selected from the group consisting of superabsorbent polymers, cellulosic fibers, and combinations thereof, and wherein an upper layer of the core cladding connects to a lower one Layer of core cladding is tied to one or more interconnected channels 106 that are free of the absorbent material to form (generally in a dry state). Typically, areas where the top and bottom layers are not bonded include absorbent material therebetween (thereby generally separating the top layer from the bottom layer) and areas where the top and bottom layers are bonded together are essentially free of absorbent material to form channels with the absorbent material of the core. The connected top layer and bottom layer of the core cladding preferably have a first connection in at least two separate regions of the channel or channels 106 and a second connection in at least one other area of the channel or channels 106 , which connect the at least two separate regions, and wherein the second connection is arranged such that it breaks when the absorbent material is saturated and / or expanded, while the first connection is arranged such that it is saturated when the absorbent is liquid and / or expanded absorbent material remains intact, preferably where the other area is the U-bend of the channel or channels. The channel is further preferably arranged such that in the dry state one or more, preferably a single, interconnected channel 106 , is visible and in the wet state a plurality, preferably two separate channels 206 , are visible. However, it is apparent that core wrapping (although preferred) is not necessary to achieve this effect, and rather other means could be provided, such as by directly or indirectly connecting a top sheet to a back sheet in a similar manner without requiring a core wrapper (i.e. the same features as described above can be present / can be replaced by a top layer / back layer instead of the core cladding).

The first connection and the second connection may comprise a first adhesive and a second adhesive, respectively. The first adhesive and the second adhesive are different, for example the second adhesive is selected so that it is soluble in contact with liquid at body temperature (about 37 ° C), like pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives with a low melting point (ie a melting point of about 40 ° C) ) like 3798LM, which is sold by 3M Company. The first adhesive can be selected from hot melt adhesives that maintain adhesive strength even when in contact with liquid at body temperature (ie have a melting point of more than 60 ° C, preferably more than 70 ° C, more preferably more than 90 ° C), such as Technomelt DM Cool 110 Dispomelt (also known as Dispomelt Cool 110 ), which is distributed by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA; or VV290F, sold by Savare 'Specialty Adhesives. In the above arrangement, the second adhesive can be applied in the U-bend area, while the first adhesive can be applied in all other areas of the channel.

In an alternative embodiment, the same adhesive can be used throughout the channel, but in areas that should be dispensed when wet, lower pressure is applied between substrates to provide a bonding force. For example, the pressure applied to the U-bend may be less (preferably less than half) than the pressure applied to all other areas of the channel.

Although the above two embodiments are examples of how different channel shapes can be achieved in the dry / wet state, other means of achieving the arrangement according to the invention can also be considered, so that the application should not be limited to this; for example, the first connection and the second connection can provide a first connection strength and a second connection strength, respectively, the first connection strength being greater than the second connection strength. In the context of the present invention, the connection strength is preferably determined as “peel strength”.

Typically, the first connection has a peel strength of more than 5 g / mm, preferably more than 6 g / mm, still more preferably from 7 g / mm to 50 g / mm, and the second connection has a peel strength of less than 5 g / mm , preferably from 0.1 g / mm to 4 g / mm, more preferably from 0.2 g / mm to 3.5 g / mm, even more preferably from 0.3 g / mm to 3 g / mm, the Peel strength in general in accordance with ASTM Designation: D1876-72, "Standard Test Methods for Peel Resistance of Adhesives (T-Peel Test)", to which express reference is hereby determined.

In a preferred embodiment, the first connection has a first hanging shear value and the second connection has a second hanging shear value, the first hanging shear value being greater than the second hanging shear value, the hanging shear value being determined in accordance with the hanging shear test described here. The first hanging shear value is preferably greater than 14 minutes (min) and is preferably 15 minutes to 40 minutes, more preferably 20 minutes to 35 minutes, even more preferably 22 minutes to 29 minutes. The second hanging shear value is preferably less than 14 min and is preferably 0.5 min to 10 min, more preferably 1 min to 5 min.

Absorption cores 101 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, may include: a front portion 122 ; a rear section 124 ; a crotch section (also referred to herein as a "middle section") 126 that is between the front section 122 and the rear section 124 is positioned; and a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the core 101 extends and the front section, crotch section and rear section 122 , 126 , 124 crosses, with the absorption core 101 a width perpendicular to the length and a perimeter having at least two opposite ends 102 , 103 and at least two between the ends 102 , 103 positioned opposite sides 104 , 105 comprises, comprises, wherein the absorbent core 101 one or more essentially interconnected channels 106 comprises extending through at least a portion of the crotch portion 126 (which is preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, still more preferably at least 80%, of a length of writing section substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis) extend along the length of the core and along at least a section of the width of the core, typically along and in Substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and from one side of the core [e.g. B. a first page 104 to the other [e.g. B. a second page 105 ], wherein the one or more substantially interconnected channels 106 is or are preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis. An advantage of such an arrangement with interconnected channels is that a faster immediate distribution of fluid over the core compared to a core that is free of such interconnected channels or cores that only have discontinuous channels is achieved. This helps to limit the supersaturation of the core in the fluid excretion section. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that by distributing the fluid over the core and immediately away from the location of fluid excretion, the individual is given a sense of dryness and skin comfort, as well as an impression of prolonged dryness in the user.

The longitudinal axis of the core, of which we are talking here, can be essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 48 and can be used synonymously here (such as in 11 and 12th illustrated), and the width of the core or the width axis of the core discussed herein can be substantially parallel to the lateral direction 49 (which is also referred to here as the transverse axis) and can be used synonymously here (as for example in 11 and 12th illustrated).

In one embodiment, the one or more interconnected channels are shaped to effectively direct fluid away from an excretion area, typically by forming a shape that has a spacing gradient between opposing surfaces of the interconnected channels, preferably by forming one funnel-shaped profile.

In one embodiment, the channels form a geometric shape over the absorption core and along a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, the geometric shape being selected from the group consisting of half-hourglass-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, pie-shaped and combinations thereof, "Half-hourglass-shaped" means an hourglass shape with only one end; exemplary forms are in 4th shown. As can be seen, it is not necessary for the channel to extend both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction, but it can also consist of a plurality of channels each extending in the longitudinal direction (see 4F) .

In one embodiment, the channels comprise a first nonwoven web connected with one or more adhesives to a second nonwoven web (or an upper and a lower layer of a core sheath connected with one or more adhesives) and preferably consist of them. Preferably, the adhesive is applied in zones across the width of the channels to form zones, preferably alternating zones, of different bond strengths between the nonwoven web laminate. For example, the first nonwoven web can be connected to the second nonwoven web in at least three zones along the width of the channel. Such an arrangement may comprise a first adhesive zone, a second adhesive zone and a third adhesive zone, the second adhesive zone between the first and third adhesive zones along the width of the channel (e.g. on an axis parallel to the core width and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core) is arranged, the bond strength of the second adhesive zone being greater than the bond strength of the first and third adhesive zones. Examples of ways to achieve such greater bond strength in the second zone are to use larger amounts of adhesive in that zone, to apply greater mechanical pressure to this zone, or to use a different type of adhesive; other ways are also provided, provided that there is greater adhesion between nonwoven webs in such an area. Although this embodiment is described with reference to adhesives, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that similar embodiments can be achieved with other joining techniques such as using mechanical joints such as heat sealing and / or ultrasonic joints.

In one embodiment, the bond strength in the first and third zones is less than the tensile force generated by the absorbent material proximal to the channel when moistened, so that the first and second nonwoven webs can separate in the zones; and wherein the bond strength in the second zone is greater than the tensile force generated by the absorbent material proximal to the channel when moistened such that the first and second nonwoven webs are not in the zone when moistened and typically swell the absorbent material can separate and rather remain firmly connected. An advantage of this arrangement is that a dry channel is visible from the top layer side of the article and / or core under dry conditions, providing wide channels that are also useful for channeling more fluid, particularly with initial / early excretion. This arrangement then further enables the connection in the first and third areas to fail, for example when the SAP swells, so that more volume is available for its expansion (and early saturation or non-optimal absorption is prevented), typically the second zone resists such expansion and thus ensures the integrity of the channels even when wet.

In a preferred embodiment, the first nonwoven web and / or the second nonwoven web, preferably the second nonwoven web, are elastic nonwovens (e.g. an elastic material such as Vistamaxx resin from ExxonMobil or other suitable polymers which give elasticity to a nonwoven web can lend, included). An advantage of this embodiment is that the nonwoven web wraps around the 3D insert better and more easily when a vacuum is applied, and a subsequent connection to the first nonwoven web at a position opposite the position of the base of the 3D insert (opposite an outstanding tip of it), allowed. This has the advantage of restricting the formation of fluid collection basins or sinks in the channels.

The cores here have a substantially rectilinear perimeter, as in 1 and 2nd illustrated, or may include symmetrical concave portions in the central portion thereof, as in 3rd illustrated. In the latter embodiment, the concave portions may be aligned and / or positioned within a crotch portion of the absorbent article to provide better ergonomics and fit along a wearer's leg. In each of these core shape embodiments, it is preferred that the cores are at least symmetrical about their longitudinal axis. Regardless of the core geometry, it is understood here that the same or similar channels as described here can be used interchangeably.

In one embodiment with reference to FIG 1 to 3rd comprises at least one and preferably each essentially interconnected channel 106 The following: a first channel section 107 that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis proximal to a first side 104 of the core 101 extends; a second channel section 108 that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis proximal to a second side 105 of the core 101 extends; and at least one, preferably only one, connecting channel section 109 in fluid communication with the first and second channel sections 107 , 108 . An advantage of this arrangement is the rapid distribution of liquid along more than one axis of the absorbent core, typically both the longitudinal and width axes thereof, to maximize the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core over its entire surface. In addition, such a geometry improves the fold of the core and thus enables a better and tight fit on the skin of the individual (with or without the addition of further elastic proximal to the channel sections).

In one embodiment, the connecting channel section ( 109 ) at least one of the interconnected channels, the connecting channel section being in fluid communication with the first and second channel sections ( 107 , 108 ), preferably the closed end is in the form of a U-bend, preferably with the first and second channel sections ( 107 , 108 ) at least along a section of the connecting channel that typically comes out of the U-bend ( 106 ) diverge from the longitudinal axis and thereby at least partially form a funnel-shaped interconnected channel near the closed end.

The first and second channel sections may be substantially linear or have a substantially curved profile, preferably selected from concave or convex, or comprise a combination of the linear and curved profile. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second channel sections are concave and generally symmetrical about at least the longitudinal axis.

The first and second channel sections can extend through at least a majority, preferably the entirety, of the length of the crotch section along the longitudinal axis and typically run parallel to the sides of the core that form its perimeter.

In a preferred embodiment, each interconnected channel here comprises only a single connecting channel section 109 , which typically forms a tip of the interconnected channel. An advantage of this embodiment is a rapid fluid distribution through the core while at the same time reducing the risk of blockages which could otherwise result if nests are formed from moistened areas.

The connecting channel part preferably extends 109 essentially along the width of the core 101 and preferably forms a closed end in a surface of the core 101 along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and is preferably opposite one by a first and second terminal position 110 , 111 that are not connected to the connected channel 106 , preferably the first or second channel section 107 , 108 , formed open end, typically the first and second terminal positions 110 , 111 that are not connected, distal to each other and proximal to the first or second side 104 , 105 of the core 101 are, the terminal positions 110 , 111 are further preferably facing away from one another, so that a funnel-shaped geometric opening is formed between them. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that such geometry helps to "channel" and collect more fluid when needed and effectively distribute it away from the collection area.

In one embodiment and preferably in combination with the previous embodiment, the interconnected channel comprises a first ( 110 ) and second ( 111 ) terminal position that is not are connected, the first terminal position ( 110 ) to a first page ( 104 ) of the core and / or the second terminal position ( 111 ) to a second page ( 105 ) of the core, such as in 3rd illustrated. The entire width of the absorption core can be covered by the channel, which ensures a better fluid distribution.

In one embodiment, the closed end is substantially curvilinear and preferably forms a convex shape between the first and second channel sections 107 , 108 or is substantially linear in shape and preferably forms a straight or triangular shape between the first and second channel sections 107 , 108 . the closed end can be through the connecting channel part 109 be educated. An advantage of such a shape is the enlargement of the contact surface with adjacent areas of three-dimensional absorbent material to better promote the absorption of the distributed liquid after removal from areas of typically high saturation.

In one embodiment, a first distance (d ₁ ) between the first channel section 107 and the second channel section 108 , a second distance (d ₂ ) between the first channel section 107 and the second channel section 108 , the first distance (d ₁ ) proximal to the front section 122 of the core 101 and the second distance (d ₂ ) proximal to the posterior section 124 of the absorption core 101 is, and wherein the first distance (d ₁ ) is greater than the second distance (d ₂ ), preferably wherein the first distance (d ₁ ) is at least 1.5 d ₂ , more preferably 1.8 d ₂ to 3 d ₂ . One advantage is the fast and effective fluid distribution from areas of typically high saturation to areas of typically lower saturation.

In one embodiment, the core comprises a first nonwoven web, typically in the form of a backsheet; a second nonwoven web, typically in the form of a top sheet; and a three-dimensional absorbent material positioned between the first and second nonwoven webs to form an absorbent core laminate, typically wherein the three-dimensional absorbent material comprises a fibrous web that typically comprises airlaid fibers and preferably comprises a predetermined amount of superabsorbent polymer dispersed therein.

In a very preferred embodiment, the interconnected channel 106 essentially free of three-dimensional absorbent material and preferably also free of superabsorbent polymer. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that absorbent materials delay fluid distribution compared to the effectiveness of such channels; in fact, the absorbent materials swell and / or saturate upon absorption of fluid, effectively reducing the amount of fluid that could flow therethrough. By eliminating such materials from the channels, a highly efficient fluid distribution system can be maintained that operates essentially independently of the fluid acquisition / absorption mechanism of the adjacent areas.

In a preferred embodiment, the core comprises a plurality of essentially interconnected channels, which are preferably arranged essentially concentrically, an example of which in FIG 4E is shown. One advantage is the exponential effectiveness of fluid distribution and channeling, especially when neighboring areas become more saturated or swell.

In one embodiment, as in 4C and 4D shown, the core further comprises one or more interrupted channels, preferably a portion of which is arranged concentrically around the essentially interconnected channel. One advantage is the effective additional local uniform fluid distribution. It is also believed that when the areas adjacent to the channels swell upon saturation, visual patterns can be formed that more clearly convey the perception of the effectiveness of the entire core surface for fluid absorption.

Preferably, the channels are essentially interconnected 106 a regular or irregular depth, the depth being on both the longitudinal axis and the axis along the width of the core 101 vertical axis is measured, preferably being the cross section of the channels 106 is selected from the group consisting of curved, polygonal or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, as in 16 the width of the interconnected channel or channels ( 106 ) vary along the canal. Preferably the width of the channel increases from the terminal positions ( 110 , 111 ) to the connecting channel section ( 109 ) down. This is in 16 where the width ( 210a ) of the channel ( 106 ) near the first terminal position ( 110 ) and the width ( 210b ) of the channel ( 106 ) near the second terminal position ( 111 ) are larger than the width ( 211a ) of the channel ( 106 ) in the first channel section ( 107 ) and the Width ( 211b ) of the channel ( 106 ) in the second channel section ( 108 ) that are larger than the width ( 212 ) of the channel ( 106 ) in the connecting channel section ( 109 ). Such a variation in the width of the channel sections leads to faster distribution. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that varying the width utilizes capillary effects that better promote fluid transport from the front to the back of the absorbent article.

It goes without saying that a number of alternative forms can be used for the channels described here, examples of which are shown in 4th and 16 are shown without departing from the embodiments of the disclosure described herein.

In one embodiment, the absorbent core 101 essentially continuous zones of one or more structures 112 with high fluid distribution and continuous or discontinuous zones of fluid absorption structures 113 , 114 that the one or more structures 112 surrounded with high fluid distribution, wherein the one or more structures 112 with high fluid distribution are arranged to flow fluid at a speed across the absorbent core 101 to distribute, which is faster than the speed of the fluid distribution over the absorption core through the discontinuous fluid absorption structures 113 , 114 , and wherein the continuous zones extend along a path that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of the core 101 where the section of the perimeter of the core is at least a section of the sides 104 , 105 , preferably at least a portion of both the sides 104 , 105 , the core 101 as well as one of the ends 102 , 103 of the core 101 (preferably only one end 103 ), preferably to the rear section 124 proximal end 103 , includes. In this embodiment, it is advantageous to separate absorbent regions of the core with fluid distribution regions, which distribute fluid uniformly over the core surface using a mechanism as described above and provide a visual perception of effectiveness.

In one embodiment, the fluid distribution structures are shaped such that fluid is effectively removed from a separation area, typically by forming a shape with a distance gradient between opposing surfaces of the structures, preferably forming a funnel-shaped profile that is essentially delimited by one or more fluid absorption structures.

In one embodiment, the structures with high fluid distribution form a geometric shape over the absorption core and along a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, the geometric shape from the group consisting of half-hourglass-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, pie-shaped and combinations thereof is selected. “Half-hourglass-shaped” is to be understood as an hourglass shape with only one end, such as in 4B shown.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more high fluid distribution structures comprise and preferably consist of at least two nonwoven webs bonded together (for example with an adhesive) and the zones of fluid absorption structures comprise a three-dimensional absorbent material (such as cellulosic flakes and / or fibrous web, which are typically airlaid fibers, typically of the cellulosic type) and / or a superabsorbent polymer (typically in the form of a plurality of discrete particles dispersed in the three-dimensional absorbent material or agglomerated directly in one or more pockets between at least two nonwoven webs).

Preferably, the fluid distribution structures comprise substantially interconnected channels as described in the previous embodiments and the fluid absorption structures comprise a three-dimensional absorbent material and / or superabsorbent polymer as described in the previous embodiments.

ABSORBENT ARTICLES

Absorbent articles 10th , 20 , 300 , 500 , 600 according to the present disclosure include a core 101 , 501 , 601 between a liquid-permeable top layer 520 , 620 and a liquid impervious backsheet 521 , 621 and are typically devoid of an acquisition distribution layer located between the topsheet 520 , 620 and the core 101 , 501 , 601 is positioned. On the contrary, the top layer of the core covering is generally in direct contact with the top layer such that no further layer is arranged between the top layer and the core covering, and the top layer of the core covering comprises a spunbonded nonwoven.

The rear side layer preferably comprises a print or a graphic that is visible from the side of the article facing the clothing and essentially the shape and / or contour of the channel or channels 106 corresponds. The latter has the advantage of further emphasizing the visual perception of the presence of such a channel and its position in the absorbent article.

In embodiments with a plurality of core layers, a first region of the second core layer swells 503 , 603 preferably when saturated with exudates, creating one or more protrusions 525 formed that are visible from a garment-facing side of the article, the protrusions having a shape that is substantially the shape of the one or more channels 106 which gives the caregiver an indication that the absorbent article is saturated and should be replaced. One advantage is that a truly multi-sensory warning is given that the absorbent article should be replaced.

In one embodiment, the print or graphic includes a variety of hues, with the darkest hue positioned so that the darkest hue is when the article is 10th , 20 , 300 , 500 , 600 is in the wet state at a tip of each of the one or more protrusions 525 located. One advantage is that a tiered warning is provided; as the protrusions increase in swelling, the darker hue becomes more apparent to the fully saturated / expanded state (visually).

In one embodiment of the disclosure, an absorbent article may have a core 101 as described above, the article preferably being selected from disposable diapers or pants, incontinence disposable diapers or pants, sanitary napkins or panty liners, and typically wherein the channel or channels in the core are visible both before and after use of the article remains or remain and has a first shape if the absorption core 101 is in the dry state and has a second form when the absorbent core is in the wet state, the first and second forms being different. The channel or channels is or are preferably visible when viewed from a clothing side and / or the skin-facing side of the article, preferably when viewing a rear side layer of the article from its clothing side. Preferably, the channels in the core remain visible both before and after use of the article, preferably with the channels more visible after use than before use of the article.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a topsheet and a backsheet directly or indirectly surrounding the core, the backsheet and / or the topsheet comprising a color different from the color of the core, preferably wherein the backsheet is one Has color different from the color of the topsheet and core so that the channels can be visually distinguishable from the topsheet side of the article.

ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION LAYER

Articles herein typically do not include a separate acquisition and distribution layer (AVS). In prior art articles, AVS are typically on a body-facing side of the absorbent core between the topsheet and the absorbent core of the absorbent article, and more preferably in close proximity or even in good contact (most preferably in direct contact) with the body-facing side of the absorbent core positioned. In the course of the invention, it has surprisingly been found that by combining the channeled cores described here together with a core covering, at least the upper / lower layer of which comprises a spunbonded fabric, an equally good dryness and performance is achieved, as a result of which no expensive additional layers such as commonly used AVS are more required and allow a reduction in product costs as well as a reduction in waste.

CORE ENVIRONMENT

At least the top layer of core wrap for use herein to surround absorbent material as described above comprises a spunbonded web. Preferably, the top layer of the core sheath further comprises a meltblown nonwoven. More preferably, the top layer of the core cladding is a multi-layer nonwoven and comprises at least one spunbonded nonwoven layer and at least one meltblown layer and is a nonwoven that is preferably selected from the group consisting of SM, SMS, SMMS and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the top layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, comprises bicomponent fibers with a polypropylene core surrounded by a polyethylene shell.

In one embodiment, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has a weight per unit area of 5 to 50 g / m ² , preferably 7 to 48 g / m ² , preferably 8 to 45 g / m ² , preferably 10 up to 45 g / m ² , more preferably from 15 to 40 g / m ² , even more preferably from 18 to 35 g / m ² , very particularly preferably from 20 to 30 g / m ² .

In one embodiment, the top layer of the core cladding has a first basis weight and the bottom layer of the core cladding has a second basis weight, the first and second basis weights being different, preferably the first basis weight being greater than the second basis weight, more preferably wherein that first basis weight 1.1 to 4.0 times, preferably 1.2 to 3.5 times, preferably 1.3 to 3.0 times, even more preferably 1.5 to 2 , 5 times the second basis weight. This has the advantage of lowering costs in the lower layer and improving acquisition performance on the upper layer. In addition, this embodiment is advantageous when using mechanical connection to connect the upper and lower core cladding in the channel regions, since it limits the formation of holes in the upper layer, which can thereby cause the undesirable escape / migration of absorbent material; on the other hand, the risk of formation of holes in the lower layer is outweighed by the cost saving and the reduced material waste for environmental reasons, since the lower layer is typically connected to the impermeable backing layer anyway and therefore disadvantages of migration of absorbent material are minor.

Alternatively, although not preferred, the upper and lower core cladding layers can have the same basis weight, in which case it is preferred that the basis weight 7 to 50 g / m ² , preferably 10 to 45 g / m ² , more preferably 15 to 40 g / m ² , even more preferably 18 to 35 g / m ² , very particularly preferably 20 to 30 g / m ² .

Preferably, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has a specific volume of less than 13 cm ³ / g, preferably less than 12.6 cm ³ / g, more preferably less than 11.4 cm ³ / g, preferably less than 11.3 cm ³ / g, more preferably from 5.5 cm ³ / g to 11.2 cm ³ / g, even more preferably from 8.5 cm ³ / g to 11.17 cm ³ / g. Advantageously, a specific volume within these ranges allows the limitation of sponge-like rewetting disadvantages, but still ensures fast acquisition speeds when combined with cores having channels as described here.

The synthetic fibers are preferably provided in an amount of more than 90% by weight, preferably from 95% to 100%, based on the weight of the core cladding.

Preferably, at least the top layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, is made of synthetic fibers and is preferably free of cellulose fibers, more preferably the core cladding is treated, such as with a surfactant, to make the top core cladding layer hydrophilic. The synthetic fibers preferably comprise and preferably consist of polypropylene fibers. The perceived dryness is advantageously improved by further eliminating cellulose fibers from the core cladding.

Preferably, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has an average flow pore size of 15 µm to 200 µm, preferably from 30 µm to 150 µm, more preferably from 45 µm to 130 µm, even more preferably from 55 µm to 110 µm , even more preferably from 60 µm to less than 100 µm, even more preferably from 65 µm to 95 µm, even more preferably from 70 µm to 90 µm. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, if the pore size is too small, the nonwoven will retain more liquid therein and have a reduced purging performance; on the other hand, if the pore size is too large, the nonwoven will have no desirable wicking properties to still provide an acceptable liquid distribution to provide via the core, which is particularly advantageous in the absence of a distinct AVS.

Preferably, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has a relative porosity of less than 9000 L / m ² / s, preferably from 1000 L / m ² / s to 8000 L / m ² / s, preferably from 2000 L / m ² / s to 7000 L / m ² / s, more preferably from 3000 L / m ² / s to 5000 L / m ² / s, very particularly preferably from 3500 L / m ² / s to 4500 L / m ² / s. Advantageously, nonwovens enable a relative Porosity within these areas reduces sponge-like behavior while providing good fluid distribution performance.

The 17A-G do not illustrate embodiments according to the present disclosure with an AVS ( 201 ) and their relative size and position in relation to interconnected channels ( 106 ). In one embodiment, the upper layer of the core cladding is bonded to one or more connection zones on the liquid-permeable top layer, the one or more connection zones outside and / or inside the channel or channels ( 106 ) is or are positioned so that the connection zones the channel or the channels ( 106 ) do not overlap significantly, the connection zones preferably comprising one or more adhesives. This advantageously enables better promotion of the initial fluid transfer from the topsheet to the channels (and along the core) by restricting the hydrophobicity between the channel areas and the topsheet, which also helps to reduce perceived wetness when pressure and / or weight is applied, if the absorbent article is dirty but at the same time the topsheet is kept in close contact with the core sheath of the core so that liquid can be effectively distributed through the core.

Preferably, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.1 to 0.4 mm, more preferably from 0.15 to 0.3 mm, according to the here described method. Advantageously, limiting the thickness of the core cladding reduces spongy behavioral effects that can result in perceived rewetting, but if the thickness is too small, the liquid distribution capabilities of the core cladding are adversely affected.

Preferably, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has a moisture retention factor of less than 11, preferably less than 10.5, preferably from 1 to 10, more preferably from 2 to 9, even more preferably from 2.5 to 8 , very particularly preferably from 3 to 7.5, according to the method described here. The moisture retention factor essentially determines the ability of the core cladding to retain liquid therein, and thus its sponge-like properties. The higher the moisture retention factor, the greater the perceived rewetting. When using cores with channels, the choice of core claddings with moisture retention within the above ranges advantageously helps to limit the perceived rewetting without significantly affecting the fluid handling properties of the channels, particularly in the absence of distinct acquisition and distribution layers.

In a preferred embodiment, at least the upper layer of the core cladding, preferably the entire core cladding, has at least two layers, a first layer proximal to the top layer ( 520 , 620 ) and the second layer proximal to the absorption core ( 101 , 501 , 601 ) and distal from the top layer ( 520 , 620 ) is positioned, the first layer being more hydrophobic than the second layer, preferably wherein the first layer consists of a perforated film layer and / or wherein the second layer consists of a fiber layer, which typically consists of a spunbonded or carded nonwoven. The first layer may generally have a first contact angle of more than 120 °, preferably from 120 ° to 135 °, and the second layer may have a second contact angle of 90 ° or less. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that such an arrangement enables an increase in the rate at which the liquid is forced from the upper layer into the lower layer and a subsequent limitation of the perceived rewetting.

MANUFACTURING METHOD AND USE

Methods of making an absorbent article having one or more channels as described herein include the following steps: i. Providing a mold that includes a non-porous insert therein, the insert typically having the inverse shape of the channel or channels, the shape except the insert being in fluid communication with a vacuum source; ii. Applying a first nonwoven web to the mold; iii. Applying an absorbent material, typically comprising cellulose fibers and / or superabsorbent polymer particles, over at least a portion of the nonwoven web; iv. Removing the absorbent material from areas of the nonwoven web that correspond to the use; v. Applying a second nonwoven web directly or indirectly over the absorbent material or folding the first nonwoven web such that the absorbent material is disposed between an upper and a lower core wrapping layer of the nonwoven web (s); vi. Joining the top and bottom core cladding layers at least in the areas of the nonwoven web that correspond to the insert form an absorbent core having one or more channels that are substantially free of absorbent material and typically have the inverse shape of the insert; vii. Laminating the absorbent core between a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impervious backsheet; where step vii. comprises the step of directly connecting the liquid-permeable top layer to a body-facing (or skin-facing) surface of the top core cladding layer, and wherein the top layer of the core cladding comprises a spunbonded web.

In one embodiment, step vii. the step of applying an adhesive homogeneously over a garment-facing surface of the top layer or a skin-facing surface of the top layer of the core such that 80% to 100% of the entire surface of the top layer is covered with adhesive.

In one embodiment, step vii. the step of applying an adhesive pattern to a garment facing surface of the topsheet or a skin facing surface of the top layer of the core, the adhesive pattern being positioned inside and / or outside the channel or channels such that there is substantially no adhesive pattern with the channel or the channels overlap. This provides the advantage of reducing the hydrophobicity in the channel areas.

Alternatively, step vii. the step of applying an adhesive pattern to a garment-facing surface of the topsheet or a skin-facing surface of the top layer of the core, the adhesive pattern being aligned with the channel or channels so that adhesive is in an overlapping area of the channel or channels is present and is essentially absent in adjacent areas immediately inside and / or outside the channel or channels. This provides the advantage of restricting the amount of liquid that can accumulate in the tubes formed in the channel areas when the absorbent material swells and in particular in gaps / interfaces between the top layer and the core cladding, which in turn would lead to a higher probability of rewetting under the influence of weight. In this embodiment, the choice of hydrophilic adhesives (or adhesives with low hydrophobicity) is preferred.

The pattern is preferably in the form of a multiplicity of strips, curls or spirals which are arranged in a transverse axis ( 49 ) are spaced from each other and along the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) extend. This arrangement allows areas of high liquid permeability (in areas free of adhesive) and areas of lower liquid permeability (in areas which correspond to the adhesive pattern) which force the liquid to the absorption core and which limits the surface of the top layer, which can be susceptible to rewetting effects and perceived moisture.

Hanging shear test procedure:

A core (unused, ie in a dry state) with a channel as described here is cut into several samples with a size of approximately 5 cm × 10 cm, as in 19A shown (as shown in the figure, represents sample 3rd the U-bend section of the canal and the samples 1 and 2nd other sections of the canal). Each sample is then conditioned under room conditions (generally in an oven at a temperature of 25 ° C and 40% RH for at least 12 hours).

For each sample, the top substrate and the bottom substrate thereof are peeled / separated up to (and not including) the position of the channel (where the top and bottom substrates are connected), after which the bottom substrate is fixed to a stationary clamp and the upper substrate is fixed to a second clamp, to which weights of a total of 109 g are attached to each sample (as in 19B) shown.

Then the time is measured from the moment the weights are applied to the moment when there is complete tearing between the top / bottom substrate (i.e. the weights fall to the floor). The latter time represents the hanging shear value.

The disclosure is further described using the following non-limiting examples, which further illustrate the disclosure, but are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or to be interpreted accordingly. The examples provided herein provide other embodiments and structural technical features that (isolated or combined) may be included in absorbent articles in accordance with the present disclosure. However, it is understood that alternative structural Features of the absorbent article can be applied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Acquisition time test procedure:

The following test is performed to determine the acquisition time of a diaper.

The diaper core is loaded with a weight of 8 kg. Using a special type of funnel, a defined amount of NaCl solution is poured onto the diaper and the absorption time is measured. This procedure is repeated a total of four times, waiting for 5 minutes after each injection.

Solutions to be used: demineralized water (conductivity <5 µS / cm); colored NaCI solution (0.9%) [9 g sodium chloride, NaCI p.a. are to be dissolved in 991 g of fully demineralized water and colored with food coloring free of salt].

Devices to be used: Foam plastic mat covered with hook material; Weight of 8 kg with a funnel (base area 100 mm × 300 mm; approx. 0.4 psi); electronic stopwatch (accuracy 1 s per 20 min); Balance (accuracy ± 0.01 g); Filter paper according to Hy-Tec (100 mm × 300 mm; Schleicher & Schuell type 604 ); Beaker.

Sample preparation: At least four unused diapers are tested. The weight of each sample is determined and noted. Weighed filter paper ( 10th Piece) for running out over the back layer is placed on the foam plastic mats, after which the samples are fixed on it. The stress point is marked on the diaper according to the gender-specific position, ie in the middle of the entire diaper for girls, 2.5 cm to the front for unisex and 5 cm to the front for boys. The center of the filter paper is then positioned on the loading point.

Procedure: The diaper is attached over the backing layer on the foam plastic mat above the filter paper. The weight of 8 kg is placed on the absorbent core so that the marking on the side is in line with the marking on the diaper. The NaCI solution (4 × 70 ml) is poured onto the diaper through the funnel. The time it takes for the liquid to penetrate the top layer is measured and recorded. After the liquid is absorbed by the diaper, a stop watch is started to measure a waiting time. After a waiting time of 5 minutes, the same amount of liquid is poured onto the diaper a second time and the absorption time is measured and recorded again. This procedure is repeated a total of four times. After the fourth waiting time of 5 minutes, the weight is removed from the diaper and any liquid remaining on the base plate is wiped off.

For the products tested, the average value and the standard deviation of the absorption time (in seconds) after the fourth liquid addition are recorded as the average acquisition time.

Test procedure for assessing surface dryness (rewetting)

The following test is carried out to determine the surface dryness of a diaper surface.

A defined amount of NaCI solution is poured onto the diaper in one pour with a measuring cylinder. When the liquid is absorbed, the time is taken.

Two minutes after the injection, rewet under a weight of 580 g should be determined using filter paper weighed before and after the test and the values recorded.

Solutions to be used: demineralized water (conductivity <5 µS / cm); colored NaCI solution (0.9%) [9 g sodium chloride, NaCI p.a. are to be dissolved in 991 g of fully demineralized water and colored with food coloring free of salt].

Equipment to be used: plastic container (37 cm × 26 cm × 17 cm); Metal plate and magnets; Plexiglass plate (25 (± 1) cm x 20 (± 1) cm; 580 ± 2 g); electronic stopwatch (accuracy 1 s per 20 min); Balance (accuracy ± 0.01 g); Filter paper according to Hy-Tec (100 mm × 300 mm; Schleicher & Schuell type 604 ); Measuring cylinder (capacity ≥ 100 ml).

Preparation of the samples: Diapers (at least 5 samples each) are placed in a curved form in a transparent container and fixed to the edges of the container with metal clips. The core should be completely in the container, with the edges of the core not being folded over the walls of the container.

Procedure: The measuring cylinder is filled with 100 ml of the NaCI solution and positioned over the middle of the diaper. The liquid is poured onto the diaper in a quick pour, after which the watch is started. One minute after the liquid has been poured on, the diaper is laid flat on a metal plate using four magnets at the corners of the diaper. After a total of two minutes, the previously weighed filter paper and the plexiglass plate are placed in the middle of the diaper. The stack of filter paper and plexiglass plate stays on the diaper for 5 seconds. The filter paper is then weighed again. The difference in weight of the filter paper before and after the test corresponds to the rewetting in grams. The rewetting is calculated according to the following formula: rewetting [g] = WA - WB
where WB = weight of filter paper before the test and WA = weight of filter paper after the test.

Then the average rewet is given as the average of all samples tested (values in g).

Air permeability test procedure:

The following test procedure is used to measure air permeability (or "relative porosity" as referred to herein) of nonwoven substrates.

Devices to be used: Air permeability tester model FX 3300 LABOTESTER III (from Textest AG) with a test head with part number FX 3300-20 (from Textest AG).

Procedure: Each nonwoven sample is introduced (by using the respective clamp holder in the device) as an obstacle in an air flow. As a result of hydraulic losses, a pressure difference Δp develops (between the upper and lower side of the nonwoven fabric sample). The pressure difference is recorded with a manometer. The standard assessment (according to EN ISO 9237: 1995) is carried out under the following conditions: clamping surface 20 cm ² , pressure difference 200 Pa. The measured value can be specified as air speed in liters per square meter per second (L / m ² / s).

Test method for moisture retention factor:

The following test procedure is used to measure the moisture retention factor of nonwoven substrates.

The acquisition distribution layer of a diaper is carefully removed with an ice spray (such as ice spray from Auxynhairol-Vertrieb) to inactivate any adhesive tie layers of the diaper together. This procedure typically begins with the removal of the top layer by peeling with subsequent peeling of the acquisition distribution layer immediately adjacent to it.

After removal of the acquisition distribution layer (AVS) from the diaper, each AVS is weighed individually on a balance (accuracy ± 0.01 g) and the dry weight (TG) is recorded under room conditions.

Then each AVS is immersed in saline for 2 minutes according to the composition below. Typically, a plastic container (37 cm x 26 cm x 17 cm) is filled with such a solution for immersing the AVS, but other sizes can be used.

Solution to be used: demineralized water (conductivity <5 µS / cm); colored NaCI solution (0.9%) [9 g sodium chloride, NaCI p.a. are to be dissolved in 991 g of fully demineralized water and colored with food coloring free of salt].

Each AVS is removed from the solution, clamped at one end and left hanging for 3 minutes under the influence of gravity. Then the AVS is removed from the clamp and weighed again, and the wet weight (NG) is recorded under room conditions.

By subtracting wet weight (NG) from dry weight (TG) for each AVS sample, wet retention (WR) is obtained in grams (i.e. WR = NG-TG).

Then the wet retention factor (WRF) is obtained as wet retention (WR) divided by the dry weight (TG) of each AVS sample (i.e. WRF = WR / TG).

It should be noted that to determine the moisture retention factor, typically at least 3 samples of each AVS are tested and the average dry weight and average wet retention are calculated, but this test can still be carried out on a single AVS sample without calculating average values have to.

Measuring method for contact angle:

• - i. Die zu testenden Materialien sollten vor der Messung bei 23 °C und 50 % relativer Feuchte über einen geeigneten Zeitraum (mindestens 4 h) akklimatisiert werden. Die Messung erfolgt in einem Klimaraum (23 °C, 50 % relative Feuchte).
• - ii. Die zu testenden Materialien sollten mit doppelseitigen Klebebändern, wie beispielsweise vom Hersteller empfohlen, auf einen Standard-Probenhalter aufgebracht werden.
• - iii. Geeignete Parameter für die Messung sind:
  • - a) flüssiges Wasser zur Analyse
  • - b) Tropfenvolumen 5 µl
  • - c) Zahl von zu messenden Tropfen zur Mittelung der Ergebnisse: 25
  • - d) in dem hypothetischen Fall, dass weder in T558PM-95 noch in den vorliegenden Kommentaren spezifische Messbedingungen angesprochen werden, können wie vom Hersteller des Prüfgeräts empfohlene Vorgabewerte verwendet werden. Namen von Anbietern geeigneter Prüfgeräte finden sich im gebundenen Satz von TAPPI-Prüfverfahren oder können vom TAPPI-Informationsquellenzentrum erhältlich sein. Bevorzugte Geräte werden von Fibro System AB, Stockholm, hergestellt und unter dem Warenzeichen FibroDat® vertrieben, wie das Kontaktwinkelprüfgerät FibroDat 1100.
• - iv. Für diejenigen Materialien (z. B. hydrophile, absorbierende Materialien), bei denen der Kontaktwinkel mit der Zeit variiert, wird die Messung 0,05 s nach dem Ablegen des Tropfens durchgeführt.
• - v. wenn darauf hingewiesen wird, dass die zu testenden Materialien zu sehr hohen Kontaktwinkeln führen, kann es notwendig werden, die zur Abgabe des Tropfens aus der Spritze verwendete Kraft zu variieren, damit der Tropfen nicht abrollt.

The contact angle is determined according to TAPPI method T558PM-95 (1995) taking into account the following points:

• - i. The materials to be tested should be acclimatized for a suitable period of time (at least 4 hours) at 23 ° C and 50% relative humidity. The measurement is carried out in a climate room (23 ° C, 50% relative humidity).
• - ii. The materials to be tested should be applied to a standard sample holder with double-sided adhesive tapes, as recommended by the manufacturer, for example.
• - iii. Suitable parameters for the measurement are:
  • - a) liquid water for analysis
  • - b) drop volume 5 µl
  • - c) Number of drops to be measured to average the results: 25
  • - d) In the hypothetical case that specific measurement conditions are not addressed in T558PM-95 or in the present comments, default values recommended by the manufacturer of the test instrument can be used. The names of providers of suitable test equipment can be found in the bound set of TAPPI test procedures or can be obtained from the TAPPI Information Source Center. Preferred devices are manufactured by Fibro System AB, Stockholm, and sold under the trademark FibroDat®, such as the contact angle tester FibroDat 1100.
• - iv. For those materials (e.g. hydrophilic, absorbent materials) for which the contact angle varies with time, the measurement is carried out 0.05 s after the drop has been deposited.
• - v. if it is pointed out that the materials to be tested lead to very high contact angles, it may be necessary to vary the force used to deliver the drop from the syringe so that the drop does not roll off.

EXAMPLES

Example 1:

The 5-8 Representatively illustrate an example of a disposable diaper, generally indicated at 20, in accordance with the present disclosure.

As in the 5-7 Representatively illustrated, defines the diaper 20 a front waist area 22 , a rear waist area 24th , a crotch area 24th that is between the front waist area 22 and in the back waist area 24th extends and connects these, a pair of laterally opposite side edges 28 , an inner surface 30th and an outer surface 32 . The front waist area 22 includes the section of the diaper 20 which is positioned on the front of the wearer while wearing, while the back waist area 24th the section of the diaper 20 which is positioned on the back of the carrier when worn. The crotch area 26 the diaper 20 includes the section of the diaper 20 which is positioned between the legs of the wearer when worn and covers the lower body of the wearer.

The diaper 20 contains an outer cover 34 , an absorbent chassis 36 and a fastening system 50 . The absorbent chassis 36 is configured to retain and / or absorb any body exudates excreted by the wearer. The outer cover 34 and the fastening system 50 are configured to be the diaper 20 around the waist of the wearer, the absorbent chassis 36 hide and provide a garment-like look. The diaper 20 can also leg elasticity 96 and 98 and retaining flaps 100 and 102 contain. It is understood that the individual components of the diaper 20 depending on the intended use of the diaper 20 can be optional.

As in the 5-8 representatively illustrated are the laterally opposite side edges 28 the diaper 20 generally through the side edges of the outer cover 34 that further define leg openings that can be curvilinear. The waist edges of the outer cover 34 also define a waist opening that is configured to surround the wearer's waist when worn.

As in the 5-8 representatively illustrated is the absorbent chassis 36 the diaper 20 suitably with the outer cover 34 connected to the disposable diaper 20 to provide. The absorbent chassis 36 can be of the type well known to those skilled in the art with the outer cover 34 be connected. For example, the absorbent chassis 36 using adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniques with the outer cover known to those skilled in the art 34 be connected. Alternatively, the absorbent chassis 36 using conventional fasteners such as buttons, Velcro fasteners, tape fasteners and the like with the outer cover 34 be connected. The other components of the diaper 20 may suitably be linked using similar means.

The absorbent chassis is desirable 36 only on or next to the waist edges of the outer cover 34 with the outer cover 34 connected, thereby creating a front fastened section, a rear fastened section and a non-fastened section which extends between and connects the fastened sections. The unmounted section of the absorbent chassis 36 essentially doesn't stick to the outer cover 34 bound and is generally configured to fit between the wearer's legs and at least partially cover the wearer's lower body in use. As a result, the unattached section is generally the section of the absorbent chassis 36 , which is configured to first absorb the wearer's body exudates during use.

This is the absorbent chassis 36 so with the outer cover 34 connected that the chassis 36 is secured in position but the movement of the outer cover 34 is not adversely limited in use. Alternatively, the absorbent chassis 36 along the entire longitudinal length of the absorbent chassis 36 or any portion thereof, or only along the outer periphery of the absorbent chassis 36 on the outer cover 34 be attached.

As in the 5-8 representatively illustrated, the absorbent chassis 36 a backsheet according to the present disclosure 38 , a top layer 40 that are in a superimposed relationship with the back position 38 is connected, and an absorption core 42 that is between the top layer 40 and the back position 38 located.

The absorbent chassis 36 is generally conformable and can absorb and retain body exudates. The absorbent chassis 36 can be any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, the absorbent chassis 36 as in the 5-8 representatively illustrated, rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. The size and absorption capacity of the absorbent chassis 36 should match the size of the intended carrier and the intended use of the diaper 20 caused fluid loading to be compatible.

The top layer 40 of the absorbent chassis 36 as in the 5-8 Representatively illustrated, suitably has a body-facing surface that is intended to be worn adjacent to the wearer's body and is compliant, soft to the touch, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.

Furthermore, the top layer 40 be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core 42 to present a relatively dry surface to the wearer and can be sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable so that liquid can easily penetrate its thickness. A suitable top layer 40 can be made from a wide variety of sheet materials such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers (e.g. wood or Cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example polyester or polypropylene fibers) or a combination of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The top layer 40 can be suitably used to help face the wearer's skin in the absorbent core 42 of the absorbent chassis 36 isolate retained fluids.

The top layer 40 and the back layer 38 are generally tied together to form a pocket in which the absorbent core is located 42 located around the absorbent chassis 36 to provide. The top layer 40 and the back layer 38 can around the outer periphery of the absorbent chassis 36 be directly connected to one another by any means known to the person skilled in the art, such as adhesive connections, sound connections or thermal connections. For example, to attach the top layer 40 on the backside 38 a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a sprayed or meltblown pattern of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive may be used. It should be noted that both the top layer 40 as well as the back layer 38 not completely to the outer periphery of the absorbent chassis 36 have to extend. For example, the back layer 38 to the outer periphery of the absorbent chassis 36 stretch while the top layer 40 inside the outer periphery of the absorbent chassis 36 or more to the longitudinal centerline of the diaper 20 towards the back layer 38 can be attached.

As in the 5-8 representatively illustrated is the absorption core 42 between the top layer 40 and the back position 38 positioned around the absorbent chassis 36 to build. The absorption core 42 is desirably cuddly and can absorb and retain body exudates. The absorption core 42 can have any of a number of shapes and a generally discrete layer in the matrix of hydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core 42 comprise a laminate of fibrous webs and highly absorbent material or other suitable means for holding a highly absorbent material in a localized area.

As in the 5-8 representatively illustrated, the absorbent chassis 36 the disposable diaper 20 a couple of retention flaps 100 and 102 included that are configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. The retention flaps 100 and 102 can extend along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent chassis 36 are located. Each retention flap defines a fixed edge 104 and an unpaved edge 106 . Each of the retention flaps 100 and 102 can also have at least one elongated elastic element 108 included that to the unattached edge 106 the retaining flap 100 and 102 connected and configured to be the unattached edge 106 absorbs and forms a seal against the body of the wearer in use. The retention flaps 100 and 102 can extend longitudinally along the entire length of the absorbent chassis 36 extend or only partially along the length of the absorbent chassis 36 extend. If the retention flaps 100 and 102 have a shorter length than the absorbent chassis 36 , the retaining flaps 100 and 102 selectively anywhere along the side edges 38 of the absorbent chassis 36 be positioned. In a particular aspect of the disclosure, the retention flaps extend 100 and 102 along the entire length of the absorbent chassis 36 to better hold back body exudates.

Every retention flap 100 and 102 is on the side edges 38 of the absorbent chassis 36 attached so that the retention flaps 100 and 102 provide a barrier to lateral flow of body exudates. The fixed edge 104 each of the retention flaps 100 and 102 is on the side edges 38 of the absorbent chassis 36 attached while the non-attached edge 106 in at least the crotch area 26 the diaper 20 not on the absorbent chassis 36 remains attached. The fixed edge 104 the retaining flaps 100 and 102 can be attached to the absorbent chassis in any of various ways well known to those skilled in the art 36 be attached. For example, the attached edge 104 the flaps 100 and 102 with the absorbent chassis 36 ultrasound bonded, thermally bonded or adhesive bonded. In a special aspect, the unattached edge remains 106 each of the retention flaps 100 and 102 along substantially the entire length of the unattached edge 106 not on the side edges 38 of the absorbent chassis 36 attached to provide improved performance.

As in the 4-7 representatively illustrated, the retaining flaps can 100 and 102 alternatively integral with the backsheet 38 or the top layer 40 of the absorbent chassis 36 be.

Every retention flap 100 and 102 is also configured so that the unattached edge 106 the retaining flaps 100 and 102 usually from the absorbent chassis 36 to a generally upright and vertical configuration spaced apart, especially in the crotch area 26 in use. As in the 5-8 representatively illustrated is the unpaved edge 106 each retention flap 100 and 102 desirably in use of the absorbent chassis 36 spaced, providing a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. Desirably, the unattached edge remains 106 each retention flap 100 and 102 in contact with the wearer's body while the absorbent chassis 36 may be spaced apart from the wearer's body in use. Typically is on the unattached edge 106 each retention flap 100 and 102 an elastic element 108 attached to the spacing between the non-attached edge 106 and the absorbent chassis 36 maintain. For example, the elastic element 108 be fastened in an elastically contractible state so that the non-fastened edge 106 the retaining flap 100 and 102 through the contraction of the elastic element 108 is recorded or contracted and shortened.

The disposable diaper 20 The various aspects of the present disclosure may also be at the waist edges and side edges 28 the diaper 20 Elastics included to further prevent leakage of body exudates and the absorbent chassis 36 to support. For example, the diaper 20 of the present disclosure, as in the 5-8 representatively illustrates a pair of leg elastic members 96 and 98 included with the opposite side edges 28 in the crotch area 26 the diaper 20 are connected. The leg elastic 96 and 98 are generally designed to fit around a wearer's legs in use, to maintain positive contact with the wearer, to prevent body exudate from leaking from the diaper 20 effectively reduce or eliminate them.

The in 9 to 12th The absorbent article illustrated generally represents sweatpants. The absorbent article 10th . The longitudinal direction 48 extends generally from the front of the absorbent article to the back of the absorbent article. The longitudinal direction 48 the opposite is a transverse direction 49 . The absorbent article 10th contains a chassis 12th that from a front section 22 , a rear section 24th and a crotch section 26 consists. An absorption core 28 is in the crotch section 26 positioned and extending from the front section 22 to the back section 24th .

The absorbent article 10th defines an inner surface that is configured to be placed adjacent to the body when worn. The absorbent article 10th also contains an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The front and back section 22 and 24th are those portions of the article that partially cover or surround the wearer's waist or middle lower body when worn. The crotch section 26 however, is generally positioned between the wearer's legs after the absorbent article has been put on.

As in 9 shown, the absorbent article further includes a first side region 30th and a second side area 34 . The side areas 30th and 34 connect the front section 22 with the back section 24th . The side areas 30th and 34 can also help define leg openings and waist opening.

The side areas 30th and 34 can be made of a stretchable or stretchable material in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the side areas exist 30th and 34 for example from an elastic material. The side areas serve to form a tight but comfortable fit around a wearer's body. The side areas 30th and 34 can also allow adaptation to different body sizes.

As shown, each of the side areas 30th and 34 consist of several stretchable pieces. For example, the side areas exist 30th and 34 in the in 9 shown embodiment each of two pieces. As shown, the page area contains 30th a first piece 31 and a second piece 33 . The second page area contains the same analogy 34 a first piece 35 that on a second piece 37 is attached. The pieces 31 and 33 of the first page area 30th are attached to each other to form a first vertical attachment area 41 form while the pieces 35 and 37 of the second page area 34 along a second vertical attachment area 43 are attached to each other. The attachment between the pieces can be permanent or detachable and re-attachable. If the pieces are releasably attached to one another, for example, any suitable mechanical fastening means can be used. For example, in one embodiment, the pieces can be releasably attached to each other using any adhesive fastener, cohesive fastener, mechanical fastener, or the like. Suitable mechanical fasteners can be provided by interlocking geometrically shaped materials such as hooks, loops, tubers, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, pin and hole fitting components, buckles, push buttons and the like.

In the in the 9-12 illustrated embodiment are the pieces 31 and 33 that the first page area 30th make out, and the pieces 35 and 37 that the second side area 34 make out using a fastening system 80 connected, which laterally opposite first fastening components 82 contains that for re-attachable engagement with corresponding second fastening components 84 are designed. For example, in one embodiment, a front or outer surface includes each of the fastening components 82 , 84 a variety of engaging elements. The engagement elements of the first fastening components 82 are designed so that they have the corresponding engagement elements of the second fastening components 84 repeatedly engage and disengage to releasably secure the absorbent article in its three-dimensional configuration.

For example, the first fastening components contain 82 in one embodiment, loop fasteners and the second fastening components 84 complementary hook fasteners. Alternatively, the first fastening components 82 Hook fasteners included and the second fastening components 84 Complementary loop fasteners included. In another aspect, the fastening components may be different 82 and 84 around similar interlocking surface fasteners or adhesive or co-adhesive fasteners such as an adhesive fastener and a web zone that is sensitive to adhesive or a web material that is sensitive to adhesive.

As described above, in an alternative embodiment, the pieces that make up the side regions can be permanently attached to one another. For example, referring to 10th an alternative embodiment of an absorbent article 10th shown. The same reference numerals have been used to designate the same elements or similar elements. As shown, the absorbent article contains 10th in 10th a first page area 30th from pieces 31 and 33 and a second side area 34 from pieces 35 and 37 . The first side piece 30th defines a first vertical attachment area 41 in which the pieces 31 and 33 are permanently connected. The second side area defines the same way 34 a second vertical attachment area 43 in which the pieces 35 and 37 are permanently connected. In this embodiment, the vertical attachment areas include hems. For example, the hems can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, the vertical hem may include a butt hem, a butt hem, or any other suitable configuration. These seams can be formed by securing the pieces together using any suitable method or technique. For example, the pieces can be permanently attached to one another using ultrasound bonding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding and / or pressure bonding. In yet another alternative embodiment, the separate pieces can be sewn together.

As in the 9 and 10th are shown when the side areas 30th and 34 find in the fixed position, the front and rear section 22 and 24th connected together to form a three-dimensional pant configuration with a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52 define. The side area 30th and 34 included when wearing the absorbent article 10th thus the portions of the article positioned on the wearer's hips and in one embodiment define the top edge of the leg openings 52 .

As described above, the chassis 12th in one embodiment, an outer cover 40 and a top layer 42 included, especially in the 11 and 12th shown. Depending on the embodiment, the outer cover 40 and the top layer 42 comprise a unitary single piece of material or a plurality of pieces of material connected to one another. The top layer 42 can with the outer cover 40 be connected one above the other, for example using adhesives, ultrasound connections, thermal connections, pressure connections or other conventional techniques. The top layer 42 can be suitably along the perimeter of the chassis 12th with the outer cover 40 be connected to a front waistline 62 and a back hem 64 to build. The top layer 42 can also with the outer cover 40 connected to a pair of side seams 61 to build. The top layer 42 may generally be so, ie relative to the other components of the absorbent article 10th be positioned so that it is positioned towards the wearer's skin when put on. As described above, the chassis contains 12th also the absorption core 28 between the outer cover 40 and the top layer 42 is arranged for absorbing body exudates which are secreted by the wearer.

According to the present disclosure, the absorbent article contains 10th one or more extended frets that improve the appearance of the product, improve the fit and / or should make the product feel more like real underwear. As shown in the figures, the absorbent article 10th for example a rear waistband 56 , a front waistband 54 or include both a front waistband and a rear waistband. As shown, the rear waistband extends 56 for example over the entire rear section 24th of the chassis 12th and ends at each end of the side areas 30th and 34 .

It is contemplated that the present disclosure is not limited to any of the configurations described above, and that some modifications may be added to the manufacturing example presented without re-evaluating the appended claims. Although in the example above to the embodiments of 5 to 8th For example, similar structures in other embodiments as in FIG 9 to 12th illustrated, and other feminine hygiene items such as those of 13 and 14 to be found. In addition, although the example and figures include baby diapers and pants, the same applies to adult incontinence diapers and pants, albeit with some structural changes that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Example 2:

With reference to 13 and 14 the absorbent articles may be of a sanitary napkin or panty liner type.

The structure of the napkin or panty liner can vary in construction, as long as a core is used as described here. Such a sanitary napkin or panty liner generally includes a laminate with a backsheet, an absorbent core (with or without three-dimensional absorbent material) and optionally a liquid distribution layer (AVS) positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

As in 14 shown, the interconnected channel 106 exist in a multiplicity and are essentially concentric with respect to one another and have an inverse shape about an axis parallel to the width of the core. Although such a pattern as an example of use in a core for a sanitary napkin or panty liner 300 such a shape can be applied equally to cores for diapers and pants (whether for babies or incontinence for adults) and is included in the teaching in this regard.

Example 3:

Baby diapers (maxi size) with a core and a channel, which is made by connecting the top and bottom layers of the core covering along the channel (whereby for all samples the core covering is an SMS fleece layer with a basis weight of 8 g / m ² 100% polypropylene, manufactured and sold by Union Industries Spa, is) free of absorbent material therein, is tested according to the above procedure for the "surface dryness (rewetting)" method. A total of six diaper samples are tested, each of which has an acquisition distribution layer corresponding to sample AB or no acquisition distribution layer corresponding to sample C. Average rewet and standard deviation (STD) are given in Table 1 below.
Sample A - acquisition distribution layer made of draft-bonded fleece with a basis weight of 50 g / m ² (commercially available from TWE Meulebeke bvba and sold as DryWeb T28)
Sample B - SMS fleece acquisition distribution layer with a basis weight of 20 g / m ² (commercially available from PFNonwovens Czech sro)
Sample C - No acquisition distribution layer with top layer laminated directly to the core cladding (the core layer being an SMS nonwoven with a basis weight of 8 g / m ² made of 100% polypropylene, manufactured and sold by Union Industries Spa). Table 1: Example 3 Average rewet (g) STD rewetting (g) Sample A 0.14 0.03 Sample B 0.03 0.01 Sample C 0.04 0.03

The results show that by eliminating the acquisition distribution layer (AVS) according to sample C in diapers with a core that has channels, a significant improvement in the rewetting performance is surprisingly achieved compared to the use of draft-linked AVS. In addition, the performance of channeled diapers of an AVS-free core is now essentially equivalent to the use of further SMS layers as AVS (see example B), which means that high-performance products are also available at greatly reduced costs for the end user and have a positive impact on the environment can be provided by reduced total waste.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1077052 A1 [0004]
• EP 1078617 A2 [0004]
• EP 1959903 B1 [0005]
• EP 2211808 B1 [0006]
• EP 1349524 B1 [0007]
• EP 1267775 B1 [0008]
• EP 1088536 A2 [0009]
• US 5756039 A [0010]
• US 2006/0184150 A1 [0011]
• US 6503233 B1 [0012]
• US 2015/0088084 A1 [0013]
• EP 3342386 A1 [0014, 0015]
• EP 3190216 A1 [0125]

Claims (21)

Absorbent article (10, 20, 300, 500, 600) comprising an absorbent core (101, 501, 601) disposed between a liquid-permeable topsheet (520, 620) and a liquid-impervious backsheet (521, 621), the absorbent core (101, 501, 601) comprises an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, superabsorbent polymers, and combinations thereof, the absorbent material being contained in at least one core cladding substrate surrounding the absorbent material, and wherein an upper layer of the core wrap is bonded to a lower layer of the core wrap to form one or more channels (106) that are substantially free of the absorbent material, the channels (106) having a length that extends along a longitudinal axis (48), and the absorption core (101, 501, 601) has a length that extends along the longitudinal axis (48), un d wherein the length of the channels (106) is from 10% to 95% of the length of the absorption core (101, 501, 601) so that each of the channels (106) is delimited by absorbent material, characterized in that the upper layer of the The core covering is in direct contact with the top layer and that the upper layer of the core covering comprises a spunbonded nonwoven. Absorbent article after Claim 1 wherein the top layer of the core wrap further comprises a meltblown nonwoven. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core covering is a multi-layer nonwoven and comprises at least one spunbond nonwoven layer and at least one meltblown layer and is preferably a nonwoven selected from the group consisting of SM, SMS, SMMS and combinations of it exists. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core covering, preferably the entire core covering, comprises synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers being provided in an amount of more than 80% by weight, based on the weight of the core covering, and wherein the core cladding has a weight per unit area of 5 to 50 g / m ² . Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the upper layer of the core covering, preferably the entire core covering, consists of synthetic fibers. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core cladding is treated such that at least the top core cladding layer is hydrophilic. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the upper layer of the core covering, preferably the entire core covering, has a specific volume of less than 13 cm ³ / g, preferably less than 12.6 cm ³ / g, more preferably 5.5 cm ³ / g to 12.0 cm ³ / g, more preferably from 8.5 cm ³ / g to 11.2 cm ³ / g. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the upper layer of the core covering, preferably the entire core covering, has an average flow pore size of 15 µm to 200 µm, preferably 30 µm to 150 µm, more preferably 45 µm to 130 µm, even more more preferably from 55 µm to 110 µm, even more preferably from 60 µm to less than 100 µm, even more preferably from 65 µm to 95 µm, even more preferably from 70 µm to 90 µm. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core covering has a first basis weight and the lower layer of the core covering has a second basis weight, wherein the first and second basis weights are different, preferably wherein the first basis weight is greater than the second basis weight, more preferably wherein the first basis weight is 1.1 to 4.0 times, preferably 1.2 to 3.5 times, still more preferably 1.5 to 2.5 times the second basis weight. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (110 ', 111') of at least one channel is spaced along the longitudinal axis (48) from the first end (110, 111) of at least one other channel so that at least two spaced apart channels are formed along the longitudinal axis (48), which are offset from a transverse line running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48), and the distance along the longitudinal axis (48) is less than 18 mm, preferably from 6 mm to 15 mm, preferably wherein the core has at least four channels (106) and wherein the distance between the second and the first end (110, 111, 110 ', 111') of a first pair longitudinal channels differ from the distance between the second and first ends (110, 111, 110 ', 111') of a second pair of longitudinal channels, the first pair of channels being substantially parallel to the second pair runs from canals. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core wrap is bonded to a lower layer of the core wrap along the channels (106) at a plurality of discrete connection areas, the connection areas forming a pattern consisting of elongated, oblique elements (1061 ), which have an angle α to the longitudinal axis (48), the angle α being greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °, preferably from 15 ° to 75 °, more preferably from 20 ° to 70 °, and preferably wherein at least one, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50% of the elongated, oblique elements (1061) have an overall length (Lo) which is at least substantially the same, preferably greater than the width (wc) of the channel along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48), and preferably wherein the discrete connection areas are free of adhesive and typically mechanical connections have n. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the upper layer of the core covering, preferably the entire core covering, has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.1 to 0.4 mm, more preferably from 0.15 to 0 , 3 mm according to the method described here. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein channels (106) of the absorbent core (101, 501, 601) consist of a plurality of channels, each extending in the longitudinal direction. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article between the topsheet (520, 620) and the absorbent core (101, 501, 601) is free of an acquisition distribution layer (522, 622). Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core covering is in direct contact with the cover layer (520, 620), so that no further layer is arranged between the top layer (520, 620) and the core covering. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core sheathing, preferably the entire core sheathing, comprises bicomponent fibers with a polypropylene core surrounded by a polyethylene sheath. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the upper layer of the core covering, preferably the entire core covering, has a relative porosity of less than 9000 L / m2 / s. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper layer of the core covering is bonded to the liquid-permeable top layer (520, 620) at one or more connection zones which are positioned outside and / or inside the channel or channels (106), so that the connection zones do not substantially overlap the channel or channels (106), the connection zones preferably comprising one or more adhesives. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the top layer of the core wrap, preferably the entire core wrap, has a moisture retention factor of less than 11, preferably less than 10.5, preferably from 1 to 10, more preferably from 2 to 9, even more preferably from 2.5 to 8, most preferably from 3 to 7.5. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top layer of the core wrap comprises at least two layers, a first layer positioned proximal to the topsheet (520, 620) and the second layer proximal to the absorbent core (101, 501, 601) and positioned distally from the top layer (520, 620), the first layer being more hydrophobic than the second layer. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorption core (101, 501, 601) has exactly four channels (106) which are not connected to one another.

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