Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
  • A61F13/514—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
  • A61F13/51474—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure
  • A61F13/51478—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure being a laminate, e.g. multi-layered or with several layers
  • A61F13/5148—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by its structure being a laminate, e.g. multi-layered or with several layers having an impervious inner layer and a cloth-like outer layer
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
  • A61F13/5605—Supporting or fastening means specially adapted for sanitary napkins or the like
  • A61F13/5611—Supporting or fastening means specially adapted for sanitary napkins or the like using fastening strips, e.g. adhesive, on the undergarment-facing side
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
  • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
  • A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
  • A61F13/66—Garments, holders or supports not integral with absorbent pads
  • A61F13/82—Garments, holders or supports not integral with absorbent pads with means for attaching to the body
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
  • A61K8/02—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K8/0208—Tissues; Wipes; Patches
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations
  • A61K8/02—Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K8/0212—Face masks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
  • A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
  • A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
  • A61L15/58—Adhesives
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
  • A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
  • A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
  • A61L15/58—Adhesives
  • A61L15/585—Mixtures of macromolecular compounds
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L24/00—Surgical adhesives or cements; Adhesives for colostomy devices
  • A61L24/04—Surgical adhesives or cements; Adhesives for colostomy devices containing macromolecular materials
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61Q—SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
  • A61Q19/00—Preparations for care of the skin
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L53/00—Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L53/00—Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L53/02—Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers of vinyl-aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L53/00—Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
  • C08L53/02—Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers of vinyl-aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes
  • C08L53/025—Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers of vinyl-aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes modified
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
  • C09J153/00—Adhesives based on block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
  • C09J153/00—Adhesives based on block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
  • C09J153/005—Modified block copolymers
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
  • C09J153/00—Adhesives based on block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
  • C09J153/02—Vinyl aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
  • C09J153/00—Adhesives based on block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
  • C09J153/02—Vinyl aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes
  • C09J153/025—Vinyl aromatic monomers and conjugated dienes modified
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
  • C08L—COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
  • C08L2666/00—Composition of polymers characterized by a further compound in the blend, being organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials, non-macromolecular organic substances, inorganic substances or characterized by their function in the composition
  • C08L2666/02—Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials

Definitions

• Disposable absorbent article for secure topical adhesive attachment to the skin of a wearer
• the present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles particularly sanitary napkins, pantiiiners, adult incontinence products or sweat pads.
• the present invention relates to such disposable absorbent articles which are worn by direct attachment to the skin of the wearer in the area were absorption of bodily liquids is desired.
• the topical adhesive attachment of such articles needs to be secure and pleasing upon application and during use of such articles, yet cause no discomfort upon removal of the article. This is achieved by the present invention selecting the rheological characteristics of adhesives for such articles.
• the present invention does not relate to wound covering absorbent articles but relates to absorbent articles for absorption of body liquids which naturally emanate from a body without a wound.
• absorbent articles for absorption of body liquids which naturally emanate from a body without a wound.
• sanitary napkins or pantiiiners for use in the genital region are such articles.
• incontinence devices which are worn e.g. in the genital region or sweat pads which are worn in the arm pit region of a person are the subject of the present invention.
• Such articles are applied to the skin of a wearer in a region were typically a considerable amount of hair grows such that the criteria of easy and painless removal of the article is of key importance.
• Such articles have generally been disclosed in US statutory invention registration H1602 or WO 96/33683. Some more details of such articles have been considered for example in PCT application WO 95/16424.
• sanitary articles having a body adhesive which is applied on the wearer facing side of a sanitary napkin along the entire periphery are disclosed. The problem underlying this document is primarily the safe attachment to the skin but mentions also the problems of detachment of such articles after use without causing undue pain to a wearer.
• WO 95/16424 includes a detailed analysis of the criteria for the body adhesive in respect to rheological criteria.
• rheological criteria taught include epilatory, i.e. hair removal, compositions which are commercially available such as STREP MIELE (TM) sold in Italy by Laboratori Vaj S.p.A.
• the adhesives for topical attachment mentioned in WO 95/16424 include also today's pressure sensitive adhesives which are used to attach sanitary napkins to undergarments. Further, this document only identifies static rheological characteristics but is silent as to the dynamic rheological behaviour of a body adhesive.
• WO 96/13238 a frequency dependent body adhesive model is disclosed. However, all measurements disclosed, e.g. on page 9, were made at temperatures between -60°C and +120°C and at actual frequencies of 0.1 to 100 rad/s. In order to obtain the necessary data at application temperature (about 20°C, typical bath room, i.e. storage temperature) the Williams-Landel-Ferry (hereinafter WLF) equation was used.
• WLF Williams-Landel-Ferry
• This WLF equation is empirical and only valid within certain limits e.g. it cannot be used to extrapolate to temperatures below the glass transition temperature of a polymeric adhesive also the WLF cannot be used on the basis of values obtained below the glass transition temperature. Details about the WLF equation and its applicability can be found in "Principles of Polymer processing" by Z. Tadmor and C.G. Gogos, published by John Wiley & Sons or in "Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers" by J.D. Ferry also published by John Wiley & Son. Since this is already missing from WO 96/13238 the applicability of the disclosed data cannot be assessed.
• European Patent Application EP-638 303 discloses the use of a body adhesive on side cuffs of sanitary napkins in order to keep the cuffs in an upright position.
• Swiss publication CH-643730 discloses the use of a very long sanitary napkin having chamfered outer edges with a body adhesive at the four corners of the outer edges in order to provide a body adhesive area well outside the region of pubic hair growth.
• disposable absorbent articles worn in the crotch region of a wearer this will translate into an improved security against soiling of the surrounding skin tissue and clothing.
• the present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles for topical adhesive attachment to a wearer of such articles.
• the article typically has a wearer facing surface and an outside surface also called garment facing surface in the context of articles worn underneath clothing.
• the article comprises an absorbent core structure between the wearer facing surface and the garment facing surface for absorbing liquids naturally emanating from a wearer.
• the disposable absorbent article according to the present invention comprises on at least part of the wearer facing surface an adhesive for topical adhesive attachment of the article to the skin of the wearer.
• the viscous behaviour of the adhesive can be interpreted to represent an indication of the ability of the adhesive to quickly attach and securely adhere.
• the elastic behaviour can be interpreted as an indication of the "hardness" behaviour of the adhesive. Its value is also critical for good initial attachment. Their combination is believed to be an indicator of the required force upon removal.
• the relation between elastic and viscous modulus is considered to be an indication which fraction of the removal energy will be dissipated within the adhesive and which fraction is available to trigger the actual removal.
• the adhesive has an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37°C (100° Fahrenheit) abbreviated G'37 and a viscous modulus at a temperature of 37°C (100° Fahrenheit) of G"37.
• the adhesive further has a dynamic elastic behaviour defined as _ G'37 which is the difference of G'37 at a frequency of 100 rad/sec and G'37 a a frequency of 1 rad/sec and a dynamic viscous behaviour _ C'37 which is the difference of G"37 at a frequency of 100 rad/sec and C'37 at a frequency of 1 rad/sec.
• the articles according to the present invention comprise a topical adhesive satisfying the following conditions.
• o G'37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably 1500 Pa to 15000 Pa, most preferably 3000 Pa to 10000 Pa.
• o G"37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range 100 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably 100 Pa to 10000 Pa, most preferably 300 Pa to 5000 Pa.
• o the ratio of G'37 (1 rad/sec) / G"37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range of 2 to 50, preferably 3 to 30.
• G'37 (1 rad/sec) - G"37 (1 rad/sec) is not less than 0.5, preferably in the range 0.7 to 3, most preferably in the range 1 to 1.8.
• either the ratio of _ G'37/G'37 (1 rad/sec) is not greater than 1.5, preferably not greater than unity and most preferably not greater than 0.8,
• or _ G'37 is not greater than 10000 Pa, preferably less than 5000 Pa, most preferably less than 2000 Pa, or both.
• o the value of the ratio G'37/G"37 at least for the frequency range from above 1 rad/s up to 100 rad/s should preferably be 2 or above, more preferably 3.3 or above, while not exceeding about 50, preferably 30, anywhere in the frequency interval.
• Tg should preferably be less than -15°C, more preferably less than - 20°C and most preferably less than -25°C.
• the specific heat capacity of the topical adhesive is less than 4 J/g/K, more preferably less than 3 J/g/K and most preferably less than 2 J/g/K.
• the specific heat conductivity is more than 0.1 W/m/K, preferably more than 0.6 W/m/K and most preferably more than 1 W/m/K.
• Adhesive compositions which satisfy the above criteria can be used as topical adhesives for disposable absorbent articles provided they also satisfy the common requirements of being safe for use on human skin during use and generally after disposal of the article.
• the criteria of hygienic appearance and pleasant feel upon contact are important such that adhesive composition which are transparent or white, and which prevent a cold, unpleasant feeling upon application are preferred.
• compositions where the composition comprises from 51 % to 99.5 % of a plasticising compound or composition which is liquid at 20°C, from 0.5 to 20 %, preferably 5 % to 15 %, of a polymeric compound or composition which is soluble or swellable in the plasticising compound or composition and with a tackifying resin in an amount in the range from 0 % to 600 % by weight of the polymeric compound.
• the plasticising compound or composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols (preferably glycerol), glycols, polyglycols, liquid polybutenes, oil or combinations thereof.
• the polymeric compound or composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of block-copolymer-thermoplastic-elastomers, styrene-block- copolymers and hydrogenated styrene-block-copolymers.
• This invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which are applied directly to the skin of a user.
• the article exhibits absorbency for bodily fluids, the protection of the user's garments from soiling, improved physical comfort to the user, and is easy to produce and to package.
• the disposable absorbent article is described below by reference to a sanitary napkin or catamenial, however panty liners, adult incontinence articles or sweat pads are also included under the term disposable absorbent articles.
• sanitary napkin refers to an article which is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various body fluids which are discharged from the body (e.g., vaginal discharges, menses, and/or urine) and which is intended to be discarded after a single use.
• the disposable absorbent article is preferably thin, more preferably between 1 and 5 mm thick and either substantially flat prior to use or in a preshaped form.
• the terms "joined” or "affixed”, as used herein, encompasses configurations whereby a first member is directly connected to a second member and configurations whereby a first member is indirectly connected to a second member by connecting the first member to intermediate members which in turn are connected to the second member.
• a sanitary napkin of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet.
• the sanitary napkin has two main surfaces, a body contacting or wearer facing surface, and a garment facing or contacting surface.
• the topsheet is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.
• the topsheet also can have elastic characteristics allowing it to be stretched in one or two directions in portions of the topsheet or throughout its extension. Further, the topsheet is fluid pervious permitting fluids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness.
• a suitable topsheet can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and non woven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims.
• Suitable woven and non woven materials can be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers or bi-/multi-component fibers.
• natural fibers e.g., wood or cotton fibers
• synthetic fibers e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers
• Preferred topsheets for use in the present invention are typically selected from high loft nonwoven topsheets and apertured formed film topsheets.
• Apertured formed films are especially preferred for the topsheets because they are pervious to body exudates and yet non absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin.
• the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the wearer remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer.
• Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent 3,929,135; U.S. Patent 4,324,246; U.S. Patent 4,342,314; U.S. Patent 4,463,045; and U.S. Patent 5,006,394.
• a preferred topsheet for the present invention comprises the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE".
• Topsheets having not a homogeneous distribution of liquid passage ways but only a portion of the topsheet comprising liquid passage ways are also contemplated by the present invention. Typically such topsheets would have the liquid passage ways oriented such that they result in a centrally permeable and peripherally impermeable topsheet for liquids.
• the wearer facing surface of the formed film topsheet can be hydrophilic so as to help liquid to transfer though the topsheet faster than if the body surface was not hydrophilic.
• surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet such as is described in PCT- publication WO 93/09741.
• the wearer facing surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as is described in U.S. 4,950,254.
• hybrid topsheets which incorporate fibrous and film like structures particularly useful embodiments of such hybrid topsheets are disclosed in PCT publications WO 93/09744; WO 93/11725 or WO 93/11726.
• topsheet When referring to the topsheet a multi layer structure or a mono layer structure is contemplated.
• the hybrid topsheet mentioned above is such a multi layer design but other multi layer topsheets such as primary and secondary topsheet designs are also considered.
• the absorbent structure or absorbent core can include the following components: (a) optionally a primary fluid distribution layer preferably together with a secondary optional fluid distribution layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) optionally a fibrous ("dusting") layer underlying the storage layer; and (d) other optional components.
• the primary distribution layer typically underlies the topsheet and is in fluid communication therewith.
• the topsheet transfers the acquired fluid to this primary distribution layer for ultimate distribution to the storage layer.
• This transfer of fluid through the primary distribution layer occurs not only in the thickness, but also along the length and width directions of the absorbent product.
• the also optional but preferred secondary distribution layer typically underlies the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication therewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to readily acquire fluid from the primary distribution layer and transfer it rapidly to the underlying storage layer. This helps the fluid capacity of the underlying storage layer to be fully utilised.
• the fluid distribution layers can be comprised of any material typical for such distribution layers. In particular fibrous layers which maintain the capillaries between fibers even when wet are useful as distribution layers.
• the fluid storage layer can comprise any usual absorbent material or combinations thereof. It preferably comprises absorbent gelling materials usually referred to as "hydrogel”, “superabsorbent”, hydrocolloid” materials in combination with suitable carriers.
• the absorbent gelling materials are capable of absorbing large quantities of aqueous body fluids, and are further capable of retaining such absorbed fluids under moderate pressures.
• the absorbent gelling materials can be dispersed homogeneously or non-homogeneously in a suitable carrier.
• the suitable carriers provided they are absorbent as such, can also be used alone.
• Suitable absorbent gelling materials for use herein will most often comprise a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially neutralised, polymeric gelling material. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water
• Suitable carriers include materials which are conventionally utilised in absorbent structures such as natural, modified or synthetic fibers, particularly modified or non-modified cellulose fibers, in the form of fluff and/or tissues. Suitable carriers can be used together with the absorbent gelling material, however, they can also be used alone or in combinations. Most preferred are tissue or tissue laminates in the context of sanitary napkins/panty liners.
• An embodiment of the absorbent structure made according to the present invention comprises a double layer tissue laminate formed by folding the tissue onto itself. These layers can be joined to each other. Absorbent gelling material or other optional material can be comprised between the layers.
• Modified cellulose fibers such as the stiffened cellulose fibers can also be used.
• Synthetic fibers can also be used and include those made of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, acrylics (such as Orion), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon), polyesters, bicomponent fibers, tricomponent fibers, mixtures thereof and the like.
• the fiber surfaces are hydrophilic or are treated to be hydrophilic.
• the storage layer can also include filler materials, such as Perlite, diatomaceous earth, Vermiculite, etc., to improve liquid retention.
• the storage layer can nevertheless be locally homogenous, i.e. have a distribution gradient in one or several directions within the dimensions of the storage layer.
• Non-homogeneous distribution can also refer to laminates of carriers enclosing absorbent gelling materials partially or fully.
• An optional component for inclusion in the absorbent structure according to the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to, and typically underlying the storage layer.
• This underlying fibrous layer is typically referred to as a "dusting” layer since it provides a substrate on which to deposit absorbent gelling material in the storage layer during manufacture of the absorbent structure. Indeed, in those instances where the absorbent gelling material is in the form of macro structures such as fibers, sheets or strips, this fibrous "dusting" layer need not be included. However, this "dusting" layer provides some additional fluid-handling capabilities such as rapid wicking of fluid along the length of the pad.
• the absorbent structure according to the present invention can include other optional components normally present in absorbent webs.
• a reinforcing scrim can be positioned within the respective layers, or between the respective layers, of the absorbent structure.
• Such reinforcing scrims should be of such configuration as to not form interfacial barriers to fluid transfer. Given the structural integrity that usually occurs as a result of thermal bonding, reinforcing scrims are usually not required for thermally bonded absorbent structures.
• odor control agents Another component which can be included in the absorbent structure according to the invention and preferably is provided close to or as part off the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer are odor control agents. Active carbon coated with or in addition to other odor control agents, in particular suitable zeolite or clay materials, are optionally incorporated in the absorbent structure. These components can be incorporated in any desired form but often are included as discrete particles.
• Preferred odour control systems for use herein include the following combinations: i) silica, AGM and zeolites, preferably in a ratio of from 5:1 :1 to 1 :1 :5 most preferably 3:1 :1 to 1 :1 :3; ii) zeolites, activated carbon and AGM; iii) silica and AGM preferably in a ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :5, more preferably from 3:1 to 1:3; iv) zeolites and AGM; v) silica and zeolites, preferably in a ratio of from 1:5 to 5:1 , more preferably from 1:3 to 3:1; vi) chelating agents, particularly ethylenediamine- tetracetate; and vii) chelating agents in combination with either odour control system i) to v) preferably in a ratio of from 1 :10 to 10:1 , more preferably from 1 :5 to 5:1 , most preferably
• the amount of odour control system incorporated into the absorbent article may be readily determined by the man skilled in the art and is also dependent on the intended use of the absorbent article, bearing in mind the absorbent article dimensions.
• the absorbent article comprises from 5gm -2 to 400gnr 2 , more preferably from 100gr ⁇ r 2 to 300grrr 2 , most preferably from 150gnr 2 to 250gnr 2 basis weight of said odour control system.
• a sanitary napkin or panty liner may comprise from 0.25g to 5g, preferably from 0.4g to 3g, most preferably from 0.5g to 2.5g of said odour control system.
• the backsheet primarily prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent structure from wetting articles that contact the absorbent product such as underpants, pants, pyjamas and undergarments.
• the backsheet is preferably impervious to liquids (e.g. menses and/or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials can also be used.
• liquids e.g. menses and/or urine
• the term "flexible” refers to materials that are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
• the backsheet also can have elastic characteristics allowing it to stretch in one or two directions.
• the backsheet typically extends across the whole of the absorbent structure and can extend onto and form part of the topsheet by folding around the absorbent structure.
• a topsheet configuration as disclosed in US 4,342,314, column 16, lines 47 - 62 can be achieved without the requirement to selectively aperture the topsheet.
• the backsheet can comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material.
• the backsheet is a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils).
• Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-1401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385.
• the backsheet is preferably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike appearance.
• the backsheet also provides breathability to the absorbent article by being at least water vapour permeable, preferably air permeable, however, without compromising the main function of the backsheet.
• the backsheet can be a laminate material e.g. of a combination of microporous film, non-woven material, and/or apertured formed film. Breathability if desired can be limited to the periphery of the backsheet or it can be across the whole backsheet.
• Suitable breathable backsheets for use herein can be chosen from all breathable backsheets known in the art. In principle there are two types of breathable backsheets, single layer breathable backsheets which are breathable and impervious to liquids and backsheet laminates having at least two layers, which in combination provide both breathability and liquid imperviousness.
• the term "liquid impervious" as used herein for the breathable backsheet relates only to the barrier against liquid loss from the article. In principle liquid entering the article through the breathable backsheet is not intended to be excluded by this term.
• Suitable single layer breathable backsheets for use herein include those described for example in GB A 2184 389, GB A 2184 390, GB A 2184 391, US 4 591 523, US 3 989 867 US 3 156 242 and European Patent Application number 95120653.1.
• Suitable dual or multi layer breathable backsheets for use herein include those exemplified in US 3 881 489, US 4 341 216, US 4 713 068, US 4 818 600, EPO 203 821 , EPO 710 471 , EPO 710 472, European Patent Application numbers 95120647.3, 95120652.3, 95120653.1 and 96830097.0.
• backsheets meeting the requirements as defined in European Patent Application number 96830343.8 and more preferably wherein the absorbent article in general also meets the requirements as described therein.
• sanitary napkins are applied in the genital region of a typically female user around the area of liquid discharge.
• the word "skin" according to the present invention does not only relate to the specific derma of the user but include the mucous tissue as well as the hair which is typically found in the genital region of users of sanitary napkins.
• the body adhesive is provided along the peripheral edge of the topsheet such that a central area of the article is left without adhesive. This will most appropriately facilitate placing the article such that the liquid permeable topsheet without adhesive on it is placed adjacent the bodily liquid emanating orifice such that emanating liquid is immediately transported into the absorbent structure of the absorbent article without the possibility of leakage or spillage.
• the body adhesive is provided in a closed circle around the periphery of the topsheet but it can be provided in incremental areas such as dots or discrete lines such that decoupling between the different places of attachment is providing additional comfort to the wearer of such articles.
• PSA typical pressure sensitive adhesive
• materials useful as body adhesives according to the present invention have rheological characteristics which are measured at a reference temperature of 37°C as body temperature and in a range of frequencies. It has been found that upon application of an article with a body adhesive the adhesive contact is formed at a low frequency, while debonding happens at the speed of removing the article. This speed is expressed as a frequency of 100 rad/s while the low frequency of forming the adhesive bond has been found to be on the order of 1 rad/s. Therefore, the frequency range for use according to the present invention is between 1 and 100 rad/s.
• G' and G" at the application frequency of 1 rad/s are taken at a temperature of 37°C.
• the actual storage temperature of the article and hence the temperature of the body adhesive upon application varies widely.
• storage in a hot bathroom near a radiator could reach up to about 37°C
• storage in a storage room or in a bathroom without heating but with an open window during winter could be close to 0°C.
• the article according to the present invention is used directly on skin and the man skilled in the art is directed to select the adhesive composition to have a small specific heat capacity (e.g.
• the actual temperature of the body adhesive will reach 37°C very quickly or even be warmed up by the wearer prior to application. Hence it is believed that the adhesive bonding characteristics are selected most appropriately at body temperature.
• the absolute values of the elastic modulus should not be too high, otherwise the adhesive is too hard and it is not able to intimately join or mold to the surface to which it is expected to adhere. It is also important to have a low absolute value of G" in order to have good cohesion which is particularly valuable for a direct application on the human body while the material remains soft and capable of gently adhering to the skin.
• the ratio of G'37 (1 rad/sec) over G"37 (1 rad/sec) is important to ensure that these two values are balanced upon application of the disposable absorbent article to the skin.
• the absolute changes of G'37 needs to be limited within the range of frequencies considered.
• a value for the ration of _ G'37 i.e. G'37 (100 rad/sec) - G'37 (1 rad/sec)
• C37 (1 rad/sec) has to be kept small in order to maintain the secure attachment of the disposable absorbent article to a wearer over the whole usage period without causing discomfort during this period or at the removal/delamination of the article.
• This can also be expressed in absolute terms by keeping the _ G'37 below certain values.
• G'37 (1 rad/sec) - C'37 (1 rad/sec) needs to be large enough to ensure that the dynamic behaviour of both the elastic and the viscous module are maintained in a relationship which provides secure adhesion during use and painless and easy removal at the end of the usage period.
• o G'37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably 1500 Pa to 15000 Pa, most preferably 3000 Pa to 10000 Pa.
• o C'37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range 100 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably 100 Pa to 10000 Pa, most preferably 300 Pa to 5000 Pa.
• o the ratio of G'37 0 rad/sec) / G"37 (1 rad/sec) is in the range of 2 to 50, preferably 3 to 30.
• G'37 (1 rad/sec) - G"37 (1 rad/sec) is not less than 0.5, preferably in the range 0.7 to 3, most preferably in the range 1 to 1.8.
• either the ratio of _ G'37/G'37 (1 rad/sec) is not greater than 1.5, preferably not greater than unity and most preferably not greater than 0.8,
• or _ G'37 is not greater than 10000 Pa, preferably less than 5000 Pa, most preferably less than 2000 Pa, or both.
• o the value of the ratio G'37/G"37 at least for the frequency range from above 1 rad/s up to 100 rad/s should preferably be 2 or above, more preferably 3.3 or above, while not exceeding about 50, preferably 30, anywhere in the frequency interval.
• Tg should preferably be less than -15°C, more preferably less than - 20°C and most preferably less than -25°C.
• the specific heat capacity of the topical adhesive is less than 4 J/g/K, more preferably less than 3 J/g/K and most preferably less than 2 J/g/K.
• the rheological behaviour and acceptance of a disposable absorbent article comprising a topical adhesive can also be related to the specific heat conductivity of the adhesive.
• the specific heat conductivity is more than 0.1 W/m/K, preferably more than 0.6 W/m/K and most preferably more than
• compositions which satisfy the requirements of the above rheological and physical characteristics of a body adhesive the following formulation criteria can be used in addition. It should be noted that the most of the compositions useful as body adhesive have a substantially gel-like structure and are preferably gels. This derives from the fact that:
• the plasticiser which is a material liquid at room temperature
• a macromolecular or polymeric component is present in minor quantities vs the plasticiser. It forms, in the preferred embodiments, a three dimensional network caused by physical or chemical links between the molecules. Particularly useful physical links are the ones present in systems containing Block Thermoplastic Elastomers.
• compositions typically comprise:
• macromolecular or polymeric substances can be natural and/or synthetic such as natural gums or derivatives such as natural gums and gelatines, their derivatives and aiginates; polyacrilics; polyvinyl alcohol; polyethylene oxide; polyvinylpyrrolidon (PVP) or polyvinylethers, their copolymers and derivatives; cellulose derivatives; Block Copolymer Thermoplastic Elastomers and preferably Styrenic Block Copolymers and more preferably the hydrogenated grades Styrol/Ethylene-Butylene/Styrol (SEBS), Styrene/lsoprene/Styrene (SIS), and Styrol/Ethylene-Propylene/Styrol (SEPS).
• SEBS Styrol/Ethylene-Butylene/Styrol
• SIS Styrene/lsoprene/Styrene
• SEPS Styrol/Ethylene-Propylene/Sty
• plasticising substance or a mixture of plasticising substances, which are liquid at room temperature.
• the plasticiser can be water, various alcohols (like in particular glycerol), glycols and their eithers, polyglycols, liquid polybutenes, esters such phtalates, adipates, stearates, palmitates, sebacates, or myristates, natural or synthetic oils such as vegetable oils, mineral oils, or combinations thereof.
• hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquid plasticisers may be for oily systems, e.g. the fatty acids of C ⁇ to C 22 , their metallic salts and their polyoxo-derivatives; lanolin derivatives; silica; bentonite, montmorillonite and their derivatives; polyamides, waxes or mixtures thereof.
• Common additives known in the art as preservatives, antioxidants, anti UV, pigments, mineral fillers, rheology modifiers etc. can also be comprised in quantities up to 10 % each.
• a crosslinking agent can be present preferably in quantities up to 5 % by weight.
• Chemical crosslinking can be formed also by mutual neutralisation of polymers having different functionalities as in the reaction between acid polyacrylics and polysaccharides.
• compositions for body adhesives can be divided into three families according to the nature of the main component, i.e. the liquid plasticiser(s):
• Hydrophilic compositions in which typically the plasticiser is water/glycerol/glycols and the like and/or mixtures thereof and the polymeric phase is of synthetic (e.g. polyacrilics) or natural (e.g. natural gums) origin or mixtures thereof.
• hydrophilic compositions are not preferred while the hydrophobic and mixed phases compositions 1) and 2) are preferred in the applications of the present invention.
• hydrophilic compositions used in the medical field show too low elastic character and cohesion for being useful in the present application.
• the other reason to prefer hydrophobic or mixed phase compositions is that the application of the present invention in particular in the sanitary napkin field will include a probability of contacting the body adhesive with the liquid to be absorbed. Since the liquid to be absorbed are all of a general aqueous kind contact with a hydrophilic body adhesive would result in a certain absorption of the bodily liquids into the body adhesives.
• hydrophilic body adhesive also tend to be perceived as cold and wet which upon application of a fresh sanitary napkin or an underarm sweat pad is not in line with typical consumer expectation. Additional problems result from the fact that in particular body adhesives comprising water as the plasticiser have a tendency to dry out unless they are sealed into an impermeable package.
• Absorbent articles according to the present invention can be made by any of the ways usual in the art.
• the application of the adhesive to the topsheet side of the absorbent article should not cause major problems to those skilled in the art since it can be provided by similar techniques as is commonly used for a panty fastening adhesive.
• the total area of the wearer facing surface of the absorbent article which is covered by body adhesive should be not more than 20 %, preferably not more than 10 %.
• the adhesive is close to the periphery of the absorbent article and in the case of film topsheets (or when the backsheet is folded onto the topsheet) the adhesive is preferably on a portion of the film which is not permeable to liquids.
• the body adhesive on the article (as is also common with panty fastening adhesives) needs to be protected prior to use.
• This protection can be provided by a release liner such as a siliconised or surfactant treated paper, provided this paper is a good release surface for the particularly selected body adhesive.
• the absorbent article according to the present invention is supported on the wearer by the body adhesive and does not require additional support to remain in place.
• panty fastening adhesives are not desired and hence not preferred according to the present invention they are not strictly speaking excluded in the context of the present invention.
• An oil based composition useful on sanitary napkins according to the present invention was prepared using 9.9 % by weight of Kraton G-1651 , a Styrene/Ethylene-Butylene/Styrene block copolymer containing 33% by weight styrene and available from Shell Co, and 59.3 % by weight of Kaydol, a paraffinic mineral oil available from Witco Co.
• composition contained 301 parts of tackifying resin per 100 parts of Kraton polymer.
• the tackifying resin was Escorez 5300, a hydrogenated resin available from Exxon Co.
• Magnesium Stearate available from Carlo Erba S.p.A., was used a co-gelifying agent for oil at a level of 0.7 % by weight.
• Irganox 1010 an antioxidant available from Ciba-Geigy, was added at a level of 0.3 % by weight.
• a componotine oil based composition was compounded using 7.1 % by weight of Kraton G-1651 , a Styrene/Ethylene-Butylene/Styrene block copolymer containing 33% by weight styrene and available from Shell Co, and 41.9 % by weight of Kaydol, a paraffinic mineral oil available from Witco Co.
• composition contained 704 parts of tackifying resin per 100 parts of Kraton polymer.
• the tackifying resin was Regalrez 3102, a hydrocarbon resin available from Hercules Co.
• Magnesium Stearate available from Carlo Erba S.p.A., was used a co-gelifying agent for oil at a level of 0.7 % by weight.
• Irganox 1010 an antioxidant available from Ciba-Geigy, was added at a level of 0.3 % by weight.
• the composition showed the following rheological properties at 37°C.

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• 1997
  • 1997-12-22 BR BR9714843-1A patent/BR9714843A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1997-12-22 TR TR1999/01440T patent/TR199901440T2/xx unknown
  • 1997-12-22 JP JP10528970A patent/JP2000505709A/ja active Pending
  • 1997-12-22 AU AU55315/98A patent/AU5531598A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1997-12-22 CA CA002275924A patent/CA2275924A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1997-12-22 WO PCT/US1997/023478 patent/WO1998027918A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1997-12-22 EP EP97951759A patent/EP0957871A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1997-12-22 KR KR1019997005647A patent/KR20000069636A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
• 1999
  • 1999-06-21 NO NO993060A patent/NO993060L/no not_active Application Discontinuation

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