EP1056422A1 - Article absorbant comprenant une couche de composant presentant un obstacle a l'ecoulement d'un fluide a travers la couche - Google Patents

Article absorbant comprenant une couche de composant presentant un obstacle a l'ecoulement d'un fluide a travers la couche

Info

Publication number
EP1056422A1
EP1056422A1 EP99904670A EP99904670A EP1056422A1 EP 1056422 A1 EP1056422 A1 EP 1056422A1 EP 99904670 A EP99904670 A EP 99904670A EP 99904670 A EP99904670 A EP 99904670A EP 1056422 A1 EP1056422 A1 EP 1056422A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
absorbent article
recited
fluid
laminate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP99904670A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Henri Brisebois
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Johnson and Johnson Inc
Original Assignee
Johnson and Johnson Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=21827215&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1056422(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Johnson and Johnson Inc filed Critical Johnson and Johnson Inc
Publication of EP1056422A1 publication Critical patent/EP1056422A1/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A61F13/45—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 shape
    • A61F13/47—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins
    • A61F13/475—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means
    • A61F13/4758—Sanitary towels, incontinence pads or napkins characterised by edge leakage prevention means the means preventing fluid flow in a longitudinal direction
    • 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
    • A61F13/45—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 shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/494—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means
    • A61F13/49466—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers characterised by edge leakage prevention means the edge leakage prevention means being at the waist region

Definitions

  • ABSORBENT ARTICLE INCLUDING A COMPONENT LAYER HAVING A HINDRANCE TO FLUID FLOW ACROSS THE LAYER
  • the present invention relates to sanitary absorbent articles such as feminine sanitary napkins, adult incontinence pads, infant diapers, underarm absorbent pads, and medical bandages.
  • Sanitary absorbent articles are articles of manufacture that generally are used to absorb and retain bodily exudates; they have both medical and non-medical uses.
  • Conventional sanitary absorbent articles generally comprise several different layers of material joined together to form a laminate. Each of these layers is referred to as a "component layer" and serves a specific function within the article. Each layer is thus usually fabricated from a material different than that of the others, and has different physical properties and characteristics.
  • cover layer The uppermost layer of material, i.e. that which faces the body of the wearer of the article is conventionally termed the "cover layer” or "top sheet".
  • cover layer As the layer of the article which comes into physical contact with the human body, the cover layer must be relatively soft to the touch so as to avoid discomfort and prevent abrasions to the human tissue below during the time which the article is worn.
  • the cover layer must be fluid permeable so as to permit the ingress of the bodily exudate into the article to be absorbed and retained. At the same time however, it should remain dry to prevent moisture from accumulating against the skin of the wearer that could cause irritations.
  • cover layers are manufactured from a woven hydrophobic material or a synthetic plastic material having a large number of relatively small apertures per unit surface area.
  • the difficulty with cover layers of this construction is that a bodily exudate to be absorbed may accumulate on the surface of the cover layer for a small period of time before the entire volume of the exudate is actually absorbed into the layer and the layer(s) below.
  • the accumulated exudate may begin to flow across the surface of the cover layer before being absorbed. In some instances this may not be a problem in that the exudate will simply be absorbed at a point a distance away from its point of impact on the surface of the article. In others, however, the exudate may eventually flow off the article itself and onto the garments of the wearer, presenting an extremely undesirable situation.
  • the article is a sanitary napkin
  • the napkin assumes a generally curved shape with respect to her body.
  • any menstrual fluid not immediately absorbed by the article may flow across the surface thereof to the lowest point along the curve.
  • the curvature of the cup itself will then prevent the liquid from flowing any further.
  • the wearer is lying down (e.g. during periods of sleep or rest) the conformation of the napkin itself will not form an obstruction preventing any fluid from flowing longitudinally off the edge of the article.
  • the undergarments of the wearer may become soiled.
  • the present invention provides a component layer suitable for use in a sanitary absorbent article, the component layer including:
  • Component layers suitable for use in an absorbent article in accordance with the present invention are generally formed of relatively thin, flexible and lightweight material.
  • a component layer of the present invention is rectangular or dog-bone in shape, having two relatively shorter opposing transverse sides and two relatively longer opposing longitudinal sides. It should be understood, however, that no particular shape is essential to the invention, and, for example, component layers of the present invention may be any shape, including oval or circular. From each longitudinal side of the component layer there may project a flap, preferably trapezoidal in shape. Neither the presence of such flaps, nor their particular shape, is essential to the present invention.
  • the component layer is usually symmetric about an imaginary longitudinal centre-line running through its centre point and generally parallel to the longitudinal sides, and about an imaginary transverse centre-line running through its centre-point and generally parallel to the transverse sides.
  • the component layer also has two faces designated by the general direction in which they are oriented when an article into which the component layer is incorporated is being correctly worn by a user.
  • a "body-facing face” which faces the body of the wearer of the article, and a “garment- facing face” which is the opposite face and which faces the wearer's environment, which, although depending on which part of the body the article is being employed, is usually a garment.
  • the thickness of the component layer at any particular point is the distance between the body-facing face and the garment-facing face measured along the line perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse centre-lines when the layer is laid flat.
  • both the first portion and the second portion of a component layer of the present invention be substantially planar so that the user of an article into which the component layer is incorporated will not perceive the presence of these portions as a result their overlap, nor be caused irritation thereby.
  • substantially planar is meant to include surfaces having stricte undulations (i.e.
  • two portions should be considered to be overlapping when they, at least partially, lie one on top of the other when the component layer is laid flat.
  • the overlapping portions may be in complete contact with one another, in partial contact, or generally in a spaced apart relationship. No particular state in this respect is required nor is essential, neither when the article is laid flat nor when it is in use.
  • the overlapping portions are capable of accepting the fluid thereinbetween.
  • some of the fluid flowing across the component layer may, when encountering the edge of the second portion, may be directed and caused to flow between the portions.
  • Such fluid may be detained within the overlapping portions increasing the hindrance presented thereby.
  • the overlapping portions are separable, i.e. capable of being separated, meaning that the pocket formed thereby is expandable.
  • the term 'pocket' should be understood in the present context as signifying a compartment formed in the material that comprises the cover layer having a single opening, excluding any pores present in the material itself.
  • the portions may be caused to be capable of separating through a variety of methods.
  • the material of which the component layer is formed is extensible, where either portion itself contains pleats or folds permitting this effect, where there is a slight excess of material forming the second portion, or simply where the sides of the layer are capable of being drawn in.
  • the article is constructed such that the pocket will return to its original (i.e. unexpanded) state once all of the fluid entrapped therein has been absorbed into the article.
  • a simple embodiment of the present invention is a component layer formed of a single piece of material and having a pleat, i.e. a flattened fold therein doubled over upon itself, or a plurality of such pleats.
  • the pleat will thus consist of three layers of material and a cross-section thereof would be Z-shaped.
  • the pleat would define two pockets, one with an opening accessible from the body-facing face of the component layer, the other with an opening accessible from the garment-facing face of the component layer. For present purposes, it is only the pocket having an opening accessible from the body-facing face that is relevant.
  • the pleats should be formed and/or positioned such that the opening in the pocket faces in the direction from which it is likely that the fluid to be absorbed will flow.
  • the pleats will most likely lie parallel to the transverse centre-line at some distance therefrom, i.e. closer to the longitudinal ends of the article than the transverse centre-line, and have a body-facing face opening facing in the direction of the transverse centre-line. In this manner, when fluid flowing across the body- facing face of the component layer encounters the opening in the pocket defined by the overlapping portions its progress is hindered somewhat thereby, increasing the chances that the fluid will be absorbed within the article.
  • An alternative embodiment of the invention would have two different sheets of material of the appropriate size and shape to form a cover layer overlap in over a portion of each.
  • the overlapping portions thus formed would be similar to that described above except that they would form a two-ply sleeve instead of a three-ply pocket.
  • the term 'sleeve' should be understood in the present context as signifying a compartment formed in the material that comprises the cover layer having two openings, excluding any pores present in the material itself.
  • the sleeve so formed would have two openings, one accessible from the body-facing face of the component layer, the other accessible from the garment-facing face.
  • the sheets should be constructed such that the opening in the body- facing face of the sleeve faces in the direction from which it is likely that the fluid to be absorbed will flow. In this manner, when fluid flowing across the body-facing face of the component layer encounters the opening in the sleeve defined by the overlapping portions its progress is hindered somewhat thereby, increasing the chances that the fluid will be absorbed within the article. Additionally, fluid flowing between the portions would be directed thereby through the sleeve and be deposited on the underlying component layer.
  • This embodiment of the invention is not limited to an article having a single sleeve in a component layer; component layers constructed of multiple sheets having a plurality of sleeves are also included. Moreover, it is not necessary that each of the sheets of a component layer of this embodiment of the present invention be of the same material, as component layers having sheets of different material are also within its scope.
  • a third embodiment of the invention would encompass the simple placement of additional material on the cover layer to form a "sleeve-like" overlapping portion and act as a hindrance to fluid flow.
  • this material could be sealed to the cover layer in various configurations to form a "pocket-like” structure to entrap the fluid in addition to acting as a simple hindrance.
  • a laminate sanitary absorbent article comprising a plurality of component layers, wherein one of said component layers includes: (A) a substantially planar first portion;
  • the overlapping portions are capable of accepting the fluid thereinbetween.
  • the component layers of a laminate absorbent article of the present invention will include a fluid-permeable body-facing layer, a fluid-impervious garment- 8
  • a fluid-permeable intermediate layer also termed a 'transfer layer'
  • Any one (or more than one, or even all) of the body- facing layer, the intermediate layer (if present), and the absorbent layer may include overlapping portions in accordance with the present invention as previously described.
  • a laminate sanitary absorbent article having an absorbent layer of the present invention wherein the second portion of the absorbent layer has a substantially-impermeable first-portion-facing face.
  • No particular means for causing the first-portion facing face of the second portion to be substantially-impermeable are essential to the present invention.
  • a variety of conventional techniques for causing same including the application of chemicals or films to the second portion, and even at the limit the interposition of a material between the first portion and the second portion. Where the latter is the case, it is not necessary that such material be affixed to the first-portion-facing-face of the second portion.
  • wet-back is a condition familiar to those skilled in the art wherein, because of pressure exerted on the absorbent napkin, some of the fluid entrapped therein is released (generally along the reverse of the pathway through which it was absorbed).
  • a laminate sanitary absorbent article having an absorbent layer of the present invention further comprising a spacer member between the first portion and the second portion of said absorbent layer, said spacer member having a higher void volume per unit volume than the first portion and the second portion.
  • the material of which an absorbent layer is constructed is selected in view of its capability and capacity to absorb and retain a fluid as opposed to the rate in which such fluid is absorbed and retained.
  • the spacer member having a relatively large void volume per unit volume will be able to rapidly, albeit temporarily, store a large volume of fluid.
  • fluid flowing across the surface of the absorbent layer will encounter the vertical hindrance formed by the overlapping portions and will enter the space member and be temporarily stored pending its absorption by the absorbent layer.
  • a laminate sanitary absorbent article having an absorbent layer of the present invention wherein the first portion of said absorbent layer has areas of reduced average pore size as compared with the overall average pore size of said absorbent layer, to provide for increased wicking.
  • the absorptive force exerted by a material is inversely related to the size of the pores in the material into which the fluid to be absorbed will be drawn.
  • the areas of reduced pore size will tend to be more absorptive then the rest of the first portion or of the layer and will have a wicking effect. In this manner, more of the fluid contacting the vertical hindrance will be directed within the areas of reduced pore size and drawn in between the overlapping portions, reducing the likelihood that any fluid will escape the napkin and soil the wearer's garments.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a laminate sanitary absorbent article including a cover layer of present invention
  • Figure 2 is a top plan view of the article (body- facing face) of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the article along the line 3—3 in Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment similar to that of Figure
  • Figure 4a is an expanded view of the cross-section in Figure 4
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 1 while in use by a wearer in a standing position;
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that in Figure 5 while the wearer is lying in a prone position;
  • Figure 7 is an expanded view of the cross-section in Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment similar to that of Figure 3 including a cover layer of the present invention;
  • Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment including a transfer layer of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment including a transfer layer of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment including a cover layer and a transfer layer of the present invention
  • Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment including a cover layer and a transfer layer of the present invention
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a ninth embodiment including an absorbent layer of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment including an absorbent layer of the present invention.
  • Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an eleventh embodiment including an absorbent layer of the present invention.
  • Figure 16 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of an absorbent layer of the present invention.
  • a feminine sanitary napkin 20 is of a dog-bone shape and has four sides: two longer curved opposing longitudinal sides 22, 24 and two shorter rounded opposing transverse sides 26, 28.
  • An isosceles-trapezoidal-shaped flap 30, 32 projects from each of the longitudinal sides 22, 24.
  • the napkin 20 is symmetric about two perpendicular imaginary centre-lines: a longitudinal centre-line 34 running down the length of the napkin 20 through its centre-point and equidistant from the longitudinal sides 22, 24; and a transverse centre-line 36 running across the width of the napkin 20 through its centre-point and equidistant from the transverse sides 26, 28.
  • the napkin 20 has two faces, a body- facing face 38 and an opposing garment-facing face (not shown). Each component layer thereof has a similar physical description.
  • the length of the napkin 20 as measured along a line parallel to the transverse centre-line 36 stretching across the widest portion of the "dog-bone" is 11.0 cm.
  • the flaps 30,32 themselves are in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid and have a base measurement (i.e. the parallel side which joins the longitudinal edge of the napkin) of 5.0 cm, and a top measurement (i.e. the opposing parallel side) of 3.0 cm.
  • the napkin 20 includes a body-facing cover layer 40, a garment-facing barrier layer 44, an absorbent layer 42 between the cover layer 40 and the barrier layer 44. As shown in Figures 4 and 4a, such an absorbent napkin most preferably includes a transfer layer 46 between the cover layer 40 and the absorbent layer 44. 12
  • Attached to the garment facing surface of the barrier layer 44 are a number of adhesive strips 48 for affixing the napkin 20 to the undergarment of the wearer.
  • the cover layer 40 may be a relatively low density, bulky, high-loft non-woven web material.
  • the cover layer 40 may be composed of only one type of fibre, such as polyester, or it may be composed of bicomponent or conjugate fibres having a low melting point component and a high melting point component.
  • the fibres may be selected from a variety of natural and synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, rayon (in combination with other fibres), cotton acrylic fibre and the like and combinations thereof.
  • Bicomponent fibres may be made up of a polyester core and a polyethylene sheath. The use of appropriate bicomponent materials results in a fusible non- woven fabric.
  • Using a fusible fabric increases the ease with which the cover layer 40 may be mounted to the adjacent transfer layer 46 and/or to the barrier layer 44.
  • the cover layer 40 preferably has a relatively high degree of wettability, although the individual fibres comprising the cover may not be particularly hydrophilic.
  • the cover material should also contain a great number of relatively large pores. This is because the cover layer 40 is intended to absorb body fluid rapidly and transport it away from the body and the point of deposition.
  • the fibres which make up the cover layer 40 should not loose their physical properties when they are wetted, in other words they should not collapse or loose their resiliency when subjected to water or body fluid.
  • the cover 40 may be treated to allow fluid to pass through it readily.
  • the cover layer 40 also functions to transfer the fluid quickly to the other layers of the absorbent structure.
  • the cover 40 is preferably wettable, hydrophilic and porous. When composed of synthetic hydrophobic fibres such as polyester or bicomponent fibres, the cover 40 may be treated with a surfactant to impart the desired degree of wettability. 13
  • the cover layer 40 is made of polymer film having large pores.
  • the film accomplishes the function of quickly transferring body fluid to the inner layers of the absorbent structure.
  • Apertured co-extruded films such as RETICULON brand, for example, described in U.S. patent 4,690,679 are useful as cover layers in the absorbent structures of this invention.
  • a fluid transfer layer 46 adjacent to the cover layer 40 on its inner side and bonded to the cover layer 40 is a fluid transfer layer 46 that may form part of the absorbent system.
  • the transfer layer 46 provides the means of receiving body fluid from the cover layer 40 and holding it until the highly-dense absorbent layer 42 has an opportunity to absorb the fluid.
  • the transfer layer 46 is, preferably, more dense than and has a larger proportion of smaller pores than the cover layer 40. These attributes allow the transfer layer 46 to contain body fluid and hold it away from the outer side of the cover layer 40, thereby preventing the fluid from re-wetting the cover layer 40 and its surface. However, the transfer layer 46 is, preferably, not so dense as to prevent the passage of the fluid through the layer into the absorbent layer 42.
  • the transfer layer 46 may be composed of fibrous materials, such as wood pulp, polyester, rayon, flexible foam, or the like, or combinations thereof.
  • the transfer layer 46 may also comprise thermoplastic fibres for the purpose of stabilizing the layer and maintaining its structural integrity.
  • the transfer layer 46 may be treated with surfactant on one or both sides in order to increase its wettability, although generally the transfer layer 46 is relatively hydrophilic and may not require treatment.
  • the transfer layer 46 is preferably bonded on both sides to the adjacent layers, i.e. the cover layer 40 and the absorbent layer 42. 14
  • the absorbent layer 42 is preferably a highly dense layer having a fine porosity. It has a large liquid holding capacity and it is extremely retentive. Most preferably, the absorbent layer 42 is composed of compressed sphagnum moss material. More specifically, the sphagnum moss is formed as a board by air or wet laying and calendering to obtain a relatively thin, i.e. from about 0.01 to 0.10 inch thick, relatively dense, i.e. from about 0.2 to 1.0 g cm 3 , sheet like structure. It is then tenderized, reducing the density to between 0.05 and 0.1 g/cm 3 .
  • the structure may include a layer of Kraft tissue laminated on one or both surfaces of the sphagnum moss layer.
  • a fibrous component is admixed with the sphagnum moss material.
  • the fibrous component is suitably a natural or synthetic textile fibre such as rayon, polyester, nylon, acrylic or the like, having a length of from about 0.25 to 1.5 inches and a denier of from about 1.0 to 5.
  • the fibrous component may be present in an amount from about 2 to 20% by weight, most preferably from 4 to 8%.
  • the absorbent layer 42 may also comprise other components such as wood pulp, synthetic wood pulp, thermomecanical pulp, mechanically ground pulp, polymers, surfactants, super- absorbents and the like.
  • the absorbent system includes a single layer of pulp fluff material (the transfer layer is omitted).
  • the absorbent layer 42 preferably comprises a pulp fluff material and may optionally include other absorbent materials or non-absorbent materials which aid in stabilizing the absorbent structure such as conjugate fibres, fusible fibres, binders, sphagnum peat moss particles, super-absorbents, and the like and combinations thereof, and may optionally include other absorbent materials or non- absorbent materials which aid in stabilizing the absorbent structure such as conjugate fibres, fusible fibres, binders, sphagnum peat moss particles, super-absorbents, and the like and combinations thereof. 15
  • a barrier layer 44 comprising liquid-impervious film material so as to prevent liquid that is entrapped in the absorbent layer 42 from egressing the sanitary napkin and staining the wearer's undergarment.
  • the barrier layer 44 is made of polymeric film, such as polyethylene which is both inexpensive and readily available.
  • the polyethylene is capable of fully blocking the passage of liquid or gas that may emanate from the absorbent system.
  • breathable films may be used that allow passage of gases while blocking liquid.
  • the cover layer 40 and the barrier layer 44 are joined along their marginal portions so as to form an enclosure that maintains the absorbent system captive.
  • the joint may be made by means of adhesives, heat-bonding, ultrasonic bonding, radio frequency sealing, mechanical crimping, and the like and combinations thereof.
  • the peripheral seal line is shown in Figure 2 by the reference numeral 52.
  • the napkin may be provided with adhesives 48, such as hot-melt adhesives capable of establishing a temporary bond with the undergarment material.
  • adhesives 48 may be applied to the bottom (garment-facing face) of the barrier layer 44 in various patterns, including complete adhesive coverage, parallel longitudinal lines, a line of adhesive following the perimeter of the structure, transverse lines of adhesive or the like.
  • the sanitary napkin of this invention may be attached to a belt that encircles the waist of the wearer.
  • the cover layer 40 of the napkin 20 has a series of overlapping portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d; two on either side of the transverse centre-line 36.
  • Each of the overlapping portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d is formed by a pleat in the material of which the cover layer 40 is composed. These pleats are simply flattened folds in the cover layer 40 which when viewed along a longitudinal cross section of the napkin (as in Figures 3, 4, and 4a) are of a flattened Z-shaped.
  • the overlapping portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d thus comprise a first portion 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d and an overlapping second portion 54a, 54b,
  • edge 56b of the second portion 54b of the second 50b of the series of overlapping portions forms a line parallel to the transverse centre-line 36 of the napkin at distance 6.1 cm therefrom.
  • the width (i.e. distance between the edge 56b of the second portion 54b and the edge 58b of the first portion 52b) of the overlapping portions 52b, 54b of the second 50b of the series of overlapping portions is 0.7 cm.
  • the edges 56a, 58a of both the second portion 54a and the first portion 52a of the first 50a of the series of overlapping portions form lines parallel to the transverse centre-line.
  • the distance from the edge 56a of the second portion 54a to the transverse centre-line 36 is 7.3 cm, and from the edge 58a of the first portion 54a is 8.0 cm.
  • the width of the first 50a of the series of overlapping portions is 0.7 cm.
  • the napkin 20 is symmetric about the transverse centre-line 36 these distances and measurements are valid for both sides thereof (i.e. the measurements with respect to 50d are the same as those for 50a and those of 50c are the same as those of 50b). It should be understood that none of these distances is critical to the invention and thus a wide variety of overlapping portion configurations is possible.
  • overlapping portions that are parallel to the transverse centre-line 36 are highly preferred, it would still be possible within the scope of the present invention to have such portions be at an angle thereto.
  • a sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention when a sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is in use by a female, the napkin adopts a curved shape with respect to her body about the pudendal region. Despite the curvature of the napkin, the overlapping portions 52a/54a, 52b/54b,
  • 52c/54c, 52d/54d preferably remain flush with one another to prevent the wearer from being caused discomfort thereby. 17
  • menstrual fluid 60 to be absorbed by the napkin will be deposited on the cover layer 40 at a point between the first of the series of overlapping portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d on either side of the transverse centre-line 36.
  • some of the fluid 60 not immediately absorbed by the napkin may begin to flow along the body- facing surface 38 of the cover layer 40 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 6.
  • a portion of the fluid 60 may encounter the second 50b of the series of pleats, specifically the edge 56b of the second portion 54b thereof.
  • This edge 56b constitutes a vertical hindrance to fluid-flow and should retard the exudate' s 60 progress across the layer 40, giving it more time to absorbed though the cover layer 40.
  • a part of the exudate will most likely flow under the second portion 54b separate the second portion 54b from the first portion 52b, and enter the pocket 62b, as depicted in Figure 7.
  • Such exudate 60 will be temporarily retained within the pocket 62b until absorbed through the cover layer 40 and into the layers below.
  • the raised second portion 54b of the now open pocket 62b will thus constitute an even greater vertical hindrance to fluid flow across the layer 40.
  • a part of the exudate may flow over top (i.e. along the body- facing surface 38) of the second portion 54b, as opposed to becoming entrapped within the pocket 62b. In such case, if not absorbed, it may continue to flow along the body-facing surface 38 of the cover layer 40 and may eventually encounter the first 50a of the series of pleats.
  • This pleat is identical to the second pleat 50b and the interaction of the fluid therewith is the same as that described hereinabove in relation thereto.
  • the material forming the cover layer 40 is not extensible, but is lightweight and flexible.
  • first 52b, 52a and second portions 54b, 54a when fluid separates the first 52b, 52a and second portions 54b, 54a and opens the pocket 62b, 62a, a portion of the longitudinal side of the napkin around where the edge of the pleat is attached will be drawn in.
  • the second portion 54b, 54a of the pleat is therefore under a minor tension so that when there is no further exudate to be absorbed within the pocket 62b, 62a, the second portion 54b, 54a will return to its original state and will lie substantially planar over top the first portion 52b, 52a. 18
  • the overlapping portions 850a, 850b, 850c are not formed by a series of pleats, rather the cover layer 840 of this embodiment is formed from a series of discrete segments 864, 866, 868, 870 of material (others not shown).
  • the primary segment 870 forms the centre of the layer and stretches a distance away from the transverse centre-line on either side thereof.
  • the transverse edge portions of the primary segment 870 will form the first portions 852c of the third overlapping portions 850c on either side of the transverse centre-line (only one side shown).
  • the secondary segments 868 have a first transverse edge 856c closer to the transverse centre-line of the layer than the transverse edges 858c of the primary segment 870.
  • the first edge portion of the secondary segment 868 will form the second portion 854c of the third overlapping portion 850c on either side of the transverse centre-line (only one side shown).
  • the secondary segments 868 stretch away from their first transverse edges 856c some distance past the transverse edge 858c of the first segment 870 to a second transverse edge 858b.
  • This second transverse edge portion forms the first portion 852b of the second overlapping portion 850b on either side of the transverse centre-line (only one side shown).
  • the tertiary segments 866 have a first transverse edge 856b closer to the transverse centreline of the layer than the second transverse edges 858b of the secondary segments 868 but further than the second transverse edges 858c of the primary segment 870.
  • the tertiary segments 866 stretch away from their first transverse edges 856b some distance past the second transverse edge 858b of the secondary segment 868 to a second transverse edge 858b.
  • This second transverse edge portion forms the first portion 852a of the first overlapping portion 850a on either side of the transverse centre-line (only one side shown).
  • the quaternary segments 864 have a first transverse edge 856a closer to the transverse centre-line of the layer than the second transverse edges 858a of the tertiary segments 866 but further than the second transverse edges 858b of the secondary segments 866.
  • the quaternary segments 864 stretch away from their first transverse edges 856a some distance to form the transverse edges 826 of the layer itself.
  • This first edge portion of the quaternary segment 864 will form the second portion 854a of the second overlapping portion 850a on either side of the transverse centre-line (only one side shown). 19
  • the overlapping portions 850a, 850b, 850c form sleeves as opposed to pockets.
  • the general interaction with flowing exudate is similar to that described hereinabove with respect to pocket-forming overlapping portions, with an exception that the sleeves formed by the overlapping portions 850a, 850b, 850c do not have the ability to retain liquid therein pending its absorption through the cover layer, rather they will act as conduits for the exudate and will deposit it directly on the layer underlying the cover layer.
  • a transfer layer is generally independent of whether other component layers of the same napkin have been constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • a napkin with a transfer layer and/or a cover layer and/or an absorbent layer constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • two of such layers e.g. a cover layer and a transfer layer, of the present invention incorporated into a single napkin, alternate embodiments are again possible.
  • a single overlapping portion e.g. 1150a, 1150b
  • a single overlapping portion will contain portions of both of the component layers.
  • cover layer 1140 and the transfer 1146 layer are laid one on top of the other and a series of pleats is formed therein as if the layers were a single layer, thus forming a composite layer.
  • overlapping portions 1250a, 1250b are sleeves instead of pockets.
  • the absorbent layer 1342 of a sanitary napkin is formed having overlapping portions 1350a,
  • the napkin depicted in Figure 13 includes an absorbent layer 1342 sandwiched between a cover layer 1340 and a barrier layer 1344. It would be 20
  • a napkin including a transfer layer (not shown) between the cover layer 1340 and the absorbent layer 1342.
  • the face of the second portions 1454a, 1454b of the overlapping portions 1450a, 1450b which faces the first portion 1452a, 1452b of the overlapping portions 1450a, 1450b of the absorbent layer 1444 is a substantially fluid-impermeable.
  • an impermeable layer 1464a, 1464b of a plastic material between the second portion 1454a, 1454b and the first portion 1452a, 1452b. Note that for illustrative purposes, the relationship of the impermeable layer 1464a,
  • the preferred material is bulky, air-laid and non-absorbent such as polyethylene or polypropylene. (Note that for illustrative purposes, the relationship of the spacer member 1566a, 1566b to the first 1552a, 1552b and second 1554a, 1554b portions is not to scale.)

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une couche de composant se prêtant à une utilisation dans un article hygiénique absorbant, la couche de composant comprend a) une première partie sensiblement plane et b) un second partie sensiblement plane recouvrant ladite première partie. Lesdites parties superposées forment un obstacle vertical à l'écoulement d'un fluide à travers la couche de composant.
EP99904670A 1998-02-18 1999-02-16 Article absorbant comprenant une couche de composant presentant un obstacle a l'ecoulement d'un fluide a travers la couche Ceased EP1056422A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2563698A 1998-02-18 1998-02-18
US25636 1998-02-18
PCT/CA1999/000139 WO1999042066A1 (fr) 1998-02-18 1999-02-16 Article absorbant comprenant une couche de composant presentant un obstacle a l'ecoulement d'un fluide a travers la couche

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1056422A1 true EP1056422A1 (fr) 2000-12-06

Family

ID=21827215

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99904670A Ceased EP1056422A1 (fr) 1998-02-18 1999-02-16 Article absorbant comprenant une couche de composant presentant un obstacle a l'ecoulement d'un fluide a travers la couche

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1056422A1 (fr)
AR (1) AR017233A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2508399A (fr)
BR (1) BR9908021A (fr)
CA (1) CA2319336A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999042066A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA991266B (fr)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7481802B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2009-01-27 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Absorbent article
US7799007B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2010-09-21 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Absorbent article with two-piece construction and method of making the same
US7662138B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2010-02-16 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Absorbent article
US7553300B2 (en) 2002-07-05 2009-06-30 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Absorbent product for men
SE0202102D0 (sv) * 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 Sca Hygiene Prod Ab Absorberande alster för män
JP4845344B2 (ja) * 2004-04-14 2011-12-28 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 使い捨ておむつ
JP2006181024A (ja) * 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Uni Charm Corp 使い捨て着用物品
JP6447408B2 (ja) * 2015-08-05 2019-01-09 王子ホールディングス株式会社 吸収性物品
JP2019068949A (ja) * 2017-10-06 2019-05-09 王子ホールディングス株式会社 吸収性物品

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3653382A (en) * 1969-12-22 1972-04-04 Procter & Gamble Expandable airfelt pad
US4555430A (en) 1984-08-16 1985-11-26 Chicopee Entangled nonwoven fabric made of two fibers having different lengths in which the shorter fiber is a conjugate fiber in which an exposed component thereof has a lower melting temperature than the longer fiber and method of making same
US4690679A (en) 1986-03-14 1987-09-01 Johnson & Johnson Coextruded apertured film sanitary napkin cover
SE467949B (sv) * 1991-02-18 1992-10-12 Moelnlycke Ab Isolationsskikt ingaaende i en vaetskeupptagande hygienartikel
SE503053C2 (sv) * 1994-07-15 1996-03-18 Moelnlycke Ab Absorberande artikel
ATE198138T1 (de) * 1995-09-06 2001-01-15 Procter & Gamble Eine, mit grösse unterschiedlichen perforationen versehenen decklage für hygieneartikel
DE19534826A1 (de) * 1995-09-20 1997-03-27 Christoph Ludewigt Wegwerfwindel

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9942066A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2508399A (en) 1999-09-06
AR017233A1 (es) 2001-08-22
CA2319336A1 (fr) 1999-08-26
WO1999042066A1 (fr) 1999-08-26
ZA991266B (en) 2000-08-17
BR9908021A (pt) 2000-10-31

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