EP1139953A1 - Article absorbant et son procede de production - Google Patents

Article absorbant et son procede de production

Info

Publication number
EP1139953A1
EP1139953A1 EP99962460A EP99962460A EP1139953A1 EP 1139953 A1 EP1139953 A1 EP 1139953A1 EP 99962460 A EP99962460 A EP 99962460A EP 99962460 A EP99962460 A EP 99962460A EP 1139953 A1 EP1139953 A1 EP 1139953A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
absorbent
layers
water
distribution
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99962460A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ian Cheyne
Ervin Dan
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.)
Camelot Technologies Ltd
Original Assignee
Camelot Technologies Ltd
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
Priority claimed from GBGB9828587.7A external-priority patent/GB9828587D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB9909586.1A external-priority patent/GB9909586D0/en
Application filed by Camelot Technologies Ltd filed Critical Camelot Technologies Ltd
Publication of EP1139953A1 publication Critical patent/EP1139953A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • 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
    • A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
    • A61F13/15617—Making absorbent pads from fibres or pulverulent material with or without treatment of the fibres
    • A61F13/15658—Forming continuous, e.g. composite, fibrous webs, e.g. involving the application of pulverulent material on parts thereof
    • 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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F13/53743—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer characterised by the position of the layer relative to the other layers
    • 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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F13/539—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 absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers
    • 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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530481—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 absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials
    • 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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F2013/53765—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer characterized by its geometry
    • A61F2013/53782—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 absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer characterized by its geometry with holes
    • 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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F13/539—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 absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers
    • A61F2013/53966—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 absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers by needling, sewing, blow-needling
    • 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
    • A61F13/53—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 absorbing medium
    • A61F13/539—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 absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers
    • A61F2013/53975—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 absorbing medium characterised by the connection of the absorbent layers with each other or with the outer layers by Hydraulic entanglement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to absorbent articles. More particularly, it relates to a laminated absorbent article comprising a water-absorbent core layer and adjacent distribution and/or acquisition/layer(s) and to their use in such articles as sanitary products, such as napkins and pads, incontinence garments and disposable diapers.
  • the present invention relates to such laminated absorbent articles in which the boundary between the said layers of the article is not distinct and at least one of the layers interpenetrates the other.
  • the present invention also relates to a corresponding process for the production of such laminates.
  • water when used alone or in the phrases “water- absorbing” , “water-absorbent” , “water-swellable” and “water-management” , is understood to mean not only water but also aqueous media such as, in particular, electrolyte solutions such as body fluids.
  • boundary is understood to mean the interfacial region between adjacent layers of a laminated article, particularly the acquisition layer, the distribution layer and the water-absorbent core layer.
  • delaminatable means the ability of adjacent layers of a laminate to separate by peeling the one from the other or by application of a shear stress. Such delamination would normally be facilitated by the presence of water.
  • a "superabsorbent" material is defined as one which can absorb at least ten times its own mass in water.
  • Sanitary napkins, pads, incontinence garments and disposable diapers have been known for many years and much effort has been made to improve the functional efficiency of such articles to make them more absorbent, more comfortable to wear and less obtrusive to the wearer.
  • such products have a core which includes a water- absorbent core layer which acts to store fluid.
  • This water- absorbent core layer may be formed from any suitable water-absorbent material including wood pulp, fluff such as cellulose fluff, rayon and tissue. Additionally, or alternatively, the layer may comprise any of the water-absorbing polymer compositions commonly known as superabsorbent polymers.
  • a number of absorbent compositions have been developed which exhibit the capacity to be water-absorbing.
  • Known compositions may be in any suitable form including powders, particles and fibres.
  • the fibrous copolymers are rendered hydrophilic and water-swellable by reaction with ammonia or an alkali metal hydroxide.
  • US 3,980,663 which is incorporated herein by reference, describes water-swellable absorbent articles made from carboxylic polyelectrolytes via cross-linking with glycerine diglycidyl ether.
  • European Published Application No. 0 268 498 (incorporated herein by reference) describes a water-absorbent composition formed by causing a substantially linear polymer of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer blends comprising carboxylic and hydroxy lie monomers to cross-link internally.
  • water-absorbent compositions are those produced from a copolymer of an ,R unsaturated monomer having at least one pendant unit selected from a carboxylic acid group and derivatives thereof and a copolymerisable monomer. A proportion of the pendant units are present in the final copolymer as the free acid and a proportion as the salt of the acid.
  • These copolymers are capable of being cross-linked, either internally or with a variety of cross-linking agents, to form the water-swellable composition.
  • Examples of water-swellable compositions of this type can be found in US 4,616,063, 4,705,773, 4,731,067, 4,743,244, 4,788,237, 4,813,945, 4,880,868 and 4,892,533 and EP 0 272 074, 0 264 208 and 0 436 514 which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Derivatives of carboxylic acid groups include carboxylic acid salt groups, carboxylic acid amide groups, carboxylic acid imide groups, carboxylic acid anhydride groups and carboxylic acid ester groups.
  • Water-absorbent material of the kinds referred to in the above-mentioned patents and applications may be in any suitable form including powder, paniculate granular and fibers; the fibers may be straight or may be curled and/or crimped. Details of such curly/crimped fibers may be found in US 4,822,453, 4,888,453 5,462,793 and
  • the water-absorbent polymer may be coated onto the whole or a part of the surface of other materials such as non- water-absorbent fibers.
  • non- water-absorbent is meant that the fibers before coating do not absorb water to any great extent. Details of one type of fibers of this type may be found in WO 96/15307 which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • water-absorbent materials may be used as, or as part of, the water-absorbing layer. Suitable materials include naturally occurring water-absorbent materials.
  • One such water-absorbent material is starchy material such as that proposed by the US Department of Agriculture in 1969-1970. Peat moss may also be used a water-absorbent material.
  • Alginates have also been proposed as suitable water-absorbent material. One example of the use of such alginates is that suggested by Beghin/Kayserberg .
  • the water-absorbent core layer may be of non-uniform thickness.
  • the water-absorbent core layer may be shaped such that it is thicker in the crotch region.
  • the article may additionally include a distribution and/or acquisition layer which, in use, is generally located above and adjacent the water-absorbent core layer.
  • a distribution and/or acquisition layer is any layer which serves to draw water away from the wearer of the article and wick or spread the water away from the point of initial contact with the article. The water is, therefore, transported to other parts of the water-absorbent layer which allows the surface of the article to be kept as clean and dry as possible, and to spread the absorbence load more evenly throughout the article.
  • distribution and/or acquisition layer of this type is advantageous in addressing the problem of pooling if a substantial volume of water is discharged in a short time and thereby gives the user a feeling of dryness.
  • distribution and/or acquisition layers include those described in EP 0 565 606, GB 2 266 465 and GB 2 278 371 which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • distribution layers are generally made of hydrophillic or hydrophobic material such as wood pulp, fluff, bicomponent fibers, polyester, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.
  • the water-absorbent core layer Whatever material is used for the water-absorbent core layer, it is generally backed by a water-impervious backing sheet to protect clothing and the surrounding area from soiling and to prevent leakage of the body fluid which would cause embarrassment to the user. Any suitable water-impervious backing material may be used.
  • the absorbent article may have the added precaution of a second distribution and/or acquisition layer located between the water-absorbent layer and the fluid impervious backing sheet such that any water penetrating the water-absorbent layer is wicked, or spread, along the second distribution and/or acquisition layer.
  • the second distribution and/or acquisition layer may be formed from any suitable hydrophilic or hydrophobic material such as wood pulp, fluff, bicomponent fibers, polyester and polypropylene or mixtures thereof.
  • the absorbent article may also comprise an acquisition layer which draws water away from the wearer into the distribution layer.
  • acquisition layers may be made from any suitable material such as wood pulp, fluff, bicomponent fibers, polyester and polypropylene or mixtures thereof, although it is preferred that the layer comprise a high loft material.
  • the article generally has a water-permeable, non- woven type cover-sheet which defines the surface of the article which will, in use, be in contact with the user.
  • the cover sheet is intended to insulate the wearer from contact with water that has been absorbed into the core, thus the cover sheet should allow water to pass through it into the core but remain dry and soft to the touch.
  • Any suitable material may be used as the cover-sheet.
  • a suitable cover-sheet is described in US 5,257,982 which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Absorbent articles may be produced using a variety of methods depending on the structure of the desired article.
  • the fibrous material may be woven to form the body of the core.
  • the core comprises a non-woven web of fibrous material.
  • the water-absorbent core layer may be in non-fibrous form. Where the water-absorbent core layer is in fibrous form, it may be formed into a non- woven web by any conventional means. Suitable means include air-laying; wet- laying; needle punching; and hydro entanglement or spin interlacing by air or water jet and carding. Air-laying techniques are widely preferred and in this connection, the fibres are blown into a chamber and allowed to fall onto a continuous belt conveyor. This conveyor may have a plurality of small holes dispersed throughout the belt, through which the air from the chamber may continually be drawn using vacuum means. The evacuation of the air assists the fibres to form a non- woven web on the surface of the belt conveyor.
  • the newly formed web of water-absorbent core material may then be passed between calender rollers to provide a sheet of the desired thickness throughout.
  • the formed web is then bound together by the application of heat and bicomponent fibres; or by heat and crosslinkable latex materials.
  • the sheet of material is removed from the conveyor belt; then cut into discrete shapes, the shape being dependent on the nature of the final article.
  • One surface of the water-absorbent core layer may be coated with a chemical substance, such as an adhesive; and a distribution layer and/or acquisition is then placed onto the shaped absorbent core.
  • the resultant product is then fashioned into the required article with the addition of a back sheet, a top sheet and any other parts as required.
  • the conventional process for the formation of absorbent articles has a number of drawbacks.
  • One such drawback is that the process involves a large number of steps between the formation of the water-absorbent core layer and the production of the finished article. Therefore, the process can be both complicated, time-consuming and costly.
  • absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and pads, incontinence pads and disposable diapers display a number of characteristics.
  • the articles display as short water acquisition times and as high overall water absorbency as possible. Acquisition times are reduced in proportion with the increase in the ability of the article to wick, or spread, the water away from the initial point of contact with the absorbent article.
  • the amount of water which escapes from the absorbent article is minimised. Water which escapes from the article through the upper layer renders the article damp to the touch and rewet is a measure of how dry the articles feel to the touch after water-absorption. This is generally measured under load. Rewet is of particular importance to the absorbent articles of the present invention as a damp article will make the user feel damp and uncomfortable.
  • the absorbent article display low rewet properties.
  • the article should not leak and the integrity of the water-absorbent core should remain intact after absorption of water.
  • the adhesives used must have special characteristics.
  • the adhesives must be water-resistant if the finished article is to maintain its integrity during use.
  • the adhesive may not be sufficient to maintain this integrity; and, in this case, the layers in an absorbent article may come apart from each other; in addition, the presence of the adhesive might interfere with fluid distribution and absorption. In addition, the presence of the adhesive might interfere with fluid distribution and absorption.
  • use of these adhesives adds to the overall cost of producing the absorbent articles. Further, the application of the adhesive adds a further step to the overall process for the production of absorbent articles which not only increases the cost of production but also increases the length of time needed to produce the absorbent articles.
  • a laminated absorbent article comprising a fibrous water-absorbent core layer and a fibrous distribution and/or acquisition layer adjacent the water-absorbent core layer, said layers being substantially non-delaminatable in the absence of a chemical adhesive.
  • a laminated absorbent article comprising a water-absorbent core layer and a distribution and/or acquisition layer adjacent the water-absorbent core layer and in which the boundary between the two layers is diffuse.
  • a laminated absorbent article comprising at least a water-absorbent core layer and a distribution and/or acquisition layer in which the boundary between the two layers is more diffuse than the boundary between the corresponding layers in an article formed by the known process of air-laying the core layer and, thereafter, depositing the distribution and/or acquisition layer on the core layer.
  • the absorption layer and in the distribution layer and/or the acquisition layer can be needled together.
  • a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin or pad or an incontinence garment which comprises the laminated absorbent article of the present invention.
  • a laminate absorbent article produced using this process will have a diffuse boundary between the water-absorbent core layer and the distribution layer and/or the acquisition layer and/or between the distribution and acquisition layers which results in a decrease in the ability of the layers to delaminate in use.
  • the diffuse boundary arises from the physical integration of the fibers of one layer penetrating the body of the other fibrous layer. Such physical integration negates to need for chemical or thermal bonding between the layers and improves the absorption characteristics of the absorbent article.
  • a process for the production of the laminated absorbent article of the present invention comprising the steps of providing a fibrous distribution layer and forming a water- absorbent core layer by air-laying absorbent fibers on to the distribution and/or acquisition layer to form a laminate or by needle punching, hydroentangling or spin lacing the adjacent layers together.
  • the water- absorbent core layer is substantially nondelaminatable from the distribution layer in the absence of any chemical adhesive. This is achieved by having the material of one layer actually penetrate the body of the second layer.
  • the water- absorbent core layer comprises a non-woven web of fibers which may additionally, or alternatively, comprise superabsorbent material.
  • the superabsorbent material may be present in any suitable form such as powder, granular, particulate, aggregate, a coating or fibers.
  • the water- absorbent core layer may comprise any suitable water-absorbing materials such as wood pulp, fluff, rayon, tissue or bicomponent fibers. These materials may be present either alone or in any particular combination depending on the requirements of the finished article.
  • the acquisition layer may comprise a high loft, non-woven web of fibers. As the acquisition layer acts to spread the water from the point of contact with the finished absorbent article throughout the article to prevent saturation of the article at one point, it is desirably manufactured from a non-absorbent material; any suitable material may be used although polyester and polypropylene, either alone or in a particular combination, are preferred.
  • the distribution layer may comprise a non-woven web of fibers. As the distribution layer acts to spread the water from the point of contact with the finished absorbent article throughout the article to prevent saturation of the article at one point, it is desirably manufactured from a non- absorbent material; any suitable material may be used although polyester and polypropylene, either alone or in a particular combination, are preferred.
  • the fibres of the absorbent core penetrate the body of the adjacent layer, although it is to be understood that the present invention also encompasses the arrangement in which the fibers of the distribution and/or acquisition layer penetrate the body of the water-absorbent core layer.
  • the bonding between the water-absorbent core layer and the distribution and/or acquisition layer whilst provided sufficiently by the penetration of the fibers of one layer into the body of the other layer, may be enhanced by conventional bonding, e.g. thermal or latex bonding.
  • an adhesive coating is provided on the distribution and/or acquisition layer such that when the water-absorbent layer is laminated to the distribution layer, the two layers are chemically bonded to each other, in addition to the mechanical bonding due to the physical integration of the layers.
  • the laminated absorbent article also comprises perforations throughout the distribution and/or acquisition layer which extend in to the body of the absorbent core layer. These perforations may be formed by any suitable means although needle-punched. perforations are preferred. The act of perforating the laminated absorbent article may also serve to increase the physical integration of the two layers thereby improving the absorption and rewet properties.
  • the laminated absorbent article may also comprise an acquisition layer bonded to the distribution or absorption layer.
  • This layer may be made from any suitable material; however, it is preferred that a non- absorbent material be used.
  • the acquisition layer may comprise a high loft, non-woven web of wood pulp, fluff, polyester, polypropylene and/or bicomponent fibers.
  • the laminated absorbent article further comprises a top sheet and a water-impervious backing sheet.
  • a distribution and/or acquisition layer is provided on to which a layer of water-absorbent fibres is air-laid.
  • the water-absorbent fibres may be air-laid under vacuum provided the distribution layer is permeable to the flow of air.
  • the laminate may be passed under a single calender roller or between a pair of such rollers. This serves to provide a laminate of uniform thickness throughout if required for use in an article with a particular purpose.
  • the air-laid layers may then be thermally or latex bonded together.
  • the resultant laminate is simply needle-punched or hydroentangled or spun laced together with the distribution and/or acquisition layer to provide the diffuse boundary as necessary.
  • needle-punching, hydroentangling and spin lacing is achieved in any suitable way.
  • An acquisition layer, a top sheet and/or a water-impervious backing sheet may then be bonded to the laminated absorbent article.
  • the resultant continuous length of air-laid laminate may be cut into individual shapes, the dimensions of which are dependent on the requirements of the finished article.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional laminated absorbent article
  • Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the laminated absorbent article of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a process used for the production of the laminated absorbent article of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 refers to a conventional laminated absorbent article 2 which comprises a distribution layer 4 and a water- absorbent core layer 6.
  • a chemical adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the water- absorbent core layer and the distribution layer is then bonded to the core layer.
  • This arrangement provides a laminate with a substantially distinct boundary region 8.
  • the laminated absorbent article 10 of the present invention comprises the distribution layer 4 and the water-absorbent core layer 6.
  • the boundary layer 12 is diffuse with fibers from the absorbent layer penetrating the body of the distribution layer.
  • the physical integration between the fibers of one layer and the body of fibers of the other layer effectively bonds the layers together without the need for additional bonding means and also improves the absorbent properties of the absorbent product.
  • other means may be used to enhance the bonding between the layers; for example, needle punching, hydroentangling and spin lacing.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a much simplified schematic diagram of the process for forming the laminated absorbent article 10 of the present invention.
  • a layer of high loft material the distribution layer 4
  • the distribution layer travels on the conveyor belt into a hood 16 which comprises a fibre inlet 18.
  • Absorbent fibers 20 enter the hood via the inlet and fall towards the distribution layer.
  • the conveyor belt has a plurality of perforations (not shown) distributed throughout its surface. These perforations allow the air from the hood to be drawn out by the vacuum box 22 through the outlet 28. The removal of the air forcibly positions the fibers on to the distribution layer such that the fibers actually penetrate the body of the distribution layer.
  • the laminated absorbent article begins to form 24 and, once formed, the laminate travels out of the hood and between a pair of calendar rollers 26.
  • the air-laid portion of the laminate is then bound together by the use of heat and either bicomponent fibers or a latex solution.
  • the laminated absorbent article is then removed from the belt conveyor and processed to form the desired absorbent article.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un matériau stratifié comportant au moins deux couches contiguës dont au moins une comprenant un matériau fibreux et au moins une comprenant un superabsorbant. Par ailleurs, au moins une couche est interconnectée à l'autre, de sorte que la frontière entre les couches soit diffuse.
EP99962460A 1998-12-23 1999-12-23 Article absorbant et son procede de production Withdrawn EP1139953A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9828587.7A GB9828587D0 (en) 1998-12-23 1998-12-23 An absorbent article and process for the production therefor
GB9828587 1998-12-23
GB9909586 1999-04-26
GBGB9909586.1A GB9909586D0 (en) 1999-04-26 1999-04-26 An absorbent article and process for production therefor
PCT/GB1999/004427 WO2000038604A1 (fr) 1998-12-23 1999-12-23 Article absorbant et son procede de production

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1139953A1 true EP1139953A1 (fr) 2001-10-10

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99962460A Withdrawn EP1139953A1 (fr) 1998-12-23 1999-12-23 Article absorbant et son procede de production

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1139953A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2355746A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000038604A1 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030191442A1 (en) 2000-08-11 2003-10-09 The Procter & Gamble Company Topsheet for contacting hydrous body tissues and absorbent device with such a topsheet
US20030129915A1 (en) * 2002-01-04 2003-07-10 Tyco Healthcare Retail Services Ag Process for making a super absorbent polymer-impregnated non-woven absorbent core for personal hygiene products
CN107072847A (zh) * 2014-09-12 2017-08-18 宝洁公司 用于制备包括顶片/采集层层合体的吸收制品的工艺
EP3209824B1 (fr) 2014-09-12 2018-11-28 The Procter and Gamble Company Matériau de non-tissé ayant des déformations tridimensionnelles distinctes à larges ouvertures à la base liées à une couche supplémentaire
US10064766B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2018-09-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Nonwoven material having discrete three-dimensional deformations that are configured to collapse in a controlled manner
US10226385B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2019-03-12 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for making an absorbent article comprising a topsheet/acquisition layer laminate
US10076898B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2018-09-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Apparatus having forming members with surface texture for making nonwoven material having discrete three-dimensional deformations with wide base openings
EP3216434A1 (fr) 2016-03-08 2017-09-13 The Procter and Gamble Company Article absorbant comprenant un stratifié à feuille supérieure/à toile d'acquisition
CN110366489B (zh) 2017-03-09 2021-07-30 宝洁公司 具有孔和空隙的三维材料

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DK313984A (da) * 1983-09-23 1985-03-24 Personal Products Co Urinindlaeg til engangsbrug
DE3525379A1 (de) * 1985-07-16 1987-01-22 Klaus Hagenmeyer Gmbh Absorbierende vorlage fuer sanitaere, medizinische und/oder hygienische zwecke
US5188624A (en) * 1990-01-16 1993-02-23 Weyerhaeuser Company Absorbent article with superabsorbent particle containing insert pad and liquid dispersion pad

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See references of WO0038604A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2355746A1 (fr) 2000-07-06
WO2000038604A1 (fr) 2000-07-06

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