IT201900012675A1 - ABSORBENT STRUCTURE AND ABSORBENT HYGIENIC ARTICLE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the invention having as title:

"ABSORBENT STRUCTURE AND ABSORBENT HYGIENIC ARTICLE"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an absorbent structure of an absorbent hygienic article, such as for example a diaper, a diaper-pant, a diaper for incontinence, an absorbent, or other articles intended to absorb body fluids.

In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to an absorbent structure capable of absorbing frequent and / or severe urinations.

Embodiments of the present invention also refer to an absorbent hygienic article comprising this absorbent structure, a process for making the latter, as well as to a relative apparatus.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

There are absorbent structures which comprise an absorbent core made of fibrous material in which particles of super absorbent material are integrated.

Some known absorbent cores comprise an absorbent mat of fibrous material of natural and unbound origin, which typically can consist of cellulose fibers also known as fluff.

Super absorbent material particles typically include hydrogelifying materials, also known as Absorbent Gelling Material (AGM) or Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). In this disclosure, the terms "absorbent polymer material", "absorbent gelling material", "AGM", "super absorbent", "super absorbent material", "super absorbent polymer" and "SAP".

By way of non-limiting example, a super absorbent material may comprise a polymeric material capable of absorbing a 0.9% aqueous saline solution in an amount equal to at least 5 times its weight, said quantity being measured with the "Centrifuge Retention Capacity "(according to the EDANA standard 441.2-01).

Absorbent structures are known in which the absorbent core has areas devoid of material, which are referred to in the sector as channels or magic tubes.

These channels favor and speed up the distribution of body fluids in the absorbent core by partially involving areas of the latter typically not affected by liquids if such channels are not present.

The known absorbent structures have the drawback of having high amounts of absorbent materials, whether they are cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers, particles of superabsorbent material, and their combinations, especially in the case of absorbent articles for incontinence.

The known absorbent structures do not allow to make full use of the absorbent material available because the body fluids are not diffused efficiently towards the regions of the absorbent structure not directly affected by urination.

It is evident that absorbent structures with high amounts of absorbent material have a high environmental impact, and make the absorbent toilet articles which use them expensive.

A further problem of items equipped with channels is that they are not adequate to cope with severe urination, as the storage volume of the channels is not sufficient to contain large amounts of body fluid.

It is known that the user in these cases may get wet in an undesirable way and such as to require the intervention of an operator to manage the problem. This is also further accentuated in the case of repeated and frequent urinations, as the liquid soon escapes from the canal.

There is therefore a need to improve and make available an absorbent structure and an absorbent hygienic article comprising this absorbent structure which overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the known art.

An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent structure capable of managing severe and / or repeated urinations so that the liquid is stored and acquired efficiently and without causing inconvenience to the user.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an absorbent structure capable of involving large areas for the acquisition of body fluids that are not currently used by the known absorbent structures.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent structure that is compact and that at the same time can handle large quantities of body fluids even greater than those currently managed by known absorbent structures.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent structure which is simple to make and which has a limited environmental impact.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent hygienic article comprising at least one absorbent structure capable of improving the performance of acquisition, diffusion and storage of body fluids, so as to be able to manage severe and / or repeated urinations.

In order to obviate the drawbacks of the known art and to obtain these and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

EXPOSURE OF THE FOUND

The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims disclose other features of the present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

In accordance with the aforementioned purposes, the present invention relates to an absorbent structure of an absorbent hygienic article having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis perpendicular to each other.

The absorbent structure includes along the longitudinal axis an anterior region, a posterior region, and a central region interposed between the anterior region and the posterior region.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the absorbent structure comprises a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer distinct from each other and placed in mutual contact. According to possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer comprises cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material and is provided with an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface.

According to possible embodiments, the second absorbent layer comprises cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material and is provided with an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer are placed in mutual contact so as to jointly define along the longitudinal axis a channel defined by a bottom and by at least two side walls, in which the bottom is defined by the upper surface of the first absorbent layer.

Following one or more urinations, even severe ones, the two absorbent layers increase in volume according to the absorption of liquids. This increase in volume is functional to the increase in the available volume of the channel, which by presenting a gradually greater volume allows to store a large amount of liquid.

This effect is not present in known structures in which the channel is made of an absorbent layer in a single body, for example by embossing since, in these cases, the absorbent layer in a single body swells in relation to the absorbed liquid, or at the limit it remains unchanged unlike the known art where it decreases. This swelling leads to a significant decrease in the volume of the canal which can also disappear in the event of severe and / or repeated urination.

Thanks to the synergistic combination of the two absorbent layers that form the absorbent structure according to the present invention, the volume of the channel available for the storage of liquids, in use, increases significantly in relation to the absorption of liquids.

Unlike the known art in which there is only one absorbent layer, each of the two absorbent layers according to the present invention does not affect the behavior of the other as they are not bound to each other. It is verified that the side walls increase their extension along the vertical axis without affecting the width of the channel along the transverse axis. This is advantageous in that as the amount of liquid increases, the volume available inside the channel increases, which allows it to accommodate a large amount of liquid and therefore allows you to manage severe and / or frequent urinations.

In other words, the synergistic combination of the two absorbent layers forming the absorbent structure allows to acquire liquids more rapidly than a known absorbent structure with the same amount of absorbent material.

Thanks to the presence of the channel, a substantially free zone of absorbent material is formed through which, in use, the liquid can flow and spread reaching regions of the first absorbent structure not in direct contact with the zone of first acquisition of the liquid.

In particular, thanks to the presence of two distinct absorbent layers, the liquid can reach the contact surface of the two absorbent layers. This allows the second absorbent layer to absorb a large amount of liquid and therefore to swell more than the absorbent layers in a single body.

The present invention allows to use large areas of the absorbent structure, significantly increasing the absorption efficiency to liquids.

This also allows to limit the use of absorbent material for the same absorbed liquid, making the absorbent article more sustainable, which adopts an absorbent structure according to possible embodiments of the present invention.

The adoption of absorbent structures according to possible embodiments of the present invention allows to realize an absorbent hygienic article with an excellent fit and with a contained quantity of absorbent material compared to articles with known single-layer absorbent structures.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the concentration by weight of the particles of superabsorbent material in the central region is greater than the concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material of the anterior region and the posterior region. According to possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the first absorbent layer in the central region is between 20% and 50%.

According to possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the superabsorbent material particles of the first absorbent layer in the central region is between 20% and 40%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the assembly consisting of the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer in the central region is between 20% and 50%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the assembly consisting of the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer in the central region is between 20% and 40%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the side walls are parallel to each other.

In accordance with possible embodiments, at least one of the side walls is inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the side walls are inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

According to possible embodiments, the side walls are inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis approaching each other towards the bottom of the channel.

According to possible embodiments, the side walls are inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis moving away from each other towards the bottom of the channel.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the second absorbent layer comprises a first element and a second element each provided with two longitudinal ends, in which one of the side walls of the channel is defined by a wall of the first element and another of the side walls is defined by a wall of the second element.

According to possible embodiments, at least a longitudinal end of the first element and a longitudinal end of the second element are joined by means of a respective junction region to form a single body, in which the junction region defines a closed wall of the channel.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the absorbent structure comprises at least one acquisition and diffusion element comprising synthetic fibers and, in use, configured to acquire and diffuse liquids in the absorbent structure.

According to possible embodiments, the present invention also refers to an absorbent hygienic article for incontinence patients comprising a first material permeable to liquids, a second material impermeable to liquids, and an absorbent structure according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention and interposed between the first material and the second material.

Thanks to the use in a hygienic article that includes an absorbent structure as in any of the embodiments of the present invention, in use, the absorbent structure is able to handle a greater quantity of liquid than hygienic articles comprising known absorbent structures. In particular, the absorbent structure is able to rapidly acquire a greater quantity of liquid than hygienic articles comprising known absorbent structures.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent hygienic article comprises an acquisition and diffusion element interposed between the first material and the absorbent structure.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the lower surface of the first absorbent layer faces the second material.

ILLUSTRATION OF DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a hygienic article according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an absorbent structure according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a front view of the absorbent structure of Figure 2;

Figures 4-6 are three perspective views of three embodiments of a second absorbent layer of an absorbent structure according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view of an absorbent structure according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

figure 8 is a cross section of the absorbent structure of figure 7.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers have been used wherever possible to identify identical common elements in the figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further specification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described here, with reference to the figures, refer to an absorbent structure 20 of an absorbent hygienic article 10, such as for example a diaper, a diaper-pant, an incontinence diaper, an absorbent, or other articles intended to absorb body fluids. For example, the absorbent hygienic article 10 can be disposable, or with disposable parts and other parts that can be used several times such as belt items with belt removable from the chassis.

Purely by way of example, but not limiting the present invention, Figure 1 shows an absorbent hygienic article 10 comprising an absorbent structure 20.

The representation of Figure 1 is schematic in nature and intends to highlight that the absorbent structure 20 described below can be included in a wide range of types of absorbent hygienic articles 10.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent hygienic article 10 comprises a main body 15, also called chassis, intended to be applied on the user's body in a general hollow shape that wraps it around the inguinal area typically in correspondence with the central portion 19 of the absorbent hygienic article 10, also called the crotch area or "crotch portion".

According to possible embodiments, the main body 15 comprises a front end 16 and a rear end 18.

It is emphasized that in this description the connotation "front" and "rear" is used solely for display purposes to distinguish the two ends of the main body 15 from each other and therefore has no specific relevance as regards the ways in which the sanitary napkin article 10 is worn.

In accordance with possible embodiments, at the rear end 18, the absorbent hygienic article 10 can comprise a pair of side panels 5 which extend transversely from the main body 15.

These side panels 5 can be provided with closing elements 6 configured to close the absorbent hygienic article 10 around the user's waist. For example, the closing elements 6 may comprise mechanical, adhesive, attachment means or combinations thereof.

In accordance with possible embodiments, at the front end 16, the absorbent hygienic article 10 comprises a pair of side panels 8 which extend transversely from the main body 15.

The hygienic absorbent article 10 illustrated in figure 1 represents an example in which there are a pair of side panels 5 and a pair of side panels 8 which give the hygienic absorbent article 10, ideally seen in an open and extended position, a conformation to hourglass.

The hourglass shape can be accentuated by the fact that the side panels 5 and / or the side panels 8 can be suitably shaped, for example the side panels 5 and / or the side panels 8 can have a trapezoidal shape.

According to possible embodiments of the present invention, the side panels 5 and the side panels 8 can be made of different materials, or they can be made from the same material.

For a more detailed description of further characteristics of the absorbent hygienic article 10, for example as regards the presence of shaped edges to delineate the contour of the openings of the user's legs, the possibly elasticized sides arranged at the sides of the absorbent structure 20 with function of lateral containment of body fluids, the elastic elements present in the main body 15, or other elements potentially present in an absorbent hygienic article 10, please refer to the extensive literature existing on the subject.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the absorbent hygienic article 10 can be a hygienic article for incontinence, ie an absorbent hygienic article designed to manage severe and / or frequent urination of incontinent subjects.

According to possible embodiments, the hygienic absorbent article 10 for incontinence includes a first material 11 permeable to liquids, a second material 12 impermeable to liquids, and an absorbent structure 20 interposed between the first material 11 and the second material 12.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the first material 11 also called topsheet is intended, in use, to be facing the user's body, while the second material 12 also called backsheet is intended, in use, to be facing the user. external, i.e. placed in contact with the user's clothing.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 has a longitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y and a vertical axis Z-Z perpendicular to each other. In accordance with possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 comprises along the longitudinal X-X axis an anterior region 22, a posterior region 23, and a central region 24 interposed between the anterior region 22 and the posterior region 23.

According to possible embodiments, the central region 24 means that portion of the absorbent structure 20 centered with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X and the transverse axis Y-Y, which has a maximum length, parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X, equal to 50% of the length total of the absorbent structure 20 and has a maximum width, parallel to the transverse Y-Y axis, equal to the minimum width of the absorbent structure 20.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can have the rear region 23 wider than the central region 24.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can have the anterior region 22 and the posterior region 23 wider than the central region 24.

Thanks to the use of absorbent structures with at least the posterior region 23 wider than the central region 24 it is possible to have absorbent sanitary articles 10 that are comfortable for the users who wear them when they are stretched out, since these absorbent sanitary articles 10 are able to bandage the user's hips.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 comprises a first absorbent layer 21 and a second absorbent layer 41 distinct from each other and placed in mutual contact. In accordance with possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer 21 comprises cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material and is provided with an upper surface 31 and a lower surface 32, opposite the upper surface 31.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the second absorbent layer 41 comprises cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material and is provided with an upper surface 61 and a lower surface 62, opposite the upper surface 61.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41 are distinct from each other and placed in mutual contact so as to jointly define along the longitudinal direction X-X a channel 50 defined by a bottom 52 and by at least two walls sides 51, in which the bottom 52 is defined by the upper surface 31 of the first absorbent layer 21.

Thanks to the presence of the channel 50, the absorbent structure 20 allows the first urinations to be rapidly absorbed both from the first absorbent layer 21 and from the second absorbent layer 41, even in the areas placed in mutual contact.

It occurs that the second absorbent layer 41, by absorbing the body fluids, due to the swelling of the particles of superabsorbent material present therein, increases in size. In particular, the second absorbent layer 41 increases the height of the side walls 51 of the channel 50, consequently increasing the volume of the channel 50.

In this way, the channel 50 is able to more easily contain the subsequent urinations and to convey the liquids longitudinally towards areas of the first absorbent layer 21 not affected by the first urination.

It is verified that the absorbent structure 20 advantageously exploits the negative effect of the gel blocking due to the concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material to diffuse the liquid away from the central region 24 which is affected by the first urination. The channel 50 in its action of containing and conveying liquids reduces the risk of lateral leaks and the risk that the user and his clothing can get wet. In accordance with possible embodiments of the present invention, the channel 50 of the absorbent structure 20 can have a width along the transverse Y-Y axis ranging from 3% to 50% of the width of the first absorbent layer 21 in the central region 24.

In accordance with possible embodiments of the present invention, the channel 50 of the absorbent structure 20 can have a length along the longitudinal axis X-X comprised between 10% and 75% of the length of the first absorbent layer 21.

According to possible embodiments, the side walls 51 are parallel to each other.

In accordance with possible embodiments, at least one of the side walls 51 is inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis X-X and the vertical axis Z-Z.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the side walls 51 are inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis X-X and the vertical axis Z-Z.

This aspect allows to accommodate a large amount of liquid and to functionalize the action of the side walls 51 according to their inclination.

According to possible embodiments, the side walls 51 are inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis X-X and the vertical axis Z-Z approaching each other towards the bottom 52 of the channel 50.

In the case of side walls 51 inclined approaching each other towards the bottom 52 of the channel 50, the latter will have a greater volume than in the case with the side walls 51 parallel. In this case, the side walls 51 allow the liquid to be efficiently conveyed into the channel 50 and along the entire surface of the side walls 51 themselves.

According to possible embodiments, the side walls 51 are inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis X-X and the vertical axis Z-Z moving away from each other towards the bottom 52 of the channel 50.

In the case of side walls 51 inclined moving away from each other towards the bottom 52 of the channel 50, it occurs that the liquid is efficiently retained inside the channel 50, which in any case contains a high quantity of liquid without the risk that it can exit from channel 50 following one or more movements of the user.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can be made by coupling the first absorbent layer 21 with the second absorbent layer 41, placing the first surface 31 of the first absorbent layer 21 in mutual contact with the lower surface 62 of the second absorbent layer 21.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can be made by placing the second absorbent layer 41 on the first absorbent layer 21.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can be made by joining the second absorbent layer 41 with the first absorbent layer 21 by means of adhesives.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can be made by making the second absorbent layer 41 interpenetrate, even partially, in the first absorbent layer 21. For example, this interpenetration can be obtained by means of a pressing device.

Thanks to the selection of the technology to couple together the second absorbent layer 41 and the first absorbent layer 21 it is possible to obtain a different behavior of the absorbent structure 20 resulting both in relation to the diffusion of the liquid and in relation to the swelling of the second absorbent layer 41 in function absorption compared to that of the first absorbent layer 21.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the concentration by weight of the particles of superabsorbent material in the central region 24 can be greater than the concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material of the anterior region 22 and of the rear region 23.

This aspect allows to concentrate the effect of increasing the volume in the central region 24 which, in use, is typically affected by liquids to a greater extent than the anterior region 22 and the posterior region 23. In this way, the quantity of particles is optimized. of superabsorbent material which is used in the absorbent structure 20 and consequently also the relative costs are contained.

According to possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the first absorbent layer 21 in the central region 24 is comprised between 20% and 50%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the first absorbent layer 21 in the central region 24 is comprised between 20% and 40%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the first absorbent layer 21 in the central region 24 is between 24% and 38%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the assembly consisting of the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41 in the central region 24 is between 20% and 50%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the assembly consisting of the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41 in the central region 24 is between 20% and 40%.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the weight concentration of the particles of superabsorbent material of the assembly consisting of the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41 in the central region 24 is between 24% and 38%.

The identified range of the concentration by weight of the particles of superabsorbent material of the first absorbent layer 21 allows to obtain an absorbent structure 20 with high liquid absorption characteristics.

According to possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer 21 can have a concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material in the central region 24 different from the concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material of the anterior region 22 and of the rear region 23.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the first absorbent layer 21 can have a concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material in the central region 24 which is lower than the concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material of the anterior region 22 and of the rear region 23.

According to possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41 can comprise a homogeneous mixture of cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material with constant concentrations.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the first absorbent layer 21 can have a concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material different from that of the second absorbent layer 41.

These embodiments and their combinations allow certain areas of the absorbent structure 20 to be functionalized in a targeted manner with respect to others.

Thanks to the selection of the concentration by weight of particles of superabsorbent material in the first absorbent layer 21 and in the second absorbent layer 41 and in the various regions, it is possible to create different absorbent structures 20 which prefer to enhance, depending on the case, one or more of the following characteristics: absorption time, absorption capacity, rewet, or other.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the second absorbent layer 41 can comprise a first element 42 and a second element 43 each provided with two longitudinal ends, in which one of the side walls 51 of the channel 50 is defined by a wall of the first element 42 and another of the side walls 51 is defined by a wall of the second element 43. The respective walls of the first element 42 and of the second element 43 which define the side walls 51 of the channel 50 face each other.

This aspect makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing steps of the absorbent structure 20 and further release the elements 42 and 43 which make up the second absorbent layer 41 from each other.

This allows to obtain an efficient swelling of the second absorbent layer 41 without its components being able to mechanically obstruct each other.

According to possible embodiments, at least two longitudinal ends of the first element 42 and of the second element 43 are joined by means of a respective junction region 47 to form a single body, in which the junction region 47 defines a closed wall 53 of the channel 50.

This aspect allows to keep the liquid inside the channel 50 and prevent it from escaping from one or both ends of the channel 50 defined along the longitudinal axis X-X.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the outer edges of the first element 42 and of the second element 43 of the second absorbent layer 41 can coincide with the lateral edges of the first absorbent structure 21.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the outer edges of the first element 42 and of the second element 43 of the second absorbent layer 41 can be placed inside the respective side edges of the first absorbent structure 21.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the outer edges of the first element 42 and of the second element 43 of the second absorbent layer 41 can be placed at least partially outside the respective lateral edges of the first absorbent structure 21.

According to possible forms of the present invention, the first element 42 and the second element 43 of the second absorbent layer 41 can be two elements distinct from each other as shown in Figure 4, so as to create a channel 50 open at the longitudinal ends along the longitudinal axis X-X.

Thanks to the realization of the second absorbent layer 41 with distinct elements, it is possible to choose different materials and mixtures for the two elements, realizing variable absorbencies along the transverse direction Y-Y.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the first element 42 and the second element 43 of the second absorbent layer 41 can be joined together at the longitudinal ends by suitable junction regions 47, as shown in Figure 5, so as to create a closed channel 50 also longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X-X.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the first element 42 and the second element 43 of the second absorbent layer 41 can be joined together in one of the longitudinal ends by a suitable junction region 47, as shown in figure 6, so as to create a channel 50 open only towards the anterior region 22, or only towards the posterior region 23.

A realization of a second absorbent layer 41 with the two elements 42 and 43 joined at least to one of the respective longitudinal ends, ie in a single piece, makes the production process for the realization of the absorbent structure 20 easier.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can comprise a containment sheet 25 which can be placed in contact with the lower surface 32 of the first absorbent layer 21.

According to possible embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent structure 20 can comprise a containment sheet 26 which can be placed in contact with the upper surface 62 of the second absorbent layer 41.

According to possible embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent structure 20 can comprise a containment sheet 25 which can be placed in contact with the lower surface 32 of the first absorbent layer 21 and a containment sheet 26 which can be placed in contact with the surface top 62 of the second absorbent layer 41.

Thanks to the containment sheets 25 and 26 it is possible to enclose the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41 so as to avoid losses of particles of superabsorbent material.

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can be sandwiched between the containment sheet 25 and the containment sheet 26.

According to possible embodiments of the present invention, the outer edges of the two containment sheets 25 and 26 can be connected to each other and / or to the first absorbent layer 21 and / or the second absorbent layer 41. For example, such connections can be obtained by means of adhesives, welds, their combinations, or other.

According to possible embodiments, the lateral edges of the two containment sheets 25 and 26 can be folded in such a way as to assume a closed configuration in the shape of a "C".

Thanks to the fact of joining the two containment sheets 25 and 26 to each other to enclose the first absorbent layer 21 and the second absorbent layer 41, it allows to improve the integrity of the absorbent structure 20.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the absorbent structure 20 can comprise at least one acquisition and diffusion element 60 comprising synthetic fibers and, in use, configured to acquire and diffuse liquids in the absorbent structure 20.

In the sector under discussion, this acquisition and dissemination element 60 is also referred to as Acquisition Diffusion Layer (ADL).

According to possible embodiments, the absorbent hygienic article 10 may comprise an acquisition and diffusion element 60 interposed between the first material 11 and the absorbent structure 20.

This position of the acquisition and diffusion element 60 is advantageous in that the opening of the channel 50 is covered by the acquisition and diffusion element 60 which allows urination to pass and go into the channel 50 itself and at the same time constitutes an obstacle to escape. liquid from channel 50.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the lower surface 32 of the first absorbent layer 21 faces the second material 12.

In accordance with possible embodiments, in the absorbent structure 20 the acquisition and diffusion element 60 can be positioned on the upper surface 45 of the second absorbent layer 41.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the acquisition and diffusion element 60 can be placed above the containment sheet 26. The use of one or more acquisition and diffusion elements 60 enhances the acquisition and diffusion characteristics of the liquids in the absorbent structure 20.

Thanks to the use of the acquisition and diffusion element 60, it is possible to obtain absorbent hygienic articles 10 which, in use, give a greater feeling of dryness as the liquid is diffused efficiently.

It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the absorbent structure 20 and to the hygienic absorbent article 10 comprising this absorbent structure 20 described up to now, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will undoubtedly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of the absorbent structure 20 and the hygienic absorbent article 10 having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all fall within the scope of protection defined by them.

In the following claims, the references in brackets are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and should not be considered as limiting factors as regards the scope of protection underlying the specific claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Absorbent structure for an absorbent hygienic article (10) having a longitudinal axis (X-X), a transverse axis (Y-Y) and a vertical axis (Z-Z) perpendicular to each other, including along the longitudinal axis (X-X) an anterior region ( 22), a posterior region (23), and a central region (24) interposed between the anterior region (22) and the posterior region (23), characterized in that said absorbent structure comprises: - a first absorbent layer (21) comprising cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material and provided with an upper surface (31) and a lower surface (32), opposite the upper surface (31); - a second absorbent layer (41) comprising cellulose fibers and particles of superabsorbent material and provided with an upper surface (61) and a lower surface (62), opposite the upper surface (61); in which the first absorbent layer (21) and the second absorbent layer (41) are distinct from each other and placed in mutual contact so as to jointly define along the longitudinal axis (X-X) a channel (50) defined by a bottom (52 ) and by at least two side walls (51), in which the bottom (52) is defined by the upper surface (31) of the first absorbent layer (21). Absorbent structure as in claim 1, characterized in that the weight concentration of the superabsorbent material particles in the central region (24) is greater than the weight concentration of the superabsorbent material particles of the anterior region (22) and the posterior region (23). Absorbent structure as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the weight concentration of the superabsorbent material particles of the first absorbent layer (21) in the central region (24) is between 20% and 50%. 4. Absorbent structure as in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the side walls (51) is inclined with respect to the geometric plane defined by the longitudinal axis (X-X) and the vertical axis (Z-Z). 5. Absorbent structure as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second absorbent layer (41) comprises a first element (42) and a second element (43) each provided with two longitudinal ends, in which one of the side walls (51) of the channel (50) is defined by a wall of the first element (42) and another of the side walls (51) is defined by a wall of the second element (43). 6. Absorbent structure as in claim 5, characterized in that at least a longitudinal end of the first element (42) and a longitudinal end of the second element (43) are joined by means of a respective joining region (47) to form a single body, wherein the junction region (47) defines a closed wall (53) of the channel (50). Absorbent structure as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one acquisition and diffusion element (60) comprising synthetic fibers and, in use, configured to acquire and diffuse liquids in the absorbent structure (20). 8. Absorbent hygienic article for incontinence comprising a first material (11) permeable to liquids, a second material (12) impermeable to liquids, and an absorbent structure (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and interposed between the first material (11) and the second material (12). 9. Sanitary absorbent article as in claim 8, characterized in that the acquisition and diffusion element (60) is interposed between the first material (11) and the absorbent structure (20). Sanitary absorbent article as in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the lower surface (32) of the first absorbent layer (21) faces the second material (12).